Chapter 22: Strength Displayed, a Single Outstanding Stand Shocking the Entire Crowd

For the genuine junior department students, the earlier battles had nothing worth noting.

Until Zhu Zhuqing took the stage.

Zhu Zhuqing's opponent was a girl, likewise a speed-attack system battle soul scholar.

The two stood facing each other, while the supervising teacher stepped back a few steps and announced that they would each reveal their martial souls.

The girl looked at Zhu Zhuqing, her eyes full of fighting spirit, and raised her voice: "Li Xiaoxiao, martial soul, Cloud Leopard, sixth-rank speed-attack system battle soul scholar."

Sixth rank — this is Li Xiaoxiao's innate soul power.

Among all the pre-three-year students, she ranks in the top five for talent.

In past final battle soul competitions, she always achieved a very high ranking, only losing when facing the Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhu Yue sisters.

Now, after awakening her martial soul, she trains diligently every day, hoping to defeat Zhu Zhuqing in the graduation battle soul competition.

Who would have thought that in the very first round, they would meet each other.

The watching students also became interested.

These two practically represent the peak combat strength of the entire junior department; it's a showdown of the best.

Not only their strength, but also their appearances are a major highlight.

Both girls are extremely beautiful in appearance.

Especially Zhu Zhuqing, who stands out uniquely in the entire academy.

And just then, Zhu Zhuqing's signature icy-cold voice rang out in the arena.

"Zhu Zhuqing, martial soul Netherworld Spirit Cat, ninth-rank speed-attack system battle soul scholar."

Instantly, the entire venue fell silent.

Many of the watching students had a bunch of question marks pop up in their minds.

"Did I hear wrong? Just now Zhu Zhuqing said what rank? Ninth rank?"

"I also heard ninth rank, impossible."

"Maybe Zhu Zhuqing misspoke; she should be seventh rank."

……

Meanwhile, facing Zhu Zhuqing, her opponent Li Xiaoxiao also froze.

After a few seconds, she uncertainly asked: "Zhu Zhuqing, I think I misheard just now—what rank did you say you are?"

Zhu Zhuqing's expression remained icy-cold, and she repeated calmly:

"Zhu Zhuqing, martial soul Netherworld Spirit Cat, ninth-rank speed-attack system battle soul scholar."

The second repetition was heard clearly by everyone present.

Zhu Zhuqing indeed said she was ninth rank, not seventh.

Immediately, the whole venue erupted in an uproar.

Even the supervising teacher looked astonished.

They couldn't help but be shocked, because Zhu Zhuqing had awakened her soul power only a little over a month ago.

In less than a month, she had actually risen two ranks, and was about to obtain her first soul ring and become a true soul master.

At that moment, the dean on the high platform could not sit still, turning to look aside.

Today is the junior department's graduation examination, so many parents have come to observe.

Among them, the Youming Duke is one of the parents attending.

Yet the Youming Duke showed no unusual reaction at this time.

He had long known of his daughter's progress, had already been shocked earlier, and now could remain calm.

Moreover, the Youming Duke also understood why Zhu Zhuqing's progress was so rapid.

All of this is thanks to that second prince whose talent can be called monstrous.

That dual cultivation method is extremely suitable for Dai Xiyu.

The Youming Duke himself also tried it, practicing dual cultivation together with his wife.

But after just one night, he nearly damaged his own soul power foundation.

To continue dual cultivation nonstop for ten days to half a month, likely the other party wouldn't level up, while he himself would instead drop a rank.

Just as Dai Xiyu said, only he can use this dual cultivation method.

For others to use it, it's practically tantamount to sacrificing themselves—more loss than gain.

Seeing the Youming Duke so composed, people finally confirmed that Zhu Zhuqing truly possesses ninth-rank soul power.

At this moment, many of the onlookers changed their gaze toward Zhu Zhuqing.

Especially Dai Mubai.

Dai Mubai's gaze at Zhu Zhuqing was like that of an evil spirit seeing a steaming hot bun—his eyes lit up.

With Zhu Zhuqing's such high talent, if he could obtain her, his chances of defeating Dai Weisi would greatly increase.

Thinking this, Dai Mubai became even more resolute.

Soon he will give his all, fiercely defeating Dai Xiyu, even crippling him!

At this moment, the one under the greatest pressure is none other than Zhu Zhuqing's opponent.

The girl named Li Xiaoxiao already had fine beads of sweat on her forehead.

A three-rank gap, without soul skills, is practically a crushing dominance.

Unless, like Dai Mubai and Dai Xiyu, the age of their first soul rings differs by four times.

Otherwise, it's impossible to achieve a cross-rank victory.

However, Li Xiaoxiao is obviously proud as well, unwilling to accept defeat without a fight.

She took a deep breath, solemnly saying: "Please give me your guidance!"

In Zhu Zhuqing's cold eyes, a hint of seriousness also appeared, and she said calmly: "Pure Bestow Teaching."

As a result, there is no doubt.

Without any surprise, Zhu Zhuqing won an overwhelming victory.

Moreover, it was even more exaggerated than anyone had expected.

Over these days, Zhu Zhuqing's soul power has greatly increased, and her agility and combat ability have also been greatly enhanced.

Under Dai Xiyu's stimulation, Zhu Zhuqing's training count on the training platform has almost doubled compared to before.

Besides, the two occasionally practice together—or rather, Dai Xiyu gives Zhu Zhuqing combat guidance.

Under these circumstances, it's impossible for combat ability to improve even a little slowly.

With multiple factors combined, the current Zhu Zhuqing can be said to be truly invincible beneath the first ring.

The battle ended quickly, Zhu Zhuqing said a word of concession, then turned and left the stage.

As for her opponent Li Xiaoxiao, her steps were stiff and her eyes dull.

She even somewhat doubted, doubting whether her talent was fake.

At this moment, applause rang throughout the venue, and everyone marveled at Zhu Zhuqing's outstanding performance.

At the same time, the gazes directed at Dai Xiyu and Dai Mubai were also filled with deep envy.

In their view, no matter which of these two princes ultimately wins Zhu Zhuqing, it's a great fortune accumulated over several lifetimes.

But as the person involved, Zhu Zhuqing felt no pride at all.

She knew she was still far from Dai Xiyu.

Next, only ten days remain; after ten days, the advanced academy will be on vacation.

By then, Dai Weisi will return, and the real struggle will soon begin.

Before that, Zhu Zhuqing must make another breakthrough to possess the strength to cope.

The evaluation continues as usual, and the upcoming matches are mostly uneventful.

As expected, Zhu Zhuqing ultimately won first place with a perfect record of all victories.

And her third sister Zhu Zhu Yue lost to Zhu Zhuqing in the final match, earning only second place.

As for Li Xiaoxiao, who usually could rank in the top five, this time she was hit hard, her condition poor, and she failed to even make the top ten.

Thus, all assessments of the preparatory department have ended.

Next comes the real main event.

In the first year of the junior department, some talented students have already broken through to the first ring, becoming true soul masters.

Battles between soul masters are far more exciting than those between soul scholars.

(End of chapter)