Chapter 304: Why Isn

Lu Xingzhou immediately felt the figure was familiar.

But Duan Ning's attire was extreme—a vast cloak wrapped her entire body like a dumpling, revealing no figure at all, her face mostly obscured; from afar, only a chin was visible, even the lips unclear. Only the pale, smooth chin suggested she was female.

Even true fans recognize someone by the corner of their mouth; no matter how much of a white moonlight she was, no one could identify her by just a chin.

Yet an instinctive sense of familiarity stirred in Lu Xingzhou's heart. After pondering, he recalled how Pei Chuyun had first appeared wrapped in a wide cloak of the Yin Corpse Sect—was this familiarity born from that?

Could it be that little demon girl came here to joke around…? Lu Xingzhou scratched his head, thinking it unlikely.

If a familiar face truly appeared here, it would most likely be Duan Ning… Would Duan Ning lower her head and avoid eye contact just because he looked over? Would she still be a fish then?

Whatever. Who she was didn't matter—once he fought Nu Jiao Island, he'd know.

Ye Tinglan's lips curved slightly, sensing something.

According to the best-of-three rule, the outcome of the first match—Du'e Xian Sect versus Jin Feng Island—was already decided; there was no need for the third contestant. Ye Tinglan announced calmly: "The match between Du'e Xian Sect and Jin Feng Island ends in victory for Jin Feng Island. Next match: Qian Shan Island versus Xie Yue Sect. Both sides may take the stage."

The island erupted in murmurs, whispers spreading everywhere.

Du'e Xian Sect was a renowned great sect of the seas; merely bearing such a sect name carried karmic weight no ordinary person could bear. Rumors claimed it concealed a Super-Class cultivator. If anyone could trouble Tianyao Sacred Ground, Du'e Xian Sect was a top contender.

No one expected such a "seed contender" to be eliminated in the very first match—people were stunned.

The elimination wasn't even a fierce battle—both matches ended in a single strike.

Opposite them, Jin Feng Island was an obscure faction, barely qualifying for this grand sea sect tournament, much like how they ranked near the bottom last time. How had they suddenly become so strong?

Yet accusations of hiring outside help couldn't be leveled at them. Unlike Lu Xingzhou, who appeared out of nowhere, Fang Qihao and Duan Ning had been active on the seas for years, earning minor reputations.

No one imagined that such minor fame would be this potent upon actual encounter.

The new match between Qian Shan Island and Xie Yue Sect was underway, the combat dazzlingly beautiful—finally showing the true style of sea-based Xian Sects. Lu Xingzhou sensed they were generally a notch stronger than mainland sects.

But after Fang Qihao and Duan Ning's display, this normal contest now failed to interest anyone; everyone awaited the outcome when Tianyao Sacred Ground took the stage.

Would they also end it in one strike, like Jin Feng Island?

"Qian Shan Island versus Xie Yue Sect—the victor is Xie Yue Sect, two to one." Ye Tinglan's voice echoed across the arena: "Next match… Tianyao Xian Sect versus Nu Jiao Island."

Duan Ning sighed helplessly.

What a terrible draw.

She'd hoped to first observe Lu Xingzhou's current level, at least see Du Gu Miss Qingli, before advising Nu Jiao Island on how to fight.

Instead, she was matched against them directly.

Whatever. If she wasn't instantly defeated, last-minute whispered guidance was still possible.

Maybe her sister would notice? So what? Let her whisper advice too—just two sisters dueling across the void.

As she thought this, Du Gu Miss Qingli appeared on the stage, her ice sword pointing remotely: "Who from Nu Jiao Island dares to instruct me?"

Duan Ning felt that sword was pointing directly at her—she nearly stepped forward to beat the girl up.

But after holding back for a long while, she finally signaled a black-clad man beside her: "You go."

The black-clad man strode onto the stage: "I heard this white-haired brat is the sole direct disciple of the Tianyao Holy Master. Let me test his weight."

He stood before Du Gu Miss Qingli, drew his heavy sword, and swung it casually: "White hair, remember—my name is—"

"Clang!"

A flash of cold brilliance.

Duan Ning couldn't even whisper a warning—blood sprayed.

This time, Du Gu Miss Qingli didn't activate her usual Sacred Ice Halo, didn't use Frost Chill to slow the opponent—only pure sword intent, pure slaughter.

The man's heavy sword had seemed to launch a preemptive strike, forcing Du Gu Miss Qingli to weaken her sword's momentum and defend—a standard tactic for heavy weapons against light ones.

But he was too slow.

As his sword moved, his shoulder was already pierced.

He could no longer utter his name. His face turned pale, staring in disbelief at the white-haired brat before him, unable to fathom how that sword could be so fast.

Du Gu Miss Qingli stepped back, reversed her sword grip, and bowed slightly.

She didn't even bother saying "You're too kind," and had no interest in hearing "my name is."

Her blue eyes, cold and flat, gazed toward Duan Ning.

The man before her had not pressured her at all—only the mysterious figure wrapped in the cloak had eyes like lightning, carrying faint killing intent, his gaze landing precisely on her greatest vulnerability.

He was the true lethal threat.

Amidst the silent arena, Du Gu Miss Qingli spoke calmly: "Is that one also a contestant?"