Ji Jingwen was in trouble, of course, because no matter how much strength he used, it would all be absorbed by the little girl in front of him.

Now he has to figure out how to break through these loose ends while also trying to attack Nanqu.

Nan Qu's attacks were too dense, and his attempt to multitask resulted in him losing his breath for a moment.

"Oh no."

Sure enough, the next second, Ji Jingwen was attacked by an overwhelming barrage of sword energy and collapsed to the ground, unable to get up.

As a result, Chi Ching-wen only had two paths to choose from.

One reason is that he has lost his fighting ability, so he directly conceded defeat.

Another option is to break through directly. Without destruction, there can be no construction. Once his cultivation reaches the Golden Core stage, everything from before will return, and spiritual energy will be abundant.

Finally, after a long silence, Chi Ching-wen made his choice: "I concede."

Nan Qu shrugged, feeling listless. She had thought she could fight someone with the cultivation level of a Golden Core cultivator and test her newly developed mental martial arts.

Just after the referee announced, "Ji Jingwen vs. Dongfang Shuanglan, Dongfang Shuanglan wins!"

Nan Qu heard Ji Jingwen lying on the ground, roaring with resentment. From these roars, Nan Qu sensed that his resentment was not just about losing the game, but more like his resentment at the injustice of fate.

At that moment, Nan Qu seemed to understand why Ji Jingwen had admitted defeat.

His screams were probably more out of hatred for the person who was controlling him. If Nan Qu wasn't mistaken, he was nothing more than a pawn used to climb to the top by others.

The reason Nan Qu was able to meet him ahead of time was not due to a lottery, but rather because someone manipulated things behind the scenes.

As Nan Qu had said before, Ji Jingwen would lose regardless of whether he won or lost. Because she would push him to his limits. At that moment, Ji Jingwen's eyes revealed indifference. Why indifference? Because he knew he couldn't possibly win first place. Because someone wouldn't let him.

In other words, even if Ji Jingwen fought against Nan Qu and was not forced to advance his level by Nan Qu, he foresaw that he would surrender next.

However, Nan Qu had indeed pushed him to the brink. But at this moment, Ji Jingwen was thinking that if he won the competition, he could only be second, while the person he hated would be first.

But if he loses, Nan Qu will encounter that person. Based on Ji Jingwen's understanding of Nan Qu's martial arts skills, she is definitely superior to that person. Without someone paving the way for her, how can she become number one?

Compared to themselves, what's the difference between second and third? But the difference between first and second is huge. If they're so capable, they'll threaten this little girl to admit defeat too.

You have to understand, this little girl has connections within the judicial department. Not only can they not touch her, but the key point is that the referee had already said that if she conceded, she would get zero points. Therefore, no matter how much they threatened or bribed her, this little girl was someone they couldn't control.

Thinking about it this way, Ji Jingwen suddenly became happy.

With Ji Jingwen's concesion, the competition came to an end. Nan Qu successfully advanced to the finals, becoming the focus of everyone's attention.

More than the competition itself, she was more interested in her next opponent.

Not only was Nan Qu concerned, but just as Nan Qu was inquiring about her opponent's intentions, she saw Xuan Yi approach her with a dark expression.

"Tomorrow is your chance for revenge. Don't care what others say, just assert your rights. I'll take responsibility if you get hurt or crippled."

Nan Qu was dumbfounded: "Master, do you know who that person is tomorrow?"

Xuan Yi said, "It's Ling Ling!"

Nan Qu frowned: "How is that possible? Isn't she at the same Qi Refining stage as me? Besides, I didn't see her in the previous competition."

Xuan Yi snorted coldly: "She is now the sect leader's precious personal disciple, bypassing the previous competitions and directly entering the finals. Ling Ling tried to kill you before, and I've investigated, she's the one who registered you this time. You need to be careful, she might be framing you in the competition."

Nan Qu pondered to herself, still not understanding why this woman had been targeting her. "Master, why is she going to such lengths?"

Xuan Yi's expression turned solemn: "She aims to win the championship and become the most outstanding disciple of the new generation of Xuanjian Sect, thereby gaining more resources and power. And you are her biggest obstacle. She thought her plan was flawless, but she underestimated your growth rate."

Nan Qu nodded slightly, a resolute glint in her eyes: "Master, rest assured, I will not let her succeed."

Back at her residence, Nan Qu calmed herself down and began to adjust her state of mind. She knew that although Ling Ling's cultivation level was the same as hers, she must have her own unique methods and reliance. She carefully recalled her past encounters with Ling Ling, analyzing her opponent's fighting style and possible tactics.

Ling Ling is skilled in using an ice-based spell, the power of which should not be underestimated. Nan Qu pondered how to counter her ice attacks—whether to forcefully break through with spiritual power or to use gentleness to overcome strength and neutralize her offensive. At the same time, she was also considering her own attack strategy, how to gain the upper hand in the battle.

Nothing happened that night. The next day, the area around the final venue was packed with spectators, all eager to witness this exciting duel. Nan Qu slowly walked onto the field, only to find Ling Ling already standing opposite her. Ling Ling was dressed in a white dress, her face cold and stern, her eyes revealing intense hostility.

"Zhang Shuanglan, today is your death day," Ling Ling said coldly.

Nan Qu paused, realizing there was something fishy about her calling her name. However, she smiled slightly and said, "Then let's see if you have the ability."

The match began, and Ling Ling launched the first attack. She formed hand seals and chanted incantations. Instantly, the temperature around the arena plummeted, and countless ice blades rained down on Nan Qu. Nan Qu dared not be careless and used Tai Chi Chuan, his palms moving like a barrier to deflect the incoming ice blades.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!