Shangguan Ling did not disappoint anyone's expectations. Her seemingly weak body contained extremely explosive energy. Her small fists were covered with two thin, cicada-wing-like gauntlets. She met Murong Zhi's knife with her bare hands.

The two sides were not mortal enemies. During the previous probing, Murong Zhi was extremely shocked. This stunningly beautiful woman was actually a body cultivator. This was not scientific.

Aren't body cultivators all burly, strong men who can break rocks with their chests? How could such a delicate woman have such strength? The force from that punch almost knocked his sword away.

Shangguan Ling's attacks grew faster and faster, with increasing force. Upon closer inspection, one could discern a unique rhythm and cadence within each attack. Shangguan Ling had now completely merged into this rhythm, which was why each attack was more ferocious and powerful than the last.

Murong Zhi, who had initially been evenly matched with Shangguan Ling, was now on the verge of tears. He could feel a unique force locking onto his entire body, making it impossible for him to escape Shangguan Ling's attack range. Now, Shangguan Ling, not him, was in control of the entire battle. He was being completely overwhelmed by Shangguan Ling and had no choice but to endure it, even though each attack was more difficult than the last.

But if he stops, Shangguan Ling's fist will definitely hit him squarely.

The prodigies below the stage were also somewhat shocked. Wasn't Shangguan Ling a sword cultivator? When did he become a body cultivator? And he seemed to have great power and a strong offensive.

Many people also noticed the thin gauntlets Shangguan Ling was wearing. These gauntlets increased Shangguan Ling's attack power by at least 30%, making her even more formidable.

Even when a beautiful woman is rough, she is still beautiful.

Many even believed that Murong Zhi, that good-for-nothing, must have been completely infatuated with Shangguan Ling's beauty, almost laying down his weapon and admitting defeat—how utterly shameful! How could such a proud prodigy be so easily bewitched?

Many people felt proud of Shangguan Ling. What do you mean Murong Zhi was obsessed with beauty and couldn't extricate himself? It's obvious that he was weak and couldn't beat the goddess at all, which is why the goddess was suppressing him.

There are more people who agree with the second viewpoint, because it is obvious that Shangguan Ling did not use her full strength. She only used this one set of fist techniques from beginning to end, yet Murong Zhi could not withstand it. This shows that Shangguan Ling's strength is much higher than Murong Zhi's.

Murong Zhi found it increasingly difficult to defend himself. No, if this continued, he would surely lose. Suddenly, the greatsword in his hand emitted a dazzling golden light.

Huh! It's actually the metal element with the strongest attack power. Now I believe he was a little bit bewitched by beauty. Otherwise, compared to the lively metal element cultivators, his inner universe would have exploded long ago.

It's not too late to blow it up now, let's see how the goddess handles it!

Murong Zhi took a punch from Shangguan Ling, and even though the skin there was reinforced with metal, he still felt like he was about to vomit blood.

Having finally gained a moment to catch his breath, Murong Zhi unleashed his strongest attack without hesitation—a massive golden longsword radiating an incomparably sharp light. Metal is renowned for its powerful and indestructible attack, and this strike, delivered with Murong Zhi's rage, was naturally formidable.

As everyone wondered how Shangguan Ling would react, a burst of red light erupted from her body—hot, bright, and extremely domineering. A pair of five-meter-long red wings unfurled from her back, and her long, jet-black hair instantly turned fiery red. Her flame-like eyes shone like shooting stars. This sight caused countless people to gasp in astonishment. A magnificent flaming longsword appeared in her hand, and with a gentle flap of her wings, she floated into the air, perfectly dodging the incomparably sharp blade.

Murong Zhi was in a terrible state. Shangguan Ling's wings were no mere decoration; just imagine how fast they would go. Moreover, he was in mid-air, completely taking the initiative. How was he supposed to fight back?

Want to be tortured in a different way? Murong Zhi felt really wronged.

However, how could he accept defeat so easily? How could he accept defeat without figuring out the gap between himself and Shangguan?

Murong Zhi quickly straightened up, his broadsword gripping his hand tightly once more. Shangguan Ling noticed the seriousness in his eyes, and slowly flapped her wings, descending from mid-air. Her flaming sword radiated a rich fire-attribute light. She was about to have a serious fight with Murong Zhi.

Ye Xiruo covered her face. Senior Sister Shangguan was actually a bird, and a descendant of the Vermilion Bird at that! No wonder she seemed to glow all over, always attracting countless points of attention. This was completely different from ordinary fire-attribute true qi cultivators. This kind of nobility and domineering aura, originating from bloodline and inheritance, was always incredibly awe-inspiring.

Unfortunately, despite staying on Saintess Peak for so long, she was completely unaware of Senior Sister Shangguan's true strength.

The people on the arena were also very surprised. Shangguan Ling was not human, but a descendant of the Vermilion Bird with the bloodline of a divine beast. It seemed that the bloodline concentration was very high. Her magnificent wings, which were as dazzling as flames, fluttered gently, setting off her bright and fiery face, making her even more stunning.

Many people recalled Shangguan Ling's previous battle against the mysterious demon. Clearly, even at her peak, Shangguan Ling wouldn't be a match for the murderous maniac; the level difference between them was too great, a gap that no amount of skill could bridge. No one thought Shangguan Ling was cowardly or afraid to fight; she simply made the right choice. Based on the current situation, it was certain that Shangguan Ling was invincible below the Nascent Soul stage. Even ordinary Nascent Soul experts couldn't possibly stop her. After all, no one was confident they could surpass her speed.

At this moment, Murong Zhi was radiating an incomparably sharp light. His swordsmanship was expansive and powerful, displaying a grand style. However, Shangguan Ling's swordsmanship was not weak either. She did not waste her abnormal physical strength at all. Her fiery red swordsmanship was upright and domineering, constantly clashing with Murong Zhi's broadsword. The two even had a similar look in their eyes, with the same pride and indomitable spirit.

The battle lasted for more than an hour. Shangguan Ling's sword was at Murong Zhi's neck, her wings fluttering gently behind her. She said calmly, "Still not admitting defeat?"

"I concede defeat, thank you for your guidance." Although the metal-elemental techniques have the most powerful attack, they also consume an extremely large amount of energy. Murong Zhi's dantian is now completely empty, and he can no longer launch any attacks.