Evan Chu wasn’t surprised that Aiden Ying could unleash such powerful attacks. With a Heaven Martial expert using a high-tier martial art, this kind of result was only natural.
Aiden Ying slowly walked over and deliberately stopped beside Evan Chu, as if showing off the results of his latest attack.
Strangely, Roland Lowell still didn’t announce the results, leaving all the anxious onlookers disappointed.
The competition was still tense and exciting. Now everyone was guessing who would take first place in the second trial, and the chatter was getting louder by the minute.
"Kid, I didn’t expect you to have the strength to make the top three. Too bad you won’t last much longer. I’ll admit you’re a genius, just a bit weaker than me, and I love crushing geniuses before they really rise up. Feels great," Aiden Ying sneered at Evan Chu.
"Gavin, do you hear a dog barking? Pretty sure it’s not dog-meat season right now. What a waste to just beat a dog and toss it out," Evan Chu said with a mocking grin at Aiden Ying.
"Long bro, why bother talking to a dog? You don’t speak dog anyway. Just watch the rest of the trials and get ready to grab those three thousand Starstones," Gavin Wei said, totally unconcerned.
To Aiden Ying, these words were like knives slicing into flesh. The insults, delivered without a single dirty word, were the hardest to endure.
"Fine, keep acting wild! But you won’t get away with it for long. I’ll give you a welcome you’ll never forget," Aiden Ying spat out each word through gritted teeth before turning away.
"Long bro, we’ve totally pissed off that rich brat now. Looks like living peacefully in the Royal Capital is going to be tough," Gavin Wei said.
"Don’t worry, he’s just some spoiled brat. If he tries anything, I’ll make him regret ever being born," Evan Chu said calmly.
With someone like Aiden Ying, you had to be even more ruthless to truly subdue him. The only way was to strike first if the chance came—kill him before he could act.
He might be strong, but Evan wasn’t weak either. If they really fought, who’d win was anyone’s guess—and with Sword Spirit Luna as his trump card, he was confident he’d never lose.
"You guys are way too naive. The only reason Aiden Ying acts so arrogant is because of his father. There are plenty stronger than him, but nobody dares touch him—a prime minister with power over the whole court can wipe out a clan in an instant," Woody Luo said.
"You seem to know him really well. Woody, who are you, anyway? I get the feeling you’re from some big noble house too. Are you hiding your identity because you don’t trust us?" Evan Chu asked.
"There are some things I can’t tell you right now. Just know I’d never hurt you guys," Woody Luo dodged the question.
For a moment, the three fell silent, just watching the rest of the candidates try to pass. As the numbers dwindled, Evan couldn’t help asking, "Woody, what’s your number? How come you still haven’t gone yet?"
"Can’t wait to see my score, huh? Don’t worry, I’m up last," Woody Luo laughed.
"Last contestant, step up!" General Roland Lowell called out loudly.
Woody Luo’s face tightened at the sound, but she steeled herself and walked up.
When she reached General Roland Lowell, Woody Luo kept her head down, afraid he might recognize her and not daring to meet his eyes.
"Lin’er, have you made enough trouble yet? The Royal Capital Guard isn’t for you. Why won’t you listen to me?" General Roland Lowell said calmly.
"When did you figure it out?" Woody Luo looked up and asked.
"I saw you from the moment you registered, hanging around with Logan Zhao and the others. I just had urgent business and couldn’t stop you then. Didn’t expect you’d really go through with it," General Roland Lowell said, smiling kindly.
"Dad, you know I’ve always wanted to join the Royal Capital Guard. Now that I finally have a chance, I have to try—whatever men can do, women can do too!" Woody Luo (Rowena Luo) insisted.
"It’s always the kind mothers who spoil their kids. You’ve been pampered by your mother since you were little. Go on, then! Don’t say I never gave you a chance," General Roland Lowell said, still calm.
He’d rarely been home because of state affairs, so his precious daughter grew up headstrong and stubborn. Once she set her mind on something, nothing could stop her.
"Thanks, Dad. I’ll make you proud!" Rowena Luo said, then walked up to the great bell.
Their conversation was so quiet that nobody else could hear what was said—only that father and daughter were speaking.
Rowena Luo slowly drew her sword—a two-foot-long, jade-green blade, delicate and beautiful.
Then, the jade-green sword suddenly split into two—thin as cicada wings, one in each hand, both radiating an air of mystery.
Very few people fought with twin swords—most twin-sword martial arts weren’t that powerful, and they were hard to master.
The crowd was amazed to see the last contestant using twin swords. Judging by her build, it didn’t look like she could make the bell ring for long.
Rowena Luo was channeling the power of her Heaven Star Core, infusing it into both swords.
Just when everyone thought her attack would be nothing special, a streak of cyan light appeared on her blades—growing brighter and brighter.
Evan Chu’s heart skipped a beat—this was the sign of mastering the wind element. He hadn’t expected her to grasp the same element as him, and at a speed even faster than his own.
Wind element was one of the rarest attributes beyond the main five. Hardly anyone could master it, so her display shocked the crowd.
As she gathered more and more wind energy, Rowena Luo actually began to float, suspended in midair as she absorbed the element.
Most people instantly changed their opinion of Rowena Luo, realizing she was a Heaven Martial Realm expert after all.
Then, Rowena began spinning rapidly in the air. She shouted, "Whirlwind Slash!"
Two streaks of cyan sword-light shot toward the great bell, one after the other, as Rowena spun down from midair, landing four or five meters away.
Mid-flight, the two beams merged into one and struck the bell directly—a massive peal rang out, echoing in everyone’s ears.
Her graceful movements and dazzling technique left the crowd stunned—even General Roland Lowell was beaming with pride.
Rowena Luo walked up to General Roland Lowell and said, "Dad, did I make you proud?"
"Excellent! Lin’er, I didn’t expect you to master Heart-Mind Unity too. That sword dance was beautiful!" General Roland Lowell said, smiling.
"Aren’t you going to announce the results now, Dad?" Rowena pressed, confident her strike was every bit as good as Evan Chu’s.
"Go on, I’ll announce them right away," General Roland Lowell replied.
Rowena Luo walked over to Evan Chu, grinning. "Well, Evan, how did I do? Wasn’t it perfect? The rebound force couldn’t touch me at all."
"Impressive—truly astonishing!" Evan Chu replied.
PS: The power went out this afternoon, only came back at 5:30. Gave me quite a scare—almost missed my attendance streak!