The moment the word "Begin!" dropped—
Fu Ji Wei exploded forward.
Her saber flashed like a bolt torn from the heavens, slicing straight toward the senior disciple's throat.
The crowd barely managed to track her movement.
But the senior disciple was no pushover.
He stomped forward, spiritual qi flaring at his fists, and met her strike head-on.
Steel clashed against hardened knuckles,
CLANG!
A shockwave rippled across the stage, rattling the spectators' bones.
Fu Ji Wei pivoted.
Her saber curved like a crescent moon, dancing from angle to angle, seeking any weakness.
The senior disciple barked a laugh, blocking with his forearms.
"Is this the strength everyone hyped up?!"
His fist shot out, aiming straight for her ribs.
Fu Ji Wei spun aside, blade flicking past his guard and a shallow cut bloomed on his sleeve.
The crowd gasped.
She pressed harder, saber howling with each strike.
The senior disciple's expression twisted and his complacency shattered.
