Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return-Chapter 1163: That Eerie Love-Hate Feeling

"Second match, Zhao Yuru."

"Chief examiner, Hu Wanli."

There were too many disciples participating in the examination, so the mentors didn’t waste time and immediately drew lots and read out the names.

This time, the disciple named Zhao Yuru was slightly stronger, while the chief examiner, Hu Wanli, was somewhat weaker than the previous Zeng Jianping. However, the examination moves had increased to fifteen.

The disciple named Zhao Yuru exhausted all his strength, barely making it through fifteen moves. Once he passed the examination, he collapsed on the platform, utterly spent, and applause erupted from below.

Regardless, he managed to pass the examination, which brought considerable confidence to the other disciples participating.

The examination continued, with both sides drawing lots for each match. Although there were opportunities for favoritism, the final results were convincing, with absolutely no manipulation, whether one succeeded or failed. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Han Yan gradually felt relieved, realizing that Long Congyuan’s group of disciples were indeed fair and unbiased, so she didn’t have to worry about herself or Huayue and others being unfairly treated.

Focusing intently on the examinations, Han Yan gained some insights. Although most of the participating disciples were of average strength, being chosen by Long Yan Academy meant they had outstanding qualities. Whether in cultivation techniques or sword skills, there were commendable aspects, and occasionally something would unexpectedly impress her.

As for Long Congyuan’s disciples, their swordsmanship was either graceful or as stable as a mountain, each with their strengths. It seemed that they had begun to comprehend their own Sword Dao. Among the strongest, Han Yan even sensed a touch of the Heavenly Mechanism Law during their moves.

Observing their examinations, Han Yan felt it was an eye-opening experience.

At the end of each examination, less than one-third passed, and most disciples left the martial arena disappointed.

No wonder even Huayue and Zirong treated this examination with unprecedented seriousness. Long Congyuan’s disciples were indeed powerful and impartial, showing no favoritism to anyone.

However, rather than feeling anxious, Han Yan felt even more eager for battle.

Such an examination was not also a rare form of training?

As other disciples prepared nervously for their examinations, Han Yan was full of anticipation.

"Next match, Jiang Qiling!"

"Chief examiner, Zhuang Xingfeng."

As the tutor’s voice fell, a chorus of astonishment echoed below.

There’s no need to mention Jiang Qiling’s identity, and the reputation of the Little Witch Long Yan is certainly not baseless. One would struggle to find an academy disciple who hasn’t heard her name.

As for this match’s chief examiner, Zhuang Xingfeng, he was also renowned. Among Long Congyuan’s twelve disciples, Duan Heshan, the strongest, and then Zhuang Xingfeng followed.

People and their swords matched in reputation. His "Wind Walking a Thousand Miles" swordsmanship was lightweight and ethereal, exquisite beyond measure. Although his fame slightly lagged behind Duan Heshan, the gap wasn’t significant. Some even speculated that if the two were to truly compete, one emphasizing overwhelming force and the other nimbleness, who would win remained an open question.

No one expected Jiang Qiling to face Zhuang Xingfeng. Who knew if her family background and the Little Witch Long Yan’s reputation would hold any sway with him?

"Haha, Jiang Qiling is in for a hard time. She’s been pampered by Dean Jiang for too long, indulging in her whims, and now she’s finally about to receive some discipline," someone said gleefully.

Although the reputation of Big Playboy Mu wasn’t great, the Little Witch Long Yan wasn’t well-liked either.

"That’s not necessarily true. I think Zhuang might spare her some face on behalf of Dean Jiang," someone refuted.

"Haven’t you heard about Zhuang’s character? If he were to consider Dean Jiang’s face, why would Lord Long keep him close? Lord Long hasn’t let him graduate due to his stubborn nature, fearing he might make too many enemies outside the academy. They’re waiting until he matures and loses some edges, or he might just stay at the academy and eventually take over Lord Long’s position, leading a peaceful life," another person shook his head and said.

"I’ve heard the same. Zhuang is too stubborn to consider Dean Jiang’s face. This time, Jiang Qiling is definitely in for trouble. Haha," others echoed.

Han Yan, hearing the discussions around her, silently shook her head.

She knew Jiang Qiling’s willful character wasn’t well-liked, but she also hoped Jiang would learn a lesson. However, Han Yan knew another thing: Jiang Qiling, like herself, feigned her willful behavior. Her true self was much more cunning than ordinary people believed; hoping for her downfall might not be so easy.

Quickly, amidst the expectant gazes of the crowd, Jiang Qiling and Zhuang Xingfeng stepped onto the competition platform.

"Sister Jiang, you only have to take five of my moves to pass the examination," Zhuang Xingfeng, with his graceful demeanor and aloof expression, stood giving an impression of being as free as the wind. His appearance indeed matched his reputation, assertively giving no regard to anyone’s face.

"Brother Zhuang, you misspoke. You should be the one to take my five moves," Jiang Qiling said, slowly drawing her sword.

"What?" Staring at the confident Jiang Qiling, everyone was left utterly surprised, wondering if they had misheard.

Jiang Qiling was famous due to her background and headstrong nature, but her cultivation was nothing extraordinary, and some even suspected her prior examination success was due to Jiang Yunhe’s manipulation. Yet within the academy, she displayed average performance, never passing an examination.

Only because of Jiang Yunhe’s status did no one dare to speak out loud. But who would have thought she’d boast so brazenly, bringing that spoiled personality to a Sword Dao examination, and against Zhuang Xingfeng!

Han Yan narrowed her eyes slightly. She didn’t believe Jiang Qiling was acting wilfully. Jiang’s bratty image had always been a facade. Having maintained it for so long, perhaps today Jiang would no longer hold back.

"Hehe, such big words, Sister Jiang, please." Zhuang Xingfeng faintly smiled, drew his sword, and thrusted.

Worthy of his "Wind Walking a Thousand Miles" reputation, this sword strike was fast as a shooting star and lightning, yet appeared to be as free as the wind. Those with less skill couldn’t even perceive his sword force.

If I stood in front of Zhuang Xingfeng, taking even one move might be impossible, let alone five. Many were silently pondering this, a fine layer of sweat forming on their foreheads.

Han Yan’s expression remained calm. She knew Jiang Qiling would surely manage. Is it because she couldn’t hold back anymore? Because of herself? Han Yan blinked at the sky, how peculiar this strange feeling of being rivals yet being captivated?

(Asking for monthly tickets, starting today until the seventh of next month, it’s double monthly tickets. I swear on my keyboard, the upcoming content is more exciting, or else I’ll eat it live. Sob sob, asking for monthly tickets!)