Chapter 23 Entrance Examination (Part 5)

Princess Jin Xuan stepped forward, her eyes locked directly onto Lin Chen. With clear skepticism and dissatisfaction, she spoke up: "I am not convinced! Although Lin Chen took first place in this talent competition, this does not prove that she is stronger than anyone else."

"For years, our Xuanyin Qin Sect has consistently ranked at the bottom of the Five Sect competition precisely because we focus too much on the Dao of music and neglect combat ability."

Instructor Liu Qingwan's expression darkened, and she looked slightly displeased: "Princess Jin Xuan, what do you mean by that?"

Princess Jin Xuan continued: "I believe that relying solely on performance cannot truly reflect a Disciple's comprehensive strength. Although the Xuanyin Qin Sect excels in musical rhythm, if a Disciple can only play the zither without sufficient combat power, how can she establish herself in the Immortal Realm?"

"This is also why we repeatedly rank at the bottom in the Five Sect competition. If it were not for the fact that the Xuanyin Qin Sect is indispensable in healing arts, we would likely have been removed from the Five Sects long ago."

Her voice was resonant and powerful, clearly carrying long-accumulated dissatisfaction. Once these words were spoken, the Disciples below the stage began to whisper among themselves, and it was clear that many resonated with Princess Jin Xuan's remarks.

Instructor Liu Qingwan pondered for a moment and responded calmly: "You make a valid point. While zither music is certainly important, our Xuanyin Qin Sect does not disregard combat ability. However, today is a talent competition, not a battlefield. It is somewhat inappropriate for you to question Lin Chen's strength."

Princess Jin Xuan sneered: "Instructor Liu Qingwan, I am not being unreasonable. I simply believe that if we are to truly select the strongest, we should compare not only zither techniques but also combat skills. If Lin Chen considers herself capable, why don't we add an extra match and let combat determine the winner?"

Instructor Liu Qingwan looked at Princess Jin Xuan, a flash of hesitation crossing her eyes. She knew well that the Disciples of the Xuanyin Qin Sect focused mostly on the Dao of the zither, often neglecting the Cultivation of combat. Lin Chen, standing before her, looked slender and delicate, clearly not the type skilled in combat, while Princess Jin Xuan was being aggressive, leaving her in a difficult position.

Just then, Lin Chen suddenly reached out to gently wrap her arm around Instructor Liu Qingwan's slender waist, stepping in front of her.

The instantaneous touch made Instructor Liu Qingwan freeze, a trace of warmth spreading through her heart. It was an illusion of being protected, as if she had suddenly become the one needing support, while this "young girl" standing before her brought a strange sense of security. The feeling was too surreal, leaving her somewhat dazed.

Lin Chen looked up and said softly: "Instructor, you do not need to be troubled."

Then, she turned her gaze toward Princess Jin Xuan, her eyes calm, her tone composed yet carrying a hidden sharpness: "I can accept your challenge, but if you lose, you must take responsibility for your rudeness."

Upon hearing this, a flash of Battle Intent crossed Princess Jin Xuan's eyes, and she responded without hesitation: "Fine! No matter what the punishment is, I, Princess Jin Xuan, will accept it!"

Instructor Liu Qingwan looked at the performance stage and frowned slightly; clearly, it was not suitable for a martial match. She waved her hand gently, signaling everyone to follow her to another venue. The Disciples followed in her footsteps, rising one after another and heading along the mountain path toward the Xuanyin Qin Sect's martial arts arena.

"Hey, have you heard? This year's freshman examination has escalated! The champion and the runner-up are actually going to duel!"

"Really? I only left for a moment, and it has already developed to this point?"

"Indeed! Lin Chen and Princess Jin Xuan are going to compete! This duel will be worth watching; I heard both of them possess supreme talent!"

"Lin Chen? That girl who has always kept a low profile? She is actually the champion? I haven't even had a chance to get a good look at her yet."

"Yes, Lin Chen triggered the Sound of the Dao! Tsk tsk, it's a rare sight indeed!"

Discussions rose and fell within the crowd, and the news spread rapidly throughout the Sect. Not only Outer Sect Disciples, but even Inner Sect Disciples and some Elders learned of the news and came to watch out of admiration.

"A freshman duel—this is a scene we haven't seen in years!"

"It really is. Which entrance examination has ever had such a big commotion?"

Crowds of people hurried toward the martial arts arena, and the scene became increasingly lively. The originally spacious spectator stands of the martial arts arena were now almost completely full, and many Disciples had even arrived early to secure good spots in front of the stage.

"Have you heard? Lin Chen's strength is extraordinary; with her profound alchemy skills, Princess Jin Xuan might not necessarily gain the upper hand this time."

"What exactly is Lin Chen's background? She doesn't even put the little Princess of the Yiyun Empire in her eyes!"

More people arrived at the martial arts arena out of curiosity, and soon the entire venue was packed, with eager discussions bringing the whole arena to a boiling point.

Amidst the heated discussions and expectations of the crowd, Lin Chen and Princess Jin Xuan both stepped onto the stage.

Princess Jin Xuan had changed early into her golden imperial battle armor. The armor was magnificent but appeared somewhat tight, especially around her ample breasts and perky buttocks, which seemed to strain the armor; the tightly fitting lines of the armor only accentuated her upright posture.

Her gauntlets shimmered with golden light, further revealing royal nobility and majesty.

Lin Chen, however, was still wearing her green robes, empty-handed, appearing completely out of place compared to her opponent's equipment.

Instructor Liu Qingwan felt a faint worry in her heart. She walked over to Lin Chen and whispered, advising her: "If you cannot win, just concede. Her armor and gauntlets are no ordinary items; do not get yourself hurt."

Lin Chen smiled slightly and replied softly: "Instructor, rest assured, I know what I am doing."

As the bell rang, the battle officially began. The whispers in the spectator stands vanished instantly, and everyone's gaze was tightly locked onto the center of the arena.

Princess Jin Xuan launched the first attack, her gauntlets carrying a golden light as she rapidly closed in on Lin Chen, possessing both power and speed, and containing a majestic Aura.

Everyone present were female cultivators, and seeing Lin Chen's slender figure and empty hands, they could not help but worry.

"How could she possibly take this blow?" Many people subconsciously covered their eyes, fearing they would see the scene of Lin Chen being heavily struck.

However, the moment they reopened their eyes, an unexpected scene appeared: in front of Lin Chen, a nearly transparent barrier appeared out of thin air, as if born from the Void, soft yet solid.

It was exactly the Void Barrier that Lin Chen had been diligently Cultivating over the past few days. Although it had not yet reached Major Achievement, it was more than enough to deal with Princess Jin Xuan's attack.

Princess Jin Xuan's golden gauntlets crashed into the Void Barrier, the powerful impact sending a ripple of invisible waves spreading out before the barrier, yet Lin Chen remained completely unmoved.

Princess Jin Xuan exerted force again, striking out with several consecutive punches in an attempt to break Lin Chen's defense, but each one was easily blocked by the transparent barrier.

"How is this possible? The Dragon Emperor Gauntlets are a Spiritual Artifact!" Princess Jin Xuan's expression changed drastically, her face full of disbelief; she could hardly accept what was happening before her eyes.

The power of a Spiritual Artifact was immense, yet it was blocked by a mere layer of a seemingly weak barrier; anger and unwillingness surged in her heart.

"Even if you can defend against it, you must be consuming a tremendous amount of energy. I am at the Foundation Establishment level, and I do not believe you can outlast me!" She gritted her teeth and spoke, Spiritual Qi flooding frantically into her gauntlets, the golden light flaring up, and the air filled with scorching Spiritual Qi.