What Zi Xing didn’t see, as she squeezed her eyes shut in fear, was the ten Golden Sharp Swords striking the water membrane in unison. However, upon contact, the menacing Golden Sharp Swords were completely absorbed by the membrane, failing to create even a single ripple.

This scene shocked Wang Meng so much that he was rooted to the spot, unable to believe what had just transpired.

That was my strongest attack! It was the first time I’ve used it since breaking through to the Martial Emperor Realm Fourth Layer. I thought that even if it couldn’t defeat her, it would at least injure her. But my strongest attack couldn’t even penetrate her defense!

Wang Meng’s voice trembled with astonishment as he pointed a stuttering finger at Li Nian’er. "You... you... are you a high-level Martial Emperor?"

Li Nian’er giggled, her chubby cheeks puffing up adorably. "What are you talking about? I’m just at the fifth layer of the Martial Emperor realm. I thought that since you broke through to the Martial Emperor Realm Fourth Layer, you could play with me a little longer. Turns out you’re still too weak."

"Impossible! That’s impossible! How can the fifth layer of the Martial Emperor realm be this powerful? Are you trying to fool me? Do you think I’ve never fought someone at that level before?" Wang Meng screamed himself hoarse. Countless experts at the fifth layer of the Martial Emperor realm have fallen to me! How can she only be at that level?

He had fought Li Nian’er before and had even faced this water membrane, but nothing like this had ever happened. It completely shattered his understanding of martial techniques.

In truth, it was no surprise Wang Meng had lost his composure. Given Li Nian’er’s temperament, if he hadn’t severely injured her little junior brother today, she probably wouldn’t have used her full strength. She found it immensely fun to give people hope, only to shatter it again and again. The power she was displaying now was more than enough to drive Wang Meng to despair, and this made her feel a slight sense of regret. Now I’ll have one less fun junior to play with in the Central Celestial Academy. What a shame.

Growing bored of Wang Meng’s incessant questioning, Li Nian’er finally lost her patience. "I actually had some expectations for you, but you’re just too weak! So boring. You’re wasting my time! Forget it, let’s just get this over with!" With that, she unleashed her aura, revealing the undeniable power of the fifth layer of the Martial Emperor realm.

In that moment, Wang Meng fell into utter despair. Li Nian’er truly was only at the fifth layer of the Martial Emperor realm. He recalled how Ye Qingchen, at only the fourth layer of the Martial King Realm, could display combat power exceeding the Peak of Martial King Realm. He couldn’t help but smile wryly and shake his head. The disciples from the Divine Wood Academy are each more monstrous than the last!

At that moment, Ye Qingchen, who had been lying unconscious on the ground, slowly opened his eyes. His own recovery speed was astonishing, and coupled with the miraculous effect of the Spirit Pill from Li Nian’er, he had regained consciousness in a short time.

The first thing to enter his vision was Zi Xing’s stunning face, her luminous eyes filled with worry. But now, her mouth was slightly agape in surprise, a sight that added a touch of cuteness to her usual heroic bearing. Following her gaze, Ye Qingchen’s eyes landed on Li Nian’er’s stunning figure.

He didn’t dwell on her appearance, however. Who is she? She’s standing in front of me, so she must be an ally. But no matter how hard I think, I can’t place her at all.

Perhaps his gaze was too intense. Li Nian’er, whose back had been to him, seemed to sense something and turned her head. Seeing him awake, her expression was one of surprise mixed with a hint of joy. "Little Junior Brother, you’re awake? I thought your injuries would keep you bedridden for at least ten to fifteen days."

"Little Junior Brother? Who are you?" he asked, even more confused by her words. This girl with a youthful face and a mature figure... have I ever seen her before?

An annoyed expression crossed Li Nian’er’s face. She pouted her full lips slightly and said irritably, "I’m your Senior Sister, Li Nian’er! Didn’t that old geezer Elder Yang ever mention me? Hmph! Just wait till I get back, I’m going to pluck every last hair from his beard!"

As she spoke, she produced her Divine Wood Order and waved it in front of Ye Qingchen. "But let’s not worry about that now. You owe me big time for today. If your Senior Sister hadn’t shown up when I did, this guy would have bullied you to death."

Seeing the Divine Wood Order, Ye Qingchen finally understood that she was truly a student from the Divine Wood Academy. Elder Yang did tell me I had some senior brothers and sisters out gaining experience, but I always thought he was just making things up and bragging. After all, given how dilapidated the Divine Wood Academy is, who would ever want to join?

To his surprise, Elder Yang had been telling the truth. He really did have senior brothers and sisters. He remembered the desperate situation he’d been in just before losing consciousness, and now that he was safe, he knew he owed a great debt to this Senior Sister he had never met. Clasping his hands in a fist-and-palm salute, Ye Qingchen said, "Thank you for saving me, Senior Sister Nian’er."

Pleased by his form of address, Li Nian’er nodded in satisfaction and smiled. "We’re family, no need to be so formal. Now that you’re awake, watch closely how your Senior Sister gets revenge for you!"

With that, Li Nian’er turned and began walking toward Wang Meng one step at a time. Intimidated by her powerful presence, Wang Meng instinctively retreated. But the thought of Wang Teng still lying on the ground made him grit his teeth and stand firm. "Li Nian’er! The Central Celestial Academy forbids disciples from killing one another! What do you think you’re doing?"

Li Nian’er gave a mischievous laugh and replied nonchalantly, "You didn’t seem too concerned about that rule when you were attacking my little junior brother, did you? Besides, do you really think I care about the rules of the Central Celestial Academy?"

After she spoke, Li Nian’er waved a hand through the air. A surge of pure Water Energy coalesced into the shape of a palm and flew toward Wang Meng’s face. The slap looked unremarkable, but to Wang Meng, it was as if he had seen a ghost. He tried to dodge, but the energy palm stuck to him like a shadow, making escape impossible! He then tried to block it, but the palm suddenly accelerated, striking him squarely across the face.

SMACK!

A crisp crack echoed out, and a clear red palm print appeared on his left cheek. The blow caused no substantial physical damage, but for a Martial Artist, it was an absolute humiliation.

SMACK!

Before Wang Meng could even react, another slap landed, leaving a matching print on his right cheek.

Li Nian’er simply kept waving her arm through the empty air, sending one energy slap after another flying toward Wang Meng.

SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! SMACK...

Amid the astonished gazes of the onlookers, a continuous stream of slapping sounds echoed out relentlessly.