Chapter 166: You're No Match for Her
It's not just Wen Gao. Both Song Kun and Jing Jianming behind him were burning with jealousy. When had Qiao Yuchan ever publicly defended a man?
And now, Qiao Yuchan had just defended someone, causing their hearts to fill with envy and jealousy.
"Look quick, Wen Gao is challenging Protector Ling, not sure if Protector Ling dares to accept the challenge!" a disciple whispered.
"Bullshit, Protector Ling is such a heroic figure, how can he be compared to that damn Wen Gao? Haven't you seen that since Protector Ling arrived, the entire Qiao Family has rallied around him!
Feng and Hou, two elders, respect him; Elder Yu submits to the law; Lei Yao and her disciples show reverence. Could that be without real abilities?" another disciple criticized.
"That's not necessarily true. Wen Gao is ranked fifth on the Star Plucking List. In our Qiao Family, except for the Family Head, no one can match him. Perhaps if Wen Gao were in Protector Ling's place, he might achieve the same." the previous disciple faltered.
For a moment, the ordinary disciples of the Qiao Family were divided into two camps, one with reservations and one firmly supporting Ling Fan.
Qiao Yuchan's expression grew unpleasant; Wen Gao was becoming annoying. "Young Master Wen, if you're so eager to fight, I can spar with you for a couple of moves!"
Her cultivation had mostly recovered by now, so she could make a move.
However, Ling Fan frowned secretly behind her. Although Qiao Yuchan was now all right, it would have been better if she could stabilize and rest for a few more days.
It wasn't easy to go all out at the moment, and since Wen Gao dared to pursue Qiao Yuchan, he must have some real abilities.
Just as he planned to step forward, Lei Yao appeared not far away with Bei Rushuang, declaring coldly, "There's no need for the Family Head to act. Let me, Lei Yao, handle Young Master Wen!"
Hearing this, everyone turned to look at Lei Yao.
Qiao Yuchan remained silent, hesitating inside. She knew very well the gap between them; Lei Yao was not his match!
"Could it be the swordsmanship previously taught by Ling Fan has greatly improved? Otherwise, where would Lei Yao get the confidence to contend with Wen Gao? Today, let's see what level Lei Yao has reached after being instructed by Ling Fan," Qiao Yuchan muttered to herself.
"Heh, turns out it's Protector Lei. I came here to challenge that ignorant loser, not interested in fighting you, and you're not my opponent anyway!" Wen Gao tried to control his emotions and said indifferently.
Lei Yao stepped forward, saying coldly, "Protector Ling is not someone you can provoke. If you want to challenge Ling Fan, you must get past my sword first!"
With that, she drew her sword swiftly, pointing it diagonally at the ground, her face cold as frost.
Wen Gao took a deep breath, his expression growing uglier. This was a bit sinister; that guy didn't look like much, so why were these two women from the Qiao family defending him so fiercely?
Lei Yao he understood; similar to Qiao Yuchan, she hated men. Sometimes he darkly thought, these two women wouldn't be, you know, right?
But what was happening now, why were they both so fiercely defending that guy?
Before Wen Gao could speak, Song Kun and Jing Jianming behind him couldn't help stepping forward, eyes full of jealousy as they glared at Ling Fan, then turned to look at Lei Yao.
"Lei Yao, you're not qualified to fight Young Master Wen. Either of us can meet you; pick one!" the two said in unison.
Seeing the two step in, Wen Gao remained silent, in his eyes, Lei Yao indeed didn't have the qualifications to fight him.
Lei Yao swept a cold glance at the two, she had recently mastered the twelfth form and truly felt a surge in confidence, eager to challenge Wen Gao and see just how big the gap was!
"You two go on and fight me together," Miss Lei said indifferently.
As soon as these words were spoken, the area fell silent, and even the ordinary disciples of the Qiao Family were taken aback, feeling that Miss Lei was overestimating her capabilities today!
The others might not know, but as children of the Qiao Family, they were well aware of the cultivation skills and strengths of the elders; how could they not know what Miss Lei was made of?
Song Kun and Jing Jianming were stunned for a moment, and then their faces filled with indignation, feeling greatly humiliated by Miss Lei's attitude.
Both were among the top fifteen on the Star Plucking List, and it was not as if they hadn't sparred with Miss Lei before; who didn't know whom? Could a few days have been enough for her to drastically outmatch them working together?
"Brother Kun, wait a moment. Since I am less skilled, I will exchange a few moves with Miss Lei. If I lose, you can step in and regain our honor," Jing Jianming said solemnly.
Without wasting any more words, he drew his sword and stepped forward, shouting, "Take this!"
Wen Gao and Song Kun stood watching. Jing Jianming, ranked fourteenth on the Star Plucking List, surely would lose to Miss Lei within ten moves, they silently assessed.
Qiao Yuchan was also quietly observing from the side, somewhat doubtful in her heart. Even if the swordsmanship Ling Fan instructed was formidable, could it really advance so rapidly in just half a month? It seemed too miraculous.
Bei Rushuang, standing not far off, was visibly excited; if her master could reach such a level of strength, it meant she probably could too, and she naturally hoped her master could be supremely invincible.
The onlooking disciples of the Qiao Family were equally tense. If Miss Lei won, it would certainly be a face-saving achievement, but inside, most of them were still pessimistic.
In the blink of an eye, the two combatants were already exchanging blows. Jing Jianming's swordplay was fast and furious, while Miss Lei's Lei Yao Sword Technique was graceful and elusive, displaying even more subtlety!
Ling Fan watched and nodded inwardly. Miss Lei indeed had some talent. To have practiced to this extent in half a month was commendable. Unless something unexpected happened, she would defeat Jing Jianming within five moves.
As he contemplated, Miss Lei suddenly vibrated her sword, launching three indistinguishable sword lights. Jing Jianming struck out at empty air and Miss Lei pointed her sword at his neck.
"You've lost. If I hadn't shown mercy, you would be dead by now," Miss Lei said calmly.
Jing Jianming was dumbfounded, feeling the chill of the sword tip against his neck and a cold sweat running down his back.
"I... I lost?" Jing Jianming murmured to himself, his eyes filled with disbelief.
Even Wen Gao and Song Kun, standing nearby and watching, were dazed and exchanged looks of astonishment.
Had Jing Jianming's skills regressed? Absolutely not. Compared to a few months ago, Miss Lei's strength had improved more than just a notch, which was the shocking part.
Qiao Yuchan was slightly surprised, her eyes shining with a touch of joy. She stealthily glanced at Ling Fan and felt a surge of tenderness; she knew Ling Fan wouldn't have instructed Miss Lei in swordsmanship if it weren't for her.
The disciples of the Qiao Family all had their eyes wide open, shocked at how effortlessly Miss Lei had defeated Jing Jianming, feeling excitement alongside the surprise.
And the most excited of all was Bei Rushuang, her face flushed with excitement, barely holding back from cheering loudly!
Regaining his composure, Song Kun took a deep breath. Although he wasn't very confident, he was eager to challenge Miss Lei himself.
Just as he was about to step forward, Wen Gao suddenly patted him on the shoulder, "You're no match for her; let me try."