Just as Anjialiya was about to bring her Xin Ya Sword down swiftly, Austin's figure abruptly vanished from her sight, followed instantly by the whoosh of displaced air near her ear. Anjialiya had no time to think and darted forward.

"So that's how it is; I hadn't realized Battle Qi could be utilized in this manner!"

It was then that Austin's thoughtful voice drifted over.

Anjialiya turned to look at Austin and froze. Before her stood Austin, with distinct Battle Qi radiating only from his legs, while the rest of his body remained uninfused. Furthermore, the longsword in his hand emitted the same Battle Qi aura.

This led to only one conclusion: Austin had also mastered the "Special Control Method" for Battle Qi!

Anjialiya truly could not fathom how Austin had learned this "Battle Qi Control Method." Zhong Shenxiu had taught it exclusively to her; only Xia Luo and Reese should have known, so how could he have acquired it?

Xia Luo, watching from the stands, was equally stunned, sharing Anjialiya's bewilderment about how this fellow had learned this set of "Battle Qi Control Methods." Could Zhong Shenxiu have taught him? Thinking this, she quickly glanced toward Zhong Shenxiu, hoping to glean some clue from his expression.

However, at that moment, Zhong Shenxiu wore an inscrutable smile, his eyes fixed directly on the arena, lost in thought.

"Student Anjialiya, the techniques you employ are truly curious!" Austin said with a smile to Anjialiya.

Objectively assessed, Austin was certainly outstanding today. He had managed to learn the "Battle Qi Control Method" taught by Zhong Shenxiu to Anjialiya after observing it only a few times. This capacity for learning and comprehension was undoubtedly exceptional! Coupled with the power he possessed at such a young age, it was clear his future held limitless potential!

As brilliant as he was, however, he paled in comparison to the twin prodigies, Zhong Shenxiu and Robin. To be born in the same era as such monsters could only be described as his misfortune—and the misfortune of all other geniuses!

Anjialiya glared back at Austin, asking no questions, but instead searching again for the next opening.

This time, Austin took the offensive, still wearing that nonchalant smirk. Perhaps, to him, Anjialiya posed no real threat!

Clang!

The twin blades met again. Anjialiya frowned slightly; she clearly felt that Austin's strength had increased significantly compared to before.

"Student Anjialiya, I am enjoying this fight more and more!" Austin said while swinging his sword, looking as if he were engaging in mere recreation.

Anjialiya remained completely unfazed, continuing to defend while looking for opportunities to counterattack.

But Austin’s next remark finally provoked Anjialiya.

"Student Anjialiya, for a woman, your current strength is quite commendable." Austin spoke again.

What he failed to realize was that Anjialiya utterly despised men who did not take women seriously—this was her utmost intolerance!

Suddenly, the Battle Qi on Anjialiya's sword flared with renewed intensity. As Austin swung his blade down, she met his attack head-on.

With a resounding thud, Austin was caught off guard and staggered back several steps before regaining his footing, jarred by the force transmitted from Anjialiya's sword.

Anjialiya now stood glaring at him, her expression frosty.

Austin clearly had not anticipated that Anjialiya was concealing such power; he was momentarily stunned. But he quickly composed himself.

"Oh, I hadn't expected Student Anjialiya to have hidden strength like that; this is quite surprising!" After a pause, Austin abruptly shifted his tone: "Well then, perhaps I need to get a bit more serious myself!"

With that, he accelerated his charge, this time with increased speed and power, fighting Anjialiya—who was now giving her all—to a deadlock!

The spectators held their breath, watching the tense battle, feeling their blood boil and heartbeats quicken!

What an astonishing match!

They traded blows, neither yielding an inch! As figures blurred, the Battle Qi flared conspicuously, like a dazzling golden flower captivating every eye!

"Sister Xia Luo, do you think Senior Sister will win this time?" Reese asked nervously, deeply affected by the atmosphere.

Xia Luo, however, frowned in silence. Based on her experience and observation, this opponent named Austin was anything but simple. His easygoing demeanor suggested he was not using his true strength. Moreover, the fellow seemed to possess an astounding ability to learn; he had already imitated several of Anjialiya’s signature moves.

Xia Luo began to worry for Anjialiya. She hadn't expected such a master to be hidden in this small locality. Who exactly was this person? With his level of ability, he should be studying at a much higher-tier academy, so why was he here today...?

The more Xia Luo thought, the more confused she became. It was especially strange that this insignificant place had produced not only the two little freaks, Zhong Shenxiu and Robin, but now also this mysterious youth, Austin, alongside the bizarre weather phenomena of a few days prior. All these impossibilities were occurring in this little-known town. Was there some unknown secret underlying it all?

As Xia Luo lost herself in thought, Anjialiya and Austin separated again in the arena. This time, Austin's face clearly showed shock; his eyes stared blankly at Anjialiya, as if seeing a stranger.

"Did... did you see that? Did two figures just appear?" Hank asked, equally stunned, looking at Caine!

Caine merely nodded dumbly, unable to speak. As a swordsman, the shock he experienced was far greater than Hank’s as a magician. He truly could not believe that Anjialiya’s figure had momentarily split into two. Though it lasted barely a second, he had seen it vividly!

What was that? What had just happened?

These questions began to rise in the minds of every spectator, yet no answer seemed forthcoming. That instant had been too bizarre, exceeding the bounds of their comprehension!

Xia Luo, having been distracted, missed the critical moment in the arena, but she sensed what had happened and stared at Anjialiya with shock. Could she have just used "Butterfly Step"?

As for Austin on the stage, although the kick Anjialiya had landed on his chest sent a burning pain through him, he barely registered it now. The technique Anjialiya had just displayed had profoundly shaken him; he was starting to doubt whether his eyes had played tricks on him.

After a brief pause, the battle resumed!

This time, Austin dispensed with the chatter, focusing intently on Anjialiya’s every movement, eagerly awaiting the reappearance of that move.

Anjialiya did not make him wait long. "Butterfly Step" was deployed once more!

Instantly, Anjialiya’s body appeared to split in two, flanking Austin on both sides. As Austin momentarily separated and lost focus, Anjialiya’s slender leg shot out again, landing solidly against his body.

This time, the force was far greater. Even though Austin had braced for defense, he was knocked backward, sliding more than two meters before stopping!

At that moment, the entire stadium erupted, the crowd chanting Anjialiya’s name in unison, as if calling out to a legendary goddess.

The most ecstatic were the leaders from the "Buzadi Magic and Martial Arts Academy." Some were shaking hands, others embracing, all conveying their intense excitement and joy!

They never imagined that Austin, who had never been knocked down before, would be felled by Anjialiya. What an inconceivable event! The leaders of the "Buzadi Magic and Martial Arts Academy" could practically see victory waving to them!

The top seat—could their academy finally claim it?

Regardless of the leaders' celebrations, focusing on Austin now: though he took a solid hit, he was unharmed. This was partly due to his full-body Battle Qi protection, but more importantly, he wore a formidable soft armor beneath his robes.

Austin’s expression had completely changed; it was the look of an eagle spotting its prey. He was now certain that what he had seen was no illusion. The true nature of that technique was precisely what he now most desperately wanted to know!

The battle seemed to have taken a complete turn. Austin had been struck and sent flying several times by Anjialiya’s "Butterfly Step," yet, almost annoyingly, he showed no frustration or depression; instead, a faint, persistent smile played on his lips.

Damn, has he been kicked silly?

More than one person harbored this thought. However, they were unaware that Austin was gradually piecing together the secret behind Anjialiya’s ability to appear as two figures.

The only other person smiling, much like Austin, was Zhong Shenxiu. No one knew what he was thinking. Seeing Austin secretly learning Anjialiya’s "Butterfly Step," he made no move to stop him, watching with keen interest.

It was then that the always-silent Zhong Shenxiu finally spoke, his voice low enough that only Reese, Robin, and Xia Luo beside him could hear.

"Anjialiya performs 'Butterfly Step' three more times, and that boy will have learned it!" His tone seemed laced with mockery.

Xia Luo and Reese both shuddered violently, looking at Zhong Shenxiu in horror. What they couldn't comprehend was, if this was the case, why wasn't he stopping Anjialiya?

With Zhong Shenxiu's evident ability, it should have been an easy task, so why was he watching so casually?

As they wondered, Zhong Shenxiu’s voice drifted over again: "However—"