When Robin stepped out from the crowd, an audible gasp rippled through the assembly. "Eh? Why is it a young lady? Is she here to apply as well?" "Did they make a mistake? Does this girl actually intend to compete? Has she not seen the fierce battle just now?" "Why would such a beautiful girl come here? This isn't a beauty pageant!" "With such delicate skin and tender flesh, yet she wants to spar with the guards—good heavens, can someone tell me what is going on?"

Suddenly, the clamor erupted, a cacophony of voices, as everyone was shocked and utterly bewildered by Robin’s appearance. Initially, though they had noticed her, they had simply assumed she was one of the young mistresses from the manor, here to watch the excitement. They never imagined this outcome.

At that moment, Aubert was also startled, though for a different reason. He had just been struck dumb by Robin’s beauty; it was the first time he had ever felt that sudden, heart-stopping flutter.

But then, this young woman actually stepped onto the stage. Could she seriously intend to contend with the guards? Was she also an applicant?

The thought that this maiden was applying to be his tutor caused Aubert’s heart to inexplicably race again, leaving him entirely lost in thought.

The guard slated to face Robin was a man named Bo Quanxin■. He, too, had not anticipated this result. His opponent was a beautiful young woman, which immediately made him wonder how he could possibly strike her down. Should he beat her until her face was bruised and swollen like the other guards?

That seemed highly problematic. If he did so, it would undoubtedly incite public outrage, and later, his comrades might jab him in the ribs for being inhumane! Heavens, why must I face such an opponent?

After a moment of stunned silence, the contest had to proceed. After deep consideration, Bo Yisi finally devised a strategy: he would simply lift Robin out of the boundary circle. While this might seem slightly disrespectful, it was certainly better than actually injuring the young lady!

Robin’s expression was the exact antithesis of everyone else’s. She stood there calmly, as still as a sleeping kitten, seemingly unmoved even as the host announced the commencement of the match!

The surrounding murmurs had died down, as everyone now desperately wanted to see what would unfold in the duel between the young lady and the guard, and what skill this maiden possessed to dare step onto the platform. They hoped, sincerely, that she wouldn't get hurt!

Seeing that Robin had no intention of making the first move, Bo Yisi had no choice but to steel himself and charge forward. His primary goal was to end this absurd match swiftly, provided he didn't give anyone cause for gossip afterward!

Bo Yisi’s speed was astonishing; with merely a slight push off the ground, he covered several meters instantly. Once he hit full acceleration, he reached Robin’s proximity within seconds. His massive frame, towering like a mountain peak, contrasted sharply with Robin’s delicate figure!

The audience collectively held their breath. The wide-open eyes testified to their complete focus shifting to Robin. Even Aubert was no exception!

A wave of worry unexpectedly washed over Aubert. He wanted to shout for the fight to stop several times, but the words always caught in his throat. The reason for his hesitation was simple: if he intervened, might the young lady misunderstand and think he was looking down on her? Might that leave a bad impression on him?

Just as everyone was utterly absorbed by the impending clash, no one noticed the mischievous glint in Zhong Shenxiu’s eyes.

At this moment, Zhong Shenxiu was distinctly different from the others. While everyone else was fixing their gaze on the arena, he quietly squeezed out of the crowd. He walked to a corner of the wall a hundred meters away, quickly set up an "Invisibility Array," and instantly vanished from his spot!

Even Zhong Shenxiu hadn't expected such a coincidence; the "Soul-Fixing Stone" he was seeking lay directly beneath that very corner.

A satisfied smile immediately curved Zhong Shenxiu’s lips. He then formed a hand seal, and as light flashed, the soil beneath his feet began to churn, much like boiling water! Setting aside Zhong Shenxiu’s excavation of the "Soul-Fixing Stone," let’s return to the battle underway in the arena!

When Bo Yisi lunged up to Robin, she remained standing serenely. The spectators were all sweating for her. None of them knew what attack Bo Yisi would launch next, but one thing was certain: whatever it was, this fragile, boneless girl could never withstand it! “Pardon me!” Bo Yisi exclaimed, and his hand shot out with incredible speed toward Robin’s wrist.

Robin still hadn't moved; her placid expression bore no resemblance to someone engaged in combat. But just as Bo Yisi’s hand was about to make contact, Robin finally acted. She merely took a small step to the side and effortlessly evaded his grab!

In that instant, Bo Yisi froze, and the audience froze with him! They couldn't believe what they had just witnessed—this girl who seemed utterly incapable of lifting a finger had dodged that strike, and she had done it with what looked like an absentminded movement! Coincidence, it must have been a fluke!

Unable to rationalize it otherwise, everyone quickly labeled it a stroke of luck; the girl must have reacted instinctively to dodge that move. It had to be that way!

After a brief lapse of stunned disbelief, Bo Yisi suddenly redirected his outstretched hand into a sweeping motion, attempting to grasp Robin’s wrist again. This time, he focused intently, determined not to let another "coincidence" occur! But was it truly a coincidence? It was merely a convenient self-deception! Just as Bo Yisi thought he had succeeded, Robin once again slipped away with ease!

This time, absolutely no one dared to call it coincidence. They all stared at Robin with expressions of sheer horror, silently speculating how she managed to evade him!

Bo Yisi stood transfixed, looking at the still-unruffled Robin. He could hardly believe this was real. At that close range and speed, he couldn't even grab the girl. What did that imply?

Was this maiden hiding her true strength?

Aubert, watching from the sidelines, was equally stunned by Robin’s two evasions. If those weren't accidents, it meant this girl possessed considerable skill.

Moreover, her reaction time was simply astonishing; she had narrowly avoided being caught twice, just as Bo Yisi was about to secure his grip. If she dodged too early, Bo Yisi could change his move midway; if she dodged too late, she’d be caught. This mastery of timing was utterly breathtaking!

At last, Bo Yisi cast aside his initial condescension. Anyone daring to step up to this challenge couldn't be without real ability!

Thus began Bo Yisi’s next wave of offense. This time, he used both hands, chaining one move immediately after another, determined not to stop until he had grasped Robin. Yet, no matter how fast his movements were, Robin always managed to sidestep them lightly at the most critical juncture.

What followed, in the eyes of the crowd, became a bizarre spectacle: Robin moved about as if strolling in a park, her relaxed demeanor radiating an almost ethereal beauty that captivated many.

The audience was no longer watching a fight; they treated it as entertainment. Some even began cheering for Bo Yisi, urging him to move faster, to be more agile!

The crowd had been won over by the strength Robin displayed. Even though she only parried and dodged, it didn't diminish her image in their minds! This girl was too formidable; after all this time, the guard hadn't managed to graze her once!

Meanwhile, Bo Yisi was growing increasingly agitated. He felt the girl was clearly toying with him—why else would she only evade and never counterattack?

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, especially since he, a seasoned guard, couldn't even touch the fabric of her clothing. This was a profound humiliation!

Gradually, he forgot the initial battle plan. His hands were no longer just trying to grab; they transformed into genuine weapons of attack!

His fist, thick as a clay pot, whistled through the air as he swung, and his strikes became increasingly devious, sealing off every escape route Robin might have, displaying an intent to beat her down.

However, despite all his exertion, he could not alter the dynamic of the fight; Robin continued to weave effortlessly through his assaults.

The entire audience remained focused only on the movements of the two combatants, completely failing to notice that while dodging, Robin would occasionally glance toward the wall corner where Zhong Shenxiu was located. Her look seemed to convey: Master, are you done yet? I am so bored here! Perhaps sensing her longing, Zhong Shenxiu finally emerged from that corner.

Zhong Shenxiu had retrieved the "Soul-Fixing Stone" and had quietly slipped back into the crowd without anyone noticing his reappearance!

Robin, still dodging, visibly brightened when she saw Zhong Shenxiu. After receiving his subtle nod, she knew it was time to end this contest!

At that moment, seeing the opening created by Robin’s momentary distraction, Bo Yisi’s heart leaped with joy. He nearly forgot all about chivalry; his fist struck out with ferocious intensity toward Robin’s chest. "Be careful!" Aubert, who had been closely monitoring the fight, couldn't help but cry out.

Though his voice was loud, no one noticed him, for everyone saw the danger Robin was in—her posture suggested she had lost her balance. If that punch landed, the consequences would be unimaginable! Yet, just then, Robin vanished from where she stood! Where did she go?

Everyone was startled. But soon, someone spotted Robin—she was standing outside the ring, next to a young man.

By regulation, stepping out of bounds meant Robin had lost. But this outcome was unacceptable to Bo Yisi; he felt it was yet another instance of Robin scorning him!

Consequently, Bo Yisi went berserk... To be continued. For the rest of the story, please visit the chapter listing, support the author, and read the legitimate version! B