The outcome of the duel was decided the moment Erwin unleashed his dual techniques.
Quincy Shen's speed in drawing talismans was impressive, roughly equivalent to Erwin's casting speed. But under the bombardment of simultaneous techniques, the talismans were shattered one by one. Fireballs and ice spikes struck Quincy Shen, and his figure vanished from the platform.
The floor beneath Erwin began to shrink rapidly. Stairs reappeared before him. Without hesitation, Erwin stepped onto them. Just like the first floor, the stairs instantly expanded, transforming into a white jade platform.
A figure materialized slowly. It was a young woman with delicate features, dressed in an antique palace gown.
The disciples below were bewildered. "Who is that?" "Never seen her before."
Some of the older students, however, looked thoughtful. She seemed familiar—extremely familiar.
Meanwhile, on a small hilltop in Kunlun, Quincy Shen—who hadn't actually left—sprang up from his boulder. His eyes widened in shock.
"By the ancestors! Silas Nangong has lost his mind. How did he manifest her?" He quickly covered his mouth, looking around fearfully, terrified the woman might appear beside him. Just thinking of her power sent a chill down his spine.
She looked like a refined lady from an ancient era, always dressed in palace robes, but if one assumed she was gentle, they were in for a rude awakening. Quincy Shen's face paled at the memory.
In the sky, several Elders turned their gaze to the white-haired man sitting quietly.
"Old Man Nangong, you're something else," one Elder muttered. "You could have found a decent opponent, but you brought her? Do you think that boy can beat her?"
Old Man Nangong sneered. "If he can't even beat my granddaughter, what future does he have? Besides, don't act innocent. You all arranged difficult opponents. I know exactly what you're up to."
The other Elders fell silent.
On the platform, the woman solidified. She spoke slowly. "Rainie Nangong, the 127th generation disciple of Kunlun. I humbly request guidance."
As she spoke her name, the older disciples gasped.
"It's her!" someone shouted.
Sunny's face showed concern. The younger students, confused, looked to the veterans for answers.
"Who is she?" a first-year asked. "Is she strong?"
A veteran student stepped in. "When you enrolled, you received the Kunlun Chronicle of Notable Figures. Did you read it?"
The younger ones shook their heads.
"Rainie Nangong," the senior said gravely, "is the only person under thirty recorded in the Chronicle in the last thirty years. Those listed are legends who change the era. Even Quincy Shen didn't make the cut."
"A magical genius," another whispered. "They say she learns every technique instantly."
"Just that?" the first-year asked.
"No," the senior replied, his voice trembling slightly. "It's her mastery. Watch closely. This battle will change how you view magic."
On the platform, the battle had already begun.
Erwin, having learned his lesson, didn't hesitate. He attacked immediately, unleashing two techniques simultaneously at Rainie Nangong. As expected, his attacks collided with her water sphere.
Erwin grimaced. "Truly lacking in sportsmanship."
"You won't find ethical fighters anywhere in Kunlun."
"It's outrageous."
But Rainie Nangong didn't stop. Her hands flashed through hand seals, and dark clouds instantly filled the sky. A torrential downpour began.
Erwin frowned. The Rainfall Technique. He knew it. In his opinion, it was inefficient—just water, no offensive power. A heavy rain, expensive in energy, with a limited range.
He glanced at Quincy Shen's example. The people on the second level had to be stronger. Why would she waste energy on a flashy opening?
Before Erwin could puzzle it out, Rainie Nangong moved again. Her hands flashed, and a wisp of icy blue mist shot into the sky.
The drizzling rain instantly transformed.
It froze into gleaming hail.
Erwin froze. Magic? Like that? Ice magic fused with water magic?
He didn't understand. Rainie Nangong's second technique was clearly Ice Cone, a technique Erwin knew. But how could it turn into mist and freeze the rain?