Below the stage, Ling Luoyi observed the unusual emotions of the Ling family disciples around her.
The competitors who had advanced to this stage were all over twenty years old, meaning they had likely experienced the events of that year to some extent. Facing members of the Wei family, the main instigators, they found it difficult to remain calm, each glaring at Wei Chutian.
Watching Ling Luochen, who was on the verge of losing control on stage, Ling Luoyi suddenly felt fortunate for the original owner of her body. Although she had died young, she hadn't witnessed the scene of her parents' murder.
"Big Brother."
The venue was very quiet, so even though Ling Luoyi's voice wasn't loud, everyone heard it.
Ling Luochen instantly regained his senses and looked at Ling Luoyi. Seeing her eyes filled with worry, he let out a breath, offered her a relaxed smile, and signaled that he was alright.
He knew what was important and what mattered most right now.
Ling Huayu and Ling Jin on the viewing platform also recovered their senses. They smiled at the concerned elders and their elder brother before them.
Seeing that they were fine, the others also felt relieved.
"Patriarch?"
"Great Elder, I am fine. I was just suddenly reminded of your eldest brother and his wife."
"Patriarch." The Great Elder wanted to offer comfort but didn't know how to begin.
Ling Huayu understood the Great Elder's intent and shook his head at him, saying, "Great Elder, no matter what happens in the future, I will never forget them."
"Patriarch, you are luckier than I am. I only have Ze'er left."
The Great Elder and Ling Huayu were cousins. His wife, children, and three grandchildren had all died ten years ago. Ling Luozhe had only survived because he was out on a training expedition and avoided that day.
"Great Elder..."
"Patriarch, none of us will forget them. Moreover, more than seeking revenge, they would want us to live well."
"Great Elder, let's go visit them after some time."
"Alright."
In the past, they had felt too ashamed to visit them because the Ling family was gradually declining. Now, with the Ling family flourishing and the Eldest Miss's strength evident, it was only a matter of time before the Ling family returned to its peak after the Genius Selection concluded.
The four brothers behind them lowered their heads upon hearing the words of the two elders.
On stage, Ling Luochen had already regained his composure, able to face Wei Chutian directly without his emotions being disturbed.
"Young Master Ling," Wei Chutian said, cupping his fist, displaying the demeanor of a noble family.
Ling Luochen did not reply, merely bowing slightly as a greeting.
Ling Luochen was always known for his elegance, humility, and politeness, never revealing his inner emotions.
However, facing the son of his enemy, even though Wei Chutian had not been involved back then, he still found it difficult to treat him with courtesy.
Wei Chutian was aware of the animosity between the two families and did not wish to exchange pleasantries at this moment. Thus, he directly revealed his weapon, a fifth-tier Illusionary Artifact.
In Cloud Abyss City, Illusionary Artifacts were not common; only elders of first-rate families possessed a few. Even within the Wei family, Illusionary Artifacts were very precious.
It seemed the Wei family had invested heavily in this competition.
Ling Luoyi did not notice the expressions of the elders on the stage. They recognized the sword in Wei Chutian's hand as the Flowing Light Sword, which their Ling family had spent two years searching for to be Ling Luochen's fifteenth birthday gift!
Unfortunately, before they could present it, it was snatched away by the Wei family.
Ling Luochen on stage was unaware of all this. Seeing Wei Chutian thrust the sword towards him, he calmly drew his own sword and swung it lightly.
Wei Chutian instinctively blocked. Ling Luochen's force was not great; it seemed like a gentle strike, yet Wei Chutian felt his arm go numb, and the Flowing Light Sword fell to the ground with a clatter.
Wei Chutian looked at Ling Luochen in disbelief. He was only one rank higher than him!
He had fought against cultivators of the second rank before. Although he hadn't won, he hadn't lost either.
But why, when facing Ling Luochen, did he feel a sense of dread? Standing before him, he felt as powerless as an ant facing a towering tree.
Ignoring Wei Chutian's shock, Ling Luochen infused spiritual energy into his sword.
As the spiritual energy flowed, the originally plain sword began to shed its ordinariness, becoming magnificent.
Those close to the arena felt a terrifying pressure emanating from the sword. Except for the Ling family members, everyone else was so frightened they collapsed onto their chairs.
Elder Qu on the high platform clearly saw the sword in Ling Luochen's hand. He stood up in shock, took a few steps forward, and examined it carefully, confirming he wasn't mistaken.
It was a Grand Illusionary Artifact, likely of the third tier.
Could it be, Ling Luoyi again?
With this thought, Elder Qu looked at Ling Luoyi with suspicion.
Sensing his gaze, Ling Luoyi met Elder Qu's eyes and suddenly smiled at him, her meaning quite clear.
Elder Qu's heart pounded. Just how strong was Ling Luoyi's power?
Where had she gone during her ten years of disappearance?
And what about the rumors and speculations circulating outside, were they true?
Elder Qu wanted to know all of this.
However, Elder Qu also knew that even if he asked, he wouldn't get any answers.
But the rumors had already spread across the continent, and it was estimated that it wouldn't be long before they reached Dean Wen of the main academy. At that time, the third question would have its answer.
They all knew what this answer implied.
If the answer contradicted the speculations, the Ling family would be in great trouble.
Elder Qu looked at Ling Luoyi with a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Eldest Miss Ling, what will you do then?"
Ling Luoyi saw through his thoughts and couldn't help but chuckle softly, shifting her gaze away.
Ling Luoyu heard Ling Luoyi's laughter, looked around, didn't find anything amusing, and asked in confusion, "Luo'er, what's wrong?"
"Third Brother, it's nothing. It's just that someone wanted to watch a show but can't anymore."
"Ah? What show? Who wants to watch a show?" Ling Luoyu asked instinctively.
"It's nothing. Third Brother, let's continue watching the competition. It's about to end."
As if telepathically connected, as soon as Ling Luoyi finished speaking, Ling Luochen thrust his sword forward, and countless sword lights simultaneously struck the still stunned Wei Chutian.
"Ah!!!"
Facing the Wei family members, Ling Luochen showed no mercy. This strike consumed nearly seventy percent of his spiritual energy.
Wei Chutian had no time to block. He was struck out of the arena, falling heavily outside, rolling several times amidst a cloud of dust.
The other four Wei family members who had advanced rushed over to help him up, administered medicine, and took him to the resting area.
An elder went to examine him and then signaled.
Ling Luochen had controlled his strength, and he couldn't fully unleash the true power of that sword. Furthermore, Wei Wensong had given Wei Chutian a life-saving artifact. Therefore, Wei Chutian did not die, only suffering severe injuries and falling unconscious.
Since Wei Chutian was unconscious, he could not participate in today's competition. The Hundred-to-Ten competition only lasted two days. If he was unable to compete tomorrow, Wei Chutian would have to stop here.
The entire venue fell silent again. Battles between cultivators of similar cultivation levels were usually hard-fought, but Ling Luochen had only used one move to heavily injure Wei Chutian, who was only one rank lower than him. It was even uncertain if Wei Chutian could participate in tomorrow's matches.
Before the Genius Selection began, they all believed Wei Chutian had a chance to win first place.
And now, it was questionable whether he could even make it into the top ten.
Watching the Wei family members rush towards the stairs, the spectators sighed and shook their heads.
The Wei family's glory had reached its end.
They then looked at the delighted Ling family members.
It seemed the Ling family was about to return to its peak.
The Emperor on the high platform couldn't help but shake his head at this sight.
After Ling Luoyi's return and her decision to seek revenge, the Wei family's fate was sealed. No matter what they did, it was merely a struggle before their demise, utterly meaningless. The only way to break this predicament was to hope that the speculations were unfounded.
However, was there any hope for that?