"Match begins."
Left Xinlan gritted her teeth, trying to stand straight, but her leg trembled. She glared at Cui Chang'an, her face pale with pain.
Cui Chang'an tilted her head, looking innocent. "Are you ready? If you faint again, I really will feel bad. It’s not my fault if your luck is just that bad."
Left Xinlan snorted, ignoring the throbbing pain in her ankle. "I won't faint! Watch this!"
She raised her hand, gathering energy for a spell. But before she could even form a proper shape, her leg gave way. She stumbled forward, flailing her arms to keep balance.
"Whoa!"
She didn't fall this time, but she looked ridiculous, hopping on one foot while trying to cast a spell. The audience held their breath, unsure whether to laugh or feel sorry for her.
Cui Chang'an didn't move. She just stood there, smiling gently. "Take your time. I’m not going anywhere."
Left Xinlan’s face turned red with anger and embarrassment. She tried to focus, but the pain in her leg was distracting her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
Suddenly, a small spark flew from her hand, missing Cui Chang'an by miles and hitting the ground behind her.
Poof.
A small puff of smoke rose up.
Left Xinlan stared at the smoke, then at her hand. She had missed completely.
Cui Chang'an clapped slowly. "Good try! But maybe you should rest first? Your leg looks really hurt."
Left Xinlan shook her head stubbornly. "No! I will win!"
She tried to step forward again, but her leg buckled. This time, she fell to her knees, gasping for air. The pain was too much. Her face went white, and her eyes rolled back slightly.
"Left Xinlan!" Qiao Wenjian shouted from the sidelines, rushing forward.
But it was too late. Left Xinlan slumped forward, unconscious.
The arena went silent.
Cui Chang'an looked at the unconscious girl, then at the host. She shrugged, her expression still innocent. "I told you she would faint. I didn't even touch her."
Host A Guang walked over, checking Left Xinlan’s pulse. He looked at Cui Chang'an, then at the unconscious girl, and finally at the audience. He sighed.
"Saint Scholar Academy wins by default. Next match, please draw lots."
Cui Chang'an smiled brightly. "Thank you! I’m so tired. Can I go rest now?"
Everyone in the arena stared at her. She hadn’t moved a muscle.
But no one dared to say anything. After all, she had won. Again.
Zhu Yanyi watched from the side, her eyes wide. She tugged on her uncle’s sleeve.
"Uncle," she whispered, "Seventeen is very smart. She makes people tired without moving."
The Medical Elder chuckled, shaking his head. "She learned well. From me, of course."
Zhu Yanyi giggled. "You are funny, Elder."
The Medical Elder smiled, his eyes crinkling. "Yes, I am funny. But I am also right."
Zhu Yanyi nodded seriously. "Okay. But Seventeen is still the best."
The Medical Elder laughed. "Yes, she is."
The next match began, but the atmosphere was different. Everyone was watching Cui Chang'an, waiting to see what she would do next. Would she win again? Would she make someone else faint?
No one knew. But one thing was certain: Saint Scholar Academy was going to win. And Cui Chang'an was going to be the star.