As Tong Qin turned serious, Zhou Jiuyu began pondering inwardly.

His absurdly overpowered ability meant that even at Rank 1, he could devise countless ways to kill Tong Qin—a Rank 4 practitioner.

But the problem was… this was reality, not a dream. With no backing or connections, murder carried consequences. Killing Tong Qin now would invite retaliation he couldn’t survive.

So he couldn’t kill her. Not today.

Then… just break a few bones. A small way to let Airi blow off steam. No choice.

Just as Zhou Jiuyu settled on this—

A sword aura slashed abruptly through the air!

Its razor-sharp edge forced Tong Qin to dodge, her expression shifting instantly.

Zhou Jiuyu’s pupils contracted at the familiar energy.

But Akizuki Airi beside him lit up with joy:

“Sister!”

“Don’t be afraid, Airi. I’m here.”

Zhou Jiuyu turned. Entering the auditorium was Akizuki Airi’s older sister, Marina Tsukizuki. Unlike her usual neighborly big-sister look, she now wore a flowing white Taoist robe, sword in hand. A chilling sword intent radiated from her—slightly surpassing Tong Qin’s Rank 4 Spirit Energy fluctuations.

Clearly, Marina’s arrival alone could settle everything.

Yet Zhou Jiuyu gave a wry, helpless smile. *What was I thinking? Did I really expect Nan Mengling to show up for me? Dreaming too much.*

“Marina Tsukizuki?” Tong Qin’s expression flickered slightly as she glanced at Airi. “So she’s your sister.”

“Since she’s your sister, I’ll spare her once for your sake. But *him*…” Her glare locked onto Zhou Jiuyu, fury undimmed. “He won’t leave this auditorium today without losing a layer of skin.”

Marina stepped forward, shielding both Zhou Jiuyu and Airi. She shook her head calmly.

“No. Whether it’s Airi or Jiuyu-kun—you touch neither today.”

Tong Qin let out a light laugh. “What, do both sisters fancy the same guy? Protecting him so fiercely?”

“None of your business.” Marina’s face remained unreadable.

Tong Qin’s eyes narrowed. “Do you think your name carries that much weight, Marina?”

Marina said nothing. Sword raised, she simply watched.

Flames erupted from Tong Qin’s other hand.

Tension snapped tight.

“Who *is* Marina Tsukizuki? Looks like ancient martial arts lineage…”

“I’ve heard of her—Sword Immortal Lianyun’s sole disciple from Sword God Mountain.”

“Sword God Mountain?! *That* Sword God Mountain?”

“Is there a ‘Little Sword God Mountain’?”

“If she’s truly Lianyun’s personal disciple… her status outshines Tong Qin’s. After all, it’s *the* Sword God Mountain—the pinnacle of ancient martial arts…”

Whispers swirled, deepening Tong Qin’s resentment.

Born the Tong family’s young mistress, adored since birth, her awakened talent had inflated her pride beyond measure. Among peers, she was the undisputed prodigy.

Now Marina’s presence shattered that illusion. But pride wouldn’t make her retreat—it ignited her defiance.

“Sis… don’t act rashly.”

Tong Yu appeared, gripping her arm. “Don’t you remember Grandpa’s warning? Never cross *anyone* tied to Sword God Mountain. Avoid conflict—seek alliance.”

“Let go.”

Tong Qin shot him a cold glance over her shoulder.

“Sis, please…” Tong Yu pleaded.

Their grandfather’s words echoed: the Tong family could handle any trouble—*except* Sword God Mountain.

“Offend? I merely wish to spar with Sword God Mountain’s current disciple. Accidents happen in combat. I can’t control that.”

She shook off his hand, tone icy.

“A spar? Fine.” A faint smile touched Marina’s lips.

“Then spar.”

No hesitation. Tong Qin unleashed her Rank 4 Spirit Energy, lunging forward. Flames carved violent sparks through the hall.

Marina simply raised her sword.

A downward slash—vanished.

Her foot shifted minutely. As Tong Qin charged, Marina repositioned. Strands of hair floated upward, cleanly severed.

Tong Qin froze mid-motion.

The blade rested against her throat. A shallow cut wept crimson droplets.

“You lose.”

Marina’s soft words struck like ice. Tong Qin stood stunned. *One second? Two? How…?*

But the crowd’s awestruck stares confirmed it—she’d been utterly crushed.

In background, beauty, power… Marina surpassed her in every way.

The sword withdrew. Marina sheathed it gently, turning to Zhou Jiuyu and Airi with a warm smile. “Let’s go home.”

Tong Qin remained rooted, light gone from her eyes. Her pride lay shattered before all.

“Wait!”

It wasn’t Marina who called out—it was Jing Yuansheng.

He stepped forward, cleared his throat, voice cold. “You think you can walk away after seducing another man’s girlfriend?”

Murmurs rippled through the hall.

Marina shot Zhou Jiuyu a surprised glance.

Zhou Jiuyu blinked. *How bold. Tong Qin’s broken—and he’s still posturing?*

Lu Simo’s face paled. She clutched her phone, eyes wide. She never expected Jing to do this.

Jing glanced back at Tong Qin, resolve hardening. The Jing family served the Tongs—this was his chance to prove loyalty.

He couldn’t win physically. But per Lu Simo’s noon confession… Zhou Jiuyu had “relentlessly added her, harassed her, forced her to call him ‘Brother.’” She’d even shown chat logs.

So he’d strike morally. Force an apology. Humiliate him publicly.

Jing’s lips curled in confidence.

Lu Simo’s hands trembled. She wanted to pull him back—but couldn’t.

Her eyes pleaded toward Zhou Jiuyu.

He met her gaze, smiled gently, nodded. Then tapped his phone.

*“Ugh, Jing Yuansheng that jerk never gives in during arguments. I’m so annoyed… Brother Jiuyu, can you come keep me company for a drink?”*

*“Brother Jiuyu, what are you up to? Why aren’t you replying again?”*

*“Brother Jiuyu…”*

*“Brother~…”*

Lu Simo’s voice—intimate, unmistakable—echoed from Zhou Jiuyu’s speaker, crystal clear to every freshman in the silent hall.