Upon hearing Shen Hanâs explanation, the Dean was even more exasperated.
"You child, you just love playing word games with me.
Claiming you have reached the Sixth Grade Realm, how could we have guessed it was the Sixth Grade Half-Step Realm?
We all thought you had just stepped into the Sixth Grade First Snow Realm...
No more quibbling; you have a habit of hiding your true strength."
These words from Dean Tianyi were quite accurate.
Perhaps the experiences in the Shen Family made me constantly inclined to conceal certain things.
Keep a trump card for myself.
After speaking, Dean Tianyi once again looked at Shen Han.
"You and Su Jinyu are of similar age, and today you even surpassed her in Sword Dao.
From today onwards, the title of Sword Daoâs Pride should fall upon you.
The Shen Family probably never imagined their family could produce two prodigies.
Itâs a pity they lost one themselves."
With this, Dean Tianyi chuckled.
His words then shifted to Su Jinyu.
"For this challenge, the loser must pay a price, and this is well-known in the entire Capital City.
You can think carefully about what price you want Su Jinyu to pay.
If the Su Family dares to go back on their word, I will even find His Holiness to seek justice for you."
Seeing Shen Han about to speak, Dean Tianyi gestured for him to wait.
"Think it over, take your time to make your demands, no need to rush~
Let the Su Family stew over this in anxiety for a while."
After saying this, Zhong Nan and the Dean left.
Since he was injured, they should not disturb Shen Hanâs rest further.
The whole day, the students of Tianyi Academy were as joyful as during New Year.
In the Capital City, anyone with some knowledge of the academies thought Tianyi Academy was the lowest tier.
Outsiders believed the studentsâ abilities were inferior to those of the other three academies.
Many would ask which talents and mighty figures had come from your academy.
Previously, no one could really answer, but from today on, at least Shen Hanâs name would spread throughout the Capital City.
The title of Sword Daoâs Pride was about to change hands.
In the courtyard where the Tutor stayed, back from the Martial Arts Arena, Dugu Tian quietly packed his belongings.
He had always looked down on the students of Tianyi Academy.
He would constantly praise the Mountain Sea Academy, claiming how superior the students were.
But today, the prodigy Su Jinyu lost to Shen Han.
Lost to the student he had once disparaged...
Moreover, he knew very well Su Jinyuâs strength since even many students from Mountain Sea Academy were not her match.
Now, it seems the rumor of Shen Han gifting Zhong Nan the Vermilion Cloud Ginseng could also be true.
If he, Dugu Tian, had not been so arrogant then, perhaps he would be the one reaping the benefits today.
But sometimes a single misstep can make it difficult to recover for a lifetime.
After nightfall, at the Rain Listening Pavilion.
Returning from the Martial Arts Arena, Su Jinyu curled up alone in the academy.
With her arms around her knees, her pretty face buried on her legs.
Her heart was in turmoil, her whole demeanor somewhat dazed.
Occasionally, she would be in a trance and find it hard to snap back to reality for a long time.
It was late, and the sound of insects chirping could be heard outside.
In her mind, scenes of the dayâs duel surged up again.
She analyzed them over and over, recalling bit by bit.
No matter how much she thought or hypothesized, she could not find a way to win.
In the sky, it was full of sharp Sword Shadows.
Su Jinyu had always considered herself highly gifted in the Sword Dao, yet she had never seen such Techniques before.
And those Sword Shadows did not seem to be controlled by thought like hers, but more like a kind of momentum...
Sword Momentum, far beyond what one at the Sixth Grade could master...
With this thought, Su Jinyu even lost all the confidence in wielding a sword.
But it wasnât just this; Su Jinyu also remembered the bold words she had spoken before.
Honestly, she had never thought she would lose.
Talking about being a servant or slave, meeting any demand...
These bold words were spoken without consideration at the time.
Now, in this situation, what should she do?
"Qingcao, Qingcao..."
Hearing her lady calling for her, the maid Qingcao hurriedly ran over from the servantsâ quarters nearby.
Seeing Su Jinyuâs aggrieved expression, she immediately went up to hug her.
"Did Miss have a nightmare? Why are you so frightened..."
Su Jinyu didnât respond, leaning on the maid Qingcao with a face full of grievance.
"Qingcao, what should I do...
He will surely make me his servant, surely bully me..."
Upon hearing this, Qingcao gently patted Su Jinyuâs back.
She softly comforted her.
"Miss, you need not worry too much; after all, you are the Su Familyâs lady, and itâs just a lost match.
Even the current world champion canât claim to have never lost.
Losing now doesnât mean losing for a lifetime.
If Shen Han is sensible, he wonât force Miss to be a servant or slave.
Moreover, Master certainly wonât let you become a slave.
Just rest assured."
Hearing Qingcaoâs words, Su Jinyu indeed felt somewhat at ease.
If she were to become a servant, the entire Su Family would be shamed.
Her father would definitely not allow these things to happen.
Though she does not listen to Su Zhensheng, in times of trouble, Su Jinyu still thinks of her father.
"Besides, Miss, we could go see the Moon Bamboo Peak Master.
Back when breaking off the engagement, the Moon Bamboo Peak Master knew Shen Han and even protected him.
For the Moon Bamboo Peak Masterâs sake, he likely wouldnât go too far."
Su Jinyu showed some hesitation: "Master will surely scold me... I didnât listen to her advice..."
"Nowâs not the time to care about that; even if itâs a scolding, itâs better than being bullied by Shen Han.
The only concern is if Shen Han, taking this opportunity, might ask to marry you, what will you do then..."
Su Jinyu lowered her head slightly...
Qingcaoâs reasoning was valid.
Though she lost this duel, she hasnât lost all her talents and potential.
Her Sword Dao talent still ranks among the top of her generation in Great Wei.
Moreover, Su Jinyu never talks about her appearance.
But she has absolute confidence in it.
If Shen Han wants to take this opportunity to win her over, itâs very likely.
In her mind, Su Jinyu fell into deep thought...
But this time, thinking of Shen Han standing next to her wasnât so hard to accept.
His talent potential is no less than hers, and the Techniques he comprehends are beyond her grasp.
Such talent has surpassed her.
She no longer has the right to disdain him.
Besides, Shen Han is quite handsome...
If this young man insists on forming a bond with her...
Conflicted in her heart, Su Jinyu shook her head, emptying those thoughts.
What she was considering was a bit premature.