Starting with an orphanage, I mass-produced peerless empresses.

The arena, the preparation area.

The disciples who signed up for the sword test had all prepared here in advance, including Lin Yun and several 'friends'.

Looking around, there were nearly several hundred disciples participating in the sword trial.

Many of them looked nervous, afraid that they wouldn't perform well later.

Of course, some people are very relaxed, such as some extremely confident native disciples, who are geniuses who have been cultivating in the Immortal Palace since childhood.

Upon seeing Lin Yun and the others, most of them showed expressions of surprise.

"Aren't these the new disciples? They're actually participating in the sword test. Are they planning to give us points?"

"It seems that quite a few of these newcomers from outside the region are participating in the sword trial this year."

"Tsk tsk, just a bunch of newbies."

Lin Yun ignored their rather offensive words; he believed that such people needed to be taught a lesson with his fists.

However, one of Lin Yun's friends, who had a fiery temper, immediately snorted at him.

"So what if you're new here? You'll see how powerful we outsiders are in a moment!"

The other person nodded in agreement.

"That's right! You've all cultivated for so many years, do you really think we'd be afraid of you?"

"Oh? So you're quite brave?"

"Hehe, is that even a question?"

In an instant, both teams stared at each other with wide eyes, looking as if they wanted to devour each other.

The two sides were locked in a fierce confrontation, seemingly poised to start a fight right then and there.

Not far away, an elder in charge of guarding the area spoke calmly.

"Private fights are prohibited within the preparation area; violators will be disqualified from the competition."

Upon hearing this, both sides, who had been fiercely arguing, instantly calmed down and stopped.

After all, they were just talking, but they didn't really want to cause any trouble.

However, one of the original disciples who spoke earlier still snorted coldly.

"Just you wait and see. Once we get to the arena, I'll show you what a difference there really is!"

"Hehe, I'm so scared! Bring it on, who's afraid of who!"

Although they knew in their hearts that they were somewhat inferior to their opponents, they absolutely could not lose in terms of momentum!

The trash talk between the players before the match is a common occurrence in the preparation area every year; otherwise, there wouldn't be an elder specifically assigned to guard it.

Just as the two sides were fighting, a beautiful figure suddenly appeared, instantly attracting the attention of both sides.

"It's Senior Sister Xiaoxiao! She's here too!"

Both sides turned their gazes in that direction, and there stood Jian Xiaoxiao, walking into the preparation area. The actions of a genius are always closely watched.

As soon as she entered, many of her disciples who recognized her looked over, and then they all showed expressions of surprise.

"Huh, is it just my imagination? It seems like Senior Sister Xiaoxiao is wearing makeup today."

"You know what, it really is! This is quite rare."

"Didn't they say that Senior Sister Xiaoxiao has never cared much about her appearance?"

"Who knows, maybe she's changed her mind..."

In their memory, Jian Xiaoxiao almost never wore makeup, relying entirely on her stunning natural beauty.

The makeup she wears now is the finishing touch, making her look even more charming and beautiful, captivating many young men who can't take their eyes off her.

At this moment, the original disciples who had previously mocked Lin Yun and the others were too lazy to pay attention to them, and when they saw Jian Xiaoxiao, they all rushed forward to fawn over her.

"Senior Sister Xiaoxiao, it's been a long time! You've become even more beautiful."

"Senior Sister Xiaoxiao, how has your cultivation been lately?"

"Junior Sister Xiaoxiao, you..."

As soon as she arrived, she was approached by a constant stream of people trying to strike up a conversation.

As for Jian Xiaoxiao, she also resorted to the art of perfunctory behavior.

Everything can be summed up in just two or three words.

"Yeah, it's okay..."

She answered everyone's questions with the same indifferent expression.

That's why others say she's aloof and even has a tendency to be misogynistic.

Therefore, they had all gotten used to Jian Xiaoxiao's cold attitude.

Of course, it ultimately depends on the person...

For example, right now, after Jian Xiaoxiao arrived, the first thing she did was scan the surrounding area to look for people.

Then, they saw the target walking straight towards them.

"Ye Chen, are you ready?"

Without a doubt, Jian Xiaoxiao's target was Lin Yun, and she even waved and greeted him as she approached.

Compared to others, her tone now carried a hint of emotion.

Seeing this, Lin Yun chuckled lightly.

Instead of worrying about me, think about yourself. Are you ready?

Upon hearing this, Jian Xiaoxiao gave a soft snort and said confidently.

"Of course I'm ready! I'm sure I'll win this competition!"

After saying that, she confidently said, "I'm not afraid to tell you, I had an epiphany yesterday and figured out an extremely powerful move. You'd better watch out!"

"Okay, then I'll look forward to it."

"Well, we'll see!"

For Jian Xiaoxiao, her biggest goal right now is to defeat her opponent honorably.

However, her charming appearance in front of Lin Yun stunned the group of native disciples who were familiar with her.

Many of them had not yet heard about Lin Yun and Jian Xiaoxiao.

Therefore, they were still in awe, wondering how Senior Sister Xiaoxiao could have such a close relationship with this newcomer.

Lin Yun's friends all wore expressions of "I knew it" and a mocking look towards the original disciples.

It's as if it's saying, "So what if we're outsiders?"

No, it's not that you've already won over the senior sister you like?

At this moment, the original disciples were in an uproar, whispering among themselves.

"Strange, what exactly is the relationship between Senior Sister Xiaoxiao and him?"

"I don't know, could they have become cultivation partners?"

"Impossible, absolutely impossible! How could Senior Sister Xiaoxiao become a Daoist partner with a newcomer so quickly?"

Many of them were prepared to develop feelings over time, attempting to move the other person with sincerity and companionship.

It's ironic that someone already has someone they like before things have even started.

"Isn't this kid Ye Chen?"

Soon, someone in the crowd recognized Lin Yun and then told them what had happened in the main hall earlier.

After hearing this, the expressions on everyone's faces as they looked at Lin Yun gradually became unfriendly.

"That bastard! He actually dared to steal from our house while we were away?!"

With elders nearby, even if they were not in a hurry, they dared not do anything excessive.

However, one of them said in a deep voice.

"Remember him. If you run into him on stage later, teach him a lesson!"

"You don't need to tell me, they need to be taught a lesson!"

"Damn Ye Chen, explode!"

……

The original disciples glared resentfully at Lin Yun, who raised an eyebrow, wondering if he was being envied.

Then again, could this little girl have done it on purpose?

He used himself as a shield for her...

Amidst the eerie atmosphere of the preparation area, the disciples' sword test officially began.