Chapter 193

A collective gasp swept through the audience.

The moment the young man finished speaking, the guests exchanged bewildered glances. These two martial arts students looked no older than seventeen or eighteen—how skilled could they possibly be?

Nolan Reed's eyes lit up. As an expert, he immediately recognized their exceptional prowess.

Turning to Serena Blake with a smirk, he said, "Didn't you always boast about your martial arts skills, Miss Blake? Why don't you go first?"

This woman never missed a chance to flaunt her supposed talents. Today, he'd make sure she humiliated herself properly.

Serena blushed, mistaking his words for an opportunity to shine.

"Then I'll show you what I can do," she said coyly.

Nolan nodded solemnly. "Go ahead. Give it your best shot."

Vivienne Archer nearly choked on her laughter, quickly covering her mouth. She leaned toward Aria Bennett and whispered, "Nolan's tongue is lethal."

Aria chuckled. "That's just how he is."

So this was how Serena had endured Nolan's sharp remarks in their past life—by deluding herself. Absolutely priceless.

Serena strode confidently to the center, striking what she thought was a heroic pose—though it only looked awkward—before clasping her fists at the young female disciple. "Let's spar!"

The girl returned the gesture, then effortlessly flipped onto the platform with a single light step.

Serena froze. She had no such ability and could only shuffle up the stairs in humiliation.

Aria's fingers twitched imperceptibly as a misfortune sigil dissolved into Serena's body. This woman's luck was too strong—it needed tempering.

Both chose spears as their weapons. Serena swung hers in a flashy but impractical display, thoroughly pleased with herself.

The disciple simply thrust forward.

"Ah!" Serena fumbled to block, only for her spear to fly from her grip instantly.

The girl's weapon stopped just shy of Serena's throat. "I yield to your generosity."

Serena gritted her teeth. "I—I'm better with swords. Let's switch!"

After exchanging weapons, she launched into another theatrical routine. The disciple had seen enough—with one precise flick, Serena's sword clattered to the ground.

The metallic ring echoed through the silent hall.

Serena forced a smile. "You martial arts students are truly impressive—"

Before she could finish, a middle-aged man stormed in.

"Martial arts isn't for showboating!" he snapped. "You're insulting the discipline!"

The disciple quickly introduced, "This is Vice Dean Pembroke."

Serena paled. How dare this old man reprimand her on live broadcast!

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Nolan suddenly applauded.

"Well said!" He looked genuinely impressed. "Martial arts isn't circus tricks. Some people really need to hear that."

Then, twisting the knife: "And what an epic display of incompetence that was."

Serena finally broke, tears spilling over. "I was only trying to help—"

"Help?" Nolan scoffed. "With skills like yours? Don't disgrace martial arts."

Vice Dean Pembroke nodded approvingly. At least someone here had sense.

Serena trembled with rage. "If you're so great, why don't you try?"

She'd never hated anyone's words more than Nolan's at this moment.