Chapter 194

Nolan Reed had never been one to indulge Serena Blake's antics—not in the past, and certainly not now.

"Bring it on," he said, casting her a sidelong glance, his lips curling into a mocking smirk. "Watch closely."

Before anyone could react, he vaulted onto the sparring platform with effortless grace.

"Let's begin," he said, clasping his fists in a traditional salute toward his opponent.

The audience—both on-site and watching the livestream—was stunned.

No one had expected the top-tier celebrity to actually possess real skill.

The young novice returned the gesture, and the two immediately engaged in combat.

The spear sliced through the air with razor-sharp precision, the clang of metal ringing clear.

[Oh my god! This is real martial arts!]

[Serena's performance earlier was child's play compared to this.]

[No wonder Nolan looked down on her act.]

[That spear technique is insane!]

Twenty moves later, Nolan executed a flawless upward strike, sending his opponent's weapon flying.

"My thanks for the match," he said, retracting his spear with a confident smile.

"Excellent!" Vice Dean Pembroke applauded. "Young Nolan, are you skilled with the sword as well?"

Nolan arched a brow. "I know a thing or two."

"Then how about another round?" The vice dean gestured to a young woman below the platform. "She's our finest sword practitioner."

It was obvious to everyone—this was meant to be a harsh lesson for Serena.

"With pleasure," Nolan said, accepting the blade. The duel began instantly.

Their swords gleamed like winter frost, their movements too swift to follow.

In the end, the young woman conceded defeat, bowing in genuine respect.

Serena's face turned ashen, her nails digging bloody crescents into her palms.

The carefully crafted persona she'd built was crumbling before her eyes.

Soon, two topics trended:

#NolanReedRealSkills

#SerenaBlakeFakeMartialArts

"Well done," Aria Bennett murmured.

She was referring to how Nolan had successfully weakened Serena's influence.

But Nolan misunderstood—his face lit up like a child who'd just been handed candy.

Aria praised him!

As the tour continued, the audience clamored for Aria and Damian Cross to demonstrate their skills.

Reluctantly, they obliged, their masterful techniques earning thunderous applause.

[Aria's been hiding her talent!]

[And she called this "just a little"?]

[Serena looks ready to explode!]

At the Ceramics Hall, Aria shone even brighter.

Her encyclopedic knowledge of ceramics—even the most obscure details—left everyone in awe.

That evening, back at their lodgings, the production crew treated them to local delicacies.

Outside the restroom, Serena cornered Aria.

"Don't get too cocky!" she hissed through gritted teeth.

Aria shot her a frosty glare. "Get help if you're unwell. Don't take it out on me."

Serena trembled with rage but could only watch as Aria walked away.

Her fists clenched tighter, nails carving deeper into her flesh.

This wasn't over. She would have her revenge.