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?

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

Turning to Lily Green with a smirk, he said, "Didn't you always boast about your martial arts skills, Miss Green? 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.

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

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

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

Vanessa Knight nearly choked on her laughter, quickly covering her mouth. She leaned toward Lucy White and whispered, "Michael's tongue is lethal."

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

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

Lily 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.

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

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

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

The disciple simply thrust forward.

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

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

Lily 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, Lily's sword clattered to the ground.

The metallic ring echoed through the silent hall.

Lily 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 Griffith."

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

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Michael 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."

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

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

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

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

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