Chapter 194

Michael Johnson had never been one to indulge Lily Green'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!]

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

[No wonder Michael looked down on her act.]

[That spear technique is insane!]

Twenty moves later, Michael 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 Griffith applauded. "Young Michael, are you skilled with the sword as well?"

Michael 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 Lily.

"With pleasure," Michael 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.

Lily'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:

#MichaelJohnsonRealSkills

#LilyGreenFakeMartialArts

"Well done," Lucy White murmured.

She was referring to how Michael had successfully weakened Lily's influence.

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

Lucy praised him!

As the tour continued, the audience clamored for Lucy and Ethan Smith to demonstrate their skills.

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

[Lucy's been hiding her talent!]

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

[Lily looks ready to explode!]

At the Porcelain Pavilion, Lucy 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, Lily cornered Lucy.

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

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

Lily trembled with rage but could only watch as Lucy walked away.

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

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