Reborn as the General's Useless Daughter-Chapter 327: The Tri-Academy Exchange Arc (Part-19)

Cecily Blackstar staggered backward several paces, forcibly widening the distance between herself and Zora. Her breathing was slightly disordered, and a trace of pallor crept across her previously proud, delicate face.

Only now did she clearly realize that competing with Zora in close combat was a losing proposition.

She had never imagined that Zora’s physical strength would be this terrifying. Each exchange felt like striking tempered iron, while the counterforce shook her arms numb. Continuing to fight barehanded would only worsen her disadvantage.

Ragnor Blackstar and Dravenor Blackstar both showed faintly altered expressions. They knew Cecily’s strength better than anyone, yet even she had been forced back in a frontal clash.

This could only mean one thing.

Zora’s strength was far deeper than they had initially judged.

Earlier, because Ophelia had been defeated too quickly, they had never truly tested Zora’s limits. That oversight had made them underestimate her, and now the price of that misjudgment was becoming painfully clear.

Cecily Blackstar steadied herself, then raised her hand. A fiery red longsword appeared in her grip. The blade shimmered like flowing flames, its surface engraved with intricate patterns that glowed faintly under the sunlight, exuding a sharp and oppressive aura.

Zora’s brows lifted slightly. In the next instant, a translucent, glass-like longsword materialized in her hand, clear and cold, radiating a restrained yet lethal sharpness.

Without hesitation, Cecily Blackstar lunged forward.

She had already suffered a loss in the previous exchange. This time, she intended to reclaim dominance at all costs.

clang!

Swords collided, and the crisp sound of metal rang through the air. Their figures blurred into motion, purple and white radiance interweaving as they clashed again and again. Sword qi tore through the space between them, carving finger-thick holes into the hardened arena floor.

Sparks scattered in all directions. Even those merely watching could feel the danger radiating from the battlefield.

One misstep would mean severe injury.

"Seven-star Sword!"

Cecily Blackstar shouted sharply. Majestic mana surged into her blade, and a massive sword arc burst forth, streaking straight toward Zora with overwhelming force.

The crowd’s hearts leapt. No one doubted that if this strike landed, Zora would suffer grievous injuries even if she survived. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"No-Shadow Kill."

Zora responded calmly.

A flash of silver light flickered, but the onlookers could not clearly see her movement. Her figure vanished in an instant, leaving only a faint afterimage behind.

The sword arc slammed into the ground instead.

Boom!

A terrifying crack ripped across the arena floor, stretching more than ten meters. Dust and debris exploded upward as the earth split apart.

A collective gasp rose from the crowd.

The royal martial art truly lived up to its reputation.

Had Zora been even a moment slower, the outcome would have been unimaginable.

"Ah!"

A sharp cry suddenly pierced the air.

Everyone’s gaze snapped back to Cecily Blackstar.

At some unknown moment, blood had seeped through her chest armor, a vivid red blooming against her clothing. The scream was torn from her throat by pain and shock.

Her face turned ashen.

She could not comprehend it.

She had clearly been attacking, yet somehow, Zora had already struck her.

She did not even know when it happened.

As the blood became visible, the expressions of the spectators shifted once again. The way they looked at Zora now was entirely different from before.

Who could have imagined that in this clash, the one holding the advantage would be her?

"You... you dare to hurt me?"

Cecily Blackstar’s voice rose sharply, disbelief and fury intertwining. Since entering Thunderclap Academy, no one had ever dared to injure her like this.

Zora looked at her calmly, almost as though she were gazing at a fool.

That question was so absurd it hardly deserved an answer.

"If you are afraid of getting hurt, then you should have skipped this exchange altogether."

Zora’s expression was calm and detached, her words sharp and unadorned. Cecily Blackstar’s talent in cultivation was indeed outstanding, but her temperament was shallow and fragile. On the path of cultivation, those who fear pain and danger would never reach true heights.

Strength was never gained in comfort. Walking the edge between life and death meant embracing risk, yet Cecily Blackstar could barely endure a superficial wound. With such a mindset, how far could she really go in the future?

"I’m impressed! Zora is amazing!" Reesa burst out excitedly, her eyes shining. "This so-called princess only knows how to flaunt her status. When it comes to real fighting, she’s got nothing!"

Tiffany and the others could not help but smile as well. The royal family might appear lofty and untouchable, but at least this Cecily Blackstar was far too pampered. She looked strong on the surface, yet lacked the grit of a true Spirit Warrior.

"Cecily Blackstar has always cultivated within the palace and the academy," Alaric Von Seraph said thoughtfully. "She’s never truly fought for her life. Her cultivation is solid, but compared to Spirit Warriors of the same level who have survived real battles, she falls short."

His gaze was calm and analytical. "Even if her martial techniques are strong, as long as the opponent has real combat experience, she’ll be pushed into a corner. This kind of weakness is common among those born into privilege."

Harold nodded slowly in agreement. "You’re right. This is one of the greatest flaws of the royal family."

He paused, then added, "Some are born with abundant resources, yet lack the resolve forged through hardship."

"Harold," Baldwin asked with curiosity, "you’ve stayed in the Leon Empire for quite some time. Is the Crown Prince the same as Cecily Blackstar?"

They had long heard that Zion Blackstar’s strength was terrifying, but his true character remained a mystery.

Harold shook his head decisively. "Zion Blackstar is different. He’s known as the most outstanding Crown Prince of the Leon Empire. His strength, mindset, and character are all top-tier."

"He’s not arrogant, cultivates diligently, and has endured real trials. He’s nothing like Cecily Blackstar. If he becomes your opponent, that will be a genuine threat."

As his words fell, the atmosphere among the group grew heavier. They had not expected Zion Blackstar to be such a formidable existence.

Winning this Academy exchange was clearly far more difficult than they had imagined.

"I don’t care," Reesa said stubbornly, clenching her fists. "I believe in Zora!"

To her, Zora was already synonymous with invincibility.

The others exchanged helpless smiles. Reesa’s blind faith had reached an almost unreasonable level. In her eyes, Zora was an undefeated general who would never lose.

On the opposite side, Dravenor Blackstar and Ragnor Blackstar had not expected the situation to develop this way either. Cecily Blackstar had actually been injured by Zora, and judging by her expression, her tolerance for pain was already at its limit.

"This fight probably can’t continue," Ragnor Blackstar muttered, his eyes narrowing slightly. A flicker of interest passed through his gaze. "I didn’t expect Zora to be this capable."

"No matter how strong she is," he added coldly, "she’ll still fall into my hands sooner or later."

Dravenor Blackstar sighed helplessly. "Cecily’s temper has always been her biggest weakness. If she could endure pain and pressure, she might still have a chance. But she’s never been able to withstand suffering..."

His voice trailed off, filled with resignation.

"Zora wins!"

As the referee’s voice rang out, the result of the match was sealed. Zora claimed a clean victory and advanced smoothly to the next round.

She stepped down from the martial platform at an unhurried pace, her posture relaxed, her expression calm. There was no trace of excitement or pride on her delicate face, as if this victory were nothing more than routine. To her, such a result was hardly worth celebrating.

Cecily Blackstar had already been escorted away from Thunderclap Academy to treat her injuries. Before leaving, however, the gloom in her eyes deepened into something vicious and poisonous.

The Leon Empire was her territory. Zora had not only "stolen" the man she desired, but had also dared to injure her in public. This humiliation was unforgivable. She would never allow Zora to leave Leon Empire alive.

As for such threats, Zora had long since grown indifferent.

If empty threats were truly effective, she would have died countless times already. Unfortunately for her enemies, those who wished her dead usually met their end first.

"Master, this damn princess is really annoying," Black growled angrily. "We should just deal with her once and for all!"

"Yes, yes," White chimed in eagerly. "She’ll definitely cause trouble in the future. Better to cut the weeds at the root!"

The two beasts were never ones to hesitate. In their view, unresolved danger was danger waiting to grow.

Zora’s dark eyes flickered with a cold glint, yet her lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "Relax. I’ve already made my move."

Black and White froze for a moment before their eyes lit up at the same time. Judging from their master’s tone... had she already laid her plans