No one believed Anos's words, but the crowd's attention swiftly shifted to a more tantalizing topic.
"Damn, Noah's girlfriend is Emily!" someone whispered, their voice barely audible over the murmurs. "I know her. Wasn't she dating Jack just two days ago?" The speaker's eyes widened in shock, sparking a chain reaction of gasps and disbelieving glances.
Murmurs spread rapidly, like a wildfire fueled by scandal. "Unbelievable! She's a serial dater!" The crowd's whispers grew louder, their words dripping with disdain.
Another voice chimed in, its tone laced with mockery. "How embarrassing for Noah. His girlfriend's reputation is tarnished, and he's still defending her." The words cut deep, and Noah's face darkened.
Noah's anger surged as he heard the hushed conversations. His right fist crackled with powerful spiritual energy, poised to strike. His eyes blazed with fury, his jaw clenched in restraint.
....
"You want to fight me?" Anos asked, his eyes glinting with amusement as he gazed at Noah with an air of nonchalance.
Noah's expression twisted in contempt. "You're impressive for defeating an Intermediate class student," he sneered, "but I'm an Elemental Foundation Realm expert in the Advanced class. You're no match for me. You can't afford to offend me!"
Anos's lips curled into a smirk, his voice dripping with mockery. "Do you know how many people I've tossed from this very building?" He paused, letting the challenge hang in the air.
Noah's face darkened, his anger boiling over. "I only know that You're next!" he snarled, charging at Anos with a fierce battle cry.
The cramped space seemed to shrink as tension escalated, the air thickening with anticipation. Yet Noah remained confident, his movements fluid and calculated, ready to take down Anos.
Bang! Noah's punch shook the air, sending ripples through the atmosphere, but Anos stood firm, unfazed by the attack. His eyes never left Noah's, his gaze piercing.
With a fluid motion, Anos reached out and enveloped Noah's right fist in his palm. The crowd held its collective breath.
Noah's face reddened, veins bulging from his neck, as he strained against Anos's unyielding grip. Sweat beaded on his forehead, his muscles trembling.
The crowd gasped in shock, their whispers spreading like wildfire. "What's Anos's cultivation base?" someone asked, awe etched on their face.
"He's stronger than Noah!" another exclaimed, eyes wide with wonder. "Impossible! Anos must be in the Elemental Foundation Realm second stage?!"
Skeptical voices chimed in, "But he's a new student at Sky Martial Court. Why enroll so late if he's already Advanced?" Others recalled, "Rumors say Anos is a weakling. This can't be right!"
Anos's calm demeanor and effortless restraint fueled the crowd's curiosity, his silence speaking volumes about his true strength.
While everyone remained stunned, Noah unleashed his martial technique, unleashing a devastating force that shattered surrounding glass and sent razor-sharp shards flying in all directions.
The sound of shattering glass echoed through the air, followed by an unsettling silence. However, Anos stood firm, absorbing the brunt of Noah's attack without flinching. With effortless strength, he grasped Noah and hurled him down the stairs.
The crowd watched in awe, their faces pale and frightened. Some took a step back, eyes fixed on Anos.
"Next?" Anos asked, his piercing gaze shifting to Liam.
"Do you want to jump or should I throw you down?" Anos's voice dripped with disdain, his tone icy.
Liam swallowed hard, his eyes darting nervously around the crowd. His breath caught in his throat.
"I..." he stammered, before his voice trailed off.
Then, beneath everyone's dumbfounded gazes, Liam turned and leaped down the stairs, his footsteps echoing through the silence.
After, Anos clapped his hands and turned, finding Sofia standing behind him. A charming smile spread across his face. "Hehe, Miss Sofia."
Sofia's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. She had been right about Anos – he wasn't in the Qi Awakening Realm; he was in the Elemental Foundation Realm! No wonder he was so arrogant.
How many stages was he in the Elemental Foundation Realm? Sofia wondered. It shouldn't be too high.
"I'm shaking with fear," Anos said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. He pocketed the money, his expression radiating confidence.
Anos smirked disdainfully as he climbed the stairs to the second floor, his footsteps echoing through the silent corridor. He pulled out $300 from a thick stack of bills, the crisp notes rustling as he handed them to Sofia.
"Here's the money for the glass and Repair fee," he said nonchalantly, his voice dripping with confidence.
The onlookers exchanged stunned glances, their whispers buzzing like a swarm of bees. Wasn't Anos being overly brazen?
Sofia's eyes widened in surprise, her pupils sparkling with amusement. A sly smile spread across her face, illuminating her features. "Give me everything," she teased, her voice husky. "You said a Class 10 glass costs $300."
Anos snorted, his lips curling into a mocking smile. "I also said you like me. Do you believe that?"
Sofia's smile faltered for a moment, her cheeks flushing with a hint of embarrassment. She shook her head, her raven-black hair swaying gently. "No."
Anos shrugged, his broad shoulders rolling with nonchalance. "Then $300 is all you get. That's my final offer."
The crowd watched in awkward silence, their faces reflecting their discomfort.
Sofia reluctantly accepted the $300, her slender fingers brushing against Anos's as she took the money. Her eyes flashed with frustration, but a glimmer of admiration lurked beneath. This Anos... He was infuriating, yet intriguing.
As Sofia's gaze met Anos's, her lips curled into a sly smile. This Anos really needed some beating.
...
Anos chuckled mischievously as he approached Sofia, his eyes drawn to her captivating presence. "Hehe, Miss Sofia, I have a question for you," he said, his voice low and husky.
Sofia raised an eyebrow, her expression a blend of intrigue and caution. "Eight thousand," she stated firmly, her voice commanding attention. "That's my price for sharing information."
Anos's eyes sparkled with amusement at the steep price tag. "Okay, I'll owe you," he replied, his tone laced with intrigue and a hint of challenge.
"Let's discuss this in my office," Sofia added, her voice husky and mysterious. She turned and walked away, expecting Anos to follow.
As Sofia led Anos into her office, he was enveloped by her natural scent, a sweet and subtle aroma that drove him wild. The cozy, single-room space exuded elegance, with plush furnishings and soft lighting.
Sofia's natural fragrance was intoxicating, a potent blend of sweetness and sensuality. Its subtle aroma wrapped around Anos, teasing his senses and stirring desire. He inhaled deeply, his pulse quickening.
"Ah, you smell incredible," Anos said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Sofia smiled, knowing the effect her presence had on men. Her natural allure was a potent combination of intelligence, beauty, and sensuality.
Sofia sat comfortably in her office chair, her eyes fixed intently on Anos, who sat across from her. "What did you want to ask?" she inquired gently.
Anos smiled determinedly. "I need a spirit tool, Miss Sofia. Can you help me acquire one?" His eyes shone with anticipation.
Sofia nodded thoughtfully, her expression considerate. "Elemental Foundation Realm requires a suitable tool for cultivation." She paused, studying Anos. "What realm are you currently in?"
Anos replied confidently, "I've just entered Elemental Foundation Realm. I spent two days in the Beast domain and broke through." His chest swelled with pride.
Sofia pondered, her expression skeptical. She tapped her fingers on the armrest, weighing her options. "With your realm, you qualify for the Advanced class. Upon registration, you'll receive a spirit tool."
Anos shook his head resolutely. "I won't leave the Beginner class, Miss Sofia. With you as instructor, I wouldn't miss it for anything." His eyes shone with admiration.
Sofia's lips curled into a captivating smile. "You're that devoted, huh?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.
Anos's heart skipped a beat as Sofia's gaze locked onto his. "Meet me at my house tonight," she whispered, her voice husky and inviting. "I have something special for you."
....