Some time ago, the Body Sect had attacked the Illustrious Virtue Hall and inflicted heavy losses on them. They had also given Huo Yuhao the opportunity to leave with the Snow Lady and the huge human-shaped soul tool. That soul tool had already been given to Xuan Ziwen for research purposes.
This tournament was being organized by the Sun Moon Empire, but the Body Sect actually had the guts to come here. Werenât they scared of being trapped in the Sun Moon Empire?
Zhang Lexuan said, âNot only are they here to compete, a few of the senior members of the sect have also snuck into the city secretly. No one knows what theyâre plotting. Maybe theyâre here to protect their disciples, or they might have ulterior motives. Itâs nothing bad for us. Iâm telling you this so that youâll be in the loop. If you meet anyone from the Body Sect, donât provoke them.â
Huo Yuhao smiled and said, âThe enemy of our enemy is our friend. I understand this logic. Donât worry. Is there any other news?â
Zhang Lexuan said, âAnother thing is, please donât be too conservative in the tournament and in your daily routine. Itâs not just us from Shrek Academy who are here.â
Huo Yuhaoâs eyes brightened. Zhang Lexuan was very clear with her words. There were also some strong individuals from Shrek Academy who were here. Evidently, they were worried about the Sun Moon Empire!
âThis is good news.â Huo Yuhao didnât ask who was here. Just knowing they were out there was already enough.
Zhang Lexuan revealed a look of hesitation in her eyes, and asked softly, âIs Bei Bei feeling better?â
Huo Yuhao and Wang Dongâerâs expressions suddenly turned weird. They already knew about the secret between Bei Bei and Zhang Lexuan. As they saw the look of worry that flashed across Zhang Lexuanâs eyes, they had the same thought in their mind. She was still brooding over her promise in the past, but was it really just about the promise?
âHeâs much better. However, he canât compete for now.â
âLet him rest then. Alright, the two of you should rest early, too. Your team will compete tomorrow, right? I wish you all the best.â Zhang Lexuan quickly ended the conversation. She stood up and left after bowing slightly to the both of them.
Wang Dongâer laughed after Zhang Lexuan left. She said, âIf anyone from the inner courtyard learns that eldest senior sister has someone in her heart, do you think eldest senior will be in trouble?â
Huo Yuhao laughed lightly and replied, âI donât know. Her news came just in time. If the Body Sect has really entered Radiant City in such large numbers, it also means that they will try to do something. However, they are in the open this time. Can they even escape? The Sun Moon Empire and Holy Ghost Church are more worrying. I feel like thereâs something amiss about this tournament, but I canât tell what it is yet.â
Wang Dongâer grabbed his hand and said, âYou are already exhausted enough. Donât think so much. In fact, weâre already the reigning champions of the tournament. Even if we donât win this time, itâs nothing. The future is more important. Do you understand what I mean, Yuhao?â
Huo Yuhao nodded slightly before shaking his head. âIâll try my best. If not for Teacher Xiao Ya and eldest senior, I wouldnât be here today. I wouldnât have been able to enter Shrek Academy either and gotten to know you. In my heart, Iâll always be eternally grateful to both of them. Teacher Xiao Ya isnât in good shape now. It feels like sheâs being controlled. Her greatest wish was to rebuild the Tang Sect and reinstate its former glory. I must help eldest senior fulfil her wish!â
Wang Dongâer nodded slightly and said, âI understand. Let me help you.â It was just a few words, but there was an indescribable feeling in them.
The two of them smiled as they looked at each other. Just as Wang Dongâer was pushing Huo Yuhao back, someone burst out from the side and exclaimed in surprise, âIâve finally found you!â
A wind swept across their faces, and Meng Hongchen blocked their path. She was wearing a long, light blue dress. She was excited as she saw Wang Dongâer. No, it was Wang Dong in her eyes. Furthermore, she completely ignored Huo Yuhao.
âItâs you.â Wang Dongâer furrowed her brow. Meng Hongchen had been harassing her for far more than one or two days. Meng Hongchen would find her whenever she had time during the two years of the exchange. She couldnât avoid her at all, but she couldnât reveal her true identity, either!
Meng Hongchen leapt in front of Wang Dongâer and said, âWhy arenât all of you representing Shrek Academy!? I took some time to search for all of you. I knew that youâd be here!â
Wang Dongâer was a little annoyed. âIs there something you want?â
Meng Hongchen rolled her eyes amorously and said, âCanât I find you for no reason? I found out that all of you were competing on behalf of the Tang Sect from the tournamentâs organizing committee. Are you trying to take everyone by surprise or something?â
Wang Dongâer replied, âWhat do you mean? Weâve joined a sect and are representing our sect. Is there a problem? Itâs not early anymore. If thereâs nothing else, go back and rest early. We still need to compete tomorrow.â
Meng Hongchen pursed her lips and said, âItâs still early. This is only a preliminary round. With your abilities, what are you so scared of?â
Wang Dongâer twisted her lips and answered, âWhy not? There are sects involved in this edition of the tournament. Itâs different from before. You almost lost today too.â
Meng Hongchenâs eyes brightened, and she said, âYou were concerned about me?â
âIâ¦â Wang Dongâer was speechless by how she interpreted things.
âI knew that youâve always been very concerned about me.â As she spoke, Meng Hongchen took a step forward and held onto her wrist. She looked very blissful.
Huo Yuhao coughed. âThis, Dong⦠Wang Dong, Iâll go back first. The two of you can have a chat.â Huo Yuhao was amused, but he tried to control his laughter. He pushed his wheelchair along with his one hand.
âHey! You, youâreâ¦â Meng Hongchen only realized there was someone else present at that moment. Following that, she stared at him. âYouâre Huo Yuhao? How did you get get into this state?â
Huo Yuhao rolled his eyes and thought to himself. What kind of look is that? Youâve just noticed me now? He laughed bitterly and said, âI got into a sticky situation.â
Meng Hongchen said, âCan you compete in that state? Werenât you just fine when you returned from the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy a few months ago? Whyâ¦?â
âAlright, donât be gossipy anymore.â Huo Yuhao was afraid that she might make Wang Dongâer sad if she continued talking. He quickly interrupted her and said, âArenât you here for Wang Dong? The two of you can chat first. Iâm returning to my room to rest. Wang Dong, this is also considered fate. Just accompany her for a while.â As he spoke, he threw her a look.
Wang Dongâer was a little frustrated as she glared back at him. âYou canât cope on your own. Let me follow you back.â
Huo Yuhao hurriedly said, âIâm fine. Iâm fine. I can cope on my own. Iâm not that weak. Even with only one hand, I can still take care of myself.â As he spoke, he immediately pushed the wheels of his wheelchair towards the soul elevator.
Meng Hongchenâs eyes broke into a smile when she saw how cooperative Huo Yuhao was acting. She muttered softly, âThis guy is not that annoying after all. Wang Dong, are you trying to bewitch us?â
âWhat are you talking about?â Wang Dongâerâs expression suddenly changed. She wrenched her wrist away, and a fierce look appeared in her eyes. Huo Yuhao had landed in his current state because of her. She was heartbroken, and kept on convincing herself to be strong so that she could take care of Huo Yuhao. In her heart, there was still guilt, pain, and affection. Meng Hongchenâs words hit her where it hurt the most. How could she not be angry?
Meng Hongchen was shocked by her reaction. She would have acted up if someone else had dared to react like this to her. However, Wang Dong was different. In her heart, Wang Dong was perfect. In the last tournament, Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao had teamed up together to create a miracle. His unyielding spirit and handsome looks had greatly moved her heart. Her exchange at Shrek Academy also gave her more time to interact with him. She was fearful when she saw Wang Dong acting up so suddenly.
Meng Hongchen was a little panicky as she asked, âIâm, Iâm sorry, Wang Dong! Why did you react so greatly? Did I say something wrong?â
Wang Dongâer looked at her coldly and said, âHuo Yuhao is in his current state because of me.â
Meng Hongchen was jolted awake, and looked apologetic, âIâm sorry. I didnât know. My grandfather told me to be wary of him. Thatâs why I said everything out of fear.â
Wang Dongâer was stunned, and she asked, âHow did your grandfather appraise him?â
Meng Hongchen replied, âIntelligent, cunning, tolerant, and talented!â
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âIntelligent, cunning, tolerant, and talented? I didnât expect Jing Hongchen to appraise me so highly!â Huo Yuhao smiled as Wang Dongâer recounted her conversation with Meng Hongchen.
Wang Dongâer was a little annoyed. âI almost told her I was a girl. You donât know how torturous it is to be with her.â
Huo Yuhao chuckled, âYou are attractive. Itâs better not to tell her and continue to act like a guy. Otherwise, youâll invite a lot of pursuers during the tournament. Watch and see. I believe Qiuâer will cause some trouble.â
Wang Dongâer said, âSpeaking of Qiuâer, I havenât seen her in days. Has she been cultivating?â
Huo Yuhao remained silent for a moment and replied, âSheâs a stubborn person. For this tournament, Iâm afraid she willâ¦â His voice trailed off, and he couldnât help but shake his head. With Wang Qiuâerâs competitive personality, she only had one goal, even if her teammates werenât strong enough.