The Imperial Capital was ablaze with anticipation.
For days, the Dragon and Phoenix Competition had dominated every conversation, from the lofty halls of aristocrats to the noisy stalls of
commoners.
But now, as the finals drew near, the city's very air seed to hum with restless energy.
Crimson banners embroidered with dragons and phoenixes fluttered proudly along the main avenues.
Lanterns of gold and jade lined the streets, their light shimring against the towering jade walls of the arena.
rchants shouted about limited talismans and keepsakes-miniature effigies of phoenixes, jade carvings of dragons, even painted scrolls depicting the competitors' likenesses.
Everywhere, one question lingered on lips and in hearts:
Nie Fengzhuo Vs Bai Xueqing!
The forr fiancées-once bound, now severed.
He, once mocked as a cripple, scorned as a waste, only to rise again from ashes, seizing glory with unyielding brilliance.
Bai Xueqing, the number one genius who proved herself again and again.
Will she once more prove that her decision was right?
Or would Nie Fengzhuo get his well-deserved revenge? They would soon find out!
***
The Dragon and Phoenix Arena blazed with light.
Tens of thousands filled its tiered seats, from nobles in embroidered robes to wandering cultivators clad in dusty cloaks, their voices a roaring tide that shook the air.
This was no ordinary duel.
This was the final.
The air itself seed sharper, charged with spiritual energy as cultivators and mortals alike leaned forward in anticipation.
They knew that today, history would be carved before their eyes.
On the central stage, layers of formation arrays shimred faintly, ready to contain a battle that might otherwise devastate the audience.
Above, golden phoenix banners and azure dragon standards danced in the wind, snapping crisply as though heralding the clash to co.
Within the waiting chamber, Bai Xueqing sat cross-legged, her eyes closed in ditation.
Chu Ziyan stood beside her, arms folded. She still wasn't fully recovered after her fight with Nie Fengzhuo, but walking around was no problem for her. She was there, talking with Bai Xueqing-encouraging and cheering for her. Just then, a sudden stir spread through the crowd above-like the ripple of a stone thrown into a lake.
"Look!"
"Bai Zihan!"
"He ca back? Thought he ran away!"
In an instant, all eyes shifted.
From the eastern entrance, a figure strode into the arena with steady steps.
Bai Zihan!
His presence alone was enough to cause a commotion, whether it was the good kind or the bad kind.
And beside him-
A young woman, her face pale yet radiant, her presence delicate like a lotus blooming after a storm.
Her hand was gently clasped within Bai Zihan's, her gaze shy but bright.
Jin Yuelin was a peerless beauty, just like Bai Xueqing.
Immortal Emperor Feilian had explained, having a Heavenly Body also ant having the perfect body, hence why Bai Xueqing was a perfect beauty.
Jin Yuelin had been sick, but after recovering, she could rival the beauty of Bai Xueqing.
"That trash must still be hiding in the Bai Clan!"
The Elder of the Azure Sun Holy Sect muttered.
"Then what should we do?"
The disciple asked.
"Wait! There are too many eyes here. After the competition is over, we will go and talk with Bai Zihan."
He said.
"If he surrenders Jin Yuanzhan and his sister without trouble, all will be well. If not-we'll make him regret it."
The crowd was still discussing Bai Zihan and the beauty that appeared beside
him.
Shock turned into heated whispers, then into open speculation.
So said it was arrogance. So called it betrayal.
But no matter the opinion, the sight was undeniable-Bai Zihan, appearing in broad daylight, holding hands with a girl who clearly was not Chu Ziyan.
The murmurs grew so loud that even Bai Xueqing, sitting within the waiting chamber, turned her head.
(What is he doing?)
She thought, her gaze shifting to Chu Ziyan.
Chu Ziyan's expression was one of surprise, her eyes locked on Bai Zihan and
Jin Yuelin's joined hands.
"Ziyan'er, there must be a reason."
Bai Xueqing tried to console her friend and perhaps make an excuse for Bai
Zihan.
"There is no need to worry. Anyway, our engagent is just for convenience's sake, and I already told Bai Zihan that he can have any mistress he wants. I
don't care about it!"
Chu Ziyan said, trying to reassure both herself and Bai Xueqing.
(But you don't look like you don't care...)
Bai Xueqing would have gone and given Bai Zihan an earful if not for the fact
that she needed to prepare for her fight.
But after this competition, she vowed to help her best friend get an explanation
-or she would not let it go.
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