Three days had passed since the explosive third round of the Dragon and Phoenix Competition, and the Arena buzzed with a tension sharper than ever.
The previous matches—especially Chu Ziyan's stunning victory over Lei Zhensheng—had set tongues wagging across the empire.
Defeating the former strongest genius wasn't a feat that just anyone could achieve.
The waiting area of the Heaven Sword Sect was quieter than the roaring arena, a sanctuary of calm before the storm.
Chu Ziyan leaned back in her chair, her posture relaxed, a small, genuine smile playing across her lips.
"Hehe… "
The necklace gifted by Bai Zihan—a delicate chain of silver with a pendant that seemed to shimmer with faint starlight—rested lightly against her chest.
Bai Xueqing, seated across from her, noticed the glimmer at Chu Ziyan's throat immediately. A mischievous smirk curved her lips.
"Are you really that happy?"
Bai Xueqing asked, tilting her head slightly, eyes glinting with amusement.
