"Ahem!"
Smith quickly let go of Xi Congqing's hand, clearly embarrassed after being exposed so directly.
"Don't get the wrong idea, Senior Sister! I was just in a hurry. I didn't mean to take advantage of you, really!"
Xi Congqing leaned closer, mischief glinting in her bright eyes.
"I didn't say anything… So why are you in such a rush to explain yourself? Feeling guilty, hmm?"
"I'm not weak! Who says I'm weak? I'm definitely not!" Smith stammered, flustered and unsure how to respond to the teasing.
Seeing his awkward reaction, Xi Congqing let out a laugh. "Alright, alright. I'll stop teasing you. Hurry up and find your two classmates."
"Okay!" Smith let out a deep sigh of relief, as if he'd just been pardoned from a death sentence.
---
Soon, they found Wei Lin and Zhao Mei, who were completely unaware of what had happened between Smith and Lin Yun earlier. Smith didn't bring it up either. After walking around a bit more, the group returned to their lodging.
---
The next day
Xi Yan and Sun Shuyu gathered everyone to brief them on the key things to watch out for during the college competition.
Inside a meeting room, Xi Yan began his speech.
"Let me briefly go over the matters you need to pay attention to in this college competition."
"First: Encirclement and Suppression. This part is mainly about monster hunting. There aren't too many restrictions, but safety must be your top priority. Know your limits. It's fine as long as you don't rank at the bottom. Also, no conflicts with students from other colleges, and absolutely no stealing demon cores from others. That's strictly against the rules."
"Second: Team Battles and Duels. These are for exchanging skills and sparring. Just do your best."
"Third: Throughout the entire competition, you must remain polite, professional, and composed. Conflicts must be avoided, especially with schools from the South District—particularly Jinghai College. Do you understand?"
"Understood."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Only Smith and Xi Congqing felt slightly guilty.
After all, they'd had a run-in with someone from Jinghai College yesterday… and that someone just happened to be the son of Jinghai College's president.
Of course, neither of them said anything about it to Xi Yan or Sun Shuyu.
It wasn't exactly something to brag about. If they could keep it hidden, all the better.
Smith also felt that Lin Yun likely wouldn't stoop so low as to run to his father over such a minor incident.
"Alright, the rest of you may return. Smith and Xiaoqing, stay behind."
Xi Yan waved his hand to dismiss the others, leaving only the two of them behind.
---
The two glanced at each other and exchanged a blink.
Could it be… Lin Yun really was shameless enough to go complain to Xi Yan?
Xi Yan and Sun Shuyu didn't seem to notice their guilty expressions and calmly asked, "Do you know why we asked you two to stay?"
"We do…" they replied in perfect sync, heads lowered like scolded schoolchildren.
"Oh? Sounds like you're feeling a little proud of yourselves." Xi Yan chuckled.
"In fact, you two are the strongest overall among all students representing Huaihai College in this competition. And since both of you are affiliated with the executive department, you've had real combat experience and good teamwork."
They looked up, surprised.
So they weren't being called out for punishment—but for praise?
That was a relief.
"In this competition, the two of you bear significant responsibility," Xi Yan continued. "Especially in the monster suppression and team battle stages. We're counting on you."
"Oh," Xi Congqing said indifferently, now that she knew this wasn't about Lin Yun.
She hadn't taken the competition all that seriously yet anyway.
"Don't be so casual," Sun Shuyu interjected, noticing her relaxed demeanor. Her tone took on a scolding edge.
"Winning or losing is secondary. What matters most is forming positive relationships with the colleges in the South. This competition is an opportunity to build lasting cooperation between the Southeast and South Districts."
"If you encounter students from Jinghai College or other South District schools, try to give way if possible."
"Let strength do the talking. No need to yield," Smith muttered under his breath.
Sun Shuyu's eyes sharpened. "If you mess this up, I'll have you expelled!"
Smith shut his mouth instantly.
Expulsion was no joke.
Though the dean of studies technically didn't have the authority to expel students outright, she could still file an application to do so. And in most cases, that was enough.
"You two need to be serious," Xi Yan warned. "This competition is a key milestone in uniting our districts. Anyone who disrupts it will not be forgiven."
"…Got it," the two replied, nodding reluctantly.
"Alright. Go back."
Xi Yan waved them off as if he didn't want to see them any longer.
"Okay!" they said together, practically scrambling to leave.
---
ADVERTISEMENT
As the countdown to the competition ticked closer, Jinghai City saw a surge in population. Dozens of academies from both the Southeast and South Districts had arrived.
Thousands of people poured into the city, making it more vibrant than ever.
Finally, on the third day, the grand opening ceremony of the college competition was held.
Smith and the others dressed in full uniform and headed to the massive square at Jinghai College.
The place was packed—thousands of participants and spectators had gathered. Each academy stood in their designated spot.
On the high platform were the top officials of Jinghai College: the president, vice president, the executive department director, and the academic director.
Representatives from every participating college sat on either side. Xi Yan, representing Huaihai College, was among them.
Once everyone had assembled, Lin Hai—the president of Jinghai College—stood up, coughed lightly, and began to speak.
"Today marks the historic moment of the first joint college competition between the Southeast and South Districts. On this bright and beautiful day—"
His voice wasn't particularly loud, but it was infused with spiritual energy, allowing it to resonate clearly throughout the square.
Smith stared at Lin Hai carefully.
He did look familiar—about 70% similar to Lin Yun.
Lin Yun himself stood among the ranks of Jinghai College, just below the stage.
President Lin Hai was a textbook example of an administrator: dignified, calm, and long-winded.
He spoke in a measured, steady tone, delivering formalities and pleasantries for over half an hour before finally getting to the point.
"Now, let me explain the scoring system for the Encirclement and Suppression phase."
"A first-level demon core is worth:
1 point (basic),
2 points (intermediate),
3 points (advanced)."
"A second-level demon core is worth:
5 points (basic),
6 points (intermediate),
7 points (advanced)."
"A third-level demon core is worth:
10 points (basic),
12 points (intermediate),
15 points (advanced)."
"A fourth-level demon core is worth:
20 points (basic),
25 points (intermediate),
30 points (advanced)."
Lin Hai didn't go beyond that.
Realistically, for most participants, even third-level monsters would be a challenge. Hunting a fourth-level monster was possible, but rare. As for fifth-level monsters—Lin Hai didn't believe any of the current students could handle one.
"And now," Lin Hai said with finality, "I officially declare the First Southeast Region Joint College Competition open!"
"All participants, please enter the secret realm for the Encirclement and Suppression phase!"
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)