After returning to the hotel, Chen Junting's group dispersed to their rooms.
Due to their outstanding performance, the Sun Moon authorities upgraded their accommodations—moving them directly to the fifth floor.
The Snow Demon Sect received the same privilege.
Before resting, Ning Tian—as captain—and Chen Junting—as vice-captain—made a decision: for the remaining round-robin matches, their main roster would no longer compete. The next six teams simply weren't strong enough to warrant their full strength.
Their substitutes were more than sufficient.
After all, Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's seven substitutes were all Soul Kings—far from weak.
"This time, Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has truly made its name," Ning Tian murmured, nestled in Chen Junting's arms, her smile widening as she recalled the crowds cheering their sect's name along the streets.
The sweeter the memory, the more her heart swelled with pride.
And in her eyes, none of this would've been possible without…
"Brother Junting."
Chen Junting, lost in thought while gently stroking her shoulder, looked down to find Ning Tian gazing at him—her eyes hazy, tender enough to melt silk.
Their eyes met. Chen Junting opened his mouth—
"Xiao… mmph—"
Her soft, jade-like lips pressed against his.
—
After nearly two hours of rest, the team headed to the dining hall.
There, they ran into two unexpected guests.
More precisely—two princesses.
"Congratulations," Xu Jiujiu said, glancing at the smiling Vina. "Now that you've crushed the Body Sect, calling yourselves 'Number One Sect Under Heaven' is entirely justified."
She paused, then added pointedly, "And you'll admit it too, right? After all, if not for Young Master Chen holding back, your Body Sect's young heir might've been left half-dead."
"What Body Sect?" Vina retorted. "We're clearly the Snow Demon Sect."
She didn't dispute the last part, though.
It was true.
"Heh, Sister Vina, don't joke," Xu Jiujiu teased. "Everyone knows Snow Demon Sect is just the Body Sect in disguise."
"Not at all," Vina insisted, refusing to concede.
The Body Sect is the Body Sect. Snow Demon Sect is Snow Demon Sect.
Just because Snow Demon Sect lost didn't mean the Body Sect had been defeated.
Seeing Xu Jiujiu's smug expression, Vina couldn't resist needling back: "Well, we're fine—we're both from Tianhun Empire, and Young Master Chen is kind-hearted enough to hold back. But you? When you face the Holy Spirit Cult, how will Xing Luo handle it?"
At this, Chen Junting exchanged a glance with the quietly chuckling Ning Tian.
Kind-hearted?
Chen Junting rubbed his nose awkwardly, feeling undeserving of the praise.
But more importantly—how did Xu Jiujiu truly view Vina's comment? No one knew if her stance had changed after her earlier humiliation at Tianlong Gate.
Ning Tian was equally curious.
Under their gazes, Xu Jiujiu was blunt: "Forfeit, of course. I'll forfeit outright."
She waved dismissively, utterly unashamed. "I don't care what those stubborn Tianlong (Heavenly Dragon) Sect fools think. I won't even show up—just forfeit. Preserving our empire's next generation matters most. Unlike Tianlong Gate, Xing Luo doesn't have geniuses growing like weeds on the roadside."
The last jab was clearly aimed at Tianlong Sect—her resentment still burning.
Noticing Xu Jiujiu's lingering bitterness, Vina probed gently, "Jiujiu… are you still angry at Tianlong Sect?"
"Angry? Who's angry?" Xu Jiujiu scoffed. "Because they implied our Xing Luo Imperial Academy are dogs? I didn't care at all."
You absolutely cared! Chen Junting and the others thought in unison.
Just then—"Chen Junting, Ning Tian."
A voice called out. They turned to see Ye Guyi approaching.
Understanding, Xu Jiujiu and Vina stepped back. "Since you have company, we won't intrude. Keep up the good work in the next matches. May you win the championship."
"We'll take your blessings to heart," Ning Tian replied politely.
After bidding the princesses farewell, Chen Junting and Ning Tian led Ye Guyi aside. "This isn't a place to talk. Come with us."
They brought her to a meeting room.
Chen Junting pulled out a chair. "Sit."
Ning Tian poured three cups of tea, placing two before Chen Junting and Ye Guyi, then settled beside Chen Junting.
"By the way," Ning Tian asked, "how did you get into the hotel?"
"With the token you gave me," Ye Guyi said, flashing the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect insignia. "I told them I was from your sect, and they let me in."
Chen Junting seized the opening. "So you've agreed to join us?"
"Don't misunderstand," Ye Guyi tossed the token back. "I only borrowed it to sneak in. How else would I find you?"
Chen Junting caught it silently.
Ning Tian offered a gentle smile. "Then, Miss Ye, what brings you here? Any difficulties?"
"Difficulties? None. But I have a question." Ye Guyi turned sharply to Ning Tian, eyes blazing. "Does the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect recruit evil soul masters?"
Her gaze pierced, seeking guilt.
But Ning Tian was blameless. She took a polite sip of tea. "Miss Ye, why would you say that? Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and evil soul masters are mortal enemies."
"Then why recruit a Bone Dragon martial soul user?"
The moment the words left her mouth, Ning Tian's demeanor shifted. Her gentleness vanished, replaced by sharp eyes and a stern expression.
Ye Guyi instinctively tensed.
Did I say something wrong?
"Miss Ye, you're being reckless," Ning Tian said coldly, setting down her cup. "Moreover, we've never insulted your ancestors. So if you would, please apologize—to our sect's ancestors and to Gu Tianchen himself."
Insult your ancestors?
Apologize?
Wait… what are you even talking about?!
Ye Guyi was utterly bewildered.
Wasn't I here to confront them about evil soul masters?
How did I end up needing to apologize before even finishing my sentence? What's going on?!
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