Li Luo’s and Wang Hejiu’s squads were locked in an exhilarating battle, and many of the mentors’ attention was with them.
Even further away, a sparse group of people were sitting on a high wall, watching. It was a good position that allowed them a limited view of all three battlefields.
There were light screens that also showed footage from the various battlefields.
Since the One, Two, and Three Star Hall students were fighting it out, the only ones free enough to sit back and watch were the Four Star Hall students.
They were also the strongest and most experienced students in the Astral Sage College, holding themselves with a confidence befitting their training and elite status. Once they graduated, generous offers would be extended to them from the five Great Houses, the royal court, and other esteemed families.
These Four Star Hall students were lounging around and offered their commentary to each other.
Suddenly, a tall figure landed elegantly on the tall wall, and all eyes shifted over.
They looked at the person with a mixture of surprise and passion.
Gold eyes, a long ponytail, and beauty that was nothing short of divine. Who else but Jiang Qing’e?
Even though she was only a Three Star Hall student, none of the Four Star Hall students present dared to take her lightly. After all, it was no secret that she planned to challenge the Seven Astral Pillars soon.
She was just awesome!
Even Gong Shenjun had only won the title as a Four Star Hall student. If Jiang Qing’e succeeded, she would set a new record.
Jiang Qing’e ignored the looks that had turned her way, walking straight to the One Star Hall side and locking on to a screen.
She heard light footsteps behind her and turned, sensing a shift in the crowd’s mood.
The First Princess.
She was not in royal garb today, instead choosing a snug, off-white trouser and blouse combination that looked much more practical. Still, her busty curves strained from below the neckline, and so she had chosen a lavender covering as well, for modesty.
The two women had very different charms. The First Princess had the cold, authoritative bearing of royalty, while Jiang Qing’e had a fresh, straightforward appeal. A stately elegance versus a sinuous one.
The First Princess had a reputation and popularity that matched Jiang Qing’e’s, especially among the Four Star Hall students, who respected the two equally. She was the whole package: beauty, brains, and station.
“Junior Jiang, have you finished the ranking battles before the time limit? That’s astounding,” she said in a friendly manner.
There was a hidden mechanic in the ranking battles. When a squad reached a certain number of points and secured first place, the battle would be declared over even if the deadline of sunset had not yet arrived.
However, it was a mechanic that was rarely activated. After all, the number was not an easy one to reach, requiring an almost perfect clean sweep that included elite squads in the mix.
Jiang Qing’e met her gaze. “We were lucky. Two of the strongest squads didn’t cross paths with us, so we were able to end things.”
“Ah. I thought Junior Jiang might perhaps be anxious to see how the One Star Hall side was faring,” the First Princess said with a half-knowing smile.
Jiang Qing’e matched her half smile and nodded. “I am indeed interested in Li Luo’s situation.”
The First Princess was a little surprised by the honest answer. “You care deeply for him.”
“Of course.”
The First Princess changed the subject. “I hear Junior Jiang is challenging the Seven Astral Pillars this year.”
Jiang Qing’e nodded.
“This might be a sensational new record… But I hope you won’t be challenging me,” the First Princess said with quiet humor.
Jiang Qing’e laughed. “One would pick at the softest persimmons. No matter how you look at it, Your Highness is not that. I’m not that irrational.”
“Well, I’m relieved,” the First Princess said.
Jiang Qing’e smiled along with her. She could sense that the First Princess had come over with good intentions. She did not mind, and sensed no ill will from her. A working relationship between the two was mutually beneficial.
She sensed a new pair of eyes on her. She looked over, and he smiled back and nodded.
Gong Shenjun.
He was surrounded by many Four Star Hall students. They hooted as Gong Shenjun said hi to Jiang Qing’e.
Gong Shenjun ignored them, turning away after greeting her.
“My royal brother seems to have a special interest in you, Junior Jiang,” the First Princess said lightly.
Jiang Qing’e’s golden eyes were like miniatures of the setting sun. “We can be friends. And nothing more,” she said neutrally.
The First Princess’ eyes flickered, then she turned back to the screen. “How do you think Li Luo’s fight will turn out? He’s already down a teammate, it doesn’t look too good.”
“Don’t underestimate Li Luo, Your Highness. When he’s involved, miracles can happen any time before the final outcome.”
The First Princess smiled as she heard a hint of pride in that remark.
It was surprising because Jiang Qing’e had ended her own battle early without showing any pride at all in her staggering achievement.
The First Princess leaned forward on the railing, her ample chest on full display forward, where there were no eyes.
“Well then,” her red, phoenix eyes turned to the silver-haired youth. “Let’s see what miracle today brings…”
