After returning to the Royal Blossom Hotel, Elder Shan sighed while looking at Yuan, "I knew you'd attract Sect Master Song's attention at the competition with your talents, but I didn't think we'd encounter her before the competition, and she'd even gone as far as trying to poach you. This is going to be problematic…"
"Why would it be problematic? I have already refused her invitation to join the Heavenly Melody Academy," Yuan said.
"Just because you'd refused her invitation doesn't mean she'll give up on you, Disciple Yuan. And knowing Senior Song's character, she'll most likely continue trying to poach you until she gets tired of it, which might take a couple of years if not decades..."
"Hopefully the Sect Master can convince Senior Song to give up." Elder Xuan sighed loudly.
"Anyway, you should stay inside the hotel for the rest of the day. It's best to stay lowkey after what happened at the park today since I'm sure that it is already being spread around as we speak."
As Elder Xuan had guessed, the people that witnessed Yuan's performance were already spreading what they witnessed and how an unknown zither expert from the Dragon Essence Temple had defeated the Heavenly Melody Academy's Sect Master, Song Ling'er. Of course, nobody believed this rumor at first, since they would've known about such an expert already if he really existed.
But as more and more people began spreading the news with even some reputable musicians saying the same thing, some people could not help but start believing the rumors to a certain extent.
"Since there's nothing to do until the competition tomorrow, I'll log off for today," Yuan said to the elders before logging off in their room and spending the remainder of the day cultivating in the real world, even advancing a level by the end of the day, reaching 7th level Spirit Apprentice.
The following day, after returning to the game and some preparations, Yuan and the others left the hotel and went to the gathering area again.
"Good luck, both of you. We'll be watching your performance in the spectators' area," Elder Shan said to Yuan and Fei Yuyan once they reached outside the gathering area.
"Good luck, Yuan! I'll be cheering for you!" Xuan Wuhan said to him with a bright smile on her face.
"Good luck, Disciple Yuan…" Min Li said to him, feeling a little awkward, as this is her first time being in such a situation.
"Good luck, and above all, have fun." Elder Xuan said with a smile.
"Thank you all," Yuan said to them before following Fei Yuyan inside the gathering area.
"Hm? There appear to be fewer people here today than before. What happened?" Yuan asked after noticing that the gathering area was much more empty compared to yesterday.
"Only participants are allowed here now, that's why." Fei Yuyan said. "Anyway, there's still another hour or so until they close the gates and begin the competition. Let's find a place to wait until then."
Yuan nodded and followed Fei Yuyan around until they found an empty spot underneath a tree, where they proceeded to wait.
"Look over there— isn't that Fairy Fei from the Dragon Essence Temple? She's participating in this year's competition as well!"
"Who's her partner, though? And why is that person wearing a mask?"
The other participants there quickly noticed Fei Yuyan's presence, and some of them even decided to approach her with friendly greetings.
"Hello, Fairy Fei. I am Wan Hu from the Wan Family. I just want to let you know that I'd started playing the zither after witnessing your performance in the previous competition, and now I am participating in the competition myself."
"Fairy Fei, do you remember me? I am Du Ruhui, and I was ranked 8th place in the last competition."
Fei Yuyan glanced at these people, and then she said, "Please do not bother me right now, I am trying to concentrate on the competition. If you have the time to chit chat, use that time to prepare yourself for the competition instead."
These people were dumbfounded by Fei Yuyan's cold response, but it was not unexpected, since Fei Yuyan was known for being distant towards others, especially men.
Meanwhile, Yuan surveyed the area, even paying attention to the people that were just entering the place, almost like he was searching for a certain individual.
Of course, he was simply trying to see how many participants there were players.
Time passed quickly, and the gates to the gathering were shut exactly an hour later.
"Welcome to the 100th Zither Competition."
A familiar face suddenly appeared before the participants and said out loud, silencing the place immediately.
"That's Senior Zou…" Yuan mumbled after seeing him.
"My surname is Zou, and I am one of the judges that will be participating in this year's competition," Senior Zou said, and he continued, "Allow me to introduce the other two judges that will be working with me today."
A few seconds later, two figures descended from the sky and landed beside Senior Zou.
One of them was a woman wearing a crimson red dress and a veil over her head, whilst the other judge was a tall handsome man that emitted a powerful aura.
"On my right side, we have Senior Song, Sect Master of the Heavenly Melody Academy." Senior Zou introduced Song Ling'er.
He then pointed to the tall man and said, "On the other side, we have Elder Jing from the Heaven and Earth Palace, our sponsor for this year's competition!"
After introducing the judges, Senior Zou continued, "Normally, we would grade each of you separately until the final event, but as most of you have guessed, we will be doing things slightly different for this year's competition."
While Senior Zou talked about competition, Song Ling'er searched the crowd with her sharp eyes from behind the veil, seemingly trying to look for a certain individual.
'Found him! He's really participating in this competition! Yuan!' Song Ling'er's eyes widened when she saw Yuan with his black jade mask standing beside Fei Yuyan, and she could immediately feel her heart beating slightly faster than just a moment ago for some reason.