Chapter 777

After entering the villa, the half-breed Bingyue Xi's pale, delicate face still bore a faint blush.

She leaned lightly against the sofa, her full chest rising and falling slightly with nervous tension, her curves graceful.

After a brief pause, her moist red lips parted, and a melodious voice sounded:

"According to our latest intelligence, Brother Bing Shu may be adding another Eighth-Rank Grand Master."

"The number of Eighth-Rank Grand Masters on his side could rise from six to seven."

"An Eighth-Rank Grand Master? Who?" Xu Jingming was surprised.

Eighth-Rank Grand Masters weren't common; they weren't easy to find.

"It's Wu Xuan—the strongest member of our Fox Spirit Guild, aside from my father."

"He possesses an A-Rank elemental Wind ability, with a rank of Eighth-Rank Upper."

Bingyue Xi sighed as she explained:

"I originally thought he wouldn't join the succession struggle, but I never expected him to enter after all."

"And he's siding with my brother—I wonder what conditions my brother offered him."

"An Eighth-Rank Upper Grand Master?"

Xu Jingming frowned and asked: "How are the five matches tomorrow arranged? Do we submit names in advance, then fight in order?"

Submit the list early, then start the matches in order?"

Bingyue Xi shook her head. "A draw determines who goes first. The one who draws first must send out a fighter for the first match."

"Then in the second match, the other side goes first, and they alternate until all five matches are done."

"In this format, going first is a disadvantage," Xu Jingming said, shaking his head.

Everyone knows the story of Tian Ji's horse racing—the side that sends fighters first gives the other side the chance to counter strategically.

For example, if Bingyue Xi's side sends out an Eighth-Rank Middle Grand Master,

the other side can simply assign an Eighth-Rank Lower Grand Master to eliminate that strong fighter, saving their own stronger fighters for later.

"By the way, you must know the details of Bing Shu's Eighth-Rank Grand Masters, right?" Xu Jingming pressed.

"By the way, you should be familiar with all the details about that eighth-rank Grand Master from Cold Tree, right?"

Bingyue Xi nodded slightly. "Besides Wu Xuan, Bing Shu has two other Eighth-Rank Middle Grand Masters."

"One is himself, the other is the legion commander, Chen Xiu."

"The remaining four are only Eighth-Rank Lower."

"You know my lineup: one Eighth-Rank Middle Grand Master, plus two Eighth-Rank Lower Grand Masters."

"I'll be competing at 9 a. . too—I can count myself as an Eighth-Rank Lower combatant."

"It looks like we have no advantage at all," Xu Jingming muttered.

"That's right. Even if we draw the advantage of going second, our chance of winning is still very low."

"It looks like we have no advantage at all." Xu Jingming couldn't help shaking his head.

Earlier, she'd wanted to give up the succession struggle—

partly because she truly feared for Xu Jingming's safety,

and partly because her odds of victory were simply too slim.

"Then let me take on Wu Xuan," Xu Jingming said thoughtfully.

"You'll take him?"

Bingyue Xi froze, then shook her head. "You can't beat him."

"If I take him, there's still a chance. If you give him to anyone else, you have zero chance."

Xu Jingming's voice was steady and firm.

Even before, his strength far surpassed ordinary A-Rank Eighth-Rank Middle Grand Masters.

Now that his Shen Nourishment Art had broken through to the Fifth Level, he should be able to handle an Eighth-Rank Upper Grand Master.

"You're right—we can only gamble on this."

Bingyue Xi had no better idea, so she reluctantly nodded.

"Alright, then let's leave it at that. I'm going back to my room to rest. Wake me when we're ready to leave."

Xu Jingming nodded.

In the Wild Zone, though he couldn't move at night, he'd spent every night studying Body Strengthening Art manuals inside caves—never rested.

For half a month straight, he hadn't closed his eyes.

Though his formidable physique wasn't greatly affected, he needed proper rest before facing an Eighth-Rank Upper Grand Master.

"I'll take you there."

Bingyue Xi rose quickly and led Xu Jingming to the room already prepared for him.

"Sister, you were bold just now," Bingyue Chan said, approaching with a teasing smile.

Thinking of that broad, firm chest, Bingyue Xi's face flushed faintly again.

She glared at her. "What do you know, little girl? I was only worried Xu Jingming might get into danger and attract the attention of domestic powerhouses."

"You can fool others, but don't fool yourself."

Bingyue Chan wore an expression that said she'd seen right through her.

Then she blinked, imitating Bingyue Xi's serious tone: "By the way, wasn't it recently reported that Ling Shuang, the head of Thunder Martial Arts, publicly acknowledged Xu Jingming as her partner?"

"She's even a few years older than you, isn't she? If she can do it, why can't you?"

"I think you should be more proactive—you might just win over this little junior."

Leng Yuechan gave him a look as if she had seen right through him.

Bingyue Xi paused, then immediately reacted. Flames of intense heat swirled around her body as she snapped, "Xiao Chan, are you itching for a beating?"

"Uh—time's late, I'm going to bed. Good night!"

Seeing her sister furious, Bingyue Chan kicked off the sofa with her long legs and dashed back to her room.

"You got away fast this time."

Bingyue Xi snorted, then retracted her ability.

Leng Yuexi paused, then immediately reacted—scorching flames surged around her body as she blushed in anger:

her beautiful eyes unconsciously drifted toward Xu Jingming's room, and she murmured to herself:

"Be more proactive…?"

After a long while, she pulled her gaze back and walked to her own room.

The match began at 9 a. ., held at the central headquarters building of the Fox Spirit Guild compound.

From the villa, it was only a few minutes' walk.

So Bingyue Xi waited until just after eight before waking Xu Jingming.

After washing up, they stepped out precisely at 8: 0.

"Jingming, I saw the news recently," Bingyue Xi said, brushing her hair aside as if casually. "Ling Shuang publicly admitted you're her partner—is that true?"

After a long while, she withdrew her gaze and walked back to her bedroom.

Xu Jingming nodded. "Why? Is something wrong?"

It only takes a few minutes to walk from this villa over there.

Bingyue Xi shook her head, smiling lightly. "Ling Shuang is one of the sisters I've always admired."

"I heard her name from Su Qingli long ago, but never had the chance to meet her."

"Next time, could you help me introduce myself?"

"Sure, no problem. When you come to Mocheng, I'll arrange it."

Xu Jingming didn't sense anything unusual and replied casually.

"Good."

Bingyue Xi nodded, a faint sly glint flashing across her pale, delicate face.

"Nothing."

Leng Yuexi shook her head and smiled lightly. "Ling Shuang is one of the sisters I truly admire."

I heard her name from Su Qingli back then, but never got the chance to meet her."

Next time I get the chance, I'll rely on you to introduce us."

"Sure, no problem. When you come to Mocheng, I'll introduce you two."

Xu Jingming felt nothing amiss and said casually.

"That's good."

Leng Yuexi nodded, a hint of mischief flickering across her fair face.