Chapter 121: Chance Encounter

Robin's gaze was fixed on the movements of those Black-robed Men.

At that moment, someone lightly patted his shoulder.

Robin spun around sharply, his Sword nearly drawing from its scabbard, but after seeing who approached, he immediately relaxed.

"Ailun, I never expected it was really you," a gentle voice said, with a hint of a smile.

Standing before Robin was a young woman in academy uniform; her long hair fell like a waterfall over her shoulders, and her eyes shone like stars. Her smile was warm and friendly, instantly endearing.

"Senior Ailina?" Robin asked, surprised, "How did you end up here?"

Ailina was a senior student at the Knight Academy; although she came from a common background, her cultivation talent was exceptional, making her a rare commoner prodigy in the academy. She was two years older than Robin, usually took good care of him, and the two had always gotten along well.

Ailina gave a slight smile, her tone teasing: "What, can't I come to the Asawa Festival? Or do you think commoners don't belong at such events?"

Robin quickly shook his head, a trace of embarrassment on his face: "No, I didn't mean that. I just didn't expect to run into you here."

Ailina let out a light laugh, her eyes soft: "Just kidding, don't be nervous. I heard you'd be attending the festival today, so I came looking for you."

Robin looked at her, a bit surprised: "Looking for me? Is there something?"

Ailina's gaze flickered, a faint blush appearing: "Actually nothing major, just... wanted to watch the festival with you."

Robin paused, then nodded: "Sure, I'm with Zhang Bolun, the more the merrier."

Zhang Bolun squinted nearby, about to speak.

"Young master, you're really slow!"

Robin gave Zhang Bolun a puzzled look; before he could ask, Ailina stepped beside him and whispered: "Then let's go, I heard this year's float parade is especially spectacular."

The three walked forward along the main street, cheers and music intertwining, the atmosphere lively and joyous.

Ailina walked beside Robin, occasionally turning her head to glance at him, admiration barely hidden in her eyes; her steps were light, her long hair fluttered in the night breeze, seeming out of place amid the clamor yet blending harmoniously.

"Ailun, I heard your recent performance at the academy has been outstanding," Ailina said softly, her tone warm and approving, "Even Vice Dean Mei Linde holds you in a different light."

Hearing the name "Vice Dean Mei Linde," Robin's steps faltered slightly, a look of surprised doubt on his face. He turned toward Ailina, brow furrowed: "Vice Dean Mei Linde? She regards me differently? How did I not know?"

Ailina clearly was surprised by Robin's reaction, her eyes widening a bit, tone surprised: "You didn't know? Vice Dean Mei Linde is one of the academy's three Vice Deans; her attention isn't given to just anyone. Didn't you notice?"

Robin shook his head, confused: "I really didn't notice. Vice Dean Mei Linde... what kind of person is she?" He grew more wary; that woman was a Vice Dean, why did she claim to be just an ordinary noble?

Ailina gave a slight smile, her gaze deep: "Vice Dean Mei Linde is one of the most mysterious figures in the academy. She hails from an ancient noble family, power unfathomable, rumored to have already surpassed the realm of the Legendary Knight. Yet she rarely appears publicly, spending most time handling affairs deep within the academy. Those she notices are either geniuses among geniuses, or... she has seen some potential in them."

Robin listened, a faint unease rising. He recalled his recent performance at the academy; although it did attract some attention, he never imagined it would alarm someone as high‑ranking as Mei Linde.

"Why is she watching me?" Robin asked softly, his tone cautious.

Ailina shook her head, a hint of helplessness: "I don't know. But being noticed by Vice Dean Mei Linde isn't necessarily bad for you. After all, her resources and influence are far beyond ordinary people."

Robin scratched his head sheepishly, about to speak, when he suddenly spotted a few familiar silhouettes in the distant crowd. His eyes narrowed, and he whispered: "Wait, something's off over there."

Zhang Bolun and Ailina followed his gaze, seeing several Black-robed Men darting swiftly through the crowd, their movements secretive and rapid, clearly ill‑intent.

"Could it be members of the Wizard Council!" Zhang Bolun exclaimed softly, his face full of shock.

Robin's eyes sharpened; he whispered: "Be careful, they might have some plot."

Ailina nodded, her tone tense: "Should we alert the academy guards?"

Robin shook his head, whispering: "Too late, let's chase them first."

Just as the three prepared to act, a huge bang rang out from the other end of the street.

Flames and thick smoke shot upward, the crowd instantly plunged into chaos.

Screams and cries intertwined, the orderly parade was scattered, people fled in all directions.

"What happened?" Ailina shouted, shock on her face.

Robin's eyes flashed sharp, he whispered: "It's an attack! Quick, we must evacuate the crowd!"

At that moment, more explosions echoed across the street.

Black-robed Men surged from the shadows, weapons in hand, launching indiscriminate attacks on the crowd.

Their faces wore mad smiles, as if reveling in the slaughter.

"It's the Wizard Council!" Robin growled, anger flashing in his eyes.

Amid the chaos, Tuoleisi walked slowly toward Robin. A cold sneer curled on his face, dark light glinting in his eyes.

The power of the Soul-Eating Crystal surged within his body, making each step oppressive.

"Dog bastard, we meet again," Tuoleisi's voice was low and icy, as if from hell.

Robin spun sharply, meeting Tuoleisi's gaze. A cold light flickered in his eyes as he whispered: "Tuoleisi, you really came. A large‑scale attack by the Wizard Council doesn't fear the people's wrath."

Tuoleisi sneered, slowly raising his hand, a dark energy swirling in his palm: "People's wrath! Who can prove this was all done by the Wizard Council."

(End of Chapter)