Chapter 183

0 Seeking flowers

"Mu Zhan and Xia Lantong, the two Prefects, as well as their teams, have also just arrived. You are the third to arrive," Changsun Xuanjing replied. "The only one left is Kou Shan's team, but they will be here soon too."

Mu Zhan is the Prefect of the Northern Territory's Beijiang Prefecture, while Xia Lantong and Kou Shan are the Prefects of the Southern Territory's Yougong and the Western Territory's Mingdian, respectively.

"I see!" Hearing Changsun Xuanjing's words, Wen Xiuyuan shrugged, not paying it any mind.

There was no rule stating that arriving early or late would affect the upcoming Academy Battle.

"Let's go. I will take you inside first; the ruins are almost at the time of opening." As her gaze swept over the group, in a place where no one noticed, Changsun Xuanjing cast a fleeting, imperceptible glance at Lu Li, a trace of gravity flashing in the depths of her eyes.

King Realm! As a freshman, Lu Li's strength far exceeded Changsun Xuanjing's imagination.

Ever since she learned that Lu Li was a student newly accepted by the Night Queen, and had even attracted the attention of a Supreme, Changsun Xuanjing had used her authority to collect quite a bit of information regarding Lu Li.

As one of the three Hall Masters of the Central Court, Changsun Xuanjing found it easier than others to access all sorts of unknown intelligence in her daily life.

Because of this, she was very clear that Lu Li was not a senior student of the Heaven Academy, but a freshman who had only just enrolled half a year ago.

From becoming a Magic Card Master to being admitted to the Heaven Academy, to have promoted to the King Realm in such a short time—even Changsun Xuanjing couldn't help but be startled.

Not to mention anything else, this promotion speed completely crushed her own from back then. Looking at the realm alone, Lu Li was already on the same level as the other contestants. At this moment, Changsun Xuanjing finally understood a little of the Supreme's thoughts.

Naturally, she was even more expectant of Lu Li's performance in the upcoming Academy Battle.

"Lu Li, why do I feel like Hall Master Changsun's gaze toward you seems different?" It must be said that women are extremely sensitive in certain aspects. This, Changsun Xuanjing had acted discreetly enough to deceive even Wen Xiuyuan, but she simply couldn't fool Xu Zhiyun. "Do you know each other?"

"How is that possible? This is my first time meeting Hall Master Changsun," Lu Li replied with annoyance. "Aren't you being too sensitive, Senior Sister?"

"Is that so? Maybe!" Hearing Lu Li's speculation, Xu Zhiyun also felt it made sense. After all, as a Central Court Hall Master, Changsun Xuanjing rarely appeared before the public, and Lu Li truly had no opportunity to know her.

346. Why do you have acquaintances everywhere!

"Although it is an exchange tournament between the four great academies, the number of participants is still not very large." Entering the interior of the ruins, the group only took a glance to see the contestants from Beijiang and Yougong who had arrived a step earlier.

The number of students recruited by the four great academies was not large to begin with, and the students who could represent their respective academies were the elite of the elite, so the number of contestants from each academy was naturally small.

The arrival of the Heaven Academy group also attracted the gazes of those within the ruins, but many only took a glance before losing interest. In the upcoming Academy Battle, they were in a competitive relationship.

"Mingyue, take them to rest first. Everyone, be sure to conserve your energy. Don't drop the ball in tomorrow's exchange tournament between the four great academies." After instructing the group, Wen Xiuyuan and Changsun Xuanjing departed from the team.

"Alright," clapping her hands, as one of the team-leading mentors for this Academy Battle, Zhan Tai Mingyue attracted everyone's attention. "You all heard what the Prefect just said."

"The four great academies' exchange tournament will be held tomorrow, but don't put too much pressure on yourselves. The most important thing right now is to conserve your energy and prepare for the upcoming exchange tournament."

"Alright, follow me to the resting area now." After speaking, Zhan Tai Mingyue led the group away first, heading toward the resting area.

Although this was a ruin, the dining and accommodation facilities were fully equipped. Clearly, these were all within the scope of consideration, as the exchange tournament of the four great academies would not end in just one day.

As for the teams from the Northern and Southern Territories, they also left the ruins' hall one after another under the leadership of their respective mentors.

"This living environment, although there is still a gap compared to the Heaven Academy, is more high-end than an average hotel." Lu Li only took a look at the living quarters before withdrawing his gaze.

Every contestant had independent accommodation, which ensured that all contestants could get sufficient rest.

"Since there is still time now, let's deal with the matters that haven't been handled yet." With a wave of his hand, the silver-haired, blue-eyed girl Kisara was summoned.

"Master!" Seeing Lu Li summon her, a trace of confusion flashed on Kisara's face, but it quickly turned into joy. After all, there were not many opportunities to be alone with Lu Li like this in daily life.

"Come, Kisara," pulling the silver-haired, blue-eyed girl into his arms, a second Chaos Ritual Magic Card appeared in Lu Li's other hand. "This was made specifically for you."

Hearing Lu Li's words, the smile on Kisara's face grew even wider. "Thank you, Master."

Kisara had known from Mana a long time ago that Lu Li would occasionally make Magic Cards to improve their strength, but she didn't expect it to be her turn this time.

The Chaos Ritual Magic Card was placed on her chest, and under the gaze of the two, it slowly merged into Kisara's body. Subsequently, the aura on Kisara's body climbed abruptly, but in the end, it did not successfully break through. After all, it was only a special Magic Card, not enough to raise Kisara, whose basic quality was already not low, to a higher level.

"How does it feel?" Although there were already two examples, Mana and the Red-Eyes Black Dragon, Lu Li still stroked Kisara's silver hair and asked.

"A very wonderful feeling, but it's a pity that I didn't break through my original strength." Closing her eyes slightly to perceive for a few seconds, Kisara spoke with a hint of regret.

If she could break through her original strength, she would be able to become a greater help to Lu Li.

"Don't worry, I will make more Magic Cards to improve your strength in the future." As a Magic Card Master, Lu Li naturally couldn't be unaware of Kisara's inner thoughts, and he reached out to lift her chin.

"Besides combat, you can help me in many other areas." A moment later, Lu Li let go of Kisara and couldn't help but tease.

"Master!" An intoxicating blush rose on Kisara's face, and she murmured as she slowly squatted down.

"Lu Li, we plan to go eat something. Would you like to join us?" Having had a mandarin duck bath with Kisara, feeling refreshed, and having relaxed well before the competition, Lu Li sent the girl back to the Eternal Land to rest and familiarize herself with the power of the Chaos Ritual, only to receive an invitation from Feng Jingtian.

"No problem." After thinking for a few seconds, Lu Li agreed. After all, he had consumed quite a bit of physical strength in that great battle just now, and he really needed to eat something good.

He was not like Kisara; as a Magic Card Spirit, even if Kisara was exhausted by Lu Li, she could recover quickly as long as there was magic power replenishment.

A moment later, Lu Li had already met up with Feng Jingtian, but besides Feng Jingtian, Sheng Yishuang, Si Xuanang, and others were also there. After exchanging greetings, the group walked toward the restaurant.

During this time, they saw many Magic Card Masters from the other three great academies. Clearly, after such a long time, the team from the Western Territory's Mingdian had also arrived.

Dinner was in the form of a buffet. Many people had arrived before Lu Li and the others. The entire restaurant was divided into four different areas, and the contestants from each academy formed their own factions.

Lu Li and the others got their food and saw Dai Lingyang, Xu Zhiyun, and others sitting in a corner. Without thinking too much, they walked over.

"You're here too." Seeing Lu Li and the others arrive, Dai Lingyang nodded. "We happen to be discussing the contestants from the other three great academies. Do you want to listen in?"

"That goes without saying." Si Xuanang spoke up. To be honest, they were also interested in the contestants from the other three great academies.

"First is the aspect of strength." Seeing this, Dai Lingyang continued the previous topic. "The students who can represent their respective academies in the exchange tournament have guaranteed strength, with the lowest reaching the Monarch Realm. However, the number of King Realm experts is not large, only about three to four per academy."

Regarding this, the group was not too surprised. After all, their team representing the Heaven Academy was composed similarly. If one really had to say, they had gained an extra King Realm expert in Lu Li, so it still seemed like they had profited.

"Although the configurations between the various academies are similar, there are still some contestants worth noting." Ou Hanxiang took over from Dai Lingyang, then gestured for everyone to look toward the direction of the Southern Territory contestants.

"First is the Southern Territory." Under Ou Hanxiang's gesture, everyone looked over imperceptibly. "See that girl with red hair? That is Yan Yuexin. Although she isn't as outrageous as you, Junior Brother Lu Li, participating in the Academy Battle as a freshman, she is one grade lower than you, Zhiyun. She possesses King Realm strength as a junior, specializing in fire-type Magic Cards, crushing opponents with terrifying firepower."

Red hair and red eyes—this was Yan Yuexin's most unusual identifier. In terms of both appearance and figure, she was not inferior to Shangguan Wan'er and the others in the slightest.

Only, upon seeing Yan Yuexin, a strange expression rose on Lu Li's face. He didn't expect it to be such a coincidence that she was a contestant representing Yougong.

"Lu Li, do you know Yan Yuexin?" Noticing Lu Li's strange expression, Ou Hanxiang couldn't help but ask.

"It doesn't count as knowing her; I just met her once at the Four Realms Sky back then." Lu Li replied casually.

"Is that so? That's quite a coincidence." Hearing Lu Li's explanation, Ou Hanxiang couldn't help but tease. "However, Yan Yuexin's identity is not simple. She is the great-granddaughter of the Southern Territory Lord."

347. Holy Maiden Candidate of the Holy See

The great-granddaughter of the Southern Territory Lord? Good heavens, this identity is truly impressive. If one really had to say, Yan Yuexin's situation was somewhat similar to Meng Ningdie's.

The Southern Territory Lord is an Undying Realm powerhouse comparable to the Night Queen, and as her great-granddaughter, Yan Yuexin naturally possessed resources that already surpassed everyone else. No wonder she possessed King Realm strength as a junior; this path was truly very similar to Meng Ningdie's.

It wouldn't be surprising if, in another two years, Yan Yuexin became the next Meng Ningdie, and the probability of this was very high.

"Besides being the great-granddaughter of the Southern Territory Lord, Yan Yuexin is also a Holy Maiden candidate of the Flame Spirit Sect. She possesses quite a few Magic Card Spirits exclusive to the Flame Spirit Sect. If you encounter Yan Yuexin in the upcoming Academy Battle, you must be careful." However, Yan Yuexin was far more than just the Southern Territory Lord's great-granddaughter. Ou Hanxiang revealed another of Yan Yuexin's identities: "Red Lotus Holy Maiden—this is Yan Yuexin's title as a Holy Maiden candidate of the Flame Spirit Sect."

Hearing Ou Hanxiang's introduction of Yan Yuexin's identity, Si Xuanang, Xu Zhiyun, and the others couldn't help but have a flash of surprise in their eyes, which then turned into gravity.

The great-granddaughter of the Southern Territory Lord, a Holy Maiden candidate of the Flame Spirit Sect—these two identities, whichever one it was, were enough to be taken seriously. And now that they were all concentrated on Yan Yuexin, it only served to show that her strength was definitely extraordinary.

"A Holy Maiden candidate of the Flame Spirit Sect?" Compared to Yan Yuexin's strength, Lu Li was more curious about her identity as a Holy Maiden candidate of the Flame Spirit Sect. "I remember that the Holy See's process and rules for selecting Holy Sons and Holy Maidens are very strict, and even those who are not citizens of the country cannot serve. Why was Yan Yuexin able to be selected as a Holy Maiden candidate of the Flame Spirit Sect?"

As for the combat style of terrifying firepower that Ou Hanxiang mentioned, Lu Li felt that this was a joke in front of a ship girl who had liberated her hull.

Only, this title was truly special. Red Lotus Holy Maiden—he wondered if she was Joan of Arc's alter ego.

The territory of the Magic Card civilization is vast, with countries of various sizes standing within it. Among them, the most powerful are naturally the three major countries that possess Supremes; the Ancient Kingdom is one of them, and the Holy See where the Flame Spirit Sect is located is the second country to possess a Supreme.

Unlike the Ancient Kingdom, the Holy See is not a country in the traditional sense, but a special nation composed of various different religions.

The entire Holy See operates in an orderly manner under the rule of the Supreme, and the Popes of various religions hold an attitude of awe toward the Supreme, and address the other as the Pontiff.

Yan Yuexin, who possesses the qualification of a Holy Maiden candidate, belongs to the Flame Spirit Sect, which is one of the religions affiliated with the Holy See. Moreover, the Flame Spirit Sect is one of the six most powerful religions in the Holy See, and the Pope of the Flame Spirit Sect is equivalent to a Territory Lord of the Ancient Kingdom in status.

However, unlike the Ancient Kingdom, there is no special organization like the Central Court of the Ancient Kingdom above the six major religions, so the number of Undying Realm powerhouses in the Holy See and the Ancient Kingdom is actually equivalent.

"I'm not clear on that, after all, I am neither a Magic Card Master of the Southern Territory nor a Magic Card Master of the Holy See." Hearing Lu Li's question, Ou Hanxiang shrugged, indicating that she had no way to answer Lu Li's question.

Seeming to notice the gazes of Lu Li and the others, Yan Yuexin, who was originally exchanging intelligence with others from the Southern Territory, glanced at Lu Li and the others. Her body couldn't help but tremble, and an expression of astonishment appeared in her eyes.

Wait, why is he here, hey! Thinking of the encounter in the Endless Sea back then, Yan Yuexin couldn't help but show a subtle expression on her face.

She also didn't expect that the young Magic Card Master who defeated the Lord of the Endless Sea back then was actually a representative of the Eastern Territory's Heaven Academy. This world was too small!

"Yuexin, what's with your expression? Is something uncomfortable?" In the Yougong team, one of the girls noticed that Yan Yuexin's expression was not normal and couldn't help but ask with concern.

Among the contestants for Yougong this time, the strongest was naturally the returning student who was pursuing advanced studies, but Yan Yuexin could not be underestimated either. Plus, with her identity that far exceeded ordinary people, if something went wrong, it would be troublesome.

"It's nothing, just suddenly thought of some things." Coming back to her senses, Yan Yuexin shook her head.

She had also produced a nine-star Magic Card some time ago. Even if she faced Lu Li again, she might not necessarily lose.

However, she still had to tell others about Lu Li's situation.

Thinking this, Yan Yuexin took a deep breath, her face carrying a hint of seriousness. "Let's continue the previous topic. In the Heaven Academy's team, there is another contestant worth noting. If you encounter him in the upcoming Academy Battle, you must be careful."

Seeing Yan Yuexin's serious expression, the Yougong group subconsciously tensed up.

"As for the Western Territory, the Mingdian follows a policy of balanced development. Although there are Kings, no one's strength is particularly outstanding or eye-catching, but you cannot underestimate them just like that." Not knowing that Yan Yuexin had already listed Lu Li as a dangerous person, Dai Lingyang took over the conversation and continued to introduce: "Compared to fighting alone, Mingdian's Magic Card Masters are more skilled at cooperation between Magic Card Spirits and Magic Card Spirits, and between Magic Card Masters and Magic Card Masters. If you encounter them in a team battle, you must treat their strength as being raised by one grade."

Mingdian clearly did not follow the conventional path. Compared to the other three great academies, they paid more attention to team cooperation, but this was also a characteristic of the Western Territory, which involved quite a few historical legacy issues, and there was no way to delve too deeply into it. ===== CHAPTER 184 =====