Chapter 96: No Hollow Heroes Under a Great Reputation!

Ye Huanhuan bit her silver teeth, glared at Ye Qingran with great resentment, yet dared not show it too obviously. After all, in others' eyes, she Ye Huanhuan is understanding and well‑read.

"It won't happen!"

Zhao Shi stared at Ye Qingran for a long time, repeatedly telling herself in her heart to endure, and only then did she not lose control on the spot.

"Since that's the case, I'll go back first, Zhao Yi Niang, goodbye!"

Ye Qingran smiled, waved at Zhao Shi, then turned and walked toward the Ye Residence.

In the instant she turned, a trace of disdain flashed across Ye Qingran's brows and eyes.

"You wanted to create a favorable stepmother persona, didn't you? Then I'll just make use of your persona!"

Watching Ye Qingran leave, Zhao Shi's eyes seemed laced with poison, both sinister and cold.

"Mother, don't be impatient; when the first day of May arrives, that will be the moment Ye Qingran meets her irreversible doom!"

Ye Huanhuan leaned close to Zhao Shi's ear and whispered.

Zhao Shi's face was covered with one bloodstain after another, blood seeping slowly from the wound, looking like a ghoul—tragically unbearable to look at!

Hearing that, and recalling their mother‑daughter's flawless scheming, Zhao Shi's mood finally improved a bit.

"Ye Qingran, this time, I will make you vanish completely!" Zhao Shi whispered softly, her tone like that of a ghoul.

But the pain coursing through her body like electric current along the nerves made Zhao Shi stagger forward and collapse; Ye Huanhuan couldn't catch her in time. The already disheveled Zhao Shi fell flat on the ground, limbs splayed. When she lifted her head, blood mixed with dirt covered her face—truly unbearable to behold!

The first day of May, the wind gentle and the sun bright.

The Celestial Dome was a wash of azure, endless and cloudless.

Under the blue sky, Xiliang City, Xuanwu Platform

"I heard that today the two Misses of the Ye Family will compete on the Xuanwu Platform; I wonder if it's true?"

"Of course it's true!"

"Then who do you think will win and lose between the two of them?"

"This kind of contest seems to have no suspense, right? Ye Sisi's talent may not match Ye Huanhuan's, but she's still among the top in Xiliang City. Ye Qingran, a waste body with no Spiritual Root, doesn't even qualify to step onto the Xuanwu Platform, does she?"

"That's not necessarily so! Don't forget, that day in front of Wuji Hall, Ye Qingran single‑handedly defeated the prodigy Miss Mu Qingrou of the Mu Family and the two geniuses, the Seventh Prince!"

"So, regarding today's match, who will win or lose, everything remains an unknown!"

……

Around the Xuanwu Platform, crowds swelled like mountains of people.

Obviously it's just an ordinary challenge, commonplace in Xiliang City.

Yet, for some reason, it became known to everyone.

So when Ye Qingran arrived as scheduled at the Xuanwu Platform and saw the massive crowd, she couldn't help but be stunned.

"It seems Ye Sisi's publicity work was very effective!"

Ye Qingran's gaze swept the crowd, and a teasing smile curled at the corner of her lips.

If it weren't for deliberate publicity, so many wouldn't have gathered at the Xuanwu Platform.

Leng Yue snorted coldly: "I think Ye Sisi, that fool, feels her embarrassment isn't big enough, so she insists everyone knows before she stops!"

Han Xing furrowed her dark brows, her tone icy as ice: "When trouble arises without cause, there must be a demon; this Ye Sisi is certainly plotting some scheme again!"

Deep within Ye Qingran's beautiful eyes, a hint of meaning surfaced.

"Enough about her, what about Xiao Hu and Fu Ze?"

"Earlier the two were clamoring to ride Xiao Yin; Xiao Yin must have been scared by them lately and hid. They're probably searching the whole street for it!"

Ye Qingran: "……"

She silently felt sympathy for Xiao Yin for three seconds.

Ye Qingran didn't bother further; with those two kids' cleverness, she wasn't afraid they'd get into trouble—so long as they didn't cause her any trouble, she'd be grateful to heaven and earth!

"Ye Qingran, I thought you wouldn't dare come!"

A proud voice came from behind; Ye Qingran turned toward it and saw Ye Sisi lift her head, chest out, walking toward her with full confidence.

Today's Ye Sisi clearly spent great effort, dressing herself in a grand manner.

She wore a sleek outfit of exquisite cloud brocade, fitting her figure perfectly and highlighting all her physical advantages.

Her makeup was also very delicate, as if she had decided to outshine Ye Qingran in appearance.

The onlookers, coming to watch, saw Ye Sisi radiant as peach blossoms, beautiful as spring flowers, and exclaimed how excellent the Ye family's genes were—three daughters all as beautiful as blossoms.

What shocked them even more was that alongside Ye Sisi were her sister Ye Huanhuan, Crown Prince Dongfang Qingxuan, Seventh Prince Dongfang Xuan, Thirteenth Princess Dongfang Ling'er, Mu Qingrou, Zhao Yan, and many noble ladies and gentlemen of Xiliang City whom they rarely saw.

Each noble figure exuded extraordinary temperament, dazzling and leaving everyone gaping.

"My god, so many have come, and each one's status is more noble than the last!"

"I never imagined even the Crown Prince would attend in person!"

"These people are all with Ye Sisi; in terms of momentum, Ye Sisi wins!"

……

Ye Qingran looked at the familiar faces before her, and couldn't help deepening her inner speculation.

It seems today's contest will definitely be more spectacular than she imagined!

"Ye Qingran, step onto the stage!"

Ye Sisi shouted loudly, and after speaking, she was the first to ascend the Xuanwu Platform.

The Xuanwu Platform stands in the central square of Xiliang City, at the heart of Xuanwu Street.

Usually, larger‑scale contests in Xiliang City are held here. Moreover, noble young masters also enjoy arranging challenges at this spot!

Around the Xuanwu Platform lies a vast open area that can accommodate tens of thousands of spectators.

Xuanwu Street is already bustling, but with Ye Sisi and others deliberately stirring it up, the crowd gathered reached unprecedented levels.

With such a grand display, those unaware might think a princess is holding a martial matchmaking here!

On Xuanwu Platform, two figures, one to the south and one to the north, stood facing each other from a distance of several tens of zhang.

Although Ye Sisi had prepared deliberately, she was far inferior to Ye Qingran in figure, appearance, and demeanor.

Ye Qingran stood tall and graceful, wearing a simple long dress; in the rustling wind she whirled and danced, revealing an elegant, ethereal beauty.

With a bare face, no makeup, yet her lips were like fire, her black hair like a waterfall, her skin whiter than snow; the simplest colors combined created a stunning beauty that surpassed all the charms of the world.

Everyone couldn't help but be startled.

Everyone said Ye Qingran's appearance was supreme and her demeanor awe-inspiring; seeing her today, she truly lived up to her reputation—no false fame beneath her great name.

In this contest yet to begin, Ye Qingran utterly defeats Ye Sisi in appearance and demeanor.

Praise for Ye Qingran's appearance and demeanor filled her ears, and Ye Sisi felt intense jealousy.

She gritted her teeth, a flash of calculation crossing her eyes.

"Ye Qingran, you claim to be the top beauty, don't you? Wait and see—I'll slash your face! Without this face, you'll have nothing!"

Ye Sisi thought maliciously.

She had decided—when the match came, she would surely take the chance to disfigure Ye Qingran!

"Sister, little sister, this match is just a friendly spar; remember to stop at the point of contact—we're family, don't act rashly and hurt each other."

Below the platform, Ye Huahuan spoke at the right moment, her beautiful face filled with deep worry.

Upon hearing this, everyone couldn't help but sigh at Ye Huahuan's kindness and attentiveness, saying she bore the bearing of a great general, moreover possessed the concern for country and people, and was the best choice for future mother of the world.

Ye Sisi coldly stared at Ye Qingran, sharpness flashing in her eyes, a brilliant light suddenly appearing.

She raged wildly in her heart.

"Ye Qingran, you're a waste without a spiritual root; without the Tiger King Pill's support, what do you have to beat me with?"

Thinking of that black firewood stick, Ye Sisi frowned slightly and shouted: "Ye Qingran, before the match begins, let's agree—no weapons!"