After following behind Nalan Jie for some distance, the clamor gradually faded. Turning a corner, Xiao Yan discovered that there was another side entrance behind the plaza. Outside it, over a hundred fully armed soldiers had sealed the gate tight.
"Marshal Nalan!"
When Nalan Jie led Xiao Yan near the gate, the soldiers on duty respectfully saluted him.
Ignoring the soldiers, Nalan Jie led Xiao Yan straight through the gate as though no one else existed. The soldiers apparently knew who they were, as no one stepped forward to stop them.
After passing through the gate and walking a short distance, Xiao Yan's view suddenly opened up. Looking around, he saw that quite a few contestants who had passed yesterday's two rounds had already arrived at the plaza, gathered in small groups as they chatted and laughed.
Xiao Yan swept his gaze through the crowd several times, but he did not find Liu Ling or the little princess. His eyes slowly traveled upward toward the VIP seats above.
The instant he looked over, Xiao Yan's gaze froze.
Within his sight, beside Liu Ling stood a graceful figure dressed in a cyan gown.
"Nalan Yanran!"
Xiao Yan's heart trembled violently. This was the first time he had seen Nalan Yanran since making the Three-year agreement with her.
Liu Ling already knows who I am, and he is so close to Nalan Yanran. She must already know that I came to the imperial capital!
An indescribable emotion rose within him. Xiao Yan slowly took a step forward, intending to head into the plaza.
Just then, the little princess who had competed alongside Xiao Yan yesterday noticed his arrival. She turned and walked over with a smile. "Mr. Yan Xiao, you came quite early!"
The little princess's call immediately drew everyone's attention.
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