While the senior brothers were still trying to "let each other go first," as anxious as ants on a hot pan, one person stayed calm.
Second Senior Sister Xu Xingyun watched Su Ye's gaze soften and grow resolute, a faint smile playing at his lips. Understanding and amusement flickered in her beautiful eyes.
Wu Shan tried to persuade him again, but Su Ye gently moved his hand aside.
Under the astonished stares of everyone present, including the First Heavenly King's bewildered disciples, Su Ye strode forward.
Without a trace of hesitation.
Without the slightest reluctance.
Straight toward Xiao Qiyue.
The two met at the center of the Central Square beneath countless watching eyes.
Su Ye reached out naturally and took Xiao Qiyue's hand, cool but steady, interlacing his fingers with hers.
He looked at her, his eyes full of warmth and laughter, and spoke in a clear, steady voice.
"Qiyue, I'm here."
Xiao Qiyue squeezed his hand. The frost in her expression melted away, and she gave him a radiant smile that came straight from her heart. "Mm."
"!!!"
It was as if someone had hit mute on the entire square—then the place erupted!
"Holy crap! What's going on?!"
"Who's that guy?! He's gorgeous!"
"Wait... he and Your Highness Qiyue are holding hands?!"
"Now that's a perfect couple! They look incredible together!"
"His looks, his bearing—standing beside Your Highness Qiyue, he looks like he belongs in a painting!"
"But... isn't he only at the Transcendent Eighth Heaven? His Cultivation Level's a little low, isn't it?"
"Who cares about Cultivation Level? He's handsome! They're a feast for the eyes! That's a perfect match!"
Discussion surged like a tidal wave, but its focus had shifted completely.
Instead of saying Niels was unworthy of her, people were wondering who Su Ye was.
And