The Bet

The emperor did not hurry to finish. He looked at Xue Lingyun, as if deliberately letting that brief silence linger between them a little longer.

"If Shrek Academy can win the championship in this tournament," he finally said, his tone not as formal as before, though not entirely relaxed either, "then we will give this Spirit Bone directly to you as an extra reward. I ask everyone to keep this matter confidential." After saying that, he paused, his gaze settling on Xue Lingyun's face as if watching for what reaction those words would bring. Then he added, "Of course, that is if you win. If you lose..." He tilted his head and glanced at Xu Jiujiu, who stood beside him. "Then the outcome will be a little different."

Xue Lingyun did not answer immediately. The emperor paused, then said, "If you do not take the championship, then I hope Brother Lingyun will become engaged to my younger sister, and this Spirit Bone will be one of the engagement gifts."

The atmosphere in the room seemed to be pinned down in that instant. The cup Ma Xiaotao had just lifted stopped in midair. Wang Yan pushed up his glasses a beat faster than usual. Beibei's hand lifted from his knee, then settled back down. He Caitou's mouth hung slightly open and did not close for a moment. Huo Yuhao sat in the corner, his gaze sweeping back and forth between Xue Lingyun and the emperor as if confirming he had not misheard.

Xu Jiujiu stood at the emperor's side. The instant she heard those words, her entire body froze in place. She opened her mouth as if to say something, then closed it again. Her gaze did not turn to Xue Lingyun or to the emperor. She only stared at a