Amid the anticipation and fear of the new disciples at the First Academy, the final day of the martial trials finally arrived.
Ai Changyuan did not rise particularly early. When he opened his eyes, he could vaguely hear other disciples outside hurrying toward the competition grounds.
His routine had always been regular, and he quickly regained full awareness. Ai Changyuan rinsed his mouth, then took out his apple from his storage pouch and bit into it. If used merely to stave off hunger, this fruit, filled with pure spiritual power, was even better than most starch-heavy pastries. After breakfast, he pushed open his bedroom door and stepped outside.
Yuli was located in the south of Divine Land, and its climate was milder than that of Liedian Island in the northern region of the Western Sea. After squinting for a moment beneath the newly risen winter sun, Ai Changyuan strode toward the competition grounds.
"Hey, aren't you going to ask me anything after seeing me?"
A voice suddenly came from the background, calling Ai Changyuan to a halt.
The youth paused. "Oh, you're here."
Hu Jianhao lowered his head, his body trembling slightly. "You bastard... We haven't spoken for days. I specifically stood outside your door today. And you didn't react at all?"
"I didn't notice."
"You bastard... Just like your ancestor... looking down on everyone..."
Ai Changyuan played with the apple in his left hand, tilting his head as he thought. "You waited outside my door all night... Sorry, but Liedian Island has a fierce folkway. We're not into men."
Hu Jianhao's eyelid twitched, but he forcibly held back his temper. "You bastard... You can defeat Wang Qi, right?"
"That has nothing to do with you. If he faces me in a match, I'll naturally go all out."
Hu Jianhao