Tang San ran his fingertips across the back of the paper but found no trace of blood.
"What is it?"
Yu Xiaogang looked up and asked.
"There seemed to be some color here just now."
"Probably ink."
Oscar leaned over for a look.
"The competition committee copied the rules at the last minute. It's not strange for the paper to have ink stains."
Tang San held the paper closer to the window.
The surface was clean, and the Blue Silver Grass had not conveyed anything unusual.
Perhaps it really had been an illusion caused by his constant vigilance.
He handed the rules back to Yu Xiaogang and led everyone in adjusting to the order of appearance for the individual matches.
Training continued until dusk, when the sound of a carriage once again came from outside the academy gates.
A Royal Knight entered to report.
"His Highness the Crown Prince has come for a private visit. He wishes to see Tang San alone."
Xiao Wu set down the water jug in her hand.
"They only searched us this morning. Why is she here again?"
Flender looked toward the courtyard entrance.
"She didn't bring the Royal Knights this time, so she probably isn't here to investigate."
Dai Mubai leaned against the wall.
"It's only natural for the Heaven Dou Imperial Family to have its eyes on Xiao San. Twin Martial Souls and a ten-thousand-year fourth ring—who wouldn't want to recruit him?"
"Even so, he can't meet her alone."
Xiao Wu walked to Tang San's side.
"I'll go with you."
"The Crown Prince specifically asked to see only me. Bringing someone along would be discourteous."
Tang San straightened his cuffs and left all his hidden weapons where they were.
If Xue Qinghe intended to make a move, she had had far more opportunities