Invitation to the Skysea Alliance Grand Tournament

"Today, I'll cover everyone's expenses here."

Qi Ji pulled the all-black unlimited black card from his pocket, spun it around his fingers, then gave a slight bow to the guests around him who had been disturbed, his tone sincere and composed.

"Sorry for disturbing everyone's meal. It's just a small gesture of goodwill, so please don't stand on ceremony."

The guests around them, who had originally been somewhat displeased, visibly softened after seeing the limited black card and Qi Ji's familiar face as a public figure of the Federation.

Quite a few even revealed approving smiles, quietly discussing things like, "As expected of the Federation's genius. He really has a sense of responsibility."

Qi Ji smiled and nodded, but inwardly calculated—anyway, it wasn't his money. The Federation had given him this black card, and no matter how much he charged to it, the Federation would foot the bill.

Not only would he avoid spending his own money, he could also win the favor of the wealthy businessmen and officials present, while conveniently establishing an image of being "responsible and commanding" in front of Tang Wuling and Gu Yuena. Why not?

All that could be said was that this round of public relations had been flawless.

Qi Ji brought the two girls back home.

Calling it home was a bit of a stretch. It was actually a high-rise apartment in the center of Mingdu. It was quite spacious, with clean, efficient decor. The living room held a broad gray sofa and a floor-to-ceiling window, beyond which the city lights spread beneath the night sky, making the place seem especially quiet.

Tang Wuling and Gu Yuena often came over here as well, and both were already thoroughly familiar with the layout of Qi Ji's home.

Qi Ji sat on the sofa with one leg crossed over the other, his arms folded as his gaze swept back and forth across the two girls sitting properly opposite him.

Tang Wuling lowered her head, twisting the hem of her clothes between her fingers with an expression that said, "I know I was wrong." Gu Yuena, meanwhile, tilted her head slightly. Her long silver hair fell over half her face. Though she said nothing, at least her attitude appeared proper enough.

Qi Ji nodded inwardly in satisfaction—good. As long as they listened, it meant he still had some authority as their "parent," though the whole arrangement was rather upside down.

"I know you're both prodigies on the Young Genius Rankings. Neither of you is willing to yield to the other, so it's normal for you to compete."

Qi Ji spoke, his tone unhurried, as though he were lecturing two unruly children.

"It's a good thing that you've made breakthroughs in your cultivation. But you also need to consider how ordinary people feel. There were so many people in that restaurant. If you two had started fighting without restraint, what would have happened to them? Ordinary people can't withstand even a casual strike from you."

In truth, Qi Ji did not care as much as he claimed.

With him there, and perhaps a few high-ranking Soul Masters hidden in the restaurant as well, nothing serious would have happened even if they had fought.

But what one thought and what one said were two different matters.

It was fine to criticize Buddha Tang's double standards verbally, but when it came down to reality, who wouldn't want to say, "You have invited your own death"?

That feeling of looking down on someone and lecturing them was, honestly, rather satisfying.

Still, Qi Ji understood himself clearly. At the very least, he would not be like Buddha Tang and think himself some immaculate saint—he admitted that he had double standards, admitted his selfishness, and admitted that he enjoyed having two genius girls revolve around him.

There was nothing wrong with being a little more honest in life.

"Sorry... we were wrong." Tang Wuling and Gu Yuena spoke in unison.

Though one still sounded a little unconvinced and the other was cold enough to carry no warmth, they had at least admitted it aloud.

"Alright, I understand that you want to settle who's stronger." Seeing that the timing was about right, Qi Ji changed the subject.

"As it happens, I have an opportunity here that will let you compete openly and fairly—though it won't be as simple as just fighting each other."

"How?" The two girls almost simultaneously lifted their heads, their gazes landing on Qi Ji.

"The Skysea Alliance Grand Tournament will be held before long," Qi Ji said slowly.

"The Skysea Alliance sent me an invitation. They want me to participate too, perhaps to help draw attention or something. I thought I might as well register the two of you as well. We'll see who ends up placing higher in the individual event. What do you think?"

Qi Ji was not making that up. The Skysea Alliance had indeed remained in contact with him all this time—after all, Qi Ji had come from Eastsea City and was a genuine native of the Skysea Alliance.

Now that one of their own had produced a genius renowned across the entire Federation, the Skysea Alliance naturally promoted him with all its might. They practically wanted to plaster Qi Ji's picture across every street and alley.

The more outstanding Qi Ji became, the happier the Skysea Alliance was. Inviting him to participate in this triennial Grand Tournament was only natural.

Naturally, Qi Ji did not refuse.

After all, now that he had transmigrated to the Douluo Continent, how could he possibly not write in some competitions?

Competitions, wagers, and romance—these three underlying rules were practically the "laws of heaven" of the Douluo Continent. Not one could be missing.

On the romance side, he was still slowly cultivating things. On the wagering side, he had a betting agreement with the Federation. All that remained was a competition to complete the set.

The Douluo Continent could not lose competitions, just as the West could not lose Jerusalem, and the 3D zone could not lose Tifa.

Therefore, even if it were only to experience life, Qi Ji felt that he absolutely had to participate in this competition.

And now was the perfect time. The conflict between Tang Wuling and Gu Yuena was growing sharper and sharper, so he might as well use the underlying logic of competition on the Douluo Continent to keep them in check, making them focus all their energy on proper competition instead of causing trouble all day.

"Sure—I agree!" Tang Wuling was the first to raise her hand. Her eyes shone, and the corners of her lips kept curving upward no matter how hard she tried to suppress them.

She was confident—her secondary profession was forging, and she could now perform Spirit Forging. Looking across the entire younger generation, there was no one who could contend with her in the field of forging.

This wager was practically free points for her. She had already begun planning how she would show off in front of Gu Yuena when the time came.

Gu Yuena naturally saw what Tang Wuling was thinking. Tang Wuling's talent for forging was famous throughout Mingdu, and Gu Yuena knew that perfectly well.

But... do not forget that she was the reincarnation of the Silver Dragon King. In mecha design, the field that relied most heavily on Mental Power, she stood far above the rest. Among those her age, there was simply no second person who could stand on the same stage as her.

Since Tang Wuling wanted to take one point in forging, Gu Yuena would firmly take another in mecha design. Neither of them would gain an advantage over the other.

"Come on, then. Let's compete." Gu Yuena raised her chin slightly, and a flash of confidence gleamed in her silver eyes.

Both girls knew that the other could at least take one point in their respective secondary professions, which meant the final outcome would most likely be decided in the individual event.

They would have to fight eventually anyway, so they might as well settle it with their hands.