Dai Mubai swept his gaze over the group before it settled on Zhu Zhuqing.
He walked to her side, took her hand, and said, "Zhu Qing, only Rongrong and I are going this time. Sorry to leave you with the hard work of leading everyone through the qualifiers."
Zhu Zhuqing understood, of course, that it would be inappropriate for her to visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Ning Rongrong was taking Dai Mubai home with her. It would hardly make sense for Zhu Zhuqing to tag along.
More importantly, someone had to stay and oversee the Soul Master Tournament. After all, only she and Dai Lingling were members of the imperial family.
Though reluctant to part with him, Zhu Zhuqing knew what mattered most.
She nodded gently. "I understand. Go without worrying. Leave the qualifiers to me."
Dai Mubai turned to the others. "While I'm gone, Zhu Qing will serve as acting captain, and Dai Lingling as vice-captain. Follow Teacher Zhao's and your captains' instructions. Understood?"
"Yes, Boss Dai! We'll get it done!" Ma Hongjun was the first to answer, thumping his chest.
"Don't worry, Boss Dai. They're only qualifiers. The rest of us are more than enough." Yang Pojun sounded utterly confident.
Dai Lingling, Niu Zhen, and the others immediately gave their assurances too.
Dai Mubai nodded and cupped his hands to Zhao Wuji. "Sorry for the trouble, Teacher Zhao."
With everything arranged, the group dispersed.
That night, Dai Mubai went to Zhu Zhuqing's room.
As soon as the door closed, their understanding of each other made words unnecessary. An earth-shaking battle was inevitable.
Dai Mubai seemed determined to use up the next two months' provisions in advance. Zhu Zhuqing gave it everything she had too, as though she meant to drain him dry.
Again and again they