Lan Muzi stood in the middle of the lake, his gaze sweeping over the boys illuminated by the Soul Guidance Lamps. He announced clearly, "Everyone, to keep things fair, we'll shuffle the order this time and draw lots to decide who goes first and who goes last."
He turned to Tang Yinmeng beside him and smiled. "Yinmeng, would you draw the lots?"
Tang Yinmeng smiled faintly, reached into the lot holder, and drew a slip. After glancing at it, she announced loudly, "The number I drew is—thirty-two!"
"Thirty-two?"
Xu Lizhi froze, then pointed at himself and asked in disbelief, "I'm going first?"
"That's right. You." Lan Muzi nodded. "Come on, boy number thirty-two. Please begin your presentation."
Xu Lizhi took a deep breath and slowly made his way onto the water lily leaf in the center of the lake.
He looked at the girls wearing bamboo hats across from him. When he saw that familiar figure in particular, a complicated emotion flickered in his eyes.
"Hello, everyone. My name is Xu Lizhi."
His voice was somewhat low, carrying a trace of self-mockery. "I'm a food-type Soul Master. I've always loved eating, and then my body ended up like this."
He patted his round belly and smiled bitterly. "I suppose no one would like a fat guy."
Silence fell over the girls.
No one spoke, but the complicated emotions in their gazes made Xu Lizhi's heart sink.
"Still, since I'm already here, I might as well smash the pots and sink the boats. Maybe there's a sliver of hope."
Xu Lizhi raised his head, resolve flashing in his eyes. "So, please allow me to say a few words."
He took a deep breath, his gaze crossing the lake to settle on that familiar figure.
"Ever since I was little, I've liked