While they waited in line, Li Jiaojiao was the very picture of restlessness, shifting from side to side and occasionally craning her neck to look ahead.
She lowered her voice and quietly urged the staff member behind the window.
"Could you please hurry up a little?"
Standing beside her, Bai Ning noticed something was off and turned her head, asking softly with a hint of confusion.
"Jiaojiao, what's wrong? You look like you're burning with impatience."
Li Jiaojiao instinctively glanced at the gazes falling on her from all around, then shrank back a little and answered quietly.
"These people keep staring at us. It's making me uncomfortable all over."
Zhang Ting overheard their exchange from nearby. A teasing smile curled her lips, and she could not resist joining in.
"Oh? That's strange. When you were swinging your Vajra Staff and sweeping Tang San aside in the ring earlier, I didn't see you looking the least bit uncomfortable. You certainly weren't showing him any mercy then."
Li Jiaojiao's cheeks flushed slightly at that, and she protested.
"How is that the same? When we're fighting in the ring, everyone's attention is on the battle. I'm completely focused on my opponent—how would I have any attention left to spare for the people watching below? Now the fight's over, and all these people are staring straight at me. It feels awkward all over."
They exchanged a few quiet jokes, and the time in line flew by. Tie Zhan, Yang Ke, Zhu Zhuqing, Bai Ning, Zhang Ting, and Li Jiaojiao stepped forward in turn to register their soul fighting points and collect their hefty rewards.
At last, only Lin Chen remained.
He stepped forward, gave the staff member at the window his team's information, and completed the final points registration. With that, all the formalities