The world of martial heroes was not about fighting and killing, but about favors and social graces.
Back during the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy's entrance examination, Director of Studies Lin Jiayi had initiated the Runnar Stance Test. The greenhorn Qing Zai had opened his mouth and declared that he would "take his talents to the Sun Moon Empire." Director Lin had been astonished, certain this boy was no ordinary talent.
Now, at Xu Tianran's invitation, Lin Qing, captain of the Sun Moon Team, spoke on behalf of the Champion Team about their first championship in four thousand years. "You're the real champions" rolled effortlessly off his tongue, ensuring every supporter received a share of the rain and dew and basked together in the glory of victory.
The explosive cheers instantly swelled into an enormous wave of sound. Everyone screamed themselves hoarse, shouting the names of Earl Ultimate Metal and the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy. The sheer volume was unparalleled, audible with perfect clarity in Mingdu thirty li away.
Next came the ever-popular award ceremony: ten thousand year soul bones, a million Gold Soul Coins, rare metals... The Sun Moon Team received their rewards, their pockets bulging. At Xu Tianran's command, the crowd escorted the young, accomplished heroes back to Mingdu.
Dense crowds packed both sides of the city streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the champions. All fourteen members of the Sun Moon Team waved in greeting, as though taking part in a frenzied championship parade.
An attendant from the Crown Prince's Residence slowly pushed the wheelchair. A sharp edge lurked beneath Xu Tianran's faintly smiling eyes as he unobtrusively glanced at the gentle girl beside Lin Qing. Her delicate, cherry-pink face was fresh and lovely, her skin as translucent as a peeled lychee.
Ever