Manyi watched the young couple's tacitly coordinated exchange, a look of relief in her eyes.
She had raised Xu Jiujiu herself, and was delighted to see her find someone she truly wanted to spend her life with. It was far better than marrying some stranger for a political alliance someday.
She cleared her throat softly and took out an exquisite invitation. "Princess, this is the entry pass for the Ordinary Alliance division. The competition will be held beneath the Glazed Pavilion tomorrow night. I've arranged everything. You can compete under the alias 'Xu You.'"
As expected of a Titled Douluo, she acted with the speed of wind and thunder, having already prepared several contingencies. In fact, she and Ling Ya had secured entry passes for all three divisions.
The alias on all of them was Xu You, taking one character each from Xu Jiujiu's and Dai Youheng's names.
Ling Ya added, "I'll protect you as your accompanying Soul Engineer, while Senior Manyi provides support from outside. At the first sign of trouble, we'll withdraw immediately."
Dai Youheng took the invitation, his fingertips tracing the Ordinary Alliance's gold-stamped emblem-a phoenix spreading its wings. A deep gleam flashed in his eyes. "I doubt this competition will be peaceful. I've received word that the Xishui Alliance has recruited quite a few skilled competitors too. There may be Evil Soul Masters among them."
Xu Jiujiu held his hand, the faint glow of her Star Crown Martial Soul flowing between their clasped palms. "With you here, I'm not afraid."
She turned toward the two Titled Douluos, regaining the regal bearing of a princess. "In that case, let's go meet this Ordinary Alliance now."
Night gradually fell. The bright moon hung high, bathing Mingdu in a cool, silvery glow.
The streets, bustling with voices during the