Those with Yun Ran’s abilities might not necessarily share her magnanimity, and people with such magnanimity might not have Yun Ran’s abilities.
Under such circumstances, how could the others compare with Yun Ran? They simply couldn’t.
"However, once this news goes public, I’m afraid there will be a deluge of objections..."
Facing Daoist Qingmu’s concerns, Yun Ran appeared quite relaxed.
"There are already plenty of people who look at me unfavorably, what’s one more trouble?"
Seeing that it was almost time, Yun Ran continued, "I should head back now. The first round of the selection match is tonight, I need to get ready."
Daoist Qingmu nodded, his respect for Yun Ran growing as he observed her serious attitude towards each competition, even though victory was almost in her grasp.
Friends watching Daoist Qingmu treat a young girl so respectfully, even though they recognized Yun Ran as the attention-grabbing girl from before, were somewhat puzzled.
"I’ve never seen you give so much importance to a youngster, it’s like you’re treating her as an equal."
"Age has nothing to do with ability."
"You seem quite confident in her, and your judgment is always spot-on. Maybe I should switch my bet to her."
Yun Ran returned to the courtyard, and by preparation, she really meant she was reviewing the competition rules to avoid any breaches.
Competitions differed from real combat; she was someone who would not act unless she could unleash a finishing move.
In a competition, that would be a serious disadvantage.
She went through all the rules and standards for fouling until she had a clear understanding, then let out a long sigh of relief.
Thinking about the ’shortcuts’ she’d crafted to be lazy in the past, they would be considered offbeat and absurd in the context of the competition’s rules.
"Tsk, tsk, if I followed my old habits, I’d be disqualified for fouling in minutes."
Ginsengfruit, watching by her side, couldn’t help but blurt out, "Host, it feels like all the techniques used in these contests are orthodox, while yours are all about being slippery and cunning.
If I didn’t know you came from Qingfeng Temple, I’d suspect you were taught by some unorthodox sect."
Yun Ran rolled her eyes in speechless protest: "A cat, black or white, if it catches mice, it’s a good cat! I can catch ghosts, predict fortune and misfortune, and cleanse evil spirits; it doesn’t matter what methods I use!"
"I might not care, but the rules of the tournament will."
"Rest assured, my fundamental skills are rock-solid. You think innovation comes out of thin air!"
At that moment, the speakers on the rooftop sounded: [Contestants for the grand competition, please hurry to the competition center for the selection match.]
Yun Ran checked the time; it was 17:40. The selection match would officially start at 18:00.
She promptly gathered her things and walked outside, to wait at the intersection where the tour cart was sure to pass—she had no intention of walking there.
Dragon Spirit yawned, following behind Ginsengfruit with a languid manner that completely ruined the temperament his face should have carried.
The tour cart was already filled with several people, and at a glance, it was clear their identities were far from ordinary.
If asked why, it was likely due to the sense of superiority in their eyes.
One of the young girls didn’t even glance at Yun Ran, but her eyes lingered on Dragon Spirit for several seconds.
After the tour cart stopped steadily, Yun Ran’s group headed straight for the empty seats at the back.
"Which family do you belong to?"
One second, two seconds, three seconds passed, and there was no response, making the atmosphere awkward instantly.
But there was a reason for that: Dragon Spirit, still yawning, had no interest in responding.
Ginseng was too small, nobody took him seriously, and Yun Ran, well, why should she speak if she wasn’t asked?
The girl who had spoken turned gloomy—she had never encountered such a lack of respect before; after all, she was the heaven’s favored daughter!!!
"I’m talking to you!"
She intensified her tone, evidently with a hint of intimidation in it.
The word "Nangong" was embroidered brightly on her clothes; anyone who understands the rules would show respect to someone with that surname.
But this time, she had encountered two individuals whom Xie Xuzhi referred to as the sleeping dragon and the young phoenix, neither of whom gave her the face she expected.
Dragon Spirit continued yawning; pulling him out of bed without him throwing a tantrum was already very generous.
But at this time, someone was babbling on—truly annoying for Dragon Spirit, who knew nothing about the ways of the world.
His brow furrowed, and his mouth opened with sarcastic reproach, "Are you a sparrow? Chirping and jabbering, it’s so annoying. If you can’t keep that annoying mouth shut, sew it up!"
Aside from Yun Ran and Ginsengfruit, everyone on the cart gasped at Dragon Spirit’s words.
Even the driver’s hands almost slipped, causing the tour cart to shake slightly.
It was perplexing to the crowd; this man, with the appearance of an immortal, had such a vicious and spiteful tongue.
Did he not know that the young lady from the Nangong Family held a special status?
She had 27 elder brothers, and any offense towards her could lead to ’lessons’ from 27 masters.
"You dare talk to me like that!"
Dragon Spirit finally managed to fully open his eyelids, glanced sidelong at Nangong Fengzhi, then withdrew his gaze, his expression instantly becoming insolent.
"I could crush you with a single finger. If it weren’t for this competition, an insignificant ant like you wouldn’t even be worthy of my attention. You should consider yourself lucky that I ignore you."
Ginsengfruit opened his mouth but decided in the end to stay quiet—after all, he was just a little bean and better not meddle.
Yun Ran, on the other hand, pretended to be deaf throughout, thinking: as long as Dragon Spirit doesn’t stir up any absurd anomalies and it’s just his sharp tongue, she can turn a blind eye.
Nangong Fengzhi had never been insulted , her head swelling with rage and on the verge of exploding.
The tour cart came to a stop.
The driver, afraid that a fight might break out here, quickly spoke up: "Except for the competition grounds, fighting is prohibited everywhere else, or else the right to compete will be forfeited."
Dragon Spirit carelessly stepped down from the cart with his long legs, snorting indifferently—he wasn’t participating in the competition, so there were no qualifications to be forfeited.
Nangong Fengzhi, one of the highly-regarded seed players, naturally couldn’t afford to act rashly at this juncture.
Nevertheless, she still offered a threatening promise to Dragon Spirit: "Just you wait!"