TRWSB – Chapter 58 Before The Competition

Tianlan Academy

“Mentor Zhuang Ling,” Sun Lin called out, stopping Zhuang Ling in her tracks.

Ever since Zhuang Ling helped Sun Lin secure the assistance of the Evil Doctor, leading to significant improvement in Sun Lin’s daughter’s health, their relationship had noticeably improved.

“Mentor Zhuang Ling, have you heard? Qi Shaorong has been confirmed as one of our academy’s representatives for the competition,” Sun Lin said with a conspiratorial tone.

“I’ve heard,” Zhuang Ling replied, lowering her head. The news of Qi Shaorong being selected as a representative for Tianlan Academy had initially spread in whispers, but somehow it became widely known.

“The principal—what is he thinking? Even though the quality of students in recent years has been subpar, there’s no need to include Qi Shaorong just to fill the roster, is there?” Sun Lin said, clearly perplexed.

Zhuang Ling smiled faintly and replied, “The principal is shrewd and must have his reasons.”

Sun Lin glanced at Zhuang Ling and said, “Some say the principal included Qi Shaorong just to irritate Zhuang Hao.”

Zhuang Ling paused. “…”

“But using a spot to spite Zhuang Hao is quite the costly decision!” Sun Lin shook her head.

Zhuang Ling: “…”

The Qi Family

“Second Brother, is it true that Qi Shaorong will represent Tianlan Academy in the competition?” Qi Shaoru asked.

After Qi Shaorong was expelled from the Qi family, Qi Shaoru no longer regarded him as a member of the family and referred to him by name.

“This has been widely discussed in Tianlan Academy, so it’s likely true. I heard that Qi Shaorong spent tens of thousands of gold coins to buy the spot,” Qi Shaokang replied.

“Where would Qi Shaorong get so much money?” Qi Shaoru frowned.

“When the Evil Doctor healed the royal family’s tiger cub, the royal family awarded him 300,000 gold coins. That account card later ended up in Qi Shaorong’s hands. Zhuang Hao added another 10,000 gold coins to retrieve it, meaning Qi Shaorong still has at least 310,000 gold coins,” Qi Shaokang explained.

Qi Shaoru widened her eyes. “What is the Evil Doctor thinking?”

Qi Shaorong was nothing special. If the Evil Doctor spent that money supporting others, he could find ten people better than Qi Shaorong. The Evil Doctor must be blind. And Zhuang Hao? The Evil Doctor hides in the shadows and won’t even show his face—likely a hideous monster—yet Zhuang Hao is smitten with him.

Qi Shaokang shook his head. “I don’t know, but Qi Shaorong seems to have a deep connection with the Evil Doctor.”

Qi Shaoru clenched her teeth. “Second Brother, if you encounter Qi Shaorong during the competition, teach him a lesson. Though he’s no longer part of our family, his disgrace still tarnishes our name.”

Qi Shaokang nodded. “I will.”

Qi Shaoru felt slightly relieved. She was a student at Mingya Academy, one of the capital’s top three institutions, and had participated in their selections but didn’t make the cut. She had expected this but didn’t imagine Qi Shaorong, a disgrace, would qualify. The thought filled her with indignation.

The Yi Family

“Big Brother, are you fully recovered?” Yi Chuxue cautiously asked.

Yi Huo glanced at Yi Chuxue coldly and said, “I’m fine.”

After being ambushed during his visit to the Evil Doctor, Yi Huo had been bedridden for a long time. During this period, Yi Huo was miserable, and Yi Chuxue didn’t fare much better. She noticed that Yi Huo’s attitude toward her had worsened since his recovery.

Though Yi Huo’s injuries healed, faint scars remained on his face. These were barely noticeable unless examined closely, but Yi Huo, who cared about his appearance, was deeply bothered.

“Big Brother, I heard that Qi Shaorong will participate in the competition. Since Qi Shaorong is allied with the Evil Doctor, don’t hold back if you encounter him,” Yi Chuxue said bitterly.

“That’s none of your concern. I’ll handle it,” Yi Huo replied impatiently.

Yi Chuxue felt aggrieved but didn’t dare voice her complaints against Yi Huo’s cold demeanor.

Yi Huo examined his hand. While his body had recovered, his magical energy felt sluggish compared to before. Yi Bing, who had always been slightly behind him, had now surpassed him due to the months he had lost.

Yi Bing entered the room. “Big Brother, if you’re not fully recovered, I can tell the principal. Our academy is guaranteed to win anyway; your participation won’t make a difference.”

Yi Huo forced a smile. “I’m restless, so the competition will be a good way to stretch my muscles.” Yi Bing’s well-meaning words sounded like mockery to Yi Huo. Whether he participated or not seemed irrelevant.

Yang Man entered and said, “You’re all here!”

She looked at Yi Huo and said, “You’re better now?”

“Yes, Mother, I’m fully recovered,” Yi Huo replied.

Yang Man’s eyes shone with relief. “I knew such a minor setback couldn’t bring you down.”

Yi Huo smiled. “Of course not. I’m not like Yi Fan, that good-for-nothing.”

“Yi Fan has disappeared again. Who knows where he’s gone,” Yang Man said.

“Since he divorced Mu Xuelan, he’s likely hiding out of shame,” Yi Chuxue remarked.

The Shen Family

Shen Manwu stood beside Shen Yuan. “Shen Yuan, is Sacred Emperor Academy destined to win this time?”

“Of course! Look at the caliber of our participants. Zhuang Hao is already at level seven, while the top competitors from most academies are only at level five. The gap is massive,” Shen Yuan boasted.

Shen Manwu frowned. “That may be true, but I feel like there could be surprises.”

“Have you noticed something unusual?” Shen Yuan asked.

“From what I’ve heard, a huge amount of money has been bet on Tianlan Academy winning first place,” Shen Manwu said.

“Who would be foolish enough to bet on them? Their representatives are mediocre at best,” Shen Yuan sneered.

Shen Manwu smirked. “If Tianlan Academy wins, that gambler will make a fortune.”

“But they won’t win. That money is as good as lost,” Shen Yuan scoffed.

Tianlan Academy

Qi Shaorong and Hu Feng sat together as Hu Feng spread out a map.

“This year’s trial takes place in Phoenix Valley, which is divided into seven zones. Each zone has colored Seven-Colored Stones. The darker the zone’s color, the more dangerous it is—but the higher the point value of the stones,” Hu Feng explained.

“Participants can also exchange beast cores for points.”

“Every academy will be issued a teleportation talisman for emergencies. However, using it will nullify all points earned, so it should only be used as a last resort.”

Qi Shaorong stroked his chin. “Principal, are participants allowed to kill each other in the secret realm?”

Hu Feng hesitated but replied, “Combat is allowed, and injuries or deaths occur every year. However, try not to go overboard since the entire arena is monitored.”

“Is every area monitored?” Qi Shaorong asked.

“Not completely. There are blind spots, and beasts can destroy the surveillance devices,” Hu Feng admitted.

Qi Shaorong nodded. “I see.”

Hu Feng narrowed his eyes. “Are you planning something?”

Qi Shaorong tilted his head innocently. “Principal, how could you think that? I’m pure-hearted and harmless.”

Hu Feng coughed awkwardly. “Among this year’s competitors, you only need to be cautious of Zhuang Hao. The others shouldn’t be a problem. But Zhuang Hao is on a different level, and Sacred Emperor Academy’s overall strength surpasses ours.”

Qi Shaorong smirked. “Other academies might band together, but Sacred Emperor Academy’s participants are too arrogant to cooperate. Zhuang Hao will likely act alone.”

“Are you targeting Zhuang Hao?” Hu Feng asked.

“Did I say that?” Qi Shaorong replied with a mischievous smile.

Hu Feng: “…”　　

“This is the list of contestants from the Holy Emperor College participating in this competition.” Hu Feng handed a list to Qi Shaorong.　　

Qi Shaorong looked at the name list and narrowed his eyes unconsciously, and said, “Why are Tang Tianfeng and Tang Tianying, who ranked second and third among the Seven Beauties of the Imperial Capital, not on it?　　

“The royal family’s children have a special status. Many civilian contestants are afraid of their background when they meet them, and they get scared before the battle even begins. In order to avoid suspicion, the royal family did not allow the royal family children to participate in this Hundred Schools Competition.” Hu Feng said.　　

Qi Shaorong said with some suspicion: “The Second Prince and the Fourth Prince cannot participate in the competition, which has a great impact on the Holy Emperor Academy. Didn’t Principal Lu Ming protest?”　　

Hu Feng sneered and said, “Him? He doesn’t take other academies seriously at all. In Lu Ming’s opinion, the strength of students from other academies is too far behind that of the Holy Emperor Academy. The Holy Emperor Academy will definitely win.”　　

Qi Shaorong smiled coldly and said, “That’s good. There are two less strong enemies.”　　

Hu Feng: “…”