The matches for temper realm cultivators would be held first, followed by the matches for spiritual realm cultivators.
Asura had no interest in watching the temper realm matches because his sister was not participating.
Since the first-round pairings for the spiritual realm matches had been announced, Asura went to find Su Lin to talk to her about the opponent he would face. Asura knew little about his opponent so he wanted to know from Su Lin whether his opponent was formidable or ordinary.
Su Lin's network of connections was quite good although she didn't talk to Asura much, which had recently changed. Asura knew that she had information about almost every spiritual realm cultivator from the Xiao sect because Su Lin was very popular. Many young nobles from high families pursued her, and even some hidden talents who didn't publicly show their abilities pursued her in secret. Therefore, Asura thought Su Lin would know which cultivators were ordinary or formidable.
Asura began searching for Su Lin and eventually found her gossiping with Rose.
Asura approached Su Lin and said, "My apologies for interrupting. I had some questions for you regarding my opponent."
Su Lin smiled and said, "It's no trouble. What did you want to know?"
Asura was surprised by Su Lin's behavior. Generally, she would simply greet him with a nod. However, he vividly remembered the first smile he saw on her face. It was when he was able to force her to retreat a step during their previous sparring sessions. Though Asura had smiled back then, he did not really notice her smile clearly.
But this time, her smile was unmistakable and it took his breath away. Su Lin's smile was the kind that could make any male fall for her. Though Asura felt goosebumps, he pretended not to notice her smile, which was difficult to do. The funny thing was that Su Lin did not realize she had greeted Asura with a smile, something she had never done before for him.
Discarding other thoughts, Asura went straight to the point and said, "Su Lin, you have a wide network of connections within the sect. Would you know anything about my opponent in the first match? I know little about him."
Su Lin replied, "I do have some knowledge about many of the disciples who will be competing. What is your opponent's name? I may be able to provide you with some useful information."
Asura said, "His name is Xuanyuan. That is all I know so far."
Su Lin paused in thought and then said, "Xuanyuan, he is ordinary so don't worry about him, he was only the first step spirit realm cultivator last time he greets me and I don't think so he broke through the second stage ."
Asura nodded. "Thank you for checking for me and telling me this useful information. Knowing my opponent is only at the first stage of the spirit realm helps boost my confidence. I will still remain vigilant and not allow overconfidence to hinder me during the match."
Su Lin smiled. "That is a wise approach. Stay calm, focused, and trust in your abilities. Good luck!"
Asura bowed to Su Lin. "You are wise beyond your years. I am grateful for your counsel and helpful information."
As Asura was about to leave, he remembered something and asked Su Lin, "Su Lin, how was the orchid spirit plant? Was it helpful to you?"
Su Lin smiled beautifully at Asura, causing his heart to beat rapidly. She mysteriously replied "Thank you again, Asura, for your gift. As for its effects, you will know when the time comes."
Asura replied, "No problem, as long as it was helpful to you, I am grateful."
Su Lin simply nodded, still smiling.
Asura again bowed to Su Lin and took his leave, more confused than ever. The orchid spirit plant he had given her was supposed to aid in cultivation but Su Lin's cryptic response only piqued his curiosity further. Still, seeing her beautiful smile was reward enough for the moment.
When Asura was out of sight, Rose said to Su Lin, "Someone can't control their emotions anymore."
Su Lin asked in a puzzled voice, "Who?"
Rose replied in a teasing manner, "Who was smiling right now when greeting and talking with Asura?"
Su Lin said in a puzzled tone "I know I smiled when talking with Asura but I didn't greet him with a smile, did I?"
Rose said with a stern face, "Of course you did, but you didn't realize that."
Su Lin's face turned as red as an apple. If Asura had seen her like that, he would not believe that this embarrassed girl was Su Lin.
Rose continued, "You may think your smile meant nothing, but to Asura, it clearly showed your true feelings."
Su Lin buried her face in her hands. Rose was right - her smile had betrayed her emotions. She just hoped Asura had not realized the true meaning behind her smile.
The competitions for the temper realm cultivators were now over. Asura's match in the spiritual realm competition would begin the next day.
He returned to his residence assigned by the Xiao sect for spiritual realm disciples. Though Asura rarely used it since he mostly trained in the dark forest or stayed at his family home, his residence was now convenient for resting the night before his upcoming match.
Asura settled in and began to rest. He was eager to fight his opponent the next day and find out how he stacked up against even a first stage spiritual realm cultivator.He knew he would win easily but still, it was exciting for him.
Though Su Lin's smile still lingered in his mind, Asura set those thoughts aside for now and focused on preparing himself mentally for the contest ahead. He closed his eyes and meditated, seeking inner peace and clarity as he rested his body for the challenges of the next day.