We entered the venue where the matches were to be held. The atmosphere was lively and a bit noisy. After showing our IDs, we proceeded to the area designated for the Spirit Hall team to prepare. As we entered, all eyes turned towards us, and even Qian Renxue was present.
"Welcome, everyone," I greeted them with a smile, and Ning Rong Rong followed suit.
"Hello, Enlil. I think you know me. I was in your class at the academy."
"Yes, of course, I've seen you a few times."
"Oh, I'm honored to be recognized by the red-eyed devil," he replied with a grin.
I smiled. "Don't underestimate yourself. You're not any less valuable. You're a genius and a student of the Supreme Pontiff."
As we exchanged pleasantries, the rest of the people in the room watched us. Ning Rong Rong tugged at my sleeve from behind, and Xie Yue did the same to his sister.
"Ahem, this is Ning Rong Rong," I said, introducing her.
"Hello, nice to meet you," Ning Rong Rong greeted them with a smile.
Everyone responded politely, though Hu Liena was silent for a moment before eventually joining in. She then stared at Ning Rong Rong with surprise.
I noticed and looked at her. Hu Liena coughed slightly, then pointed to her teammates. "You may know some of them. This is my brother, Xie Yue, and this one here is Yan..."
"It's a pleasure to meet you all. As you know, the Supreme Pontiff sent us here to secure a place in the final competition," I said.
"But it's impossible for us to lose," someone interrupted confidently.
I turned towards him and said, "Are you sure? If we lose, you'll all bear responsibility. Have you seen Shrek Academy's strength? They've made it to the finals for a reason."
The room fell silent.
"Well, since there are no objections, we're all in agreement. As for the strategy, we'll go in without one," I said, ending the discussion.
Everyone glanced at Beheira, some of them wanting to object and point out that I had warned them about Shrek Academy earlier. But since it was an order from the Supreme Pontiff, they remained silent, convinced they wouldn't lose.
"Alright then. I'll go get ready. Ning Rong Rong, you can get to know the others in the meantime," I said.
I left them to decide who among them would participate in the match. I pulled Qian Renxue aside to an empty spot. "What's wrong? You haven't said much, and you seem a bit off," I asked, concerned.
"Is it that obvious?" she responded bitterly.
"Not really, but I know you well."
"This morning, Bibi Dong came to visit me. She seemed… strange."
I frowned, understanding the situation. "What did she say?"
"She mentioned going for a walk around the city later. I have no idea what that woman wants from me. It feels like she's planning something."
"I don't like to interfere much, but maybe she regrets hitting you and depriving you of a mother's love. Perhaps she wants to make amends."
"Are you joking now? That woman is incapable of feeling anything," Qian Renxue replied, incredulous.
"Believe me, it's impossible for a mother to hate her daughter without a reason. I'm not excusing her, but it's reality."
"Do you know something you're not telling me?" she asked, suspicion creeping into her voice.
"Yes, I know why she's like this, but I can't tell you. I promised your grandfather I wouldn't reveal it, but he promised he'd tell you soon, in his own way. Then you'll have the chance to decide what to do," I said seriously.
"What do you mean? You're speaking in riddles. Please tell me, I swear I won't tell anyone."
"I'm sorry, I can't. For now, you need to focus on the match. It's about to start, and this is your first appearance. You have to shine," I said with a smile, offering her my hand.
She took my hand and said, "I trust you, so I'll leave it for now."
Although she said that, I could still see the worry and confusion in her eyes. But she suppressed her feelings, trusting that I had her best interests at heart.
We returned to the team's gathering area. I saw Ning Rong Rong talking with a girl I didn't recognize.
"Alright, it's time to go. The commentator will call our names soon."
We headed to the arena, and I held Qian Renxue's hand, which she didn't mind. I had spoken to her grandfather about this matter before, and after seeing my progress and my soul rings, he allowed me to be her friend, but not her husband.
The host began introducing everyone, and when he reached Rong Rong's name, the crowd reacted.
"Why are there three new participants in the finals? Is Spirit Hall that confident?"
"Who are they? This is the first time I've seen them. Are they Spirit Hall's trump card?"
"But isn't the Golden Generation supposed to be the strongest?"
"I think I've heard the name Uchiha Enlil before. Isn't he the red-eyed genius from Wuhon Academy?"
"Maybe, but it's been years since he disappeared."
"No, it's him. He came back to the academy about a week ago and even taught a class on physical skills. I was there; I saw him."
"If that's true, then he's Spirit Hall's secret weapon. But who are the other two girls?"
"I have no idea."
The crowd whispered among themselves, some of them recognizing Rong Rong from seeing me walking around with her.
Suddenly, I heard a shocked voice. "What are you doing here, Enlil?"
I turned to see Tang San standing in front of me, his expression full of disbelief. Everyone stared at us, confused. They had met me earlier in the morning but had no idea I was from Spirit Hall, so they were all taken aback—except for Zhu Zhuqing.
Their plans were based on the information they had gathered, which didn't include the three of us. Seeing us now was an unwelcome surprise.
"A surprise, isn't it? As you can see, I'm from Spirit Hall. I didn't mention it earlier because I wanted to see your reaction," I said with a grin.
Ning Rongrong giggled. "Haha, it's funny, brother."
Before they could respond, the voice of the announcer boomed across the arena, signaling the start of the match.