"Yeah," Wen Wan seemed not to care about Sen Lei's surprised expression."Wow, you're amazing, sister!" Feng Jing Sheng clapped her hands.Wen Wan smiled, "Not really, I've been stuck at this level for so long without a breakthrough..."Sen Lei sighed inwardly as he watched the modest Wan'er. He had thought breaking through to the Spirit Sea Realm was an impressive feat, only to realize he was merely catching up to her.Then, with a grand gesture, Sen Lei took out a pile of spirit medicines and spirit stones from his ring and handed them to Wen Wan. "Take whatever you want!"Wen Wan quickly pushed them back, "I can't take these."Sen Lei pretended to be angry, "If you don't take them, you're not treating me as a friend, right, Sheng'er?"Feng Jing Sheng laughed, "Oh sister, just accept Sen Lei's kindness. After all, these were all taken from robbers."Seeing that she couldn't refuse, Wen Wan chose one item.Unexpectedly, Sen Lei generously gave her six of that item.Looking at Sen Lei's insistent expression, Wen Wan embarrassedly accepted them."I'll head back now, Sheng'er, I'll come back tomorrow to continue your treatment." Wen Wan waved.Feng Jing Sheng smiled in return.
After a while...
"I want to go too!" Feng Jing Sheng suddenly said.
Sen Lei almost thought he heard wrong and quickly asked, "What?"
"I said I want to participate in the Rad Academy competition too..." Feng Jing Sheng said seriously.
"What kind of joke is this! You can't participate right now, just focus on your recovery and join next time," Sen Lei comforted her.
"No!" Feng Jing Sheng refused.
"No way!" Sen Lei also refused.
"Oh, please, you're the best," Feng Jing Sheng pleaded, shaking Sen Lei's arm and batting her eyelashes.
Sen Lei helplessly asked, "Why do you insist on participating?"
"Because it's always been my dream. I want to train, I want to fight, I don't want to be protected by others my whole life. I want to protect those I care about! I want to join the academy to cultivate," Feng Jing Sheng explained.
Seeing Feng Jing Sheng's determined face, Sen Lei knew that no amount of persuasion would change her mind. He finally said, "Fine! If you can walk by the time of the competition, I'll agree!"
Feng Jing Sheng gave a firm nod.
"No backing out."
"No backing out! Whoever does is a puppy!"
"Alright! Hmph."
... …On the eve of the competition.
Sen Lei looked at Feng Jing Sheng, who stood before him, perfectly poised and graceful, and was momentarily stunned.
"Are you ready?" Sen Lei asked.
"Yes..." Feng Jing Sheng took two steps towards Sen Lei, her fair legs making him feel dizzy.
Seeing Sen Lei's dazed look, Feng Jing Sheng softly huffed.
Sen Lei had been busy with his training lately, so he hadn't seen Feng Jing Sheng and was unaware of her progress. Now, having broken through to the second level of the Spirit Sea Realm, he was astonished to see her.
Moreover, sensing Feng Jing Sheng's cultivation, he was surprised to find she had reached the ninth level of the Spirit Body Realm. It seemed true that with accumulated efforts, once the spiritual veins were cleared, progress would be swift and impressive.
"Are you keeping your word?" Feng Jing Sheng asked as she brushed her hair back.
"Of course! The bet was made by the princess herself, of course, it counts," Sen Lei blinked.
"Smooth talker," Feng Jing Sheng muttered.
At this moment, a servant's voice called from outside the Eastern Palace.
"Your Highness, His Majesty requests your presence in the council hall to discuss the competition!"
"Alright, I'm coming. You can go first," Sen Lei replied.
"Let's go, together," Sen Lei invited.
"Of course," Feng Jing Sheng thought it was obvious, and stepped ahead of Sen Lei.
Sen Lei shook his head, "Ah, it's tough!"
What he didn't know was that ever since Feng Jing Sheng learned to walk, she hadn't been idle for a day. She even befriended Wei Xiao Xiao, and the two of them were constantly active, making Wen Wan think it was the mischievous Eighth Princess leading her astray.
In the council hall, about a dozen talented youths had gathered. Naturally, most of them were at the Spirit Body Realm, with only Liu Yan's nephew, Liu Sheng, being at the Spirit Sea Realm, but only at the first level. Beside him, Su Qianyi, who had a cold demeanor, was at the peak of the Spirit Body Realm. After his previous defeat, he had devoted himself to cultivation, advancing from the seventh to the ninth level, just a step away from breaking into the Spirit Sea Realm. The others were around the eighth level of the Spirit Body Realm.
This was expected, as no matter how talented one was, resources were necessary to reach higher realms. Without resources, striving for higher levels was an unrealistic fantasy.
Liu Sheng wore a proud expression, feeling like the top figure there. This was because, despite his age being the oldest, his cultivation was unmatched among the present youths.
Originally, Liu Sheng wasn't meant to be there, as his age and talent didn't merit the position. However, since the younger generation of Sen Luo lacked Spirit Sea practitioners to lead them, he was allowed to participate as a last resort.
As Sen Lei entered with Feng Jing Sheng, everyone in the hall was stunned by the sight of the handsome pair. A perfect match!
Of course, not everyone shared this sentiment, particularly Liu Sheng, who, despite his uncle's warning not to provoke the Crown Prince, couldn't resist.
Liu Sheng, unable to take his eyes off the elegant Feng Jing Sheng, almost drooled.
"Crown Prince," everyone in the hall bowed slightly.
"Rise," Sen Lei raised his hand.
"This young lady will also be participating in the competition, so she's here to listen to the briefing," Sen Lei didn't reveal her identity, fearing it might cause discontent.
Liu Sheng straightened his clothes and approached.
"May I know your name, miss? I'm Liu Sheng, the Prime Minister's nephew and a Spirit Sea Realm practitioner, the leader of this competition." Liu Sheng emphasized his status, implying he was superior to the Crown Prince in cultivation, even if their political influence was comparable.
Feng Jing Sheng frowned, feeling an instant dislike for him. She looked at Sen Lei.
Sen Lei was also a bit surprised.
Who was this fool!
"Are you Liu Sheng, the Prime Minister's nephew?" Sen Lei asked as he stepped forward.
"Yes!" Liu Sheng felt proud. "When it comes to face, it's got to be me! How embarrassing would it be if the younger generation lacked a Spirit Sea practitioner!"
Even though he was nearly thirty.
"Slap!" Sen Lei suddenly slapped Liu Sheng.
The hall fell silent instantly.
Even Su Qianyi's cold expression changed slightly.
"You!" Liu Sheng covered his reddened cheek, incredulous.
"I am the Crown Prince. Why didn't you salute? Did I ask for your name? Where were your eyes looking? Such disrespect!" Sen Lei coldly looked at the venomous Liu Sheng.
But now, Liu Sheng didn't dare do anything to the Crown Prince, especially since the Emperor was arriving soon. He had to swallow his pride for now.
Feng Jing Sheng silently watched Sen Lei, impressed by his manly demeanor.
Speak of the devil, the devil arrives.
"His Majesty!" the servants announced in high-pitched voices.
Everyone in the hall knelt and said, "Long live the Emperor! Long live Sen Luo!"
"Rise!" Sen Yan waved his hand as he took the main seat.
When he saw Feng Jing Sheng standing, he was momentarily surprised but quickly regained his composure.
Liu Sheng's face darkened as he thought, "The Crown Prince embarrassed me, I'll pretend not to participate and make him beg me to join!"
Sen Lei held Feng Jing Sheng's hand and led her to the seats beside him. This casual gesture seemed normal to him, but it was vastly different for Feng Jing Sheng, who felt a surge of happiness. She admitted she had fallen for the mischievous Crown Prince, deeply and genuinely.
As she sat down, Feng Jing Sheng quickly withdrew her hand.
Sen Lei was momentarily puzzled but then smirked and whispered, "What's wrong, feeling shy?"
Feng Jing Sheng huffed again.
Behind them, Liu Sheng seethed at the sight of the affectionate pair, while Su Qianyi observed Sen Lei thoughtfully.
Sen Yan, the Emperor, had also noticed and coughed to get everyone's attention. "Alright, alright! The reason I've gathered you here today is because you are the chosen participants for the upcoming competition. There are some things that need to be emphasized."
Suddenly, a discordant voice interrupted from below.
"Your Majesty! I have something to say!"