The Test of Competence continued, each match was a spectacle of power and dominance. But it was rare to see an upset.
Xu Qi's victory over Zhou Feng remained the talk of the day while Ling Lian's dominating performance against Qin Liran had made everyone dread being her next opponent.
Xiao Yue watched the battles unfold with a keen eye but her mind solely focused on the young man she favored. She liked the fact that they were close enough to be intimate but seeing Ling Lian next to him had also sparked a competitive flame within her. In the depths of her chest, she also wanted to do the same, to be closer to him, to understand him. But she knew she couldn't do that yet. She was an inner court disciple and her association with him could bring trouble to the young man. It was crucial for him to be out of other controversies. Rumors were rumors, as long as she kept her meeting with him in secrecy, she could help him more than anyone else in the sect.
She didn't know when she had started feeling this way for the young man. She admired his perseverance but there were a lot of other disciples with a similar trait. Was it his looks? Was it his charm? Or was it something she couldn't quite put a name to yet?
Xiao Yue knew she had to tread carefully. She had her status in the sect to maintain and she couldn't just throw it away because of some fleeting feelings. She'd let it unravel on its own little by little. But as she watched the next match, she couldn't help but feel a strange mix of pride and protectiveness towards Xu Qi. She took note of those he had conflict with and lowered her eyes, plotting how she could help him navigate the treacherous waters of the Wandering Palace.
Meanwhile, Elder Liu couldn't help but feel satisfaction at the outcome of Xu Qi's match. She seldom looked after a male disciple but when she did, it was because of the immense potential that she'd seen with his peculiarity. His victory against Zhou Feng, someone who should be stronger than him, had just confirmed it. Her eyes sparkled as she made a mental note to prepare more resources for him, eager to see how high he could soar.
Elder Sun had the same thoughts, but unlike Elder Liu who had resources readily available for her to offer, she had something more valuable in mind. The Talent Management Elder had noticed the subtle changes in Xu Qi and Ling Lian's relationship and knew that it wasn't just a mere friendship. She had seen the way they looked at each other, the unspoken understanding that passed between them. It was clear to her that they had formed a bond that went beyond the norm. She'd ensure that their growth didn't stagnate due to the restrictions of the outer court.
Ling Lian would be coming up to the inner court soon but Xu Qi might not be long after. If his cultivation continued to progress at this rate, reaching the fifth stage before the Inner Court Exam might be possible.
Elder Sun thought about the missions in the Commission Hall and how they could benefit Xu Qi's growth. She decided to assign them a task that would challenge their abilities where they could also strengthen their unique bond.
As for Elder He, she simply watched in silence from her elevated position. Her gaze was sharp and calculating, taking in every detail of Xu Qi's match and his effective use of Celestial Eloquence. She didn't lie about the scroll not being able to be practiced by anyone before. So, seeing its uniqueness through Xu Qi's execution was both intriguing and reassuring. Her mind was racing with thoughts of the potential that this young man could bring to the sect if he mastered the Celestial Eloquence. It was a powerful tool, and in the hands of someone as cunning as him, it could be a game-changer. She already noticed her disciple, Xiao Yue's interest in him and the way she had been subtly guiding him through the inner workings of the sect. A smirk played on her lips as she thought of the future implications.
While all the women in his life were busy planning his future, Xu Qi remained unfazed by the rising tension of the competition and the whispers that followed him around. The Test of Competence was far from over and he had to keep his focus on his next match. Nonetheless, no matter how composed, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling within him. The whispers, the glances, it was all a reminder that he was no longer just an outer court disciple on the brink of expulsion.
"Good job. Now, it's making me dread the thought that there is still a possibility of drawing you as my opponent." Xu Qi playfully said as he welcomed Ling Lian back after her match. Qin Liran also followed her, smiling.
"Haha, you think you're safe with me? I'll thrash you too if that happens." Ling Lian mischievously teased as she stood next to him, her head resting on his shoulder.
"Sister Ling Lian, I don't think Xu Qi will run away from you," Qin Liran smilingly commented as she rubbed the dirt off her robes. Despite the loss, she was in high spirits, a testament to the camaraderie between the two of them.
Ling Lian jovially giggled as she hugged his arm. "I know he won't. But a lot of females now have his back as their target. I can't relax. My boyfriend is too popular."
Using the term that Qin Liran brought up, Ling Lian felt her cheeks burn a little, realizing that she had just announced Xu Qi as her 'boyfriend' to everyone around them. But when she looked up at Xu Qi, she saw his calm and slightly amused expression, she realized that he didn't seem to mind. Their bond had already gone beyond friendship, and she felt a warmth spread through her chest at the thought of them being a couple in everyone's eyes.
Xu Qi patted her head, surprising everyone who was paying attention to them. Normally, they'd think their relationship was based on Ling Lian's strength but here she was, acting like a lovestruck teenager in front of him. The crowd watched their interaction with a mix of bewilderment and envy.
"Thank you for your concern, Ling Lian," Xu Qi said with a chuckle, his voice smooth as silk. "But don't worry, I can handle a bit of popularity." He winked at her. Then he whispered in her ear, "And, no matter what happens, I'll keep clinging to your leg. I'm with you from now on.
Her heart skipped a beat at his words. She didn't know whether to blush or laugh. The idea of Xu Qi, a guy who could charm almost any girl in the sect, relying on her was both flattering and amusing.
The fluffy atmosphere around them was soon interrupted when the next pairs of disciples were called up. Xu Qi found his name and his opponent was once again someone of a higher stage than him.
His opponent was Ji Feiyang, known in the outer court as the Lightning Maiden because of her rare affinity to the primal element of lightning. She's a fifth stage Elemental Awakener and the one with whom he exchanged glances earlier.
It's not a man and it's also not an easy woman to beat. Xu Qi inwardly thought as he looked at the crackle of the primal element of lightning dancing around her.
Ji Feiyang's eyes flashed with lightning as she stepped into the arena. There was a small smile playing on her lips. Xu Qi knew that she had noticed his earlier victory and had come to prove herself. She was a skilled cultivator, her speed and precision with lightning strikes were the stuff of legend in the outer court.