"The top-ranked student duo is…"
Tang Yuehua's gaze swept over the anxious Ning Rongrong and Xue Ke. A soft, graceful smile gradually appeared on her lips.
She stepped forward, positioning herself between Qin Jian and Xue Qinghe. "The first-place winners will emerge from one of these two groups," she announced.
"Oh, come on…"
The crowd of students and spectators, who had been holding their breath, erupted into complaints.
"Teacher Yue, we already know it's between them! Just tell us who won!"
"Exactly! Just get to the point, Teacher Yue!"
Even Xue Ye Emperor and Ning Fengzhi, among others, found themselves both amused and exasperated. While their lofty statuses made such matters trivial, even they couldn't help but feel the suspense.
Tang Yuehua chuckled softly at the commotion and said, "The Crown Prince and Princess performed exceptionally well this time. Their stage design and accompaniment greatly elevated the overall performance."
With that, all eyes turned to Xue Qinghe and Xue Ke.
Could they truly have secured first place?
Many in the crowd frowned slightly. While Xue Qinghe and Xue Ke's performance was undeniably flawless, it lacked the emotional impact of Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong's performance.
Xue Ke's face lit up with delight, but Xue Qinghe remained calm and composed. "Don't get too excited yet," he said.
Sure enough, before Xue Ke's joy could fully manifest, Tang Yuehua's tone shifted. "However, when it comes to emotional resonance, they fall short. As their teacher, I must say that Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong's graduation performance was the most moving. In my heart, they are the undisputed winners!"
Xue Ke's joyful expression crumbled, but thunderous applause filled the hall.
Even Ning Fengzhi and the others breathed a sigh of relief. Who would've thought that someone as poised as Tang Yuehua could be so teasing?
"Qin Jian, Qin Jian, we won! We won!"
Overjoyed, Ning Rongrong clung tightly to Qin Jian, utterly unconcerned with the eyes of others. Ever since Xue Ke's appearance, Ning Rongrong had instinctively mastered the art of staking her claim.
"This little girl is becoming less reserved by the day," Ning Fengzhi muttered, tapping his cane. He glanced at Sword Douluo and sighed. "Uncle Jian, I don't think that year of simulation training tempered Rongrong's temperament. It just found her a partner."
"Perhaps it was fate," Sword Douluo replied.
Though inwardly, he thought, Even without that year of secluded training, fate would've led to this. Call it 'fate,' or call it destiny.
The applause eventually subsided.
"From this moment on, Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong will officially become my students. They may come to Moon Pavilion at any time to seek guidance," Tang Yuehua announced, handing each of them a dark silver nameplate.
This sparked envy among the other students. While the honor might mean little to Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong, for noble scions, it represented recognition their families would highly value.
"With that, the graduation performances conclude. The rest of the time belongs to His Majesty," Tang Yuehua said, bowing slightly to Xue Ye Emperor before gracefully stepping down.
Yet the crowd's gazes lingered on her elegant, noble figure until Xue Ye Emperor ascended the stage.
"Congratulations to the top-ranked students. You were truly outstanding; even I was deeply moved," Xue Ye Emperor said, nodding at Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong. He then addressed the crowd. "Since we're all gathered here, the royal family has prepared a grand banquet. I hope everyone will attend."
Servants soon entered, guiding the nobles toward the banquet hall.
"Qin Jian, I'll arrange for you to enter the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's Soul Hunting Grounds. You can head there in a few days," Xue Qinghe said, approaching. Her demeanor showed no hint of disappointment. Instead, her gaze lingered on Qin Jian, her eyes glimmering faintly with warmth.
The performance had moved not only the audience but even her, their competitor.
Qin Jian nodded. "Thank you for the arrangement."
He glanced back at Ning Rongrong, his eyes reflecting a kaleidoscope of emotions. Let this be my last gift to you, he thought.
At this moment, Ning Fengzhi approached Xue Ye Emperor. "Your Majesty, pressing matters await in the sect. I must take my leave."
Xue Ye Emperor didn't stop him.
"Rongrong, Qin Jian, let's head home," Ning Fengzhi said warmly, waiting for his daughter to run into his arms as she always did.
"Father, was my performance good today?" Ning Rongrong asked, taking two steps toward him. However, she paused, instinctively turning back to grab Qin Jian's hand before continuing forward.
Ning Fengzhi's eye twitched. He felt as though the daughter he had raised for a decade had been claimed in just one or two years.
"Teacher, are you taking Rongrong and Little Brother Qin back to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?" Xue Qinghe's voice rang out suddenly.
Qin Jian glanced at her.
Since when had she started calling him "Little Brother Qin"? You're the little brother! No, wait, you don't even qualify…
"Ah, Qinghe," Ning Fengzhi replied with a faint smile.
Xue Qinghe bowed slightly. "Teacher, you may skip the banquet, but the first-place winners cannot."
She gestured toward Qin Jian with a smile.
Caught off guard, Ning Fengzhi laughed heartily. "Then let them stay and return tomorrow."
Sword Douluo patted Qin Jian's head, giving him a subtle thumbs-up. "Well done, lad. You didn't embarrass your teacher."
Qin Jian rolled his eyes.
After Ning Fengzhi and the others left, Xue Qinghe approached with a smile. "I selfishly kept you here for another night. I hope you're not upset."
"Your Highness jests," Qin Jian replied formally.
Xue Qinghe shook her head helplessly. "Little Brother Qin, it's been half a year. Why are you still so distant? Can't you just call me Brother Xue?"
She seemed to have a penchant for being addressed as "Brother Xue," a habit she'd likely carry into the future.
"I wouldn't dare address Your Highness as an equal," Qin Jian said, taking two steps back.
He activated his first soul skill, but as expected, it had no effect.
"Haha, no need to be so polite, Little Brother Qin," Xue Qinghe laughed, wrapping an arm around Qin Jian's shoulders and leading him outside. Even Ning Rongrong was momentarily stunned.
"Come on, let's join the banquet. I guarantee the royal cuisine is better and more exquisite than what your sect offers!"
--------------------------------
If you want to support me and read advance chapters, please visit:
patreon.com / igotneonlight
I would greatly appreciate your support if you choose to join my patreon :)