The National Tournament had ended, but its impact had only just begun.
For Joshua Lim, victory was not just a title—it was a shift in power.
The entire hunter world had taken notice.
And now, they wanted him.
1. The Champion's Influence – A Rising Star
Joshua sat in a private lounge, an exclusive area reserved for top hunters, noble figures, and guild leaders.
The atmosphere was one of prestige and power.
✔ Top guild representatives, noble family heads, and corporate sponsors filled the room.
✔ The strongest hunters in China, and even a few from international guilds, watched him with interest.
✔ Everyone wanted a piece of him—his talent, his future, his loyalty.
At his side, his personal agent, Wu Jian, handled the negotiations with professional ease.
✔ Wu Jian was in his mid-20s, a sharp-minded agent with a calm demeanor.
✔ He was fiercely loyal to Joshua's best interests, ensuring no one took advantage of him.
And right now—he was rejecting offers with ease.
"Mr. Lim appreciates the invitation, but he is currently not seeking guild sponsorships."
"At this time, we are not entertaining exclusive contracts."
"Thank you for your interest, but Joshua's path has already been decided."
One by one, guild leaders and noble families were politely turned away.
Some were irritated, others were curious.
But one thing was clear—Joshua was not easily swayed.
2. Sung En's Perspective – A Shift in Their World
Across the room, Sung En observed the scene silently.
Joshua had always been powerful.
But now—he was no longer just a strong student.
✔ Top guilds were fighting for his attention.
✔ Noble families were considering him as a political asset.
✔ Even foreign hunter organizations had their eyes on him.
It was a strange feeling.
She had always known Joshua was special. But now… it was clear.
He wasn't just hers anymore.
For a brief moment, a strange thought crossed her mind.
"Where do I stand?"
But then, she immediately shook it off.
She was his fiancée.
They were already engaged.
Joshua himself had said it—he had feelings for her.
There was no reason to feel insecure. No reason to doubt.
But still…
She found herself clenching her hands slightly.
3. Noble Girls & the Unspoken Competition
As Sung En stood near the hallway leading to the lounge, she overheard a group of noble girls whispering nearby.
"Have you seen Joshua Lim in person? He's even more handsome up close."
"And that aura… no wonder he's being called a future 7-star hunter."
"I heard he rejected multiple noble families trying to arrange a match with him."
"Ugh, if only he wasn't already engaged!"
"His fiancée is Lee Sung En, right? She's strong, but I don't see any chemistry between them. Maybe it's just political?"
"Well… engagements can be broken."
Sung En's eyes narrowed slightly.
She knew it was just gossip—idle chatter among noble girls who knew nothing about her relationship with Joshua.
And yet…
That last sentence lingered in her mind.
"Engagements can be broken."
She exhaled softly, composing herself.
"It doesn't matter what they say. Joshua already chose me."
And yet, as much as she tried to push the thought away… it stayed.
4. The Political Intrigue – Noble Families & Hidden Agendas
Inside the lounge, a nobleman in an elegant suit raised a glass, smiling.
"Mr. Lim, have you considered strengthening your ties to the noble families?"
Joshua barely looked at him.
"I already have a fiancée. There's no need for discussion."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Even Sung En, standing near the entrance, paused.
Joshua's tone was polite, but absolute.
"I have no interest in reconsidering my engagement. Please don't bring it up again."
Wu Jian, ever professional, followed up.
"Mr. Lim has spoken. Let's move forward."
A few nobles exchanged glances.
✔ Some looked pleased, seeing Joshua's firm stance.
✔ Others looked annoyed, realizing their daughters wouldn't have a chance.
✔ And a few… looked like they had other plans.
Sung En, watching from afar, felt a strange warmth in her chest.
Joshua had shut them down immediately.
He wasn't considering anyone else.
He had already chosen her.
She let out a small smile, her earlier doubts fading—at least for now.
5. Xin En's Return – A Familiar Presence
Then—a familiar voice cut through the conversations.
"Joshua Lim. It's been a long time."
Joshua turned, his expression unreadable.
✔ A woman with flowing black hair and elegant features stood before him.
✔ She carried herself with refined grace, smiling gently.
✔ To an outsider, she looked polite, friendly—perhaps even kind.
But Joshua knew better.
It was Xin En.
The woman who had once stood beside him in another life.
The woman who had betrayed him.
But here—she was nothing more than a stranger.
Joshua did not tense. He did not glare.
Instead—he remained composed, his tone cool and formal.
"Miss Xin. Congratulations on your attendance."
His words were neither warm nor cold—simply distant.
Xin En's smile did not waver.
"You've grown even more impressive than before. Everyone's talking about you."
Joshua gave a polite nod but offered no further response.
The silence that followed was heavy.
✔ Sung En glanced between them, sensing something unspoken in the air.
✔ Wu Jian, standing beside Joshua, subtly narrowed his eyes.
✔ The nobles watched with curiosity—what was their relationship?
Xin En, sensing the tension, merely chuckled.
"I look forward to seeing where your path takes you, Joshua."
With that, she turned and left—but the unease lingered.
6. Aftermath – The First Seeds of Doubt
As soon as Xin En was gone, Sung En couldn't hold back her curiosity.
"Who was that?"
Joshua, ever composed, replied smoothly.
"An acquaintance."
His voice gave away nothing.
Sung En frowned slightly.
She trusted Joshua. But…
There was something in the way he spoke to her.
Something distant. Something unreadable.
For the first time, a small doubt formed.
"Why does it feel like he's hiding something?"
She quickly pushed the thought aside, forcing a smile.
"Alright. If you say so."
But deep down—the seed had been planted.
And Xin En knew exactly what she was doing.