"If that's the only way to stay by your side. I'm willing to die," Xue Ning insisted, nodding by Ju Xian.

No one knows how Fu Xie Lan should react to what they said. She who had only taken advantage of them had never expected to receive a reply like this.

​​

"Rather than arguing, we should think about our next plan," Wan Lie suddenly spoke up.

"Right, Xie Lan," Xue Ning said and Ju Xian nodded.

"Hmm okay. But before that, thank you," said the girl. A hint of warmth felt deep in her heart. It was the first time she had someone by her side, supporting her without expecting anything from her.

"Do you have any plans Xie Lan?" asked Wan Lie then.

"Plan? I haven't thought too much about it. But tonight, I want to seize the ruby ​​star stone."

"Tell me, what can we do to help?" said Ju Xian.

***

The welcoming party is about to start. All participants and guests from various kingdoms, as well as palace officials, had gathered in an open space. Sitting on each of the chairs that have been provided, cakes and other meals are neatly arranged and look so delicious in front of everyone.

Not to be missed, all the leaders of all regions in the Zu kingdom were also present. Brought their sons and daughters in the hope of being glimpsed by the prince who was also present, the strains of the melody sounded so beautiful coming from the drums combined with the rhythm of the flute, followed by the tinkling of the bracelets of the dancers who did a little entertainment while waiting for the royal family to arrive.

The participants and several royal guests cheered cheerfully, some of them just sat and chatted with each other.

Fu Xie Lan, Wan Lie, Ju Xian, and Xue Ning seemed to be the last to arrive, which was why they got the last seats as well.

They do it not without reason. As much as possible they avoid or try not to stand out in the slightest. Even so, there were still discordant voices that could be heard around them, cursing and doing things like that.

The welcoming party was held in a very wide open area, precisely in the palace garden. Various glittering knick-knacks adorn several points, colorful lanterns also color the area around the party.

The light of the full moon that looks so bright adds to the perfection of the party.

Only a few minutes later, the royal family finally arrived at the location. Dressed in such majestic clothes, the silk shawl belonging to princess Fu Xie Yan also seemed to occasionally fly in the direction of the wind that occasionally blew. With such graceful steps, following His Majesty the Queen and King who walked hand in hand in front of her.

Her gentle demeanor instantly made her the center of attention. After Fu Xie Lan's departure, the girl took her sister's place as the most beautiful girl in the Zu kingdom.

Everyone was amazed. Especially with Prince Shen Zue who seemed very proud of his fiancé. Seen when he immediately stood up to pick up the princess, escorted her to the chair that had been specially provided right beside him.

Again, anyone who saw that would be envious.

Far away in the very back row, six pairs of eyes watched this without blinking. Neither joy nor admiration could be seen on the faces of the three people, they were Wan Lie, Ju Xian, and Xue Ning.

As for Fu Xie Lan, the girl's eyes never left Shen Zue. Looking for the ruby ​​star stone in the man's body. And after that, she scans the queen and princess Fu Xie Yan. On both of them, there was no sign of a rose on their body, nor did His Majesty the King.

That meant the three people weren't under the influence of mind magic at all.

Fu Xie Lan became doubtful, was the royal family an ordinary human like the others? Or are they a gang of black witchs? Or worse, are they the wizards themselves?

She thought of the real Fu Xie Lan when she was still alive in this kingdom. she suspected that the previous owner of the body was also affected by the mind magic because the concubine and Fu Xie Yan had been in this kingdom for a long time, in her memory.

Or...

Her mother was accused of treason because...

Just thinking about it made her body stiffen. If that was what she thought then she would have no other way but to face them head-on.

Fu Xie Lan then scanned everyone present in the place without a barrier, and without exception.

What Hao said was true. rose tattoos can be found on everyone's body.

Suddenly a new question appeared in the girl's mind. If everyone was affected by mind magic, then how could she and the other three not be affected by it in the slightest?

'That's because Mr. Gu Yi put a shield on your body, Miss, and Miss's three other friends,' Hao's voice buzzed in Fu Xie Lan's mind.

'Protector? Since when? I didn't see him doing anything at all," Fu Xie Lan replied.

'I don't know Miss. I can only feel that the shield on Miss's body has the same aura as that man's,' Hao answered casually.

.

.

.

It didn't feel like the first event was over, it seemed that His Majesty the King was sitting in his chair again after giving a few words of welcome to the guests and participants.

Now the next event is taking place again, notification of the rules and matters relating to the competition that will be held tomorrow. This was conveyed by one of the palace officials.

Everyone listened intently, as if afraid that they might miss a single precious word.

The first day will be carried out two types of battles gradually and alternately.

They can't choose their opponent at will.

Solo or group battle participants are required to take a number at the end of the welcoming party.

Those who have the same number will be opponents in tomorrow's competition.

It aims so that the participants can better prepare themselves when they know who will be their opponent.

Then came the next notification that after the number was taken, no one was allowed to resign.

The number that each participant gets may not be exchanged to anyone, whatever and regardless of the form and reason.

This second event took almost an hour, as some of the attendees and royal guests were allowed to ask questions if something was not clear to them. And of course, after paying their respects and getting permission from the King, then they can speak.

In addition, some things are not allowed for participants and spectators to do while the fight is in progress, among others, no one is allowed to interfere in the fight regardless of the reason. The participant concerned is also not allowed to leave the arena before actually admitting defeat. And there are many other rules.