Chapter 39, Part 2, Surprise

~/`````````````````````/~

The announcer, after watching the seen that Tengfei displayed... caused him to be speechless for a long while.

Eventually he thought, 'This guy... has some quick wits. Still sloppy, but doesn't show any hints of fear holding him down. How awful am I for judging a book by its cover.'

He then rubbed the large gem on his hand before loudly speaking into it, "Ladies and gentlemen! The young man from Xuanqihar, Tengfei! He has brought a joyful battle and successfully beheaded his foe!"

A woman knocked on the door before entering inside.

She then walked and gave a letter to the man sitting.

The announcer read through it before revealing a smirk.

He then yelled onto the gem, "Since he showed us something that's unbelievable, we decided to present to the contestant both the rings he salvaged!"

~/`````````````````````/~

Zhou Huan was having a blank look.

He watched as two individual picks up Tengfei. Them looking like medics. 'I always had some suspicion that in reality that he's secretly a conniving individual. Not to this extent though. The way he handled that beast, made me wonder if this was his first battle against them.'

Huan then turned around before continuing his trail of thoughts, 'Now it feels like I'm not the one pretending but instead he is.'

A little further away from Huan, there stood a lady in black. A woman who proudly exclaimed her name to everyone. Though with a childish one like demeanor, Red Sin.

Her thoughts and eyes were glued on Tengfei as she can't help but feel familiarity. 'Again... this individual is making me recall some fuzzy memory. Unfortunately, I can't really point out as to what it is.'

She then tapped on her once dirty mask, before muttering quietly, "I need to confront him and confirm something. If I get the chance that is."

~/`````````````````````/~

A young lady, age around 15, having a scarlet colored hair. Her eye bags were slightly swollen from what seems to be previous crying. Her palms showed traces of her nail digging deep into it. Anger, worry, fear, anxiety were all mixed in her head.

Finally, after witnessing that Tengfei slayed the beast, she slumped onto to the seat behind her. Losing all her strength from mental fatigue.

Lihua then thought maliciously, 'If... If he got killed there, I'll dye that arena entirely with that beast's blood and body parts.'

Li Meixiu released a sigh before saying, "You should be glad that I stopped you, or else... A terrible scene might have occurred."

The princess took a deep breath before replying angrily, "It's your fault that I couldn't stop that foolish buffoon to partake this suicidal contest! Now look how hurt he is!? Not to mention he almost DIED!!"

Li Meixiu was speechless for a little while. She, after averting her eyes, then replied, "I... did it to save you. If you broke the rules and entered the area while they're still conducting their test... Not only you would suffer. Your sect and that precious Tengfei of yours would go through living hell, believe me. I know my sect very well, specifically as to how they treat rule breakers."

She then continued after seeing that the angered Lihua was cooling off, "I can't stop you for holding a grudge at me. As I'm the one who recommended Zhou Huan to bring someone with him, and I already from the start, knew that he would pick your lover. It's also my fault for not telling you that people actually die in the contest which is a really big mistake in my part." Strangely she had a tone that showed no emotion.

Lihua observed the woman beside her carefully. She then noticed, not in her tone, but instead on her eyes. It showed sadness. Lihua didn't yet forgive her but she also didn't want to start a drama because of this. "I will forgive you if you appolo-"

"Sorry..." Li Meixiu cut into her sentence before she could finish.

Lihua blinked twice before saying, "WAAA! Y-You don't need to bow down! I already forgave you so please s-stop! This is not like you! Please return to your doll like state!"

Li Meixiu hearing the princess's words caused her to release a cute giggle. Something that she rarely ever shows. She then cooed, "I can't help it now..." Meixiu then patted the hair of Lihua before asking, "Do you truly forgive me?"

Lihua revealed a smile before replying, "Duh, of course I will." She then averted her eyes before continuing, "I guess some of that guy's behavior is rubbing off me."

Meixiu thought about what she said before agreeing with her, "Definetely, as I heard that you were one of the coldest individuals in a sect. Makes you think as to how powerful a lover's influence truly is."

Lihua gently pushed away Meixiu's hands before saying, "I'm going to visit Tengfei. I want to make sure he's doing well and be next to his side."

The golden eyed woman nodded in response. She then handed Lihua something, "Use this then. Give it to one of the guards and tell them to bring you to the medic room."

Lihua grabbed the slip before nodding.

Before she went, Li Meixiu said to her, "It seems my prediction was correct. Your lover is almost similar to Zhou Huan. In terms of hiding as to how shrewd they truly are. Also, that Tengfei of yours... Even with a horrible aptitude, I can already tell that he'll reach far."

After hearing all the words Li Meixiu said, Lihua couldn't help but remember as to what her master said at the beginning when they met. Tengfei having a destiny and she is to be left behind.

Lihua shook away that thought before replying, "I too didn't know of his cunningness. But I feel nothing but happiness as I... want to know more about him." She then started walking away.

Though when a meter of distance passed, she turned and asked, "Li Meixiu, are we... You know..." She then shyly looked around before completing her sentence,"...friends?"

Meixiu slowly nodded before saying with an expressionless look, "Yeah, you are my first genuine one." Her look might resemble a doll, but her eyes showed otherwise. As it displayed a mixed feeling of joy and hidden sadness.

Lihua revealed a wide smile before waving as she leaves the place.

Li Meixiu blew away her bangs before thinking as she watched the back of Lihua, 'And here I thought that her lover was lucky for having someone strong close by. But now I want to change that statement.'

Looking around, she spotted a group of dressed women who could be spotted away form a crowd. Wearing pure white clothing with gold trimmings on it and having their emblem embroided to their capes. 'The Sacred Ivory huh. It seems that Tengfei piqued their interest. Though I don't know if this is lucky for him or not."

~/`````````````````````/~

Farengoth rubbed his chin before saying, "At first I thought that I wouldn't be interested in this contest of theirs... but seeing as to how that young man gone through that ordeal. It now makes me more attentive towards it."

Lou Jun snickered before mumbling something.

The knight leader then looked around the place carefully. As if looking for someone. Seeing that the person disappeared and some guards were speaking to each other, he couldn't help but ask, "Have you noticed?"

"...Noticed what?" Asked Lou Jun.

"That man you pointed out previously is now gone. Only his attendant who has traces of blood on her clothing is left. And not to mention her expression showing despair."

Lou Jun looked towards the direction Farengoth had his attention concentrated. She then after showing a malicious grin, "It seems that the smarter older brother was the first one to get killed. Good riddance, never liked his look towards."

Farengoth had an ugly look after he heard what she said. He then said, "If that's the case, then my mission suddenly got harder."

Lou Jun then mockingly spat at him words, "Ahh~ You wanted to interrogate that man? Well it seems that attendant of his snatched away that opportunity of yours. No more kisses to the cheek from your King as reward~"

"I highly doubt the attendant did it. If you pay attention carefully on her body, then you can understand why." Farengoth said.

Lou Jun focused her vision before seeing a symbol on the lady's neck, something very familiar, "A slave contract, huh."

"Exactly, and judging by how it's starting to disappear, it means the man is already dead." Farengoth then drank some water from a metal container before continuing, "The real question is who is the one that killed him and why?"

Lou Jun observed very carefully, "Seeing that guards have no clue as to who did it, then that person must be adept in assassination. I wonder if that individual is interested in a certain Knight's head."

The knight smiled in response before saying, "Anyhow, I'll be needing that attendant of his. If I could get some info from her then I wouldn't exactly need his younger brother."

Lou Jun looked up to the cloudy sky, "That is if his younger brother was an option to begin with. I could imagine an outcome where that ape beast was happily munching on his head."

"That might be... highly likely." Farengoth stood up

~/`````````````````````/~

In the medical room

Lihua was taking a sit beside Tengfei who was still unconscious.

'At least they have proper beds here, he can rest for now.'

Lihua saw his hand before thinking of something. Agreeing to that idea, she went and intertwined her hand with his. Feeling his slow pulse and body heat.

She had a sad look as she saw all sorts of bandages on him. '...I really didn't know that this contest would be dangerous. Stupid ape.'

The princess then eyed the three rings on his right hand. One of them was the ring she gave. 'You surprised me when you defeated that creature. I never took you as someone who could move swiftly and at the same time, calmly plan ahead. How harsh was your past?' Looking at his face, she then continued, '...Just gets you to show as to how little I know about him.'

Tengfei's eyes slowly opened before he hoarsely says, "...Lihua?"

"Yeah, I'm here." Lihua replied sweetly with a caring tone.

He steadily looked around, while trying to ignore the numerous types of pain on his body.

"Where am I?" He asked.

"In a medical room. They treated you after your fight with that beast. They're quite proficient when it comes to that. Though an old woman covered in white clothing, exited this room before I entered."

"Ah, I see." He then looked at Lihua before saying jokingly, "And here I thought that I could never see you again." Before revealing a forced smile.

"You're lucky that your body is wounded or else I would've beaten you up. It infuriates me that you're actually that foolish of actually challenging that suicidal contest. Even when you had the choice to leave." Lihua's words were cold and harsh.

Tengfei remained silent for a moment before replying, "I just felt like it would be wrong for me to be always powerless. If we ever get into trouble in the future, I wouldn't have the power to protect you when you need someone's help. Huan was correct, even though you're powerful compared to others... there's still a limit to how much a single person can handle."

Lihua heard his words and was about to rebuke, but nothing could be uttered. No matter how many times she tried.

She then heard her master say, '...He's right. I too was a foolish lone wolf. And maybe that's one of the reasons why I ended up in this pitiful state...'

Lihua bit her lower lip before saying, "I can't stop you as to what choice you make. But please think of your safety... you're not alone in this world. Some people and especially me, would be sad when you're hurt."

Tengfei smiled. He then scratched the back of his head before saying, "Now a days, I smile subconsciously."

Lihua admitted, "That's my favorite. A natural one."

The young man with gray hair then noticed that his hand was being held. He looked at Lihua before asking, "...How long are you going to hold my hand?"

"WAHHH!" Hearing that caused her to panic as she immediately took away her hand. She then, with a blushed look, replied back, "F-f-forget that happened!"

Tengfei chuckled before saying teasingly, "Don't worry, I'll not forget that. Though I'm quite disappointed. As I expected that you would be more... assertive. In a perverted way that is."

"Wuuuu!" Lihua then pinched his nose angrily. She then said with a flustered look, "What am I to you in your stupid bumpkin mind of yours!?"

Tengfei was blunt, "A cute perverted flat-chested pampered princess."

The princess felt happy that she was called cute but her rage was brimming as she says loudly, "You're really lucky that you're wounded!!"

A pink cute snake then emerged out the clothing of Tengfei before slowly moving towards Lihua. As if asking for food.

The adorable reptile had just awoken from her long slumber. She then hissed towards the princess.

"Ah~ I forgotten Mini was with you! I can't believe she didn't awake while you're fighting." Lihua then rummaged through the insides of her bag before giving some snacks to the snake.

Mini happily complied before slowly swallowing the small pieces of fresh Drake fish. Deboned cleanly and tasty even when raw.

After enjoing its meal, it roamed around the place. As if looking for an exercise.

Occasionaly Mini would spit out a gunk of tar which accumulated from its body. Also, without the knowing of both Lihua and Tengfei, Mini would swallow quantities of sulfur, dusted realgar and saltpeter mixed with honey. Now you might ask as to how a small adorable snake got hands to some of this stuff. Wel... it strangely has senses that indicate where to find those specifics.

Tengfei hesitated for a bit before asking, "Do I still have time?"

"...You." Lihua then continued, "Are you still willing to compete?"

Tengfei grimaced before replying, "I came this far, I better try and finish it then."

"Fine, do whatever you want. If you dare leave me alone, I'll come after your dead soul before beating you up till you live again!"

Lihua then held tightly onto his clothing before meekly saying, "...All I can do is ask that you come back safely."

Tengfei replied back with care, "Yeah... I know. I'll make sure to come back unharmed." He then recalled the necklace that she normally wears, "And Lihua?"

"Yes?"

After placing his thoughts together, he then said, "I need to tell you my experience when that light entered me."

....

"What!? You met again that girl named Tinia... And she's in this sort of soul form?" Lihua felt lots of emotion.

Tengfei shrugged before saying, "You know, she even asked me if I still had feeling for her."

Lihua remained silent before nervously asking, "...And what you answered?"

"What are you getting so nervous about? I plainly answered 'no' as I currently have a certain princess in my heart." He then eyed Lihua with a grin.

Hearing his words, caused Lihua's face to become really red compared to any seen before. She then felt her cheeks which was really hot. Lots of pinkish thoughts poured onto her mind. This resulted in her thoughts slowly becoming blank.

"Ehh! Lihua!? Lihua!!? Y-You actually fainted!?" Tengfei panicked as he tried calling for some people's help.

~/`````````````````````/~

A sigh was released as Zhou Huan witnessed another person's clash. Particularly a certain individual. A man who usually has his eyes closed. 'He still fights with his eyes closed even when against something... like that? Not to mention how he, and surprisingly Tengfei, were able to activate their inscription rings with ease compare to the rest.'

He looked at the bulky man beside him who was covered in blood. Though that blood was not his but instead from a certain beast. 'And that man defeated the beast with nothing but fists and skilled dodging. His size might fool you as he's actually quite fast. Having specialized gloves imbued by an earth core made him easily destroy the poor ape.'

His eyes wondered towards the woman who called herself 'Red Sin'. She was recently chosen to be next one by the announcer.

The lady wore the ring given to her. She took a glance at it before making her way into the arena.

She hummed a lullaby as she descended the ladder. As if not caring at all that her life could be on the line. Somewhat confident like her outward impression.

Even later, when the beast used its hind legs to pounce at her... she still didn't care.

The beast was pushed back by a water spray coming out from her left hand. A trivial inscription ring which allows the user to send their opponent flying from its force. Causing broken ribs and could possibly snap once neck if it was done close.

When the beast was on the ground, she jumped onto his body before aiming towards the beast's mouth. Without giving the creature any time to react, she let go a powerful gush of water into the beast's mouth.

Forcibly letting the beast to drink countless liters of water in moments of seconds. The constant barrage of the water eventually drowned the beast before it could even touch a hair on her.

The spectators who witnessed this were split between being silent or whispering something towards the person beside them.

It even took some time before the announcer proclaimed her victory.

"Red Sin has done it cleanly and with haste. She has purged the beast from this world and so she qualifies to enter the next stage. Earning the ring given to her."

The lady, instead of basking in glory, she walked slowly towards the beast's head before closing the eyes of his.

Her act caused some people to have suspicious questions about her. But then she yelled out loudly, "No one is a match! For I am Red Sin! One who purges the lands from corrupt beasts and humans!" Strangely she emphasized the 'humans' part of her proclamation.

Zhou Huan who was far away couldn't help but avert her eyes as he thinks, 'W-What a prideful person. How shameful for people who know her...'

If Tengfei heard his thoughts, he would smack him before saying that he acts worse than that lady.

'I have to admit that she's quite deadly. I wonder if I could activate the ring given to me. Li Meixiu said that it would take some time before you get used to redirecting your mana.'