The curtain of the noodle stall stirred, and seven people walked in one after another.
Leading them was a tall young man; though his appearance wasn't striking, a heroic aura emanated from his brows, giving him an imposing presence.
The girl at the very end was particularly eye-catching, with a head of dark red, wavy long hair falling to her waist, accentuating her delicate features and skin as white as snow.
She wore a golden-red short skirt, revealing a pair of long legs, one of which had a red leg band, giving her an overall fiery and alluringly defiant look.
The remaining five were all young men, uniformly dressed in golden-red tight-fitting attire.
As soon as these seven people stepped into the noodle stall, a scorching aura immediately assailed them.
It was as if even the free-floating fire element energy in the air was stirred.
Li Dixian's gaze swept over them, and he understood.
It was the time when several major academies gathered in Heaven Dou City for exchanges and sparring before the Soul Master Competition.
At this time, with such distinct attire, it could only be Blazing Academy, one of the Five Element Academy.
"It has nothing to do with me."
Li Dixian continued eating his noodles, his ears perked up, listening to the Storyteller at the wine shed across the street.
The seven members of Blazing Academy ordered noodles and began conversing as if no one else was around.
"Vice-captain, didn't you go to the Soul Arena?" a team member asked, "Didn't you encounter any formidable opponents?"
The girl with the wavy hair was indeed the vice-captain, Huo Wu.
She pouted, her gaze casually sweeping over the simple noodle stall.
"No, I'm tired of fighting in Blazing Fire City's Soul Arena."
"I thought Heaven Dou City might be interesting, but it's just so-so."
The tall young man leading them was the captain, Huo Wushuang.
He picked up a teacup; in his hand, the cold tea actually began to steam faintly.
"I heard there's a Jian Jiu here, whose strength is extraordinary."
The moment the words "Jian Jiu" were uttered, the diners, who had deliberately lowered their voices to avoid these "uninvited guests," suddenly perked up.
When it came to Jian Jiu, they were certainly not bored!
Sensing the subtle change in the atmosphere within the noodle stall, a playful curve appeared at Huo Wu's lips.
"I've also heard a little about the Jian Jiu the captain mentioned."
"It seems his reputation in Heaven Dou City is quite significant."
Just at this moment, the Storyteller's voice from the wine shed across the street grew louder.
He was telling the story of "Jian Jiu Slaying the Evil Phoenix with a Single Sword."
The members of the Blazing Fire Team listened, their eyebrows slightly raised, and a strong interest appeared on their faces.
"Just listening to this Storyteller, this Jian Jiu... is indeed very strong."
Huo Wushuang took a sip of hot tea and slowly said, "It is said that Yu Tianheng, the captain of the Royal Fight Team, couldn't withstand a single move from him."
Huo Wu nodded.
"Although the Storyteller often exaggerates, there's no smoke without fire; this person must have extraordinary qualities."
At this moment, the steaming hot noodles were served.
Huo Wu looked around, noticing that the other diners had quietly moved away after they entered.
Only the white-robed young man at the next table sat still, making his proximity seem a bit closer.
She picked up the chili oil jar, leaned over with a smile, and asked, "Little brother, do you still need this chili?"
Li Dixian looked up at her, scooped a large spoonful of red oil into his bowl, and then pushed the jar over.
"All done, here you go."
Perhaps Li Dixian remained composed in their presence, or perhaps he was simply engrossed in listening to the Storyteller across the street talk about Jian Jiu.
As Huo Wu took the jar, she casually tasted her noodles and, with interest, pressed on, "Little brother, do you also love listening to Jian Jiu's stories?"
Li Dixian nodded.
"Yes, I do."
"Have you ever seen him fight in the Soul Arena? Is he really as formidable as the Storyteller claims?"
Li Dixian smacked his lips.
Asking him to praise himself? That was a bit... awkward.
"Formidable," he said with certainty. "Even more formidable than the Storyteller says."
"Oh?" Huo Wu raised an eyebrow.
The handsome young man in white before her, with his neither humble nor arrogant demeanor, didn't seem like someone who would speak carelessly.
This Jian Jiu must truly be extraordinary.
A hint of fervor flashed in the eyes of Blazing Fire Captain Huo Wushuang.
"I hope to have a chance to witness it on this trip."
Another day passed.
Xue Qinghe arrived in person, carrying a food box.
The enticing aroma wafting from the box was Li Dixian's favorite Three Immortals Chicken.
When Li Dixian opened the door and saw her, a look of surprise first appeared on his face.
Then, he very naturally took the food box and turned to lead her into the courtyard.
"You, such a busy person, actually have time to come to my place?"
Xue Qinghe's gaze swept across the small courtyard, finally settling on the sandalwood recliner under the plum tree.
The sandalwood recliner had a glossy sheen, indicating it was frequently used.
She nodded with satisfaction.
"Stealing a moment of leisure."
"And... bringing you something to eat."
Li Dixian placed the food box on the stone table in the courtyard.
Xue Qinghe, familiar with the place, went inside to fetch two sets of chopsticks and bowls.
The two then shared the fragrant Three Immortals Chicken under the plum tree, whose sparse shadows danced in the gentle breeze, accompanied by the scent of plum blossoms.
Finally, they squabbled over a glistening chicken wing.
"Phew..." Xue Qinghe finally snatched her "trophy," contentedly chewing the chicken wing, and let out a long sigh.
She looked at Li Dixian across from her.
The weariness that had accumulated between her brows for days had unknowingly dissipated by more than half.
It was truly strange.
This guy often made her exasperated, yet she was inexplicably addicted to being with him.
It was as if, just by being by his side, even the deepest fatigue could be forgotten.
"Speak," Li Dixian took a sip of wine, set down his cup, and his gaze fell on her face. "What do you need me for today?"
Xue Qinghe raised a delicate eyebrow. "Is it that obvious?"
Li Dixian pouted. "Otherwise?" "If I didn't see you preoccupied, do you think I would have intentionally let you have that chicken wing?" "You rarely have something to ask of me; just say it directly."
Seeing Xue Qinghe hesitate, Li Dixian leaned languidly against the back of his chair and added, "Having owed you so much money, do we still need to beat around the bush between us?"
Xue Qinghe blinked, staring at Li Dixian for a long while.
Suddenly, her lips curved into a genuine smile.
Actually... deep down, she had always resisted asking Li Dixian for help.
She feared that their rare connection would be tainted by a utilitarian flavor, which she strongly disliked.
But Li Dixian's jest about "owing money" just now, and his phrase "between us," was like a refreshing breeze, dispelling all her concerns.
Xue Qinghe collected her thoughts and said, "Father Emperor's health is not well."
"The matters concerning the academy exchanges before this Soul Master Competition have fallen upon my shoulders."
She paused, then continued, "The several academy teams that have come this time are not to be underestimated."
"The Royal Fight Team represents the prestige of the imperial family, so naturally, they cannot lose in Heaven Dou City."
"Although Yu Tianheng and his team are strong and may not necessarily lose, I thought it best to add another layer of insurance."
Upon hearing this, Li Dixian already understood.
"You mean... if the Royal Fight Team loses, I should step in?"
Xue Qinghe smiled sweetly, pouring a full cup of wine for Li Dixian.
"You understand me best, Dixian."
Li Dixian picked up the wine cup and drained it in one gulp.
In his mind, he suddenly recalled the Blazing Fire Team he had encountered yesterday.
Under Xue Qinghe's smiling gaze, he nodded and said, "Then I'll go join in the fun?"
💎 Power Stone Bonus: Every 100 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter
🌟 5-Star Review Bonus: Every 5 (5-Star) Reviews = +2 Extra Chapters
💬 Comment Speed-Up: If any chapter reaches +10 Comments = The Next Chapter Will Be Released Faster!
🔥 Want to Read Ahead? If you want to read advanced chapters, check out my buymeacoffee(.)com/Oyunbozan