Chapter 19: I Roast Myself
Since the competition format allowed teams of two or more, it was designed to handle ties in average scores.
As long as there was trust, theoretically, the more members a team had, the better their chances, even with some participants consuming scores.
So, on the surface, it looked like Gong Yiling was clinging to two strong teammates, but actually—no!
In reality, she chose to team up with them to ensure the two girls could steadily advance to the top eighty, instead of trying to consume scores on her own.
“Why should we trust you?” Qiu Shui was still wary.
Although the woman’s words made sense, it didn’t necessarily mean they could cooperate.
“You can choose not to trust me.” Gong Yiling shrugged. “Four hundred people, each with a card. Getting a total of 15 points isn’t easy.”
“You two can aim for 14 points, and you don’t have to tell me your score. I’ll aim for 15.”
If their scores were different, score consumption wouldn’t be possible. And each person only had one chance to request it from the judges. If they used it up without being able to consume any scores, they lost the opportunity.
Seeing Qiu Shui’s hesitation, Gong Yiling decided to provoke her.
“Opportunities and challenges coexist. If you two lack the courage, it’s only natural for you to stop here.”
“You…!”
Qiu Shui and Lu Xinyao glared at her, feeling a surge of competitiveness.
But it wasn’t a hostile competitiveness, more like a desire to prove themselves, to refute her words.
They exchanged glances, confirming each other’s thoughts, then turned to Gong Yiling. “We agree.”
“Being provoked so easily isn’t a sign of maturity.”
Gong Yiling chuckled, then turned and waved dismissively before they could reply. “Thank you for your generosity. See you tomorrow.”
She left gracefully, but her words had a significant impact on the two girls.
Later that evening, they were still sulking when Gong Yiling noticed.
“I heard the rules for tomorrow’s competition have been confirmed.”
Gong Yiling casually mentioned it while eating the late-night snacks Yan Chuyue brought them. “Is there something wrong with the rules? You two don’t seem happy.”
Qiu Shui mumbled, “It’s not the rules.”
“Then what?”
Little Heehee immediately chimed in, “We met a very annoying person.”
“Annoying person?”
“Yes!” Little Heehee said indignantly. “That bad person said Qiu Shui and I lack courage and aren’t mature!”
Gong Yiling feigned surprise. “How could she say such a thing? That’s outrageous!”
“Yes,” Little Heehee stuck out her tongue. “But we still let her join our team. We’ll show her we’re not like what she said.”
Gong Yiling nodded. “Yes, you should teach her a lesson. That clueless idiot! I hope her food has no seasoning!”
“Pfft—”
Yan Chuyue burst out laughing.
Qiu Shui and Little Heehee looked at her, puzzled.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, nothing.” Yan Chuyue waved her hand dismissively. “I just remembered a funny story.”
“What story?”
“There was once a pig. When asked what pigs looked like, it said pigs were stupid.”
Was… that story funny?
Qiu Shui and Little Heehee exchanged glances, confusion in their eyes.
Of course…
Just because they didn’t understand didn’t mean Gong Yiling didn’t.
Miss Gong rolled her eyes at Yan Chuyue, grabbed another skewer, and stuffed it into her mouth…
“What the hell is this? No seasoning! Negative review!!!”
—
—
The next day, all the participants were taken to a suburban area outside the city.
It was the royal hunting grounds, the Yanxing Great Forest.
Blessed with favorable natural conditions, it was ideal for cultivating various herbs and was home to many unique demonic beasts.
It was only open to the public once or twice a year, either for competitions like this or for the royal family’s spring and summer hunts.
Therefore, the plants here had at least six months of recovery time, and there were still many rare items to be found.
And…
If one were lucky enough to find one of the hidden secret realms, it would be more than just a small fortune.
“The rules have been posted yesterday, and those with questions have received explanations,”
The man standing at the front of the group was another influential figure of the Heartflame Empire.
Prince Changning, Shangguan Yaochang.
He was the current Emperor’s younger brother and a former contender for the throne. The previous Emperor supposedly favored him.
However, he had voluntarily withdrawn from the competition, accepting the title of prince and some insignificant responsibilities.
Even now, many were puzzled by his decision.
But only he knew his true intentions.
Now, this stern-faced man was explaining the final rules.
“This Yanxing Great Forest is eight times the size of Yanlie City, divided into an outer and central area.”
“You are only allowed in the outer area. There’s a clearly marked barrier between the two.”
“In the outer area, besides collecting number cards, you can also search for treasures. You have twelve hours, and anything you find during this period belongs to you. The Heartflame Empire won’t claim any of it.”
Hearing this, everyone was excited.
Even if they lost their number cards, they could still earn some travel expenses. What a great perk!
Then, someone asked, “What about… the central area?”
“The central area?” Shangguan Yaochang sneered. “If you can break through the Earth-grade barrier and enter the central area, I won’t stop you.”
“However, if you wish to withdraw from the competition in the outer area, crush the crystal I’ll give you, and you’ll be protected until someone escorts you out.”
“But in the central area, you’re on your own.”
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