Test-Chapter 13: What Competition

Chapter 13: What Competition

Nangong Yu asked Shen Xue for some details about Shen Yan’s return to the Shen Family yesterday, but Shen Xue dodged each question.

Finally, a cold glint flickered in Nangong Yu’s eyes as he spoke in a gloomy tone. “Xue’er, I will find another chance to get rid of her. She escaped once, but can she escape a second time?”

Shen Xue frowned, wearing an expression of troubled conflict.

Nangong Yu thought of something, and his excitement was hard to conceal. Lowering his voice, he said, “I came specifically to tell you something. According to reliable news, soon, the Qiutian Sect will hold a competition in the Lingyan Forest next to our Nangxiao Kingdom. Participants will come from nearly ten nearby kingdoms. The top three young competitors can become Inner Sect Disciples of the Qiutian Sect. Besides the top three, there are also rich rewards.”

“What competition?” Upon hearing this, Shen Xue’s heart skipped a beat.

Inner Sect Disciple?!

Within the Pingze Western Region, the Qiutian Sect absolutely counted as a mid-to-upper-tier power. Though it was far inferior to the Western Regions Academy, its existence alone was enough to tower over ten Nangxiao Kingdoms!

Even the current Shen Family was far inferior to the Qiutian Sect.

Even becoming the Patriarch of the Shen Family couldn’t compare to the future prospects of being an Inner Sect Disciple of the Qiutian Sect.

“I don’t know yet what kind of competition it is, but…” Nangong Yu narrowed his eyes, a murderous intent surfacing. He gave a sinister smile. “Xue’er, we can seize this chance to have Shen Yan die in an ‘accident’ during this competition.”

Shen Xue sighed inwardly that Nangong Yu wasn’t completely stupid, but she pretended to be naive and asked, “But, Shen Yan is someone with no Spiritual Energy at all. How could she possibly join voluntarily?”

Nangong Yu said confidently, “Don’t worry about that, Xue’er. Whether she joins voluntarily or is made to join, she’ll be participating.”

Shen Xue nodded.

Then, with a worried look, she said to him, “Father already knows you were involved in the previous attempt on Yan’er’s life. Even though the Elders forced him not to seek revenge on you, Father now holds a deep grudge. So you must handle this competition matter very secretly. Don’t let him get any proof.”

If not for her Grandfather and the Elders wanting to protect her reputation, they might have let Shen Tianhao go after Nangong Yu for revenge.

If a real conflict broke out, not only would Nangong Yu suffer, but Shen Xue’s reputation would also be damaged, and it would even harm the Shen Family’s reputation.

The Shen Family placed great importance on honor and reputation, so they could only suppress the matter.

“Don’t worry, Xue’er. You can trust me to handle things.”

Nangong Yu snorted derisively. His reason for wanting Shen Yan gone wasn’t just for Xue’er, but also for himself. He didn’t want to marry a good-for-nothing.

Only Xue’er was worthy of him.

If Shen Tianhao hadn’t saved his father, the king, years ago, his father wouldn’t have made him betrothed to Shen Yan, who was still in swaddling clothes back then. Who knew she would turn out to be both foolish and talentless, with no good points at all!

Now even his father found Shen Yan thoroughly annoying and regretted making the betrothal so early.

The two looked at each other. Nangong Yu gently reached out and took her hand. Just as they were lost in each other’s gaze, suddenly-

A maidservant rushed in, her face anxious and uneasy.

“Eldest Young Lady, Your Highness Heir! Young Master is rushing over with a large sword, looking furious! He says he’s going to chop the Heir!”

Hearing this, Nangong Yu’s expression changed immediately.

Shen Xue’s face also paled. She quickly said to Nangong Yu, “Brother Yu, run.”

Once Shen Tianhao lost control, he would act like a madman. Unless someone physically restrained him, the consequences were unthinkable.

Shen Tianhao, at the Earth Grade Realm, third level, had few rivals in the Nangxiao Kingdom. Nangong Yu was only at the Yellow Grade Realm, sixth level. The difference was huge.

Nangong Yu naturally understood. His face whitened with fear. After hurriedly saying goodbye to Shen Xue, he fled with his attendants through a side door.

His retreating figure looked rather disheveled.

Soon, a loud noise was heard. A tiger as tall as a man leaped into the side hall, roared fiercely, and smashed many tables and chairs. Even Shen Xue was forced back several steps.

This was one of Shen Tianhao’s Summoned Beasts, the Roar-to-Heaven Tiger.

The Roar-to-Heaven Tiger seemed to sense its master’s emotions. It stepped slowly toward Shen Xue, bared its teeth at her, and growled a low warning.

The strong Aura Pressure kept Shen Xue rooted to the spot.

Shen Xue was terrified, her pretty face losing color. “Fa… Father, spare me!”

Shen Tianhao arrived a bit later. He held a long-handled greatsword, his expression ferocious, his eyes sharp and cold. He bellowed.

“Where is Nangong Yu?!”

Shen Xue stammered, “He… He left…”

Shen Tianhao’s icy gaze fell on Shen Xue. She shuddered all over. It was the first time Shen Tianhao had stared at her with such a hateful look. A chill shot from the soles of her feet to the top of her head, making her tremble uncontrollably.

“Father…”

Shen Tianhao’s eyes were bloodshot. “Shut up! I, Shen Tianhao, have no daughter like you! Of all people in the world, you are the least qualified to call me ‘Father’. You plotted to murder my daughter, took her blood for yourself. You are utterly shameless!”

As his words fell, the Roar-to-Heaven Tiger sensed its master’s killing intent. It suddenly opened its huge maw. Just as it was about to swallow Shen Xue, a powerful Aura Pressure surged in, forcing the tiger a distance away.

“Stop!”

“Xue’er, are you alright?” The deeply concerned voice of the First Elder rang out. He helped up Shen Xue, who had collapsed on the floor in fright.

Then, seeing Shen Xue’s pale face, the First Elder immediately turned to glare at Shen Tianhao, furious. “Tianhao! Are you trying to kill Xue’er?!”

“Yes!” Shen Tianhao said through gritted teeth.

The First Elder was speechless, looking at Shen Tianhao with an exasperated expression.

He didn’t understand why Shen Tianhao insisted on clinging to that worthless girl when he had a much better daughter! Although Shen Xue wasn’t his biological child, in what way was she inferior to Shen Yan? Shen Xue was clever, exceptionally talented, brought honor to the family, and had even embarked on the path of a Summoner! Her future was boundless!

Seeing this, Shen Tianhao just gave a cold laugh, recalled the Roar-to-Heaven Tiger, turned, and left directly.

Without even a word of farewell.

The First Elder was furious.

Shen Xue’s eyes were red. “First Elder, do I… do I no longer have a father?”

The First Elder looked at her lovingly. “Even if you don’t have him as a father, you still have the Patriarch. And we old men will support you. Xue’er, you are the child of our Shen Family!”

Shen Xue nodded sadly, hiding the gleam of triumph in her eyes.

Then, the First Elder turned and instructed the maidservants. “Quickly, take the Young Lady back to rest.”

“Yes, First Elder,” the maidservants chorused, reaching out to support Shen Xue.

After they left, a Shadow Guard suddenly appeared and whispered a few words into the First Elder’s ear.

The First Elder immediately showed a scornful expression.

“Don’t bother with that good-for-nothing. Even if she enters the Library Pavilion, she won’t learn anything.”