Chapter 974: The Elite Competition Begins

Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“After this, Huangfu Ruixiang probably won’t have another chance to come to the Hidden World,” Huangfu Ruiling remarked calmly. “He won’t pass this test.”

The Huangfu family’s assessment wasn’t simple. Without sufficient strength and foundation, passing was impossible. Huangfu Ruixiang’s talent was mediocre, and his previous stay could be considered as getting in through the back door.

However, it was evident that Huangfu Ruixiang didn’t value this opportunity. Over the past year, he hadn’t devoted much time to cultivation in the Hidden World, often entangled by trivial matters in the mortal world. Hence, the outcome was predictable.

“Huangfu Ruixiang lacks talent and diligence, making him unsuitable for cultivation.” Ye Leng’an shook her head. “He doesn’t seem to cherish the opportunity you gave him. After this, he’ll surely be eliminated.”

Like Huangfu Ruiling, she held little hope for Huangfu Ruixiang.

“Then let him go back.” Huangfu Ruiling’s tone lacked warmth. “He’s no longer a child. He must take responsibility for everything.”

Ye Leng’an smiled wryly. “Despite his age, in your mother’s eyes, he’s probably still a child! By then, he might come begging to you.”

These were foreseeable events, but the outcome might not align with some people’s desires.

Huangfu Ruiling raised an eyebrow but remained silent. However, the underlying meaning in her words was understood by all.

In the following days, as promised, Ye Leng’an kept Huangfu Ruiling company. They went out together or stayed in the Huangfu family, chatting like an ordinary couple, enjoying a sweet time.

Witnessing their intimacy, the people in the Huangfu family smiled knowingly. Even the elders could envision their future children.

Time flew, and soon, the Elite Competition began.

The venue was the same as the previous Family Competition, located in a vast square.

Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an sat in prime seats, offering a panoramic view of the entire arena.

Observing the surroundings, Ye Leng’an noticed familiar faces, including Ye Hongxuan and Lian Mengzhu with Ye Wanwan seated prominently. The trio looked content, resembling a happy family.

Ye Leng’an remained unfazed by this sight. However, she caught a glimpse of Ye Wanwan’s proud and provocative gaze.

Facing Ye Wanwan’s challenge, Ye Leng’an raised an eyebrow before calmly averting her gaze, her heart unruffled.

Sometimes, she found Ye Wanwan’s behavior quite laughable. She had never considered returning to the Ye family. If it weren’t for Ye Wanwan’s relentless pressure, their swapped identities wouldn’t have been exposed.

Why did Ye Wanwan think such antics could rattle her now?

“What’s wrong?” Huangfu Ruiling immediately noticed Ye Leng’an’s demeanor. “Did you see something?”

Glancing towards the Ye family, he saw Ye Wanwan, a cold glint flickering in his eyes.

Sensing Huangfu Ruiling’s gaze, Ye Wanwan felt a chill, trembling involuntarily. Retracting her gaze, her heart raced, a hint of panic evident.

Once, she had earnestly wished to marry Huangfu Ruiling, not just out of gratitude but also affection. However, reality dealt her a harsh blow.

Huangfu Ruiling not only rejected her but also humiliated her. This incident led to a series of unfortunate events, turning her from the esteemed young lady of the Ye family into a laughingstock. Now, she harbored no illusions about Huangfu Ruiling. Even facing him, she couldn’t help but feel afraid.

In hindsight, she regretted ever provoking Huangfu Ruiling. If given a chance to start over, she would avoid him, preventing their true identities from being exposed.

“What’s wrong, Wanwan?” Lian Mengzhu, standing beside her, failed to detect the tension between Ye Wanwan and Ye Leng’an. “Are you alright?”

Or rather, she deliberately chose not to pay attention. That was her biological daughter, and naturally, she wanted to monitor her every move. If possible, she would even like to go over and show concern, or at the very least, exchange greetings. However, remembering the recent events, the pressure on Ye Wanwan, and her father’s warnings, she didn’t dare to do anything. She couldn’t even bring herself to glance in Ye Leng’an’s direction, afraid she might lose control of her emotions.

Therefore, Lian Mengzhu didn’t notice Ye Leng’an’s situation, only sensing that Ye Wanwan’s expression wasn’t quite right.

Quickly shaking her head with a smile, Ye Wanwan explained, “Probably I’m too nervous since the Elite Competition is starting soon.”

“No need to be nervous, just stay calm,” Ye Hongxuan reassured her. “Your cultivation is already formidable. I dare say, few can match you in this competition. Just keep your composure, and victory will be yours.”

Though he encouraged her outwardly, inwardly, Ye Hongxuan was fraught with worry.

Ye Wanwan’s cultivation had surged rapidly in recent times. While growth was welcome, the speed was concerning. He had never witnessed such rapid advancement.

Cultivation was like building a house, requiring a solid foundation. Yet, Ye Wanwan’s progress seemed precarious, akin to a castle in the air.