Chapter Sixty-Three: He Went to the Competition

Sports Center, Hall A.

“Congratulations to all who have advanced.”

Su Ting stood with her hands behind her back, her beautiful eyes sweeping over the crowd. All the successful contestants rose politely from their seats, waiting for instructions from the vice president.

Her tone was calm as she spoke, “Today’s matches conclude here. According to the rules, those who have qualified today will advance to tomorrow’s official competition, and lodging will be provided as needed. Everyone, eat and drink well tonight and strive to be in your best condition for tomorrow’s event. If you have any questions, now is the time to ask.”

The group pondered for a few seconds; beside Cheng Feng, Luo Ke spoke up, “During the competition, aside from the spirit blade, are other weapons allowed?”

Su Ting replied crisply, “No, unless it’s part of your innate superpower, you cannot carry any other weapons.”

Hearing this, Cheng Feng thought of his Blood Duel Technique that allowed him to morph countless weapons; it seemed this ability wouldn’t be restricted.

A man in gray, with a mischievous air, asked, “Tomorrow’s matches forbid intentional killing, but if a mistake leads to someone’s death, how will that be handled?”

“That’s a good question. The official competition does not have today’s mechanism of pairing equal strength, so tomorrow’s duels may see a vast gap between opponents. Injuries and fatalities are inevitable,” said Su Ting, looking at the crowd. “If an accident leads to death, the association will compensate the deceased’s family, but as for punishing the killer… There are currently no measures.”

“I see.” The gray-clad man’s lips curled into a cruel smile.

“But let me state this in advance.” Su Ting added, her meaning unclear, “I advise you not to do such things. After all, you’re comrades fighting together. Of course… if someone insists on trying, they can face the consequences.”

At her words, the gray-clad man's expression stiffened, and he fell silent.

“No more questions, it seems?” Seeing no one else speak, Su Ting scanned the attendees. “Well then, please proceed to Hall B. Staff there will guide you to the nearby hotels for accommodation. Also, I imagine everyone is hungry; the buffet on the east side of the stadium is open and free to enjoy. That concludes my instructions. I wish you all victory tomorrow—dismissed.”

Most of the qualifiers headed to Hall B to arrange their lodging. A smaller group branched toward the buffet.

Cheng Feng and his companions were about to leave for the restaurant when Su Ting called out to him, “Wait a moment.”

“Is there something?” Cheng Feng stopped and looked at her.

Su Ting smiled, “Of course. Shall we talk?”

Cheng Feng thought for two seconds, letting Liu Shiyu and the others go ahead to the buffet, assuring them he’d catch up, then walked over to Su Ting.

She asked, “You’re Cheng Feng, correct?”

“The vice president knows me?”

“Yes.” Su Ting’s gaze was meaningful. “Today on the stage, you defeated your opponent using only blade techniques and martial arts. I’m curious—what is your superpower?”

Cheng Feng didn’t answer directly. “It’ll be revealed at tomorrow’s event. Why the curiosity?”

Su Ting adjusted her glasses, unfazed. “Fair enough. I’m looking forward to your performance tomorrow.”

Cheng Feng narrowed his eyes, turning the question back on her. “Why are you paying special attention to me?”

“As a newcomer with great potential, isn’t it good to be noticed by your superiors?”

Cheng Feng wasn’t satisfied with her evasive answer, a suspicion forming in his mind. He deduced, “The true reason for your attention is the president, isn’t it?”

Caught, Su Ting tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled. “That’s right. The old man often mentions you. I’ve always been curious if you possess something extraordinary. Seeing your performance today, your potential is indeed high.”

Cheng Feng was still puzzled. “Potential? Is that the reason the president secretly observes me? That can’t be. I’ve never met him.”

“I don’t know the details either. But I can tell you, the president will attend tomorrow’s competition. Newcomer, do your best.”

“…”

…

East side of the stadium, buffet restaurant.

When Cheng Feng found the others and sat down, Liu Shiyu, Luo Ke, and Gu Yan were already eating, the barbecue on the grill looking mouthwatering.

The roasted meat was perfectly cooked—rich but not greasy, tender and smooth, the flavor enhanced by delicious sauce.

Chewing on beef, Luo Ke asked curiously, “What happened to you? The vice president actually sought you out for a private talk. That’s almost unheard of.”

Cheng Feng replied casually, “Who knows? She asked some strange questions; I almost thought she was hinting at something.”

“Cough, cough!” Gu Yan nearly choked on her meat, quickly taking a big gulp of her drink before catching her breath. “That’s the vice president. Maybe you’re just not awake yet.”

Cheng Feng popped a piece of lamb in his mouth when suddenly his phone buzzed.

Pulling it out, he saw it was the class leader calling.

Annoyed, he thought: I haven’t been to school for ages—here comes another busybody.

He decided not to answer, putting the phone back in his pocket.

Still, the call reminded him of something. “Tomorrow’s match—isn’t it broadcast citywide?”

Liu Shiyu answered without hesitation, “Yes. On online media, qualifiers will get a lot of attention, so your identity is already public.”

Cheng Feng pondered for a moment. So, his real identity would inevitably be exposed, saving him the trouble of worrying about it.

For so long, he’d kept his Demon Hunter identity under wraps. Now, with a citywide broadcast, he could finally make a stunning debut and show those classmates what he was capable of.

…

At Xia Qingyao’s home.

“The number you dialed is switched off. Please try again later.”

Hearing the automated message through her left ear, Xia Qingyao felt uneasy, lowering her phone as she touched the photo frame on the short cabinet, filled with precious memories.

Lost in thought, she finally decided to go out.

Since Cheng Feng wouldn’t answer, she would go find him herself.

Guided by memories, she reached Cheng Feng’s home after ten minutes—the familiar apartment building.

Standing at the entrance, Xia Qingyao knew that her relationship with Cheng Feng was not good; visiting suddenly, she was prepared to be turned away.

She moved to knock but found the door ajar, opening by itself with a gust of wind.

Inside, the sound of a television program confirmed someone was in the living room.

It seemed Cheng Feng was indeed at home.

As she entered the hallway, she saw a figure in the living room—a white-haired girl pushing a mop, apron tied around her waist, barefoot as she darted across the floor.

Xue Ju looked up and noticed Xia Qingyao, blinking her large blue eyes. “Hmm? Who are you?”

Was this girl… Cheng Feng’s sister?

Xia Qingyao had met Cheng Yi years ago and immediately dismissed the guess. She asked, a bit embarrassed, “Is this Cheng Feng’s home?”

“Yes,” Xue Ju scratched her cheek.

“And you are…?”

“I’m the maid here,” Xue Ju blurted out, then asked, “Are you looking for him?”

Maid?

Xia Qingyao was surprised but didn’t focus on it. “Yes, is Cheng Feng not home?”

“He went to the competition.”

ps1: Thanks to ps1, wishing for an angel by my side, 2022… for the monthly ticket.

ps2: The reader who mentioned Teamfight Tactics in the last chapter was right; matching opponents based on join time does have issues. That section has been deleted and revised.