Chapter 250: Tied? (Second Update)

That was something Rong Xiu kept close to his person. She had stayed at the Bright Moon Heavenly Mountain for so long, and although she had only seen him use it twice, the impression was incredibly deep.

Consequently, she remembered even the carved patterns upon it clearly.

She had once inquired about it both openly and covertly, knowing that Rong Xiu placed great importance on that Glazed Realm and did not easily display it before others.

But now, such a precious object had actually appeared in Chu Liuyue's hands!

Previously, she had harbored other suspicions, but now that Rong Xiu had appeared in person, she could no longer continue to deceive herself. She had to admit that Rong Xiu must have given it to Chu Liuyue of his own accord.

In other words, Rong Xiu had willingly gifted the Glazed Realm to Chu Liuyue.

He appeared as gentle as jade, but in reality, he was cold and aloof; when had he ever taken an interest in anyone, let alone given away such a treasure?

And to a woman, no less!

Situ Xingchen did not dare to think deeply about what that truly meant.

The moment she thought about it, her heart felt as if it were being squeezed by something, causing her unbearable distress.

Beside her, Cheng Han had long since noticed that Situ Xingchen had been acting strangely ever since Rong Xiu appeared.

"Xingchen, your mind has been unsettled these past two days. Could it be because—"

Startled, Situ Xingchen immediately shook her head.

"It's not because of him! Master, please do not misunderstand!"

"I haven't even said what it is because of yet."

Cheng Han had seen all sorts of situations; he could naturally guess his disciple's little feelings quite easily.

Stifled, Situ Xingchen knew that further denial was meaningless, so she pursed her lips and fell silent.

However, Cheng Han frowned.

"Xingchen, your qualities in every aspect are top-tier. Why must it be—"

What was so good about that Rong Xiu?

Even if he was the Prince of Departure from the Yaochen Kingdom, he looked frail and weak, let alone capable of cultivation.

A person like that was, at most, a leisurely prince; how could he be worthy of Xingchen?

So many talented young men liked her, yet she looked down on them all, only to end up liking someone like him!

Just look at Rong Xiu's attitude just now! When had he ever held Xingchen in his eyes!?

Situ Xingchen shook her head and lowered her voice, her tone somewhat pleading.

"Master, please don't say any more."

Seeing her aggrieved and sorrowful expression, Cheng Han felt quite heartbroken for her.

"Alright, alright, Master won't say more. You know your own boundaries regarding these matters."

They had come here for the first place in the Qingjiao Assembly, not for anything else!

Situ Xingchen nodded forcedly, attempting to tuck her thoughts away.

But after all, he was the person she had been yearning for for so long; now that she had finally seen him, how could she truly ignore him completely?

Almost subconsciously, her gaze shifted and landed on Rong Xiu once more.

He sat there quietly, surrounded by a subtle, invisible aura that seemed to isolate him from everyone else.

It was a nobility carried in his very bones.

He appeared clearly gentle and harmless, yet inexplicably, he inspired awe in others.

Languid, composed, and calm.

Sometimes, even someone as high and mighty as her would feel a sense of self-deprecation in his presence.

Some people, as long as they wished it, seemed born to stand above all else.

There were many others around secretly observing Rong Xiu as well.

But he seemed entirely unaware, or perhaps he simply did not care; his deep, clear eyes were fixed only on the arena.

Following his line of sight, Situ Xingchen felt another pang of bitterness in her heart.

—He really was looking at Chu Liuyue!

And when he looked at her, his eyes held a distinct, unmistakable tenderness!

Even though it was just a fleeting glance, she had seen it!

She gritted her teeth secretly, but the ripples in her heart failed to subside for a long time.

***

Seeing Rong Xiu appear here, Chu Liuyue had initially found it a bit strange, but after hearing what he said to Old Sun, she had guessed a part of it.

Her brows twitched slightly, and she simply withdrew her gaze, refocusing her attention on the chessboard.

For now, it was best to break this final profound array first.

As she thought this, she placed another piece.

Beside her, Su Bai couldn't help but glance at her, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.

He had already guessed that Chu Liuyue's talent in profound arts was extremely strong, but he hadn't expected it to be this formidable.

Watching Chu Liuyue continue to break the profound array with fluid, seamless movements, and then looking at the chessboard before him which had been motionless for quite a while, he had already guessed the final outcome in his heart.

In fact, from the moment Chu Liuyue had preserved her own chessboard perfectly intact, he already knew that he might not be her match.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, then let out a bitter smile, his chess piece remaining unplaced for a long time.

Time seemed to become exceptionally agonizing, yet also seemed to pass very quickly.

Su Bai felt as though he had only been dazing for a moment, but when he looked up again, he was shocked to realize that only a tiny sliver of time remained!

Seeing that Su Bai was not going to make it, Cheng Han spoke up first.

"If no one can solve the final profound array by the end of the competition, they can only be considered tied for second place. Brother Zhongyan, am I correct?"

Sun Zhongyan hesitated for a moment.

He could clearly see that Chu Liuyue was currently ahead of Su Bai, but she was likely still a little short of solving the profound array.

According to the rules, if one cannot break through all the stages within the allotted time, even if they have the best score, they cannot be considered first, only second.

If the two were tied for second, it would be somewhat unfair to Chu Liuyue...

After a moment of deliberation, he nodded in agreement.

"Brother Cheng Han is right."

Unfortunately, Chu Liuyue had arrived a bit too late.

If she had come an hour or even half an hour earlier, she certainly could have solved the final stage of this profound array!

"The two of them tying for second is also quite good."

At least they didn't lose!

If Chu Liuyue could secure this ranking, it would already be an unexpected joy!

Su Bai looked up at the timer; very little time was left.

And the chessboard before him had only been partially solved.

He smiled helplessly and simply set his chess piece down.

Sensing the movement, Chu Liuyue turned her head to glance at him, her brows slightly raised.

Su Bai was actually choosing to give up at this moment...

"It seems you and I are truly destined to share the ranking."

Su Bai laughed self-mockingly.

He thought this first place was a sure thing...

Unfortunately, a freakish freshman like Chu Liuyue had appeared!

The corners of Chu Liuyue's mouth curled slightly.

"Sorry, I don't like being second."

Su Bai froze, and then he saw Chu Liuyue place a piece; almost simultaneously, another piece appeared in her other hand! It followed immediately!

She was actually playing with both hands!

One had to realize that this wasn't true chess, but the breaking of a profound array!

Every single chess piece contained different primal forces.

Once a single mistake was made, the entire profound array would be affected, or even shatter directly!

Chu Liuyue was actually so bold—as if one hand wasn't enough, she used both at once!

Was she not afraid that a single slip-up would cause her entire effort to fail!?

As if completely indifferent to her surroundings, Chu Liuyue's hands moved in rapid succession, the sound of falling pieces becoming almost a continuous stream!

Finally!

The adjudicating teacher raised their voice

"Time is up—"

*Bang!*

The final profound array shattered with a loud sound!

On the stone platform before Chu Liuyue, the fifth star suddenly lit up, radiating brilliant light!

(End of Chapter)