Chapter 232: Thanks (Four Updates)

No one expected things to develop to this extent.

With no remains left, the clues were completely severed; there was absolutely nothing left to investigate.

In truth, Cheng Han wanted to clear this matter up more than anyone. Now that the situation had come to this, it truly felt like a thorn in his throat!

"This matter shall be set aside for the time being. Once the Qingjiao Assembly concludes, we will immediately begin the investigation," Sun Zhongyan said in a heavy voice.

With such an incident occurring, their hearts were filled with worry.

However, it was obvious that the opponent was meticulous and ruthless; this was certainly not something they could investigate in a day or two.

The Qingjiao Assembly had to continue.

Fu Yunshan glanced at Cheng Han, looking at him as if he were a joke.

At this moment, the ones feeling the most gut-wrenching distress were likely the people from Taiyan Academy.

Such a massive menace had been hiding within the academy, yet they had known nothing. Thinking back on it now, they were likely sickened to death!

"Fine! Heng Jingchuo is, after all, a student of Taiyan Academy. I suggest that this matter be handled by Brother Cheng Han and your group, with us providing assistance. How does that sound?"

Cheng Han's composure was nearly failing

"Whatever you say, then!"

Having said that, he turned back to his seat, clearly unwilling to say more.

But even so, he sat there as if on pins and needles.

If they didn't investigate this thoroughly, then he and the entire Taiyan Academy would never be able to clear their names!

To not only fail to obtain the prize but to also end up in such a mess—what kind of disaster was this!

Chu Liuyue withdrew her thoughts and looked toward Xiao Wenling and the others with a beaming smile.

"By the way, according to the rules, it seems you all can continue to challenge me?"

Suddenly called upon, Xiao Wenling and the others shuddered and hurriedly shook their heads.

"No, no, no! No challenges!"

"I won't challenge either! I... I'm injured! I won't compete!"

"That... I... I think my ranking is quite good already..."

Chu Liuyue raised an eyebrow.

If they didn't want to challenge her, they didn't have to. Why act as if she were some great demon?

Looking at them like this, anyone who didn't know would think she was terrifying!

Little did they know that in the eyes of those few, she was indeed a very terrifying existence right now.

No, it should be said that the vast majority of people in the plaza thought so.

The scene of her Blood Mink devouring Heng Jingchuo's Moon-Devourer bite by bite was still deeply etched in everyone's minds, refusing to fade.

At a time like this, who would be so suicidal as to go up and challenge Chu Liuyue?

What if that Blood Mink lunged for their necks!

"Are you sure none of you will continue?"

"No, no, no!" the group denied in unison.

A brilliant curve rose on Chu Liuyue's red lips.

"In that case... Elder Sun, has the martial artist competition come to an end?"

Only then did Sun Zhongyan snap back to reality.

That's right!

With no more challengers, then—Chu Liuyue was truly the number one martial artist!

His previously worried mood instantly lightened, and the wrinkles on his face crinkled into a smile.

"I declare! The first place of this year's Qingjiao Assembly martial artist competition—Tianlu Academy, Chu Liuyue!"

Setting aside the accident with Heng Jingchuo, Chu Liuyue taking first place sent the people of Tianlu Academy into a frenzy of celebration.

One had to know, they hadn't secured this first place for three whole years!

Having such a powerful genius existed naturally brought glory to their faces.

Nanfeng Academy was doing alright, but Taiyan Academy had lost face completely.

They had arrived full of confidence, but who knew it would end like this?

Cheng Han took a deep breath, constantly reassuring himself.

Being number one in martial arts wasn't that big of a deal.

There were still Mystic Masters, and even Divine Physicians!

The three academies of Mystic Masters, Divine Physicians, and Martial Artists were roughly equal in strength; no one could say for sure who would take the ultimate prize.

However, he still had Situ Xingchen!

As long as they could take first place in the Divine Physician category, they could wash away this shame!

"Liuyue, after the Qingjiao Assembly ends, you may choose any one of the three great academies to enter their library and borrow books for free for one month. Have you decided which one you want to go to?" Sun Zhongyan asked cheerfully.

Chu Liuyue pondered for a moment and smiled.

"This student hasn't decided yet."

Sun Zhongyan didn't mind

"Then consider it more. The Qingjiao Assembly won't end for another two days; you can choose then."

This girl winning first place had exceeded everyone's expectations; it was normal that she hadn't thought of this immediately.

Chu Liuyue responded obediently before returning to her seat.

Si Yang was stunned

"You actually really got first place! Liuyue, are you still participating in the Mystic Master competition?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Chu Liuyue countered.

Her assigned seat was for the Mystic Masters!

Si Yang said with utmost devotion

"You've already taken first place in martial arts and crushed so many people; you won't mind a few more like us, right?"

Chu Liuyue stared at him fixedly.

"Didn't you say before that the rewards of the Qingjiao Assembly were very generous?"

Si Yang covered his face in despair.

It was all his big mouth's fault!

The third day of competition ended just like that.

The news of Chu Liuyue taking first place spread rapidly through the Imperial Capital.

At the same time, the fact that Heng Jingchuo had used poison also became known to many.

***

Night, the Crown Prince's Manor.

Rong Jin lay on the bed, his face pale.

Chu Xianmin was carefully attending to him by the bedside.

However, her gaze was somewhat wandering.

In truth, she was focusing on listening to Zuo Rong and the Empress speaking outside the screen.

"...It was our negligence that allowed His Highness to be poisoned. Fortunately, the dosage was not high, and His Highness has always been physically robust, so it is not extremely serious. Now that the residual poison has been cleared, he will be fine after a period of rest."

This was Zuo Rong's voice.

In the academy, he was the teacher and Rong Jin was the student.

But this was the Crown Prince's Manor; naturally, one had to speak and act according to rank and seniority.

"Teacher Zuo is too kind. If it weren't for you all, the Crown Prince might have..."

The Empress had rushed over immediately upon hearing the news. Although Zuo Rong said it was fine now, she still felt a wave of lingering fear in her heart.

Zuo Rong sighed.

"Actually, the one you should truly thank is not I, but Liuyue. If she hadn't discovered it early, we wouldn't have known His Highness was poisoned. Once the time had passed, it truly would have been dangerous!"

The Empress paused.

"Chu Liuyue?"

"Indeed."

The Empress fell silent for a while longer before saying in a low voice

"...She is quite a good child. Rest assured, when the opportunity arises, this Palace will personally go to thank her."

Chu Xianmin unconsciously clenched her hands.

Chu Liuyue!

It was Chu Liuyue again!

Now, even the Empress was saying such things!

"...Water..."

A weak groan drifted over.

Chu Xianmin hurriedly looked toward the bed, only to see that Rong Jin had opened his eyes at some unknown point!

"Your Highness! Your Highness, you're awake!? Wonderful! Water, the water is here!"

Chu Xianmin hurriedly handed over the water nearby, carefully helping him drink.

Hearing the commotion, the people outside also hurried in.

Seeing Rong Jin conscious, the Empress's eyes reddened, and she lunged forward.

"Jin'er, you've finally woken up!"

Chu Xianmin hurriedly stepped back, but seeing that the Empress didn't even spare her a glance, she couldn't help but bite her lip in secret.

Rong Jin kept his eyes open, asking with difficulty

"...Was it... was it Liuyue who saved me..."