The morning of the Ranking Tournament arrived with a sky so blue it looked painted. Banners of every sect rippled across the Grand Arena like a sea of silk, each one embroidered with crests that shimmered under the sunlight. The stands were already packed. Elders sat in the upper pavilions sipping spirit tea, while disciples crammed into every available seat below, buzzing with excitement.
Lan Yue stood near the preparation area, arms crossed, watching Zhao Lingxi adjust the silver ribbon tying back her hair. She moved with the calm precision of someone who had done this a thousand times. Not a single wasted motion. Not a single tremor.
Meanwhile, Lan Yue's stomach was doing somersaults.
"You look like you are about to fight, not me," Zhao Lingxi said without turning around.
"I am fighting. Internally. With my nerves."
Zhao Lingxi glanced over her shoulder. The faintest curve touched her lips. "Your confidence in me is overwhelming."
