Chapter 102 Part 2

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Chapter 102 Part 2: The Game of Humanity, Lightning War (2)

During these three days, most contestants worked tirelessly to keep up with the pace. Immersed day and night in self-learning dance routines, they strove to quickly reach the level required for the official competition.

Xie Qingxuan and Chu Yuanqing returned to their dormitory on the first day.

By the next day, they had brought their laundry into the A-level practice room, beginning a rigorous routine of practice around the clock, breaking only to eat and sleep.

The conditions were not bad at all. The A-level practice room was as luxurious as ever, complete with bedrooms and guest rooms. There was no shortage of sleeping space, making it feel more like a multi-functional high-class dormitory combined with a dance studio.

Chu Yuanqing had wanted to slack off initially. But Xie Qingxuan’s intense focus, execution, and willpower made her feel too ashamed to let her teammate down.

Under this nearly obsessive attitude, even the awkwardness of breaking down female movements, trying to memorize beats, replicating with her body, and completing sections formally took on a serious, academic atmosphere.

With the past few days of high-intensity dance practice, Chu Yuanqing had gone from feeling awkward, embarrassed, and ready to give up, to surrendering herself entirely to Xie Qingxuan’s training regimen. Exhausted and unable to think, she muddled through the movements in a blur.

Xie Qingxuan took the stage very seriously.

Her seriousness resembled a demon slayer sharpening their blade for righteousness—a resolve far removed from trivial pursuits. The stage and idols represented a weapon to her, a sword she had forged to cut through her sister’s dreams, a tool that would lose its meaning once her goal was achieved.

This dedication made her value every performance deeply.

But that was all it was.

Neither the stage nor the adoration of fans could breach the thick walls around her heart. She couldn’t channel any deeper emotions into her performances.

Even the awakened Heart Flow of Xie Qingxuan was beyond salvation.

Born from an obsession with fulfilling a dream she couldn’t achieve herself, what emerged instead was the twisted power of Plunder Shine.

Holding Chu Yuanqing’s slender waist, feeling her uncertain movements, and gazing into her bright, clear eyes that feigned desire, Xie Qingxuan felt a surge of emotions. For the first time, her heart overflowed with feelings vivid enough to share with the stage.

If…

If she were to dance with this person—not even so close, just a little closer—perhaps she could infuse her emotions into the stage. No Heart Flow required. She could transcend the framework, creating performances infused with genuine emotion.

Xie Qingxuan realized that she didn’t have to take away the shine and beauty in others’ hearts to achieve her dreams. She wouldn’t mind climbing step by step, steadily reaching the top without trampling on others.

Chu Yuanqing’s presence was like a missing piece in a puzzle of flaws.

With her, the flawed Heart Flow could eventually evolve into “normal” abilities, preventing the birth of a true Demon King.

Yes, the Demon King.

Xie Qingxuan’s memories of Luo Chan often flashed back in her dreams. Paired with revisiting her initial intentions for the stage, these memories dimmed her thoughts.

What is shine?

What is its true definition?

Is shining a matter of talent, dreams, emotions, intentions, love—or all of them combined?

Is the shine of plunder eternal, or just borrowed temporarily?

These questions were unknowable.

For now, Xie Qingxuan resolved to create a team of extraordinary quality using Chu Yuanqing as her anchor. They would survive the second performance before worrying about what came next.

But if the future ever forced her to use Heart Flow…

She might never be able to return.

“Qingxuan, your hair is dry now.”

Chu Yuanqing’s voice pulled Xie Qingxuan out of her thoughts.

In the mirror, Chu Yuanqing furrowed her brows, her dazed expression soft. Her slender fingers smoothed Xie Qingxuan’s hair like she was grooming a golden retriever.

But as the teasing gesture lingered, Chu Yuanqing withdrew her hand, realizing her mistake. Once again, she had projected her daughter’s presence onto her teammate.

It was unavoidable. Her roommates were kids, almost the same age as her lovable daughter. Troubled yet charming, they invoked both concern and affection.

Xie Qingxuan didn’t seem to notice.

Or perhaps she didn’t mind. Even if they weren’t close, practicing “Dangerous Party” together for three days straight would foster some sense of connection.

The young girl tied her hair back, exposing the graceful line of her pale neck. She then left the room, intending to continue practice.

If she didn’t need five hours of sleep daily, Xie Qingxuan might have been mistaken for a robot, so disciplined and tireless was her dedication.

Suddenly, the broadcast system echoed through the practice room:

“In District C1, players are initiating stage challenges.

Challengers: Kirimi Miyuki, Chu Wang Shu.

Challenged: Tang Liuli, Lin Baor.

The match will take place tomorrow at noon. Contestants can watch via virtual screens in the practice room.”

Hearing this, Xie Qingxuan paused mid-step, her expression clouded with thought.

Chu Yuanqing sighed. “It’s only been three days, and yet Miyuki and Liuli are already prepared to perform on stage?”

Xie Qingxuan corrected her. “They don’t need to be fully prepared. They only need to be stronger than their opponents for this so-called PK.”

She added, “But officially performing so early might create negative publicity. The timing of tomorrow’s match is close to ideal for them.”

Soon after, the broadcast continued:

“In Zone C1, contestants are initiating stage challenges.

Challengers: Rosalind, Lucia.

Challenged: Xiangling, Qing.”

Stage challenges kept pouring in, one after another. The room buzzed with speculation about the sudden flurry of challenges.

By the end of the night, the results became clear: high-rated players had deliberately colluded, discarding weaker teammates and strengthening their teams.

“This isn’t just a battle,” Xie Qingxuan said calmly.

“It’s a game of human nature.”