Chapter 24

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Chapter 24: The Agreement of Holding Hands

It had been a tough journey, but they finally passed the first exam. Mu Xiaofeng and his group returned to the city, eager to celebrate. They found a tavern, though it was almost too crowded to find a place to sit. Just as they were about to give up, a familiar, loud voice called out, “Mu Xiaofeng! Over here, kids!”

They turned to see Dean Kaga, holding a large wine glass and smiling at them. He waved them over to join him at his table. The group, already familiar with Dean Kaga, quickly took their seats.

After exchanging pleasantries with the dean, Ximo, who hadn’t eaten all day, couldn’t wait any longer and ordered a mountain of food.

Dean Kaga observed them with a serious expression. Turning to Zhang Wenyu, he said, “Zhang Wenyu, I know what happened during the exam. You lost control again, just like six years ago. I’m warning you now, you must keep your emotions in check and avoid drawing too much attention.”

Zhang Wenyu, realizing the gravity of the situation, nodded and promised to control himself. Deep in thought, he started planning how to uncover the source of this mysterious power within him.

As the night wore on, they laughed, ate, and drank their fill. Just as they were about to leave, Qin Bao Yi remembered something important—the second exam. She quickly asked Ximo, “Ximo, the envelope the teacher gave you earlier—it’s about the second exam, right? Open it and see what it says!”

Ximo, caught off guard, frantically searched his pockets but couldn’t find the letter. He started to panic, sweating as he rummaged through his clothes.

Dean Kaga, however, remained calm. With a smile, he stroked his long white beard and waved at Ximo. “No need to worry, Ximo. I can tell you what the second exam is about.”

Relief washed over everyone, especially Yumo, who sighed as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

Dean Kaga explained the exam: Each team would make five cards—one with the word “King” and four with the word “Scholar.” The cards would be taped to their backs. If a team member was defeated, the opposing team could take the card from their back. If the “King” card was taken, that team was out of the game. If a “Scholar” card was taken, the team could continue fighting. The exam would be a mixed battle, with everyone entering the weapon forest again.

Qiao Zi, sensing something was off, asked, “Dean, doesn’t this rule discourage teams from attacking first? If you start a fight, someone else could take advantage of the situation later.”

Mu Xiaofeng agreed; it made sense that pressing the attack might not be the best strategy.

Dean Kaga, realizing his oversight, slapped his forehead and laughed. “Oops, I forgot to mention—this exam lasts three days. After that, any team without a card is out. Each team can only hold a maximum of five cards and can’t discard any. Only the top eight teams will qualify for the next exam.”

Mu Xiaofeng now understood the rules. The exam wasn’t just about strength—it was a test of strategy.

“It seems like you all get it,” Dean Kaga said, standing up. “It’s late, so go home and rest. Prepare yourselves.” The group nodded, ready to leave.

Just then, a letter slipped out of Ximo’s sleeve—the very letter he had been searching for earlier. Embarrassed, Ximo picked it up and laughed awkwardly. “Funny how things show up when you stop looking for them,” he said, carefully tucking the envelope back into his clothes.

Dean Kaga chuckled and patted Ximo’s shoulder. “No harm done. That letter isn’t needed anymore. I’ll walk back with you and visit your grandfather.”

As Dean Kaga and Ximo left, Qin Bao Yi grabbed Zhang Wenyu’s hand and pulled him away, saying she had some jewelry to help him stay calm. Zhang Wenyu knew she was just giving Qiao Zi and Mu Xiaofeng some alone time—probably the same reason Ximo was reluctant to leave with Dean Kaga.

Suddenly, it was just Mu Xiaofeng and Qiao Zi, standing awkwardly together. It had been a while since they had been alone like this. Feeling a bit nervous, Mu Xiaofeng asked, “Everyone’s gone. Should I walk you home?”

Mu Xiaofeng felt uneasy, not sure why being alone with Qiao Zi made him nervous.

Qiao Zi, noticing his awkwardness, couldn’t help but laugh. She had always seen Mu Xiaofeng as a brave and bold fighter, so seeing him like this was amusing. “We have time tomorrow to rest,” she said with a smile. “Why don’t you take a walk with me instead?”

Mu Xiaofeng froze, surprised by the suggestion. He didn’t expect Qiao Zi to ask him to walk with her, and it took him a moment to process what she had said.

Qiao Zi laughed again at his reaction, playfully tapping his head. “Don’t just stand there! If we wait too long, we won’t have time for a walk.”

Mu Xiaofeng snapped out of his daze, realizing he didn’t want to waste this opportunity. He quickly agreed, and the two of them left the tavern, walking side by side.

There wasn’t much in Hu Guan City that was new or exciting for them—they had been there for six years and had explored almost every corner. But as they walked, they talked and laughed, sharing stories from their childhoods and learning more about each other.

Qiao Zi revealed that her family was a large one, living near the imperial capital of Jun Country, though she had grown up in Luo Hai City. Her family had connections with Ximo’s family, though she had never met him before coming to Hu Guan City.

Time flew by, and soon it was late at night. As they neared Qiao Zi’s home, she gently held onto the corner of Mu Xiaofeng’s coat, and he smiled as he let her pull him along. Neither of them spoke as they walked, and soon they arrived at her doorstep. They both stopped.

Qiao Zi looked up at Mu Xiaofeng and asked softly, “How long can I hold onto you like this?”

Her question took Mu Xiaofeng by surprise. He hadn’t expected her to ask something like that. He thought to himself, “How long is long enough? A long time? Forever? But can any of those really happen?”

Mu Xiaofeng didn’t share his thoughts out loud. Instead, he turned to Qiao Zi, smiled, and gently flicked her forehead. “What’s going on in that head of yours? Don’t worry, nothing will happen to us.”

Qiao Zi’s heart felt a mix of emotions at his response. Maybe the future was too uncertain for a clear answer, but she didn’t know if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

Seeing Qiao Zi lower her head, Mu Xiaofeng realized she wasn’t satisfied with his answer. But he was secretly happy, feeling that he had understood a bit of what was in her heart. Suddenly, he grabbed her hands tightly and looked her straight in the eyes. “I promise you,” he said, “as long as I’m alive, I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Qiao Zi was startled by his sudden action. She looked up at him, blushed slightly, and then gently pulled her hands away, replying softly, “Okay, but you have to promise me that nothing will happen to either of us.”

Mu Xiaofeng smiled, nodded in agreement, and they reluctantly said their goodbyes.