Xiang Ning didn’t know what Li Zimo was thinking. He activated Keen Observation and thoroughly scanned the other team. First of all, they were from Tranquil City, the city that was recently attacked by fearsome beasts. Perhaps due to that, every student of theirs radiated a faint killing intent and didn’t seem like high school students at all. 

They were strong, too, all of them having been through a war. Every student was at least tier three, with the most powerful of them a tier three, seven-star martial artist. That was extremely impressive. 

While Xiang Ning was eyeing them, why wouldn’t they do the same? 

When they recognized Xiang Ning’s Marsh City team uniform, and knew that they were from Qiling and Hanwu Academies, their solemn expressions broke into sunny grins and they immediately walked from the lounge over to Xiang Ning’s team. The sheer power radiating from them made it look like they were about to pick a fight, causing the entire hall to tense up in anticipation of a fight. Many people turned and looked in their direction.

There were also other cities present. 

“Tsk, look at that. Marsh City and Tranquil City?” 

“Interesting. They’ve just arrived, are they going to fight so soon?”

“I bet a thousand bucks on Tranquil City.” 

“Hey! Everyone knows that Tranquil City was recently attacked by a beast horde. They’re definitely very skilled in combat!” 

Everyone there had great expectations for Tranquil City. War had a huge impact on every cultivator’s theoretical cultivation level and true physical strength. After some research, they had found that Tranquil City was the most difficult opponent here. Other than a few teams, no one else was willing to go up against them. 

“Haha, my brothers from Marsh City! Let me guess, which is Wu Rui and which is Xiang Ning?” The teenager in front had a physique that was as muscular as Wu Rui. He had bronze skin and wore a short-sleeved T-shirt. He looked intimidating, but the casual smile on his face showed that he was very friendly. Before this, his solemn expression had seemed to tell strangers to stay back. 

“Why? What’s up? Are you asking for a solo challenge?” Wu Rui shamelessly held his chin up. Since the other team had specifically mentioned his name, it meant he was famous in Tranquil City. Since he was even mentioned together with Xiang Ning, it was enough for him to bristle his feathers like a rooster. 

“We’ll have to see if we get a chance later,” the leader laughed, then introduced his team. “Nice to meet you all, we’re Tranquil City First School’s team. My name is Tan Qi, and I’m the team leader. Her name is Ye Xuanxuan, Second School’s team leader. We’ll never forget what you’ve all done for our city.” They still remembered the dire situation they were in. There had been so many deaths. If one hadn’t been there to witness it, they wouldn’t understand the tranquilliens’ immense gratitude for these people. 

Wu Rui was a ruthless killer who had killed more than ten beasts every time he went out to battle, always returning covered in blood and soil. And Xiang Ning didn’t require an introduction. If he hadn’t killed the Octoviolet Silversnake, the war might still be ongoing to this day. 

“Hahaha, of course. Let’s meet in Hang City, alright?” Wu Rui grinned. 

“If we go up against you guys, I’m afraid we won’t get the chance.” Tan Qi smiled. 

Their lighthearted jokes attracted the attention of many teams. 

“Why are Marsh City’s Hanwu and Qiling Academies so friendly with Tranquil City?” 

“It’s normal. I remember there was a recent beast horde at Tranquil City, perhaps Marsh City was one of the places that sent reinforcements.”

“I see.” 

“I’m still thinking. Who are the famous clans in Marsh City? Probably only the Fang and Wu families.” 

“Yeah, I heard the Wu family has a genius that’s as talented as that tier eight Sect Master from years ago. I haven’t heard much about the Fang family, but they have a tier seven Sect Master so I’m sure they’re strong.” 

“Both of those teams are strong. I can’t believe two peripheral cities became our main competitors.” 

“Just be careful.” 

Xiang Ning and the rest paid them no mind, continuing their lighthearted chatter. 

Xiang Xiaoyu could not insert herself into their conversation, and looked around the place like a squirrel. Ye Xuanxuan, who didn’t usually like to talk, was intrigued. Ye Xuanxuan had initially spotted her, but since there were so many people present, she didn’t voluntarily introduce herself. Coincidentally, their eyes met. 

“Nice to meet you, big sister!” The kid bowed slightly, politely greeting her. That was taught by her teacher and she looked very innocent. She was wearing a style of dress that she’d never had on before. That was upon Xiang Ning’s insistence, because he said this was their first trip out of town and worth remembering, so she must be dressed well for the pictures. 

Ye Xuanxuan was slightly awkward, wanting to talk to her but afraid of scaring her. “Nice… nice to meet you, what’s your name?” 

“I’m Xiang Xiaoyu.” 

“Xiang Xiaoyu? Xiang Ning’s younger sister?” Ye Xuanxuan was wondering just who this girl belonged to. So Xiang Ning had a sister. 

“Yeah, do you know my brother?” 

“I do, but he might not know me.” Ye Xuanxuan smiled bitterly. She wasn’t being humble, but they were in completely different leagues. Before this, she couldn't feel it, but now that they had met, she understood. She had the feeling of being seen through, as if Xiang Ning could read her just by looking her up and down. She knew she might not even hold up against one strike by this guy, a person who could see through her in just less than two seconds. How much hidden strength did he have? How many battles did it take to train such a powerful observation skill?

Coincidentally, Marsh and Tranquil Cities were assigned rooms on the same floor, each with room for two people. 

After unpacking, Xiang Ning, Wu Rui, and Lei Zhongyuan went down to the third floor. That was where, every team representative, usually the team leader, had to draw lots. Thus, everyone there were basically the most powerful people on each team. 

“What do you think? Do you find any worthy opponents?” Wu Rui wasn’t loud, but wasn’t quiet either. Many people frowned, looking in their direction. 

Xiang Ning scratched his head. “They aren’t bad at all.” He thought there was nothing wrong with his statement; their cultivation levels were perfect for Li Zimo and the rest. 

Many were flattered, but Wu Rui was one of the few who could understand Xiang Ning’s odd thought process. When he heard Xiang Ning’s reply, he laughed heartily. “Indeed, indeed!” 

Wu Rui looking for a fight just when he arrived there lmao