บท 75: Prove Them Wrong

Despite Bai Ye's promise for tomorrow, I somehow managed to control myself and avoid him the next day. With the challenges coming right up, I couldn't afford to get more sore and exhausted than I already was.

I woke up at daybreak on the morning of the tournament, though Bai Ye was even earlier and had already left by the time I got ready. I felt a strange sort of relief—at least I wouldn't be too distracted before the real business began. I packed up the new talismans that were replaced for me after the incident with Zhong Yilan, and I made my way to the north field well before noon.

The first thing I saw when I arrived was the grandstand where judges and overseeing masters were seated. My steps slowed a bit, and I moved my gaze carefully over the crowd to search for Bai Ye. When my eyes landed on him, he cast a glance my way as well, giving me a faint but unmistakable smile.