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**
After the assessment period ended…
What followed was the customary round of testing.
And unsurprisingly, the best performers this time were naturally Xiao Yan, Xian'er, and the gray-robed youth.
Following closely behind them were the little princess, Liu Ling, and other capable Tier 3 alchemists.
By the time the test concluded, dusk had already fallen.
On the distant horizon, a sliver of moon slowly emerged in the sky.
Faint moonlight spilled down, illuminating the gradually brightening imperial capital.
"Everyone, that will be all for today's assembly."
President Fa Ma's voice slowly echoed throughout the plaza.
"All contestants, go back and have a good night's rest. Tomorrow is the final round of the competition, where we will determine this tournament's ultimate champion."
"So please, don't let anything prevent you from attending. Otherwise, it's something you may regret for the rest of your life," Fa Ma said with a hearty laugh.
Hearing the official end of today's trial, the contestants across the plaza finally let out long sighs of relief.
After two intense rounds of assessment, everyone was mentally and physically drained.
One after another, they began packing up and preparing to leave.
The gray-robed youth, before leaving, couldn't resist casting a provocative glance at Xian'er and Xiao Yan, letting out a cold smirk.
His lips moved silently, as if mouthing the words: "Tomorrow, I'll get serious."
Xian'er and Xiao Yan didn't bother responding. They couldn't be bothered to engage in pointless banter. After packing up their belongings, they headed toward the VIP stands.
…
The audience began to leave in an orderly fashion.
On the VIP platform, most of the guests had also started to depart.
Wei Yang stood up and slowly stretched his body, a series of light cracking sounds coming from his joints.
Beside him, Qinglin walked over obediently and carefully straightened his robe.
Even the slightest wrinkle didn't escape her eyes as she smoothed them out meticulously.
The other dignitaries also rose and left gradually, chatting amiably as they went.
"Wei Yang, coming with us?" Fa Ma called out.
"No, I'll wait for Xian'er and the others. You go ahead," Wei Yang waved casually.
"All right then, we old fellows will head out first."
At that moment, Ao Tuo and Fu Lan Ke arrived with Xue Mei and Lin Fei in tow, quietly standing beside Wei Yang.
Neither Xue Mei nor Lin Fei had participated in this tournament, since they had yet to reach Tier 2 and wouldn't gain much from joining. They were only here to gain experience.
Wei Yang glanced at them. Clearly, they intended to leave with him.
He didn't mind and didn't chase them away.
Moments later…
Xian'er and Xiao Yan ascended the VIP platform.
"Good work today. Come on, let's treat ourselves to a good meal tonight. Order anything you want—it's on me!" Wei Yang said with a big wave of his hand.
"Haha, now that's what I like to hear," Xiao Yan grinned, rubbing his hands. "Don't blame me if I eat you out of house and home."
"Yay~" Qinglin also cheered happily.
Behind them, Ao Tuo and Fu Lan Ke—though politely murmuring "Mr. Wei, you're too generous, we couldn't possibly…"—were quite honest with their feet, firmly keeping up with the group.
Xue Mei and Lin Fei also followed behind, covering their mouths with delicate laughter.
…
A lively group exited through the corridor, with Wei Yang at the lead, taking charge like a general guiding his hungry troops.
Xiao Yan licked his lips, rubbing his stomach and shouting that he was determined to bankrupt Wei Yang with this meal.
Wei Yang only snorted in response.
You really think I—a Tier 6 alchemist—earned my reputation for nothing?
Bankrupt me?
You clearly don't know the extent of my wealth.
In a small city like this imperial capital, the cost of a meal is hardly worth mentioning.
Of course, everyone was just teasing and joking along the way.
"How much could a single meal possibly cost?"
At that moment—
A gentle, pleasant voice suddenly came from behind.
"Mr. Wei, please wait a moment."
Everyone turned around, only to see a group of people emerging from the corridor.
At the front of the group were four women—Ya Fei, Nalan Yanran, Yao Ye, and the Little Princess.
Behind them followed Liu Ling, Nalan Jie, Mittel Tengshan, Mu Chen, Mu Zhan, and others, all smiling pleasantly.
Wei Yang frowned slightly.
The four women quickened their pace and came forward. Ya Fei smiled and said, "Congratulations, Miss Xian'er, Mister Xiao Yan, on your excellent performance."
"Just lucky, that's all," Xian'er and Xiao Yan both responded with a modest shake of their heads.
Seemingly noticing the slight impatience on Wei Yang's face, Princess Yao Ye hurriedly spoke up to extend an invitation:
"I've already arranged a banquet to celebrate Miss Xian'er and Mister Xiao Yan. Of course, since Mr. Wei is an honored guest of our royal family, would you…"
"No need," Wei Yang waved his hand, cutting her off. "I've never been fond of lively gatherings. You young people go enjoy yourselves."
With that, he casually waved again and strode off.
"Young Master, wait for me!" Qinglin quickly followed after him.
"My apologies, I need to return to accompany my husband, so I'll take my leave as well." Xian'er offered an apologetic smile, then turned and left.
"Ah, you young folks go enjoy your celebration. We two old geezers won't get in your way," said Ao Tuo and Fu Lan Ke with a chuckle, stroking their beards. Then they took off at a surprisingly spry pace, chasing after Wei Yang.
"Master Wei, wait for us~"
—Seriously, who has time to attend some banquet with a bunch of kids? Isn't following Master Wei far more rewarding?
Even if they went hungry, it would still be worth it.
Left behind in the wind were Xue Mei and Lin Fei, their expressions stunned as they watched their teacher stride away so decisively.
He actually just… left them?
"We—we'd better hurry and go attend to teacher." Xue Mei tugged discreetly at Lin Fei.
"Ah—yes, yes!" Lin Fei nodded quickly. "Those two old fogies are probably planning to sneak off and drink. I've got to keep an eye on them."
The two girls hurried off.
"Mr. Wei—no, teacher—wait for us!"
In the end, only Xiao Yan remained. He paused for a moment, then gave a wry smile and shook his head. "My apologies, Princess Yao Ye. I'm really exhausted today, and there's another match tomorrow, so I'm afraid I don't have the time for a banquet… But I appreciate the sentiment. Farewell."
He cupped his hands in a polite gesture, and without waiting for a reply, quickly turned and jogged after Wei Yang and the others.
One after another, they strode through the bustling street, their figures gradually swallowed by the crowd, vanishing under the stunned gazes of the four rejected young women.
"Ugh! That was totally just an excuse to avoid the banquet… That Mr. Wei even said 'you young people go have fun'—as if he's some ancient grandpa or something," the Little Princess pouted, grumbling in annoyance.
"He's not entirely wrong. Maybe in his eyes… we really aren't from the same world," Ya Fei murmured softly, her tone tinged with disappointment.
Nalan Yanran furrowed her brows but said nothing, seemingly lost in thought.
"Sis, I bet they snuck off to find some place to eat! Should we… secretly follow them?" the Little Princess asked Yao Ye, a glint of eagerness in her eyes.
The way she gritted her teeth lightly, it looked like she was already imagining how she'd scold them once they were found.
Yao Ye shook her head, waving her hand listlessly. "Forget it. Let's go."
With that, she turned and left.
Those who had deliberately lagged behind a bit, like Nalan Jie, Mittel Tengshan, and Mu Chen, shared a helpless smile when they saw this.
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