The Crown Prince
The much-awaited day had finally dawned – the day of the entrance exams at Lingtian Academy. Initially hesitant about joining, Zi Qian's determination had grown, fueled by recent events. Seated before the mirror, he admired his flawless visage, running his fingers across his skin, searching for any imperfections. "As a proverb goes, a face without a scar is a testament to a life well-lived," he mused, acknowledging his unmarred beauty.
Acknowledging the impending challenges of the day, Zi Qian stretched his arms and legs, preparing for the entrance exams. "It's going to be a challenging day, but I must enter the academy," he affirmed. Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced his chest, prompting him to place a hand over his heart. Undeterred, he unveiled his clothes, revealing the shining seal on his chest. Gazing at it through the mirror, he murmured, "I have to unveil your mystery too." Gazing at his reflection in the mirror.
As the bell's melodious chime signaled the start of the exams, Zi Qian donned his white shoes and comfortable attire. Racing through the door, he made his way outside to the battle arena, his determination undiminished. On a high platform, the five elders, including Elder Xu, observed the candidates below , including Zi Qian and Xiao Yang. In his row, Zi Qian stood, beside Xiao Yang, who wished him luck. Xiao Yang clasped Zi Qian's hand, placing a lotus amulet with a silver charm and a red gem in the middle, cryptically stating, "Something you'll eventually need." Perplexed, Zi Qian asked, "What is that?" "It's something that you will eventually need," Xiao Yang replied with a smile, moving ahead. However, as Zi Qian mulled over this cryptic gift, Elder Xu rose from his seat, drawing the attention of the assembled candidates officially commencing the entrance exams. T
Elder Xu's gaze swept across the assembled candidates as he declared, "Welcome to Lingtian Academy. I trust you've all prepared diligently during the past week. Without further ado, let us commence the entrance exams. The first test will now be revealed." Without delay, he introduced the first test—an intense battle among the candidates. As Elder Xu returned to his seat, his subordinate took over, providing details about the test. "The first entrance exam involves battles between candidates. Winners will progress to the next test, while losers face elimination. Teams will be determined by flags with different symbols. Those with matching symbols form a team. Each team selects 8 members to compete against another team's 8 in three rounds. With four distinct flags, there are four teams in total. Please check your assigned flag for team allocation," the subordinate explained, setting the stage for the challenging trials ahead.
Upon opening his flag, Zi Qian discovered the symbol of a dragon. Xiao Yang received the symbol of a phoenix, Li Ying Ying had the symbol of a fish, and surprisingly, Xiao Bai also got the fish symbol. Xiao Rui proudly possessed the symbol of a phoenix, Wei Yang's emblem was that of a nine-tailed fox, and Yu Xing Xing held the symbol of a dragon. Despite the initial impression of arrogance from Zi Qian's team, he found solace in being paired with his newfound friend, Yu Xing Xing. Their team included Mei Lin, renowned as the most beautiful woman in the academy. Beneath her captivating exterior, Mei Lin harbored exceptional combat skills, well-versed in both hand-to-hand combat and swordsmanship. Despite her allure, she maintained a stoic demeanor, seldom smiling, and preferred solitude, often standing alone in a corner without much inclination to socialize. Her black attire, devoid of accessories, and a constant frown added to her enigmatic aura. Mei Lin black sword was securely fastened around her back. Among them was Ren Zhi, seemingly frail but possessing extraordinary eyesight and hearing capabilities, allowing him to sense impending dangers. Despite his seemingly weak constitution, Ren Zhi showcased a talent for inventing various weapons. Although these inventions might appear useless initially, they could prove invaluable in challenging situations. That was what rumours said.
Following Liu Jiahao, the third and youngest Prince of the Longhua state, joined by his followers, the Dragon Team faced the impact of his arrogance. Rumors circulated about Jiahao being the most indulged and cherished offspring of the King, born to the second concubine. His princely status fueled an attitude that dismissed the need for bows or greetings, expecting respect as a birthright. Despite his elevated position, Jiahao appeared lacking in martial arts prowess. As the candidates assembled in their respective teams, the air was thick with tension. As Zi Qian and Xing Xing neared their team, they were met with mocking laughter from Liu Jiahao and his cohorts. "What do we have here? A balloon and a weakling. I think they'll be eliminated in the first round," Jiahao sneered, approaching Xing Xing and grabbing her cheek in a taunting manner. Zi Qian, unimpressed, rolled his eyes and tightened his grip on his fan. Without hesitation, Zi Qian swung his fan, delivering a sharp smack to Jiahao's hand that clutched Xing Xing's cheek. "Ouch!! You son of a—" Jiahao began, but he abruptly halted as the piercing gaze of the elders fell upon him.
With an indignant huff, Liu Jiahao scoffed and callously pushed Zi Qian aside before departing with his entourage. Zi Qian, fuming, questioned Xing Xing, "How rude! Who the hell is he?" Standing next to Zi Qian, arms crossed, Xing Xing explained, "He is the Prince of our state, the youngest one." Zi Qian retorted, "So? So what if he is the Prince? He can't be so rude, a good-for-nothing Prince," casting an intense and angry glare in Jiahao's direction. Meanwhile, in another part of the scene, Xiao Yang, surrounded by Xiao Rui, Gu XuanJi, and Chu Meng—all members of his team—eyed Zi Qian's fiery reaction with a mix of curiosity and concern.
As the first round was on the verge of commencement, a group of soldiers swiftly emerged, forming two rows on either side of the entrance. Riding a white horse, a strikingly handsome man adorned in opulent white attire, with a radiant smile gracing his face, made a grand entrance. Witnessing his arrival, a collective awe swept through the onlookers. Even Jiahao, with his mouth agape, couldn't conceal his surprise. Elder Xu, rising from his seat, uttered under his breath, "The Crown Prince?" Upon hearing these words, a hushed reverence fell over the assembly. In response, everyone, including Zi Qian, took a seated position and bowed respectfully as the Crown Prince dismounted from his horse. With an air of warmth and humility, he requested them to cease their formal gestures, urging them to stand. "No need for such formalities; I'm here to attend Lingtian Academy as well," he declared with a hearty chuckle, inviting everyone to rise.
Elder Xu continued to bow, expressing sincere apologies, "We apologize, Your Highness, for not welcoming you properly. His Majesty did not inform us of your arrival at Lingtian Academy. We sincerely apologize," he explained. However, the Crown Prince simply smiled and responded, "It does not matter. Here in Lingtian Academy, I am not the Crown Prince but one among the participants. So I should be treated equally, just like others."
With a dismissive hand gesture, the Crown Prince signaled for the guards to leave, and he walked toward the group, selecting a flag. Opening it, he discovered the dragon symbol, prompting him to join the Dragon Team. "Greetings, Xuanming brother," Liu Jiahao greeted politely with a bow. Zi Qian's eyes widened, and he turned to Xing Xing, whispering with his hand in front of his mouth, "This good-for-nothing can be this polite?" Zi Qian chuckled as Li Jiahao shot him a death glare, and Xuanming observed Zi Qian. Approaching the group, the Crown Prince introduced himself, "Hey there, I'm Liu Xuanming, the Crown Prince," he said with a warm smile. Zi Qian and Xing Xing exchanged glances, then bowed, introducing themselves respectively. However, the Crown Prince simply smiled at them, while Li Jiahao glared at his brother angrily, muttering, "Why is he here?."
Yet, there was someone who wasn't pleased with their interaction. He kept stealing glances at Zi Qian, his discontent evident.