Chapter 53: Defeating a Rival in Love
Chapter 53: Defeating a Rival in Love
After introducing Xue Ni to the members of the Xiao Clan, the group didn't chat for long before heading inside.
As they approached the large green tent, they noticed several male and female students standing in small groups, chatting casually in the cool shade. Judging by their relaxed demeanor, they were likely students from Jia Nan Academy, just like Xue Ni.
Outside the shaded area, around twenty young men and women sat on the ground under the scorching sun. Despite the intense heat causing sweat to drip down their faces, their expressions were filled with a sense of nervous anticipation. These were likely the newly admitted students who had just passed the preliminary tests.
Inside the tent, several girls who had been chatting suddenly looked up and noticed Xiao Yu and her companions approaching. Their faces lit up with joy, and a group of them immediately surrounded Xiao Yu, chattering and laughing nonstop.
As Mo Yu glanced over the excited faces of these young, beautiful female students, he realized that Xiao Yu seemed to have built quite a network of friends at the academy.
Amidst all the youthful energy in the tent, Mo Yu felt his blood stir slightly, and a hint of red flickered in his eyes.
However, being no novice, he quickly suppressed the fleeting desire and remained composed.
"Hehe, such a pretty little beauty," one of the girls remarked as she glanced at Xun'er and Xiao Mei. The two girls' exceptional looks didn't fail to draw admiration from the others.
Their gazes slowly shifted to Mo Yu. Although Xiao Yan and Xiao Ning were both mature and handsome, they lacked the unique charm that Mo Yu exuded.
"Hehe, such a handsome guy. Yu'er, is this your fiancé? Come on, tell us, have you been sneaking kisses?" one of the girls teased boldly, not holding back despite the subject of her question standing right there.
Even with Mo Yu's strong resolve, he couldn't help but feel a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth upon hearing such a direct question. Xiao Yan, Xun'er, and the others blushed deeply, clearly embarrassed by the risqué topic.
"Ah, stop it with the nonsense!" Xiao Yu's face flushed a bright red as she hurriedly covered the girls' mouths, trying to stifle their teasing.
"Xiao Yu… long time no see." Just as the playful banter continued, a male voice suddenly cut in.
Hearing the voice, everyone turned to see a young man in gray and white robes standing behind them with a broad smile.
Xiao Yu's shy expression slowly faded as she turned around and skillfully linked her arm with Mo Yu's, glancing at the young man with a distant expression. "Luo Bu, it's been a while."
"Hehe," Luo Bu chuckled, nodding. His eyes lingered on the hands clasped between Mo Yu and Xiao Yu, and a flash of coldness and anger flickered briefly in his gaze as he looked at Mo Yu.
"Hehe, did you bring these people?" Luo Bu asked with a smile as he approached.
"Mm," Xiao Yu nodded casually, introducing Mo Yu and the others again. "I brought them for the test."
"Oh, I see," Luo Bu smiled and nodded. "Since you brought them, there's no need for them to take the test. I trust you. Besides, word of the Xiao Clan's twin prodigies has spread throughout Wu Tan City these past few days. I assume the one holding your hand is your fiancé, Mo Yu, one of the Xiao Clan's twin prodigies?" Luo Bu added, a cold glint flashing in his eyes as he looked at Mo Yu.
Seeing this interaction, Mo Yu immediately understood that Luo Bu was the persistent suitor Xiao Yu had mentioned before—the one who wouldn't take no for an answer.
Mo Yu's eyes also flashed with a hint of coldness. It was natural for others to admire Xiao Yu, given her beauty, but this guy clearly didn't know when to give up, which was simply annoying.
Pulling Xiao Yu closer into his arms, Mo Yu didn't bother to enjoy the softness he felt. Instead, he looked calmly at Luo Bu and said, "Yes, I am Mo Yu, Xiao Yu's fiancé. Do you have something to say?"
Feeling Mo Yu suddenly hold her tightly, Xiao Yu's heart skipped a beat. The warmth of his embrace and the calm, confident declaration filled her with a sweet sense of happiness.
Seeing Mo Yu openly holding Xiao Yu in front of everyone, Luo Bu's fake smile finally faltered.
At the Jia Nan Academy's outer courtyard, everyone knew that Luo Bu had been relentlessly pursuing Xiao Yu. Although Xiao Yu had always rejected him, Luo Bu believed that if he persisted, he could eventually win her over with sincerity. But then Mo Yu appeared out of nowhere.
Luo Bu had heard of Mo Yu's feats, like defeating a six-star Dou Zhe who was also a Tier 1 alchemist. While impressive, Luo Bu hadn't thought much of it.
Alchemists might be esteemed, but Luo Bu's background had exposed him to plenty of them, so he wasn't particularly awed. Besides, Mo Yu was just a one-star alchemist.
At that stage, alchemists didn't have remarkable combat power. Their Dou Qi was often weak and unstable due to excessive pill consumption, making their actual strength much lower than their rank suggested.
Although Luo Bu was only a four-star Dou Zhe, his deep foundation and mastery of techniques made him confident he could easily handle a six-star Dou Zhe. Moreover, he hadn't witnessed Mo Yu's battle firsthand, and he even suspected that Mo Yu might have used his family's guards to gang up on the alchemist before stepping in to claim the victory.
With these thoughts in mind, Luo Bu's eyes flashed with malice as he looked at Mo Yu and said, "Oh, I wouldn't dare to teach you a lesson. I've just heard a lot about Mo Yu's reputation in Wu Tan City. If you join Jia Nan Academy, you'd be my junior. As your senior, I wonder if I could have a little sparring match with you?"
Upon hearing this, the members of the Xiao Clan and the female students frowned at Luo Bu's words. This guy was obviously being petty and trying to provoke Mo Yu in front of everyone.
Although they had heard of Mo Yu's prowess, it was mostly in the context of Wu Tan City, a small place compared to the larger world. At Jia Nan Academy, talented individuals were everywhere, and anyone who made it there had already proven themselves through numerous challenges and battles.
So they considered advising Luo Bu to refrain from this childish display of jealousy, especially as a senior to a potential new student.
But before they could say anything, Mo Yu released his hold on Xiao Yu and said calmly, "If you insist, then let's spar."
Since this guy wouldn't let it go, Mo Yu decided to settle the matter by defeating him.
The female students of Jia Nan Academy were taken aback by Mo Yu's acceptance of the challenge.
Just as they were about to advise Xiao Yu to intervene, they noticed that everyone from the Xiao Clan, including Xiao Yu, wore expressions of eager anticipation, as if they were looking forward to a good show…
(Chapter ends)