The next day, the Qianyuan Tournament officially kicked off.
As soon as she took the stage, Zhao Shuning could feel everyone's gazes on her.
Most of them were cold, except for Situ Yun's, which held a tinge of worry.
Zhao Shuning nodded slightly to reassure him.
She knew in her heart that once the Qianyuan Tournament was over, Madam Haitang would surely find other excuses to get rid of her. It was not advisable to make a big deal before the tournament, but this was something that even a fool could figure out.
However, Zhao Shuning would not let things go so smoothly.
As the guests arrived as usual, Lin Feng also showed up at the venue.
Since Zhao Shuning now looked like just a child, he naturally didn't notice her. But from the moment he appeared, Zhao Shuning's eyes were fixed firmly on him.
Lin Feng, I've treated you well. I've tried my best to give you everything you wanted.
You said you cherished talent, that you wanted to cultivate the top elixir masters in the East Ze Wilderness. Ye Ling helped you set up the academy and handed over the inner - sect disciples of other families to your instruction.
Among the young elixir masters in the East Ze Wilderness today, I'm afraid your disciples make up a significant number.
Yan Ruyu had long warned Ye Ling that Lin Feng valued his status and reputation highly. One day, he would surely be dissatisfied with Ye Ling, the Empress who was above him in status.
But at that time, Ye Ling didn't care. She even told Yan Ruyu not to think so badly of everyone. Lin Feng was good at teaching, humble and polite, and was highly respected by many elixir masters in the East Ze Wilderness. He couldn't be such a villain.
Facts proved that what Zhao Shuning said was completely off the mark. Not only that, but what happened later was also extremely embarrassing.
If those seven children had grown up at that time, they would surely not have allowed the people of the four great families to kill Ye Ling so easily.
But there were no ifs.
Ye Ling was now Zhao Shuning, sitting behind Madam Xiang.
Watching Lin Feng step into the venue step by step, she was so angry that her teeth were itching, but she managed to hold back.
She knew that since she had been reborn, she shouldn't bring back her old reckless and impulsive nature. She had to wait, wait until she was strong enough, and then strike them by surprise.
Just like how the four great families had joined hands against her back then.
As soon as Lin Feng appeared, he naturally received the admiration of many.
Under the gaze of a thousand people, he slowly walked onto the main seat. Sitting beside him was the dignified Madam Haitang.
"Madam."
"Sir, you're here."
"You've put a lot of effort into today's tournament."
"As long as you're here, it's the best comfort for all my hard work these nights."
Lin Feng placed his hand on Madam Haitang's and patted it twice, then took it away.
Then he turned around, ignoring Madam Haitang's resentful gaze, and gave a faint smile to the beautiful Xiao Mei beside him. This time, Xiao Mei didn't seem to be in a very good mood. After forcing a smile, she no longer looked at Lin Feng.
This action left Lin Feng a bit puzzled.
He turned back and asked Madam Haitang.
"Have you and Mei Zhen fallen out again?"
"Sir really cares about my sister's feelings. As soon as you're back, you start worrying about her."
"Forget it. I'll discuss some things with you later."
Before the tournament, each madam took the stage to introduce herself. As expected, there were no surprises. Each madam, as usual, kept her head down in front of Madam Haitang, not daring to make a single mistake.
Xiao Mei was special and was exempted from this introduction session.
"I'm Madam Xiang from the Second Courtyard."
"I'm Madam Li from the Third Courtyard."
"I'm Madam Qin from the Fourth Courtyard."
"The Fifth Courtyard..." This was getting boring. But when it was the turn of the Eighth Madam, Madam Xiang took the stage but hesitated to speak.
"What bad luck. She always gets stage - fright on such occasions."
Madam Xiang's hands and feet trembled slightly. She looked at Zhao Shuning, who nodded slightly at her.
"I'm Yu Xiang from the Eighth Courtyard."
Yu Xiang was Madam Xiang's real name. Over the years, people had long forgotten her name. She was just like an appendage of Lin Feng, known as the Eighth Madam, or Madam Xiang.
As soon as Yu Xiang finished speaking, she noticed Lin Feng looking up at her.
Yu Xiang was dressed differently today. She had deliberately chosen a plain cyan dress made of Shu brocade, which was smooth and delicate.
Moreover, going against her usual self, Yu Xiang had tied up her hair today, revealing her beautiful and delicate face. Although timidity could still be seen on her face, there was also a hint of courage.
"Madam Xiang seems different today. This dress is much more refreshing than usual."
Hearing Lin Feng say this, Yu Xiang almost lost her balance and sat down.
How many years had it been since the sir had spoken to her so nicely?
But Yu Xiang remembered what Zhao Shuning had said yesterday. She just nodded slightly and replied, "Thank you, sir, for your compliment. I'm wearing this dress today because I'd like to take part in the horse - racing later."
Lin Feng narrowed his eyes.
He remembered that he used to like the Yu Xiang who galloped on the horse. But after he got her, he just wanted to hide her away and didn't want others to see her like that.
Because when Yu Xiang was horse - racing, she was a completely different person, far from her usual docile self.
Since Lin Feng had said something about it once, Yu Xiang, who was timid and obedient, had never mentioned horse - racing again. But this time, after so many years, she actually wanted to race again.
This was truly strange to Lin Feng.
To others, Madam Xiang was just acting recklessly.
Lin Feng was a bit annoyed. He waved his hand, and Yu Xiang stepped down.
When she sat back in her seat, she gently turned to Zhao Shuning and asked, "Xiaoningning, did I show any timidity just now?"
Zhao Shuning gave her a thumbs - up in admiration. Yu Xiang actually blushed like a child and sat up straighter.
After Yu Xiang stepped down, the introductions of the other madams became boring again.
Lin Feng's gaze was also inquisitive as he looked at Yu Xiang.
Yu Xiang tightened her grip on the armrest of the chair. Her palms were already sweating, but her expression still pretended to be extremely relaxed.
She was going to take a gamble.
She couldn't live like this for the rest of her life.
Lin Feng was an elixir master with a high cultivation level. In the East Ze Wilderness, his status was quite lofty, so he was on good terms with some alchemists.
High - level alchemists had a kind of pill that could keep one young and beautiful.
Lin Feng still looked the same as he did back then, and his wives were all very beautiful. Presumably, this was related to taking that pill.
In that case, Zhao Shuning might as well let Yu Xiang make good use of her delicate appearance. As long as she didn't say anything and dressed up a bit, who could tell her real age?
"Yu Xiang is different today."