The result of the competition was unexpected.
Qing Feng's defeat became the talk of the town.
"Sister, it seems your assistant was clearly bought off. It's a pity. You've put in so much effort but can only end up second," the Beautiful Lady Xiao glanced at Qing Feng on the stage.
Then she turned to Lady Haitang and taunted, "Actually, I don't really care about the ranking. But as long as I can outrank you, sister, that's the happiest thing for me."
"You!"
"You're the esteemed First Lady. This time, you've been outranked by an Eighth Lady in the courtyard. I don't mind. After all, I'm not the mistress of the Lin family and can't bear that much attention. But you, sister, who value your reputation so much, might be severely criticized by everyone this time."
"How dare they!"
"Of course, they wouldn't dare to say such things to your face. But who can stop their tongues behind your back? The Qianyuan Tournament today was so grand with so many people attending. Thanks to you, sister. I'm afraid within three days, not only in Zhou Jiangchang, but the whole of the Eastern Wilderness will know that you, Lady Haitang, have come in third."
Lady Haitang's complexion was naturally not good.
The Beautiful Lady Xiao used to show respect to Lady Haitang on the surface. But after the incident with Lü Wu, knowing that she had become a thorn in Lady Haitang's side, her attitude was no longer as respectful as before.
If someone wanted her dead, did she still have to kowtow and thank them?
The Beautiful Lady Xiao naturally couldn't do that.
She stepped off the stage and walked up to Lady Yu. With a smile, she said, "Today, I must congratulate you, Lady Yu. I didn't expect the champion to come from your Eighth Courtyard."
"You're overpraising me, Beautiful Lady Xiao."
The Beautiful Lady Xiao nodded. As she passed by Zhao Shuning, she said, "Be careful. She won't let you go."
Zhao Shuning smiled.
Obviously, she knew her situation.
"Thank you."
The Beautiful Lady Xiao flicked her sleeves and left the venue.
At this time, Lin Feng came down. His direction was actually towards Yu Xiang.
In front of Yu Xiang, Lin Feng unexpectedly reached out his hand to her. Zhao Shuning naturally turned around. Just seeing Lin Feng made her grind her teeth in hatred.
"My lord—"
"Xiangxiang, I wonder if you're free today to take a walk with me?"
Lady Yu nodded and placed her hand on Lin Feng's.
It wasn't until they walked far away that Zhao Shuning turned back.
At this time, Lady Haitang also came down from above. Behind her was Situ Yun. Obviously, Lady Haitang's face was very gloomy, while Situ Yun still looked calm.
Zhao Shuning stood there.
She was waiting for Lady Haitang.
Now she had nothing to worry about. Since Mo Bai knew the black - clothed man, with Lady Haitang's power, she shouldn't be able to harm Mo Bai for the time being.
At this moment, Qing Feng also came down. Looking at Mo Bai, he said, "Let's go."
Mo Bai nodded.
"Wait for me a while."
Mo Bai walked to Zhao Shuning's side and whispered, "I'm leaving."
"I know. Take care on your journey."
"You have to be well. I'll come back to see you."
Zhao Shuning nodded. At this moment, her mind was not on Mo Bai. Instead, she was looking past him at Lady Haitang behind him.
Mo Bai sighed.
He took off the pendant around his neck, then squatted down and got closer to Zhao Shuning.
"Mo Bai, what are you doing?"
As soon as the words were out, Zhao Shuning felt something warm and smooth around her neck.
"This? Isn't this something you've worn since childhood? Why are you giving it to me?"
Zhao Shuning really didn't want to accept something with such special meaning from others. She knew that once she accepted some feelings, she might never be able to repay them.
As she spoke, she was about to reach out and take it off.
"Ningning, don't."
Mo Bai stopped Zhao Shuning's action and then said, "I don't have anything else to give you now. This is the only thing. I hope you'll wear it." Just like I'm with you.
"But—"
"Ningning, I'm leaving."
"I know, but Mo Bai—"
"If you don't want this thing, don't return it to me now. After I'm gone, just find a place and throw it away."
Zhao Shuning was stunned.
Mo Bai added, "Don't you have anything to say to me?"
"Um, take care on your journey." She had already said this before.
"Anything else?"
"What else?"
"I remember when you separated from that man before, you gave him a light - blue tassel to decorate his flute."
The light - blue tassel? Did he mean the one she gave to her master?
"Mo Bai, do you like that too?"
"Ningning, don't you understand what I mean?"
"I don't understand."
"Forget it."
Mo Bai ruffled Zhao Shuning's hair, stood up, and whispered, "How could I forget? You're just a nine - year - old child. What can you understand?"
"I'm leaving, Ningning."
Zhao Shuning waved.
Mo Bai added, "I'll come back to find you."
Zhao Shuning nodded heavily again.
Then, Mo Bai turned around, led Qing Feng, and walked towards Lady Haitang behind him. When passing by Lady Haitang, Mo Bai stopped.
Lady Haitang wanted to step forward but found that she couldn't move her feet and her body was frozen in place.
She looked up in shock and was about to call Situ Yun.
Then she heard Qing Feng beside her say, "Sir Situ, there were one or two moves I didn't understand before. I'd like to ask you for some advice. I wonder if you have the time."
Situ Yun had actually noticed Lady Haitang's strange situation.
But he still pretended not to see.
Because of the incident with Lü Wu, he had always felt guilty, thinking that he was a bit cowardly at that time. For the future of the Chu family, he didn't stand on Zhao Shuning's side.
"Of course, I have the time."
Qing Feng and Situ Yun left the venue.
And beside Lady Haitang, only Mo Bai was left.
"Lady Haitang."
"What do you want to do?"
"Nothing. I just want to warn you, Lady Haitang. Zhao Shuning is mine. If I come back and find that she's lost a single hair because of you, I'll send you, your daughter, and your son all to the underworld."
"How dare you?"
"Just watch if I dare."
The young man still had a smile on his face, but his smile was so creepy.
When Mo Bai said this, there was actually a tiger coiling between his eyebrows, looking extremely strange.
Lady Haitang was so frightened for a moment that she nodded in a daze.
"Being wise is the best choice."
Mo Bai left, and the force that had imprisoned Lady Haitang also disappeared into thin air.