Previously, during conversations, Zi Ruolin harbored a deep curiosity about Xia Feng.
After all, what maiden doesn't harbor dreams of being noticed by a prince charming, of having him dismount his steed for her, and becoming his queen?
These are the dreams of maidens first experiencing tender feelings.
However, Zi Ruolin had no ulterior motives; she was simply curious about Xia Feng's background. After all, bringing along a servant at the peak of the God King realm—such power was something she admitted she couldn't match.
Truly, a young master from a major sect; his manner of arrival was so impressive.
And to have a peerlessly beautiful woman attending to him; what more could one ask for in life?
As Zi Ruolin observed Xia Feng, Xia Feng was also observing her.
Xia Feng looked at Zi Ruolin and a smile flickered across his lips, a gain achieved effortlessly.
Seeing Xia Feng staring and smiling at her continuously, Zi Ruolin's initial good impression vanished completely.
That scoundrel, they were all the same, utterly lecherous.
Zi Ruolin assumed Xia Feng was a playboy, wanting to sleep with her upon seeing her beauty.
It was indeed as she thought. Weren't these young masters living solely to sleep with beauties every day?
Zi Ruolin's expression immediately soured. She turned her gaze elsewhere, no longer looking at Xia Feng. As she walked to the front, she smiled at everyone and thanked them, "I thank you all for your assistance in this competition for the Great Xia Kingdom. The contributor who makes the greatest impact in this competition will receive a revered pill gifted by the Great Xia Kingdom."
Upon hearing the words "revered pill" again, a surge of passion coursed through everyone. One of the early stage God King powerhouses stepped forward and asked, "Your Highness, if I am fortunate enough to obtain the revered pill, can you keep it safe for me? I will come to collect it after I break through to the late stage of the God King realm. How trustworthy are you?"
The saying "innocent possession of wealth invites disaster" was a truth everyone knew.
Theft and murder were common occurrences. For an early stage God King powerhouse to carry a revered pill on him would undoubtedly lead to his death.
If that were the case, what was the point of participating?
"That is certainly possible. If you cannot use it now, we will gladly keep it safe for you. As for trustworthiness, you can rest assured. I, Zi Ruolin, swear upon the national destiny of the Great Xia Kingdom. If I violate this oath, I shall perish by heavenly lightning."
Fearing that people wouldn't believe her, Zi Ruolin made a solemn oath.
With Zi Ruolin's words, everyone felt a sense of peace.
While the revered pill was important, the difference compared to the national destiny of the Great Xia Kingdom was immense.
As for why the Great Xia Kingdom could safeguard such an important revered pill, the reason was simple: they had an ancestor at the God Venerable realm seated in their midst, and furthermore, no one knew where the revered pill was kept.
Even if one harbored thoughts of seizing it, they would not dare to snatch food from a tiger's mouth.
You, a small rabbit, would dare to snatch food from a tiger's mouth?
This wasn't snatching food; it was offering yourself as a meal.
Although they weren't intelligent, they weren't entirely brainless.
"Your Highness, with your assurance, I will surely give my all."
"Indeed, we trust you."
"Your Highness, you are truly a wise ruler of the Great Xia Kingdom. The Great Xia Kingdom is proud to have you."
Zi Ruolin's words earlier had prompted everyone to offer their praise.
Competitions were events where late stage God King powerhouses had a high chance of winning, but that didn't mean early stage God King powerhouses had no opportunity.
As long as there was a sliver of a chance, they wouldn't miss it.
This was the safest way to obtain the revered pill, and they wouldn't back down even if beaten to death.
"I thank you all for your kind sentiments. Tonight, please eat well and drink well. Rest well tonight, and be ready to compete tomorrow." Zi Ruolin, seeing their flattery, waved for everyone to sit down and urged them to eat and drink heartily.
Among those seated below, only four did not stand up: Xia Feng, Li Mo, Mu Yunchen, and a man seated directly opposite Xia Feng. This man had been drinking quietly throughout, as if uninvolved.
This man was the other late stage God King, besides Li Mo.
As everyone was in high spirits, that man suddenly put down his wine cup and said in a muffled voice, "The revered pill is mine. No one else has a chance."
This sudden display of arrogance was not taken seriously by anyone.
Moreover, as this man was a late stage God King, there was no need to provoke him.
Zi Ruolin smiled upon hearing this, "Everyone has an equal chance. However, senior, your chance is greater."
Zi Ruolin's direct address of him as "senior" showed him considerable respect.
After all, Zi Ruolin was, in a way, the head of state. Addressing him as a junior was a sign of fitting courtesy.
More importantly, she wished to win over the man before her, as late stage God Kings were the core of the main force.
There was no helping it; when you need favors, you have to be humble.
If you lack strength, you must learn to borrow the strength of others.
Truly intelligent people would leverage their own advantages to bolster their power. Those without strength weren't showing off; they were being foolish.
"Your Highness, I am determined to win it," the man said, his voice softening considerably upon seeing Zi Ruolin's politeness.
Zi Ruolin smiled and said nothing. She picked up her wine cup and raised her hand, calling out, "I will join everyone in drinking this first toast."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Everyone raised their cups in acknowledgment.
No one had paid attention to the man's display of arrogance earlier. He had likely made that statement for Li Mo's ears.
After all, in his eyes, Li Mo was the only true rival who could contend for the revered pill with him.
Unfortunately, Li Mo didn't even acknowledge him as a person.
.........