After that night, Shalman hid in his room, neither eating nor drinking for three full days.
On the afternoon of the fourth day, Yue Jinghua returned from outside in the evening, only to find Shalman had disappeared.
Meanwhile, Qiu Chuzi had sneaked off with his bamboo basket somewhere into the mountain gullies and wild woods.
Yue Jinghua sighed heavily, her face showing her reluctance as she walked toward the Inner Court.
In the distance, on a certain tree, Qiu Chuzi was gleefully puffing on a water pipe, a sinister smile of successful scheming on his face.
Today was the day of the Xuanji Academy competition.
The Xuanji Academy competition, held once a year, is open to all students below Dark Jade grade. Previous champions cannot participate again. The top eight in individual and top three in team events gain entry to the "Xuan Technique Pavilion" in the Inner Court and receive a Dark Skill Manual of the corresponding grade.