The identity of these newcomers was no small matter. They were, quite startlingly, people from the Royal household!
For an event as significant as the "Academy Ranking Tournament," the presence of Royal figures was mandatory as a witness, precisely to prevent any possibility of rigging or foul play!
The crowd might not have recognized the specific identities of these arrivals, but they were instantly familiar with the crests on their chests and the cut of their uniforms, allowing them to identify them as Royal personnel immediately. As a result, everyone respectfully made way!
These Royal individuals seemed entirely accustomed to such deference and made no pause, merely sweeping their surroundings with dispassionate eyes.
They were not here to flaunt their status; rather, they were conducting an inspection to ascertain whether the competition grounds met national standards and to handle other related matters.
"Hey, who are those people?" Zhong Shenxiu asked Elena.
Upon seeing these figures, Elena’s expression flickered with agitation. She hadn't expected them to arrive at such an inopportune moment, running right into the Royal inspection team. She desperately hoped no trouble would arise.
Seeing Zhong Shenxiu inquire, she quickly responded, "Those are people specifically dispatched by the Royal family, their purpose is to supervise the 'Academy Ranking Tournament' to ensure it is conducted fairly and justly!"
Perhaps worried that Zhong Shenxiu might instigate something, Elena added, "Generally, those sent to inspect tournaments in major cities hold no minor positions. The lowest among them will be a Captain of the Guard, at least!"
However, Zhong Shenxiu lost interest after hearing only a couple of sentences. He cared little for royalty or the like; he didn't even pay heed to the Sovereign of the "Winter Moon Empire," let alone these insignificant underlings!
If these people had come from abroad, Zhong Shenxiu might have felt a flicker of interest. If they were from the "Spring Dew Empire," that would have been even better—he could inquire about a few matters then!
Therefore, after absorbing Elena's explanation, Zhong Shenxiu continued walking forward, paying no mind to the Royal personnel approaching him face-to-face!
Elena felt helpless, knowing further words would be useless. She could only follow behind Zhong Shenxiu like the others, praying fervently that no friction would occur!
The Royal party, in turn, noticed Zhong Shenxiu and his group, causing them to pause briefly. It was rare to encounter people who, knowing their identity, still advanced with such unbridled audacity!
Did they not know who we are?
The few of them pondered this internally while moving forward, their gazes shifting over Zhong Shenxiu's group, seemingly trying to glean some information from their appearances.
The two parties drew ever closer, yet neither showed any intention of stopping. However, there was no fear of collision, as the road was broad enough for them to pass on opposite sides—like water that does not mix with oil!
The Royal leading the group frowned visibly. Suddenly, he felt an odd sensation. These approaching individuals were absolutely not simple. Although their auras were well-concealed, he could still detect the palpable aura of battle intent!
Who were these people? Why did they give me this feeling?
The leader couldn't help but examine Zhong Shenxiu's party again with greater scrutiny. Meanwhile, Wayne and the others were also observing them, yet still maintained their pace, showing no sign of halting.
"Wait a moment!" the leader suddenly called out, stopping first.
He was too preoccupied by that sensation, especially by the attitude these people displayed towards them. He refused to believe they wouldn't recognize their attire and badges. Anyone who knew their status yet dared to walk past with such arrogance had to be questioned!
However, what he never anticipated was that his command would have absolutely no effect. Zhong Shenxiu and his group continued walking forward at an unchanged pace, as if they hadn't heard a word spoken.
The leader's face grew somewhat strained, but he did not immediately assert his authority.
His companions, however, were less restrained. One of them immediately shouted forcefully, "Halt! Didn't you hear us speaking to you!"
His voice was exceedingly loud, carrying far enough for people in the distance to hear!
The attendees from other academies widened their eyes, eagerly watching the unfolding drama. They were astonished that anyone dared to act so haughty in the presence of the Royal guards. This was clearly inviting humiliation!
It looked like a good show was about to start!
At this moment, Elena was extremely tense. The very thing she dreaded was happening. She instinctively wanted to stop, but considering Zhong Shenxiu’s temperament, she forced herself to pretend she hadn't heard. But this shout was one she could no longer ignore. Unsure of what to do, she looked towards Zhong Shenxiu.
The others also turned to Zhong Shenxiu, for he was their undisputed leader!
Yet, Zhong Shenxiu kept walking forward, treating the Royal contingent as if they were air. Wayne and the others hesitated for a moment, but ultimately followed Zhong Shenxiu. In their minds, it was better to offend the Royal family than to displease Zhong Shenxiu!
Offending the Royal family, at worst, Zhong Shenxiu could shield them; but offending Zhong Shenxiu would be far more complicated! Their secret, rigorous training over the past two months had given them a profound understanding of Zhong Shenxiu's methods!
Damn it! The Royal guard who shouted’s eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. He had never imagined these people would be so arrogant as to continue ignoring them!
"Halt! If you take another step!" The other man roared again, his voice even louder, echoing across the entire competition grounds.
This time, someone did stop—but that person was Robin!
A cold light suddenly flashed, fleetingly, in Robin's eyes, his expression as frigid as if he were saying: You're asking for a beating!
The others merely slowed their steps and looked back at Robin, still not stopping, because if Zhong Shenxiu didn't stop, they had no choice but to follow.
Seeing that Zhong Shenxiu's group still dared to proceed, the angered guard started to lunge forward to catch them, only to be stopped by a large hand!
Turning back, he saw the hand belonged to their leader!
"Forget it," the leader said, his expression subtly strange.
In that instant, a chill suddenly pierced the leader's heart, and a sense of profound unease instantly enveloped him.
Moreover, in that fleeting moment, he had captured a terrifying energy—an energy originating from the passing group!
His intuition screamed that if they provoked these individuals, their outcome would be dire!
It was precisely because of this feeling that he restrained his subordinate from advancing.
"But they..." the subordinate tried to protest, but after catching the look in his leader's eyes, he swallowed the rest of his words.
Robin finally caught up with Zhong Shenxiu again. That unsettling feeling vanished instantly!
The leader stared, somewhat bewildered, as Zhong Shenxiu’s party walked away, constantly turning over in his mind just who those people were, and who had emitted that fearsome energy just now?
The surrounding onlookers, who had been expecting a confrontation, were left utterly dumbfounded. They hadn't expected the matter to resolve so swiftly and anticlimactically—it had been all thunder and little rain!
"Who were those people? I’ve never seen anyone so brazen!"
"Exactly! I was so nervous I almost stopped breathing just now, and look at them, acting like nothing happened, showing absolutely no respect for the Royal guards!"
"They're really lucky. If the Royal people had chosen to assert their authority, hehe, perhaps even their academy would have been dragged down!"
"I don't think this is as simple as it looks. Daring to challenge the Royal family means they must have some serious backing!"
"I recognize those people. They are from the 'At-Home Magic and Martial Arts Academy.' They competed against our academy last year!"
The crowd erupted in chatter, yet not a single person dared to imitate the action Zhong Shenxiu's group had just taken!
Meanwhile, Zhong Shenxiu’s group continued their casual stroll around the area as if nothing had occurred. They had no fixed destination, simply going wherever they pleased!
Elena, for her part, breathed a quiet sigh of relief. She now had to admire Zhong Shenxiu's audacity and arrogance—to show such disregard for even the Royal family.
However, upon brief reflection, it was easily explained: Zhong Shenxiu was the behind-the-scenes boss of the "Darkness Merchant Guild." Both in terms of wealth and military power, they were capable of challenging a nation. Arrogance was understandable!
After walking for quite a while, they finally had a clear understanding of the surrounding environment.
As they proceeded, one person suddenly caught Zhong Shenxiu's attention—or rather, the words this person was shouting did.
"Everyone look! The 'Academy Ranking Tournament' is imminent! Who will claim the final championship? Who will be this year's dark horse? Hurry and place your bets on the academy you favor!" While shouting, the person distributed flyers in hand.
"What is that for?" Zhong Shenxiu asked Elena again.
"That's betting! You place wagers on the academy you favor, and if they win, you receive varying amounts of prize money," Elena explained concisely.
This so-called 'betting' was a game similar to horse racing.
Zhong Shenxiu’s eyes lit up, and a wicked smile suddenly curved his lips. Whether he was hatching some new scheme at that moment was uncertain, but someone was definitely going to suffer a loss!
Zhong Shenxiu instructed Robin to get a flyer. He glanced over it briefly, then casually continued walking forward as if nothing significant had happened.
In truth, he had already gathered the information he needed, including the location for placing bets and the rules of the game!
Furthermore, the flyer clearly stated that this 'betting' operation was the enterprise of the "Stacy Family," guaranteeing absolute credibility!
That evening, Zhong Shenxiu took Robin to the venue for the 'betting,' which was luxuriously appointed—almost rivaling his own "Darkness Merchant Guild."
The densely packed crowd inside attested to how booming the business was!
Fortunately, anyone placing a bet exceeding five million Diamond Coins had access to a dedicated green channel, sparing them the need to jostle at the small windows like everyone else.
When Zhong Shenxiu and Robin passed through the green channel into a reception room, the people inside visibly started, thinking they were hallucinating, and rubbed their eyes vigorously!
Why were two children here? What were children doing in a place like this?