CHAPTER 33: CHAPTER 33: FAREWELL, YING BING!

Finally, under Gu Xing’s repeated assurances, the little girl returned to normal.

In the next two days, Gu Xing rarely took Liu Li on a leisurely tour around Lin Yuan City.

From food to local customs, he let the little girl experience it all.

Until the day the second assessment began.

As soon as Gu Xing arrived at the gathering square with Liu Li, he saw an unexpected person.

"Ying... Ying Bing?!"

The girl in white, akin to snow, approached slowly, followed by a spirited elder.

"Why are you here?"

Upon seeing Gu Xing, Ying Bing paused slightly, a hint of panic flashing through her cool eyes.

Ying Bing pressed her lips together, hesitated for a long time before slowly speaking:

"Secret Realm!"

The girl’s voice was very light, and Gu Xing did not notice her anomaly.

After all, in his impression, Ying Bing was always taciturn.

But Ying Xinghe standing nearby squinted his eyes.

As Ying Bing’s Guardian who watched her grow up, he keenly sensed his lady’s difference!

His lady used to be entirely focused on her Guardian Beast, never distracted by external matters.

But now...

Ying Xinghe’s sharp gaze swept over Gu Xing, silently pondering:

The lady insisted on coming to Lin Yuan City...

Could it possibly be because of this boy?!

However, thinking it over again.

His duty was merely to protect Ying Bing’s safety; as for her emotional issues...

Let the Clan Leader worry about those!

"There’s still over forty days before the Secret Realm closes, I plan to first participate in the military assessment, elevate my strength to Awakened Tier Nine before entering."

"So, I want to take part in the military-organized second assessment first, then you..."

Gu Xing’s gaze fell on Ying Bing.

His intention in saying this was for Ying Bing to make her own arrangements first, then reconvene when the time was right.

Yet...

"I’m joining too!"

Gu Xing: "???"

For a moment, Gu Xing was tongue-tied, he opened his mouth wanting to say something.

But seeing Ying Bing’s matter-of-fact expression, he ultimately could only let out a helpless sigh.

Join if you must.

With Ying Bing’s strength, plus that deeply hidden elder’s protection, certainly nothing dangerous will happen.

Moreover, he couldn’t decide Ying Bing’s thoughts.

Thus, he just let it be.

Soon, the Deputy Principal finished his address, and everyone arranged themselves to set off towards the second assessment point.

This assessment was set up by the military, located within an Alternate Space.

Its purpose was to ensure newbie Beast Masters swiftly adapted to the brutality of the battlefield.

Although the military had initially cleared the Demons within the area, still every year numerous students lost their lives here.

...

The second assessment zone.

Gu Qianqian stared at the scene before her, slightly entranced.

Although the site was provided by the military, each student’s performance was evaluated by representatives from various universities.

As a talented student of the National Academy, she need not participate in proctoring such a fundamental assessment.

But thinking of Gu Xing, she took the initiative to apply as an assessor.

"Qianqian, still worrying about your brother?"

A gentle tap on her shoulder, Tang Xinrou’s voice brought her back to reality.

Gu Qianqian turned, meeting her best friend’s concerned gaze, she shook her head.

But Tang Xinrou, seeing Gu Qianqian’s demeanor, knew her friend was simply putting up a front.

"Qianqian, don’t worry! With such an excellent sister like you, how bad could your brother do?"

"Besides, I’m here too!"

"I’ve already informed my junior brothers and sisters, asking them to pay special attention to Gu Xing’s safety. You can rest assured!"

Gu Qianqian looked at her friend’s caring expression and nodded lightly:

"Thank you, Xinrou!"

Seeing her friend’s mood improve, Tang Xinrou finally felt relieved.

Then, she mysteriously glanced around, leaned closer to Gu Qianqian’s ear, and lowered her voice:

"Actually, I’ve not only asked them to protect your brother but also reminded them..."

"Even if his performance is slightly lacking, they’ll generously award high marks."

Gu Qianqian snickered: "Xinrou, that’s really unnecessary. I believe he can get into the National Academy on his own strength."

Tang Xinrou dismissively pouted.

Getting into the National Academy is no easy feat?

It’s the top institution in Longxia Country.

Back then, Gu Qianqian barely met the admission line; it wasn’t until her Extraordinary Level awakening with top-tier Talent that she truly shone.

While her brother stayed in a small city, his chance of getting in...

Less than ten percent!

Of course, she naturally wouldn’t utter these thoughts.

"Alright, I need to head to my designated assessment area now."

Tang Xinrou waved goodbye, then suddenly sternly added:

"By the way, the military reported that during earlier clearance in this area two Extraordinary Level Demons were missed, Qianqian, be cautious."

"Hmm!"

...

Elsewhere.

After experiencing the familiar dizziness.

The fifty students who passed the first round found themselves in a completely new world.

Towering ancient trees rose from the earth, a faint mist drifted in the air.

In the distance, in front of the military’s temporary command post, the flag of Longxia Country flapped in the peculiar breeze of the Alternate Space.

Last time, led by Wei Yuan, he couldn’t discern what the entrance to the Alternate Space looked like.

For Gu Xing, this considered his first formal entry into the Alternate Space.

And as soon as their group of fifty entered the Alternate Space, they attracted a lot of attention.

Besides examinees from Lin Yuan City, advanced students from several surrounding cities also converged here.

"That should be the Lin Yuan City team, right? As expected, they arrived last again."

"Their scores are always at the bottom in each assessment, yet their display is grand."

"Yeah, with barely a few students passing their assessments each time, why wait for them?"

Amidst the whispers, Gu Xing frowned slightly.

"In previous assessments, Lin Yuan City’s results weren’t great, even arguably bottom-ranked."

"However, with you here this year, it’s estimated Lin Yuan City could win first place this time."

Just then, Shen Ruoxue led her team over, clarifying his doubt.

And the Enchanting Demon beside Shen Ruoxue, seeing Gu Xing, immediately shrank her head, not daring to act rashly.

During this period under Shen Ruoxue’s training, she had become notably more obedient.

"I probably won’t participate in this assessment."

Shen Ruoxue was initially taken aback, then understood.

With Gu Xing’s capabilities, there’s really no need to prove anything through such assessments.

However.

Her gaze shifted to the girl beside Gu Xing...

What a beautiful girl!

She looks perfectly matched with Gu Xing!

Though she had anticipated this scene long ago, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment, pulling a forced smile and tentatively asking:

"Who might this be?"

Gu Xing was about to speak.

"Ying Bing!"

Ying Bing calmly introduced herself, her voice cold.

After Shen Ruoxue nodded politely, she wisely decided to take her leave.

Staying here disturbing the two of them... felt wrong!

"We’ll head off first, the assessment is about to begin."

She barely maintained a poised smile, yet the disappointment in her tone was evident even to the perceptive Liu Li.

The little girl suddenly reached out, viciously pinching Gu Xing’s waist from behind.

Her master seemed...

Unexpectedly quite popular!

...

...