Chapter 56 — "THE NIGHT BEFORE THE STORM"
Bai Qianlan was still pouting.
She wasn’t doing it obviously.
No crossed arms. No sharp words. No dramatic sighs.
She was just... distant.
Which, to Ling Yifan, was far more unsettling.
They stood with the rest of the Azure Dragon team near the edge of the plaza as instructors finished reorganizing platforms and formations for the next day. The sun had begun its slow descent, casting long shadows across Dragon Turtle Academy’s stone structures.
Ling Yifan stole a glance at her.
She was listening.She was responding.She was doing everything correctly.
She just wasn’t looking at him.
"...Bai," he said quietly.
She turned.
"Yes?"
That tone.
Ling Yifan sighed internally.
"We need to talk."
She hesitated for a mont, then nodded.
"...Alright."
They stepped a little aside, just far enough that Chen’s dramatic whispering wouldn’t reach them.
Ling Yifan rubbed the back of his neck.
"I didn’t go on a date."
Bai blinked.
"...What?"
"I didn’t go anywhere with anyone," he said seriously. "I woke up early, went to the cafeteria, and talked with Long Hao."
She stared at him for a second.
Then frowned.
"...Then why did Chen say—"
"Chen says many things," Ling Yifan interrupted. "Most of them should not be trusted."
There was a pause.
"...You didn’t leave with anyone?"
"No."
"...You didn’t invite anyone?"
"No."
"...You didn’t even think about inviting anyone?"
Ling Yifan looked directly at her.
"I was thinking about sothing. That’s all."
Bai’s shoulders relaxed—just a little.
"...Oh."
Silence followed.
Then, softer:
"...I thought you were avoiding ."
Ling Yifan shook his head imdiately.
"Never."
She looked at him then. Really looked.
"...Then next ti," she said, trying (and failing) to sound stern, "tell ."
"I will."
She nodded.
The pout vanished.
Chen, watching from afar, clicked his tongue.
"...That resolved faster than I hoped."
A sudden vibration rolled across the plaza.
The Dragon Turtle Dean stepped forward again, arms crossed, clearly enjoying his role far too much.
"Since none of you will survive tomorrow if you’re exhausted," he said bluntly, "there will be no battles tonight."
Relief spread instantly.
"Instead," he continued, grinning, "we will host an introductory dinner."
Several students blinked.
"A ball?" soone muttered.
"Yes," the dean said proudly. "With food."
A pause.
"...And music."
The Vermilion Dean sighed audibly.
The Azure Dragon Dean adjusted his sleeve calmly.
"Attendance is mandatory," the Dragon Turtle Dean finished. "Try not to embarrass yourselves."
Chen clapped once.
"OH THIS IS MY TERRITORY."
THE DINNER — DRAGON TURTLE STYLE
That evening, the central hall of Dragon Turtle Academy transford.
Massive stone pillars were draped with banners. Floating lanterns cast warm light across polished floors. Long tables of food lined the sides, while the center had been cleared for music and dancing.
It was less elegant ballroom and more warrior’s feast pretending to be refined.
Still—impressive.
Ling Yifan stood near the edge with Bai.
Almost imdiately, a girl from another academy approached.
"Would you like to dance?" she asked brightly.
Ling Yifan shook his head.
"I’m taken."
She blinked, surprised—then smiled apologetically and left.
Another ca.
Then another.
Each ti, Ling Yifan declined calmly.
Bai watched, trying very hard not to smile.
Across the hall—
The Vermilion Academy captain was moving.
Directly.
Toward Chen Wulian.
Ling Yifan noticed instantly.
So did Long Hao.
"...She’s approaching him," Long Hao murmured.
Ling Yifan frowned.
Then did sothing unexpected.
Ling Yifan reacted instantly.
"...Excuse ," he said.
Before Bai could ask what he ant, Ling Yifan stepped forward—
And intercepted.
"Care to dance?" he asked the Vermilion captain calmly.
She paused.
Then smiled slowly.
"Well," she said, amused, "how unexpected."
She accepted.
Ling Yifan guided her onto the dance floor—placing himself squarely between her and Chen.
Bai froze.
"...Huh?"
Her chest tightened.
Why her?
Why now?
Chen noticed her expression instantly.
Oh.
He grinned.
Then grabbed Bai’s wrist.
"Co on," he said cheerfully. "We’re spying."
"...Spying?" Bai repeated.
"Yes," Chen nodded. "Professionally."
Before she could refuse, he pulled her onto the dance floor as well.
Ling Yifan glanced over—
And saw Bai dancing.
With Chen.
His steps faltered.
"...What."
The Vermilion captain laughed softly.
"You look distracted."
Ling Yifan recovered quickly.
"...I’m multitasking."
Elsewhere, Han Duwei was thriving.
Five girls surrounded him.
Laughing.Touching his armsplinting his muscles.
"Do you train every day?" one asked.
"Twice," Han replied proudly.
Qin Shuo watched from the edge of the hall, arms crossed.
"...How," he muttered, "is that allowed."
"...How does he do that?"
Wang Junxie adjusted his glasses.
"Statistics suggest he appeals to a broad demographic."
"Confidence."
"And muscles," Qin added bitterly.
Nearby, Jin Roulan leaned toward Ouyang Xue’er.
"...Is it wrong that I want to hit him?"
Ouyang sipped her drink calmly.
"No."
Qin glared.
"I hate statistics."
Chen leaned closer to Bai as they danced.
"Relax," he whispered. "We’re just watching."
"...Why does Ling Yifan look annoyed?" Bai asked.
Chen smirked. "Because it’s working."
Bai’s lips pressed together.
She watched Ling Yifan move with the Vermilion captain—composed, controlled, polite.
Too polite.
Her grip tightened.
Across the hall, Ouyang Xue’er noticed sothing else entirely.
Long Hao stood alone near the balcony.
Thinking.
"Maybe, he’s waiting for to dance. Poor Guy, I should fulfill his wish."
"Well, Of course Xuer, I’m such a nice person. I an- it’s not like there’s any other reason."
making herself believe that, Ouyang took a step forward.
Then—
Murong Yuer approached him.
Ouyang’s eyes narrowed.
"...Tch."
Murong spoke quietly.
"Long Hao," she said. "May I speak with you?"
He turned.
"...About what?"
"Not to dance," she added quickly. "Just... to talk."
He hesitated.
Then nodded.
"...Alright."
They stepped aside.
Ouyang’s fingers tightened around her glass.
Her expression remained calm.
Her heart did not.
"...Why is she here?" she muttered softly,
Murong lowered her head slightly.
"...I owe you an apology," she said to Long Hao.
Long hao did not know how to react.
The music swelled.
The lanterns flickered.
And jealousy—quiet, sharp, undeniable—settled into the night.
Tomorrow would bring battle.
But tonight—
The war was already happening.
[Chapter ENDS]
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