Chapter 731: 733, Jin’s friends are my friends too. (Second update)

Truly ordinary people, upon seeing someone like Shangguan Lingluo, would probably be so frightened that their legs would go weak and they’d start to cry in grievance. But Chu Jin? First Mu Xianxian, now Shangguan Lingluo; one enemy after another, yet she remains unscathed, even going so far as to actively provoke Shangguan Lingluo.

Such a person is a true rival.

Su Yuqiao’s gaze was fixed on Chu Jin, her eyes not filled with kindness, a strong sense of scrutiny in them.

There Chu Jin stood, being sized up by Su Yuqiao while she did the same in return, both deeming each other as their most formidable opponent.

"Jin, I’m back," Gan Yuying panted as she ran in.

Seeing Chu Jin and Su Yuqiao facing off, she asked with some curiosity, "Jin, do you know her?"

Before Chu Jin could say anything, Su Yuqiao withdrew her gaze and coldly turned away.

Heh.

Quite the prideful one!

Gan Yuying raised an eyebrow and then asked, "Jin, who is she?"

Chu Jin slightly lowered her eyes, hiding the expression within them, and spoke with a clear and melodious voice, "She is the only female Bounty Hunter in the three realms, Su Yuqiao."

Everyone had heard of Su Yuqiao’s great name, but very few had actually seen her in person. Today, upon meeting her, Su Yuqiao’s character proved to be extraordinary and inscrutable, neither wholly good nor evil, difficult to fathom.

"She’s Su Yuqiao!" Gan Yuying’s eyes sparkled with excitement, "Jin, wait here for me, I’ll go get an autograph from her. I’ve admired her for so long. It’s said that no matter how violent and fierce the fugitive, they can’t escape her palm..."

Gan Yuying didn’t know where she pulled out a pen from and scurried toward Su Yuqiao.

"Sister Qiao, I really admire you. Can you give me an autograph?" Gan Yuying transformed into a little fan, her eyes holding nothing but Su Yuqiao.

Su Yuqiao glanced at Gan Yuying and then turned away coldly, her aloofness indescribable.

Undiscouraged, Gan Yuying remained as enthusiastic as ever, running in front of Su Yuqiao and squinted her starry eyes, "Sister Qiao, I truly admire you. Can I trouble you for an autograph?"

This time, Su Yuqiao didn’t even look at Gan Yuying, turning away, her entire being exuding chilliness.

"Sister Qiao..." Gan Yuying persisted like an indestructible cockroach.

Finally, Su Yuqiao opened her mouth with an icy tone when annoyed beyond endurance, "First, I’ve been an orphan since childhood, so I don’t have any siblings. Second, am I familiar with you? Why should I give you an autograph? Third, I’m not a nice person, so please stay away from me, thank you."

After her words, Su Yuqiao turned and walked in the other direction.

Su Yuqiao has always been a loner, so her way of expressing herself is also quite direct; she doesn’t beat around the bush and isn’t good at making friends.

Gan Yuying stood there with a wronged expression, almost on the verge of tears! She had finally taken a liking to someone... She’s still a baby, how could Su Yuqiao treat her like this?

So heartbroken, so sad.

"Are you okay?" Chu Jin came over and patted Gan Yuying on the shoulder, "You don’t need to take it to heart, that’s just how Su Yuqiao naturally is, she doesn’t mean any harm."

"Jin, you’re the best," Gan Yuying hugged Chu Jin and lamented, "Why don’t the people I like, like me back?"

Gan Yuying was actually quite heartbroken; previously, she had liked Mo Qianjue but he didn’t like her back.

Now, she admired Su Yuqiao, held her as her idol, but Su Yuqiao still didn’t like her.

Why was she so pitiful?

The more Gan Yuying thought about it, the sadder she became.

"There, there, don’t you still have me? Here, let Brother Jin sign for you." Chu Jin released Gan Yuying and, picking up a black pen, boldly signed two dynamic characters on the back of Gan Yuying’s hand.

Chu Jin.

With a sense of beauty and artistic flair, Gan Yuying immediately stopped crying and smiled, "Wow, Jin, your handwriting is so pretty. Did you practice it especially for giving autographs?"

Chu Jin slightly arched her eyebrow, "My handwriting has always been this good."

"Really?" Gan Yuying was somewhat skeptical.

She knew that some people would practice their signature to show off, making it look very impressive, but when it came to writing other words, it would be quite ugly.

Chu Jin wouldn’t be like that, would she?

In the secular world, Chu Jin was recognized as the National Goddess, and since she was a goddess, she would naturally sign autographs for her fans often, so she must have practiced it.

How could someone so beautiful have such good handwriting as well?

Gan Yuying shook her head sensibly.

"Of course, it’s true," Chu Jin put her arm around Gan Yuying’s shoulder, speaking earnestly, "Otherwise, why would everyone call me Brother Jin? I’m not boasting, but back in the secular world, I have even published books."

Though it wasn’t boastful, Chu Jin made it sound as though she was bragging.

In reality, she was only trying to distract Gan Yuying.

"Jin, I’ve published books too," Gan Yuying said earnestly, "And not just one, but ten whole sets."

Gan Yuying now firmly believed Chu Jin was bluffing.

Although Chu Jin was indeed quite the sensation in the secular world, Gan Yuying had not heard any news about her publishing books.

That must be Chu Jin jesting with her.

"I believe, I believe, can’t judge a book by its cover, right?" Chu Jin agreed, nodding her head.

As she nodded, Chu Jin took out two greenish oranges from her pocket, "Want some oranges?"

"Are they sour?" Gan Yuying swallowed.

"Not too bad, not very sour," Chu Jin said, quickly peeling an orange.

A burst of tangy fragrance immediately filled the air.

Gan Yuying snatched the orange Chu Jin passed her, "It smells so good, I want to eat it. I love sour oranges, sour apples, and fruits like that."

The two sat there, eating the sour oranges.

Causing bystanders to unconsciously swallow their saliva.

Are these two devoid of taste? How can they eat something so sour?

More puzzling is how a commoner and a princess from the Underworld can get along so well?

The pair continued to eat sour oranges, chatting and laughing together.

Gan Yuying continued, "Speaking of books, I stumbled upon a literary work in a Xinhua bookstore in the secular world. I think it’s pretty good. I really like the author’s name, ’The Return of the Past.’ And let me tell you, it’s already popular in the Underworld and the Ancient Martial Arts World. It’ll probably hit the Superpower World soon. The content is very inspiring, providing hope in the depth of despair. The author is a very warm person. You should buy it and read it when you have time."

For thousands of years, there haven’t been many works from the secular world that drifted into the other realms.

After all, the cultures and worldviews are different.

But ’The Return of the Past’ is different.

Her works are filled with Spiritual Energy that emanates eternity and purifies the soul. Hence, there are already many fans of ’The Return of the Past’ in the other two realms.

Some even speculate that ’The Return of the Past’ is not some commoner at all.

But rather a big shot from one of the realms writing incognito.

Gan Yuying personally likes the author ’The Return of the Past’ as well.

That why she recommended ’The Return of the Past’’s works to Chu Jin.

"I know," Chu Jin nodded, her voice indifferent, "I am the author of that book."

"Pfft! Haha..." Gan Yuying burst into laughter, "Jin, when you talk nonsense so seriously, you look pretty convincing."

"Let me correct you," Chu Jin stated seriously, her tone measured, "I am not joking, I really am ’The Return of the Past’."

"Haha," Gan Yuying laughed even harder, then said, "I’ll tell you seriously too, I am ’The Return of the Past’, and ’Blooms like Brocade’ is the work of my blood, sweat, and tears."

Chu Jin slightly curled her lips and patted Gan Yuying’s head, "Well, it’s good that you’re happy, but please believe me, I really am ’The Return of the Past’."

"No!" Gan Yuying looked up at Chu Jin, wishing she could pat Chu Jin’s head, but she dared not, "Clearly, I am the real ’The Return of the Past’."

Chu Jin: "..." There’s no point in talking anymore today.

Their every move was noticed by Su Yuqiao watching from a distance.

While the two were joking around, the competition had already begun.

participants, lining up to enter the arena in turn.

It was then that the atmosphere in the hall backstage finally quieted down.

Gan Yuying held Chu Jin’s hand, whispering comfort, "Jin, don’t be afraid. As long as I am here, I won’t let you get hurt."

Chu Jin lifted her eyes slightly, playfully blinked her delicate peach-blossom-shaped eyes, and said half seriously, half mockingly, "Yuying, thank you. Actually, my skills are pretty good. Maybe today I can really win it all."

"Yeah," Gan Yuying nodded, "You just remember to hide behind me later. If we encounter a strong opponent, you take the lead. Jin, not to boast, but I am really powerful."

Gan Yuying knew that Chu Jin was a formidable fortune-teller and believed Chu Jin must be capable.

But, after all, she was just an ordinary person from the secular world. Today, everyone here is among the best from all three realms. Even for her, it would be difficult to guarantee total victory, let alone for Chu Jin.

It was normal for Chu Jin to be assimilated by the bloodlines of the secular world.

"Alright." Chu Jin nodded slightly.

As they lined up to enter the arena, suddenly a gentle voice sounded from behind, "Jin."

Chu Jin turned back slightly and greeted with a smile, "Xi He."

Xi He had just arrived not long ago and had been looking for Chu Jin in the backstage area.

Chu Jin took the initiative to introduce, "Yuying, let me introduce you. This is Xi He."

"Hello, Xi He, I’m Gan Yuying." Gan Yuying reached out her hand to Xi He.

Gan Yuying had studied the list too, she knew that Xi He was the girl ranked second, but she didn’t know that Chu Jin was so familiar with Xi He. Seeing that Xi He was the apprentice of the third and fifth Elders, she should be Chu Jin’s love rival. How could she be on such good terms with a love rival?

"Yuying, do you mind if I call you that? Jin’s friends are my friends too," Xi He said politely.

"Not at all," Gan Yuying replied with a light smile.

In theory, she and Xi He should be enemies, after all. This ordeal was orchestrated by the second Elder and a few other Elders, and Xi He was the one vying for the position of Nine Ye’s wife against Chu Jin.

However, Gan Yuying couldn’t bring herself to dislike Xi He when facing her.

Xi He’s features were so gentle and her voice so tender that nobody could dislike her when facing such a girl.

The trial competition was divided into four areas.

A, B, C, and D.

Chu Jin was assigned to Area A, Gan Yuying to B sector, and Xi He to C District.

When she received her area number, Gan Yuying’s face fell, "Jin, what should we do? Since we’re not in the same area, I won’t be able to protect you." Before entering the trial competition, Gan Yuying didn’t know that the first round of the competition would be divided into four areas.

All four areas consisted of platforms over ten meters high.

Each area had two winning spots, with those falling off the platforms being the losers.

The winners would compete in the main competition area, E area.

In other words, out of 120 participants, 112 would be eliminated in this competition.

Ultimately, among the remaining eight, there would be one final victor.

And this last winner would truly be a winner in life.

Ascending to the position of Nine Ye’s wife.

"It’s okay," Chu Jin said with a slight smile, giving Gan Yuying a reassuring look before adding, "Perhaps I’ll be lucky and win, right? You have to try your hardest too, so you can protect me when we reach the main competition area."

"Yes." Gan Yuying nodded, but her eyes flickered with a hint of worry.

Not knowing who else was in Area A, one could only hope that none of the top five contenders were in Area A.

At that moment, Su Yuqiao passed by them, and Gan Yuying clearly saw that she was assigned to D area, as was the Empress Shangguan Lingluo from the Spirit Country.

Gan Yuying was relieved; several capable top contenders were not in Area A, so perhaps Chu Jin really could just wait for the rabbits to come and take advantage of the situation.

There were a total of five platforms in the trial field.

Marked with the capital letters "A, B, C, D, E."

E area was set in the middle and was the highest of the five platforms.

The four areas A, B, C, and D were circular stone platforms, while E area was square and even had some sort of measuring device set up in the top-left corner.

One hundred and twenty participants were divided into four teams of thirty, each heading to their respective competition areas.

In D area, the competitive pressure was somewhat high, for with both Su Yuqiao and Empress Shangguan Lingluo there, the outcome was almost a foregone conclusion with these two formidable opponents present.

B sector and C District were also strong; B sector had Gan Yuying and Mu Xianxian, while C District had Xi He and one of the top eight competitors.

Only Area A was relatively relaxed; it lacked any of the top five competitors, and more significantly, Chu Jin, a mere commoner, was also placed in Area A.

Suddenly, everyone was envious of Area A.

That Chu Jin was simply waiting there to be taken down, wasn’t she?

The competitors in Area A were secretly delighted, feeling that fortune was on their side. Other areas might have thirty contenders each, but in their area, Chu Jin hardly counted as one—she could be crushed with just a flick of a finger.

The four teams slowly made their way up to their respective platforms.

The spectator stands were boiling over with excitement.

The trial competition revealed the rawest human nature, where only blood could excite and thrill. Grievances from everyday life and work—anger, frustration—all were released here freely and fully.

Especially with the drama of several women vying for the attention of one man.

At this moment, the crowd was exceedingly excited.

The Superpower World had not seen such buzz for many years.

Above the high platforms, several electronic eyes floated, broadcasting this nearly once-in-a-century trial competition live.

Those watching the live broadcast were also boiling with excitement.

The competition, although somewhat bloody, featured contenders who were all beauties with extremely attractive appearances, especially pleasant to the eye.

"Sister, go for it!"

"Go Jin!"

Chu Xiu and the little Princess were cheering for Chu Jin from the stands.

Especially the little Princess, she was so excited she was almost jumping up and down, shouting at the top of her voice.

"Go, Miss Xianxian!" There were also cheers for Mu Xianxian.

"The Empress must win! The Empress must win! The Empress must win!"

The variety of supportive cheers pushed the atmosphere to yet another climax.

From Chu Jin’s perspective, she could clearly see Zhao Yan, Chu Xiu, and the others.

As well as Elder Mo’s wife and Tong Zhi.

After observing the formalities with their opponents, the competition officially began.

Paying respects to one’s opponent before a match is a rule passed down for many years in the Superpower World, signifying respect for both the opponent and the game.

As she performed the ritual, Chu Jin caught sight of a familiar figure.

Dai Yu.

It seemed that the position of Nine Ye’s wife was indeed attractive enough to draw even Dai Yu here.

Dai Yu really was capable, having managed to travel alone from the ordinary world to the Superpower World.

"Miss Chu, long time no see," Dai Yu greeted Chu Jin proactively.

"May you be unharmed," Chu Jin replied, her red lips parting lightly.

She had no intention of getting close to Dai Yu, who had never harbored any good intentions from the start.

With the Elder from the high platform declaring, "The match starts now,"

the crowd around them began to stir.

Almost as if on cue,

everyone’s gaze fell upon Chu Jin, knowing all too well that the softest persimmons are picked first.

Moreover, Chu Jin already had a reputation. Even if she were an ordinary person, she was, after all, the reincarnation of the Empress.

To personally defeat the reincarnation of the Empress would be a feather in anyone’s cap, wouldn’t it?

Chu Jin cracked her knuckles, her left hand grasping the right, the right hand the left, her joints popping loudly as she said in a devil-may-care tone, "Do you want to come at me together? Good, it’ll save me the trouble of throwing you out one by one."

Hearing this, one of the ladies from prominent families scornfully retorted, "What an arrogant boast!"

In their eyes, Chu Jin didn’t even deserve to share the stage with them.

Outside the spectators’ gallery.

Since this trial match was a once-in-a-century event, the bookies had all set up betting pools for it.

Five seed contestants were picked for the crowd to bet on.

The first was Xi He, the second Gan Yuying, the third Shangguan Lingluo, the fourth Su Yuqiao, and the fifth Chu Jin.

The people of the Superpower World were all abuzz with the fact that Chu Jin was an ordinary person with no Spiritual Power, and yet, the bookies had reserved the fifth spot for her.

The irony was strong.

"I’m betting on Miss Xi He. I’ve got an inside scoop—apparently, the Second Elder is favouring Xi He, and besides, she’s a disciple of several Elders, her Spiritual Power must be profound," one bettor claimed.

"Ha, I’m also betting on Xi He."

"500,000 on Shangguan Lingluo."

"I’d bet my entire fortune on the Spirit Country Empress."

"The Empress, no explanation needed."

"The Little Princess, no explanation needed."

"I think Su Yuqiao is a safer bet—after all, she’s the only Bounty Hunter here, her power can’t be that bad."

"I’m betting on the Empress too, 20,000! The Empress is the ruler of Spirit Country, and Nine Ye is the Lord of the Superpower World—these two are a match made in heaven!"

"I’ll still trust the insider information."

"200,000 on the Little Princess of the Underworld."

As for the outcome of this match, everyone had their own ideas.

The Empress was the people’s choice.

No matter how vast the Spirit Country was, she was the Empress; as someone capable of ruling a country, her skills couldn’t be lacking.

In the end, most bets were placed on the Empress.

Almost no one bet on Chu Jin.

A little boy squeezed to the front and pointed at Chu Jin’s name, "Mommy, let’s pick this sister. How come nobody is betting on her?"

"Darling, how about we choose this sister instead?" the young mother suggested, pointing at Shangguan Lingluo.

Since Shangguan Lingluo was the popular choice, it wouldn’t hurt to follow the crowd.

Falling in step with the general consensus was usually a safe bet.

"No good," the little boy shook his head. "I don’t think this sister is pretty. Let’s bet on the other sister."

The young mother smiled resignedly and ultimately chose Chu Jin.

After all, it wasn’t much money; it was worth it for a bit of fun.

A middle-aged man who had bet all his savings on Xi He and the Spirit Country Empress said, "Hey, ma’am, I advise you not to pick Chu Jin. She’s just an ordinary person, how could she possibly win? Isn’t that the same as throwing your money away? I’m telling you, this match will either be won by Xi He or Shangguan Lingluo—pick anyone but Chu Jin."

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read