With a long sigh, the young man calmly met Ye Wan Ning's eyes.
"Senior Sister, that day you were too close, your breath like orchids, and your lips so tempting..."
As he said this, Zhu Haomiao found himself feeling a bit nauseous, while Ye Wan Ning turned completely red with embarrassment.
"Then why do you never seem to be tempted when we're usually together? Instead, you act quite natural and normal?"
Ye Wan Ning leaned closer to the young man, her eyes shimmering like clear autumn waters, making Zhu Haomiao's heart uncontrollably race.
Because that day [Lust] just happened to level up!
But he couldn't say that, so Zhu Haomiao gritted his teeth, resigned himself to his fate, and spread his hands: "Anyway, it's all Senior Sister's fault for being too beautiful; I just can't control myself."
Ye Wan Ning: "..."
"What are you guys talking about?"
Just then, Li Cang came out of the changing room, turning ordinary jeans and a hoodie into a top model fashion statement.
"We were discussing the inducing conditions for the next experiment."
Upon hearing Ye Wan Ning's words, Zhu Haomiao stiffly turned his head and stared at her, his eyes twitching.
I went this far deliberately; isn't this girl at least supposed to call me a creep and cut off contact permanently?
The ambitious ones might even write a small essay and post it on a forum; why doesn't she play by the rules?
I was all ready to silently endure this humiliation!!
Grinding his teeth, Zhu Haomiao turned abruptly and stormed out, his angry silhouette leaving Li Cang confused and tilting his head.
"What's up with him?"
"No clue, maybe he's thinking about something happy."
"Then why is your face so red?"
"None of your business, mind your own social matters!"
"???
Li Cang was bewildered, looking at his friend's weirdly shy and angry expression, and wisely changed the topic.
"Oil, next time could you not wear full armor? Supporting a complete divine artifact in real life is exhausting."
"No way, if I sacrifice myself, the Holy Clothes can at least preserve your chastity."
"Ah????"
Li Cang widened his eyes in horror, his elegant eyebrows slowly knitting together, and after a long silence, he asked a soul-searching question.
"Oil, is it necessary to conduct this crappy experiment?"
Upon hearing this, Ye Wan Ning confidently patted her chest and assured him.
"Don't worry! If something happens, there's a tall one standing in front!"
Li Cang: "..."
Just now, it was clearly me standing in front!
Not only did you cower behind me, but you were scared to death!
Wait... the tall one?!
His pupils suddenly shrank, and Li Cang took a deep breath, his handsome features scrunching up in realization.
I think I'm the tall one...
........
Meanwhile, Zhu Haomiao trudged back to his dormitory with a heavy heart, only to be stopped at the entrance by someone.
"Zhu Haomiao!"
"What?"
The sharp gaze made the person quiver, and they quickly explained their purpose.
"Hello, I'm the liaison for the [U18 Ascension Competition], please add me as a friend, and I will provide you with all the match-related schedules and notifications."
Hearing this, Zhu Haomiao suppressed his remaining anger and calmly nodded.
"Thank you."
After they added each other as friends, the liaison reminded him of some precautions before hurriedly leaving.
Back in his room, after examining the pile of documents sent by them, Zhu Haomiao suddenly understood why there were so many unfamiliar, even foreign, faces on campus recently.
It turns out that the Illusion Realm for the upcoming competition hasn't been developed on a large scale yet, and currently, there are fewer than twenty stable [Gates] around the world. Many small countries without the capability to build their own [Gates] have to borrow passages from friendly major countries.
In a daze, Zhu Haomiao saw a microcosm of geopolitical dynamics in these details.
By carefully studying the actual usage of the [Gates], one can discern today's national alliances, geopolitical patterns, and more intriguing insights.
Rubbing his chin, Zhu Haomiao looked on with amusement, pondering for a while before mocking himself with a smile.
Since I'm not in that position, why am I thinking so much?
When the day comes that I can stir the winds and rains of the world, it won't be too late to think about these things.
Gathering his thoughts, Zhu Haomiao looked at the detailed introduction of the Illusion Realm for this competition, slowly narrowing his eyes.
Illusion Domain Heavenly Position: First Layer Heaven
Illusion Realm Area: Boundless Type
Category: Magic
Time Flow: 1:10
Duration: 1 True Year (equating to 10 Virtual Years)
Introduction: Near-Earth modern timeline, late 19th century...
After repeatedly reading the sparse introduction, Zhu Haomiao attempted to glean more specific information, but in the end, could only shake his head helplessly.
It seems that the organizers only want the contenders to have a basic concept; more specific information must be explored on their own.
As he continued reading downward, seeing that the competition officially starts in just two days, Zhu Haomiao let out a long breath and couldn't help but smile.
Finally!
Finally, I can release and vent the desires suppressed and imprisoned by reality!
Like a fierce beast bound tightly in its limbs, he couldn't help but want to break free, show his true form, and roar out his anger!
Taking a slow, deep breath, Zhu Haomiao whispered devoutly, almost like self-hypnosis.
"Stay true to yourself, and do whatever you desire."
........
Two days later, after filling Diao Chan's bowl with food and water, Zhu Haomiao held his pet, giving it earnest instructions.
"There's enough food in the fridge to last you a month. In theory, I'll be back tomorrow evening, but if something unexpected happens to me, I've left a crack in the window. Go out and find your own food if you need to, understood?"
"Chirp~"
Diao Chan blinked its big eyes as if it half-understood, and extended its pink little tongue to lick Zhu Haomiao's face.
Rubbing the little creature's head, Zhu Haomiao put on the [Dragon Emblem] and, filled with anticipation and excitement, walked out the door.
A half-hour later, he arrived at the Central Super's main building's small [Boundary Pass], seeing many foreign faces like him wearing badges along the way.
There were dark-skinned African friends, people in white robes, exotic-looking Persian girls, and blond, blue-eyed Slavs...
Of course, the majority were domestic, lively boys and girls speaking various dialects.
Their badge designs were all different, although without specific studies in [Extraordinary Heraldry], Zhu Haomiao only recognized China's [Dragon Emblem].
However, even their [Dragon Emblem]s weren't the same; his badge was of a grayish black iron color, while others' were either silver or gold, clearly more advanced than his.
Gold, silver, bronze, iron...
Could it be that the color and texture of the badge represent a person's strength?