Little Pink Starfish

The two Sang brothers still seemed “affectionate.”

After Sang Jun’s comforting words, Sang Mao quickly regained his composure and returned his attention to the stage. Though the battles below seemed insignificant to him, the energy of the crowd and the intensity of the matches eventually built up.

Finally, a participant with genuine skill leapt onto the stage, immediately kicking two ongoing contestants off with a single strike each. Then another jumped up, only to be sent flying the same way.

This newcomer repeated the process over and over, clearing the stage of over a hundred hopefuls. Realising their chances were slim to none, the weaker contestants withdrew, leaving the stage far less crowded.

With fewer competitors, the battles became more intense and far more engaging. The audience was finally treated to displays of skill and ferocity befitting a proper martial tournament.

Gu Bai leaned forward, fully immersed. Watching wu wang-level fighters duel offered valuable insights, even to someone like him. It finally felt like a proper matchmaking event.

Meanwhile, Qiguan Rui attentively sliced fruits and delicacies, feeding Gu Bai piece by piece. Between bites, he offered sips of fine wine, ensuring Gu Bai’s every need was met with meticulous care.

Chen Yuanhao alternated between watching the matches and observing his master. Internally, he vowed to master not just the art of combat but also the art of charm. After all, if his master could win over such a lofty and cold-hearted beauty, surely there were techniques worth learning.

The ladies, too, watched with mixed emotions. Most were moved to tears by the seemingly pure and sincere affection radiating from the pair. Only Liu Manluo, ever scheming, sidled up to Chou Tu, whispering sweetly in an attempt to extract information.

Unfortunately for Liu Manluo, Chou Tu—while not immune to her charm—remained tight-lipped. Whether deflecting with vague responses or outright dismissing her, he offered nothing of value.

Her efforts yielded only one fact: Qiguan Rui was, indeed, extraordinary. But… she already knew that.

As the tournament below entered its climactic phase, the battles grew fiercer, with stronger and more flamboyant fighters taking the stage. Each arrival came with increasingly elaborate entrances: gusts of wind, showers of petals, garments rippling dramatically, and hair whipping wildly.

Even Sang Mao finally looked impressed. “At last, some real contenders,” he remarked, nodding approvingly.

Chen Yuanhao watched, entranced, until Gu Bai cleared his throat.

Distracted, Chen Yuanhao didn’t react until Qiguan Rui gently smacked him on the head.

“Master?” Chen Yuanhao immediately straightened, his demeanour serious.

Qiguan Rui’s gaze shifted to Gu Bai, prompting Chen Yuanhao to follow suit, ready to listen intently.

Gu Bai, as expressionless as ever, stated, “It’s your turn to go up.”

With a flick of his wrist, he placed a piece of wu qi equipment on the table.

“For me?” Chen Yuanhao asked cautiously.

Gu Bai nodded. “It’ll protect you.”

As the author of these characters and the unintended disruptor of the original plot, Gu Bai felt it necessary to ensure Chen Yuanhao’s survival. Equipping him with the right tools seemed the least he could do to prevent a premature demise.

Chen Yuanhao examined the piece: a shimmering, lightweight armour that looked as fluid as water but promised unyielding durability. His excitement was palpable. He was about to slip it on when Qiguan Rui casually swiped it from his hands.

“Master?” Chen Yuanhao asked nervously, his smile frozen in place.

Qiguan Rui didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he handed Chen Yuanhao a different piece of armour, equally protective but distinctly styled.

Chen Yuanhao hesitated, realising the first armour was now being worn by Qiguan Rui under his outer garment. Understanding dawned, and Chen Yuanhao suppressed a groan.

With steely resolve, he donned the second armour and leapt gracefully off the balcony, landing on the stage below.

As Chen Yuanhao descended, all eyes shifted to Qiguan Rui.

“Did he really need to do that?” the onlookers silently wondered.

Unbothered, Qiguan Rui leaned close to Gu Bai, his breath warm against his ear. “Anything that’s yours… can only be mine.”

Gu Bai shot him a glance, turned back to the stage, and sighed inwardly. Should’ve known better than to think he’d changed…

Down below, the chaotic melee intensified. One-on-one duels gave way to free-for-alls, each contestant vying for dominance.

When Chen Yuanhao joined the fray, the battlefield became even more chaotic, with fighters entering and exiting at a dizzying pace. For every defeated contestant, another stepped forward, only to be swiftly knocked aside.

Finally, after gruelling rounds of combat, only twenty competitors remained.

Sang Jun announced, “These twenty shall rest briefly before challenging my niece. Any who defeat her will wed her immediately.”

At this, the loli, Sang Lingling, stepped forward, her shy smile and delicate mannerisms enchanting the crowd. She fidgeted with her sleeves, exuding an innocent charm that made the gathered young men’s hearts flutter.

Chen Yuanhao, his confidence bolstered by his survival, flashed her a dazzling smile. When she glanced at him timidly before looking away, he grinned even wider, radiating smug satisfaction.

Gu Bai watched with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. Why is he fitting this role better than the original protagonist?

Other contestants, unwilling to be outdone, began competing with flirtatious glances and gestures.

“Notice me, loli-senpai!”

“I’m reliable and mature! Pick me!”

Gu Bai’s lips twitched at their antics, suppressing an involuntary chuckle.

Noticing Gu Bai’s distraction, Qiguan Rui asked softly, “What are you thinking?”

Gu Bai shook his head. “Chen Yuanhao’s about to face a tough fight.”

Qiguan Rui smiled knowingly. “It’s an opportunity I gave him. Whether he succeeds or not depends on his ability.” He leaned closer, voice dropping to a husky murmur. “But don’t worry about him. Worry about me instead.”

Gu Bai turned away again, silently fuming.

The final matches began.

Sang Lingling stepped forward, her voice as sweet as a songbird’s. “Who will play with Lingling first?”

A handsome young man stepped forward confidently.

Lingling’s demure demeanour vanished in an instant. With a twist of her waist, she lashed out with a kick, sending her opponent flying with a sickening crack.

One by one, the contestants fell.

Lingling’s blows were brutally precise, each strike revealing her monstrous strength.

Gu Bai sighed heavily. So much for her “innocent” exterior.

Sang Lingling, descendant of an ancient ape demon, was better known by her true title: The Brutal Loli.