Who is not a warrior these days?

Chapter 525 Chance Encounter
The Third Middle School of Laijun City was bathed in golden sunlight in the early morning.

The ancient school gate appeared solemn and vibrant in the morning light, and the four gilded characters "Laijun No. 3 Middle School" on the lintel shimmered with a calm luster in the sunlight.

The school gate was bustling with activity as students in blue and white school uniforms poured in like a tide. Their conversations mostly revolved around two main topics: the eerie celestial phenomenon that had sent chills down their spines the night before, and the selection process for the [Laijun City Martial Arts Tournament], which would soon determine the future of many people's martial arts careers.

"Did you see what happened last night? It was terrifying! I had just finished my homework when suddenly it was as bright as midday, so bright it made my eyes blurry. Before I could even react, it went completely dark again, darker than midnight, and I couldn't see the stars or the moon at all!"

"I not only saw it, but I even fell off my bed because of the scene. My dog ​​was howling and trying to crawl under the bed, and no amount of coaxing could get him out!"

"The radio broadcast described it as a rare astronomical phenomenon called 'bipolar streamer,' which is said to be a once-in-a-century occurrence. Experts explained that it was caused by a violent interaction between a stream of high-energy cosmic particles and the Earth's magnetic field, and was definitely not an aftereffect of the brilliance of the silver moon or the golden sun."

"Forget about any celestial anomalies, the martial arts competition selection next week is the real business! I heard that the city has gone all out this time, with particularly generous rewards. Not only are there cash prizes, but the top performers may even be directly admitted to the most prestigious martial arts universities in the Han Dynasty, such as the Imperial Academy and the Imperial Treasury!"

"A guaranteed admission?! Really?! I also heard that, to inspire the younger generation, some martial arts experts from Laijun City have come as special guests for this competition, and they've even brought out several priceless treasures as extra prizes!"

"What nonsense are you talking about? When has our Laijun City, this small, remote city, ever produced a real martial arts expert? This is just the 'Laijun Martial Arts Competition' trying to make itself look good."

"Hahahaha, everyone's just saying that for fun. Who would take it seriously? It's not like a martial arts god could be the referee in our mere martial arts apprentice level competition, and then have a divine weapon as the prize, right?"

"Croak! If that's really the case, being able to see this tournament hosted by the God of War is worth the vote, even if I die! Yay!"

"Uh, that's a bit too extreme..."

For a moment, the sounds of discussion, laughter, the clatter of schoolbags, and the ringing of bells mingled together at the school gate, filled with youthful vigor and dreams for the unknown future.

Wang Li and Li Yuanzhu walked side by side on the main tree-lined path leading to the teaching building.

Li Yuanzhu moved with the lightness of a deer, occasionally turning her head to chat with Wang Li, who was clearly out of sorts, about campus anecdotes. Her eyes were clear and bright, untouched by any worldly dust.

Wang Li, on the other hand, had a completely absent-minded expression.

"Ah Li, what are you thinking about?" Li Yuanzhu asked with concern.

"Well, how should I put it?" Wang Li pouted, "It's just that same dream from last night."

"Ah Li, are you talking about that dream you had last night where you were fighting with your future self, and then countless versions of yourself tried to break it up?" Yuan Zhu covered her mouth slightly with her hand, trying to make a cute little expression that said, "I don't want to laugh out loud, but Ah Li, what you said is just too funny."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk."

Wang Li glanced at Yuan Zhu's expression and could easily see through her little scheme, so she couldn't help but shake her head secretly.

Recalling last night's breathtaking, unprecedented, and incredibly arduous battle—a battle fought in the deepest recesses of her consciousness, amidst the ceaseless, bizarre river of time—against her stubborn, self-serving future self, "Godslayer Wang Li," who was determined to achieve some grand goal through self-sacrifice, Wang Li still savored the memory. It must be said, while that "Godslayer Wang Li" was somewhat unreliable, his fighting style was undeniably to Wang Li's liking; truly worthy of being one of her future incarnations!
Just thinking about how she would have to exchange fistfights with Him again in front of all the Wang Lis in the future, to test their purity, made Wang Li's mouth water and her fingers twitch uncontrollably.

"A truly excellent god-slayer, making my inner universe spin!"

"Ah Li, Yuan Zhu, why are you still loitering at the classroom door? Why don't you come in quickly?"

At that moment, a clear, cold, and undeniable female voice came from behind, like ice beads falling onto a jade plate, instantly dispelling the noise in Wang Li's mind.

The two turned around at the sound and saw that Huo Qingfu had silently appeared behind them at some point, so close that Wang Li could clearly smell the faint, cool fragrance emanating from her, like that of a pine forest after a snowfall.

Everyone was happily eating breakfast together this morning, but now Huo Qingfu looks serious and focused.

"Sister Qingfu..."

Just then, a noticeable commotion came from the direction of the school gate, accompanied by the deep, steady roar of an engine.

Several sleek, gleaming black luxury sedans, like silent and imposing guards, slowly drove into the campus and parked directly in the designated parking area in front of the impressive administration building.

On the door of the lead limousine, the five-clawed golden dragon emblem, exclusive to the royal family of the Great Han Federation and symbolizing supreme authority, was prominently displayed. Under the rising sun, it shone brightly, almost blinding people.

"It's the royal motorcade!" a student couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice.

"It's Princess Liu Ying's carriage."

The next moment, a graceful young woman dressed in a magnificent palace gown stepped out of the car with elegance and composure.

She was about seventeen or eighteen years old, with an exceptionally beautiful face, skin as white as snow, eyebrows like distant mountains, and eyes like autumn water. She exuded an innate noble demeanor and impeccable manners.

Her long, jet-black hair was styled into an elaborate and exquisite Lingyun bun, adorned with several seemingly simple yet priceless pearl and jade hairpins, subtly showcasing the profound heritage of the Liu family of the Han Dynasty.

Surrounded by several plainclothes guards who appeared ordinary but actually had sharp eyes and a calm demeanor, Liu Ying walked calmly toward the teaching building.

Her gaze swept calmly over the students who stood watching and whispering by the roadside, with the appropriate politeness and a faint, unapproachable aloofness characteristic of royalty.

However, when her gaze inadvertently met that of Wang Li and the other two standing by the roadside, struggling with their ties, especially when it met the eyes of the boy among them, a strange light flashed in the depths of his clear, autumn-water-like eyes.

Liu Ying's cheeks flushed slightly, and even her usually steady and long breaths paused almost imperceptibly for a moment.

Such a scene almost made Li Yuanzhu and Huo Qingfu, who were right next to Wang Li, breathe out their breath!
(End of this chapter)