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Join the ServerCaptain Xianglan snatched the microphone. “It’s over now,” she announced. “Everyone can get up!”
One by one, the stunned souls slowly roused themselves from their terror.
People exchanged glances, then looked towards the center of the arena.
A wave of profound shame washed over them, and they awkwardly scrambled to their feet.
Some even burst into tears on the spot, wailing, “You scared me to death! Wuwuwu!”
Regardless, the dragon was indeed harmless; its landing had merely been a dramatic display, and a rather terrifying one at that.
After all, it was a national live broadcast, with the entire country watching. This time, they had truly lost face in the most spectacular fashion.
Yet, some positive outcomes did emerge from the chaos.
For instance, sudden proposals were accepted, those who tried to confess and then flee were immediately subdued, the repentant expressed deeper apologies, and those who embraced each other in tears were now beaming with joy.
These moments were all captured by the live broadcast and would soon become fascinating or touching headlines across major news outlets.
Some optimists even believed this was a twist of fate, a divine reminder to cherish life.
The scare had profoundly shown them the fragility of existence, prompting them to live their lives more fully and appreciate every moment.
Captain Xianglan, too, felt a pang of guilt, even as some who had cursed her in their fear now apologized, having misunderstood her calm demeanor.
As the captain of the security detail, allowing such widespread panic was a clear dereliction of duty.
She understood their apologies and, in turn, offered her own sincere regrets to the crowd, earning their forgiveness.
In those brief minutes, the spectator stands, the VIP platform, and the logistical defense teams had collectively presented a microcosm of human experience.
As the crowd remained immersed in the joy of survival, Captain Xianglan spotted Xi Xue, who was about to leave the arena floor.
With a series of swift leaps from the VIP platform, she rapidly appeared before Xi Xue.
“Wait a moment, Miss Xi Xue.” Captain Xianglan blocked Xi Xue’s path.
“What is it?” Xi Xue inquired, her expression neutral.
“How is Lan Ruobing?” Captain Xianglan asked, her eyes darting repeatedly towards Ruobing’s form, clearly assessing her condition.
“She’s fine,” Xi Xue replied, pulling Ruobing closer to her chest to prevent Captain Xianglan’s persistent glances. “She just expended a massive amount of magical energy to sustain that dragon and is quite exhausted.”
“Oh, is that so? Let me see.”
Xi Xue’s protective action immediately sparked Captain Xianglan’s suspicion.
Lan Ruobing was indeed looking very weak, flushed, and limp, but there could be many reasons for her condition.
The experienced Captain Xianglan wouldn’t simply let Xi Xue leave based on her word alone.
Thus, she moved closer to Xi Xue, swiftly and naturally, intending to reach out and examine Lan Ruobing thoroughly.
Hugging Lan Ruobing tightly, Xi Xue evaded Captain Xianglan’s hand, then stated firmly, “Captain Xianglan, I told you she’s fine.”
Her tone was chilling, laced with a clear warning.
She held Ruobing even tighter.
“Oh? I am the security captain for the Ability College Entrance Exam. It is my responsibility to ensure the safety of every examinee, and I have the right to confirm their well-being.”
“So, Miss Xi Xue, please let me see exactly how Lan Ruobing is doing, alright?”
Captain Xianglan spoke with righteous indignation, her gaze towards Xi Xue growing increasingly stern.
Xi Xue’s evasive actions only confirmed Captain Xianglan’s suspicion that something was amiss.
She was deeply concerned about Lan Ruobing’s state, especially since she was too weak to even lift her head.
“…” Xi Xue desperately wanted to refuse again.
She didn’t want anyone else touching her beloved, nor did she want anyone’s eyes lingering on her.
Furthermore, she knew exactly why Ruobing was flushed and trembling—the heavy dose of aphrodisiac venom she had just injected up in the clouds.
However, the captain before her was incredibly formidable.
Before the exam, Xi Xue had meticulously researched all relevant information to be fully prepared.
Captain Xianglan was known for her immense strength, decisive actions, and charismatic leadership.
But this was precisely the most troublesome aspect. Ruobing’s current, drug-addled state was absolutely not something to be seen by outsiders.
She glanced at Ruobing, who was biting her red lip tightly, struggling to suppress herself and avoid making any strange, desperate sounds.
Those clear blue eyes now shimmered with a captivating, hazy allure.
A deep blush spread across her cheeks, giving her a dazed, steaming appearance. Her lips were moist and glistening, and hot breaths escaped them continuously.
How could this possibly be shown to a security captain? Absolutely not!
“Ruobing, can you still say something? Just one word, please, or we might be stuck here indefinitely,” Xi Xue said, a hint of distress in her voice.
Truthfully, she didn’t even want anyone to hear Ruobing’s voice at this moment.
But if she were to insist on a confrontation, it might alert the entire security force of Dawnmoon City.
She gritted her teeth.
Upon hearing this, Captain Xianglan’s tense, confrontational aura immediately dissipated by half.
“Miss Ruobing, how are you feeling right now!?” she asked anxiously.
She wanted to see, but Xi Xue was still guarding her.
“I, haah, I’m fine, ha…” Lan Ruobing managed to utter with great difficulty, then couldn’t help but gasp softly, her voice sounding utterly breathless and captivating.
“Are… are you really fine? But your voice certainly doesn’t sound like it.”
The instant Captain Xianglan heard the voice, her own cheeks involuntarily flushed. ‘Perhaps she’s just too magically depleted,’ she reasoned.
She instinctively took a step forward, eager to assess Lan Ruobing’s condition.
The result was predictable: Xi Xue retreated a step.
“…”
Captain Xianglan pondered. ‘Perhaps Xi Xue is afraid I’ll hurt Lan Ruobing? I heard they’re close friends.’
“Don’t worry, I mean no harm. I just want to confirm her safety.” Captain Xianglan tried to communicate gently, realizing her earlier impulsiveness had put Xi Xue on guard.
“Yes, I know, but Ruobing is truly very weak right now. She needs rest. So, I apologize, but I must take her away,” Xi Xue stated, then walked directly towards the exit.
“I’ll call logistics to prepare a medical bed!” Captain Xianglan hastily offered.
“No need. I’ll take her to my private residence to rest. The facilities there are better, and the caretakers I’ve specially hired are very professional,” Xi Xue declined smoothly.
As the security captain, Captain Xianglan had also reviewed information on all examinees.
However, Xi Xue’s information was classified.
The note stated she was the daughter of a wealthy family, and due to her parents being high-ranking national officials, her identity could not be disclosed.
In other words, Captain Xianglan’s clearance level was insufficient to intervene further.
So, although Ruobing had only spoken a single sentence, leaving Captain Xianglan with lingering doubts, Xi Xue’s elite status suggested she wouldn’t do anything inappropriate.
“Alright. If you need anything, please call the special hotline. I’m available at any time and can provide any assistance!” Captain Xianglan conceded, her eyes still holding a hint of worry.
“Good.” Xi Xue wasted no more words, carrying Ruobing away into the corridors.
The audience at the venue couldn’t hear their conversation, but those with special abilities and the people on the VIP platform were secretly astonished.
‘Captain Xianglan actually compromised!? She never even saw Lan Ruobing’s true condition!’
However, due to the considerable distance, they could only piece together the dialogue based on the scene and muffled sounds.
Thus, Lan Ruobing’s gasps sounded perfectly normal to them, simply the sounds of extreme magical exhaustion from sustaining the giant dragon.
Indeed, their duel had been spectacular.
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