Chapter Thirty-Three: Imminent Danger

After saying this to Boca, Mao Xuanzi turned and left. As he walked away, he thought to himself, “Boca has always been forceful in his actions, but deep down he’s fragile. After telling him all that today, who knows what he’ll do next!” But then another thought emerged: “I have nothing to do with him anymore, so why should I care?”

When Mao Xuanzi returned to the convalescent room, Fang Zhe and Feng Shang had already come back. As before, no one said much; each sat down in silence.

“Tomorrow is the official competition. Everyone, get some rest tonight.” Teacher Song, their advisor, brought them some delicious treats.

After sharing the food, everyone went their separate ways.

The next morning, Han Tianyue was still nowhere to be seen.

“Where did Han Tianyue go?” Mao Xuanzi asked in confusion.

“He said he was going out yesterday, but for some reason he hasn’t returned,” Fang Zhe replied.

“How could he be like this!” Mao Xuanzi said, a little exasperated.

“Maybe something happened to him!” Feng Shang said nervously.

“Don’t jinx it. He’s survived worse before. I’m sure he’ll be fine,” Fang Zhe said, but as soon as the words were out, Mao Xuanzi’s face darkened. After all, what happened before was tied to the disappearance of the Young Prince Mao, and no one wanted to bring it up.

“Alright, let’s go find Teacher Song!” Mao Xuanzi led Fang Zhe and Feng Shang out of the convalescent room.

“What about Han Tianyue?” Teacher Song asked as Mao Xuanzi, Fang Zhe, and Feng Shang approached.

“We don’t know where he is. He still hasn’t come back,” Feng Shang replied.

“It’s almost time to enter. Let’s wait for him by the stone gate at the entrance,” Teacher Song said, leading the three of them toward the entryway.

Meanwhile, Han Tianyue jolted awake from his sleep. Seeing that it was late, he quickly hoisted Boca onto his back and hurried down the mountain.

As Boca leaned against Han Tianyue’s back, his heart brimmed with bitter irony. Lifting his head, Boca said, “Put me down. The competition is about to begin. Don’t let me hold you up.”

But Han Tianyue replied, “Aren’t you taking part as well? Don’t worry, I’ll carry you to the venue, no matter what!”

Boca gave a cold laugh. “How ironic.” He said nothing more.

Han Tianyue raced along the path, hoping to reach the entrance before the stone gate closed.

At the entryway, Teacher Song and the others waited anxiously. At the very last moment, they saw Han Tianyue running toward them with Boca on his back.

“We made it just in time!” Han Tianyue gasped for breath.

Fang Zhe, his face a mix of surprise and excitement, asked, “How did you end up with him?”

Han Tianyue shot a glance at Mao Xuanzi. “You’ll have to ask him.”

“Enough, there’s no time. Whatever it is, talk about it once we’re inside,” Teacher Song said, ushering Han Tianyue and the others into the venue.

Xin Zhong, Zuo Qi, and Luo Ye approached Han Tianyue and took Boca from him without so much as a thank you, then turned and left.

Wiping the sweat from his face, Han Tianyue glared at Mao Xuanzi and said, “No matter what happened between you, at the very least you should clear things up before walking away!”

Mao Xuanzi snorted coldly. “That’s none of your business.”

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