Su Cheng stared at him blankly for a few seconds. "...I understand."
She said softly.
Kai didn't say anything more. He simply took her away from this plane and returned directly to the imperial capital.
After returning to the academy dormitory, Su Cheng buried herself in catching up on a day's worth of homework. Before her next combat training class, she booked a training ground.
Then, she effortlessly obliterated the training dummy.
Su Cheng: "..."
She looked at the debris on the ground, then looked at her own hands.
Not too long ago, she had been chased all over the place by this thing, beaten black and blue, and left aching all over. Now, she had shattered it with just a single punch.
Su Cheng cleaned up the wreckage and took the compensation money to the staff in charge.
The man looked at the pieces in her hands, then at her, and said with a strange expression, "A student from the College of Mysteries?"
Su Cheng nodded silently. "Yes... I wasn't very clear on my own aura level."
The man muttered, "Alright, two gold coins. You shouldn't be using a training ground of this level; you should go upstairs—wait, haven't you been to the Warrior's Guild to test your rank?"
"No..." Su Cheng said casually. "I didn't really want people to know that I practice both magic and martial arts anyway."
The man instead showed a look of understanding.
Su Cheng then dove headfirst into the academy's grand library, slowly searching through the section of books related to dragons in an attempt to find relevant information.
Although theoretically, she felt that if she went and asked, the commander might give her more answers.
—About the power of that trial and the physical enhancements.
Her aura and magic levels hadn't actually changed significantly, but her physical strength had reached another realm. Her bone density and muscle mass had increased several times over.
It was almost a qualitative leap.
She suspected that this might already be the physical strength of a fifth or sixth-tier warrior, or perhaps even higher.
This meant that even if her magic and aura were depleted, she could withstand much more terrifying attacks without getting easily injured.
And it was just from a trial.
Moreover, it was a trial with no life-threatening danger whatsoever.
If this matter became known, there was no telling how many people would go mad over it.
Of course, she would absolutely guard this secret to the death.
Setting everything else aside, it was the commander who had used some method to open the door to the trial, which meant the ritual required an initiator—
This person probably had to be a dragonborn.
And likely a dragonborn who had absorbed the power of an ancient dragon.
After all, it was only after he obtained the dragon bone that he brought her to do this.
Su Cheng wandered around the library flipping through ancient texts, wanting to find information to prove her theory, but she couldn't find any relevant details.
She slumped over the table, which was piled high with parchment and heavy books, and sighed.
"Oh, God—"
Rowan walked over from behind a bookshelf. "Have you been here for three days or four? You're not trying to starve yourself to death, are you?"
Su Cheng lay listlessly on the table. "...If I look like I'm about to die, it's not because I'm tired or hungry; it's just because I'm frustrated."
Her neighbor rolled his eyes at her, then looked at the surrounding bookshelves filled with a dazzling array of heavy tomes. The spines were engraved with ancient human languages, and even dragon script.
Rowan tossed a lunchbox to her. "Do you really want to participate in the Dragon Knight trial?"
Su Cheng caught it, somewhat surprised. "Thanks. Did you come specifically to bring me food?"
"No, I just came to collect your corpse," the red-haired young man said crossly. "If you ask me, you absolutely shouldn't care about those rumors. You're God's Favored; the people of the Church treat you as an honored guest. What is he? He doesn't even have the qualifications to meet His Eminence the Archbishop!"
Su Cheng had just opened the lunchbox. The top layer held a pie wrapped in wax paper, its golden, aromatic crust perfectly flaky and layered.
With one bite, she tasted the thick, savory filling—sliced roasted mushrooms, melted cheese, and minced meat tightly bound together in a rich flavor.
Next to it was a jar of creamy pumpkin soup. The thick, orange-yellow broth radiated intense heat, spiced with a touch of nutmeg and black pepper, adding a bit of a kick to its warmth.
Cross Star's library was always full of resident students and teachers, so it was layered with countless magic arrays to maintain the environment, allowing people to eat and drink freely inside.
Su Cheng thanked him while stuffing her face. "I love you, my dear. Also, I have no idea what rumors you're talking about—"
"The guy you used to be engaged to," Rowan said speechlessly. "He's going to participate in the Dragon Knight trial. It's already confirmed. Mainly, some people previously guessed that Nanhe Academy might cancel his qualifications because they didn't want to offend you, but the dean of their Sword and Martial Arts College clearly doesn't care if they offend you or not..."
"...Or he knows full well that letting him participate won't offend me any more than I already am."
Su Cheng sneered. "My impression of that school has already hit rock bottom, so it's all the same really. Besides, I probably won't participate in that trial because I have other plans."
She took a sandwich out of the second tier of the box.
The pan-fried chicken thigh meat was tender and juicy, the pickled cucumber slices and jalapeno rings were crisp and tart, and it was layered with thick mayonnaise, creating an excellent texture.
There was also a golden, honey-glazed apple for dessert.
The core had been scooped out and stuffed with butter, cinnamon, and oats. After slow-baking at a low temperature, the flesh was soft and juicy, and the skin was soaked in honey, making it look crystal clear.
"Other plans?" Rowan didn't pry further. "Are you still going to class tomorrow?"
After eating, Su Cheng felt like a new person. "No—"
She still didn't have a complete grasp on her physical strength right now and didn't want to break any more teaching facilities, or even her classmates. "I'll wait for some news first."
On her fifth day spent in the library, which was also the eve of her next General Theory of Elements class, Su Cheng finally got the news she was waiting for.
At that time, she was still buried in a pile of scrolls and tomes. The towering stack of materials on the table almost completely hid her, until faint whispers sounded in the distance.
Her senses had become much sharper, so she heard this unusual commotion early on.
Su Cheng leaned back.
A slender, tall figure approached. Waterfall-like black hair hung casually behind him, and his exquisite, strikingly beautiful face wore an aloof and indifferent expression.
"Your Grace."
The black-haired young man spoke mildly, "Professor Li wants to know if you have time."
Su Cheng stood up. "Of course. Sorry to trouble you to make a special trip. Give me a moment to pack up my things here."
Yin Ning shook his head slightly, his tone polite but cold. "I was just passing by."
Although he showed no enthusiasm whatsoever, when she began to clear the table, he silently joined in the task.
Su Cheng's gaze paused.
He earnestly organized the scrolls, his distinct-knuckled fingers turning the rollers with meticulous and careful movements, barely making a sound.
Yin Ning helped her put all the books and materials back in their original places, and even went up and down the stepladder with her to reach the higher shelves.
Su Cheng: "...I thought you would use magic. You are a wind-element resonator too, aren't you?"
Yin Ning glanced at her. "I could."
It sounded like there should be a but following that.
But he didn't say it.
Su Cheng guessed it probably meant, But I do not want to do this.
When they arrived at the upper level of the tower, Professor Li's private office, Yin Ning went straight to the inner laboratory, leaving behind her junior schoolmate, whose face was full of anticipation.
Professor Li smiled and waved her over. There is definite news about the Divine Grace Trial. However, you know that in the Empire, this can only be hosted and initiated by the royal family, right?
Su Cheng nodded silently.
Professor Li picked up a few scrolls. It is a bit different from the Dragon Knight Trial; the selection of the God-Favored cares more about personality traits...
The dragon race definitely also chooses partners they can get along with, but in the vast majority of cases, only those whose strength meets the standard can be shortlisted.
But this is not the case for the God-Favored.
So a portion of the participants in the Dragon Knight Trial are recommended by renowned academies, but the Divine Grace Trial is not like that.
She paused. Right now, in the Privy Council, every Prince is trying hard to prove their worth and influence. Therefore, any factor that can significantly enhance their power will be highly valued. The weight of a God-Favored, especially one who participates in the trial by their grace, is self-evident.
Su Cheng's joy was instantly dampened by more than half.
She heard the professor's underlying meaning.
There must be an upper limit to the number of participants in this kind of trial, and those princes who want to compete for the throne will inevitably want to stuff their own people in.
Su Cheng sighed. So I have to take a side? Rely on a certain prince? Only then can I get the qualification to participate?
She could not remember how Lin Yun got in anymore.
But after he arrived in the Imperial Capital, he slept around everywhere, with married and unmarried nobles, noble ladies, and even members of the royal family. Under those circumstances, his interpersonal network was definitely broader, making it easier to get things done.
Su Cheng: ...
With that kind of time, she would rather go eat a few more meals of delicious barbecue.
This is certainly one option. I think any prince would be willing to make a deal with you. After all, investments in others might fail. Professor Li looked at her meaningfully. But you are different.
After all, she was already a God-Favored.
Su Cheng also understood this logic.
His Majesty the Emperor distributed the quotas to the members of the Privy Council, Professor Li continued. If you have a prince you are familiar with...
The corpse of Prince Aquila, blown to pieces, flashed through Su Cheng's mind, along with Prince Peier, who was furious in the bathhouse.
Then she remembered Prince Persis with the baby wyvern.
Perhaps she could go find other princes.
However, they would definitely propose various conditions. Judging from the original novel, these included but were not limited to sleeping with them, helping them eradicate political enemies, or other messy things.
Su Cheng: ...Does His Highness Persis have a seat?
No. Professor Li thought for a moment. How is your relationship with His Highness Peier? Although he does not have a seat, as a member of the royal family who has forged a contract with a dragon, he should also have the qualification to recommend.
Su Cheng: ...Do you not know about the time I interrupted his bath?
I know, Professor Li raised an eyebrow. That is why I asked. After all, for you young people, this kind of incident might trigger more...
Hatred. Su Cheng said expressionlessly. I think it is mainly this.
Professor Li looked at her helplessly. Alright. Then there is another option...
Before she finished speaking, there was a knock on the office door.
Su Cheng looked at Professor Li, who nodded. She turned to open the door. Standing in the corridor outside were school staff and a magnificently dressed person who looked like a butler.
The butler bowed elegantly and then handed her a letter bearing the mark of a gold coin rose.
The crest of the Aulu family.
Su Cheng opened it silently, reading the words on it rapidly, and then looked up at the butler. ...Is he waiting for my reply?
No, Your Excellency, the man said in a low voice. His Grace the Duke said you can think about it and just reply to him in three days.
After saying that, he left.
Su Cheng stared at the letter in her hand.
Duke Aulu's letter stated that as one of the investors in the Divine Grace Trial, he also held recommendation qualifications and could give this quota to her, allowing her to participate in the Divine Grace Trial.
However, the Duke also subtly and tactfully reminded her that this kind of recommendation is public. Once she accepted it, people would tie the two of them together.
Considering his delicate relationship with the Church, she also had to weigh the implications of this.
Su Cheng fell into deep thought.
Professor Li did not ask her what had happened. She merely said that if she had nothing else, she could leave, and casually gave her a copy of the materials on past Divine Grace Trials.
Su Cheng thanked her earnestly and then hurriedly took her leave.
She ran all the way to the floating courtyard outside.
Amid the gasps of the surrounding young students, the black-haired girl leaped down, disappearing into the vast sea of clouds.
Just as she was about to hit the ground, she quickly cast a spell, steadied her posture, dispelled the wind spirits, and then landed lightly on the ground.
Some classmates in town saw her and greeted her from afar, asking if she was here to eat.
No, Su Cheng waved her hand. I need to make a trip to the Imperial Capital.
She did not delay much. She rented a mount at the Mercenary Guild and then headed straight for the Church's temple in the Imperial Capital.
The Imperial Capital had a massive population, and the temple's scale was even more immense, with dozens of entrances and exits. She directly took the path where Zane had escorted her out last time.
This area connected to the aristocratic mansion district. The surroundings were quite tranquil, and there were fewer paladins on duty.
In a place like the Imperial Capital, a moment of carelessness could offend a big shot. Therefore, these paladins not only had a good eye for people but also excellent memories.
They looked at her with varying expressions.
The outer perimeter of the temple did not prohibit citizens from entering, but just looking at her clothes and jewelry, one could tell she was not an ordinary person.
One of them drew a breath, recalling that he had personally seen Archbishop White walking with this person, and quickly took the initiative to greet her.
Su Cheng nodded. I am here to see him.
The others quickly guessed that the person before them was a God-Favored and bowed their heads in respect. A captain among them saluted her, Let me lead the way for you.
They passed through the quiet and secluded towers until they reached the interior of the temple.
Outside a conference hall, Su Cheng saw a familiar figure from a distance.
It was probably just after a meeting concluded, and a group of high-ranking clerics was walking out one after another.
Judging by their robes, there were high priests, high clerics, and archbishops, as well as a few paladin division commanders. Zane was also among them, continuously conversing with others.
Suddenly, the blond young man turned his head thoughtfully.
Su Cheng blinked at him.
Zane smiled at her as well. After apologizing to his colleagues around him, he quickly walked over. I hope everything is well?
Yes, probably, Su Cheng ignored the various glances cast from nearby. I was just wondering, is His Excellency Ian here too?
The Archbishop's eyes were somewhat subtle. If you want...
Su Cheng thought he had some difficulties, or that the guy had been sent on a classified mission. It is fine!
She said nonchalantly, "I was just asking. If he isn't here, that's fine too. You and I might as well just—"
"Too bad."
A deep, pleasant male voice came from behind her.
Su Cheng turned around.
At the door of the conference room, the very man she had just mentioned stepped out from the crowd, watching her with a faint, teasing smile.
"I am right here, so I guess 'might as well' is off the table."
