“That’s right! We won’t disappoint everyone—we’ll definitely bring back the Hunxi Whip!” The martial artists who had signed up all shouted in unison.
Yixi had followed along earlier and now stood beside Pei Nai.
“Mingzhi, you…”
She began softly, worry in her voice, but upon seeing Pei Nai’s expression, she swallowed the rest of her words.
She had never seen such confidence and determination in a woman’s eyes—like if she chose to step forward, nothing in this world could stop her.
Pei Nai still looked relaxed. “Everyone, rest assured. I’ve practiced martial arts for some time. This time, I simply wish to see what this so-called Dengyun Heroes Assembly is like.”
As soon as she finished speaking, the assistant organizer opened the gates to the martial arena.
“Time’s up! You may enter now! Don’t crowd—please proceed in order—”
Before he could finish, the waiting crowd surged forward, pushing him behind the gate. He struggled to continue shouting, “—enter in order!”
The clerk recording the participants trembled at the sight. “This year’s audience is a bit too enthusiastic…”
He turned back to Pei Nai, pen in hand. “Miss, are you certain you want to participate? If you are, I’ll write your name down.”
Pei Nai nodded. “Of course, write it.”
The man lowered his head, wrote down Tang Mingzhi’s name, closed the registry, and shouted, “Registration closed!”
“Miss!”
The two maids, Beiju and Qingzhu, called out together.
Qingzhu pouted anxiously. “This servant doesn’t know how well you learned martial arts back in Huizhou, but entering a tournament like this is far too dangerous! If anything happens to you, Beiju and I will surely be beaten and thrown out of the residence. You mustn’t go!”
They didn’t know about her rebirth. When she mentioned knowing martial arts, they assumed it was something she had learned in the past.
Pei Nai turned, took Qingzhu’s hand, and gently pushed the candied hawthorn she was holding into her mouth. With half a piece in her mouth, Qingzhu couldn’t speak, only staring at her with wide, watery eyes.
“Don’t worry. I’m very capable. If you don’t believe me, ask Yixi.” Pei Nai gave Yixi a look.
Yixi recalled the sunflower seed that had defeated Zhou Yuliang, the Heaven Axe of Tao River, and the ordinary black iron spear that had held its own against the Southern Wuqiang Sword. She couldn’t help but nod sincerely.
Pei Nai nodded in satisfaction. “There are fewer people now. Let’s go in.”
But Yixi pulled her. “We’re not going through that entrance. Come with me.” She led them to another, smaller entrance nearby.
This entrance was refined and elegant, carpeted and attended by greeters.
“Welcome, son of the Minister of Revenue! VIP Table 18, this way please!”
Before Yixi could speak, the attendant recognized her immediately.
“Princess Chenzhao, this way please.”
He called out, “Princess Chenzhao has arrived! VIP Table 4—attend carefully!”
They were led up to the third floor and seated at Table Four.
It was a square wooden table with three high-backed chairs draped in red kesi covers, all facing the martial stage. The side closest to the stage had no chair, likely to avoid blocking the view.
Four plates of refreshments were placed at the center. Yixi found the corner lanterns obstructive and had them removed.
Pei Nai looked over the structure of the Sacred Flame Martial Arena.
There were four viewing towers surrounding the central stage.
Each tower had three levels of seating. The top level consisted of VIP tables, while the lower two were densely packed stepped seating, each person assigned a cushion.
The audience had already entered. Many were still searching for seats, making the scene slightly chaotic. Judging by the crowd, this year’s Dengyun Heroes Assembly was completely packed.
The arena was even larger than she had imagined.
There were dozens of VIP tables across the four towers, though not many were occupied yet.
Yixi’s father, Prince Guangping, had secured excellent seats—one of the central VIP tables.
Pei Nai noticed that below the stage, the organizers were already gathering participants, so she prepared to leave.
There were only three seats at the table. Beiju and Qingzhu didn’t dare sit. Yixi called for an attendant to bring an extra stool, but Pei Nai patted the maids’ shoulders.
“You two sit. I’m going down to prepare for the match.”
“Miss, you’re really going down?” Beiju’s face was full of worry.
Pei Nai nodded, refusing to let them follow, and went downstairs alone.
“Miss Tang!”
“Miss Tang—!”
As soon as she reached the area near the stage, some of the people who had been waiting outside recognized her and called out.
A kind-hearted man added, “Miss Tang, be mindful of your limits. We’re all rough fighters—we’re worried about hurting you. If you say the word, your opponent won’t go too hard on you.”
His words reminded Pei Nai of her childhood.
While other young ladies were learning embroidery and grooming, she had been in the military camp, constantly challenging recruits. General Lin Hua had arranged for many new soldiers to spar with her.
Back then, the soldiers had said similar things.
But later… whether new recruits or seasoned soldiers who had spoken that way, all ended up bruised and sprawled on the ground, unable to rise, cursing her for being so ruthless despite being just a young girl.
Thinking of this, Pei Nai smiled politely and cupped her hands. “I hope I’ll have the fortune to be matched with you later. I would appreciate your guidance.”
The man waved his hand. “Of course. It would be my honor.”
Suddenly, Pei Nai felt a chill down her back.
She turned—and saw Xing Xiaoren, the man whose candied hawthorn she had thrown earlier, staring at her viciously from not far away.
His gaze was cold and menacing. “I, Xing, am also looking forward to meeting Miss Tang.”
Pei Nai had fought many skilled opponents, but someone as unpleasant as him was a first.
She had no interest in exchanging harsh words with such a vile person. She merely glanced at him disdainfully and looked away.
“Miss Tang, come look—the groupings are out!”
A disciple from the Changxing Sect called out to her. A group had gathered around a long list.
Pei Nai walked over. Someone exclaimed, “Wow, Miss Tang, you’re so lucky! You’ve got a bye in the first round—you can go straight to the second stage!”
“There are byes?” Pei Nai’s expression turned slightly complicated.