With a solemn expression, Xiao Xi said, "Red Lotus City is sending three Wizard Apprentices to participate in the competition this time: Gong Xinghe, Yang Xu, and Xu Ke."

"All three come from top Wizard Clans in Red Lotus City. Xu Ke, in particular, is from a Bloodline Wizard Clan."

On the way to the tavern, Pei Ze had already scanned all the information on the letter and stored it in his mind, so he was already aware of the intelligence Xiao Xi was sharing.

However, Pei Ze didn’t interrupt her.

After all, the intelligence the three of them had received might not be completely identical. This was a good opportunity to compare notes. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Su Shouhai had the same idea and listened with rapt attention.

"Xu Ke’s clan’s bloodline comes from an ancient creature called the Angry Python."

"Legend says the Angry Python possessed formidable control over Illusion Techniques, capable of easily influencing others’ Spirit and emotions. Even Wizards would have a hard time resisting its power."

"When we face Xu Ke, we need to be wary of his use of these abilities."

Su Shouhai nodded with a solemn expression.

Wizard Apprentices with bloodline inheritances were often difficult opponents.

Although their Bloodline Awakening wasn’t yet complete, even a partial awakening made their power incredibly formidable.

For example, Meng Wei.

’It was a good thing Pei Ze was the one who faced him. If I had been the one to run into Meng Wei, I definitely wouldn’t have been his match.’

’I wonder how that Xu Ke’s strength compares to Meng Wei’s?’

"As for Yang Xu, he’s a bit like me. He also follows the path of biological modification."

"According to the intelligence, his modifications seem to make him something like a Lava Giant," Xiao Xi said with a frown.

Her insect swarm was weakest against fire, so Yang Xu’s abilities were undoubtedly a counter to hers.

"But compared to Yang Xu and Xu Ke, I think the one we should be most wary of is Gong Xinghe!"

As soon as she said this, Su Shouhai nodded in deep agreement and glanced at Pei Ze.

According to the intelligence reports, Gong Xinghe was not from a Bloodline Clan, nor had he undergone biological modification. He was in the most traditional category of Wizard Apprentice.

’But that’s precisely what makes him seem all the more unfathomable.’

’To become one of the three competitors based on his mastery of Magic alone, without the enhancements of a bloodline or biological modification—doesn’t that just prove how powerful he is?’

’Just like Pei Ze!’

Xiao Xi gave Pei Ze a complicated look and said in a low voice, "Gong Xinghe is said to be exceptionally talented. He’s proficient in numerous One-Ring Spells and has also mastered silent casting."

At this, Xiao Xi and Su Shouhai couldn’t help but look at Pei Ze again.

After all, it was common knowledge that Pei Ze had also mastered silent casting.

Pei Ze’s expression was calm as he lifted his cup and took a sip.

"That’s all the intelligence I have," Xiao Xi said, spreading her hands.

Su Shouhai shook his head. "Mine is about the same as yours."

"Same here," Pei Ze said succinctly.

After comparing their intelligence and confirming there were no discrepancies, the trio’s conversation shifted to the format of the upcoming competition.

"I wonder what format the competition will take this time," Su Shouhai said with a frown.

Xiao Xi thought for a moment and said, "It might be something similar to the labyrinth trial, or maybe a survival trial, a battle royale trial, or something like that."

"It could also be a gauntlet-style trial," Pei Ze said.

"A gauntlet-style trial?" Xiao Xi mused. "Something like the Tower of the Holy Ring?"

The Tower of the Holy Ring was an ancient Wizard Tower.

It was said to have been left behind by a great and powerful Wizard from the Dark Age. After being discovered by the Star Realm Alliance, it was specially converted into a venue for the Battle of the Holy Ring, used to select outstanding young Wizards.

The Battle of the Holy Ring was held once every twenty years and was famous throughout the Star Realm Alliance.

Every time it was held, all the major Wizard Cities would eagerly participate.

This was because the Wizard City of the victorious Wizard would receive a massive allocation of resources from the Star Realm Alliance for the next twenty years, as a form of reward.

In addition, the victor themself would also receive unimaginable benefits.

The victor of every Battle of the Holy Ring eventually became an influential and pivotal figure in the Star Realm Alliance.

Pei Ze nodded slightly but then said, "Ultimately, this is all just speculation. The final competition format might not be anything like what we’ve guessed."

Su Shouhai thought about it and agreed, saying with a laugh, "Well, no point in overthinking it. No matter the format, as long as we’re strong enough, we can definitely win."

Xiao Xi nodded with a smile and added, "By the way, have you two spent all of those five thousand merit points?"

"Of course."

At the mention of this, the smile on Su Shouhai’s face widened.

"I’ve already gotten my hands on an Advanced Meditation Technique and a wizard artifact. My strength has been advancing by leaps and bounds recently!"

Xiao Xi turned to Pei Ze and asked curiously, "What about you, Pei Ze? You didn’t actually exchange your points for Li Xin Water, did you?"

Hearing this, Su Shouhai also looked over curiously.

When they saw Pei Ze smile and nod, the two exchanged a look, both a little speechless.

To use precious merit points to exchange for Li Xin Water, which couldn’t immediately boost his strength right before the competition... they didn’t know whether to call Pei Ze impulsive or just overly confident in himself.

But it was Pei Ze’s choice, so neither of them could really say much about it.

Xiao Xi just teased him a little.

"I have a wizard artifact now too. The next time we face off, I won’t lose to you."

Evidently, the proud young woman was still holding a grudge about being forced to show weakness to Pei Ze in the labyrinth last time.

Pei Ze just smiled at her words and didn’t say anything.

...

「Five days passed in the blink of an eye.」

The analysis of the Shelter Magic Tattoo and the Thunder Burst Magic Tattoo was complete.

Pei Ze sent a letter to Gu Lin, telling her he was ready and asking when they could start applying the magic tattoos.

Half an hour later, Gu Lin showed up at his door in a flurry, bringing the Gemstone materials needed for the magic tattoos.

"In such a hurry?" Pei Ze said with a laugh.

"Of course." Gu Lin stood with her hands on her hips. "I’m preparing to go to the Plane Battlefield, so I need to get this magic tattoo business sorted out as soon as possible."

Pei Ze was taken aback.

It wasn’t uncommon for Wizard Apprentices to enter the Plane Battlefield, but they were almost always soldiers from the Silver Light Legion.

It was exceedingly rare for academy students to do so.

After all, planar wars were extremely perilous with a high mortality rate. Even Third-level Wizard Apprentices were often nothing more than cannon fodder on the Plane Battlefield.

"Why the sudden decision to go to the Plane Battlefield?" Pei Ze asked, confused.

"Because it’s the only place I can rapidly increase my strength," Gu Lin said, her gaze toward Pei Ze somewhat complicated.

In truth, her decision had been spurred on by Pei Ze.

Ever since she had set foot on the path of a Wizard, she had always been surrounded by the aura of a genius, living under the envious and admiring gazes of countless people—until Pei Ze appeared.

Even though they were the same age, Pei Ze’s talent and strength both unquestionably crushed hers.

Now, he was even representing Chenxi City in the competition against Red Lotus City, and was practically acknowledged as Chenxi City’s strongest Wizard Apprentice.

She, who had always prided herself on being a genius, now had to look up to Pei Ze just like any other ordinary person.

She didn’t say anything, but deep down, the blow was significant.

That was why she had pleaded with her clan elders this time to get permission to enter the Plane Battlefield.

’On the perilous Plane Battlefield, maybe I can break through my limits and advance to the rank of Wizard even faster.’

Pei Ze gave Gu Lin a deep look, but didn’t say more. He just nodded and said, "In that case, I wish you all the best."

"I’ll take you up on that," Gu Lin said with a grin. "You’ll have to go to the Plane Battlefield soon enough too, right? Maybe we’ll run into each other before we know it."

"That’s true."

Pei Ze smiled and got back to the matter at hand.

"Let’s start applying the magic tattoos, then."

Gu Lin pursed her lips and nodded lightly.

The two went into the living room.

Xiaoyi had pleaded with Wuyu to take her out to play much earlier, so the two of them were alone in the huge living room.

Pei Ze took out the Gemstones and sorted them. When he turned back around, he saw Gu Lin standing there in a daze.

The usually lively and cunning girl was now uncharacteristically reserved.

The moment her eyes met Pei Ze’s, Gu Lin subconsciously looked away, her cheeks flushing slightly.

A strange, unspoken atmosphere suddenly descended upon the living room.