Taking advantage of a gap in the opening ceremony, Tian Xi slipped into the backstage dressing room, changing out of the luxurious and complicated dress that hindered movement, into battle attire which had been prepared in advance.
The form-fitting battle armor perfectly outlined her tall and slender figure. Her waist was cinched with a belt made of special scales, her knees and wrists were adorned with armor, and on her left chest, she wore a protective heart mirror close to her skin.
The trial is meant to push one’s limits and thus is always dangerous. No one can guarantee that nothing will go wrong, so ample protection is necessary each time one enters.
These armors were crafted from special materials, adaptable between human and beast shape, capable of protecting crucial parts in times of danger.
"His Highness Xing Ye, you can’t come in!" An attendant’s anxious voice tried to stop him from outside, but it was evidently in vain.
The curtain was lifted, and a tall and slender figure walked in.
Tian Xi turned around, startled, "Why are you here?"
Xing Ye looked deeply at her, his tone somewhat somber, "I missed you, wanted to see you."
His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly, as he said with a pleading tone, "It’s been half a month since we last met... I just wanted to say a few words to you, may I?"
Xing Ye seemed to have a lot to say, but Tian Xi just took a step back, shook her head, and said, "Before you left last time, I made it very clear, I won’t see you in private anymore, why do you still come looking for me?"
She whispered softly,
"It’s over between us."
Xing Ye stepped forward, clenched his hands, his eyes slightly red with suppressed pain, "I... Xi’er, you know I love you, I want to be with you."
Tian Xi seemed to be holding back tears, raised her hand to wipe her face, and turned away from him, "Xing Ye brother, I love you too... but we’re not suited."
Her voice was choked, as if she were trying hard to suppress her emotions, "The tribe has already arranged it; after this competition, I am to marry a noble male from our tribe. Don’t look for me anymore—ah!"
Before she finished speaking, she was pulled into a tight embrace by the young man.
Xing Ye cupped her face, lowering his head to kiss her forcefully on the lips, a kiss filled with pain, like a venting of emotions.
Tian Xi hurriedly pushed him away, her cheeks flushed, and looked at the attendants outside. They all had their heads lowered, pretending not to have seen anything.
She quickly wiped her mouth, backing several steps, and looking at Xing Ye’s gloomy face, said both angrily and anxiously, "You—what are you doing! I said it’s impossible between us, don’t let others know you’re still looking for me..."

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