Hah...how troublesome. It seems I have no choice but to participate in this Advancement Exam. I would much rather have preferred to just sit this one out, and avoid attracting any attention to myself.

However, you don't always get the things you want in life. I also couldn't tell the girls about Liu Jian, so I would have to come up with some viable excuse as to why I was actually going to participate in this exam...

*****

- Flashback: Last Night -

"You...are my godfather?" I asked, still paralyzed in shock.

Song Qian Long turned towards me and smiled warmly. "That's right. But...I do not deserve to be called that by you."

"I..."

"I have failed both you and your parents..." the old man closed his eyes and continued. "Truly...I have let you down, Xuan Ying, Ruo Lan."

In this moment, it was hard to believe this tearful aged senior before me was the number 1 mage in Shenzhen. But with this, I have finally gotten an answer as to just why he spoiled me this much.

I clenched my fists in anger. He was the strongest person in this entire city, but couldn't save the real parents of his godson. No, he hadn't even TRIED. But just as I was about to throw a fist at him, I stopped. And I realized something - I couldn't bring myself to hit him. I don't know why, but I got the feeling that he had his own hardships and difficulties to deal with.

I dropped my stretched back hand and sighed, taking a few deep breaths to calm down.

"...It's fine," I said quietly at last. "You...probably had your own difficulties."

He then widened his eyes at my words, and looked at me as if he had found redemption.

"Kai Kai..." he murmured weakly.

"Don't get me wrong. I haven't forgiven you," I clarified, and I could see his expression become crestfallen once more. I closed my eyes and looked away. "But at least...now, I don't hate you as much anymore. I'll...allow you to call my by that name."

Song Qian Long quickly turned happy again, and wiped away his tears. "Haha...well. It is a first step, I guess."

I cleared my throat to get rid of this awkwardness in the air. "A-Ahem...anyway. Back on track...I suppose there isn't any way I can avoid this exam altogether, correct?"

Song Qian Long sadly shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. Should you do that, Liu Jian will undoubtedly suspect something is wrong being the sharp man that he is, and he will definitely do something to this school."

I gritted my teeth. "Tch...he threatened you, didn't he?"

The principal looked surprised I had figured that out. "Ahaha...yes. How did you know?"

"The certainty in your voice is more than enough to confirm he said something to you beforehand," I replied. "Now then...what exactly did he say?"

The principal sighed. "It wasn't a clear threat, but I could hear the implication in his voice. These were his exact words: 'Make sure that boy will participate in this exam, you hear me?'"

"The 'or else' was omitted. I see..."

Still, what a demanding tone...

"Just what is his cultivation level?" I asked, curious. Someone with such an arrogant manner of speech must be exceptionally strong.

"He is a late-stage Golden Monarch, just like me," Song Qian Long replied, and I dropped my jaw open in shock.

"That's...not that powerful though?"

"You're right. Just his cultivation level on the surface alone isn't powerful..." he muttered. "But the frightening thing about him, is that he is able to defeat masters a whole tier above him."

"What?!"

The old man nodded, showing that he wasn't joking. "He defeated a Holy Emperor at the National Magic Tournament 2018 with three strikes back when he was only an entry level Golden Monarch, under the gaze of millions of people. That's how he made a name for himself."

He...defeated a Holy Emperor with only three attacks, as a mere entry level Golden Monarch?! That means he was able to defeat someone who - on the surface - should be stronger than him by a mile. And a Holy Emperor who was able to make it to the National Magic Tournament no less...

The National Magic Tournament was a solo competition held every four years in every territory. The entry requirement was to be at least a Golden Monarch stage, and to pass a special entry test.

The entry test wasn't easy by any means. I didn't know the details, but apparently out of 10,000 entrants, only around 2,000 made it into the actual tournament. That's a less than 20% chance.

Everyone wanted to try their luck in this tournament - the champion would be granted fame, riches, and the privilege to compete in an even bigger, grander tournament...

As mentioned before, this solo tournament was held in every territory, meaning any race could participate. The top three mages in every territory would then come together at a later date to compete in the Arcane World Cup, where only one team of three would emerge victor. The 'teams' are pre-determined - the top three of every territory would automatically be formed into a team to face off against the other races.

The winner of the Arcane World Cup would not only gain insurmountable rewards for themselves, including any one wish for each of the winning team's members (and because the IMF were the ones who organized the tournament, this wish could be virtually anything), but also glory and prizes for their race as well. Thus, it was no overstatement to say that this tournament was the biggest event ever. Every time the four-year mark rolled around, the populace of the entire world would wait in anticipation.

"Did that man...win the tournament?" I gulped in fear.

"No," Song Qian Long answered with a sigh. "He was eventually defeated by a Saint Realm master, but even then the master had to use his ultimate move in order to do so."

"Only defeated by a Saint Realm Mage's ultimate move, huh?"

The principal nodded. "So...as you can tell now, we cannot afford to go against him."

I sighed. "Fine...if he wants a show, then he'll get one."

I turned around and prepared to leave, but was given one last reminder.

"By the way, Kai Kai...don't tell anyone else about our relationship, alright?"

"Tch. You didn't have to remind me," I replied.

*****

- Present Time -

I took a shower, brushed my teeth, slipped on my usual attire, and went to the elevators. Before long, a lift came to my floor and I entered it, pressing the 1 button to head to the bottom floor. A loud ding sound signaled I had arrived at my destination, and I got out of the elevator, tired and deep in thought as I recalled last night's conversation with Song Qian Long...my godfather.

"Good morning, Big Brother Xuan Kai!" a cheerful and cute voice called out.

"Hm?" I turned to see who it was. "Ah...Qing Yue. Good morning."

My kawaii non-blood related little sister. She immediately hopped over excitedly and clung to my arm.

"Uh...what brings you here today?" I asked, unsure whether to pull away or not.

"I just came here to see my big brother. Something wrong with that?" she replied, staring up at me with big yellow eyes.

"Eh? Uh, no, not exactly..."

"Hehe~then let's go!" she said and began skipping away, dragging me behind her.

I sighed. Seeing her so carefree and innocent like this, I couldn't help but smile. There were many things I have to worry about, but for now...I could just sit back, and enjoy this kind of lifestyle.

I wonder...just how long will these peaceful days last?