After he had practiced for quite a while in the countryside, Austin went back to Reuben's palace.
In the small hall which Austin had been given, the two girls were chatting with Mike.
"Ivy, when will that little beggar come back? It's been so long." The girl in the red dress asked, resting her chin on her hands.
"That's the thousandth time you're asking me that, Sue." Ivy answered in irritation, shaking her head slightly.
"He told us, didn't he? He told us he had to prepare for the Outstanding Talents Exchange Games and was going to the countryside to practice a skill.
You know, he looks assured of claiming victory. But it's not going to be so easy, if you ask me. So many young fighters will join this game. Just think about that. How many competitors will he have? This will be an extremely fierce competition and he'll have to be very strong indeed to win the first prize." "Huh! | believe in him. He's very strong. He even defeated and killed our master or have you forgotten that? He's sure to win the Outstanding Talents Exchange Games!" The girl in the red dress whose name was Sue, pouted with disapproval.
For some reason, every time Austin's name was mentioned, her face would lighten up and her bright eyes would fill up with longings and shyness. Apparently enough, she was looking forward to being loved.
"Oh... | see what's going on here. Someone's in love! Someone has desperately fallen in love! Hah-hah!" Ivy, the girl in the white dress, laughed naughtily, covering her mouth with a handkerchief.
"What? No I'm not! Oh, Ivy! You're teasing me! | won't spare you!" Sue grumbled. She pounced on Ivy like an angry little tiger and started tickling her waist. The house was ringing with the cheers and laughter of these young girls.
‘Same here, sister, ' lvy whispered inside her heart. She had also been thinking about Austin all these days.
Austin had saved their lives twice and therefore, was their savior. And after getting along with him for some time, they had found him to be a really nice guy and were infatuated with his qualities and abilities.
Mike had known the two girls since they were children. He knew exactly what they were thinking about.
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Looking at the girls, he laughed secretly.
'It looks like the two girls are in love with Austin.
He is quite a virtuous and talented young man and no wonder girls fall for him. Young as he is, he is already an outstanding fighter. He has a bright future ahead and I'll be really glad if he is the one to take care of these girls.
The question now is whether he will accept them or not.
But | don't think he'll refuse. They are very pretty and men like beautiful girls.
| think | should have a talk with Austin after the Outstanding Talents Exchange Games." Mike made up his mind. He wanted to know what Austin thought of the girls.
"Ahem. You girls seem to be in a good mood." Suddenly, somebody walked into the room, interrupting the girls’ frivolous fight. It was none other than Austin.
"Ah! It's you! Little beggar!" "You are back!" The two girls cried at the same time. There was a thinly-veiled and delighted surprise in their tone.
"It's you, Austin. Finally you are here." Mike greeted him.
Sue didn't realize how excited she had been until she cooled down a little bit. ‘Has he been outside, listening in on our conversation? Then, oh god, he must have heard what Ivy said!" Sue was seized with remorse. She glanced at Austin secretly. Austin was smiling gently as usual, which put her mind at rest.
But she couldn't help blushing with shame anyway.
Austin did not, in the least, understand the young girl's thoughts. 'Did | say something wrong?' he wondered.
'Why is she blushing like that?' "How was your stay in the prince's palace, Mike?" Austin asked Mike.
"Thank you for asking. He is very nice and very attentive towards us. You know, he sent his men to greet us every day." Mike assured him.
"Oh. That's good. Then | can rest assured. You should stay here until the Outstanding Talents Exchange Games.
As for where we'll go after that... We'll talk about that later.
But promise me that you won't leave the palace until the games have taken place. The Flower Blooming Sect and the elder son of the emperor are going to seize every opportunity to catch you." Austin warned them to be careful.
"Don't worry. We'll stay here. We won't leave unless you tell us to." Mike nodded.
He understood Austin's concerns. Actually, even if Austin hadn't said it, he knew how to keep the girls and himself safe.
However, Austin's sincerity and care really moved him. He became more and more fond of this young man. He was really hoping that Austin would accept the girls and look after them. Austin was exactly the man for the job.
After saying good-bye to them, Austin visited Reuben in his study.
"Ah! Austin! You're back!" Reuben was very glad to see him too.
"Yes, Your highness. I'm sorry to have worried you." Reuben had taken good care of Ivy, Sue, and Mike, which had been a great favor for him. Austin was deeply grateful to Reuben for his help, which made them feel even closer to each other.
"Hah-hah! It's okay. We are friends, aren't we? By the way, you told me last time that you have found a quiet place to practice your skills. | bet you have made great progress." Reuben said tentatively, with a laugh.
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"Don't worry about me, your highness. | will get into the Mysterious Nether World in this game and there's no doubt of that.
Besides, I'm looking for something bigger now. My aim is to win the championship!" Austin replied with great vigor and ambition. Reuben had a feeling of pressure. Almost suffocated by Austin's force, he breathed hard.
"Hah-hah. That is well said, Austin. You are a blunt man. | like that.
However, you'll have numerous strong opponents this time. So you should be careful and practice hard." "There's nothing to worry about, Your highness.
You know I'm aggressive and fearless. | enjoy competition. But my rivals will all become stepping stones for me on my way to success.
You can rest assured that | will enter the Mysterious Nether World. After that, | will try my best to find the soul- recovering fruit and bring it back to you, so that you can win this battle and succeed to the next emperor's position without hindrance." Austin's words were overwhelming and heroic. Reuben was persuaded. He did believe that Austin would succeed and help him win the throne.
Austin was not a frivolous and arrogant person. He knew that his future path was like sailing upstream. Either he kept forging ahead or he would fall behind. Fear and timidity would be very unfavorable to his development.
Even if his cultivation base was raised, his spiritual world would have no progress if he was afraid or not confident enough.
So he was not going to let anyone stand in his way. He would get rid of every obstacle and defeat every opponent.
As the saying goes, "How many millions died so that Caesar might be great." The Outstanding Talents Exchange Games was going to be an important trial for him. Austin believed that if he could win this game, he would lay a solid foundation for his spiritual improvement and future trainings.
Of course, self-confidence comes from strength. Austin had already reached the premium stage of the Earth Realm. His physical toughness and mental strength were very competitive now. Also, his Wind-commanding Skill had developed to a very high level. He possessed the strength required to face several rivals now.
'l don't think there are too many people in the Violet Orchid Empire who can be better than me, ' Austin thought with a confident smile.