Chapter 54: Life and Death Contract (1)

The autumn wind was always refreshing and pleasant. However, at this moment, because of the tense atmosphere, even the fragrance of flowers seemed to have become stronger.

Shen Yue covered her mouth and said in surprise, “This… Fifth Sister is a girl. How could she know archery?”

“That’s right.” Chen Ruoqiu also said worriedly, “Shen Yue, don’t force yourself. Although your father is a general, you never learn these kinds of things.”

“But… the rules of this competition can’t be changed.” Shen Qing looked anxious, but her tone was filled with schadenfreude. “Once you’re challenged, no matter what kind of subject you are challenged with, you have to complete the competition. However, people will normally choose an opponent who is equally good at the subject. Fifth Sister, do you have a trick up your sleeve? Otherwise, why would Cai Lin challenge you?”

Ren Wanyun added with a smile, “Qing, what are you talking about? Of course, Shen Miao knows nothing about martial arts. Shen Miao, if you don’t want to go on stage to compete, Second Aunt will go and tell the examiner that you’re still young and not suitable for this dangerous competition. They will let you off for the sake of your father.”

Although Ren Wanyun sounded like she was trying to help her out, on second thought, that was not the case. After all, no one had made an exception in the test for many years. If Shen Miao was the first to do so, who knew what kind of rumors would spread among the people in the capital tomorrow? Moreover, if she relied on her father, people might say that she was using her privileges. This was not a good thing for Shen Xin who was thousands of miles away from the capital.

And she would never allow anything to anyone to harm her father.

“Thank you, Second Aunt. There’s no need.” She stood up from the women’s section and slowly walked towards the stage. The venue gradually quietened down, looking at the girl with wide-eyed shock.

“I accept his challenge.”

Cai Lin’s gaze changed. He did this because he wanted to stand up for Shen Yue. In the martial arts test, it was the first time a man challenged a woman. However, he was used to being a bastard. At most, he was just going to go back and be taught a lesson by his parents. However, at the thought of being able to stand up for Shen Yue, Cai Lin was happy from the bottom of his heart.

However, he did not expect Shen Miao to accept his challenge so readily. Not only that, but she was also so calm. Looking at the purple-robed woman walking slowly towards the stage, Cai Lin had a strange feeling in his heart.

It was as if she was not afraid at all.

But how was that possible? He knew better than anyone whether Shen Miao knew archery or not. People who had never practiced martial arts naturally knew nothing about archery. Everyone would panic when doing something they were not good at or had never tried.

How could she be so calm?

Cai Lin was deep in thought when he suddenly felt a gaze on him. He turned around and met Shen Yue’s gaze. When Shen Yue saw him looking at her, she blushed and lowered her head.

Every man wanted to be a hero. In Cai Lin’s eyes, he was the hero who stood up for beauty. As for Shen Miao, she was a vicious and ugly villain.