Chapter 389 - Actually Forfeited?

“If I’m not mistaken, they will not be participating anymore,” Xiao Tianying stated.

“Not participating anymore?! How is that possible?” Li Shaoqiu stopped eating and looked at Xiao Tianying in shock. Shang Yuan Country was a Tier 1 Vassal Country. If they gave up, they would be immediately demoted to a Tier 5 Vassal Country. How could they just give up?

“I am merely speculating as well. In short, you guys had better be well prepared.” Xiao Tianying finished speaking and walked out calmly.

Li Shaoqiu and the rest looked at each other. They all knew that Xiao Tianying had purposely made a trip here, since he did not want to battle Nan Xia Country unfairly. The question was, where did he get the news about Shang Yuan Country possibly forfeiting the competition?

“Shang Yuan Country has held the position of Tier 1 Vassal Country for many years. Their increase in cultivation and reputation has definitely started to pose a threat to Ding Lin Country. Perhaps Ding Lin Country does not hope for their cultivation to become stronger,” the envoy mumbled contemplatively. As an envoy, he had moved around in various countries, so he knew a lot more about relations between countries.

“Right, that makes sense. I’ve heard my old man mention it before, actually. The reason Nan Xia Country has been peaceful and uneventful all these years is because we are a Tier 5 Vassal Country. If we really do become a Tier 1 Vassal Country, perhaps it would not be so peaceful then,” Li Shaoqiu agreed, then asked in confusion, “but how did that jinx find out about this? Ah, just ignore him. Eat first and we’ll talk later when we’re done.” Li Shaoqiu shook his head and picked up his chopsticks again, but he quickly froze.

While he was talking, the dishes on the table had disappeared!

Was there any justice at all? He knew they were fast, but they did not have to move so fast at the dining table too, right? Li Shaoqiu looked at the envoy, whose mouth was stuffed with food. He wanted to cry but he had no tears left.

The envoy widened his eyes at Li Shaoqiu, as if to say, ‘Don’t look at me, Young Master Li, It’s not my fault. You can’t possibly be thinking of asking me to spit out the food in my mouth for you, right?’ The corners of Li Shaoqiu’s lips twitched. Oddly, he actually understood the meaning in the envoy’s eyes. He felt nauseous and disgustedly turned his face away.

“When we return, I will definitely tell on you to Father. You are so vicious even while eating. Nan Xia Country’s reputation has been completely destroyed by you,” Li Shaoqiu whispered viciously.

The envoy paused. He chewed a few times before swallowing the food with a sorrowful look on his face. Who could blame him?

Meanwhile, Ling Chuxi was frowning as she pondered Xiao Tianying’s words. She understood the point of it, but was Shang Yuan Country really unable to participate in the competition this time? If that was true, then…. Her brows creased in worry.

…

At dawn, there was a huge crowd outside the competition arena, and colorful flags fluttered in the wind. In the competition arena, the sounds of gongs and drums echoed to the skies and there was cheering everywhere. The spectators from Nan Xia Country and Dong Xing Country were waving flags with all their might. They were so much livelier now compared to the previous matches.

The drawing lots ceremony began, and the competition arena quietened down. Due to the new power of Nan Xia Country and Dong Xing Country, the final results of this year’s assessment competition now seemed uncertain. Who would have the good fortune of drawing a bye to directly enter the final competition?

“Shang Yuan County has forfeited. Both Dong Xing Country and Nan Xia Country will be go directly to the final round of the competition.” A firm voice sounded from the top of the competition arena.

Instantly, the arena was in an uproar. Everyone who had been waiting for the results of the drawing lots ceremony were shocked. The champion of last year’s assessment competition, the strongest country among the five great vassal countries, Shang Yuan Country, had actually forfeited? That meant that they would be directly demoted from a Tier 1 Vassal Country into a Tier 5 Vassal Country! What was going on?