192: Chapter 192 The Unexpected Turn of Events for Wen Ning!

On the bookshelf, a book with a grayish-green cover that seemed to be made of some ancient leather...

...flew up automatically and landed steadily in her hand.

"This is a simple map marking the known areas of 'Canglin Ancient Peak,' as well as a brief introduction to several powerful races and factions in the Eternal Song Star Realm that require attention."

Anya handed the book to Qin Yan. "You can take it back and study it carefully to gain an understanding beforehand.

More detailed and real-time intelligence will be provided to all confirmed participants closer to the assembly."

Qin Yan reached out with both hands and took the slightly heavy book.

However, he didn't flip through it immediately; instead, he held the book properly.

His gaze remained fixed on Anya, his eyes open and honest, even carrying a trace of hard-to-detect... expectation?

His teacher had told him yesterday that Her Highness Anya was very generous.

So, having made up his mind yesterday, he came to find Anya early this morning.

He, Qin Yan, wanted to be the first Human to 'eat the beef.'

What was he after?

Wasn't it just for a few pieces of silver?

Anya met his gaze and was slightly taken aback at first.

Immediately, the corners of her beautiful lips curled up in an imperceptible arc of realization.

With her wisdom, she understood the meaning in the youth's eyes almost instantly.

"Quite a clever one."

Anya felt amused, but her face maintained a princess's elegance and tranquility.

She didn't find Qin Yan's behavior abrupt; instead, her impression of him improved slightly.

Honesty is sometimes more worthy of appreciation than hypocritical humility.

Especially since Qin Yan was the first young Human genius to take the initiative and clearly state his intention to participate.

This 'first response' itself deserved encouragement.

She pondered for a moment, then lifted her slender, jade-like finger, the tip shimmering with light.

Two jade bottles appeared out of thin air in her palm.

Inside the jade bottles, a drop of liquid was sealed in each—the liquid was the golden color Qin Yan was familiar with.

With a gentle wave of Anya's hand, the two jade bottles flew steadily and softly into Qin Yan's waiting palms.

"These two drops of grandmaster true blood are gifted to you."

Anya's voice remained calm. "I hope... you do not fail my expectations."

Two drops of grandmaster true blood were just a small gesture to her.

As the lord of a wealthy territory, the resource reserves in her personal treasury were far beyond what ordinary people could imagine.

Using a small 'gift' to firm up the resolve of the first supporter and demonstrate her sincerity and generosity—especially when the other party was a super genius—was a very worthwhile investment.

Qin Yan stood dazed for a moment, feeling the heavy weight in his palms and the terrifying energy contained within; a storm of shock surged in his heart.

His teacher's words from yesterday, 'Her Highness Anya is very generous,' had instantly reached an incomparable level of value in his heart!

He had no relation to this high-and-mighty Elf princess, yet simply because he was the first to agree to participate and showed certain potential, he received such a lavish gift!

"So rich..."

Only these two words remained in Qin Yan's mind.

Anya looked at Qin Yan, her tone carrying a deeper meaning: "This is just an 'appetizer.'

If you can successfully bring back the holy grail of life from the Canglin Ancient Peak,

the reward I give you then will be far more abundant than what you received today."

Qin Yan's performance in the Exchange Competition had already gained her recognition.

His talent could be ranked among the top even in her star realm.

Hearing this, Qin Yan replied loudly, "Rest assured, Your Highness! Since I, Qin Yan, have promised, I will naturally go all out.

When the time comes, I will do my utmost to find the holy grail for Your Highness!"

His youthful yet firm voice echoed clearly in the quiet office, carrying an indomitable determination.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door, breaking the solemn atmosphere in the room.

"Come in," Anya said.

The door was pushed open gently, and a figure walked in.

However, when Qin Yan saw the person's appearance clearly, he was startled.

It was Wen Ning.

The Modu Jiaotong University genius who usually had a temperament as gentle as water and always wore a warm smile.

But now, her face was so pale it was almost transparent, and her usually soft and clear eyes were now bloodshot.

Her gaze was vacant and dazed.

Wen Ning walked in and was clearly surprised to see Qin Yan standing to the side.

She forced a stiff smile on her pale face and nodded slightly to Qin Yan.

"Wen Ning? Are you... okay?"

Qin Yan couldn't help but ask with concern.

Wen Ning shook her head slowly but didn't speak.

Her gaze fell on Anya behind the desk.

In her dazed eyes, a resolve bordering on desperation gradually condensed.

"Your Highness Anya, I apply to participate in this Hidden Dragon Assembly."

Anya looked at the Wen Ning who had appeared, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes before she nodded.

Modu Jiaotong University was also one of the martial arts universities supporting the Hidden Dragon Assembly.

Not only that, almost all martial arts universities in Modu supported sending students to participate in the Hidden Dragon Assembly.

"But... I have a condition."

Wen Ning continued.

A condition?

Qin Yan was slightly stunned. Was Wen Ning really this bold?

She actually dared to set a condition for participating in the Hidden Dragon Assembly.

To Qin Yan's surprise, Anya didn't get angry or even show any displeasure.

She just watched Wen Ning quietly, then spoke indifferently: "Speak."

"I request... to leave the human territory today—no, right now—and follow Your Highness... to your Elf Clan territory!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the air in the office seemed to freeze instantly.

Leaving the human world early?

Going to the Elf Clan territory?

Qin Yan looked at Wen Ning in shock, completely unable to understand why she would propose such a condition.

"You, come with me," Anya's soft voice sounded.

Wen Ning followed her without the slightest hesitation.

Leaving Qin Yan alone in the middle of the empty office, momentarily dazed.

The air seemed to still hold the faint scent of herbs mixed with sorrow from Wen Ning, as well as the imperceptible fragrance of vegetation brought by Anya's departure.

Qin Yan stood where he was, his brows furrowed, his mind filled with doubts.

"Something huge must have happened to Wen Ning..."

Qin Yan muttered to himself, but he had no way of knowing the answer.

He could feel the near-shattering pain beneath Wen Ning's calm surface; that sorrow was so heavy it was suffocating.

After waiting for a while and seeing that Anya and Wen Ning hadn't returned, it wasn't convenient for him to stay, so he simply left.

...

At noon, Qin Yan returned to his manor's training room.

He carefully stored the book and the two drops of grandmaster true blood gifted by Anya.

Then he took a bone nurturing pill, a drop of Spirit-Concentrating Dew, and brought out a portion of earth marrow stone milk, consuming it according to the instructions.