Yan Jiaojiao was indeed right.
Though the disciples did not actively seek them out, fearing being dragged into fights, their petty tricks were endless. They drugged them, tossed strange spiritual beasts into their living quarters to deliberately scare them. Their aim was to disrupt their rhythm and prevent them from resting well before the competition, affecting their performance.
Seeing everyone looking listless, Yan Jiaojiao remained outwardly impassive. But as night fell, she, Sheng Mobai, and Xiao Hei slipped out of the resting area under the cover of darkness.
"Jiaojiao, you specifically brought only me. Are you planning a romantic date for two?"
Sheng Mobai appeared much more composed now, but when it was just him and Yan Jiaojiao, he couldn't help but be a bit roguish.
"You're thinking too much. I just think your heart is dark, and you're probably very skilled at digging pits for others, so I chose you."
Sheng Mobai: "..."
He chuckled and shook his head, his face clearly conveying, "You know me so well." He evidently considered being called dark-hearted by Yan Jiaojiao a form of honor.
"It's good to be able to help Jiaojiao."
Hearing Sheng Mobai's smarmy words, Dongfang Cangwu felt a prickle of discomfort. He couldn't help but poke his head out and snap at Sheng Mobai.
Sheng Mobai, caught off guard by the surprise attack, quickly dodged backward. The sound of tearing fabric was particularly noticeable in the darkness. He smiled helplessly and looked at Yan Jiaojiao, complaining with a wronged expression, "Jiaojiao, your Xiao Hei is too protective! I haven't even done anything yet."
Yan Jiaojiao snorted and pulled Xiao Hei closer into her embrace, saying with extreme haughtiness, "Even my dog finds you too oily, so you should say less of that from now on."
Sheng Mobai: "..."
"What does a little dog know? Besides, what I said was sincere."
Yan Jiaojiao rolled her eyes. "Whether it's sincere or not, tonight we're going to get revenge for our academy's disciples. Be serious."
Sheng Mobai was deeply touched. "So, you're really taking only me to do this? Wuwu, I'm so moved."
At this, Dongfang Cangwu almost leaped out of Yan Jiaojiao's arms.
Seeing Xiao Hei baring his teeth and looking genuinely angry, Sheng Mobai quickly plastered on a smile and said, "Okay, okay, I won't say it anymore, alright?"
He then became noticeably more well-behaved. After all, this was the companion spiritual beast who had gone after Arnuoxi and returned safely. Sheng Mobai weighed his own standing and knew he couldn't contend with Xiao Hei, so he chose to remain silent.
Yan Jiaojiao was surprised that Xiao Hei was the one who could shut Sheng Mobai up. She excitedly kissed Xiao Hei on the head twice.
"Xiao Hei, good job! From now on, scare him with this intensity!"
She desperately needed to get rid of his oiliness!
Seeing Yan Jiaojiao's actions, Sheng Mobai became a little jealous. "Jiaojiao, haven't you noticed you're nicer to this dog than you are to me?"
Yan Jiaojiao looked bewildered. "Can you compare to this dog?"
Sheng Mobai: "..."
Although Dongfang Cangwu was displeased with Yan Jiaojiao and Sheng Mobai calling him a "dog" repeatedly, he was quite satisfied by Yan Jiaojiao's statement. He, the dignified Demon Emperor, worked tirelessly by this woman's side, so it was only right that she put him first!
"We're here."
Yan Jiaojiao, perched on the eaves, heard the disciples from the other academy celebrating something, their laughter exceptionally loud. A smile flickered in her eyes. "These people are in quite a good mood."
When Sheng Mobai focused on the task at hand, his smarmy demeanor vanished, making him look quite dependable.
"They succeeded in pranking our academy's disciples, how could they not be happy?"
"Jiaojiao, how are we going to retaliate against them?"
Yan Jiaojiao bared her teeth, a malicious smile appearing. "Since they enjoy bullying people and seeing them embarrassed so much, let's show them what true disgrace is."
As she spoke, she pulled out a bottle of white powder from her embrace.
"What is this?"
Sheng Mobai leaned in curiously.
Yan Jiaojiao pushed his approaching body away with one hand, a look of disdain on her face. "Just talk, why are you getting so close?"
Sheng Mobai looked wronged. "I just wanted to be closer to Jiaojiao."
Xiao Hei, hearing this, began baring his teeth again.
Sheng Mobai immediately covered his mouth. "Okay, okay, I won't say it anymore, alright? What is this for?"
Yan Jiaojiao chuckled. "This is a hallucination drug I had Xu Changzong make."
"The effect of this hallucination drug is very good."
Seeing Yan Jiaojiao's mischievous expression, Sheng Mobai knew what kind of "very good" she meant.
"Let's go, let's put the medicine in, and tomorrow we can watch the show."
...
The disciples of the Three Swords Academy had no idea that Yan Jiaojiao had entered their resting area to administer the drug. They were still celebrating successfully annoying the disciples of Gunan Academy that day.
"That Yan Jiaojiao was so fierce before, I thought she was some tough nut to crack. Turns out she's nothing special. A few little tricks and they're in a panic."
"Hahaha, you should have seen their faces when they found spiritual beasts in their beds!"
"Serves them right! Gunan Academy is no longer the number one academy, they shouldn't be looking down on us anymore."
"If it weren't for Yan Jiaojiao's previous threat, even more people would have gone to bully them."
"Damn Yan Jiaojiao!"
Three Swords Academy was neither outstanding nor mediocre among all the continental academies. However, the more middle-of-the-road academies were, the more pronounced their resentment towards the higher-ranked ones. In the past, they were jealous of Gunan Academy's stringent admission criteria. Now, they resented that Gunan Academy, despite being in such a state, was still more famous than their own. When others mentioned Three Swords Academy, they looked confused, but when they brought up Gunan Academy, people still expressed regret. It wasn't fair!
Therefore, the disciples of Three Swords Academy didn't need to consult anyone; they took the initiative to scare the disciples of Gunan Academy. They believed their method was flawless, with no discernible flaws.
"Alright, alright, it's so late now. Everyone go get some rest."
"We'll continue our plan tomorrow."
"Before the competition, we must make everyone know that the disciples of Gunan Academy are all scoundrels and cowards!"
"Yes!"
Everyone went to rest with joyous expressions. Unnoticed in a dark corner, the hallucinogenic smoke wafted out and was inhaled by the disciples. They felt a momentary daze but didn't suspect anything was amiss and returned to their rooms.
That night, everyone had pleasant dreams. Some dreamed of becoming the number one person on Wujiang Continent, some dreamed of achieving mastery and returning home to find their beloved. Others were more audacious, heading straight to the brothels and summoning a group of beauties to serve them.
"Hahaha..."
"What is Gunan Academy?"
"Beauties, come and have fun with this great master!"