Chapter 38: Another Unexpected Incident

Bang—

With the crack of a gunshot, the final group’s competition at last began.

The rules of this contest were, in fact, exceedingly simple. Each participant was to follow a predetermined course through the obstacles, then, upon completion, sprint a straight stretch as fast as possible. The one with the shortest overall time would be declared the victor.

From the outset, Mu Qingcheng had her strategy well in hand: she would hold back during the obstacle stage, conserving her strength for a final burst in the sprint.

As expected, the moment the race began, every member of her group surged forward with wild determination. In comparison, Mu Qingcheng appeared to lag behind, trailing in last place. Yet while her pace was slow, her path was exacting—her horse wasted not a single step, threading the shortest line between obstacles, leaping with impressive reach.

Such flawless guidance and anticipation caught the eyes of the judges nearby, who could not help but be impressed. No one had anticipated that this seemingly unremarkable young woman possessed such formidable skill.

Gradually, Mu Qingcheng, relying on her technique, closed the gap with her competitors, showing signs of overtaking them all.

Soon, after clearing the final obstacle, she and the others reached the straightaway for the final sprint at the very same moment.

Now she lowered her body closer to the horse, tightened her grip on the reins, and pressed her heels firmly into the animal’s sides.

In the next instant—

Neigh—

Her mount, instead of thundering forward in a determined charge, suddenly reared up wildly. It was not the spirit of competition that spurred it, but a stab of pain from some unknown cause.

The horse went mad.

“My God!”

“Is she going to be thrown off?”

“Does she even know how to ride?”

“This is utter recklessness!”

A wave of alarmed exclamations swept through the crowd at this unforeseen turn of events. At the same time, voices of doubt rose unrestrained.

Ran Siya, lurking at the back of the crowd with her two sycophants, exchanged delighted high-fives at the spectacle. In her mind’s eye, she already saw Mu Qingcheng thrown to the ground and trampled mercilessly. When that happened, she would, of course, rush over in tears to comfort her dear little sister.

Yet—

Ten seconds later, the frantic, bucking pony gradually calmed. Not only had Mu Qingcheng remained firmly mounted, but she had, astonishingly, soothed the maddened animal. At last, the horse regained its senses and stood still.

Staff rushed to her side, helping her dismount. The succession of mishaps left them exhausted and on edge. Still, they were profoundly relieved that the young lady had not been injured—otherwise, they would have been in grave trouble.

At that moment—

A sheen of sweat glistened on Mu Qingcheng’s brow. After she dismounted, she accepted a handkerchief from a staff member, dabbing at her forehead, then began to straighten her slightly rumpled riding attire.

Qin Beichu approached, concern etched across his face as he frowned and asked, “Mu Qingcheng, are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” she replied offhandedly, not even glancing up.

The sight made Ran Siya grit her teeth, her fists balling in rage as she muttered furiously, “Tsk, how could she not be thrown to her death?” With that, she stomped her foot and stormed off in a huff, her two followers exchanging glances before hurrying after her.

But—

Someone standing quietly in the corner heard every word Ran Siya uttered. His cold gaze drifted toward the black-clad figure not far away, amethyst eyes narrowing as they flashed with a mysterious light.