Then, he raised his head and looked at Cheng Ling, meeting his deadpan gaze.

He immediately became timid again!

Forget it, I won’t ask for the slaps back. I was wrong, bro! Take me with you, please!

He quickly forced a smile, but unintentionally tugged at the wound on the corner of his mouth, causing his face to twist in pain. He winced and ran over to Cheng Ling and Sui Li’er.

Cheng Ling naturally noticed the change in his expression just now, but it didn’t affect him much. Who hasn’t experienced getting hit before? Since he wants to cling to my thigh, it’s only fair that I give him a few slaps.

This Zen Douzhi’s talent is quite decent, and his future achievements should be good.

Now, Zen Douzhi came to Cheng Ling’s side and dared not speak anymore. He felt that if Cheng Ling hit him again, he might faint.

“Cheng Ling, you shouldn’t hit people randomly~” Sui Li’er gently grabbed his hand that was on her small belly.

Cheng Ling smiled and said, “Why? Do you want me to hold you tightly?”

“Huh? No…” Before she could finish her words, Cheng Ling hugged her tightly.

〚 Ding~ Points +1 million~ 〛

Her face turned red, and she didn’t bother arguing anymore. Yes, you’re right~ Hehe~

Zen Douzhi felt so moved: Thank you, sister-in-law!

The instructor noticed that the groups were all formed, so she spoke softly: “Alright, one person from each group, come and draw the lot. If you get the same number, you’ll be opponents!”

Cheng Ling casually said, “Let’s draw the lots.”

“Ah, okay.” Sui Li’er instinctively wanted to run over to draw the lot.

Cheng Ling quickly pulled her back and held her in his arms again. “Huh~?”

Seeing this, Zen Douzhi hurriedly said, “Sister-in-law, I’ll go then…”

“Smack-” Cheng Ling directly slapped Zen Douzhi again, causing him to spit out a mouthful of blood in mid-air.

It scared Sui Li’er, and she crouched down, quickly covering her face with her small hand. Inner thoughts: It must hurt a lot to be slapped so far~

Zen Douzhi: Ouch!

〚 Ding~ Target, Zen Douzhi feels wronged, points -10! 〛

“Whoosh~”

“Thud~” He fell heavily into the crowd, right in front of the lottery box, startling everyone, including the instructors.

Zen Douzhi covered his face, wincing in pain, and climbed back up. He reached into the box, feeling hopeless, and pulled out a slip of paper. Subconsciously, he wanted to open it, but then he realized something and quickly sealed it shut again.

Holding the slip of paper, he ran back to Cheng Ling and Sui Li’er.

“Cough~ Big bro, I’m back! Here, I haven’t seen it yet!”

“Open it.”

Zen Douzhi nodded and opened the slip in front of Cheng Ling and Sui Li’er.

A number was written on it: “390.”

“Hehe~ Cheng Ling, look! It’s the same as my constellation number!”

“Such a coincidence~”

Previously, Sui Li’er always thought this was an unlucky number. Now, she felt it was her lucky symbol. Without this number, she wouldn’t have that curse, and without that curse, she might not have met Cheng Ling.

At this point, the curse was no longer important; Cheng Ling was what mattered. If she had a chance to start her life over, she would still choose to wait for Cheng Ling for ten more years! No matter how many times she had to start over, she would wait!

Cheng Ling smiled and touched her head, saying, “Then you’ll definitely pass the assessment.”

“Mhm~ Because you’re with me~”

Zen Douzhi also felt happy in his heart. This way, he and Cheng Ling were in the same group. Isn’t that an easy win? He felt that enduring those slaps was worth it.

At this moment, the instructor in front spoke again: “Those with the called numbers, step forward and prepare for the simulated battle. Numbers 1 to 10.”

With those words, people from groups 1 to 10 stepped forward. Each number had two groups, forming the opponents. There were a total of 20 groups, with 40 people participating in the simultaneous simulated battles.

Sui Li’er and Cheng Ling’s group, number 390, was towards the end, so they had to wait for their turn to be called.

However, being towards the end meant more time to observe other battles and possibly learn some new incantations. After all, they didn’t need to understand; memorizing the incantations would suffice.

As the instructor gave the order, the 10 groups simultaneously began their simulated battles. One side launched the attack first, and the sound of keyboards in the field resounded as they edited their own incantations.

Golden runes continued to appear and light up in the field, creating a brilliant display of golden light.

As for which incantations to use, it was decided through negotiation between the two participants. They could even combine their efforts, like one person remembering the first half of the incantation while the other remembered the second half, creating a complete spell when combined. Due to the slow speed of keyboard input, they were given a time limit of 2 minutes to complete the incantation.

Soon, one incantation was formed and projected as an illusion in the air using 3D light and shadow technology. It was a spell that only high-level Intermediate mages could release, and it looked extremely realistic. Within that small area, a flow of magical energy emerged from the machines, enveloping the two participants who were editing the incantation, allowing them to experience the wondrous process of magical energy transformation and reaction.

Everything felt very real, yet everything was also fake.

Afterward, it was the other side’s turn. Within two minutes, they had to select incantations for defense based on the spells their opponents cast. The methods were not limited to defensive spells; counterattacks were also allowed. Every spell had its counter, and there was no absolute invincible spell in the world—only individuals who could use spells in an invincible manner.

Once they completed their editing, the machines automatically simulated the battle.

“Boom~”

Sounds of explosions resonated as the 20 projected incantations collided, releasing astonishing light.

The simulated magical energy also swept through the entire arena, accompanied by a strong wind that blew over the spectators.

“Wow, this is awesome!”

The audience exclaimed in awe. It was like watching a display of electronic fireworks up close.

However, the machine appeared to consume a considerable amount of magical energy, in other words, it was incredibly power-hungry! Only the wealthy could afford to play with such a device.

After the first round of clashes, some participants successfully defended without losing any health, while others lost a small amount of health. One unfortunate group had their health bar instantly depleted and was eliminated from the competition.

As some exited the arena, others took their places.

“Number 11!”

Following that, two new groups entered the arena to fill the vacant spots.

Then, the next round of attack and defense began, and they once again edited their incantations. Some groups had similar strengths, resulting in intense battles where each attack only deducted a small amount of health.

The spectators began to feel a sense of fatigue from watching.

However, from time to time, there would be a group with strong abilities and extensive knowledge of incantations. When they simulated high-level incantations with their vast and terrifying magical energy reactions, the spectators felt invigorated and eager to join in and showcase their own skills.

Throughout the entire time, Zen Douzhi watched those participants engaging in combat and felt even more grateful for having endured those slaps, allowing him to hold on to the leg of Chen Ling. This year’s examinees seemed to have even stronger abilities than last year.

Chen Ling continued to hold onto Sui Li’er while yawning boredly. He yawned so much that tears came to his eyes.

On the other hand, Sui Li’er stared in amazement at the participants in the field. Inner thoughts: Wow, everyone is so powerful.

Unknowingly, the morning passed, and it was already afternoon.

Suddenly, the instructor called out, “Number 390!”

“Number 390?”

“390!”

“Sister-in-law! It’s our turn.”

“Huh?” Sui Li’er was momentarily stunned as she had been watching others cast spells and hadn’t realized it was their turn.

“Oh~” She quickly looked up at Chen Ling, who was still half-asleep, wearing earplugs.

However, as soon as Sui Li’er raised her head, he woke up, opening his eyes.

“Chen Ling~ It’s our turn! Hehe~” Sui Li’er grinned, appearing quite confident.

Then, holding Chen Ling’s hand, she and Zen Douzhi walked toward the front.

After taking a few steps, they realized that Luo Yuxiu and Ling Yi were standing in front of the machine, looking surprised at Chen Ling and Sui Li’er.

They were also team number 390.

Sui Li’er, Chen Ling, and Zen Douzhi were going against Luo Yuxiu and Ling Yi.