It needed to be conceded.
The protagonist, Fang Yuan, was truly outrageously extraordinary!
His innate aptitude was staggeringly powerful, unequivocally belonging to the Perfect Grade category, showing virtually no discernible deviation from the current Jiang Chen.
At this juncture, he had even managed to secure the support of two venerable beings from the Late-stage Void Tribulation realm!
With these two formidable presences lending their assistance, every conceivable limitation on acquired knowledge was rendered utterly irrelevant.
Eventually, they could even impart an impressive array of transcendent cultivation methods, and in a pivotal moment, these two venerable entities could unleash immense battle prowess to aid Fang Yuan in navigating a perilous crisis!
This was absolutely surreal, deeply unsettling!
At this instant, the luminous form that Fang Yuan had morphed into touched down on the ground.
As the glow faded, his upright figure and striking features were unveiled.
His face, which had previously been clouded with despair, had undergone a significant transformation.
Fang Yuan's countenance now bore a self-assured smile.
'This individual!'
Observing him, it seemed as though he had already begun receiving the support of the two distinguished figures and was commencing his ascension.
Jiang Chen's eyes narrowed subtly, an undercurrent of frostiness coursing through them.
Simultaneously.
"What's going on?"
"Fang Yuan has actually replaced his grim expression with a smile?"
"Could it be that his cultivation base has rebounded? No, it remains in the Late-stage Spiritual Awakening realm!"
"..."
The crowd almost believed they were witnessing Fang Yuan in his prime.
Exuding self-assurance, his spirit was invigorated!
Yet upon closer inspection, everyone quickly recognized that Fang Yuan's cultivation base remained within the Late-stage Spiritual Awakening realm, inciting a ripple of surprised laughter amongst them.
"He's still in the Late-stage Spiritual Awakening realm!"
"Why the surge in confidence then? My cultivation base is even superior to his."
"Could it be that he has finally reconciled with his predicament? Has he cast aside his previous concern for reputation, choosing to go with the flow, or is he on the brink of self-destruction?"
"It's entirely plausible. Since his cultivation base started to deteriorate, Fang Yuan has been diligently cultivating for two continuous years."
"Two years, who knows how he weathered that? I know I certainly couldn't endure it."
"..."
Everyone speculated, then turned their gazes towards Fang Yuan, tinged with a hint of sympathy.
In their eyes, if Fang Yuan was truly spiraling towards self-destruction, relinquishing all hope, then he had truly fallen...
In regard to the surrounding conversations, Fang Yuan remained indifferent, standing silently in his spot.
The most effective means to expose their misconceptions was to confront them with the stark reality.
Just at that moment.
"Fang Yuan!"
"The grand sect assembly convenes at dawn, yet you choose to make your appearance now?"
A disciple at the Late-stage Mysterious Platform realm spoke with an icy tone.
As these words were pronounced, those nursing grievances and resentments towards Fang Yuan were instantly ignited.
"Fang Yuan, your disregard for the sect's regulations is wholly unacceptable!"
"The Holy Lord, the Supreme Elders, and other elders have all spoken, yet you decide to appear only now. Are you suggesting that none of us here hold any significance to you?"
"..."
One by one, the disciples erupted in righteous indignation, their words lashing out like a torrent, all aimed at branding Fang Yuan with the severe accusation of showing disrespect towards the elders and gross negligence of the sect's rules.
Figures such as Ji Mingxiu, however, remained poised, casting serene glances at Fang Yuan.
Upon noticing this, Fang Yuan's expression briefly wavered but promptly regained its composure.
He was about to raise his hands to show respect to Ji Mingxiu and the others, readying himself to provide an explanation.
But just at that moment.
"Fellow disciples!"
"I trust that our Junior Brother Fang Yuan must have had compelling reasons for his late arrival."
"His tardiness was not intentional. We needn't be overly severe with him, as long as he acknowledges his mistake and ensures it doesn't happen again."
Jiang Chen calmly interjected, following up with a nod in Fang Yuan's direction.
At his words, all attention was instantly drawn to Jiang Chen.
No one anticipated that Jiang Chen, a disciple of the Holy Lord, would actually advocate for Fang Yuan, this fallen genius.
However, since the words were spoken by Jiang Chen, the disciples found themselves unable to lodge any further complaints.
Even prominent figures such as Ji Mingxiu made allowances for Jiang Chen, who was regarded as a future pillar of the sect.
They responded by offering a subtle nod to Fang Yuan, signifying they would not seek to penalize him.
Fang Yuan, however, found himself momentarily taken aback.
His bright, astonished eyes fell upon Jiang Chen.
In the next instant, a subtle crease formed on Fang Yuan's brow.
For some inexplicable reason, his initial impression of Jiang Chen was decidedly unfavorable, sensing an insincerity about him as if he were a malicious villain shrouded behind an opaque facade.
However, given that Jiang Chen had publicly defended him before such a large audience, how could he remain impassive?
"Thank you for your counsel, Senior Brother Jiang Chen!"
"I also express my gratitude to the Holy Lord, Supreme Elders, and Elders, for your understanding."
"Fang Yuan assures you, this will not happen again."
Fang Yuan bowed to Jiang Chen, Ji Mingxiu, and the others as he delivered these words.
[Ding! You have subtly influenced the storyline; the protagonist Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 200 points!]
[Ding! You have accumulated 400 points of Villain Value!]
Two system alerts rang out.
A hint of delight, barely noticeable, flickered in Jiang Chen's eyes.
In his calculation, according to the original storyline, Fang Yuan would undoubtedly find himself ensnared in an uncomfortable dilemma.
The viewpoints of Ji Mingxiu and the others towards him were bound to deteriorate further.
The surrounding disciples would exhibit heightened contempt and disdain for him.
Yet, no tangible punishment was due to be meted out to him.
Following that, he was certain to opt into the Holy Son contest, once more igniting surprise amongst the crowd and amplifying their feelings of scorn for him.
In future sequences, there could be similar layers of strategizing, allowing emotions to progressively escalate.
All this was designed solely for Fang Yuan to seize the spotlight and take a stand!
Perhaps at this grand sect assembly, he would 'regain his cultivation base and amplify his capabilities', making a modest display of defiance.
Then partake in the Holy Son contest, proclaim boastfully, emerge as a dark horse amidst disbelief, and stage a grand performance in the ensuing Holy Son competition!
Therefore, with each twist, layer upon layer of grandstanding, the shock value would persistently build up.
Perceptions of Fang Yuan would undergo a dramatic shift, instantaneously turning skeptics into admirers!
The present circumstances were presumably the onset of Fang Yuan's strategy for grandstanding.
Jiang Chen's tactic was to preemptively speak out, aiming to avert any scornful or derisive opposition from the crowd.
At that juncture, even if Fang Yuan stunningly regained his cultivation base and capabilities, and persistently emerged as the triumphant dark horse, Jiang Chen, who had spoken first, with his perceptive vision, had positioned himself superior to Fang Yuan!
Fang Yuan's recurring comebacks were, to a certain degree, all fueling Jiang Chen's agenda!
Everyone would exclaim, 'Fang Yuan is indeed remarkable, but in truth, Senior Brother Jiang Chen is even more extraordinary'.
Naturally, this was merely a sequence of speculations within Jiang Chen's mind.
In his present predicament, he could only proceed one step at a time, and adapt to situations as they evolved.
At this very instant, Jiang Chen had effectively counteracted one of Fang Yuan's moves, gaining a slight upper hand.
Then, a voice echoed.
"All, dear disciples of the Holy Land."
"Henceforth, Jiang Chen will be my sole disciple."
Ji Mingxiu, disregarding Fang Yuan, commanded, "Bring forth Jiang Chen's disciple robes."
"Understood!"
A short distance away, a female disciple who had been ready for this occasion held a square wooden tray.
On it were distinct robes for disciples. She walked up to Jiang Chen and presented the garments.
"Disciple offers homage to Master!"
Jiang Chen rendered a formal salute to Ji Mingxiu, following the decorum of recognizing a master.
He harbored no internal reservations about this act.
Being a villain who was perpetually under the protagonist's threat and living in ceaseless peril akin to a swirling storm, what was a simple master's salutation?
"Come, let me attire you!"
Ji Mingxiu brandished a contented smile, then lifted the robe from the wooden tray and personally aided Jiang Chen in donning it.
The disciple's robe was predominantly white, adorned with cloud motifs in a purple-gold shade.
It was intricate and opulent, yet devoid of any ostentation, exuding an aura of ultimate nobility.
This robe alone had already surpassed the status of all disciples present, and even some of the elders.
A note from AlphaWIA:
Get early access to (+75) more chapters by joining my Patreon.
It needed to be conceded.
The protagonist, Fang Yuan, was truly outrageously extraordinary!
His innate aptitude was staggeringly powerful, unequivocally belonging to the Perfect Grade category, showing virtually no discernible deviation from the current Jiang Chen.
At this juncture, he had even managed to secure the support of two venerable beings from the Late-stage Void Tribulation realm!
With these two formidable presences lending their assistance, every conceivable limitation on acquired knowledge was rendered utterly irrelevant.
Eventually, they could even impart an impressive array of transcendent cultivation methods, and in a pivotal moment, these two venerable entities could unleash immense battle prowess to aid Fang Yuan in navigating a perilous crisis!
This was absolutely surreal, deeply unsettling!
At this instant, the luminous form that Fang Yuan had morphed into touched down on the ground.
As the glow faded, his upright figure and striking features were unveiled.
His face, which had previously been clouded with despair, had undergone a significant transformation.
Fang Yuan's countenance now bore a self-assured smile.
'This individual!'
Observing him, it seemed as though he had already begun receiving the support of the two distinguished figures and was commencing his ascension.
Jiang Chen's eyes narrowed subtly, an undercurrent of frostiness coursing through them.
Simultaneously.
"What's going on?"
"Fang Yuan has actually replaced his grim expression with a smile?"
"Could it be that his cultivation base has rebounded? No, it remains in the Late-stage Spiritual Awakening realm!"
"..."
The crowd almost believed they were witnessing Fang Yuan in his prime.
Exuding self-assurance, his spirit was invigorated!
Yet upon closer inspection, everyone quickly recognized that Fang Yuan's cultivation base remained within the Late-stage Spiritual Awakening realm, inciting a ripple of surprised laughter amongst them.
"He's still in the Late-stage Spiritual Awakening realm!"
"Why the surge in confidence then? My cultivation base is even superior to his."
"Could it be that he has finally reconciled with his predicament? Has he cast aside his previous concern for reputation, choosing to go with the flow, or is he on the brink of self-destruction?"
"It's entirely plausible. Since his cultivation base started to deteriorate, Fang Yuan has been diligently cultivating for two continuous years."
"Two years, who knows how he weathered that? I know I certainly couldn't endure it."
"..."
Everyone speculated, then turned their gazes towards Fang Yuan, tinged with a hint of sympathy.
In their eyes, if Fang Yuan was truly spiraling towards self-destruction, relinquishing all hope, then he had truly fallen...
In regard to the surrounding conversations, Fang Yuan remained indifferent, standing silently in his spot.
The most effective means to expose their misconceptions was to confront them with the stark reality.
Just at that moment.
"Fang Yuan!"
"The grand sect assembly convenes at dawn, yet you choose to make your appearance now?"
A disciple at the Late-stage Mysterious Platform realm spoke with an icy tone.
As these words were pronounced, those nursing grievances and resentments towards Fang Yuan were instantly ignited.
"Fang Yuan, your disregard for the sect's regulations is wholly unacceptable!"
"The Holy Lord, the Supreme Elders, and other elders have all spoken, yet you decide to appear only now. Are you suggesting that none of us here hold any significance to you?"
"..."
One by one, the disciples erupted in righteous indignation, their words lashing out like a torrent, all aimed at branding Fang Yuan with the severe accusation of showing disrespect towards the elders and gross negligence of the sect's rules.
Figures such as Ji Mingxiu, however, remained poised, casting serene glances at Fang Yuan.
Upon noticing this, Fang Yuan's expression briefly wavered but promptly regained its composure.
He was about to raise his hands to show respect to Ji Mingxiu and the others, readying himself to provide an explanation.
But just at that moment.
"Fellow disciples!"
"I trust that our Junior Brother Fang Yuan must have had compelling reasons for his late arrival."
"His tardiness was not intentional. We needn't be overly severe with him, as long as he acknowledges his mistake and ensures it doesn't happen again."
Jiang Chen calmly interjected, following up with a nod in Fang Yuan's direction.
At his words, all attention was instantly drawn to Jiang Chen.
No one anticipated that Jiang Chen, a disciple of the Holy Lord, would actually advocate for Fang Yuan, this fallen genius.
However, since the words were spoken by Jiang Chen, the disciples found themselves unable to lodge any further complaints.
Even prominent figures such as Ji Mingxiu made allowances for Jiang Chen, who was regarded as a future pillar of the sect.
They responded by offering a subtle nod to Fang Yuan, signifying they would not seek to penalize him.
Fang Yuan, however, found himself momentarily taken aback.
His bright, astonished eyes fell upon Jiang Chen.
In the next instant, a subtle crease formed on Fang Yuan's brow.
For some inexplicable reason, his initial impression of Jiang Chen was decidedly unfavorable, sensing an insincerity about him as if he were a malicious villain shrouded behind an opaque facade.
However, given that Jiang Chen had publicly defended him before such a large audience, how could he remain impassive?
"Thank you for your counsel, Senior Brother Jiang Chen!"
"I also express my gratitude to the Holy Lord, Supreme Elders, and Elders, for your understanding."
"Fang Yuan assures you, this will not happen again."
Fang Yuan bowed to Jiang Chen, Ji Mingxiu, and the others as he delivered these words.
[Ding! You have subtly influenced the storyline; the protagonist Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 200 points!]
[Ding! You have accumulated 400 points of Villain Value!]
Two system alerts rang out.
A hint of delight, barely noticeable, flickered in Jiang Chen's eyes.
In his calculation, according to the original storyline, Fang Yuan would undoubtedly find himself ensnared in an uncomfortable dilemma.
The viewpoints of Ji Mingxiu and the others towards him were bound to deteriorate further.
The surrounding disciples would exhibit heightened contempt and disdain for him.
Yet, no tangible punishment was due to be meted out to him.
Following that, he was certain to opt into the Holy Son contest, once more igniting surprise amongst the crowd and amplifying their feelings of scorn for him.
In future sequences, there could be similar layers of strategizing, allowing emotions to progressively escalate.
All this was designed solely for Fang Yuan to seize the spotlight and take a stand!
Perhaps at this grand sect assembly, he would 'regain his cultivation base and amplify his capabilities', making a modest display of defiance.
Then partake in the Holy Son contest, proclaim boastfully, emerge as a dark horse amidst disbelief, and stage a grand performance in the ensuing Holy Son competition!
Therefore, with each twist, layer upon layer of grandstanding, the shock value would persistently build up.
Perceptions of Fang Yuan would undergo a dramatic shift, instantaneously turning skeptics into admirers!
The present circumstances were presumably the onset of Fang Yuan's strategy for grandstanding.
Jiang Chen's tactic was to preemptively speak out, aiming to avert any scornful or derisive opposition from the crowd.
At that juncture, even if Fang Yuan stunningly regained his cultivation base and capabilities, and persistently emerged as the triumphant dark horse, Jiang Chen, who had spoken first, with his perceptive vision, had positioned himself superior to Fang Yuan!
Fang Yuan's recurring comebacks were, to a certain degree, all fueling Jiang Chen's agenda!
Everyone would exclaim, 'Fang Yuan is indeed remarkable, but in truth, Senior Brother Jiang Chen is even more extraordinary'.
Naturally, this was merely a sequence of speculations within Jiang Chen's mind.
In his present predicament, he could only proceed one step at a time, and adapt to situations as they evolved.
At this very instant, Jiang Chen had effectively counteracted one of Fang Yuan's moves, gaining a slight upper hand.
Then, a voice echoed.
"All, dear disciples of the Holy Land."
"Henceforth, Jiang Chen will be my sole disciple."
Ji Mingxiu, disregarding Fang Yuan, commanded, "Bring forth Jiang Chen's disciple robes."
"Understood!"
A short distance away, a female disciple who had been ready for this occasion held a square wooden tray.
On it were distinct robes for disciples. She walked up to Jiang Chen and presented the garments.
"Disciple offers homage to Master!"
Jiang Chen rendered a formal salute to Ji Mingxiu, following the decorum of recognizing a master.
He harbored no internal reservations about this act.
Being a villain who was perpetually under the protagonist's threat and living in ceaseless peril akin to a swirling storm, what was a simple master's salutation?
"Come, let me attire you!"
Ji Mingxiu brandished a contented smile, then lifted the robe from the wooden tray and personally aided Jiang Chen in donning it.
The disciple's robe was predominantly white, adorned with cloud motifs in a purple-gold shade.
It was intricate and opulent, yet devoid of any ostentation, exuding an aura of ultimate nobility.
This robe alone had already surpassed the status of all disciples present, and even some of the elders.
A note from AlphaWIA:
Get early access to (+75) more chapters by joining my Patreon.
