Yet at this juncture!
"Halt."
"The comprehension of Jiang Chen seems slightly flawed."
"Fang Yuan, it appears you haven't wholly mastered this incantation..."
Nangong Wan's voice echoed in the underground space.
In an instant, Fang Yuan's heart plummeted, understanding that the situation was turning adverse!
He even discerned a trace of skepticism in Nangong Wan's tone.
In that split second.
"Hm?"
"Have I misconstrued?"
Embarrassment flashed across Jiang Chen's face, which quickly morphed into a smile as he regarded Fang Yuan, "However, it seems I wasn't the only one to err. Junior Brother Fang Yuan duplicated my exact mistake. What an intriguing coincidence."
Upon hearing these words, Fang Yuan was so taken aback he nearly spit blood!
Was Jiang Chen subtly ridiculing him for feigning comprehension, unable to even discern his own errors, and mindlessly agreeing?
Fang Yuan abruptly came to the understanding that he had been ensnared in Jiang Chen's cunning trap!
"No, no, no."
"This isn't mere coincidence."
Fang Yuan contradicted, shaking his head, "Rather, it's more likely that those queries are exceptionally challenging and potentially misleading."
As his words hung in the air, Nangong Wan, who was poised to interject, held her tongue.
Among the 'errors' Jiang Chen committed, one of them was remarkably straightforward.
It was a trap within a trap, artfully contrived by Jiang Chen!
Fang Yuan's response inadvertently confirmed that he was indeed feigning understanding!
Right at that juncture.
"Fang Yuan."
"Cultivation demands sincerity and a pursuit of truth."
Shangguan Ning's somewhat cool voice resonated.
Her demeanor was less tender compared to Nangong Wan's, and her words unequivocally suggested that Fang Yuan's pretense had been laid bare.
Fang Yuan was no fool.
He instantaneously grasped the implication behind Shangguan Ning's words and nearly coughed up a mouthful of stale blood.
He hadn't foreseen this.
He'd deftly sidestepped Jiang Chen's trap, yet still managed to profoundly embarrass himself.
'Cursed Jiang Chen!'
'He must have laid this snare for me!!'
Fang Yuan's mind erupted into frantic turmoil, yet he was powerless.
He could only bottle up his fury and frustration, without an outlet to express it!
[Ding! You have successfully diminished the unpursued Heroine Nangong Wan's impression of the protagonist. Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value is reduced by 300 points!]
[Ding! You have successfully diminished the unpursued Heroine Shangguan Ning's impression of the protagonist. Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value is reduced by 300 points!]
[Ding! You have successfully inflicted minor damage to the protagonist's mental state. Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value is reduced by 300 points!]
[Ding! You've accrued 1800 points of Villain Value!]
A flurry of system notifications resonated.
A gale of laughter erupted in Jiang Chen's mind.
Simultaneously, he assumed a shocked expression as he regarded Fang Yuan, revealing a sliver of doubt.
It was as if he was communicating: Senior Shangguan Ning spoke in such a way, suggesting that you, lad, lack a grounded attitude and were merely pretending to understand?
'Feigning, still feigning!!'
Fang Yuan's mind thundered with hysteria, though he didn't truly discern if Jiang Chen was genuinely acting.
But he never refrained from attributing the most malicious intentions to Jiang Chen, so he actually surmised correctly.
Regrettably, correct speculation was futile, as he couldn't substantiate it.
At this juncture, Jiang Chen once again took the floor, stating, "Please elucidate, Senior Nangong Wan!"
Enlighten, naturally, pertained to identifying the inaccuracies in the thirteenth mantra.
"Mm-hmm."
"Listen attentively, everyone."
"The initial error in Jiang Chen's interpretation is..."
As Nangong Wan's voice resounded, Jiang Chen mirrored an expression of sudden comprehension.
Contrarily, Fang Yuan only gleaned a fragmentary understanding.
He observed Jiang Chen steadily decipher the meaning, while an escalating sense of worry and disarray consumed his heart.
How could one fathom a cultivation method while engulfed in trepidation?
In his heightened state of anxiety, grasping the true essence of the mantra became increasingly challenging!
Originally, he had schemed to outperform Jiang Chen, suppress him, and completely reverse the situation, taking charge to rescue Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing.
With his current mental state, that was simply unattainable!
Time inexorably slipped by.
In a flash, an entire day and night had passed.
At a precise moment!
"I've finally mastered it!"
Jiang Chen abruptly rose from his meditative pose, his face alight with elation as he declared his breakthrough.
The reason for such an extended duration was that the complexity of the later mantras escalated dramatically!
During this period, even though Jiang Chen had the ability to decipher them independently, he persistently sought clarifications from Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
This not only enabled Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning to gauge his cultivation progress clearly but also, to a certain extent, concealed his true capacities.
As a hapless villain, exercising restraint had almost become an instinct for Jiang Chen.
Moreover, throughout this day and night, Fang Yuan helplessly observed Jiang Chen alternating between posing inquiries and deciphering answers, while he himself couldn't even formulate specific questions.
His self-assurance was repeatedly shattered.
He was aware that Jiang Chen possessed an exceptional talent in cultivation, but he hadn't anticipated it to be this profound.
Fang Yuan couldn't even begin to compare, feeling hopelessly inadequate.
In that instant when Jiang Chen declared his successful cultivation, Fang Yuan started questioning his own life choices!
'Why?'
'Why is his cultivation talent so superior!?'
'No, I am the foremost prodigy of the Purple Heaven Holy Land. I am the prodigy that the three major holy land-level powers vied to enlist!'
Fang Yuan bellowed internally, but he kept his head bowed, afraid to let others perceive the torment in his eyes.
Meanwhile.
"Have you genuinely mastered it!?"
Shangguan Ning voiced her astonishment. "Jiang Chen, elucidate it from start to finish once more, let's see if there are any discrepancies!"
Mastering it within a mere day and night, in the eyes of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, was already an unprecedented feat.
"Indeed!"
Jiang Chen affirmed with a nod, commencing his solemn explanation of the secret art.
The deeper Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning delved into his explanation, the more their amazement swelled.
Jiang Chen's explanations were entirely accurate, devoid of a single error!
Next, Nangong Wan urged Jiang Chen to demonstrate it once more, and yet again, there were no glitches!
Abruptly, both women regarded Jiang Chen with even deeper admiration for his talent, and an impulse to cherish his abilities bloomed in their hearts.
At that instant.
"I extend my gratitude for both your guidance!"
"We can't afford any further delay. I must now go and rescue Junior Sisters Ruxue and Xiaojing!"
Jiang Chen rose, offered his hands in gratitude towards Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, then he turned his attention to Fang Yuan. "Junior Brother Fang Yuan, rest assured, I am committed to rescuing Ruxue and Xiaojing and will ensure their safety."
Hearing these words, a wave of discomfort swelled in Fang Yuan's heart.
Had he not forcefully restrained himself, he would have been quivering from head to toe!
Observing Jiang Chen's retreating figure, Fang Yuan's heart was seething with bitterness and defiance!
Simultaneously, after Jiang Chen departed from Fang Yuan's cave mansion, a system alert abruptly echoed.
[Ding! You have successfully altered the narrative. Protagonist Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value has reduced by 2000 points!]
[Ding! You have accrued 4000 points of Villain Value!]
A note from AlphaWIA:
Get early access to (+75) more chapters by joining my Patreon.
Can't join Patreon? No worries! Help spread the word about my work instead. Every share makes a big difference. Thanks for your support!
Yet at this juncture!
"Halt."
"The comprehension of Jiang Chen seems slightly flawed."
"Fang Yuan, it appears you haven't wholly mastered this incantation..."
Nangong Wan's voice echoed in the underground space.
In an instant, Fang Yuan's heart plummeted, understanding that the situation was turning adverse!
He even discerned a trace of skepticism in Nangong Wan's tone.
In that split second.
"Hm?"
"Have I misconstrued?"
Embarrassment flashed across Jiang Chen's face, which quickly morphed into a smile as he regarded Fang Yuan, "However, it seems I wasn't the only one to err. Junior Brother Fang Yuan duplicated my exact mistake. What an intriguing coincidence."
Upon hearing these words, Fang Yuan was so taken aback he nearly spit blood!
Was Jiang Chen subtly ridiculing him for feigning comprehension, unable to even discern his own errors, and mindlessly agreeing?
Fang Yuan abruptly came to the understanding that he had been ensnared in Jiang Chen's cunning trap!
"No, no, no."
"This isn't mere coincidence."
Fang Yuan contradicted, shaking his head, "Rather, it's more likely that those queries are exceptionally challenging and potentially misleading."
As his words hung in the air, Nangong Wan, who was poised to interject, held her tongue.
Among the 'errors' Jiang Chen committed, one of them was remarkably straightforward.
It was a trap within a trap, artfully contrived by Jiang Chen!
Fang Yuan's response inadvertently confirmed that he was indeed feigning understanding!
Right at that juncture.
"Fang Yuan."
"Cultivation demands sincerity and a pursuit of truth."
Shangguan Ning's somewhat cool voice resonated.
Her demeanor was less tender compared to Nangong Wan's, and her words unequivocally suggested that Fang Yuan's pretense had been laid bare.
Fang Yuan was no fool.
He instantaneously grasped the implication behind Shangguan Ning's words and nearly coughed up a mouthful of stale blood.
He hadn't foreseen this.
He'd deftly sidestepped Jiang Chen's trap, yet still managed to profoundly embarrass himself.
'Cursed Jiang Chen!'
'He must have laid this snare for me!!'
Fang Yuan's mind erupted into frantic turmoil, yet he was powerless.
He could only bottle up his fury and frustration, without an outlet to express it!
[Ding! You have successfully diminished the unpursued Heroine Nangong Wan's impression of the protagonist. Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value is reduced by 300 points!]
[Ding! You have successfully diminished the unpursued Heroine Shangguan Ning's impression of the protagonist. Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value is reduced by 300 points!]
[Ding! You have successfully inflicted minor damage to the protagonist's mental state. Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value is reduced by 300 points!]
[Ding! You've accrued 1800 points of Villain Value!]
A flurry of system notifications resonated.
A gale of laughter erupted in Jiang Chen's mind.
Simultaneously, he assumed a shocked expression as he regarded Fang Yuan, revealing a sliver of doubt.
It was as if he was communicating: Senior Shangguan Ning spoke in such a way, suggesting that you, lad, lack a grounded attitude and were merely pretending to understand?
'Feigning, still feigning!!'
Fang Yuan's mind thundered with hysteria, though he didn't truly discern if Jiang Chen was genuinely acting.
But he never refrained from attributing the most malicious intentions to Jiang Chen, so he actually surmised correctly.
Regrettably, correct speculation was futile, as he couldn't substantiate it.
At this juncture, Jiang Chen once again took the floor, stating, "Please elucidate, Senior Nangong Wan!"
Enlighten, naturally, pertained to identifying the inaccuracies in the thirteenth mantra.
"Mm-hmm."
"Listen attentively, everyone."
"The initial error in Jiang Chen's interpretation is..."
As Nangong Wan's voice resounded, Jiang Chen mirrored an expression of sudden comprehension.
Contrarily, Fang Yuan only gleaned a fragmentary understanding.
He observed Jiang Chen steadily decipher the meaning, while an escalating sense of worry and disarray consumed his heart.
How could one fathom a cultivation method while engulfed in trepidation?
In his heightened state of anxiety, grasping the true essence of the mantra became increasingly challenging!
Originally, he had schemed to outperform Jiang Chen, suppress him, and completely reverse the situation, taking charge to rescue Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing.
With his current mental state, that was simply unattainable!
Time inexorably slipped by.
In a flash, an entire day and night had passed.
At a precise moment!
"I've finally mastered it!"
Jiang Chen abruptly rose from his meditative pose, his face alight with elation as he declared his breakthrough.
The reason for such an extended duration was that the complexity of the later mantras escalated dramatically!
During this period, even though Jiang Chen had the ability to decipher them independently, he persistently sought clarifications from Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
This not only enabled Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning to gauge his cultivation progress clearly but also, to a certain extent, concealed his true capacities.
As a hapless villain, exercising restraint had almost become an instinct for Jiang Chen.
Moreover, throughout this day and night, Fang Yuan helplessly observed Jiang Chen alternating between posing inquiries and deciphering answers, while he himself couldn't even formulate specific questions.
His self-assurance was repeatedly shattered.
He was aware that Jiang Chen possessed an exceptional talent in cultivation, but he hadn't anticipated it to be this profound.
Fang Yuan couldn't even begin to compare, feeling hopelessly inadequate.
In that instant when Jiang Chen declared his successful cultivation, Fang Yuan started questioning his own life choices!
'Why?'
'Why is his cultivation talent so superior!?'
'No, I am the foremost prodigy of the Purple Heaven Holy Land. I am the prodigy that the three major holy land-level powers vied to enlist!'
Fang Yuan bellowed internally, but he kept his head bowed, afraid to let others perceive the torment in his eyes.
Meanwhile.
"Have you genuinely mastered it!?"
Shangguan Ning voiced her astonishment. "Jiang Chen, elucidate it from start to finish once more, let's see if there are any discrepancies!"
Mastering it within a mere day and night, in the eyes of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, was already an unprecedented feat.
"Indeed!"
Jiang Chen affirmed with a nod, commencing his solemn explanation of the secret art.
The deeper Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning delved into his explanation, the more their amazement swelled.
Jiang Chen's explanations were entirely accurate, devoid of a single error!
Next, Nangong Wan urged Jiang Chen to demonstrate it once more, and yet again, there were no glitches!
Abruptly, both women regarded Jiang Chen with even deeper admiration for his talent, and an impulse to cherish his abilities bloomed in their hearts.
At that instant.
"I extend my gratitude for both your guidance!"
"We can't afford any further delay. I must now go and rescue Junior Sisters Ruxue and Xiaojing!"
Jiang Chen rose, offered his hands in gratitude towards Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, then he turned his attention to Fang Yuan. "Junior Brother Fang Yuan, rest assured, I am committed to rescuing Ruxue and Xiaojing and will ensure their safety."
Hearing these words, a wave of discomfort swelled in Fang Yuan's heart.
Had he not forcefully restrained himself, he would have been quivering from head to toe!
Observing Jiang Chen's retreating figure, Fang Yuan's heart was seething with bitterness and defiance!
Simultaneously, after Jiang Chen departed from Fang Yuan's cave mansion, a system alert abruptly echoed.
[Ding! You have successfully altered the narrative. Protagonist Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value has reduced by 2000 points!]
[Ding! You have accrued 4000 points of Villain Value!]
A note from AlphaWIA:
Get early access to (+75) more chapters by joining my Patreon.
Can't join Patreon? No worries! Help spread the word about my work instead. Every share makes a big difference. Thanks for your support!
