"Heavens!"
"Such might!"
"He's extraordinarily formidable! "
"I must express gratitude for the forewarning given by Senior Brother Jiang Chen. It prevented me from deriding Fang Yuan earlier. Had I done so, I would currently be trapped in such a depth of humiliation that I would desire oblivion."
Shi Junying drew in a ragged breath, casting his gaze toward the stoically serene Jiang Chen, a surge of veneration welling up in his heart.
Simultaneously.
"Fang Yuan truly emerged victorious."
"Senior Brother Jiang Chen's prediction held true!"
"Isn't it self-evident? The precision of Senior Brother Jiang Chen's assessment is uncanny. If he decrees Fang Yuan's victory, then victory will indeed be Fang Yuan's. There is no room for debate."
"Indeed, I concur. Our discussion should not revolve around Fang Yuan, rather it is the astuteness of Senior Brother Jiang Chen's discerning vision that truly deserves praise."
"Hmm, I wholeheartedly endorse your viewpoint."
"..."
The murmuring chatter of countless disciples filled the air.
In the midst of this, Fang Yuan stood in a corner, his face unreadable.
When several disciples sought to engage him in conversation, he brushed them off with a dismissive wave of his hand.
On the flip side.
[Ding! You have successfully manipulated the narrative subtly, averting any chance for the protagonist Fang Yuan to be overly flamboyant or to deride others. Consequently, Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value decreases by 200 points.]
[Ding! Your Villain Value has increased by 400 points!]
These system prompts echoed within Jiang Chen's mind.
Upon hearing this, a satisfied, faint smile played at the corners of Jiang Chen's mouth.
Following this, the second round of the tournament concluded.
A fraction of the disciples were eliminated and were relegated to the ranking contests.
The victorious thirty-two contestants drew lots, creating sixteen pairs of challengers, and the third round of battles commenced.
In line with his conduct during the prior two rounds, Jiang Chen showed due respect to his opponents, bringing the fights to swift conclusions.
On Fang Yuan's front, he dispatched his adversaries with the same effortless grace as before.
This only increased everyone's admiration for Jiang Chen's 'astute judgement'.
Even Ji Mingxiu, in conjunction with the Supreme Elders, found their doubts regarding Jiang Chen's declarations steadily diminishing.
Regarding the two maidens, Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing, their eyes were firmly fixated on Jiang Chen.
Nevertheless, concerning Fang Yuan, Ji Ruxue's gaze merely flicked in his direction to validate Jiang Chen's statements, nothing more.
It was clear that the fruits of Jiang Chen's unwavering dedication over the preceding two months were coming to bear.
Still, right up to the end, Jiang Chen knew the importance of maintaining his vigilance, never allowing it to wane even slightly!
In due course, the third round of battles concluded.
The fourth round kicked off, with sixteen contenders battling it out for the eight quarter-finalist spots.
As anticipated, Jiang Chen emerged victorious!
Fang Yuan also secured a win.
Following this, the fifth round commenced - a battle for the coveted top four spots, effectively the semi-final qualifications.
Once again, Jiang Chen was triumphant, vanquishing his foe in a single move.
Contrarily, Fang Yuan demonstrated a steady approach against stronger opponents.
The strategies he had previously held in reserve proved unexpectedly effective, facilitating a more fluid victory and propelling him into the semi-finals.
Following this, after a brief respite, the semi-finals commenced.
Post the clash, Jiang Chen unequivocally emerged as the victor.
Fang Yuan also triumphed over his adversary, who despite exhausting all of his ace moves, was unable to prevail, thus advancing Fang Yuan to the final round.
His victory served to solidify Jiang Chen's words as an indisputable truth!
This success further deepened the awe everyone held towards Jiang Chen.
Any surprise that Fang Yuan should have attracted was noticeably absent.
While his breakthrough to the finals did bring him some acclaim, it was entirely eclipsed by Jiang Chen's resplendent brilliance.
Their current standing could be aptly depicted as a dim star juxtaposed with the luminous moon, aptly illustrating Fang Yuan and Jiang Chen's respective situations.
At this juncture, the final battle was on the cusp of commencement.
Within the vast expanse of the Holy Land Square, innumerable disciples were engaged in hushed discussions, a hum of conversation permeating the air.
"Fang Yuan truly advanced to the finals."
"Haha, witnessing his unbroken string of victories, I am certain Senior Brother Jiang Chen's words were prophetic!"
"Nevertheless, Fang Yuan's winning streak halts here. There's no conceivable way he can outmatch Senior Brother Jiang Chen."
"Absolutely, Fang Yuan may have been undefeated up until now, but it's blatantly clear to any observer that Senior Brother Jiang Chen is the more formidable contender."
"Could you all quit with the baseless conjectures? The title of the Holy Son has always been rightfully Senior Brother Jiang Chen's. There's no uncertainty in this battle; Fang Yuan is predestined to fall!"
"..."
An anticipatory chatter filled the air amongst the crowd. The verdict had been preemptively passed - Fang Yuan was deemed the inevitable loser.
Under the 'original storyline', this moment would undoubtedly be a pivotal turning point.
Fang Yuan could make all those who dared underestimate him choke on their own words, leaving each of them, including Jiang Chen, red-faced.
At this precise moment, Fang Yuan harbored similar sentiments.
'Me, lose?'
'Heh, clearly, you're all blinded!'
'Just wait until I overthrow Jiang Chen, then we'll see the expressions on your faces!'
A scoff echoed in Fang Yuan's heart as his eyes locked onto Jiang Chen, his thoughts continuing, 'Jiang Chen, you're quite skilled at theatrics, aren't you? After this battle, I'll become an omnipresent shadow looming over you!'
Just then.
"Junior Brother Fang Yuan!"
"Your presence in the finals doesn't disappoint, truly!"
Jiang Chen stood with a hand poised behind his back, a faint smile adorning his features.
"I am here due to Senior Brother's motivation!"
"However..."
Fang Yuan chuckled, respectfully folding his hands in a formal bow, then abruptly shifting the topic, he proclaimed in a resolute and firm voice, "The final is not my destination, my aim is the title of the Holy Son!"
Upon hearing these words, the entire square fell into a profound silence.
Then, much like a tempest suddenly brewing on placid seas, the assembled disciples' murmurs morphed into a wave of collective astonishment!
"What?!"
"Fang Yuan openly declares his aim as the title of the Holy Son!"
"Has he gone mad? He just scraped through to the finals by a whisker, while Senior Brother Jiang Chen has consistently swept victories with a single move. How does he intend to compete with Senior Brother Jiang Chen?"
"Fang Yuan must have let his triumph go to his head. It's regrettable that Senior Brother Jiang Chen placed such esteem and encouragement in him!"
"Fang Yuan is simply indulging in a fantasy!"
"..."
One disciple after another voiced their disbelief, their gaze upon Fang Yuan filled with a mix of scorn, contempt, and revulsion.
It was as if Fang Yuan himself were emitting an obnoxious odor.
On the stage.
"Oh?"
"You wish to vie for the title of the Holy Son?"
"Haha, you possess the credentials, but whether you can attain it hinges on your capabilities."
Jiang Chen's gaze fell on Fang Yuan, whose determination was punctuated by a hint of coldness in his eyes, and a kindly smile blossomed on Jiang Chen's face.
In contrast to Fang Yuan, his demeanor was far more composed and nonchalant.
Simply judging by demeanor alone, it was clear that Fang Yuan was no match for Jiang Chen!
"Don't worry!"
"I'll ensure you understand the gulf that lies between us!"
Fang Yuan asserted confidently, already envisioning his triumphant face after toppling Jiang Chen, coupled with Jiang Chen's expressions of shock, agony, and defeat.
"Haha, that's the spirit!"
"If a man doesn't harbor some recklessness in his youth, he squanders it."
Jiang Chen's laughter echoed, bereft of any irritation.
Just at this moment, the countdown crafted by the formation flickered into view.
Nine, eight, seven...
The Holy Land Square fell into an even deeper hush as the countdown progressed.
Not because they were anticipating an epic showdown.
Rather, almost everyone was anticipating Jiang Chen schooling Fang Yuan, who had been spouting hubris, with a lesson he won't forget.
On the stage, both Jiang Chen and Fang Yuan unsheathed their chosen artifacts – identical long swords!
...Three, two, one!!
The instant the digit 'one' vanished, the battle was set into motion!
"Heavens!"
"Such might!"
"He's extraordinarily formidable! "
"I must express gratitude for the forewarning given by Senior Brother Jiang Chen. It prevented me from deriding Fang Yuan earlier. Had I done so, I would currently be trapped in such a depth of humiliation that I would desire oblivion."
Shi Junying drew in a ragged breath, casting his gaze toward the stoically serene Jiang Chen, a surge of veneration welling up in his heart.
Simultaneously.
"Fang Yuan truly emerged victorious."
"Senior Brother Jiang Chen's prediction held true!"
"Isn't it self-evident? The precision of Senior Brother Jiang Chen's assessment is uncanny. If he decrees Fang Yuan's victory, then victory will indeed be Fang Yuan's. There is no room for debate."
"Indeed, I concur. Our discussion should not revolve around Fang Yuan, rather it is the astuteness of Senior Brother Jiang Chen's discerning vision that truly deserves praise."
"Hmm, I wholeheartedly endorse your viewpoint."
"..."
The murmuring chatter of countless disciples filled the air.
In the midst of this, Fang Yuan stood in a corner, his face unreadable.
When several disciples sought to engage him in conversation, he brushed them off with a dismissive wave of his hand.
On the flip side.
[Ding! You have successfully manipulated the narrative subtly, averting any chance for the protagonist Fang Yuan to be overly flamboyant or to deride others. Consequently, Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value decreases by 200 points.]
[Ding! Your Villain Value has increased by 400 points!]
These system prompts echoed within Jiang Chen's mind.
Upon hearing this, a satisfied, faint smile played at the corners of Jiang Chen's mouth.
Following this, the second round of the tournament concluded.
A fraction of the disciples were eliminated and were relegated to the ranking contests.
The victorious thirty-two contestants drew lots, creating sixteen pairs of challengers, and the third round of battles commenced.
In line with his conduct during the prior two rounds, Jiang Chen showed due respect to his opponents, bringing the fights to swift conclusions.
On Fang Yuan's front, he dispatched his adversaries with the same effortless grace as before.
This only increased everyone's admiration for Jiang Chen's 'astute judgement'.
Even Ji Mingxiu, in conjunction with the Supreme Elders, found their doubts regarding Jiang Chen's declarations steadily diminishing.
Regarding the two maidens, Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing, their eyes were firmly fixated on Jiang Chen.
Nevertheless, concerning Fang Yuan, Ji Ruxue's gaze merely flicked in his direction to validate Jiang Chen's statements, nothing more.
It was clear that the fruits of Jiang Chen's unwavering dedication over the preceding two months were coming to bear.
Still, right up to the end, Jiang Chen knew the importance of maintaining his vigilance, never allowing it to wane even slightly!
In due course, the third round of battles concluded.
The fourth round kicked off, with sixteen contenders battling it out for the eight quarter-finalist spots.
As anticipated, Jiang Chen emerged victorious!
Fang Yuan also secured a win.
Following this, the fifth round commenced - a battle for the coveted top four spots, effectively the semi-final qualifications.
Once again, Jiang Chen was triumphant, vanquishing his foe in a single move.
Contrarily, Fang Yuan demonstrated a steady approach against stronger opponents.
The strategies he had previously held in reserve proved unexpectedly effective, facilitating a more fluid victory and propelling him into the semi-finals.
Following this, after a brief respite, the semi-finals commenced.
Post the clash, Jiang Chen unequivocally emerged as the victor.
Fang Yuan also triumphed over his adversary, who despite exhausting all of his ace moves, was unable to prevail, thus advancing Fang Yuan to the final round.
His victory served to solidify Jiang Chen's words as an indisputable truth!
This success further deepened the awe everyone held towards Jiang Chen.
Any surprise that Fang Yuan should have attracted was noticeably absent.
While his breakthrough to the finals did bring him some acclaim, it was entirely eclipsed by Jiang Chen's resplendent brilliance.
Their current standing could be aptly depicted as a dim star juxtaposed with the luminous moon, aptly illustrating Fang Yuan and Jiang Chen's respective situations.
At this juncture, the final battle was on the cusp of commencement.
Within the vast expanse of the Holy Land Square, innumerable disciples were engaged in hushed discussions, a hum of conversation permeating the air.
"Fang Yuan truly advanced to the finals."
"Haha, witnessing his unbroken string of victories, I am certain Senior Brother Jiang Chen's words were prophetic!"
"Nevertheless, Fang Yuan's winning streak halts here. There's no conceivable way he can outmatch Senior Brother Jiang Chen."
"Absolutely, Fang Yuan may have been undefeated up until now, but it's blatantly clear to any observer that Senior Brother Jiang Chen is the more formidable contender."
"Could you all quit with the baseless conjectures? The title of the Holy Son has always been rightfully Senior Brother Jiang Chen's. There's no uncertainty in this battle; Fang Yuan is predestined to fall!"
"..."
An anticipatory chatter filled the air amongst the crowd. The verdict had been preemptively passed - Fang Yuan was deemed the inevitable loser.
Under the 'original storyline', this moment would undoubtedly be a pivotal turning point.
Fang Yuan could make all those who dared underestimate him choke on their own words, leaving each of them, including Jiang Chen, red-faced.
At this precise moment, Fang Yuan harbored similar sentiments.
'Me, lose?'
'Heh, clearly, you're all blinded!'
'Just wait until I overthrow Jiang Chen, then we'll see the expressions on your faces!'
A scoff echoed in Fang Yuan's heart as his eyes locked onto Jiang Chen, his thoughts continuing, 'Jiang Chen, you're quite skilled at theatrics, aren't you? After this battle, I'll become an omnipresent shadow looming over you!'
Just then.
"Junior Brother Fang Yuan!"
"Your presence in the finals doesn't disappoint, truly!"
Jiang Chen stood with a hand poised behind his back, a faint smile adorning his features.
"I am here due to Senior Brother's motivation!"
"However..."
Fang Yuan chuckled, respectfully folding his hands in a formal bow, then abruptly shifting the topic, he proclaimed in a resolute and firm voice, "The final is not my destination, my aim is the title of the Holy Son!"
Upon hearing these words, the entire square fell into a profound silence.
Then, much like a tempest suddenly brewing on placid seas, the assembled disciples' murmurs morphed into a wave of collective astonishment!
"What?!"
"Fang Yuan openly declares his aim as the title of the Holy Son!"
"Has he gone mad? He just scraped through to the finals by a whisker, while Senior Brother Jiang Chen has consistently swept victories with a single move. How does he intend to compete with Senior Brother Jiang Chen?"
"Fang Yuan must have let his triumph go to his head. It's regrettable that Senior Brother Jiang Chen placed such esteem and encouragement in him!"
"Fang Yuan is simply indulging in a fantasy!"
"..."
One disciple after another voiced their disbelief, their gaze upon Fang Yuan filled with a mix of scorn, contempt, and revulsion.
It was as if Fang Yuan himself were emitting an obnoxious odor.
On the stage.
"Oh?"
"You wish to vie for the title of the Holy Son?"
"Haha, you possess the credentials, but whether you can attain it hinges on your capabilities."
Jiang Chen's gaze fell on Fang Yuan, whose determination was punctuated by a hint of coldness in his eyes, and a kindly smile blossomed on Jiang Chen's face.
In contrast to Fang Yuan, his demeanor was far more composed and nonchalant.
Simply judging by demeanor alone, it was clear that Fang Yuan was no match for Jiang Chen!
"Don't worry!"
"I'll ensure you understand the gulf that lies between us!"
Fang Yuan asserted confidently, already envisioning his triumphant face after toppling Jiang Chen, coupled with Jiang Chen's expressions of shock, agony, and defeat.
"Haha, that's the spirit!"
"If a man doesn't harbor some recklessness in his youth, he squanders it."
Jiang Chen's laughter echoed, bereft of any irritation.
Just at this moment, the countdown crafted by the formation flickered into view.
Nine, eight, seven...
The Holy Land Square fell into an even deeper hush as the countdown progressed.
Not because they were anticipating an epic showdown.
Rather, almost everyone was anticipating Jiang Chen schooling Fang Yuan, who had been spouting hubris, with a lesson he won't forget.
On the stage, both Jiang Chen and Fang Yuan unsheathed their chosen artifacts – identical long swords!
...Three, two, one!!
The instant the digit 'one' vanished, the battle was set into motion!
