At the culmination of his intent, Ji Mingxiu set Jiang Chen and Ji Ruxue free.
The couple's exit from the Main Hall, their fingers interlocked, was greeted with raucous applause from the onlookers, their faces illuminated by expressions of joy and affection.
Ji Ruxue cast a sideways glance at the cheering crowd, then down at her hand, held firmly by Jiang Chen.
"See what you've caused."
She muttered, her cheeks tinged with a subtle blush.
Jiang Chen, an amused grin gracing his face, simply acknowledged her scolding.
After all, it had been his idea to leave the hall in such a conspicuous manner.
Amid the celebrations, the attention of the elders shifted as well.
Mo Yu and the other senior members watched the unfolding scene with tender smiles, their words of congratulations ringing out as Ji Mingxiu reclaimed his seat.
However, Xie Zhen, typically stoic, watched on with underlying concern. His gaze flickered between Jiang Chen and Ji Ruxue, burdened by worry for his granddaughter.
Guided by instinct, he searched for Xie Xiaojing in the private section, steeling himself for the sight of her heartache. Instead, he found her jubilant, which was quite the unexpected sight. His eyebrows rose, then knitted together as he attempted to decipher this unforeseen development.
His contemplation was interrupted when he spotted Jiang Chen and Ji Ruxue approaching Xie Xiaojing. He watched their exchanges and slowly began to comprehend the situation.
...
As the day unfolded and the sky took on the hues of twilight, the rank competition drew to a close.
"Let's return."
Jiang Chen suggested, rising from his seat. His lips curved in a warm smile as he summoned the Purple Orchid Meteor Leaf.
With an unspoken agreement, Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing promptly took their positions on the magical flying artifact.
Jiang Chen channeled his Yuan Power into the Purple Orchid Meteor Leaf, transforming it into a brilliant beam of light that shot towards Ji Ruxue's abode.
It seemed that the trio had reached a silent agreement to continue cohabitation.
Of course, when privacy was needed, Jiang Chen would withdraw to his own quarters.
Meanwhile, within the Healing Halls enclave of the Purple Sky Sacred Land.
In the expansive and majestic main hall, Fang Yuan lay in the best healing chamber, his gaze unfocused.
He had been cleansed of his blood-stains and dressed in a pristine white inner robe.
Fang Yuan's face was as pallid as the robe he wore.
'I was defeated.'
'I was genuinely defeated.'
'Why, why can't I best Jiang Chen...'
'With all my hard work, plus the aid from the two great powerhouses, Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, why am I still the one falling...'
'Is this my destiny!'
'Curse the heavens, why are they taunting me like this!'
Fang Yuan's heart seethed with anguish, despair, a sense of powerlessness, and a tinge of decadence.
Initially, he was at the apex, adored by countless people, only to fall hard into the abyss, his dignity shattered beyond repair.
He thought he could ascend once more to the peak, but was cast down again into the abyss by Jiang Chen, nearly fragmented to pieces.
What broke along with him was his confidence!
Right then.
"Fang Yuan."
"Cheer up!"
The voice of Nangong Wan echoed in Fang Yuan's ears!
Fang Yuan's eyelashes fluttered slightly, and a spark of light returned to his eyes.
However, that light soon dimmed.
What good would cheering up do?
He never surrendered. He trained relentlessly for two years, successfully awakening Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, but in the end, hadn't he still been defeated?
He had lost the Holy Son's position.
He had lost Ji Ruxue, whom he cherished the most.
What he had gained was relentless humiliation and mockery, and the perpetual shadow of Jiang Chen looming over his head.
"Don't let the defeat against Jiang Chen consume you."
"Jiang Chen is stronger than we anticipated. I've seen it this time; his cultivation base alone has reached the Inquiring Journey realm."
"It's understandable for you to lose to him while at the Heavenly Origin realm."
Nangong Wan added, "As long as you bounce back, you will surely surpass Jiang Chen in the future."
"Is that so?"
"Can I truly surpass Jiang Chen?"
"Time after time, he has caught us off guard, time after time, he has bested me. Who's to say, while I am progressing, he isn't advancing even faster!"
"When I reach the Inquiring Journey realm, I have also promised to share half of my cultivation base with you. By then, it would be even less likely for me to catch up to him."
"Furthermore, you both mentioned that he possesses the bloodline of a True Dragon. Now, as the Holy Son, all resources of the Holy Land will be directed towards him."
"..."
Fang Yuan's eyes shone with a flicker of light. Amidst the intense feelings of impotence and self-doubt, a glint of struggle flashed.
Nangong Wan felt somewhat helpless.
To be honest, if it were any other powerhouse in the Void Tribulation realm, they might have already abandoned Fang Yuan.
But it was different for her and Shangguan Ning. Despite being age-old rivals, they both held oaths and promises in high regard.
After all, they had initially made an agreement with Fang Yuan; they weren't the type to renege on their words.
"Tsk tsk!"
"How pathetic!"
"You can't even handle a minor setback. One tumble and you're unable to pick yourself up, pitiful!"
"If you knew about all the trials I've faced in the past, I wonder if you'd be so mortified you'd want to end yourself?"
The voice of Shangguan Ning, filled with derision, interjected, "Listen up, back when I was..."
As Fang Yuan absorbed Shangguan Ning's tale, the struggle within his eyes heightened.
Shangguan Ning's life was marked by a solitary term: tragedy.
She hailed from the Azure Hollow Heavenly Fox Clan, situated within the celestial expanse of the Azure Hollow Immortal Star, born to parents of remarkable cultivation bases and distinguished status.
Yet, her birth transpired amidst the clan's phase of expansion in a different star domain.
Barely gaining an understanding of the world, Shangguan Ning witnessed a dreadful backlash against the Azure Hollow Heavenly Fox Clan.
In the tragic aftermath, her mother met her end. Shangguan Ning, with the assistance of the remaining clan members, managed to conceal herself.
Her status originally surpassed that of Fang Yuan's, yet within a span of days, she faced the brutal loss of her loved ones, endured relentless pursuits, and was thrust into dire situations.
Throughout her nomadic existence, marked by constant evasion and displacement, Shangguan Ning endured untold trials. She was forced to concoct manifold strategies merely to safeguard her survival.
However, upon maturing and returning to the Azure Hollow Immortal Star, driven by the desire for retribution for her mother's death, Shangguan Ning was met with the star's most severe catastrophe.
The Azure Hollow Heavenly Fox Clan was on the verge of annihilation, and her father, too, met his demise in the ensuing battle.
The main culprit behind the Azure Hollow Heavenly Fox Clan's decimation was Nangong Wan.
In her pursuit of revenge, Shangguan Ning ventured into the most daunting alien star domains to forge herself, barely escaping death numerous times.
In comparison, Fang Yuan's defeat in the competition seemed insignificant.
Eventually, Shangguan Ning managed to seize a chance, fighting Nangong Wan to a bitter end. Both perished, leaving only a sliver of Shangguan Ning's soul enshrined within the Soul Embodying Ring.
"I comprehend it now!"
"What's gone is gone, yet, in the future, I must surpass Jiang Chen. I have to safeguard all that is mine!"
Under the guidance and persuasions of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, Fang Yuan steeled himself, refusing to succumb. He once more rallied his courage and resolve.
After all, he was the protagonist.
The impact of the Heavenly Fate Value ensured he did not readily plunge into despair.
Of course, this newfound courage and determination remained somewhat fragile, tinged with a hint of skepticism. It paled in comparison to his mental state prior to the defeat.
The blow that Jiang Chen dealt to him was simply too great!
Should Fang Yuan's future days be smooth sailing, triumphing in consecutive battles, his confidence would undoubtedly be restored swiftly. Moreover, he could convert the defeat inflicted by Jiang Chen into the most potent form of training and tempering, making his willpower indomitable!
Such was the terrifying advantage of being the protagonist.
However, if Fang Yuan encountered constant hurdles and continuous failures, this nascent confidence would crumble even more thoroughly.
If Jiang Chen were just an ordinary villain, oblivious to his predicament, Fang Yuan would surely mount a successful comeback in their next encounter.
Following the counterattack, his Heavenly Fate Value would rebound, paving the way for him to journey towards a more expansive world.
"Excellent!"
"Fang Yuan, we've devised an ideal solution for your foundational dilemma."
"It won't be an extensive process, just a few months to revert you back to your initial state!"
"Nonetheless, we must exercise caution in dealing with this issue, as reckless actions might inadvertently expose our presence."
Nangong Wan appeared quite gratified with Fang Yuan's recovery from the brink of despair.
"Can my foundation truly be restored?"
"That's fantastic! Once I've recuperated from my wounds, I'll seek an opportunity to apply for an external assignment, depart from the Purple Heaven Holy Land, and commence my foundation repair!"
A radiant spark ignited in Fang Yuan's eyes as he softly voiced his thoughts.
"That's a commendable plan."
Shangguan Ning expressed approval, "By vacating the Purple Heaven Holy Land's headquarters, Nangong and I will be able to operate more flexibly."
Nangong Wan also concurred.
Suddenly, the door swung open and a figure walked in.
At once, Shangguan Ning and Nangong Wan fully retracted their auras and divine senses into the Soul Embodying Ring.
"A genius indeed, your recovery is impressively swift!"
The newcomer was an elderly man well-versed in the medical arts.
He surveyed Fang Yuan with a hint of surprise. Previously, Fang Yuan had been enveloped by an aura of utter despair, but now he had regained a significant measure of his vitality.
"Mister Wenren."
Mustering his strength, Fang Yuan pushed himself up to pay respects to the elderly man.
The elder was known as Wenren Kang, a cultivator who had attained profound proficiency in both the medical and alchemical arts within the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
When Fang Yuan's cultivation base had inexplicably dwindled earlier, it was Wenren Kang who had attended to him extensively, leading to the establishment of a familiar and respectful relationship between them.
On this occasion, after supreme elders like Mo Yu had seen to Fang Yuan, they delegated all subsequent matters to Wenren Kang.
"Do not strain yourself."
"Come, let me address your injuries."
Sporting a gentle smile, Wenren Kang produced a collection of pills and elixirs, methodically arranging them on the adjacent table...
...
As moments passed unceasingly, the veil of night lifted, replaced by the nascent glow of dawn.
Rising from his nocturnal cultivation, Jiang Chen swung the door wide open and descended the staircase.
Upon reaching the dining room, he was greeted by the sight of Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing already seated at the table, immersed in an engaging discourse.
It was clear they had been awaiting his arrival.
"Good morning, ladies."
Grinning casually, Jiang Chen took his place at the table, starting his breakfast with gusto.
This was a tableau they had grown quite accustomed to. Having cohabitated for over a month, these informal meals and communal dialogues had evolved into a comforting facet of their daily lives.
Just as they were concluding their meal, Jiang Chen chimed in.
"By the way."
"I intend to pay a visit to Fang Yuan."
"His cultivation foundation suffered damage during the fight, and I'm unsure about the extent of it."
A palpable concern showed in his gaze.
However, a glacial smirk quietly emerged within him.
Although he had successfully won Ji Ruxue over, he was yet to present her with a nuptial ring.
Given Fang Yuan remained oblivious to this fact, bringing Ji Ruxue along for the visit could potentially deepen the blow to Fang Yuan's mental state.
Even if that didn't materialize, there were other matters he wished to discuss with Fang Yuan.
"Why trouble yourself by visiting him."
"All he does is brag and prattle incoherently. He conveniently forgot that it was you who stood by his side when he was disregarded."
"He compromised his own foundation; that's a consequence of his actions, and he received what he deserved."
Xie Xiaojing puckered her lips, grumbling somewhat reluctantly.
"Those are mere trifles."
With a casual smile, Jiang Chen rose to his feet, "Come on, let's proceed together."
"Very well!"
Ji Ruxue agreed, also standing up.
Although Xie Xiaojing harbored some reluctance, she wouldn't contradict Jiang Chen's decision.
Thus, the trio promptly set out, directing their steps towards the Healing Halls cluster within the Holy Land.
At the culmination of his intent, Ji Mingxiu set Jiang Chen and Ji Ruxue free.
The couple's exit from the Main Hall, their fingers interlocked, was greeted with raucous applause from the onlookers, their faces illuminated by expressions of joy and affection.
Ji Ruxue cast a sideways glance at the cheering crowd, then down at her hand, held firmly by Jiang Chen.
"See what you've caused."
She muttered, her cheeks tinged with a subtle blush.
Jiang Chen, an amused grin gracing his face, simply acknowledged her scolding.
After all, it had been his idea to leave the hall in such a conspicuous manner.
Amid the celebrations, the attention of the elders shifted as well.
Mo Yu and the other senior members watched the unfolding scene with tender smiles, their words of congratulations ringing out as Ji Mingxiu reclaimed his seat.
However, Xie Zhen, typically stoic, watched on with underlying concern. His gaze flickered between Jiang Chen and Ji Ruxue, burdened by worry for his granddaughter.
Guided by instinct, he searched for Xie Xiaojing in the private section, steeling himself for the sight of her heartache. Instead, he found her jubilant, which was quite the unexpected sight. His eyebrows rose, then knitted together as he attempted to decipher this unforeseen development.
His contemplation was interrupted when he spotted Jiang Chen and Ji Ruxue approaching Xie Xiaojing. He watched their exchanges and slowly began to comprehend the situation.
...
As the day unfolded and the sky took on the hues of twilight, the rank competition drew to a close.
"Let's return."
Jiang Chen suggested, rising from his seat. His lips curved in a warm smile as he summoned the Purple Orchid Meteor Leaf.
With an unspoken agreement, Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing promptly took their positions on the magical flying artifact.
Jiang Chen channeled his Yuan Power into the Purple Orchid Meteor Leaf, transforming it into a brilliant beam of light that shot towards Ji Ruxue's abode.
It seemed that the trio had reached a silent agreement to continue cohabitation.
Of course, when privacy was needed, Jiang Chen would withdraw to his own quarters.
Meanwhile, within the Healing Halls enclave of the Purple Sky Sacred Land.
In the expansive and majestic main hall, Fang Yuan lay in the best healing chamber, his gaze unfocused.
He had been cleansed of his blood-stains and dressed in a pristine white inner robe.
Fang Yuan's face was as pallid as the robe he wore.
'I was defeated.'
'I was genuinely defeated.'
'Why, why can't I best Jiang Chen...'
'With all my hard work, plus the aid from the two great powerhouses, Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, why am I still the one falling...'
'Is this my destiny!'
'Curse the heavens, why are they taunting me like this!'
Fang Yuan's heart seethed with anguish, despair, a sense of powerlessness, and a tinge of decadence.
Initially, he was at the apex, adored by countless people, only to fall hard into the abyss, his dignity shattered beyond repair.
He thought he could ascend once more to the peak, but was cast down again into the abyss by Jiang Chen, nearly fragmented to pieces.
What broke along with him was his confidence!
Right then.
"Fang Yuan."
"Cheer up!"
The voice of Nangong Wan echoed in Fang Yuan's ears!
Fang Yuan's eyelashes fluttered slightly, and a spark of light returned to his eyes.
However, that light soon dimmed.
What good would cheering up do?
He never surrendered. He trained relentlessly for two years, successfully awakening Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, but in the end, hadn't he still been defeated?
He had lost the Holy Son's position.
He had lost Ji Ruxue, whom he cherished the most.
What he had gained was relentless humiliation and mockery, and the perpetual shadow of Jiang Chen looming over his head.
"Don't let the defeat against Jiang Chen consume you."
"Jiang Chen is stronger than we anticipated. I've seen it this time; his cultivation base alone has reached the Inquiring Journey realm."
"It's understandable for you to lose to him while at the Heavenly Origin realm."
Nangong Wan added, "As long as you bounce back, you will surely surpass Jiang Chen in the future."
"Is that so?"
"Can I truly surpass Jiang Chen?"
"Time after time, he has caught us off guard, time after time, he has bested me. Who's to say, while I am progressing, he isn't advancing even faster!"
"When I reach the Inquiring Journey realm, I have also promised to share half of my cultivation base with you. By then, it would be even less likely for me to catch up to him."
"Furthermore, you both mentioned that he possesses the bloodline of a True Dragon. Now, as the Holy Son, all resources of the Holy Land will be directed towards him."
"..."
Fang Yuan's eyes shone with a flicker of light. Amidst the intense feelings of impotence and self-doubt, a glint of struggle flashed.
Nangong Wan felt somewhat helpless.
To be honest, if it were any other powerhouse in the Void Tribulation realm, they might have already abandoned Fang Yuan.
But it was different for her and Shangguan Ning. Despite being age-old rivals, they both held oaths and promises in high regard.
After all, they had initially made an agreement with Fang Yuan; they weren't the type to renege on their words.
"Tsk tsk!"
"How pathetic!"
"You can't even handle a minor setback. One tumble and you're unable to pick yourself up, pitiful!"
"If you knew about all the trials I've faced in the past, I wonder if you'd be so mortified you'd want to end yourself?"
The voice of Shangguan Ning, filled with derision, interjected, "Listen up, back when I was..."
As Fang Yuan absorbed Shangguan Ning's tale, the struggle within his eyes heightened.
Shangguan Ning's life was marked by a solitary term: tragedy.
She hailed from the Azure Hollow Heavenly Fox Clan, situated within the celestial expanse of the Azure Hollow Immortal Star, born to parents of remarkable cultivation bases and distinguished status.
Yet, her birth transpired amidst the clan's phase of expansion in a different star domain.
Barely gaining an understanding of the world, Shangguan Ning witnessed a dreadful backlash against the Azure Hollow Heavenly Fox Clan.
In the tragic aftermath, her mother met her end. Shangguan Ning, with the assistance of the remaining clan members, managed to conceal herself.
Her status originally surpassed that of Fang Yuan's, yet within a span of days, she faced the brutal loss of her loved ones, endured relentless pursuits, and was thrust into dire situations.
Throughout her nomadic existence, marked by constant evasion and displacement, Shangguan Ning endured untold trials. She was forced to concoct manifold strategies merely to safeguard her survival.
However, upon maturing and returning to the Azure Hollow Immortal Star, driven by the desire for retribution for her mother's death, Shangguan Ning was met with the star's most severe catastrophe.
The Azure Hollow Heavenly Fox Clan was on the verge of annihilation, and her father, too, met his demise in the ensuing battle.
The main culprit behind the Azure Hollow Heavenly Fox Clan's decimation was Nangong Wan.
In her pursuit of revenge, Shangguan Ning ventured into the most daunting alien star domains to forge herself, barely escaping death numerous times.
In comparison, Fang Yuan's defeat in the competition seemed insignificant.
Eventually, Shangguan Ning managed to seize a chance, fighting Nangong Wan to a bitter end. Both perished, leaving only a sliver of Shangguan Ning's soul enshrined within the Soul Embodying Ring.
"I comprehend it now!"
"What's gone is gone, yet, in the future, I must surpass Jiang Chen. I have to safeguard all that is mine!"
Under the guidance and persuasions of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, Fang Yuan steeled himself, refusing to succumb. He once more rallied his courage and resolve.
After all, he was the protagonist.
The impact of the Heavenly Fate Value ensured he did not readily plunge into despair.
Of course, this newfound courage and determination remained somewhat fragile, tinged with a hint of skepticism. It paled in comparison to his mental state prior to the defeat.
The blow that Jiang Chen dealt to him was simply too great!
Should Fang Yuan's future days be smooth sailing, triumphing in consecutive battles, his confidence would undoubtedly be restored swiftly. Moreover, he could convert the defeat inflicted by Jiang Chen into the most potent form of training and tempering, making his willpower indomitable!
Such was the terrifying advantage of being the protagonist.
However, if Fang Yuan encountered constant hurdles and continuous failures, this nascent confidence would crumble even more thoroughly.
If Jiang Chen were just an ordinary villain, oblivious to his predicament, Fang Yuan would surely mount a successful comeback in their next encounter.
Following the counterattack, his Heavenly Fate Value would rebound, paving the way for him to journey towards a more expansive world.
"Excellent!"
"Fang Yuan, we've devised an ideal solution for your foundational dilemma."
"It won't be an extensive process, just a few months to revert you back to your initial state!"
"Nonetheless, we must exercise caution in dealing with this issue, as reckless actions might inadvertently expose our presence."
Nangong Wan appeared quite gratified with Fang Yuan's recovery from the brink of despair.
"Can my foundation truly be restored?"
"That's fantastic! Once I've recuperated from my wounds, I'll seek an opportunity to apply for an external assignment, depart from the Purple Heaven Holy Land, and commence my foundation repair!"
A radiant spark ignited in Fang Yuan's eyes as he softly voiced his thoughts.
"That's a commendable plan."
Shangguan Ning expressed approval, "By vacating the Purple Heaven Holy Land's headquarters, Nangong and I will be able to operate more flexibly."
Nangong Wan also concurred.
Suddenly, the door swung open and a figure walked in.
At once, Shangguan Ning and Nangong Wan fully retracted their auras and divine senses into the Soul Embodying Ring.
"A genius indeed, your recovery is impressively swift!"
The newcomer was an elderly man well-versed in the medical arts.
He surveyed Fang Yuan with a hint of surprise. Previously, Fang Yuan had been enveloped by an aura of utter despair, but now he had regained a significant measure of his vitality.
"Mister Wenren."
Mustering his strength, Fang Yuan pushed himself up to pay respects to the elderly man.
The elder was known as Wenren Kang, a cultivator who had attained profound proficiency in both the medical and alchemical arts within the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
When Fang Yuan's cultivation base had inexplicably dwindled earlier, it was Wenren Kang who had attended to him extensively, leading to the establishment of a familiar and respectful relationship between them.
On this occasion, after supreme elders like Mo Yu had seen to Fang Yuan, they delegated all subsequent matters to Wenren Kang.
"Do not strain yourself."
"Come, let me address your injuries."
Sporting a gentle smile, Wenren Kang produced a collection of pills and elixirs, methodically arranging them on the adjacent table...
...
As moments passed unceasingly, the veil of night lifted, replaced by the nascent glow of dawn.
Rising from his nocturnal cultivation, Jiang Chen swung the door wide open and descended the staircase.
Upon reaching the dining room, he was greeted by the sight of Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing already seated at the table, immersed in an engaging discourse.
It was clear they had been awaiting his arrival.
"Good morning, ladies."
Grinning casually, Jiang Chen took his place at the table, starting his breakfast with gusto.
This was a tableau they had grown quite accustomed to. Having cohabitated for over a month, these informal meals and communal dialogues had evolved into a comforting facet of their daily lives.
Just as they were concluding their meal, Jiang Chen chimed in.
"By the way."
"I intend to pay a visit to Fang Yuan."
"His cultivation foundation suffered damage during the fight, and I'm unsure about the extent of it."
A palpable concern showed in his gaze.
However, a glacial smirk quietly emerged within him.
Although he had successfully won Ji Ruxue over, he was yet to present her with a nuptial ring.
Given Fang Yuan remained oblivious to this fact, bringing Ji Ruxue along for the visit could potentially deepen the blow to Fang Yuan's mental state.
Even if that didn't materialize, there were other matters he wished to discuss with Fang Yuan.
"Why trouble yourself by visiting him."
"All he does is brag and prattle incoherently. He conveniently forgot that it was you who stood by his side when he was disregarded."
"He compromised his own foundation; that's a consequence of his actions, and he received what he deserved."
Xie Xiaojing puckered her lips, grumbling somewhat reluctantly.
"Those are mere trifles."
With a casual smile, Jiang Chen rose to his feet, "Come on, let's proceed together."
"Very well!"
Ji Ruxue agreed, also standing up.
Although Xie Xiaojing harbored some reluctance, she wouldn't contradict Jiang Chen's decision.
Thus, the trio promptly set out, directing their steps towards the Healing Halls cluster within the Holy Land.
