Simultaneously, Gu Ran thought in surprise, 'It's that mysterious Dao Palace realm great powerhouse! Unexpectedly, she happens to be passing by here!'
'Judging by the direction she's moving in, is she heading toward the source of the last demonic beast tide?' A flurry of thoughts raced through his mind.
At the same time, as Jiang Chen's gaze bore into him, Gu Ran felt his hair stand on end. His heart pounded, overtaken by an instinctual sense of vigilance.
However, a wave expectation also welled up in his heart.
The intervention of the great powerhouse could potentially rescue him from his current peril!
Two entirely disparate emotions plunged Gu Ran's heart into turmoil once more, prompting him to question the accuracy of his intuition.
At this juncture, Jiang Chen had already soared above Black Wood Island.
He didn't utter a single word, his formidable aura pressing down on the entire island, cloaking it in a silence so profound that one could hear a pin drop.
"S-Senior..." Overwhelmed by the pressure, Feng Hongbo tried to speak, intending to smear Gu Ran's reputation first.
But Jiang Chen cut him off as soon as he opened his mouth.
"Do you believe I can't see through your intentions?" Nangong Wan's aloof voice echoed, even colder and more ruthless than before, like a supreme being surveying all realms!
"This junior..." Feng Hongbo quivered, his carefully crafted plan dissolving like smoke in the wind, his mouth trembling, unable to form words.
"The Demon Race is invading," Nangong Wan spoke, aligning with Jiang Chen's thoughts. "Black Wood Island has barely survived a demonic beast tide, and yet you dare betray your own kind?"
"Under ordinary circumstances, this could possibly be overlooked. But with the demons encroaching, it's unforgivable," she declared, her words laced with bone-chilling murderous intent.
Feng Hongbo made a desperate attempt to bring up Gu Ran's conflict with the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect.
However, he was given no chance.
An almost imperceptible sword shadow swiftly pierced his skull, obliterating his soul.
Thud!
Feng Hongbo's body dropped lifelessly to the ground, his eyes still wide open in death, carrying the lingering traces of his resentment.
Despite his chilling demeanor, there was no doubt that he had met his end.
"The culprit has been dealt with. Should there be further transgressions of this nature, the perpetrators shall meet the same fate!" Nangong Wan proclaimed.
After delivering these words, her towering aura shot off into the distance, fading into the vast expanse of the horizon.
On Black Wood Island, everyone remained seemingly enveloped in Nangong Wan's lingering presence, too afraid to make a move!
After about ten breaths, Zhang San materialized not far from Gu Ran, his face adorned with an apologetic expression. "I apologize," he said sincerely. "We were merely following orders."
"If we continue to engage now," he added gravely, "I fear that senior might annihilate us all."
"Indeed," another death warrior chimed in, expressing the same sentiment. "Let's replace hostility with camaraderie."
Gu Ran nodded in agreement, for there was no other viable option.
Could he possibly choose to re-engage in battle?
If he did, even if his cause was justified, he risked becoming the next casualty.
"Alright, everyone disperse!" Zhang San gave a nod, signaling the crowd with a wave of his hand.
At present, he was the most powerful individual on Black Wood Island, the only one at the Inquiring Journey realm.
Coupled with the protective circle of death warriors surrounding him, his words held more sway than those of the Feng Clan.
Almost everyone present was keenly aware of the impending shift on Black Wood Island—the Feng Clan's influence was dwindling.
"Disperse, disperse!" A few cultivators echoed, one by one breaking away from the gathering.
The palpable tension eased noticeably.
"Gu Ran, you should depart as well," Zhang San said, directing his gaze at Gu Ran. "But let me make one thing clear: if the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect comes investigating, we won't shield you." He stated this indifferently before preparing to depart.
"Wait," Gu Ran suddenly intervened.
"What is it?" Wearing a blank expression, Zhang San halted in his tracks.
"Why is it that you and your group always seem to appear near me?" Suspicion flickered in Gu Ran's eyes.
"I find that curious as well. It's been a long time since I've encountered someone with as much misfortune as you," Zhang San responded, casting a wry smile and a slightly sympathetic glance at Gu Ran. He shook his head, pivoted, and pivoted to leave.
"..." Gu Ran's mouth twitched, feeling as if he'd just been slapped in the face.
Far out at sea, Jiang Chen stood atop the water's surface when suddenly, system prompts rang out in his sea of consciousness.
[Ding! You have successfully altered the plot. Protagonist Gu Ran's Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 3000 points!]
[Ding! You have gained 6000 Villain Value points!]
'This time, Gu Ran's Heavenly Fate Value decreased by three thousand points,' he thought, a satisfied smile forming on his lips. 'That's a significant gain!'
'Next, let's see how Gu Ran reacts.' With that thought, he immediately cast his gaze toward the chilling, abyss-like cave on the sea floor and the extensive network of cracks that spread across the seabed.
A cold glint flashed in his eyes.
The concentration of Nether Demon Spiritual Qi was intensifying within the undersea cave and crevices.
It was clear that the Nether Demon Clan had not abandoned their plans to invade the Immortal Martial Continent!
Just then, a message arrived via the transmission jade token.
Jiang Chen's divine sense skimmed over it, his brow furrowing instantly.
The message had been sent by Ji Mingxiu.
The intelligence report stated that both the Pure Frost Domain in the northwest and the Vibrant Blaze Domain in the southeast had suffered invasions by the Demon Race.
The leading powers within these domains were under assault, and their fall seemed only a matter of time.
Following this, the message revealed that preparations for the 'number one prodigy of the Immortal Martial Continent' were complete and could commence at any moment.
'Both domains are teetering on the brink of collapse! It appears the event for the number one prodigy of the Immortal Martial Continent must be expedited.' A contemplative gleam flickered in Jiang Chen's eyes.
Without delay, he employed the transmission jade token to query Ji Mingxiu about his opinion on the optimal timing for the event to begin.
"Three months from now." This was Ji Mingxiu's response.
The tentative venue for the competition of the Immortal Martial Continent's foremost prodigy was set in the Lustrous Yang Domain.
Participants from other domains would have to travel there.
However, the travel time would vary, with the longest journeys potentially taking more than three months.
"Then let's set the competition to begin three months from now," Jiang Chen stroked his chin as he addressed Ji Mingxiu. "Could I bother you, Master, to preside over it?"
"Hahaha! Overseeing the grandest event on the entire continent would be my absolute pleasure. How could that be considered a bother?!" Ji Mingxiu replied, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Rest assured, Jiang Chen, I'll make sure this event is conducted spectacularly!"
"Alright, I trust you, Master!" Jiang Chen responded with a smile, then ended the communication with Ji Mingxiu.
Subsequently, he entered a deep contemplation.
Three months—that was the time frame Ji Mingxiu had decided on.
As Ji Mingxiu rejoined the villain's faction, it was likely that his decision was influenced by Gu Ran's Heavenly Fate Value!
In other words, despite the disruption to Gu Ran's original storyline, he could still reach the Peak-stage Dao Palace realm or even ascend to the Transcendence realm within these three months!
Only by doing so could he surpass Jiang Chen, display his dominance, astound the entire Immortal Martial Continent, and inspire the awe and admiration of countless people.
"This fellow is turning out to be quite the challenge." Jiang Chen murmured, his eyes tightening subtly before making his exit.
Contrary to expectation, he did not return to the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect.
Rather, he opted to hide himself within a portion of the ocean's vast expanse.
Once his divine sense was activated, Jiang Chen initiated his investigation of the supporting characters.
His first scrutiny was directed at Black Wood Island.
On this island, nearly all supporting characters had been diminished to mere passersby, including individuals such as Zhang San.
Yet, amidst this transformation, Feng Liu managed to retain his status as a supporting character!
A Message from AlphaWIA:
By joining the membership, not only do you support the ongoing development of the novel, but you also gain access to read up to Chapter 336.
The first protagonist, armed with a system, takes the stage.
Patreon: [https://bit.ly/3OHBfqz]
Ko-fi: [https://bit.ly/3KJOiH3]
Chapter 249: [https://bit.ly/3Oy8eO0]
Today's releases: 3/3.
Simultaneously, Gu Ran thought in surprise, 'It's that mysterious Dao Palace realm great powerhouse! Unexpectedly, she happens to be passing by here!'
'Judging by the direction she's moving in, is she heading toward the source of the last demonic beast tide?' A flurry of thoughts raced through his mind.
At the same time, as Jiang Chen's gaze bore into him, Gu Ran felt his hair stand on end. His heart pounded, overtaken by an instinctual sense of vigilance.
However, a wave expectation also welled up in his heart.
The intervention of the great powerhouse could potentially rescue him from his current peril!
Two entirely disparate emotions plunged Gu Ran's heart into turmoil once more, prompting him to question the accuracy of his intuition.
At this juncture, Jiang Chen had already soared above Black Wood Island.
He didn't utter a single word, his formidable aura pressing down on the entire island, cloaking it in a silence so profound that one could hear a pin drop.
"S-Senior..." Overwhelmed by the pressure, Feng Hongbo tried to speak, intending to smear Gu Ran's reputation first.
But Jiang Chen cut him off as soon as he opened his mouth.
"Do you believe I can't see through your intentions?" Nangong Wan's aloof voice echoed, even colder and more ruthless than before, like a supreme being surveying all realms!
"This junior..." Feng Hongbo quivered, his carefully crafted plan dissolving like smoke in the wind, his mouth trembling, unable to form words.
"The Demon Race is invading," Nangong Wan spoke, aligning with Jiang Chen's thoughts. "Black Wood Island has barely survived a demonic beast tide, and yet you dare betray your own kind?"
"Under ordinary circumstances, this could possibly be overlooked. But with the demons encroaching, it's unforgivable," she declared, her words laced with bone-chilling murderous intent.
Feng Hongbo made a desperate attempt to bring up Gu Ran's conflict with the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect.
However, he was given no chance.
An almost imperceptible sword shadow swiftly pierced his skull, obliterating his soul.
Thud!
Feng Hongbo's body dropped lifelessly to the ground, his eyes still wide open in death, carrying the lingering traces of his resentment.
Despite his chilling demeanor, there was no doubt that he had met his end.
"The culprit has been dealt with. Should there be further transgressions of this nature, the perpetrators shall meet the same fate!" Nangong Wan proclaimed.
After delivering these words, her towering aura shot off into the distance, fading into the vast expanse of the horizon.
On Black Wood Island, everyone remained seemingly enveloped in Nangong Wan's lingering presence, too afraid to make a move!
After about ten breaths, Zhang San materialized not far from Gu Ran, his face adorned with an apologetic expression. "I apologize," he said sincerely. "We were merely following orders."
"If we continue to engage now," he added gravely, "I fear that senior might annihilate us all."
"Indeed," another death warrior chimed in, expressing the same sentiment. "Let's replace hostility with camaraderie."
Gu Ran nodded in agreement, for there was no other viable option.
Could he possibly choose to re-engage in battle?
If he did, even if his cause was justified, he risked becoming the next casualty.
"Alright, everyone disperse!" Zhang San gave a nod, signaling the crowd with a wave of his hand.
At present, he was the most powerful individual on Black Wood Island, the only one at the Inquiring Journey realm.
Coupled with the protective circle of death warriors surrounding him, his words held more sway than those of the Feng Clan.
Almost everyone present was keenly aware of the impending shift on Black Wood Island—the Feng Clan's influence was dwindling.
"Disperse, disperse!" A few cultivators echoed, one by one breaking away from the gathering.
The palpable tension eased noticeably.
"Gu Ran, you should depart as well," Zhang San said, directing his gaze at Gu Ran. "But let me make one thing clear: if the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect comes investigating, we won't shield you." He stated this indifferently before preparing to depart.
"Wait," Gu Ran suddenly intervened.
"What is it?" Wearing a blank expression, Zhang San halted in his tracks.
"Why is it that you and your group always seem to appear near me?" Suspicion flickered in Gu Ran's eyes.
"I find that curious as well. It's been a long time since I've encountered someone with as much misfortune as you," Zhang San responded, casting a wry smile and a slightly sympathetic glance at Gu Ran. He shook his head, pivoted, and pivoted to leave.
"..." Gu Ran's mouth twitched, feeling as if he'd just been slapped in the face.
Far out at sea, Jiang Chen stood atop the water's surface when suddenly, system prompts rang out in his sea of consciousness.
[Ding! You have successfully altered the plot. Protagonist Gu Ran's Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 3000 points!]
[Ding! You have gained 6000 Villain Value points!]
'This time, Gu Ran's Heavenly Fate Value decreased by three thousand points,' he thought, a satisfied smile forming on his lips. 'That's a significant gain!'
'Next, let's see how Gu Ran reacts.' With that thought, he immediately cast his gaze toward the chilling, abyss-like cave on the sea floor and the extensive network of cracks that spread across the seabed.
A cold glint flashed in his eyes.
The concentration of Nether Demon Spiritual Qi was intensifying within the undersea cave and crevices.
It was clear that the Nether Demon Clan had not abandoned their plans to invade the Immortal Martial Continent!
Just then, a message arrived via the transmission jade token.
Jiang Chen's divine sense skimmed over it, his brow furrowing instantly.
The message had been sent by Ji Mingxiu.
The intelligence report stated that both the Pure Frost Domain in the northwest and the Vibrant Blaze Domain in the southeast had suffered invasions by the Demon Race.
The leading powers within these domains were under assault, and their fall seemed only a matter of time.
Following this, the message revealed that preparations for the 'number one prodigy of the Immortal Martial Continent' were complete and could commence at any moment.
'Both domains are teetering on the brink of collapse! It appears the event for the number one prodigy of the Immortal Martial Continent must be expedited.' A contemplative gleam flickered in Jiang Chen's eyes.
Without delay, he employed the transmission jade token to query Ji Mingxiu about his opinion on the optimal timing for the event to begin.
"Three months from now." This was Ji Mingxiu's response.
The tentative venue for the competition of the Immortal Martial Continent's foremost prodigy was set in the Lustrous Yang Domain.
Participants from other domains would have to travel there.
However, the travel time would vary, with the longest journeys potentially taking more than three months.
"Then let's set the competition to begin three months from now," Jiang Chen stroked his chin as he addressed Ji Mingxiu. "Could I bother you, Master, to preside over it?"
"Hahaha! Overseeing the grandest event on the entire continent would be my absolute pleasure. How could that be considered a bother?!" Ji Mingxiu replied, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Rest assured, Jiang Chen, I'll make sure this event is conducted spectacularly!"
"Alright, I trust you, Master!" Jiang Chen responded with a smile, then ended the communication with Ji Mingxiu.
Subsequently, he entered a deep contemplation.
Three months—that was the time frame Ji Mingxiu had decided on.
As Ji Mingxiu rejoined the villain's faction, it was likely that his decision was influenced by Gu Ran's Heavenly Fate Value!
In other words, despite the disruption to Gu Ran's original storyline, he could still reach the Peak-stage Dao Palace realm or even ascend to the Transcendence realm within these three months!
Only by doing so could he surpass Jiang Chen, display his dominance, astound the entire Immortal Martial Continent, and inspire the awe and admiration of countless people.
"This fellow is turning out to be quite the challenge." Jiang Chen murmured, his eyes tightening subtly before making his exit.
Contrary to expectation, he did not return to the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect.
Rather, he opted to hide himself within a portion of the ocean's vast expanse.
Once his divine sense was activated, Jiang Chen initiated his investigation of the supporting characters.
His first scrutiny was directed at Black Wood Island.
On this island, nearly all supporting characters had been diminished to mere passersby, including individuals such as Zhang San.
Yet, amidst this transformation, Feng Liu managed to retain his status as a supporting character!
A Message from AlphaWIA:
By joining the membership, not only do you support the ongoing development of the novel, but you also gain access to read up to Chapter 336.
The first protagonist, armed with a system, takes the stage.
Patreon: [https://bit.ly/3OHBfqz]
Ko-fi: [https://bit.ly/3KJOiH3]
Chapter 249: [https://bit.ly/3Oy8eO0]
Today's releases: 3/3.
