novelE2F Chapter 173: The Unanticipated Bye Round
Chapter 173: The Unanticipated Bye Round
Next, Jiang Chen shifted his attention to the information panels for Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
[Name: Nangong Wan
Realm: Early-stage Spiritual Awakening (Peak-stage Void Tribulation)
Status: Heroine (unpursued)
Fate Value: 16368]
The panel for Shangguan Ning read:
[Name: Shangguan Ning
Realm: Early-stage Spiritual Awakening (Peak-stage Void Tribulation)
Status: Heroine (unpursued)
Fate Value: 15996]
’They have ascended an entire realm!’ Jiang Chen reflected internally. ’Yet, they remain in a soul remnant state and cannot provide significant support to Fang Yuan in battle.’
At that moment, several people approached to greet him, seeking to gain his favor.
Jiang Chen did not mind this at all.
As the antagonist, he understood the importance of building a broad network of allies while minimizing his enemies to enhance his chances of survival.
Although the impact of such interactions was not profound, it was not negligible either.
Considering individuals like Rong Liancai, it was clear that they were useful.
When Fang Yuan eventually fell from power, these connections and supporters could very well be the final push needed to topple him!
Time passed steadily.
Soon, a brilliant beam of light burst forth from a nearby area, landing on the platform in front of the Purple Heaven Grand Hall. This radiant display marked the arrival of Ji Mingxiu and the other senior members of the sect.
"Greetings, Holy Lord!"
"Greetings, Supreme Elders and all the Elders!"
All the disciples bowed respectfully to Ji Mingxiu and his entourage. Jiang Chen was no exception, displaying particularly meticulous manners.
Fang Yuan, however, greeted them with a casual nod.
After all, he was an extraordinary talent, allied with two former Peak-stage Void Tribulation realm powerhouses.
To him, the Dao Palace realm was merely a step along his destined path.
"Please, all of you rise," Ji Mingxiu said, his face breaking into a gratified smile. He then adopted a more serious tone, "The contest for the position of Holy Son is a venerable tradition that the Purple Heaven Holy Land has upheld for countless years. It holds great importance in maintaining and strengthening our sect’s legacy."
"Today, here in the Purple Heaven Holy Land, we reconvene the contest for the Holy Son’s position. The victor will be recognized as this generation’s Holy Son and will be groomed to become the future Holy Lord!" After delivering these words, Ji Mingxiu paused and then gestured to an Elder standing nearby.
The designated Elder nodded respectfully and quickly stepped forward. His voice, amplified by Origin Power, rang out, "Now, let’s commence the draw! All participating disciples, please select your opponents!"
He then made a sweeping gesture, releasing a large number of luminescent orbs into the air. These orbs, which cannot be penetrated by divine sense, numbered over a hundred and corresponded to each of the participating disciples.
Jiang Chen was quick to respond, stepping forward and extending his hand to randomly select one of the floating orbs, drawing it smoothly into his possession.
"Fang Yuan is granted a bye round?!"
"Impossible...impossible...what fortune is this! He actually received a bye round!"
"Incredible, what an advantageous position, securing a match victory without needing to engage in combat."
"Ha, relying on luck for a bye round, where does the skill lie in that!"
"You’re absolutely right," someone echoed, as murmurs of both envy and skepticism rippled through the audience.
If it had been anyone else receiving a bye round, people would have just noted their good luck and moved on.
However, Fang Yuan was not just anyone; his bye round garnered much more attention and sparked heated debates.
Previously, Jiang Chen had publicly shown support for Fang Yuan, and with Rong Liangcai and others working behind the scenes, this influenced a shift in perspective among many who had initially been skeptical of Fang Yuan.
Despite these changes, there remained a few relentless critics who continued to oppose Fang Yuan. These critics unknowingly set themselves up as targets for Fang Yuan’s retaliation.
’Oh, this is bad! We cannot let Fang Yuan flaunt his victory and mock those who doubted him. If he is to win, it must be a quiet victory.’ These thoughts raced through Jiang Chen’s mind before he suddenly burst out laughing. "Hahaha."
His influence was undeniably powerful at this point.
With that laugh, not only did the disciples of the Purple Heaven Holy Land turn their heads, but even notable figures like Ji Mingxiu shifted their attention towards him.
As expected, Fang Yuan’s gaze also settled on Jiang Chen.
Although unsure of what Jiang Chen was about to declare, a troubling premonition began to take root in Fang Yuan’s mind.
A wave of discomfort surged within him, sensing that whatever was coming might not bode well for him.
Feeling satisfied with the attention he had successfully captured, Jiang Chen flashed a friendly smile and said, "I wouldn’t have guessed you’d receive a bye round, Junior Brother Fang Yuan. Your luck is truly terrible, after all, you’ve just lost a legitimate victory!"
This statement instantly changed the expressions of those who had been quietly mocking Fang Yuan!
Undoubtedly, receiving a bye round was generally considered good fortune.
However, Jiang Chen cleverly spun it as a misfortune for Fang Yuan!
He subtly suggested that Fang Yuan had missed out on a surefire victory, effectively highlighting his confidence in Fang Yuan’s ability to win a series of battles!
With Jiang Chen’s clever framing, those who had been silently mocking Fang Yuan found themselves at a loss for words.
Moreover, Jiang Chen’s comments effectively preempted any shame Fang Yuan might have wished to inflict upon his detractors. If Fang Yuan later displayed an impressive performance, it would now seem less like a personal triumph against his critics and more like the fulfillment of expectations set by Jiang Chen.
This twist left Fang Yuan with a complex mix of feelings, stirring discomfort within him. Despite this inner turmoil, he knew he had to maintain a composed exterior.
After all, the eyes of the entire Holy Land were upon him, watching his every reaction and anticipating his next move.
"Senior Brother Jiang Chen, your generosity is unparalleled!" Fang Yuan replied, clasping his hands together and managing to maintain a smile on his face.
"What is this about unparalleled generosity?" Jiang Chen responded, bursting into laughter, his demeanor that of a senior caring for his junior. "I’ll eagerly await your presence in the finals!"
The crowd was stunned by this proclamation. An unprecedented hush fell over the main square of the Holy Land, so silent that even the faintest whisper could be heard!
Everyone had expected Fang Yuan to achieve a commendable ranking.
But Jiang Chen’s bold declaration that Fang Yuan would advance to the finals was astonishing!
"Surely you all don’t doubt my words!" Jiang Chen challenged, sweeping his gaze over the crowd with a subtle smile playing on his lips. "If I say Fang Yuan can ascend to the finals, then he is certainly destined for the finals!" His voice echoed through the square, filled with unwavering certainty.