As it turned out, having a "secretary" present really did make trials easier.
The instant the long-haired man spoke, Hu Xuan chuckled and began her introduction:
"ng Youfang. Bard. Head of that chaotic God Worship Society. Also the current [Ti] Chosen."
'Him!?'
In hindsight, he should have guessed. This man in simple robes who still exuded elegance looked every bit the poet. Though more of a freewheeling ancient poet than a wandering bard — but a poet nonetheless...
Combine that with those eyes that scorned all mortals — wasn't this exactly the image of the delusional God Worshiper who fancied himself "the seventeenth god"?
But what a coincidence.
He was also a lunatic. Also a head chief. Most importantly, also a Chosen — and one who'd only risen because Cheng Shi had taken out the previous Chosen...
'Uh...'
'What is this, a gratitude reunion?'
Cheng Shi blinked at ng Youfang, wondering how to subtly hint that he'd "played a small role" in Lao Deng's demise.
But that was just wishful thinking. Shi Zhen's identity couldn't have even a thread connecting back to him.
With a regretful sigh, Cheng Shi nodded at ng Youfang: "You're also a delightful fellow."
ng Youfang's eyes lit up: "You've heard of ?"
The instant those words left his mouth, every face in the room dropped. Even Hu Xuan's smile froze for a beat. She'd ant to warn Cheng Shi not to casually engage this person, but his mouth was too fast — he'd already responded.
Too late to retract now. She couldn't start a rift with a teammate from the jump — especially a powerful one. So she could only tap Cheng Shi's leg under the table with her toe.
Cheng Shi sensed the mood shift and caught the hint imdiately. 'Watch my words.'
But was this guy really that terrifying? Why did everyone look at him the sa way they looked at Zhen... the Prisoner?
Zhen Yi's level wasn't sothing just anyone could reach. At least no one here had attacked — aning ng Youfang's influence was still a notch below hers.
Cheng Shi suppressed his thoughts and dared say nothing more, forcing a brilliant smile: "A little."
"Oh? Then how do you view my accelerating return to my divine throne?"
"?"
Cheng Shi froze. Seeing the man's dead-serious face, he thought: 'This guy's not just sick — he's terminal. You're not just fantasizing — you've already fully inhabited the role?'
Everyone else responded with snorts or laughs — clearly unconvinced. But Cheng Shi didn't let the words hit the floor. His eyes spun, and he grinned:
"This era could use so change. During my audiences with my lord [Fate], He often tells
the universe ultimately trends toward the fixed.
I could never quite grasp what 'predestined intent' ant — until I heard your story. No — until I t you today, Brother ng. Only then did I realize: true predestination does exist in this world.
But Brother ng — ahem, allow
to address you as 'brother' before you reclaim your throne — I'd suggest that while nothing's decided yet, lying low is the righteous path.
After all, [Fate] and [Ti]'s contest — who can say which side wins? Even if you can see through Their struggle, before you've reclaid your rightful glory, be wary of Them...
I've said too much. I was simply overwheld by your extraordinary fortune and spoke rashly. Please regard it as hot air."
"This is NOT hot air!"
ng Youfang's eyes flashed. He swept his wide sleeves forward and, before Cheng Shi could react, seized his hand like a long-lost kindred spirit, shaking his arm vigorously with absolute conviction:
"I've always said 'I am not alone in my path,' but even I knew it was sowhat self-deceiving.
But today — at last, I am truly not alone!
Cheng Shi — good, very good!
When I return to my throne, I shall—"
"..."
'I said repay , not repay
in your dreams!'
Cheng Shi was numb. What truly shocked him wasn't the depth of this man's conviction — it was ng Youfang's speed. How!?
Even if Cheng Shi didn't have Hero of Today's superhuman reflexes, he wasn't slow either. Yet this man was just a bard — how was his hand speed fast enough to catch him off guard?
"Brother ng, choose your words carefully. True gods don't make promises lightly. I'm not saying this for rewards either.
I'm a blunt person — can't keep things in. Say what I think. All heartfelt words.
As long as Brother ng doesn't take offense, that's already the greatest 'grace' you could bestow."
"..."
"..."
"..."
After this exchange, every player in the room was looking at Cheng Shi differently.
They'd seen simps for gods. But never a simp for a pseudo-god.
The thing was — if ng Youfang were an actual pseudo-god, fine. But he was a "truly pseudo" god. Besides the word "pseudo," he had zero connection to divinity.
His delusion might sell within the God Worship Society or among mid-to-low-tier players. But in a peak match where everyone was sharp as a fox — who'd buy it?
Only fools would.
But ng Youfang believed Cheng Shi!
He thought "Cheng Shi" was a well-chosen na. How honest!
Watching this unfold from behind Cheng Shi, Hu Xuan wavered between laughing and crying. She fought to maintain her composure without rolling her eyes at this farce, thinking:
'Everyone else avoids ng Youfang because this God Worship head will relentlessly debate his identity with anyone who engages. But you — you waltz up and validate him on the spot. Do you have any idea how much trouble acknowledging this madman creates?'
'Calling him a bone-gnawing parasite doesn't do him justice. In a world where everyone assus everyone else is holding back, you've just handed him the one and only "lifeline." The way he'll cling to you afterward — Cheng Shi, can you even handle it?'
Honestly, Cheng Shi wasn't sure he could handle the "noise." But he knew he had to do this.
Because his backup plan required a [Ti] follower's help for cover — and ng Youfang was probably the only [Ti] believer in this trial!
Two teammates remained unintroduced, but Cheng Shi could tell neither had ties to [Ti].
The round-faced chubby youth beside him wore a Grand Tribunal judicial robe, with an [Order]-worshipping badge pinned prominently to his chest. His faith was self-explanatory.
The pale-skinned male teammate made zero effort to hide, radiating [mory]'s aura. He practically wanted everyone to know he followed [mory].
Frankly, this fanatical devotion to [mory] exceeded even the Dragon King's. So Cheng Shi was even more curious about this teammate's identity.
But instead of asking Hu Xuan, he used the opportunity to break free from ng Youfang's grip. Under those approving eyes, he asked:
"And these two are?"
ng Youfang gave them a dismissive glance:
"Fang Yuan. President of the defunct Order Alliance. An Elental Judge who barely qualifies as an [Order] follower."
'Wait!'
'Another president?'
Cheng Shi was stupefied. He glanced back at Hu Xuan, thinking: if he rembered right, she was also a president — of the Nature Alliance...
'What is this, the presidents' match?'
"And the other one? Also a president?"
"No. Just a delusional lunatic."
"..."
Cheng Shi glanced at the pale-skinned teammate, then turned incredulously back to ng Youfang, thinking:
'Bro. How do you say that with a straight face?'
...
Reviews
All reviews (0)