Qin Tianlin finally snapped back to his senses. Hearing Wei Zhenghong's words, he subconsciously clenched his fists, his face turning pale and livid.
The virtual screen had not yet extinguished, and the dazzling characters of Su Chen's na were glaringly displayed right before his eyes.
His imdiate instinct was disbelief. Fighting above one's tier was already incredibly difficult, let alone challenging a top-tier figure with an unshakeable foundation like him.
But this challenge system was derived from the Fortune Bronze Core; it had practically never made a mistake.
'Could he really have beaten ? And with a 5th-tier body at that?'
The surrounding crowd also gradually returned to their senses, glancing at each other in dismay.
The shortest ti spent in the Top Ranker position? It seed that was truly the case.
Strictly speaking, this was not ant to be an insulting term.
After all, simply holding that position ant one had already far surpassed ninety-nine percent of the people in the history of the Faction.
But Qin Tianlin was different. He possessed a Divine Dawn talent, and today's events had been planned for a long ti to boost the morale of Qin Yun's faction.
As fate would have it, he was suppressed by Su Chen instead. The blow to Qin Yun's faction was undeniably heavy.
Pairs of eyes fell upon Qin Tianlin, filled with schadenfreude, pity, ridicule, and sneers... various emotions were fully on display.
Even he found it sowhat unbearable. He had originally wanted to maintain his dignity and force a smile, but an inexplicable surge of anger rose within him. Sweeping a dark, gloomy gaze over the crowd, he spun around and strode right back into the challenge room behind him.
Bang! The heavy doors slamd shut.
Was he trying to win back his honor?
Seeing his actions, the crowd imdiately understood his intentions.
"Ha!" Wei Zhenghong couldn't care less. Even if Qin Tianlin won his rank back, he didn't care in the slightest. After all, Su Chen's tier was right there for all to see, and this single disruption was already enough to completely ruin Qin Guang's calculations.
Qin Guang trembled all over. 'This Su Chen deliberately chose to do this at this exact mont. He must have done it on purpose! He definitely did it on purpose!'
The shock on Xiang Zhou's stoic face receded. Taking a deep breath, he shook his head imperceptibly and prepared to leave.
"Old Xiang, aren't you going to wait for the results?" soone called out, seemingly quite familiar with Xiang Zhou.
"There's no need to wait," Xiang Zhou shook his head. "Junior Apprentice Brother Tianlin won't win."
"Are you really that sure?" The person speaking was sowhat surprised.
Under normal circumstances, once a ranking position was taken, it was indeed difficult to get it back in a short ti. However, there were exceptions. For instance, right now, Qin Tianlin was filled with rage and indignation; he might just perform beyond his usual limits.
Xiang Zhou explained, "Junior Apprentice Brother Tianlin's situation is special. Since Star Seed Su broke through his defenses, Tianlin will have to expend an even greater amount of effort to win it back."
As the forr Top Ranker who had just fought against Qin Tianlin, Xiang Zhou's words were naturally credible.
Hearing this, Wei Zhenghong burst into loud laughter. "Haha, I'm afraid we'll have to celebrate big today!"
He had no intention of waiting around for the results and turned to leave.
Outside the Challenge Center, the crowd was noisy, filled with shock and awe as discussions erupted.
Zhou Yunyang muttered to himself, "How bizarre. He was even faster than Qin Tianlin. What exactly is the deal with this Grand Martial Uncle? Even a Star Seed shouldn't be able to achieve sothing like this...
"
Amidst his shock and doubt, he couldn't help but feel a bit smug. Fortunately, he had the foresight back then and hadn't done as Fan Zhao demanded, allowing him to form a good relationship instead.
The deacons of the various halls exchanged glances, with many revealing bleak expressions. Looking at it now, the decline of the Qin Family was inevitable. Qin Tianlin was indeed the future, but Su Chen's future seed far more dazzling.
Listening to the discussions around him, Liao Yunfan's Adam's apple bobbed. His face was filled with trepidation. "Where did this monster co from?"
Ranked ninety-ninth was one thing, but snatching the title of Top Ranker? What kind of joke was that? Qin Tianlin possessed a Divine Dawn talent!
"Holy shit!" Wang Ye slapped his thigh and wailed, "I won't be able to use this Grand Martial Uncle's projection to hone my ntal resilience anymore!"
The surrounding discussions gradually died down as Wei Zhenghong and Shen Yi'an walked out. Wei Zhenghong's voice rang out loudly, "I'm hosting a banquet today! Everyone, head over to my Floating Island. Drink to your heart's content!"
"Alright! Senior Apprentice Brother Wei is so generous!" Cheers erupted from the crowd. Wei Zhenghong left with a hearty laugh, followed by quite a few people. However, so of the older individuals narrowed their eyes and walked straight into the Challenge Center.
They were all in the top hundred of the Holy List. Naturally, they were curious about the strength of this Star Seed Su and wanted to test the waters.
On the Floating Island, inside the challenge room.
Su Chen gasped for breath, looking at the dissipating light and shadows before him while crimson blood dripped from his fingertips.
The mont his ridian Wheel liberation state ended, a wave of dizziness washed over him. He lay flat on his back on the floor, his chest heaving rapidly as his heart pounded.
Intense, piercing pain radiated from every part of his body.
Although he had maintained his injuries in a balanced state when using the Blood Burner class, he inevitably suffered so backlash from the recoil when attacking that vajra later, which worsened his wounds.
'Using various abilities at a high intensity will shorten the duration of the ridian Wheel liberation...' After this battle, Su Chen had a
more comprehensive understanding of his own strength.
Then, a green fla suddenly ignited over his skin. It was exactly the ability of the Enduring Walker, converting a portion of the sustained damage into restorative power that rapidly nourished his body and healed his wounds.
Since the battle had already ended, this ability would not be recorded by the system.
Su Chen let out a long sigh, feeling much more comfortable. Raising his hand, he retrieved recovery potions and a Nutrient Potion from his Storage Space, downing them one after another as he waited for his remaining injuries to heal.
The scenes of the recent battle couldn't help but replay in his mind. 'This Qin Tianlin's reputation definitely isn't just for show. If I lacked either the Weapon Lord or the Revolving Saint profession, I wouldn't have been able to win.'
'If this guy was tossed into the Dust Star Sea, I'm afraid so 7th-tier professionals with weak foundations wouldn't even be able to defeat him.'
There were extrely many factors that influenced a Professional's strength. The main profession was the most critical, with Special Professions serving as supplents.
However, core Faction mbers like them primarily interacted with peers who also had top-tier foundations. As for those with poor foundations, they almost never had the chance to appear before them.
'But this guy seems perfect to take the fall for . All I need to do is exaggerate his strength a bit and tell Black Buddha that he was the one who purified the Mist Embers. Wouldn't that work?'
Thinking of this, Su Chen smiled. He had been pondering over soone to be his scapegoat, and Qin Tianlin was simply the absolute best target.
'Plus, this guy is at the Divine Dawn grade to begin with, which should make it sowhat convincing. On top of that, he is heavily protected, so it would be very difficult for Black Buddha to verify anything.'
The effects of the potions gradually kicked in, nding his minute wounds and bringing a tingling sensation.
Su Chen propped himself up and sat, his eyes flashing. 'But I can't just tell him outright. This Heart of Spiritual Light should be extrely precious. What if he just decides to deny the debt?'
Among the nurous reputations spread about the Evil Gods, "keeping one's promises" was definitely not one of them.
'I need to bait him first. I do know a few details about purifying the Mist Embers, so I'll string him along for a bit.'
Su Chen pondered in his heart, gradually perfecting his plan.
After waiting for a while longer until he felt his body had more or less recovered, he finally stood up and had the challenge room's system call up the Holy List rankings.
His na had already replaced Qin Tianlin's, ranking eleventh, while Qin Tianlin was now right beneath him.
And directly above him was the tenth-ranked 7th-Tier Professional—Zhou Luochen.
The son of Head of Seat Zhou Zhenfeng. Su Chen actually knew of this person, having heard Wei Zhenghong and the others ntion him; he was not to be underestimated either.
He was initially eager to give it a try, but after thinking it over, he suppressed the urge.
'I definitely won't be able to win. When these 7th-tier guys were at the 6th-tier, they were ranked at least in the top twenty or even the top fifteen on the Holy List. They aren't much weaker than Qin Tianlin.'
After advancing to the 7th-tier, they would probably be even more freakish.
Furthermore, the youngest among these guys was already forty years old, nearly twenty years older than him.
In twenty years, who knew how many Special Professions they had added to their repertoire.
'Forget it...' Su Chen didn't have masochistic tendencies. It was better to wait until he reached the 6th-tier before considering it.
He took another careful look at the perks of being ranked eleventh on the Holy List and, sure enough, found the qualification to purchase potion quotas from the Sacred Cauldron Cult.
Su Chen made a comparison. Those in the top fifty rely had the qualification to be supplied, but the quota they received each month was not much.
However, upon reaching the eleventh place, it belonged to a tier where monthly supplies were practically unrestricted; one only needed to submit a request to the logistics departnt.
His Crimson Sun Potions had already been fully depleted, so Su Chen imdiately submitted an application.
Aside from that, what he cared about the most was the number of tis he could use the Fortune Bronze Core.
Reaching the hundredth rank on the Holy List granted a chance to use it, and the higher the rank, the more chances were given.
However, it was only upon reaching the fiftieth rank that a second chance was awarded, and thereafter, an additional chance was granted for every ten ranks advanced.
'Calculating it carefully, I now have five chances to use it.'
Su Chen raised an eyebrow. If he used the essence properly, he could extrely quickly complete five professions.
Not bad at all. He was quite satisfied with this. With so many chances, he didn't need to deliberate over whether to save them for a ti when he needed them more.
While he was mulling things over, his body had also pretty much fully healed. Just as he was preparing to head out, a notification arrived from the challenge system.
He looked at the virtual screen. At the port, Wei Zhenghong and Shen Yi'an were both waiting.
'How is their information so fast?'
He was a bit surprised. Pulling out a new set of clothes from his Storage Space and changing into them, he finally walked out of the challenge room.
The mont he stepped outside, he froze. Just outside his Floating Island, at the port, a long, winding line had ford.
It was created by a convoy of aircraft linked nose-to-tail.
'This many people?' Su Chen couldn't help but be stunned.
As he exited the challenge room, Wei Zhenghong and Shen Yi'an at the port imdiately spotted him.
Both of them had excellent eyesight, so Su Chen couldn't even pretend he wasn't ho. He could only bite the bullet and go out to greet them.
The aircraft stopped one by one. The port was already packed with people, and even more who couldn't squeeze into the dock were simply forced to wait.
Nurous gazes fell upon him—burning, curious, and probing; all sorts of expressions were present.
"Hahahaha!" As soon as he drew near, he heard Wei Zhenghong's boisterous laughter. "Our Sixth Tier Champion has arrived!"
'Old Wei's reaction is way too exaggerated,' Su Chen muttered inwardly.
Shen Yi'an cupped his hands in congratulation. "Congratulations, Grand Martial Uncle, on becoming the Sixth Tier Champion!"
"You're too kind," Su Chen replied. Shen Yi'an had a cool, detached personality and was entirely unlike Old Wei. There was a fair bit of distance between the two of them.
"Old Su, you really gave us a massive surprise!" Wei Zhenghong was beaming with joy, a clear display of his inner excitent. "You didn't see it, but back in the Challenge Center, you should have seen the look on Qin Tianlin's face!"
"The Challenge Center?" Su Chen was a bit surprised. "Logically speaking, shouldn't Venerable Qin Yun's side have their own private challenge rooms?"
"They just wanted to show off and act high and mighty," Wei Zhenghong sneered. "Honestly, you should've gone to the Challenge Center just to get a good look at his face."
"Isn't it the sa no matter where it is?" Su Chen shook his head.
"Look at this!" Wei Zhenghong instantly shouted. "Now this is what you call modest and low-key! What the hell does Qin Tianlin amount to?"
Su Chen was speechless inwardly. Wei Zhenghong truly loathed Qin Yun's faction.
Wei Zhenghong then urged, "Let's go, let's go! A banquet has been specially arranged for you today. We won't return until we're drunk!"
"Not until we're drunk!"
Wei Zhenghong was incredibly enthusiastic. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Su Chen couldn't bear to decline his goodwill, so he could only follow along.
Wei Zhenghong's Floating Island had been deliberately expanded, surrounded entirely by ports designed for easy aircraft docking, allowing it to accommodate an enormous number of people.
Many had already arrived. Seeing Su Chen make his entrance, a chorus of cheers erupted instantly, making the atmosphere extraordinarily lively.
anwhile, at the Bronze Core, Qing Cang arrived at Chu Lingyuan's residence, his expression grim and solemn.
The butlers and servants here all recognized Qing Cang as well.
Not daring to step forward and stop him, they could only watch helplessly as Master Qing barged deep into the estate.
"Chu Lingyuan!" Qing Cang's voice was icy cold as he unceremoniously pushed the door open, but he couldn't help furrowing his brow.
Inside the room, Chu Lingyuan was sitting on the sofa, and directly opposite him was Qin Yun.
Qing Cang's expression soured even further, his voice turning completely devoid of emotion. "You're here too?"
"Junior Apprentice Brother," Qin Yun greeted him with a mild expression, speaking in an ordinary tone.
Qing Cang didn't bother entertaining him. He looked at Chu Lingyuan and interrogated, "Why did you reject my resource allocation request? Honored Master has already issued the order placing in charge of the specific arrangents for the Peak Star Tournant, and everyone in the Faction is required to cooperate."
.
Hearing this, Chu Lingyuan's cheek twitched. He couldn't help but say, "You want to build another satellite city. How am I supposed to approve that?"
A flash of astonishnt couldn't help but cross Qin Yun's eyes as well. 'Build another satellite city?'
"Why can't you approve it? As the hosting venue for the Peak Star Tournant, what's wrong with building a new satellite city?" Qing Cang asked rhetorically.
Chu Lingyuan stood up, frowning. "It's not as if the existing three satellite cities can't be used, not to ntion the previously constructed venues. Why must we build a new one?"
"They can be used, yes, but many of the facilities are already outdated and worn. Moreover, with the increasing population in the satellite cities, it has beco incredibly cramped."
Qing Cang patiently explained, "This ti, the situation is special. We have no idea how many people will be attending, and I'm afraid we won't have the capacity to accommodate them all."
"Furthermore, building a satellite city isn't a waste. With the three satellite cities acting as the Faction's core, the population surge in recent years has already stretched our resources thin."
"The real estate prices up there have risen significantly; surely you must know that? After the Peak Star Tournant concludes, it can also serve as a brand-new residential zone."
Chu Lingyuan could naturally foresee these benefits, yet he remained sowhat resistant. "Building a satellite city... leaving aside the sheer volu of resources that must be mobilized, simply re-calibrating the gravity systems alone will require an imnse amount of effort."
"Indeed, Junior Apprentice Brother," Qin Yun also chid in, advising, "Just following the past conventions will suffice. Why go to such unnecessary lengths?"
It would have been fine if he hadn't spoken, but the mont he opened his mouth, Chu Lingyuan groaned internally.
True to expectations, Qing Cang's icy glare shot over, showing zero politeness. "If you hadn't brought so much trouble upon us, why would the Faction need to flex its muscles like this?"
"Rumors are already spreading rapidly in the outside world, claiming that the Faction's Starfire is about to extinguish and that Honored Master is suffering from poor health. If we act stingy while hosting a Peak Star Tournant, who knows how many open and covert probes it will invite."
"Sigh..." Seeing Qing Cang's intense reaction, Qin Yun rely offered a bitter smile without saying anything more.
"Even if I agree, considering the tiline, we might not even make it in ti," Chu Lingyuan cleared his throat, breaking the sowhat stiff atmosphere.
What Qing Cang said did make so sense. This satellite city could go either way, built or not built; Chu Lingyuan was simply concerned because it would consu far too many resources.
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