https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-210-Astonishment-at-Lake-Center-Stage/12989139/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-212-I-Really-Want-to-See-If-I-Have-Truly-Metamorphosed/12989141/
Chapter 211: Su Chen's True Strength Revealed
Chapter 211: Su Chen's True Strength Revealed
The Second Prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty, seated in the central position, finally understood the words of his father.
Under any circumstances, the outcome of the competition will be based on the results of the negotiations.
At that time, he didn't know what "under any circumstances" would entail.
Now, the reaction of the Yunyang Sect is even more intense than he imagined.
This is a blatant attempt to pressure the Imperial Family.
But He Chao never expected that the Imperial Family had already anticipated this.
The Great Zhou Imperial Family agreed to Senior Zhenren Shangxuan's proposal, specifically targeting the Yunyang Sect.
In recent years, the Yunyang Sect has been rapidly rising.
As the top sect in the Great Zhou, their reputation continues to grow.
In the past two years, they quickly advanced the frontlines and earned the title "Yunyang's Hundred-Li Demon-Free Zone."
The Yunyang Sect has attracted a large portion of the Great Zhou's potential disciples.
The Imperial Family, of course, does not wish for this to continue.
The imbalance of power within the dynasty is what the Imperial Family fears the most.
This year, with a rare opportunity, the Imperial Family will not compromise easily.
Regardless of Tiangang City's schemes, the Imperial Family will support them this year.
At the very least, they aim to handle the recruitment of new disciples this year.
Taking a step back, even if power balance is not a concern, they still don't want the Yunyang Sect to continue attracting so many elite disciples.
The Great Zhou is not limited to the eastern wilderness.
Other regions face similar crises along their borders.
If all the outstanding disciples are recruited by the Yunyang Sect, what will happen to the borders in other regions? By suppressing the Yunyang Sect under the current circumstances, the Imperial Family cannot refuse.
"Today's assembly has a set agenda, and if you wish to challenge or spar, you may do so after the assembly on your own initiative."
The Yunyang Sect would never believe the Second Prince's words.
After the assembly, Tiangang City will undoubtedly leave without looking back, so how can they initiate a challenge? Moreover, private challenges don't attract as many spectators.
The Yunyang Sect intends to expose Su Chen's true talent in front of everyone.
They want the citizens of the Great Zhou to know that this person is being falsely promoted by Tiangang City.
He is a fraud without genuine strength.
Who would witness a private challenge? Hearing the Second Prince's words, He Chao couldn't help but humph in disdain.
He turned to look at Fu Jianyun beside him.
Fu Jianyun remained silent and stood up, preparing to leave.
His departure as a representative clearly revealed the Yunyang Sect's decision.
Behind them, the Second Prince tried to persuade them, even getting up and approaching.
But the Yunyang Sect paid him no heed, leaping back to the shore and leaving Lake Fame immediately.
This was the first time a sect had directly left during a Jiang'an City assembly, despite being held multiple times.
The citizens on the shore became even more rowdy.
The Second Prince struggled to conceal his panic, but it was evident on his face.
The entire assembly seemed to be spiraling out of control.
Several disciples from various sects highly praised Fu Jianyun.
Seeing him leave, disappointment filled their eyes.
When they looked at Su Chen, their gazes turned even more disdainful.
He Chao had just made it clear why the Yunyang Sect left—the Imperial Family was biased towards Tiangang City, protecting a disciple who deceived everyone.
As the Yunyang Sect departed, more dishes continued to be served from the kitchen.
The Second Prince also received instructions from his father.
The assembly continued.
The Second Prince tried to ease the tension, no longer mentioning the Yunyang Sect.
"You have traveled far, enduring the journey. Please enjoy the delicacies of the capital and the new tea from Wushan."
The two princes engaged in casual conversation, attempting to downplay the impact of the Yunyang Sect's departure.
However, the disciples from the surrounding sects were still thinking about the previous events.
The citizens on the shore grew louder in their commotion.
The Yunyang Sect's abrupt departure will likely become a topic of discussion throughout the Great Zhou.
As they conversed, the main course prepared by the Imperial Family was gradually served.
Today's assembly was to discuss the grand scheme of the world and the situation regarding demons.
Those present would become the pillars of their respective sects in the future.
The safety of the Great Zhou's borders might very well be decided by those in attendance.
Discussing the demon issue was quite normal.
Everyone expressed their opinions and shared their thoughts.
But upon hearing their views, Su Chen couldn't help but frown.
It was evident that many had rarely set foot on the frontlines.
Their strategies for dealing with demons remained theoretical.
They emphasized the importance of strength and how to slay demons.
In reality, demons possess the advantage of surprise attacks, so why give that up?
Hearing these opinions, Su Chen spoke up, sharing his perspective.
These individuals might become future decision-makers, yet they seemed so out of touch.
Su Chen wanted to remind them that, in the future, there should be fewer issues on the frontlines.
But upon hearing his words, those from other sects nearby seemed indifferent.
A disciple, not from the Yunyang Sect, but seemingly an admirer of it, was among them. Despite the Yunyang Sect's poor performance on the frontlines, he praised them, claiming that they had gained valuable experience, and that other sects would have fared worse in the same situation.
With the discussion about demons and the frontline situation concluded, the royal attendants brought fine wine by boat. As the mood lifted, tea was replaced with alcohol.
However, many in attendance seemed less enthusiastic due to the Yunyang Sect's departure. The Second and Third Princes maintained a forced smile, inviting everyone to raise their cups and drink together.
After the toast, it was time for the demonstration of techniques. Disciples would showcase their skills, and the Celestial Prodigies would provide feedback. This segment was always a lively topic of discussion every year.
The onlookers on the shore could also see the demonstration on the Lake Center Stage.
"Celestial Prodigies of Great Zhou, please join me in this cup, and let us celebrate today's grand occasion. The hardships are behind us, and tomorrow's glory awaits."
The Second Prince's words were bold, and he invited everyone to raise their cups together. However, several people remained unmoved by this gesture. The Second Prince's mouth twitched slightly upon seeing this.
After the announcement that there would be no Challenge Sparring, the atmosphere became tense. Even the simple act of sharing a drink was met with reluctance.
"I don't know about you, brother."
Upon hearing the Second Prince's words, one person stood up.
"Please forgive me, Your Highness. I, Situ Sanping, hold you in the highest regard. But when you invited the Celestial Prodigies to drink together, I feel that someone here is unworthy of this cup.
Perhaps it is my own lack of skill that makes me unworthy of drinking with him."
With these words, everyone's gaze turned to Su Chen. They knew exactly who Situ Sanping was referring to.
"Brother Situ, all of us here are Celestial Prodigies of Great Zhou. How can anyone be unworthy?"
Hearing the Second Prince's words, Situ Sanping's expression turned even more dissatisfied than before. He stood up and walked towards Su Chen.
"If I am worthy of this cup, then he is not."
Situ Sanping pointed at Su Chen, making it clear who he was targeting.
"Today's wine is not for him to drink with me."
After speaking, Situ Sanping returned to his seat and poured out the wine in his cup.
The atmosphere on the Lake Center Stage grew tense once again. Those from other sects watched with a sense of amusement.
"Why is this person sitting here today? We all know the reason."
As Situ Sanping's voice trailed off, Shang Jia Yao, sitting beside him, smiled and responded.
"Brother Situ, I'm not sure why he's sitting here. Can you explain?"
"Brother Shang, please don't joke with me. You might not know, but this Su Chen sitting here is due to eight words:
Deception, flattery, and manipulation. Major sects compete for reputation and fame, but using such underhanded tactics to deceive the youth of Great Zhou is despicable."
Situ Sanping's words were not just directed at Su Chen.
Gu Feng, sitting nearby, frowned at Situ Sanping. "Brother Situ, are you accusing us of Tiangang City?"
"Is what I said not true, Brother Gu? If he truly had the skill, would Senior Zhenren Shangxuan need to propose canceling the Challenge Sparring?"
Situ Sanping's bias towards the Yunyang Sect was evident.
"If you think I'm speaking nonsense, then let your junior disciple spar with me. Since he has the qualification to drink with us, his skill should not be far off.
If he doesn't win, but manages to hold his own and not quickly lose, I'll acknowledge his skill. Furthermore, I, Situ Sanping, will offer all my cultivation resources for next year.
If he loses, it's just a matter of losing face. But does Tiangang City dare to accept this challenge?"
Situ Sanping's voice was loud, and even those on the shore could hear much of what he said.
Hidden in the shadows, He Chao watched the scene unfold with a smile on his face. The tactics Tiangang City might have used were something the Yunyang Sect had anticipated.
If they couldn't engage in Challenge Sparring, they would create a scene, revealing the hidden secrets to the public. Even if Tiangang City didn't take the bait, the citizens of the capital would know the truth.
And when Su Chen's true strength is revealed, it will backfire on Tiangang City. The reputation they built might plummet."
(End of Chapter)
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