Chapter Seventy-Seven: Challenged by the Crowd
“Yes, the intensity of this first contest is no less fierce than those in previous years.”
“Indeed. Which county do you think will win?”
“That’s hard to say. The strength gap between these two counties has always been minimal, and their rankings have remained close.”
“But if I had to choose, I’d pick Dengfeng County. Their chances of winning are probably, maybe, just a bit higher.”
...
“So it seems the latest batch of talents from the Purple Gold Royal Court is nothing exceptional after all.”
“Let’s be patient. The top five counties haven’t even taken the stage yet.”
“Our Sacred Mountain Royal Court sent people here specifically to observe Wucheng County. It’s said to represent the highest combat power among the youth of the Purple Gold Royal Court.”
“Junior brother, tell me, with the strength of the two counties currently on stage, what level would they be in our sect’s inner gate?”
“Low tier!”
“Hmm! Quite right! You have a sharp eye, junior brother. Ha ha!”
...
“I’ve wagered a million spirit stones today, betting on Wucheng County to retain first place.”
“Wucheng has been first for two consecutive years. The odds are too low—even if you win, you won’t earn much.”
“I’m just playing it safe! Which county did you bet on?”
“Same as you, eighty thousand on Wucheng...”
“And you still dare to criticize me?”
“Don’t rush, old friend. I haven’t finished. Besides the eighty thousand on Wucheng, I also put twenty thousand on Nanyan County moving up a rank.”
“Nanyan County? Moving up? ... Are you just looking for ways to spend your money?”
“I just think, with His Majesty changing the rules this time, Nanyan County will have to fight desperately to avoid complete defeat.”
“If, by chance, they manage to rise unexpectedly—even if just by one rank—I’ll make quite a profit.”
“And if they still lose, I’ll say nothing, and consider it charity for old Song Wuji.”
...
Countless noble families, nations, and sects watched the decisive battles from below the stage, discussing endlessly, their murmurs rumbling like thunder before the palace.
The civil and military officials of the court, those who understood the contest, critiqued ceaselessly, while those who did not pointed and gossiped blindly.
High above, Emperor Zi Qiankun, surrounded by layers of elite guards, sat impassively, his expression betraying nothing to those who sought clues in his gaze.
After all, the contestants from these two counties were not the main event.
...
After the burning of an incense stick, with a resounding explosion, the first contest between the two counties ended in bleak defeat.
Beiyan County was utterly wiped out, and only two contestants remained standing from Dengfeng County—one of whom lay on the ground, clearly incapable of further combat.
The Dengfeng County Lord, Fu Xu, laughed heartily.
The Beiyan County Lord glanced weakly at the impassive emperor, then turned to look at Song Wuji of Nanyan County, helplessly forcing a bitter smile.
...
“As expected, Dengfeng County claimed the first victory.”
“Yes, luck was on their side. At least they’ve secured a place in the top six right away.”
...
“The second contest: those holding numbers three and four, step onto the stage!”
“Young friend, it’s our turn now. Everything depends on you!”
“Understood.”
“All others must follow Changqing’s commands. Should anyone disobey, their family will be implicated and severely punished!”
“Yes, sir!”
...
Even if the other youths didn’t quite understand why their county lord Song was making such arrangements, none dared to stand out, knowing their chances of victory were slim. Setting aside stray thoughts, they followed Fatty Gu onto the stage.
Opposite them was Xihu County, ranked second in previous years.
One team was visibly dispirited, while the other brimmed with confidence.
To the contestants from Xihu County, facing Nanyan County was just unlucky for their opponents; victory was assured, as if the match had already been won.
“Let the contest begin!”
“Wait!”
Just as the judge’s command rang out, the competitors, weapons at the ready, were stunned for several moments by Fatty Gu’s sudden interjection.
“Hahaha, Nanyan County, if you’re afraid of us from Xihu, just admit defeat and step down.”
“Yes, save us from having to fight. If I hit too hard and cripple one of you, that’d be unfortunate.”
...
“Young friend, what do you mean?”
“My lord, I wish to ask: may I challenge the group?”
“Group challenge? You mean...?”
“I wish to represent Nanyan County in challenging all the remaining nine counties!”
...
Countless spectators seemed to hear the impossible; glancing at each other, they all fixed their eyes on the arrogant youth atop the stage.
At this moment, Fatty Gu was the center of attention!
“Did I hear wrong? Is this kid delirious?”
“What audacity!”
“What’s his name? He’s a character!”
“Interesting! Ha ha!”
...
“Ah, that’s Fatty Gu!”
“He’s come to the capital as a contestant?”
“Can’t he curb his habit of stirring trouble? This isn’t the sect.”
“You don’t know me, you don’t know me... I don’t know you either.”
Ouyang Shuai, Nangong Fu, and Nangong Lang, the third-generation scions from Misty Sect here to observe, wore expressions that said they didn’t know him.
...
“Wuji, what’s this youth’s intention?”
“Or is it that you, Wuji, knowing you have no hope this year, decided to opt for a group challenge to save a bit of face?”
“Yes, exactly, hahaha!”
“Humph! Overestimating themselves.”
“My county refuses.”
“My county refuses as well.”
...
“Young friend, what are you doing? This wasn’t in our prior discussions!”
“Ancestor, don’t sabotage me! I’ve staked everything I have this time.”
“Let’s be cautious, shall we? How about fighting one county at a time?”
Ignoring the mocking voices of the other county lords, Song Wuji anxiously sent a message to Fatty Gu, hoping he would take things one battle at a time.
Meanwhile, on stage, all thirty or so from Nanyan County—including the three talents from Evergreen City who knew Fatty Gu’s true strength—stood wide-mouthed, unconsciously stepping back.
The Xihu County contestants doubled over with laughter, nearly unable to stand.
“My lord, since you have entrusted me with full authority in this contest, I exercise my right to propose a group challenge on behalf of Nanyan County!”
“Judge, if I recall, the Grand Celebration has a rule permitting group challenges!”
“Uh, yes, but it’s been centuries since...”
“That’s fine! Please declare so the other counties may step onto the stage.”
“This, this...”
Seeing countless eyes turn toward Emperor Zi Qiankun, following Song Wuji and the judge’s gaze, Zi Qiankun’s facial muscles visibly twitched—thinking, the arrangement he had painstakingly negotiated with Song Wuji was ruined by this impudent youth!
“Granted! Your request is allowed!”
After a moment’s silence, Zi Qiankun spoke helplessly.
“By imperial decree, the remaining eight counties shall all take the stage!”
...
Under the gaze of all, even the four great families had to show the emperor respect, let alone the counties under his direct or indirect control.
Reluctantly, the eight remaining counties stepped onto the stage, grumbling, hundreds of eyes blazing at Fatty Gu.
“Duanmu Yuan, Nanyan County was meant to be your opponent, Xihu County.”
“We other counties, though forced by the rules to step onto the stage, absolutely will not intervene.”
“With Nanyan County ranked lowest, they are unworthy of our combined efforts.”
“Yes, we’re just moving from the audience to the stage! Nothing more than a change of vantage point!”
Suddenly, the Wucheng County Lord, Yu Wenwu, spoke; the other county lords’ eyes lit up, and they quickly agreed.
Below, Nanyan County’s lord’s face was as black as charcoal, and even the emperor above sat uneasily.
...
A group challenge unseen for centuries appeared—not initiated by the top county, but unexpectedly by the lowest. Even so, its novelty and spectacle brought a unique shock to the countless spectators.
As murmurs rippled through the crowd, all eyes waited for Xihu County’s humiliated contestants to swiftly drive Nanyan County—and especially that wildly arrogant youth—off the stage.
...