The Great Elder's decree silenced the void.
Had anyone but he spoken, the elders would've roared in protest.
Wen Lang's stunning strike, nearly crippling Young Lord Bai Chun, was one thing. Now, defeating all ten contenders, including Princes Bai Lie and Bai Yang, was another. Despite his genius—nay, his monstrosity—the elders seethed, their pride wounded.
The White Sand Empire's face had been trampled.
Silence hung heavy, none daring to respond.
"What? You find it unfair?" The Great Elder scanned their sullen faces, reading their narrow-minded resentment. They couldn't stomach an outsider claiming the championship.
"Great Elder, for countless years, our empire has dominated the Earth Battle Grand Assembly," the Second Elder said, eyes narrowed. Though a step below the Great Elder's Mid Body Unity, he could fight to a mutual loss, emboldening his words.
"So what? We've topped every assembly, but who attends? Mere budding talents from Eighth and Seventh-Grade factions. Have Ninth-Grade prodigies ever cared?" The Great Elder sneered. "They disdain our assembly. Our victories are just bullying weaker forces!"
The elders bowed their heads, faces flushing. They knew the Earth Battle Grand Assembly paled beside the Four Academies' trials or the Four Academies Tournament.
"Letting Wen Lang take the crown declares to the world our assembly is fair, open to all. As Zhong Wu Ming's heir, losing to him isn't shameful," the Great Elder said, stroking his beard with a knowing look. "Besides, even in single combat, who among the eleven could defeat him? The title's his, sooner or later."
The elders exchanged glances, speechless. Wen Lang's prowess was undeniable. Though the princes fell swiftly, none believed they could best him.
The championship was his by right.
"Do as the Great Elder says. Delay the second round one month for the ten to recover," the White Sand Emperor finally spoke, his voice resolute. Suppressing Wen Lang publicly, after his display before thousands, would only tarnish the empire further. Better to feign fairness, letting him claim the crown.
His eyes met the Second Elder's, a silent exchange. "He'll take the title, but whether he survives the month to claim it is another matter."
They smirked, perfectly aligned. In White Emperor City, making a mysterious Early Spirit Transformation junior vanish was as easy as crushing an ant.
Unaware of their plot, the Great Elder beamed, clasping his hands. "Your Majesty is wise."
With the Great Elder and Emperor in agreement, the other elders could only comply, bowing respectfully.
The Emperor's laughter rang out, triumphant.
"Wen Lang has achieved an unprecedented miracle, defeating ten alone! He is hereby crowned champion!" the Third and Fourth Elders announced, hovering above the arena.
"Hurrah! His Majesty is wise! Long live the empire!" the crowd roared.
"Haha, I knew Wen Lang would make history!" one boasted.
"He's earned it. I'm convinced!" another declared.
"For once, the champion isn't imperial, but I agree!" a third cheered.
"Wen Lang's a freak!"
"Wen Lang, I'll bear you a soccer team!"
The arena erupted, fervor unopposed. Wen Lang's performance was a spectacle, conquering even the harshest critics. None could deny his dominance.
Yu Chen, Bai Lie, and Bai Yang fainted at the proclamation, swiftly carried off for treatment. Da Ling and the others were tended by kin.
The Third and Fourth Elders signaled for silence, continuing, "In one month, the ten will enter the second round—single combat—to select two more to join Wen Lang in the Scenic Land!"
The crowd nodded, but their excitement waned. After Wen Lang's brilliance, the remaining matches seemed lackluster.
"Husband, where to now?" Nangong Yuan asked, worry creasing her brow. Her sharp instincts sensed a storm brewing.
Safe amid the crowd, they were untouchable for now. But once night fell and all dispersed, dark schemes would emerge. Surviving the month was uncertain.
She doubted Bai Zhi would relent, nor did she trust the empire's magnanimity.
Before Lan An could reply, a mechanical voice echoed in his mind: "Ding! Tyrant's Bearing quest completed. Reward: One Physique Summon!"
His lips curled, satisfied.
After a moment's thought, he said, "Take me to the Treasure Pavilion."
Nangong Yuan's eyes lit up. Lan An had mentioned a business deal with the Treasure Pavilion. Their protection could shield them through this perilous time.
Struggling, he looked toward Bai Lian Hua, who bit her lip, watching them. He smiled gently, whispering, "Wait for me."
She nodded firmly, eyes glistening, wishing she could care for him like Nangong Yuan. But her princess status forbade such openness, lest it bring him trouble.
Nangong Yuan nodded to her, saying no more. Cradling her bloodied husband, she unleashed Golden Radiance Shadow to its limit, soaring away.
Whoosh!
A golden streak vanished across the horizon.
The crowd, assuming they sought healing, paid little mind, buzzing about the battle.
Blood loss left Lan An weary. Nestled in his wife's soft embrace, her fragrance soothing him, he felt sleep beckon.
"Run, little rats. Let's see how far you get," two voices sneered from the void, mocking their folly.
Bai Zhi and the Second Elder, masked to conceal their identities, watched.
Had Wen Lang stayed in the arena's crowd, he'd have been safe under public eyes. Leaving so soon was an invitation for their move.
But it wasn't time yet—they were still near the arena. They donned masks, hiding their faces.
"Second Elder, tell my imperial brother: hand Wen Lang and that woman to me. I'll make him wish for death," Bai Zhi hissed.
With Bai Chun stabilized by Earth Ginseng, he could pursue Lan An without worry.
"They're yours, but His Majesty demands Desert Fury and that sword art," the Second Elder replied, stroking his beard.
Beyond Desert Fury, Lan An's swordplay intrigued the Emperor—a ruler's appetite was vast.
"No issue. I want them. Wen Lang will suffer, and the woman will be Chun'er's plaything—compensation for his loss," Bai Zhi sneered.
Their agreement sealed, they grinned like wolves eyeing prey.
But their glee turned to shock, then rage.
A spatial rift tore open before Nangong Yuan, mysterious and sudden.
"Who?" she cried, alarmed.
Thud!
A palm tapped her neck, icy energy flooding her, rendering her unconscious. Lan An, dazed, was pulled with her into the rift.
In a flash, they vanished.
"Who dares?" Bai Zhi and the Second Elder roared, livid. Their prey, stolen?
They scoured the void, seeking clues, but the culprit's superior strength left no trace.
"Lock down White Emperor City—no, the entire empire! They can't escape so soon!" the Second Elder bellowed, contacting the other elders, excluding the Great Elder.
Bai Zhi's face twisted, but he calmed, scheming. "Announce to the city: Champion Wen Lang's abduction has enraged the empire. Order a full search across the continent—alive or dead, find him and punish the culprit!"
"Brilliant!" the Second Elder's eyes gleamed. It increased their chances while earning praise for righteousness.
In a grand hall, the Emperor slammed his table to dust, furious.
The elders bowed, even the Great Elder, their faces grim.
"Who can tell me when a Body Unity cultivator infiltrated White Emperor City unnoticed?" the Emperor growled.
"Your Majesty, ordinary Body Unity cultivators can slip past guards and generals," the Great Elder said gravely.
At Body Unity, one was a titan, their spatial prowess far beyond Void Refinement. Preventing their stealth was nearly impossible.
The Emperor snorted, knowing his guards couldn't stop such a foe, but venting eased his fury.
"The champion's abduction, right after the Earth Battle Grand Assembly, is a slap to our face. Find him and the culprit within a month!" he commanded, his tone that of a just ruler, concerned for his champion and empire.
The Great Elder frowned, sensing something amiss. He glanced at Bai Zhi. "How's the Young Lord? Does Your Highness still resent Wen Lang?"
Bai Zhi bristled. "What's that mean? Accusing me of staging this?"
"I merely asked. Why so defensive?" the Great Elder replied coolly.
"You…" Bai Zhi fumed.
"Enough!" the Emperor roared. "Find the culprit and champion, not bicker!"
The Great Elder bowed, silently marking Bai Zhi as the prime suspect.
Unbeknownst to him, not just Bai Zhi but all present were complicit—someone had simply acted faster.
In Water Flower Valley, Bai Lian Hua paced, tears in her eyes, her delicate frame trembling with worry.
News of Wen Lang's disappearance had spread. A heavy weight crushed her heart, leaving her helpless.
"Brother Lan An, you must be safe. Lian Hua's so worried," she whispered, mobilizing her princess resources to search for him, awaiting any news.
Suddenly, her eyes lit up. "Mother! Brother Lan An helped her. I must ask her aid!"
Resolved, the little princess soared off.
She'd do anything to find him.