Chu Ge had his suspicions, but he didn't jump to conclusions—he simply observed quietly.
Around him, the ridicule directed at Ye Chen never ceased.
Chu Ge even saw Tang Shan saunter up to Ye Chen, speaking incessantly with a feral grin on his face.
He gave off the unmistakable vibe of a mindless minor villain.
And Ye Chen… his expression remained completely calm, unaffected, as if the words of others had no impact on him whatsoever.
"Silence! All this chatter—what kind of decorum is this?!"
On the stage, Xing Feng frowned, his voice booming like a great bell, striking straight at everyone's heart.
In an instant, the crowd fell silent. Those who had been mocking Ye Chen most fiercely—including Tang Shan—turned pale, their minds shaken.
[Detected a youth suspected to be a child of fate. Immediately upon entering, he was mocked by all.]
[I have a premonition… after this test, Ye Chen will rise, turning the tables and shaming all these people.]
Chu Ge muttered in his mind, casually recording it in his diary.
The group of female cultivators watching the scene, all of whom possessed diary copies, also focused their attention on the Spirit Testing Platform.
Curiosity stirred within them for this so-called child of fate Ye Chen that Chu Ge had mentioned.
Su Lingyuan, at this moment, concealed her presence, keeping her gaze fixed on the unfolding events.
Could it really be that extraordinary? she thought. But… it is indeed strange. Who gets mocked by everyone the moment they step on stage?
She continued observing, wanting to see if, as Chu Ge had recorded in his diary, a reversal would indeed come.
At the same time, she scanned the crowd, hoping to locate Chu Ge in advance.
Her current condition prevented her from using divine sense or spiritual power, so she had to rely on her eyes alone.
But the crowd was dense, and she couldn't spot him at all, leaving her somewhat frustrated.
On the stage, Xing Feng's gaze landed on Ye Chen as he walked forward. A flicker of approval crossed his eyes.
This youth is young, yet he faces ridicule with neither arrogance nor humility. His face is calm as a still lake, his heart deep as a valley… truly remarkable. Even if his aptitude is lacking, he may still achieve something great. Truly rare indeed.
At this thought, his voice softened, shedding the cold rigidity it had carried before.
"Place your hand on the Spirit Testing Stone."
Ye Chen's expression remained serene, but his eyes gleamed with determination.
All the ridicule, the mockery, the humiliation he had endured—starting today, he would erase them all!
Under the watchful eyes below—some mocking, some indifferent, some resentful—Ye Chen slowly placed his hand upon the Spirit Testing Stone.
In the next moment, a dazzling red light erupted from the stone!
The brilliance spread, illuminating everyone's faces. Within the glow, the faint shadow of a dragon seemed to stir!
"Potential Dragon King Body!"
Xing Feng couldn't help but exclaim, his expression filled with excitement.
Below, those who had mocked Ye Chen earlier were now squinting, unable to bear the blinding red light.
Especially when Ye Chen turned, looking down at them from the high stage, they felt an overwhelming sense of shame and inferiority.
They couldn't help but lower their heads, unable to meet the gaze of the now radiantly imposing Ye Chen.
A sly, exaggerated curve formed on Ye Chen's lips—utterly mischievous.
"Very good, very good. With such aptitude, you are sure to draw the attention of several elders. Ye Chen, come to my side. Once the test concludes, I will personally recommend you to all the elders seeking disciples!"
Xing Feng's face bore a warm smile, completely abandoning his earlier cold demeanor.
"Thank you, Elder Xing Feng."
Ye Chen cupped his hands respectfully, his smile gentle and his manners flawless.
Seeing that the young boy before him displayed none of the arrogance typical of prodigious youths, Xing Feng's satisfaction deepened, and subtle thoughts began to stir in his mind.
Little did he know, Ye Chen's true thoughts were anything but grateful.
Though Elder Xing Feng regarded him with a certain favor, Ye Chen had already detected the faint traces of ulterior motives.