Great Villain: Starting by Humiliating the Son of the Heavenly Fate

Chapter 126: Fang Yuan, the Unfazed Protagonist

"The competition for the Holy Son's title?"

The words caused Jiang Chen's brows to subtly furrow, repeating the statement quietly to himself.

No doubt, an event of such a sweeping scale could hardly be overlooked by the protagonist. It was an absolute certainty that he would surface at the preordained moment!

"Correct!"

"The competition for the Holy Son's title!"

"Any core disciples within the sect or those under twenty-five possessing a solid cultivation base are eligible to participate."

"The victorious contender will be honored with the Purple Heaven Holy Son title, being nurtured as the prospective Holy Lord!"

"Jiang Chen, as my direct disciple, your standing warrants no further confirmationyou're naturally deemed eligible. I anticipate your involvement when the event unfolds!"

Ji Mingxiu declared with stern seriousness.

'Purple Heaven Holy Son...'

A thought skittered across Jiang Chen's mind. His gaze settled on Ji Ruxue as he inquired, "Master, considering Miss Ruxue's remarkable capabilities, why not nominate her to succeed your position as the Holy Lord? What warrants this competition for the Holy Son?"

"Ruxue is indeed an extraordinary talent."

"Nevertheless, the span of the Purple Heaven Holy Land is vast; it's arduous to oversee single-handedly."

"Designating a Holy Son not only fuels the disciples' dedication towards cultivation, but it also ensures a perpetual influx of new blood into the sect, warding off complacency. This approach ensures the sect's prosperity across generations."

"Additionally, this practice has been a time-honored tradition in the Purple Heaven Holy Land. Comparable sects such as the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace and the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple adhere to similar principles."

"I too began my journey by contending for the Holy Son's title, steadily ascending to the esteemed position of the Holy Lord."

"Ruxue has matured beyond her tender years. My intent is to aid her in aligning her destiny with the incumbent Holy Son. Their combined strength, if successful, will undoubtedly radiate unprecedented brilliance across the Purple Heaven Holy Land."

Ji Mingxiu paused here, his gaze oscillating between Ji Ruxue and Jiang Chen, "This opportunity should not be squandered."

'...'

'Is my Black Heavenly Fate Value truly this phenomenal?'

'The Holy Lord not only receives me as his disciple but also subtly insinuates a potential union with his daughter?'

'Without my self-awareness, I'd believe myself to be the protagonist.'

'Although everything seems impeccably arranged at the moment, an inevitable significant calamity is imminent. It's entirely possible for fortunes to invert without warning.'

'Isn't it typical for villains to face their downfall at the zenith of their triumph, delivering a thrill to the audience?'

'I must remain vigilant!'

'...'

An undercurrent of warnings and advisories surged within Jiang Chen's mind. Yet, externally, he maintained a disconcerted smile on his face, appearing slightly uneasy, and nodded in acquiescence.

Just then.

"Father, I assert my right to determine my own marital future. I won't consent to marry any Holy Son."

Ji Ruxue, standing aside, maintained an icy demeanor.

Upon registering these words.

'From her tone... Could Ji Ruxue already harbor feelings for someone? Could it be the protagonist? This could prove to be quite a predicament!'

Jiang Chen found himself taken by surprise.

However, the subsequent words of Ji Mingxiu, Ji Ruxue's father, served to mitigate his unease.

"In numerous aspects, you've proved to be exemplary."

"Yet, on this specific matter, you display an unwavering defiance."

"That Fang Yuan had previously demonstrated exceptional potential, yet you dismissed him. Given the inexplicable regression of his cultivation base, we can exclude his name from this discussion. But this time, you must heed my counsel."

Wearing a stern visage, Ji Mingxiu continued, "In a formidable sect, the foresight or absence thereof for the future holds immense significance. Your alliance with the Holy Son would indeed mark a moment worthy of celebration..."

Ji Mingxiu's sentence lingered in the air, unfinished.

"I will not!"

With a succinct three words, Ji Ruxue catapulted herself off the ground, soaring into the sky, leaving a profound silence in her wake.

"This child..."

"When will she finally understand?"

Ji Mingxiu, tempered by innumerable tribulations, remained undisturbed by this minor setback.

He shook his head, a tranquil expression on his face as he redirected his attention to Jiang Chen: "During this selection competition for the Holy Son, do not undervalue any contenders. Bear in mind, many have been cultivating for a full five years longer than you."

"Yes, Master!"

Jiang Chen nodded promptly in acknowledgment.

"Excellent!"

"This is the 'Purple Heaven Dark Star Heavenly Scripture', our sect's principal cultivation method for the nine major realms within the First and Second Steps of the Cultivation Path."

"Furthermore, these three encompass the emblematic cultivation techniques and secret arts of our Purple Heaven Holy Land - the 'Purple Feather Misty Steps', the 'Dark Star Sky Splitting Sword Secrets', and the 'Purple Heaven Heavenly Thunder True Canon'."

"Inside this ring, you'll discover a welcome gift from me - a variety of cultivation resources designed to aid you on your journey."

Ji Mingxiu presented four jade slips and a storage ring to Jiang Chen, "Engage in cultivation earnestly. Should you encounter any obstacles, seek my guidance. Refrain from making impulsive decisions."

Upon uttering this, a tide of regret swelled within Ji Mingxiu as thoughts of Fang Yuan arose in his mind.

"I shall heed Master's advice!"

A wave of elation washed over Jiang Chen's face as he took the jade slips and the ring. He bowed respectfully and then made his departure.

Upon reaching the outskirts of the Assembly Hall, Jiang Chen caught sight of Rong Liangcai and his four companions waiting in the distance.

As soon as they identified Jiang Chen's figure, they quickly closed in on him.

"Salutations, Daoist friend Jiang Chen!"

Rong Liangcai bowed deeply, "I have adhered to the instructions from our seniors and arranged temporary lodging for you!"

Despite his lack of awareness about the specifics of Ji Mingxiu and Jiang Chen's discourse, he didn't dare to investigate.

Nevertheless, he harbored a steadfast belief that Jiang Chen was predestined to become an influential figure within the Everflowing Truth Central Domain, an irreplaceable cornerstone of the Purple Heaven Holy Land!

As a consequence, his gestures of cordiality towards Jiang Chen became progressively zealous.

His four companions, unified in their stance, echoed his sentiments.

"Very well, lead the way!"

With a congenial nod, Jiang Chen expressed his acquiescence.

In the forthcoming days, Rong Liangcai and his cohorts would serve as his eyes and ears.

As they journeyed, Jiang Chen pondered the extraordinary aptitude of Fang Yuan, as portrayed by Ji Mingxiu!

This was followed by the unexplained decline in his cultivation base.

Even Ji Mingxiu harbored regret for this misfortune.

At a cursory glance, this was undoubtedly the setting for an unfazed protagonist!

Fortunately, according to Ji Mingxiu's narration, he once endeavored to foster a match between Fang Yuan and Ji Ruxue, but Ji Ruxue remained unresponsive.

Consequently, in the original storyline, where Fang Yuan and Ji Ruxue were fated to converge, there must have been a gripping turn of events where Ji Ruxue's feelings for Fang Yuan transformed from indifference, to recognition, and finally to affection.

Among the numerous narrative tropes Jiang Chen was familiar with, there was one in which the heroine initially detested the protagonist, but eventually experienced a change of heart, adding a delightful twist to the story.

Protagonists prone to a certain level of roguishness, exhibiting a more frivolous demeanor, typically followed this narrative pattern.

At this moment, Ji Ruxue held no admiration for Fang Yuan, much less any hint of affection.

This was precisely the circumstance that Jiang Chen found most, utterly most exhilarating.

'As long as Ji Ruxue hasn't developed any affection for Fang Yuan yet, that signifies the most favorable situation.'

'Of course, it would be unwise to base such matters solely on speculation. It's more prudent to validate it by making inquiries.'

Prompted by this notion, Jiang Chen turned to Rong Liangcai and his company, inquiring, "Are you all familiar with Fang Yuan?"

"Certainly!"

"Fang Yuan was once extraordinary, but now..."

Seizing the opportunity to earn favor, Rong Liangcai and the others took turns sharing their views, each contributing their unique understanding.

In no time, Jiang Chen had acquired a basic comprehension of Fang Yuan's persona.

Fang Yuan, a descendant of the illustrious Fang Clan, a distinguished bloodline in the Everflowing Truth Central Domain.

He was once regarded as a prodigy, his renown reverberating throughout the entirety of the Everflowing Truth Central Domain. Numerous major sects within the domain extended their invitations to him.

Eventually, even the three paramount forces, the Purple Heaven Holy Land, the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace, and the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple, made their move, each wishing to incorporate him into their ranks.

By a twist of fate, Fang Yuan had an established rapport with Ji Ruxue but was an utter stranger to the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace and the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple.

Consequently, he ultimately elected to join the Purple Heaven Holy Land.

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