Chapter 1625: I Will Prove It

Wang Wuxie had just introduced renowned figures such as Yan Xuehen, the Sect Master of White Jade Capital, and its Grand Elder Li Changsheng; Guan Chouhai, the leader of Li Hentian; Wan Tongtian, the Palace Master of Biluo Palace, and Grand Elder Fire Spirit Mistress; and representatives from Kunlun Void. Every one of them was a celebrated personality.

Among them, only Elder Peng from Kongming Island was relatively less known, but as an elder of a sect, he was clearly an extraordinary individual.

Furthermore, Master Jianhuang of Wuyou Temple was a legendary figure; strictly speaking, many current sect leaders of the Daoist sects were his juniors.

And then Zu An, a mere youngster, was placed on par with these esteemed individuals?

To make matters worse, news had just broken a few days prior that he and Fairy Chu were once married, making him the object of widespread resentment. His appointment as a guest judge was like a drop of water in hot oil—the entire hall erupted.

Zu An watched the rage points rapidly increase in the background, thinking to himself, "If I announced my relationship with Yan Xuehen right now, would the rage points double?"

However, he quickly dismissed the idea, realizing that many sect leaders present had been Yan Xuehen's admirers in the past, and such a revelation might prevent him from leaving Purple Mountain alive.

In the Kongming Island delegation, Qiu Honglei subtly tugged Yun Jianyue's sleeve. "Master," she whispered, "our promotion from a few days ago worked. Ah Zu is now the target of everyone's ire. With such intense emotions in the hall, will he be in danger?"

"Don't worry," Yun Jianyue replied, pausing before adding, "He is now an imperial envoy. Neither Wang Wuxie nor the other sect leaders would dare let anything happen to him. And even if they didn't intervene, those young people on the field combined wouldn't be a match for him."

Qiu Honglei breathed a sigh of relief, yet found it strange that her master seemed to have more confidence in Ah Zu than she did.

Over at Biluo Palace, Pei Mianman's eyes shone with a mix of surprise and delight. She never imagined she would encounter Ah Zu here!

Was this truly a blessed encounter? Could this be what people called destiny?

"What's wrong?" asked Fire Spirit Mistress, noticing her disciple's excitement.

"Nothing, Master," Pei Mianman replied, "I'm just a little excited thinking about the upcoming grand competition." She dared not tell the truth, knowing her master had been hurt by love in the past and now held a particular disdain for men. Revealing her relationship with Ah Zu would undoubtedly stir up considerable trouble.

Just then, a tall, slender figure suddenly stood up from the Li Hentian delegation. "I object!" he declared.

Many female disciples from various sects' eyes lit up. "This senior brother is so handsome!" they thought.

They quickly inquired among themselves and learned that he was the famous Zhien, and that he was particularly despondent due to matters concerning Chu Chuyan.

They felt terribly sorry for him, wishing, "Oh, Brother Zhien, come to my arms!"

At the same time, they couldn't help but feel indignant. "That Chu Chuyan is too manipulative," they fumed. "She's already a married woman, yet she pretends to be a pure maiden to entice young talents from various sects."

Everyone knew that Chu Chuyan was the Daoist Nine Sects' "public sweetheart," and many disciples around them admired her. Normally, they felt a bit inferior due to her ethereal beauty and temperament.

But upon learning she had been married, each of them suddenly felt a surge of confidence. "At least I'm still a maiden," they thought, "which makes me better than her in that regard." Once they perceived themselves on the same footing, they began to resent Chu Chuyan.

"What are you objecting to?" Wang Wuxie's expression darkened. Being contradicted repeatedly by juniors today, he wondered if he had no dignity left.

Zhien took a deep breath, pointing at Zu An. "The other individuals are all highly respected seniors of the martial world," he stated. "We are naturally convinced by their qualification to be judges for this Daoist Grand Competition. But this Zu An is younger than us and his cultivation is unremarkable. By what virtue or ability is he qualified to be ranked alongside these seniors and serve as a judge for this assembly?"

"I second that!" At that moment, Lou Wucheng from White Jade Capital also abruptly stood up. "I also believe Zu An is not qualified to be a judge for this competition."

Previously, Lou Wucheng had found Zhien, that pretty boy, particularly annoying, but today he felt a certain admiration for his courage.

Zhien also glanced at him, thinking, "Why does this guy seem so much more agreeable today?" A sense of mutual appreciation even sparked between them.

Li Changsheng of White Jade Capital frowned inwardly. He knew his disciple was fond of his junior sister's student, but he hadn't expected him to show jealousy towards a love rival at such a crucial moment. He couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

However, he understood the importance of maintaining one's sharp edge while cultivating the Longevity Sword. It was not appropriate to scold him now and dampen his spirit, so he could only wait for events to unfold.

At this point, Zhien declared loudly, "If Lord Zu can step forward and defeat either me or Brother Lou, I will be fully convinced and willing to acknowledge his qualification as a judge, and I will also offer him an apology."

Lou Wucheng nodded. "Indeed," he added, "I can even let him have three moves!"

For days, the thought that their beloved goddess might have already become "someone else's" had ignited a fierce rage within them. They seized this opportunity to teach that useless pretty boy a lesson, hoping to show Chu Chuyan just how worthless that man truly was.

Wang Wuxie felt a dilemma. Honestly, he too thought Zu An wasn't qualified, but Zu An was his invited guest. When did it become acceptable for a few juniors to question his choice?

Just as he was about to scold them, Zu An leaned casually back in his chair and said with a contemptuous expression, "Are you even worthy of fighting me?"

These words caused an uproar throughout the hall, and many in the crowd secretly cursed him for his shamelessness.

Pei Mianman's face was etched with anxiety and worry. She wondered what was wrong with Ah Zu; she couldn't detect any elemental energy fluctuations from him.

With his former strength, dealing with Zhien and Lou Wucheng would have been no problem, but now, she feared...

Her expression suddenly became resolute. If those two went too far, she would risk her master's punishment to protect Ah Zu.

At that moment, Wan Guiyi, who was nearby, smiled and said to Wan Tongtian, "Father, I like this young man's personality."

Wan Tongtian's expression was also peculiar. "This boy certainly has guts," he said, "but showing off requires actual strength."

Wan Guiyi replied gravely, "Although he appears ordinary, he remains composed in this situation. If he were truly ordinary, he couldn't possibly achieve this. I believe he has a hidden card." Wan Tongtian nodded with satisfaction. "Good observation skills," he praised. "Much better than those two fools, Zhien and Lou Wucheng."

Hearing their conversation, Pei Mianman relaxed slightly, thinking to herself, "I'm just flustered by concern. When has Ah Zu ever been at a disadvantage?"

Meanwhile, at Wuyou Temple, the chubby novice monk Jiese couldn't help but say to the old monk beside him, "No wonder Master sent me to experience the world. There truly are many fascinating things in it."

Master Jianhuang, however, remained seemingly oblivious to his surroundings, continuously muttering, "Sins, sins."

"Yes..." Zhang Zijiang's breath hitched suddenly, as he remembered Zu An's military order not to reveal anything about Scarface Yang Shen of Two Dragons Mountain.

Military orders were absolute. If he revealed the secret, not only would his flattery fail, but he would also risk losing his head.

Seeing him hesitate and stammer, Zhien sneered, "Your bluff has been called, hasn't it? If someone lacks ability and relies solely on lies to put on a brave front, they'll need even more lies to cover them up."

Zhang Zijiang's face turned beet red. He had never felt so humiliated in all his years.

Just as he stood there at a loss, a clear, cold voice suddenly rang out in the hall: "I can vouch for Lord Zu. He is absolutely qualified to serve as a judge."

These words instantly silenced the entire hall, for the speaker was Yan Xuehen, like an icy snow maiden.

Even seasoned masters like Wang Wuxie and Guan Chouhai, who had been observing the scene, turned to look at her in surprise. They knew Yan Xuehen's disposition best; how could she so enthusiastically vouch for another man?