Nine Nether Dragon Emperor

Atop the high platform, a flash of rage crossed Tu Yu’s face. This is the Star Domain Conference, not this damned dog’s personal show! Coincidentally, he also caught the fury in Tu Jingcheng’s eyes and immediately exploded at the Tian Shu Realm Lord. "Wang Dingchen, what are you doing?! Are the women of your Tian Shu all this superficial?! Remember, this is the Star Domain Conference!"

Wang Dingchen, already feeling uneasy, immediately rose and began apologizing profusely. Then, with a thunderous shout that shattered the sky, he bellowed, "Shut up!"

Instantly, all other sounds vanished, leaving only the echo of Wang Dingchen’s voice. "During the duels, no one shall make any noise!"

As he spoke, his eyes, sharp as a hawk’s, swept over the crowd below. Although it was a cursory scan, everyone felt as if his gaze was targeting them specifically. No one dared to lift their head.

Seeing their reaction, a smile appeared on Wang Dingchen’s face. However, when he looked back at Tu Yu, his arrogance turned to humility. Tu Yu didn’t even look at him; his gaze remained fixed on the dueling platform.

"Since this fellow has already thrown the Star Domain Conference into chaos, Father, why not have all the contestants go up at once? We can have rounds, each lasting the time it takes an incense stick to burn, followed by a rest of the same duration. We’ll continue with new rounds until only one person is left standing."

Wang Dingchen, a master of reading situations, noticed Tu Jingcheng’s eyes light up. Before the latter could speak, he instantly began to fawn, "The Young Master’s idea is brilliant! This way, we can save a great deal of time! The Star Domain Conference, originally scheduled for three days, might be concluded in just one! Compared to the Young Master, this humble one and all the attendants of the Realm Mansion are less than fools!"

Tu Jingcheng couldn’t hide the smile on his lips, yet he said coldly, "He’s just a child. How could he possibly be compared to you?"

Wang Dingchen wanted to continue his flattery, but Tu Jingcheng cut him off. "Enough. Get to it!"

"Yes, yes!" Wang Dingchen hastily agreed.

Just as he was about to tell Ning Xuan and the others to pause, he glanced at the dueling platform and was stunned. He had only looked away for a few dozen breaths—how had everyone else disappeared? Only Ning Xuan remained!

How did he do it? Or did those people leave on their own?

He soon dismissed that idea, because he saw many people looking up at Ning Xuan, especially the women who had been so vocal earlier. The way they stared at Ning Xuan now was utterly brazen. For some reason, even he started to feel a pang of jealousy toward Ning Xuan. Therefore, he couldn’t wait to announce the new rules.

No sooner had he finished speaking than all the contestants rose to their feet. Ning Xuan looked at Jiang Chan, who was already eager to jump in. He was dumbfounded.

This is a complete disaster! If she joins, I won’t even be able to throw the match! Jiang Chan will definitely go after anyone who tries to attack me!

He wanted to protest, but after assessing the situation, he gave up. It looked like he was the only one who disagreed, and protesting wouldn’t change the outcome. Forget it. I’ll just have to take it one step at a time! Looking completely dejected, Ning Xuan moved toward the center of the stage, determined to be the one to stick his neck out.

But then, a hand grabbed him. Luo Ji’s voice rang in his ear, "I’m the real contestant from Tianji. Let me handle what comes next!"

Seeing Luo Ji standing before him like an insurmountable mountain, Ning Xuan was dumbfounded again. Don’t tell me this guy has the same idea as Jiang Chan! If that’s the case, I’m completely done for! That’s right! Zang Peng! Where is he? That guy’s pretty strong; he should be able to hold Luo Ji off for a while!

Ning Xuan began searching for Zang Peng. He had just spotted Zang Peng when someone else attacked him. Immediately, the people around them sprang into action.

Ning Xuan tried to rush out, but Jiang Chan pulled him back forcefully. "Are you stupid? If you go out now, you’ll instantly become everyone’s target!"

Ning Xuan’s mouth twitched. But that’s exactly what I want! To become the target!

But Jiang Chan gave him no such chance. Anyone who approached Ning Xuan was instantly forced back by her.

Then, even though Wang Dingchen had already issued a warning, some onlookers couldn’t help but complain in low voices upon seeing the scene.

"Damn it, why is someone protecting that guy!"

"What the hell, that’s a woman! How can a woman be on the stage?!"

"What? A woman! He’s actually hiding behind a woman?!"

"Is that woman blind or something, protecting a guy like that..."

"Shut up! I think that’s Jiang Chan!"

"Wha... what... Jiang... Jiang Chan..."

Those who had just spoken began to tremble. Although Jiang Chan came from Gouchen, her reputation had long since spread across the Tian Shu Realm. Her fame in Tian Shu wasn’t due to her appearance or status, but her strength. She and their very own Zhao Guan were known as the Twin Prides of the Proud Realm. Add to that her background, and in everyone’s hearts, Jiang Chan was as unattainable as the Heavenly Maiden—an existence far beyond their reach. In fact, many believed that even Zhao Guan was not worthy of her attention. Her most likely destiny was to enter Chi Ming and become the Crown Princess Consort!

And what were they witnessing now? Jiang Chan was actually helping Ning Xuan! What the hell was going on? They racked their brains but couldn’t make any sense of it.

On the dueling platform, Zhao Guan sent an opponent flying with a palm strike. As he looked toward Ning Xuan, his eyes practically shot flames. What has this kid ever done to deserve such attention from Jiang Chan?!

He immediately began walking straight toward Ning Xuan. Wherever he passed, the other contestants gave way. Anyone could see what Zhao Guan intended, so there was no point in trying to stop him.

Stopping a short distance away, Zhao Guan yelled directly at Ning Xuan, "Ning Xuan, if you’re a man, stand up and fight me!"

Ning Xuan’s eyes lit up, and he agreed without a second thought. "Alright!"

This kid might be young, but his strength is terrifying. A fight with him would be an easy way to get out of this mess.

"Alright, my foot! I don’t agree!" Before Ning Xuan could move, Jiang Chan had already stepped between him and Zhao Guan.

Ning Xuan’s mouth twitched.

Zhao Guan’s expression darkened. He said furiously, "Jiang Chan, he’s no one to you, so why are you doing this?!"

"Because I feel like it. It’s none of your business!" Jiang Chan’s single sentence nearly made Zhao Guan choke.

"You..." Unwilling to speak harshly to her, Zhao Guan immediately turned his ire back to Ning Xuan. "If you have any guts..."

He had barely started speaking when a sharp cry rang out. Jiang Chan had actually attacked Zhao Guan! Caught off guard, Zhao Guan was sent flying and nearly fell off the dueling platform. Nearby, a contestant’s eyes lit up as he seized the opportunity, striking at Zhao Guan with his palm. Zhao Guan, still off-balance and teetering on the edge of the platform, raised a palm to meet the attack.

BANG!

Amid the explosive sound, Zhao Guan’s body straightened completely.

The man who attacked him had been blasted into a bloody mist.

Without giving the mist a second glance, Zhao Guan stepped toward Ning Xuan and Jiang Chan once more, his rage visibly intensifying.