Chapter 166: Second Round, Fang Yuan's Turn
Under the compelling force of Jiang Chen's charismatic presence, tens of thousands of female disciples found themselves utterly spellbound, their cheeks blooming with an admixture of infatuation and awe.
A handful were so overwhelmed by the sheer force of his appeal that they swooned, leaving Jiang Chen momentarily stunned.
'Has my allure truly reached such an extent?'
With a bemused lift of his eyebrows, he utilized his divine sense to scrutinize himself, acknowledging an undeniable enhancement in his physical magnetism.
Jiang Chen had always been strikingly attractive - a distinguished Villain blessed with intense, dynamic eyes, an impeccably chiseled visage, and a faultless complexion, adorned with hair as dark as the deepest night.
Nevertheless, the metamorphosis induced by the Burning World Red Lotus, the advancement of his cultivation base, and the application of diverse cultivation methods had served to amplify his physical allure and personal charisma.
The enhancements were unmissable - his facial features were more precisely defined, his skin radiated with a vibrant glow, and his eyes sparkled with intensified brilliance, mirroring a fusion of wisdom and captivating charm.
Amid the plethora of changes, the transformation instigated by the Burning World Red Lotus bore the most substantial effect, elevating his charm to an unparalleled degree.
'No wonder Xie Xiaojing was immediately beguiled!'
A subtle, enlightened smile graced the corner of Jiang Chen's mouth at this revelation.
Without skipping a beat, he raised his hand, acknowledging the zealous disciples.
The straightforward gesture sparked an even more passionate torrent of cheers and excited shrieks from the enthralled onlookers.
'Damn it!'
'All the spotlight has been stolen by Jiang Chen!'
Fang Yuan scoffed, 'Revel in your moment, the greater your joy now, the deeper will be your despair when you stumble!'
He had personally endured the excruciating plummet from paradise to purgatory.
This exact agony, Fang Yuan desired Jiang Chen to experience as well!
Moreover, he aspired to leave Jiang Chen not just defeated, but shattered, perpetually crushed beneath his dominance!
Meanwhile, on Jiang Chen's side, after engaging with a cluster of admirers, he settled down to await the next lottery draw while observing the duels unfolding on the other platforms.
The contenders in this race for the Holy Son's title were all the pinnacle disciples of the Purple Heaven Holy Land's current generation.
Differences existed among them, but the gap was relatively insignificant.
Instances like Jiang Chen, who could settle the combat in a single move, were exceedingly rare.
The majority had to spar through several rounds before a victor could be ascertained.
Even on some platforms, two disciples were so closely matched that the outcome was hanging in the balance, making for a thrilling spectacle that strongly captivated the audience.
On every platform, one could witness prodigious disciples pushing their limits, ceaselessly showcasing a multitude of spell types.
Those blessed with substantial Fate Value were likely to become Fang Yuan's future acolytes.
For these individuals, Jiang Chen would, of course, strive wholeheartedly to win their allegiance!
Time gradually unfurled.
Swiftly, he evaluated all the supporting characters and categorized them.
Simultaneously, the first round of the stage duels had concluded in its entirety.
After all, these were confrontations at the Heavenly Origin realm, and every maneuver executed by the cultivators was strikingly rapid!
Even those entwined in a deadlock wouldn't linger for an extended period.
'It seems, I must initiate.'
Fang Yuan mused to himself, then charged directly towards Shi Junying.
However, he did not employ his full strength.
After all, there were subsequent duels to contend with, conserving some combat resources could enhance the odds of emerging victorious in future battles.
"Condense!!"
Seeing Fang Yuan lunging towards him, Shi Junying instantly activated his defensive measures.
A blue, ice-like defensive barrier materialized before him in an instant.
Ding!
Fang Yuan's sword technique, reinforced with Yuan Power, struck the ice barrier, producing a sound akin to metal colliding with metal.
But in the following moment.
Crack crack!
A multitude of spider-web-like fissures surfaced on Shi Junying's ice barrier, teetering on the verge of instant shattering.
"Sky Breaking Claw!"
Shi Junying, instead of retreating, surged forward. His hands transformed into formidable claws and aimed at Fang Yuan's head from both sides of the ice barrier.
This was a tactic of substituting defense with a swift offense!
However.
"Boom!"
Fang Yuan's sword Qi abruptly detonated with even greater potency, piercing through the ice barrier instantaneously and converging at Shi Junying's forehead.
Hum hum!
A protective formation barrier manifested, intercepting Fang Yuan's sword Qi with a metallic clang, sparing Shi Junying.
"Ah ah ah!"
Shi Junying, although defeated, refused to abort his assault, his claw-like hands furiously lashing out at Fang Yuan.
'Hmph!'
'Overlord Embodiment Art!'
Fang Yuan inwardly scoffed, a golden silhouette abruptly emerged around his body, effectively parrying Shi Junying's onslaught.
"Halt!"
"Fang Yuan prevails!"
The referee declared the result in a timely manner.
"You've conceded me the victory!"
Fang Yuan briskly bowed in a courteous salute, then swiveled around and departed.
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