Chapter 177: Fang Yuan's Predicament, A Burden Not Yours to Bear

Chapter 177: Fang Yuan's Predicament, A Burden Not Yours to Bear

Supreme Elder Mo Yu, accompanied by the other three Dao Palace realm peers, meticulously scanned Fang Yuan from top to bottom.

"What's the prognosis?"

Inquired Ji Mingxiu, his brows knotted in concern.

"The situation is somewhat dire!"

"He's invoked self-destructive, power-amplifying secret arts numerous times within a short duration. Fang Yuan's cultivation base has suffered substantial damage!"

Mo Yu slightly shook his head in disapproval, then added with a hint of surprise, "Nevertheless, it's less severe than I anticipated, likely due to the minor residual effects of the secret arts he employed."

"That's somewhat of a relief."

"Fang Yuan, this young man, is excessively arrogant. He requires some discipline. Hopefully, this predicament will serve as a lesson for him."

A Supreme Elder voiced his dissatisfaction with a hint of regret.

"I accept the blame. I failed to convince Junior Brother Fang Yuan to reconsider earlier on."

With a solemn tone, Jiang Chen stepped forward and confessed.

"Jiang Chen."

"Fang Yuan's predicament is of his own making; you needn't shoulder any guilt."

"We've all borne witness to Fang Yuan's obstinacy and pride."

Ji Mingxiu shook his head, casting a glance at Jiang Chen filled with approval and pleasure.

Jiang Chen had exceeded his expectations in terms of strength.

Given his combat prowess, he was undoubtedly at the zenith of the Middle-stage Inquiring Journey realm.

This surpassed Ji Mingxiu's initial projections.

Currently, Fang Yuan's conduct had severely marred his reputation in the eyes of Ji Mingxiu and the rest.

Moreover, he was the architect of his own downfall, his cultivation base was compromised, and the path to restoration would be extraordinarily challenging.

Conversely, Jiang Chen showcased not just an awe-inspiring talent, but also an admirable character.

As Fang Yuan's prestige dwindled, Jiang Chen's ascended. In Ji Mingxiu's perspective and that of the others, Jiang Chen now held a loftier position than Fang Yuan, his significance even more pronounced.

For the Purple Heaven Holy Land, Jiang Chen was the irreplaceable future Holy Lord.

As for Fang Yuan, he was merely a slightly more extraordinary genius.

"Very well."

"Fang Yuan's injuries aren't critical; he merely needs time to convalesce."

"However, mending his foundation isn't a task that can be completed swiftly. We can only endeavour to gradually restore it."

Supreme Elder Mo Yu chimed in once more, "It might take a few centuries to regain some stability... Let's start with his immediate treatment."

As a Supreme Elder of the Purple Heaven Holy Land, he was far from being utterly helpless in such a predicament.

If this had been a force outside the triad of major factions - the Purple Heaven Holy Land, the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace, and the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple - they would undoubtedly lack the means to repair Fang Yuan's foundation.

At this juncture, Ji Mingxiu signalled approval, gestured with his hand, and summoned an Elder to escort Fang Yuan for medical attention.

Throughout the process, Fang Yuan remained conscious yet seemingly disoriented and dumbfounded, silent as if in a vegetative state!

"Senior Brother Jiang Chen is officially the Holy Son now!"

"The future of our Purple Heaven Holy Land looks even brighter!"

"Hahaha, this is certainly one of the most momentous celebrations of my lifetime. Let's keep the merriment going post-competition till we're thoroughly merry!"

"..."

One after another, the disciples reveled in the excitement, chattering away in sheer delight.

From this point forward, the Purple Heaven Holy Land had another pillar, another stalwart to support another segment of its expansive sky. As disciples of the Purple Heaven Holy Land, all were overflowing with excitement!

Well, all except for Fang Yuan!

Just as everyone burst into jubilation, Jiang Chen's divine sense delved into the storage ring.

The contents of the ring instantly became perceptible.

Among them was a complete set of luxurious garments signifying the status of the Holy Son.

This ensemble also served as a top-grade defensive artifact tailored for the Inquiring Journey realm, and it was the kind that could be reshaped and enhanced.

Additionally, there was a massive collection of cultivation techniques and secret arts, as well as five hundred high-grade spirit jades.

Earlier, when Jiang Chen became Ji Mingxiu's disciple, he had received a hundred high-grade spirit jades, and now he had secured an additional five hundred!

In terms of spirit stones and spirit jades alone, his wealth had already eclipsed that of most cultivators in the Purple Heaven Holy Land.

'Next, I need to amass spiritual plants on a large scale to swiftly bolster my cultivation base!'

A thought that brought a sense of jubilation to Jiang Chen.

At this moment.

"Now that Jiang Chen's status as Holy Son is firmly established."

"The competing cultivators will continue the ranking competition."

Ji Mingxiu resumed speaking, "Fang Yuan's rank is set at the second position. Given his prowess, I trust none of you have any objections, correct?"

All the cultivators concurred with a nod.

Despite Fang Yuan's crushing defeat at the hands of Jiang Chen, his power was unquestionable. The other contending disciples present simply couldn't rival him.

"Hmm."

"The next part is yours to handle."

Ji Mingxiu gave a slight nod, immediately delegating the responsibilities of presiding over the event to the Elder who had originally been assigned to the task.

"Yes, Holy Lord!"

The Elder responsible for overseeing the event respectfully acknowledged the command, then proceeded to conduct the ranking competition.

"Jiang Chen, accompany me."

Ji Mingxiu turned his gaze to Jiang Chen, a benevolent smile of an elder adorning his face.

"Yes, Master!"

A thought flitted through Jiang Chen's mind, approximately deducing Ji Mingxiu's impending course of action.

Subsequently, Ji Mingxiu nodded at Mo Yu and the others, then departed the main arena with Jiang Chen, heading towards the Holy Land Grand Hall.