Chapter 1261: The Focus of All Eyes
At this moment, Yang Haoran wore a smile. His Soul Armament, Remnant Moon, spun slowly around his body, like a fierce beast perpetually awaiting its master’s command. As for his Soul Armament, Black Lightning, he had not retracted it; the dark clouds above still lingered, and the rumble of thunder continued to emanate from within the cloud layer.
Xu Meijing stood beside Yang Haoran, clad in her Earth Soul Armor and wielding her Soul Armament, Life Ender. Although her Earth Soul Armor showed numerous dents and even cracks, the aura she exuded had not diminished in the slightest.
According to the rules Luo Yao had set before the competition, if Wen Hexuan, Long Yan, and Ye Xianglan were eliminated, the remaining contestants would proceed to the next round of competition. Although Luo Yao had not announced what the next round would entail, the two Guardians would be selected during this second round.
If Wen Hexuan, Long Yan, and Ye Xianglan were not eliminated by the contestants, then the two remaining contestants on the arena would be directly promoted to new Guardians.
As things stood, with Wen Hexuan’s two Undertakers incapacitated, only Yang Haoran and Xu Meijing remained as contestants on the entire arena. Following the rules Luo Yao had set before the competition, Yang Haoran and Xu Meijing had already become the ultimate victors of this martial arts contest, and the two vacant Guardian positions would be filled by them.
Although the rules dictated this, neither Yang Haoran nor Xu Meijing had retracted their Soul Armaments at this moment. This was because Yang Haoran’s recent actions had deeply angered Wen Hexuan and his two allies. Heaven knew if the three of them would do something extreme out of their fury. Therefore, for safety’s sake, neither of them put away their Soul Armaments; if Wen Hexuan were to lash out in a fit of rage, unable to accept the outcome, they wouldn’t be caught entirely unprepared.
Yang Haoran’s words intensified the fury in Wen Hexuan’s heart. Victory had been within his grasp, only to be snatched away by Yang Haoran’s sudden, two-pronged lightning assault. This alone had already caused him considerable displeasure, and now Yang Haoran’s words and the smile on his face seemed to him like blatant provocation, naturally escalating his anger.
Intense fury caused Wen Hexuan’s body to tremble slightly. He stared fixedly at Yang Haoran, this man he had never known, never even heard of before, yet who was now deeply etched into his very bones, especially that faint smile, imprinted in his mind like a brand.
Wen Hexuan opened his mouth, about to say something, but before he could utter a single word, a mouthful of fresh blood involuntarily spurted out. He didn’t wipe the blood from the corner of his mouth but instead extended a finger, as gnarled as a withered tree branch, towards Yang Haoran. From his expression, it seemed he still wanted to speak, but in the end, he didn’t manage another word before his body fell straight back, crashing heavily onto the arena.
Even though Wen Hexuan had collapsed, his outstretched finger did not retract or go limp; it remained stubbornly straight. Perhaps this was his final act of defiance.
Wen Hexuan’s injuries were already severe; he had only remained standing because he dared not fall, sustained purely by a powerful will. His two Undertakers were his last motivation, for only by securing a Guardian position for them could he turn his current predicament around. But Yang Haoran had used two bolts of lightning to shatter this final pillar of his spirit. Overcome by rage, he could no longer hold on and fainted on the arena.
Seeing this, Long Yan and Ye Xianglan both frowned, but neither of them rushed to Wen Hexuan’s side to check on his injuries.
From this, it wasn’t hard to see that while the three of them were indeed in the same boat, it was clearly a makeshift one, not only unstable, but its occupants also seemed not genuinely united in purpose.
Upon seeing Wen Hexuan collapse, Luo Yao, who was above the dark clouds, stood up. Due to the formality of the occasion, he suppressed the smile on his face, feigning a solemn expression. Yet, in his greatly improved mood, even with his feigned seriousness, his expression was no longer as grim as before.
"Alright, the results are in. As per the rules set earlier, the two contestants who remained on the arena will fill the two vacant Guardian positions in my Jingling Continent Underworld Office."
As Luo Yao spoke, a burst of cheers erupted from the audience. They cheered not because they had any particular affection for Yang Haoran or Xu Meijing, but because the competition had been thrilling, providing them with immense entertainment. Moreover, Luo Yao’s announcement had now confirmed the selection of two Guardians, which was a major event for the entire Underworld Office, especially for the Jingling Continent Underworld Office. Having witnessed this moment with their own eyes, how could they not be excited?
Amidst the widespread cheering, Luo Yao waved to Yang Haoran on the arena, then spoke calmly.
"Retract your Soul Armaments. All four of you, come up here."
Luo Yao’s words seemed directed at Yang Haoran, but in fact, they were for the four people still standing on the arena, as only four remained.
Yang Haoran, with a smile, respectfully bowed to Luo Yao above. Remnant Moon spun once and vanished, followed by the dissipation of the dark clouds in the sky. Both Soul Armaments were retracted by Yang Haoran almost simultaneously.
Xu Meijing, at his side, also bowed to Luo Yao. With her Earth Soul Armor still present, it was impossible to discern her expression, but one could guess that her face still bore its usual aloofness, hardly aligning with reverence.
After a simple bow, Xu Meijing likewise retracted her Soul Armament. As the Earth Soul Armor vanished with a series of clicks and clanks, Xu Meijing's body was revealed.
Indeed, Xu Meijing still maintained her usual cold and aloof demeanor, showing no elation at having won the final victory; she appeared remarkably composed.
Both of them leaped up, and under the gaze of all, flew towards the dark clouds above.
At this moment, Ye Xianglan glanced at Long Yan. Seeing no reaction from him, she shook her head with a wry smile, then moved, also flying towards the dark clouds.
With Ye Xianglan’s departure, only Long Yan remained standing on the arena. His face was grim, looking quite displeased. He glanced at Wen Hexuan, who lay motionless on the arena, hesitated for a moment, then also left the arena, flying towards the dark clouds.
After Long Yan left, three individuals remained on the arena: Wen Hexuan and the two Undertakers who had been struck by lightning. Although still on the arena, all three were unconscious, completely out of it.
Outside the arena, the gravely injured Yongle was taken away by the assigned Pharmacist for immediate treatment, as his condition was critical. As for Wen Hexuan and the other two on the arena, the special medical team assigned to this competition certainly hadn't forgotten them. Three individuals immediately ascended the arena, ready to carry them away for treatment.
Earlier, when the battle on the arena was raging, none of the medical team dared to step onto the stage to retrieve anyone, fearing accidental injury or being caught in the crossfire. If they failed to save someone and ended up needing rescue themselves, that would be a tragedy.
So, their method of retrieval at the time was simple: they stayed below the arena, using their power to drag the unconscious individuals off the stage. While this still carried some risk of being affected, it was much safer than personally ascending the arena.
Now, with no combat on the arena, they have no longer needed to worry about being accidentally injured or caught in the powerful impact of battle. Thus, they confidently stepped onto the arena to retrieve the fallen.
As the three ascended the arena to retrieve the fallen, Yang Haoran and his three companions had already reached the dark clouds and stood before Luo Yao. Among the four, only Yang Haoran wore a smile; the other three showed no trace of one.
Xu Meijing maintained her aloof demeanor, Long Yan wore a grim expression, and Ye Xianglan displayed a look of helplessness.
Luo Yao swept his gaze across the four, but did not speak. Instead, he temporarily left them standing there, his gaze fixed on the arena below.
"Send the two Undertakers for treatment. As for Wen Hexuan, leave him be for now. He merely fainted from overwhelming rage; there’s no major issue. It won't be too late to send him for treatment after we’ve handled matters here. At this final moment, not a single one of my nine Guardians of the Jingling Continent Underworld Office can be missing."
Luo Yao spoke calmly. The person who was about to carry Wen Hexuan away for treatment immediately retracted their hand upon hearing Luo Yao’s words, respectfully bowed to Luo Yao above, and then decisively left the arena without any hesitation.
As for the other two, they took the two unconscious Undertakers off the arena and sent them to the designated treatment area.
In an instant, besides the unconscious Wen Hexuan, there was no one else on the arena. Luo Yao’s gaze fell upon Wen Hexuan’s body, then with a wave of his hand, a surge of Yin Qi directly enveloped Wen Hexuan’s body, drawing him swiftly towards the location of the dark clouds.
Thud!
The unconscious Wen Hexuan landed back in his original seat. The Yin Qi enveloping his body had suddenly dissipated several meters before he reached his seat, causing Wen Hexuan’s body to fall with a dull thud when he returned to his chair.
As Wen Hexuan’s body settled into his seat, his crutch also fell, clattering onto the table in front of him, overturning fruit and fine wine.
This scene startled the young woman behind the seat. She dared not presumptuously help the seated Wen Hexuan, nor did she dare pick up the crutch from the table. Having been meticulously selected to serve a Guardian, her discerning eye was certainly beyond that of an ordinary person. Some tasks that were clearly her duty, she now dared not perform, because she understood what was truly happening. Thus, she could only lower her head and pretend to know nothing, see nothing.
Everyone else present naturally understood the meaning behind Luo Yao’s actions. Although their expressions had changed somewhat, no one spoke at this moment, not even Long Yan. However, compared to before, Long Yan’s face had grown even more grim.
"Help him up, make him sit properly, and tidy the table as well."
Luo Yao spoke calmly. He didn’t address anyone by name, but the young woman behind Wen Hexuan’s seat understood who Luo Yao was speaking to.
"Yes, Great Emperor!"
The young woman responded respectfully, then immediately followed Luo Yao’s instructions, carefully straightening Wen Hexuan’s body and gently leaning his back against the chair. Although Luo Yao had been rough with Wen Hexuan, this woman dared not treat him with any brutality.
With the young woman’s help, Wen Hexuan now appeared as if he were simply resting in his chair. The crutch, with the young woman's assistance, was also placed back in his hand. One hand gripped the crutch’s handle, the other propped against the dark clouds. If his eyes weren’t closed at that moment, he would have seemed no different from a conscious person, yet his pale face and the blood at the corner of his mouth seemed utterly out of place.
Luo Yao retracted his gaze, then looked at the helpless Ye Xianglan and the grim-faced Long Yan.
"You two may return to your positions."
Luo Yao said. Ye Xianglan forced a somewhat unnatural smile, then bowed to Luo Yao.
"Yes, Great Emperor."
Ye Xianglan spoke. Although her attitude was not overtly respectful, she played her part well. Long Yan, though silent, still clenched his teeth and very reluctantly bowed to Luo Yao.
Luo Yao did not choose to address Long Yan's attitude in such a public setting. After all, their Jingling Continent Underworld Office had already become a laughingstock today, and he himself had done things that might seem petty. If he were to quibble with Long Yan now, it would only create a greater spectacle.
Ye Xianglan and Long Yan vanished and reappeared in their seats. Luo Yao then turned his gaze to Yang Haoran.
"Yang Haoran, well done. I did not misjudge you."
Luo Yao was in a good mood, but he did not show his inner emotions on his face. Instead, he spoke to Yang Haoran with a feigned solemn expression.
"Heh heh, thank you for your appreciation, Great Emperor. However, this subordinate merely had good luck; I don’t possess much talent."
Yang Haoran bowed to Luo Yao again, responding with great humility. Luo Yao nodded gently, not dwelling on the question of Yang Haoran's talent, but instead turned his gaze to Xu Meijing once more.
"I remember you, because I promoted you myself. Your name is Xu Meijing, correct?"
Luo Yao asked. Xu Meijing’s expression remained unchanged, and she immediately responded to Luo Yao’s inquiry.
"Yes."
Xu Meijing’s answer was crisp and concise, not a single superfluous word.
Luo Yao nodded again, then retracted his gaze and looked down at the competition arena.
"I now announce that the Undertaker of Ancient Demon City, Yang Haoran, and the Undertaker of Ancheng, Xu Meijing, are no longer Undertakers from this moment forward. They are now Guardians of my Jingling Continent Underworld Office."
As Luo Yao's words rang out, the scene once again erupted in cheers, even more fervent than before. While they themselves weren't becoming Guardians, witnessing two Undertakers ascend to Guardianship with their own eyes still thrilled them.
Of course, not all the spectators present were equally excited. Some were indifferent to such matters and remained remarkably calm. Others, though they cared deeply about such events, showed not excitement, but rather envy or jealousy.
Amidst waves of escalating cheers, Luo Yao looked towards the two vacant seats behind him, then spoke to Yang Haoran and Xu Meijing.
"Those two positions belong to you both. Take your seats."
The two bowed to Luo Yao, immediately affirmed, and then walked towards the two vacant Guardian positions.
The two young women behind the chairs saw Yang Haoran and Xu Meijing approaching and quickly moved the chairs slightly, respectfully awaiting their arrival.
Along the way, Xu Meijing intended to let Yang Haoran sit first, but Yang Haoran motioned for her to go ahead. In this setting, she couldn't be bothered to argue with Yang Haoran about the matter, so since Yang Haoran insisted, she didn't refuse and took the eighth seat, while Yang Haoran took the ninth.
"Originally, I had prepared some entertainment for this competition, but time does not permit it at the moment, so it must regrettably be canceled. Therefore, this competition concludes here. All of you, return to your respective posts as soon as possible."
Luo Yao waited until Yang Haoran and Xu Meijing had taken their respective seats before continuing, declaring the competition over.
However, Luo Yao seemed to have some urgent and important matters to attend to. Thus, after announcing the end of the competition, he tore through space and departed, taking eight of his Guardians with him.
The reason it was eight and not nine was because Wen Hexuan was severely injured and needed treatment. Therefore, Luo Yao did not take Wen Hexuan when he left, instead instructing the young woman behind Wen Hexuan to send him for treatment. That is why he only took eight people with him.
The spectators, seeing Luo Yao leave and take his Guardians with him, some began to depart, feeling there was no longer any point in staying.
However, some chose not to leave immediately. They lingered, reliving the earlier battles and discussing Yang Haoran and Xu Meijing, the ultimate victors of this competition.
Among the tens of thousands of spectators, few knew who Yang Haoran and Xu Meijing were, and even fewer understood their backgrounds. Precisely because of this, they aroused more curiosity and a greater desire to learn about them.
It was needless to say that after today, the names of Yang Haoran and Xu Meijing would undoubtedly resound throughout the entire Underworld Office, especially within the Jingling Continent Underworld Office, where their names would become even more prominent, for they were the Guardians of the Jingling Continent Underworld Office.
Not only within the Underworld Office, but other factions that had been following this matter would also soon come to know Yang Haoran and Xu Meijing, because there were only forty-five Guardians in the entire Underworld Office, and the birth of every single one was worth the attention of other factions.
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