Chapter 491: Mischievous Xue Zhao

Chi Jianbai’s attitude could be described as the pinnacle of arrogance.

After all, when one introduces themself, it is customary to state their sect first, followed by their name. Especially in a competition like this, you either remain silent or follow the proper etiquette. This event was, after all, a contest between high-level sects. For someone like Chi Jianbai to only state his name implied that Ye Qingchen wasn’t even worthy of knowing which sect he hailed from. Of course, it also carried the subtle insinuation that Ye Qingchen’s spot in the competition was illegitimately obtained.

Ye Qingchen could naturally see Chi Jianbai’s arrogance.

If you considered me an opponent, I would respect you. But since you’re so contemptuous, then I’m sorry, but I won’t be taking you seriously either.

So Ye Qingchen merely nodded, let out a soft "Hmph," and said no more.

Ye Qingchen’s dismissiveness infuriated Chi Jianbai even more.

Chi Jianbai already harbored a strong dislike for Ye Qingchen. Hailing from the Western Region, he was one of Xue Zhao’s most devoted suitors. Seeing her clear fondness for Ye Qingchen, one can only imagine the jealousy brewing in his heart.

When he first saw they were drawn into the same group, he couldn’t wait for an early match to thoroughly humiliate the detestable fellow. But fate was not on his side; he hadn’t encountered Ye Qingchen in any of the previous matches, allowing his rival to advance all the way to this stage. Chi Jianbai could only curse the other competitors for being so useless as he fretted anxiously.

Now that he was finally facing Ye Qingchen, Chi Jianbai knew his opportunity had arrived. He could not only humiliate Ye Qingchen on the arena stage but also show off his strength in front of his goddess, Xue Zhao. Who knows? Perhaps this very performance would be what finally won her favor.

Chi Jianbai was confident. Although he came from an Eight-Star Sect, he possessed an extremely rare Nine-Star Phoenix Martial Spirit. As a result, upon joining his sect, he received its full backing, and his strength had advanced by leaps and bounds. With his Nine-Star Martial Soul, he was confident he could defeat even Ninth-Layer Martial Kings from Nine-Star Sects.

Ye Qingchen, by contrast, was merely at the Third Layer of the Martial King Realm and possessed a trash-tier Seven-Star Willow Wood Martial Soul.

In terms of power, he was a Ninth-Layer Martial King, while Ye Qingchen was just a Third-Layer Martial King. In terms of background, he came from an Eight-Star Sect that fully supported him. Ye Qingchen, on the other hand, was from the Central Celestial Academy, but Chi Jianbai had heard he’d nearly been eliminated during the entrance exam. As for their Martial Souls, his was a Nine-Star Phoenix Martial Spirit, while Ye Qingchen’s was a Seven-Star Willow Wood Martial Soul. Not only was the latter’s grade inferior, but its elemental attribute was also completely suppressed by his own.

Considering all these factors, Chi Jianbai couldn’t think of a single advantage Ye Qingchen possessed.

Well, if I absolutely had to name one, he’s a year or two younger than me, a little more handsome, a little taller, has a better build... But none of that matters! A pretty face can’t put food on the table!

Therefore, Chi Jianbai had planned from the very beginning how he would humiliate Ye Qingchen. He never expected Ye Qingchen to be even more arrogant than him—something he simply could not accept.

The crowd below the stage had already started to cheer for Chi Jianbai, further bolstering his soaring confidence.

Zi Xing looked worriedly at the two on stage, then turned to Xue Zhao beside him and asked, "Sister Xue Zhao, this Chi Jianbai is also from the Western Region. Do you think Junior Brother Ye has any chance of winning against him?"

Zi Xing was a year older than Xiao Xiao and Xue Zhao and possessed a much calmer demeanor. This was why, despite their constant squabbling, both girls were always very polite to him.

In response to Zi Xing’s question, Xue Zhao smiled mischievously and said, "Do you even need to ask? Big Brother hasn’t even shown his true strength yet."

Xue Zhao’s words put Zi Xing’s mind at ease somewhat, and even Xiao Xiao breathed a sigh of relief.

But Xue Zhao clearly wasn’t done causing trouble. She murmured to herself, "But if Big Brother keeps winning so easily, won’t the competition get boring?"

A wicked idea came to mind as her eyes twinkled.

Suddenly, Xue Zhao shouted to Chi Jianbai on the stage, "Chi Jianbai, if you win this match, I’ll agree to be your friend!"

To Chi Jianbai, her words were like the most potent stimulant imaginable. They were even more effective than a Secret Technique designed to boost one’s strength.

Sh-she... my goddess is actually talking to me! And she said she wants to be my friend! Jian Bai, your time has come...

Moved nearly to tears, Chi Jianbai’s aura surged once more, flaring to more than double its initial strength.

Xue Zhao must dislike Ye Qingchen too,

Chi Jianbai thought, utterly convinced.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have said something like that to encourage me. It has to be because he’s surrounded by too many beautiful women. That must have disgusted her. Hmph! Ye Qingchen, is one goddess not enough for you? You’re so greedy that you’re flirting with all three of them. If you don’t deserve to die, who does?

Xiao Xiao was not pleased by Xue Zhao’s words and retorted irritably, "Even if you use such despicable tricks, the Young Master will not lose."

Unconcerned, Xue Zhao simply waved her hand and said, "Of course I know Big Brother won’t lose. But he still hasn’t used his full strength. If this Chi Jianbai can force him to reveal even one of his trump cards, then my goal will be achieved. We’ve all made it to the finals, so it’s very likely we’ll have to face Big Brother as well. I’d rather not lose to him without even knowing what he’s capable of."

Xiao Xiao couldn’t rebut Xue Zhao’s words, as she also wanted to know the Young Master’s true capabilities. Still, Xiao Xiao looked down on Xue Zhao’s methods. She just gave a cold snort and turned away, ignoring her.

Zi Xing could only shake his head with a resigned sigh.

These two girls are so obviously competing for Ye Qingchen’s affection. It seems my junior brother’s charm is quite something.

By this point, Chi Jianbai’s aura had surged to its absolute peak. He looked smugly at Ye Qingchen and spoke again, "Ye Qingchen, you heard the goddess Xue Zhao. Now, don’t blame me for what comes next."

Ye Qingchen had, of course, heard Xue Zhao’s shout. He understood her little scheme perfectly.

Only a love-struck fool like Chi Jianbai would actually think she was cheering for him.

Ye Qingchen smiled bitterly and shook his head. Glancing over at Xue Zhao, he thought,

That girl really knows how to make trouble for me.

Xue Zhao, in response, just stuck her tongue out playfully.