Chapter 158 - 157: Shifting Sentiments

Chapter 158: Chapter 157: Shifting Sentiments

"Tied for first! He’s actually tied for first!"

Inside the Great Chu imperial palace, Xiang Longtao stared at the booklet in his hand, his eyes filled with disbelief.

One moment, the entire Great Chu nation was immersed in celebration over their Prince defeating a First Turn expert. The next, they were stunned by the rise of the foreigner, Fang Can.

"That Fang Can actually possesses such talent." Xiang Longtao found it absurd.

’I was blessed by twelve shamans since childhood and forged with the resources of an entire nation. How could I be surpassed by some upstart, a boy who only started his training partway through life? I’ve clearly improved since last month, yet my number one ranking for Heart Image was snatched away by Fang Can.’

’How is this possible?’ In a daze, Xiang Longtao crushed the booklet in his hand into fine powder.

Having had a smooth-sailing life and always looking down on his peers, this was the first time he had ever experienced a setback.

The very next moment, just as he was about to lose his composure, a mysterious power surged from his heart, instantly correcting his agitated state of mind.

This was the blessing given to him by the fourth shaman during a full moon: "I bless the Prince with a will that is indestructible in the face of any setback!"

This blessing allowed him to advance bravely and vigorously no matter what he encountered, unperturbed by any frustration.

After regaining his composure, a wicked smile played on Xiang Longtao’s lips. "This is how it should be! This is perfect!"

"Fang Can, I thought you were just a nobody, but you have completely exceeded my expectations."

"But the stronger the opponent, the more joy I take in humiliating them after the battle."

"My *Scripture of Peerless Domination* requires the fierce power to sweep away all obstacles! It is the most domineering and arrogant Cultivation Technique in the world. I thought I was already unrivaled in the Transcendent Body realm, but I’m sure crushing you will be even more satisfying."

Watching her older brother cover his face and let out a maniacal laugh, the white-robed girl who had come to deliver the news sighed and put a hand to her forehead. ’Looks like my brother is having one of his episodes again. I just hope he wins this tournament.’

...

「The scene changes, returning the perspective to Great Yan.」

At this moment, the people of Great Yan were finally able to vent their long-held frustrations.

For nearly a hundred years, they had watched other countries take turns dominating the rankings of the Hidden Dragon List. Now, at last, a capable person had emerged to teach those foreign barbarians a lesson.

"This boy is called Fang Can, right? I knew from the start he was extraordinary. He’s truly a monster." Old General Yang couldn’t help but marvel as he looked at the Hidden Dragon List’s rankings.

"This Fang Can’s talent is exceptional. He should be properly honed in our army. In the future, he will surely be able to bear great responsibility and expand the borders for our Great Yan."

Meanwhile, the streets and markets were in an uproar. Everyone felt that Fang Can had brought immense glory to the Great Yan Country.

"This feels amazing! We finally get to see those barbarians get put in their place. Our Great Yan is the real boss! He must be rewarded handsomely!"

A wealthy merchant looked at the Hidden Dragon List, clapped his hands, and roared with laughter. "I’m in a great mood! Inform the rice shops immediately—all grain is half price today, until it’s sold out."

In every street and alley of Great Yan, following the release of this edition of the Hidden Dragon List, one name was on everyone’s lips: Fang Can!

Compared to Xiang Longtao’s record of occupying the Hidden Dragon List for a year before killing a First Turn expert, Fang Can’s feat was far more sensational. He had become number one on the Ascending Dragon List after just one month of cultivation, and then topped both lists simultaneously within two months—an unprecedented achievement.

More importantly, he was one of Great Yan’s own.

At this moment, just thinking about Fang Can achieving the great honor of first place on the Hidden Dragon List made even the homeless beggars on the street puff out their chests with pride.

The fact that the entire populace had previously dismissed the news of Fang Can killing a First Turn expert as a mere rumor was now subconsciously cast to the back of their minds.

The current trend was for everyone to proudly claim, "I saw how amazing Fang Can was from the start! I told you he could beat a First Turn expert, didn’t I? Ha! And none of you believed me."

Amidst the fervent discussions throughout Great Yan, Fang Can, who had not even reached the Heaven-Ascending Road yet, was already being molded into the image of a national hero.

And because the Celestial Secret List circulated among all nations, after he appeared on two consecutive lists, the people of every country had thoroughly committed the name Fang Can to memory.

...

In the streets and alleys of the Capital City, Shen Shifang was holding a stack of art paper, posting them on the walls.

For tomorrow’s Handmaiden of the God auditions, he needed to post these flyers all over the streets, again and again.

Because matters concerning the god allowed for no mistakes, the flyers were all printed on high-quality Xuan paper.

No sooner had he put them up than people would tear them down to hoard. While posting them, he also had to endure the scornful looks and disdainful comments of those around him.

To be honest, at only twenty years old, with a cultivation level not as profound as those Heart Image Martial Artists and a faith that wasn’t particularly devout, his belief in Fang Can had already begun to waver.

Sensing an old man with faltering steps approaching from behind, Shen Shifang sighed inwardly.

He had been yelled at yesterday for posting in this very spot.

Ready to be berated, Shen Shifang turned around, only to see that the old man who had looked so fierce and menacing yesterday was now wearing a smile.

Leaning on his cane, the old man chuckled. "Hey, son. Are you a follower of that Fang Can? The Fang Can who’s number one on the Hidden Dragon List today?"

’The god made it to number one on the Hidden Dragon List?’ Although he hadn’t had time to check the Celestial Secret List because of his work, Shen Shifang subconsciously accepted this new reality.

"Yes, sir." Shen Shifang lifted his head, a hint of pride in his voice. "My god’s true name is Fang Can."

"Well, what do you know! I told you that Fang Can kid was amazing." A vegetable-selling woman nearby kindly handed him a bundle of greens, saying:

"Here you go, young man. Remember to tell your master that when he comes to buy vegetables from me in the future, it’s on the house."

Staring in confusion at the woman who had been gossiping behind his back just yesterday, another old man pushed his way forward with a smile. "Isn’t that Fang Can selecting his consorts? I have a lovely young daughter at home, can she participate too?"

"Anyone who is willing can come and participate," Shen Shifang said with a polite smile, though whether they would actually be chosen was another matter entirely.

"Good lad! Then I’ll definitely have my girl come and try tomorrow," the man said with a laugh.

After learning of Shen Shifang’s status as a believer, the entire street gathered around, curiously asking all sorts of questions about Fang Can.

And these were the same citizens who, just a day ago, had been rolling their eyes at him, spreading rumors, and cursing him out.

Compared to yesterday, they were still the same people; the only difference was that their image of Fang Can had changed.

But Shen Shifang was clearly unaware of this. Under the constant barrage of flattery and praise for Fang Can, his once-wavering faith became firm once more.

As he finished putting up the posters in his hands, the old man beside him patted his chest and said, "You can go post in the other areas without worry. We’ll watch this poster. No one will dare to tear it down."

"Thank you, sir," Shen Shifang said gratefully. And his experience today was by no means an isolated incident.

It wasn’t just a change in public image. By a conservative estimate, the number of believers preparing to join the "Fang Can Divine Cult" had increased by at least twentyfold within that day.

As for the number of people who would show up for the upcoming auditions, it would far exceed the believers’ expectations.