Many trial challengers immediately raised questions, expressing skepticism about Sharmapa's seemingly problematic combat strength.
It wasn't that Sharmapa couldn't surpass Chen Guo in combat strength. Surpassing Chen Guo was perfectly normal; after all, in the absence of a true Eternal Throne, even the world's number one could be overtaken.
It's the natural order of things for the new to surpass the old.
However, Sharmapa's combat strength skyrocketing by three million in such a short span of time was not just a rapid promotion—it was nothing short of miraculous.
Even Chen Guo hadn't seen such an exaggerated increase.
It was only natural that people harbored doubts.
"Why is it that only your Jutrela's warriors are allowed to be so powerful, and not ours from Zefraoce? Sounds like jealousy to me!"
"Sharmapa is Zefraoce's pride. We won't stand for any defamation. A noble Brahmin like Sharmapa has reached his status purely through his own merit. Beyond his abilities, he owes nothing. What gives you the right to slander him? Do you have any idea how hard he has worked?"
"Hahaha, your Guangcheng is nothing but trash compared to our Sharmapa. Sharmapa has already overtaken him and will soon crush him underfoot, as easily as stepping on an ant!"
The people of Zefraoce were increasingly spirited in their defense of Sharmapa. Many who were opposed to the existing hegemony joined forces with Zefraoce, rallying in support of Sharmapa.
Those who questioned Sharmapa's rapid rise in power were troubled by the lack of evidence to support their suspicions, leaving them with little to say.
The world channel was in complete disarray.
And now, the pantheon of gods was in turmoil as well.
"I used to think Tianzhao was the most shameless, but it turns out the Three-Faced God is just as brazen, cheating so openly. Absolutely disgraceful!"
"Now that the Three-Faced God has cheated, it wouldn't be right for us not to follow suit. I need to bestow some blessings upon my followers!"
"With the Three-Faced God taking the heat, we can cheat a little more discreetly and face much less pressure. If we don't cheat now, it's a wasted opportunity. Jutrela has been too overbearing; it's time to push back."
The deities from various pantheons were cursing under their breath, yet those with less scruples didn't hesitate to cheat on behalf of their followers. With the Three-Faced God setting a precedent, they couldn't resist joining in.
Odin declared, "Receive the blessing of Odin's might and vanquish the Jutrelians!"
Zeus proclaimed, "The power of Zeus accompanies you. Go forth and annihilate Guangcheng!"
Adam offered, "This is the blessing I bestow upon you..."
As a result of some unscrupulous gods covertly assisting trial challengers, many previously obscure participants suddenly dominated the leaderboards.
The current standings were practically unrecognizable.
In first place, from Zefraoce, was Sharmapa with a combat power of 3.7 million.
Second place went to Johns Hopkins, boasting three and a half million combat power.
Third place was claimed by the Muchesauian, Bolivar, with three hundred and forty thousand combat power.
Fourth place was held by Xiufu from Plioya, with three hundred and thirty thousand combat power.
Chen Guo had been relegated to fifth place, his combat power a mere three million and one hundred thousand.
If one god discarded their honor, it seemed many others would follow suit. They clandestinely boosted their devotees and descendants, propelling them to the top. This became the go-to strategy for these dishonorable deities.
On Blue Star, all trial challengers were left in shock. Even the most innocent among them sensed that something was amiss.
One person surpassing Chen Guo so swiftly could be rationalized.
But when a succession of individuals rapidly outpaced Chen Guo, with many more behind them secretly surging in combat power, it raised red flags for everyone.
Though the gods' meddling was unknown to mortals, the trial challengers couldn't shake the feeling that these new powerhouses weren't genuine. They were convinced that some form of cheating had to be involved.
"These individuals must have cheated. It's impossible for so many to have overtaken Boss Guangcheng in such a short span. It defies logic!"
"Is there a glitch in the system?"
"There's definitely something fishy going on!"
The suspicions ran rampant, yet no concrete evidence could be found.
The world channel was awash with complaints and accusations.
Some rallied behind these unexpected powerhouses, while others cast doubt on their legitimacy. The world was engulfed in turmoil and confusion.
For the average trial challenger, the truth was elusive. But for the gods, it was effortlessly within reach.
Beyond the Thirty-three Heavens, the Primus, the Heavenly Venerable of Dao, and the Heavenly Worthy of Numinous Treasure convened.
The Heavenly Worthy of Numinous Treasure spoke out, "These deities are utterly shameless, flagrantly flouting the rules and meddling in mortal affairs without a hint of decorum! If we stand by idly, aren't we just condoning their behavior? For some reason, the Sovereigns seem to have no reaction whatsoever to their transgressions."
These game rules were established by those hailed as the universe's Sovereigns, including Daoist Hong Jun, the mentor of the Three Pure Ones. Yet, despite the rampant rule-breaking by numerous gods, the Sovereigns remained strangely unresponsive.
Primus reflected, "Ultimately, the strength of these mortals is too feeble. Even with enhancement, they barely reach the Foundation Stage, mere ants incapable of garnering the Sovereigns' notice. Nonetheless, no one escapes the entanglement of karma. These gods' brazen actions will one day ensnare them in retribution."
The Heavenly Worthy of Numinous Treasure protested, "Shall we just stand by and watch? They've cheated so overtly, surpassing our own descendants. We must offer our progeny some advantage... Elder brother, you are the leader of the Human Sect!"
The Heavenly Venerable of Dao interjected, "Enough said. They may recklessly break the rules, but we cannot intervene."
The Heavenly Worthy of Numinous Treasure was visibly discontent. Known also as the Supreme Sect Master, his temperament was not as fiery, but still far from mild.
Primus reassured him, "Junior brother, fret not. Take Chen Guo, for instance; he's currently near the Earth Ancestor Temple by Heavenly River City. A significant destiny awaits him there."
With sudden clarity, the Heavenly Worthy of Numinous Treasure smiled in relief. "Now I understand, and I am at ease!" he exclaimed. Internally, he praised his elder brothers' wisdom, their plans so seamlessly orchestrated that the brazen false gods would be none the wiser.
As Chen Guo surveyed the mountains and fields, it wasn't long before he came upon Acomb City. The sight of Acomb took him aback. Contrary to what he might have expected, Acomb was a bustling metropolis, teeming with people and brimming with activity.
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