"Cough, cough!" A black-clad figure coughed a few times.
People around turned to look curiously at the figure, wondering what he was up to. Was he really going to foolishly challenge the Crown Prince?
The black-clad man jumped onto the stage and laughed sinisterly, "The Crown Prince of Sen Nation is indeed very powerful! I am Feng... Feng San, here to seek a challenge!"
Upon hearing this, the entire arena buzzed with excitement.
Many were shocked.
Sure enough, he was here to challenge.
But even Su Qianyi was defeated; what was the point of him coming? Was he stronger?
On the stage, Sen Yan frowned at the black-clad figure, his aura emanating, enveloping the entire arena in a pressure that made it hard to breathe. The black-clad figure grunted and stepped back a few paces, taking a breath before saying, "What's this? Is the established rule just a decoration? Isn't everyone allowed to challenge the Crown Prince? I am now a citizen of Senluo Empire! Are the rules of Senluo Empire so flimsy?"
"You!" The Grandmaster stood up.
The surrounding crowd, seeing the audacity of the mysterious man, shouted angrily, "Beat him! Make him shut up! Too arrogant!"
Facing this self-proclaimed citizen of Senluo Empire, no one around believed him. They thought he was just looking for an excuse to challenge.
Seeing the enraged crowd, the mysterious man showed a satisfied smile. This was the scene he needed. This way, the Crown Prince couldn't back down. If he did, his previous reputation would be ruined. Even if he fought, with his cultivation at the ninth level of the Spiritual Body stage, wouldn't victory be easy? Even if he didn't get the slot, so what? Who knew his age was over the limit? Besides, as a member of the Feng Nation's royal family, who would dare to openly attack him?
Wei Xiaoxiao, angered, wanted to say something, but Sen Lei asked her to go find her grandfather, reassuring her that he could handle it.
Wei Xiaoxiao nodded, whispering, "Be careful, Crown Prince," then made a threatening gesture towards the black-clad man before leaving.
On the stage, Sen Yan watched the arrogant Feng San and laughed. It was a good opportunity. The Grandmaster beside him wanted to speak, but Sen Yan waved him off, "Let him continue his act! What a fool! The Feng Nation is really declining!"
The Grandmaster was taken aback. The emperor's insight was truly sharp. Sharper than a telescope... whatever that was...
The ruler of Feng Nation, upon learning that the assassination attempt on Sen Lei had failed, and that Sen Lei was not dead, was constantly worried about further complications. He had sent his trusted aide, who had been lurking nearby under the pretext of dealing with the Linjiang Mirror affair, to gather information. Upon learning that Sen Lei was organizing a martial arts contest, the aide could not sit still and rushed to the scene. The black-clad man was him.
Sen Lei, watching the black-clad man's arrogant words, narrowed his eyes.
A troublemaker!
Feng Nation...
The vast, endless sky was eerily quiet.
The news of Sen Lei's crushing victory over Wang Hu of the Spiritual Body stage reached the grand hall of Feng Nation.
The Feng Monarch, head bowed, looked at Feng Si, who had just reported the news.
Yes, the second black-clad man behind Feng San earlier was Feng Si, a member of the Feng Monarch's intelligence network, Feng Xingwei. They were not highly skilled but had sharp minds, ideal for espionage missions where discovery wasn't too costly.
They had no names, just numbers to avoid being used against them.
With Feng San and Feng Si, naturally, there were One and Two. When Feng Xingwei was established, they simply used numbers for convenience.
Simply put, it was easy to remember! But little did the Feng Monarch know how silly it made them sound.
The Feng Monarch stared at Feng Si, his eyes still on him, mouth twisted to the right, appearing like a flippant young master rather than an emperor. But underestimating him would be a grave mistake.
Judging by Feng Si's trembling, even a fool wouldn't think that.
The Feng Monarch behaved this way because he was at a loss for words. He had spent a fortune hiring assassins and deploying his loyal subordinates, even several from the Spiritual Sea stage. And now?
Sen Lei was suddenly well?
How was he suddenly well?
The Feng Monarch, clutching a fan, threw it to the ground and roared, "How did he recover! Ah?! Tell me!" Grabbing a nearby servant, he shook them until they fainted.
Releasing the limp servant, he grabbed Feng Si by the collar, shouting in his face, "Tell me! Speak!"
Feng Si fell to his knees, "The previous information was all true. The Crown Prince of Senluo Empire was crippled and severely injured. All external reports about that brat were true. I swear on my life!" Feng Si kept kowtowing.
Watching the kowtowing Feng Si, the Feng Monarch rubbed his forehead, filled with questions. He knew the Crown Prince was crippled, his spirit root was even transferred to Yaya. His death was confirmed, and the assassins he sent were top-notch. It was impossible for them to fail! But now, this situation seemed unfathomable. Unable to find an answer, the Feng Monarch sighed, "Fine! Where is Feng San?"
"He's challenging the Crown Prince in the arena!"
"Challenging?" The Feng Monarch covered his face. He was speechless! He had been trying so hard to clear his name of any involvement in the assassination attempt to avoid being implicated in a war, especially with the opening of the Ladder Academy and the Upper Realm approaching. He had plans for his third prince to go! Who would dare defy him then?
Moreover, according to internal sources, the rewards for the final academy competition were extremely generous! Those who ranked in the top three would get direct access to a secret realm!
A secret realm! The opportunities and techniques within were enough to make anyone envious. Though they had to be exchanged, those items were priceless!
Feng Nation and Senluo Empire, aside from the assassination issue, were neighboring nations with constant small conflicts. Without the looming opening of Ladder Academy and the Upper Realm, they wouldn't be at peace. Each had their hidden motives, aiming to nurture future talents. If they could send someone to the Upper Realm, it would bring glory to their nation! More exceptional talents would flock to them, boosting their national strength immensely!
Now, with the Upper Realm not having opened for many years, the announcement of its upcoming opening and the final batch of academy students would be their chance. Once inside, their nation's comprehensive strength would greatly improve!
But now, declaring war? Would he remain the Feng Monarch? Risking a backlash? Provoking Ladder Academy for attention?
What a mess!
Feng Si quickly added, "He said he wanted to humiliate that brat, make him..." Before Feng Si could finish, the Feng Monarch slapped him, shouting angrily, "Do you think Sen Yan is an idiot!"
Ordering his nearby Feng Xingwei to inform that he was going to Senluo Empire to... explain!
The Feng Xingwei leader froze. Going to Senluo Empire? Did he hear right?
That pause was enough.
The Feng Monarch, infuriated, kicked the dazed guard, sending him flying.
The guard quickly scrambled up and ran off.
"Bunch of idiots!"