Silence fell.

In the distance, Di Kan snickered disdainfully. “I’ve heard there are plenty of arrogant fools among the human race, and today I’ve witnessed it!”

Not just him, even Zhao Mengyou couldn’t help but think the same. She had stepped in to defuse the situation not just to build rapport with Zuo Yang, but also to probe Gu Han.

Zhao Mengyou was sharp-minded and exquisitely perceptive. She had already discerned that Gu Han was the silent axis of the group despite his unremarkable cultivation. Even Zuo Yang deferred to his opinions, which only deepened her curiosity.

One of Wu Han’s followers wore a look of disdain. “Oh? Even ‘unparalleled prodigy’ isn’t enough to describe him? Such bold words. Did you draw eight rings from the Dao Bell, or nine?”

Upon mentioning this, Gu Han’s expression darkened. Ten rings here and still no reward!

His reaction was picked up by the crowd, who mistook it for unease. This only invited more derisive remarks.

That follower said smugly, “The Young Lord elicited six rings from the Dao Bell! He was blessed by the Great Dao’s will, and obtained a Heaven-tier cultivation art as a reward! Can you compare?”

A follower of Qi Jun also refused to back down. “Our Holy Son also drew six rings from the Dao Bell and gained a thread of Heaven’s blessing, advancing his physique a step further! He can reach the Saint realm in the future!”

Six rings was the standard for their Holy Sons.

After hearing this, Gu Han’s face turned even darker. Everyone gets rewards but me!?

The more he thought about it, the more aggrieved he felt.

After seeing Gu Han’s reaction, Zhao Mengyou was deeply disappointed. She had initially believed Gu Han had at least elicited six or seven rings, but now it seemed he was merely fame-seeking. In reality, he probably couldn’t even manage four rings?

Murong Yan muttered resentfully, “The hell are you bragging for?! I drew six rings too! ’Holy Son’ my ass, that’s the best they’ve got? They’re not worthy of even holding my brother’s shoes!”

Ah Sha said angrily, “That’s right! Compared to Young Master, they’re way behind!”

Both were full of grievances, but neither could speak the truth. What could they say? Gu Han? Ten rings from the Dao Bell? Who would believe it? Besides, that was supposed to be a secret, just like Ah Sha’s nine rings. Meanwhile, Zuo Yang’s eight rings would be too humiliating to reveal. All they had left to save face was Murong Yan’s six rings, but clearly, that wasn’t nearly enough.

Suddenly, a burst of laughter rang out. In the distance, a brawny demon clansman pointed at Di Kan. “Six rings means jack! Our Young Valley Lord drew seven rings, drawing a thread of Heavenly Demon bloodline! Once he becomes a saint—heh! Just you wait and cry!”

Wu Han and Qi Jun became grim. They had been completely overshadowed just like that! Moreover, if the Heavenly Demon bloodline was allowed to grow, Di Kan would surely reach the Saint realm in the future. This posed a massive potential threat to their factions.

Only Zhao Mengyou still watched Gu Han. Noticing his face growing darker, her expression soured as well. She even began to regret her earlier intervention. How rash she was! She shouldn’t have stepped forward so quickly to mediate.

Upon seeing Di Han’s arrogant expression, Zhang Kun couldn’t hold back. “So what?! Our Divine Maiden also achieved seven rings! The Heavenly Demon bloodline means nothing! Our Divine Maiden’s Glazed Crystal Physique—”

Elder Li frowned. “Zhang Kun, do not act rashly!”

Zhang Kun’s heart jolted. “Yes! Yes!”

In his smugness, he had inadvertently forgotten that Zhao Mengyou disliked others publicizing her special physique. Fortunately, Zhao Mengyou’s attention was entirely on Gu Han, and she showed no intention of rebuking him.

Off to the side, Wu Han and Qi Jun grew more haggard. With Zhao Mengyou’s stature and elevated tastes, they were unlikely to earn her favor in this lifetime.

In the distance, Chu Kuang’s gaze was deep and distant. He could see through Zhao Mengyou’s intentions and motives. Though her methods were somewhat immature, he felt that she was far more exceptional than he had imagined. She was worthy enough to be his woman!

Casually, he glanced at Luan Ping. It was time for him to enter the spotlight. The overturned Sacred Chariot incident would soon be forgotten, while the name of Heavenly Pride Chu Kuang would be remembered forever.

Luan Ping drew a deep breath. “Everyone, this is the Myriad Transformations Holy Land’s newly appointed Holy Son, Chu Kuang! Not long ago, he drew eight rings from the Dao Bell. He’s truly worthy of the title Heavenly Pride!”

These words stirred up enormous waves of envy, shock, and admiration. Though each person’s expression differed, they all shared the shock in their eyes.

Although it was one ring short of nine, those capable of drawing nine rings were almost unheard of anyway. Perhaps, there were barely a handful in the entire five domains combined. Although the Eastern Wasteland had weirdly produced four, not a single trace of them had been seen. Many suspected these individuals had crossed over from other domains. By contrast, Chu Kuang’s eight rings were tangible.

For a moment, regardless of their true feelings, all attention now focused squarely on him. Chu Kuang smiled calmly as he had anticipated this. Although he couldn’t claim complete indifference, he was not carried away by pride. Everything came naturally.

As all eyes were fixed upon him. He stepped forward and arrived before the white jade chariot. Coupled with his already extraordinary appearance, the sight nearly made Zhao Mengyou’s four female followers flush, their hearts pounding wildly. This man could be called perfect!

However, though each could be considered breathtaking beauties, Chu Kuang did not spare them a glance.

His gaze remained fixed upon the curtain. “Divine Maiden Zhao, would you care to step aside for a word?”

As a Saint realm cultivator, his temperament was transcendent. The ordinary games of romance were beneath him. Having resolved to conquer Zhao Mengyou, he would make this proud Divine Maiden submit with his invincible, domineering poise!

He had the confidence and also the belief. The crowd felt complicated. That faint thread of envy ultimately yielded to self-contempt. A youthful Heavenly Pride and a city-toppling beauty, this was a match made in heaven!

Even Wu Han and Qi Jun felt the same. Chu Kuang stood above them in every regard. Unable to compare against him, all they could do was helplessly wallow in bitterness.

In the distance, a demon clansman urged. “Young Valley Master, maybe you should give it a try too? This woman is one of the top beauties among human cultivators!”

Di Kan sneered dismissively. “She doesn’t have fur, what’s so pretty about that?”

The group of brawny men collectively drew in sharp breaths. The Young Valley Master had very particular tastes! And rumour had it that lately, he had been deeply entangled with a young woman from the ancient ape clan.

After seeing Chu Kuang’s overbearing manner, Elder Li turned grim. “Nonsense! How dare you defile the Tiansheng Hall’s Divine Maiden—”

Zhao Mengyou voice drifted out again. “It’s fine. Your invitation honors me, Young Master Chu. But with the Profound Pill Pavilion opening soon, perhaps another day?”

She did not seem angered, though neither did she rise.

“Very well!” Chu Kuang displayed the true character of a gentleman, making no forceful demands with his smile intact. “I shall personally visit the Tiansheng Hall another day.”

At the chariot, the four female followers looked deeply regretful. Where in the world could one find such an exceptional man? Why did the Divine Maiden refuse?

If it were them, they would have already thrown themselves at him.

Of course, Gu Han and the others watched what happened in its entirety.

Murong Yan’s expression was off. “Senior Brother, I’m feeling a bit sick.”

Shen Xuan smiled bitterly. “He’s stolen the spotlight again today.”

Zuo Yang remained expressionless. Clearly, he held Chu Kuang in contempt.

Ah Sha huffed indignantly. "That Divine Maiden has bad eyesight, just like Liu Ying! Young Master is the best!”

She glared fiercely at Chu Kuang, wishing she could bore holes through him.

Gu Han’s heart stirred again. I’m sixty percent certain now!

He was completely unaware that his paranoia was worsening.

Chu Kuang shifted his gaze to Gu Han. “Gu Han, remember? I said that when we met again, you would lose badly.”

Gu Han turned his head and suddenly smiled. “I said it too. When we meet again, you will die.”