Chapter Ninety-Nine.

Chapter Ninety-Nine.

Humiliation! This was blatant humiliation!

Zhao Hang's eyes reddened, his mind buzzing, fixating on Shen Wang. He spat out blood in rage and fainted from sheer anger.

Everyone else looked at Shen Wang as if he were an alien, unsure of what to say.

Zhao Hang's followers felt incredibly relieved that they had pleaded for mercy early; otherwise, they might have been the ones spitting blood in humiliation.

Shi Yan and the others had already witnessed Shen Wang's talent for infuriating others, so him making someone spit blood in anger was not surprising to them.

Shi Yan found it odd that Shen Wang, known for his opportunistic nature, would just break the sword like that.

Focusing on the broken sword on the ground, Shi Yan spoke out, "Zhao Hang is a direct disciple of Bai Yun Guan."

Shen Wang took out a tissue, wiped his fingertips, and casually tossed it onto Zhao Hang, an act low in lethality but high in insult: "He might as well have engraved those words on his face."

"His sword must also be a fine magical instrument," Shi Yan said slowly.

Yet Shen Wang, without a second glance, broke this rare artifact, making Shi Yan, who disliked Zhao Hang, feel it was a terrible waste.

Although Zhao Hang is brainless and disgusting, why should the treasure suffer for it?

Not just Shi Yan, others also felt a pang of regret.

Shen Wang couldn't help but frown deeply, "Is this trash worthy of being called a magical instrument?"

He couldn't help but laugh, "It seems the prowess of Bai Yun Guan isn't as mystical as you've claimed."

As soon as he said this, everyone present couldn't help but change their expression: daring to speak of Bai Yun Guan in such a manner, what audacity.

The crowd outside was also in an uproar.

Some thought Shen Wang too arrogant, speaking recklessly with just a bit of achievement; others believed that at just over twenty, his youthful arrogance was understandable.

On the judges' panel, a middle-aged judge from Bai Yun Guan looked displeased, his right hand clenched into a fist.

Next to him, someone said meaningfully, "He's not wrong, though. Bai Yun Guan became the foremost sect in mysticism by chance, it's mostly just good luck."

During the years of frequent wars and suffering, the world of mysticism couldn't remain unaffected. A great power established the Mysticism Association for mutual support, staying hidden from the chaotic world to preserve their lineage.

And Bai Yun Guan was merely the first to join the Mysticism Association, hiding from the world earliest, hence their relatively intact heritage.

Nearly a century later, as the world of mysticism thrived, Bai Yun Guan's slight lead had completely vanished, and their title as the foremost sect was on shaky ground.

The middle-aged judge's expression changed repeatedly, eventually settling into a dark glower.

The other judges exchanged glances, each smiling slightly.

Outsiders only see Bai Yun Guan's zenith, firmly in first place, but in reality...

Gu Dongting stayed out of their intrigues, simply watching Shen Wang with focused eyes.

Elder Bai sighed imperceptibly: today's world of mysticism is no longer like the old days, focused on cultivation and seeking the Dao. It has become like the secular world, full of power and desire, reeking of money.

This preliminary round of the mysticism competition was full of twists and turns, utterly surprising.

After Shen Wang 'sold' the little ghosts, more names appeared on the scoreboard, but soon, the calm was disrupted.

The score leaderboard was constantly changing, with some instantly dropping to zero and others abruptly climbing to the top... Just watching the ever-changing rankings on the board was enough to sense the undercurrents at play.

Yet no matter how fiercely the contestants fought for it, no one dared to disturb Shen Wang.

Mere meters away from them, two groups were fighting fiercely, while Shen Wang and his group, not far from the action, had found the best spots to watch and were commenting.

"Going barehanded against someone with a knife, his points are going to be taken."

"I don't think so. He may be unarmed, but his boxing skills are formidable. It's the one with the knife who can't handle it properly."

"Hey, that guy is so shameless, going after a woman's points. Picking on the weaker ones, what kind of man is that?"

"Damn, that woman is ruthless."

"Don't let her hear you. She's the type to take down a kid with a single strike, and someone like you, she could handle ten at a time."

Those fighting desperately for points had to beware of not only their opponents but also the commentary from onlookers, nearly infuriating them to the point of spitting blood.

And those who thought of attacking the onlookers were promptly dispatched by Shen Wang's talismans, leaving them no choice but to suffer in silence.

After receiving the notice of the competition's end, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The groups that were fighting just moments ago turned their heads and glared at Shen Wang and his group, united in their animosity.

Shen Wang: "..."

Shen Wang: "I told you not to be so sharp-tongued. See, now everyone hates you."

The others: "???"

Who started being offensive first, really?

After leaving the competition arena, Shen Wang and his group were clean and tidy, their hair barely disturbed, while the others who came out at the same time were at best disheveled, and some were even limping, supporting each other.

Bo Yu, along with several others of equally distinguished appearance, walked out side by side, and their expressions changed upon seeing Shen Wang.

Shen Wang still remembered Bo Yu, the first person to buy his charms. He greeted them warmly and kindly, "Congratulations on securing first place."

Everyone secretly observing the scene had subtle expressions upon hearing Shen Wang's words.

In this competition, Bo Yu ranked first on the points leaderboard with a total of 470 points, breaking the record for the preliminary round of the Mystical Studies Tournament.

Following him were Wu Shu with 230 points, Dao Chunyan with 200 points, and Rao Qingwen with 170 points.

These individuals were originally the hot favorites to win the Mystical Studies Tournament, followed by several other cultivators of equal strength who were just less fortunate.

In the past, they might have felt happy, disappointed, or resentful about such results, but now, everyone's feelings were complex.

This was especially true for Bo Yu.

He secured the first place, shattering the record in the metaphysics competition. Logically, he should have been triumphant and exuberant, but there wasn't a hint of a smile on his face. Casting a cold glance at Shen Wang, he then left.

Shen Wang, taken aback by the neglect, exclaimed, "That was incredibly rude of him."

The others: "...It's not incomprehensible, though."

Bo Yu has always been the favored son of heaven, constantly competing with Gu Dongting. But now, Shen Wang's sudden emergence has stolen all the limelight.

What does it matter if Bo Yu has amassed over four hundred points? Almost all of those points came from Shen Wang. If it weren't for Shen Wang's reckless actions and record-breaking performance, the top spot would have been his.

Because of Shen Wang, his first place now seems like a joke.

The most ridiculous part is that Bo Yu is in first place with over four hundred points, while Shen Wang, with a mere forty points, ranks beyond the hundredth position.

The two names, one after the other, are incredibly ironic.

Even Lu Tingchun from the special department couldn't help but feel pity for this old rival: "He's only ignoring you, which is quite polite already."

If he had a worse temper, he might have already taken action... though, most likely, he wouldn't stand a chance in a fight.

Thinking about it, it's even more pitiful.

The contestants' scores have been finalized, just waiting to be announced the next day.

After returning to the hotel, Shen Wang rested for the night. Early the next morning, he received the official advancement list for the Metaphysics Competition.

Shen Wang started searching from the back of the list. He found his name neatly aligned with Shi Yan and Xiao Pangzi, but a quick glance made him frown.

Tang Jiu also advanced, and lined up with him was Gu Manling.

These two names spoiled Shen Wang's mood early in the morning. He tossed his phone aside: "Such bad luck."

Just as he was about to organize his spoils from the Metaphysics Competition, a call came in. It was from Shi Yan.

Shen Wang answered the phone with disdain: "What's up?"

Shi Yan, accustomed to Shen Wang's disdain, straightforwardly said, "There's a gathering at noon. Get ready and don't be late."

Shen Wang was puzzled: "What gathering?"

Weren't we here for the competition? Where did this gathering come from?

Pausing for a moment, Shi Yan explained, "After the preliminary round, it's customary for the advancing contestants to organize small gatherings to share information and insights."

In short, it's an occasion for the competitors to probe the competition's inside stories and test each other's strengths.

Shen Wang flatly refused, "You go. I won't."

He couldn't be bothered with such gatherings, considering them a waste of time.

In the end, Shen Wang attended the gathering because Shi Yan mentioned, "Brother Gu has also been invited."

Shen Wang: "Why didn't you say that earlier?"

After taking a shower and changing into new clothes, Shen Wang, on his way out, noticed a small bottle of perfume on the hotel's washbasin. Hesitating for a few seconds, he finally picked it up and sprayed it randomly on himself.

When he met Shi Yan, even Shi Yan couldn't help but sniff, "What's that smell on you?"

Shen Wang: "..."

Shen Wang: "My natural scent."

The words Shi Yan was about to utter were abruptly stifled, leaving him with an indescribable expression.

Upon arriving at the gathering, most of the others were already there, chatting and laughing in small groups. The lively atmosphere suddenly grew tense as Shen Wang entered.

Oblivious to the changed atmosphere, Shen Wang looked around. Not finding the person he was seeking, he suspiciously asked, "You're not tricking me, are you?"

Shi Yan's mouth twitched, "Why would I lie to you? He's occupied but will join us later."

It was then that Shen Wang casually found a spot and sat down.

Everyone watched his fluid movements in silence, not uttering a word.

Bo Yu approached and greeted Shen Wang, "You're here."

Shen Wang, speechless, thought: What nonsense is this? If I weren't here, who would be standing here, a ghost?

With Bo Yu's remark, the icy silence was broken. Someone approached with a wine glass, saying meaningfully, "This is our first time seeing you outside of the competitions."

"Shen Wang, fellow Shen, care for a drink?"

Glancing at the offered wine and then at the somewhat familiar yet nameless person across him, Shen Wang smiled, "Indeed, it's normal for me not to recognize many as I've just entered the metaphysical circle."

The other person's eyes suddenly hardened, "Do you think this is still part of the competition?"

During the competition, to avoid wasting time, everyone had to compromise, allowing Shen Wang to reign supreme.

"Things are different now, there are no time limits or score requirements!" The man's eyes glinted maliciously, eager to see how those who were trampled, threatened, and stepped on—the so-called chosen ones—would retaliate outside the special circumstances of the competition.