Has Wei Zhenfang Defected

Fu Haotian finally revealed his trump card with overwhelming confidence, sending waves of heated discussion through the crowd.

Among the seven distinguished guests on the stage, some already wore knowing smiles, their expressions suggesting they had anticipated this outcome. Given Fu Haotian’s status, they had long expected such a hidden advantage.

As the decisive moment approached, Palace Master Nanli Qingming remained expressionless.

"Recount the demon corpses once more to determine the victor."

Tens of thousands of disciples watched with mixed emotions, their gazes converging once again.

The presiding elder, composed and dignified, bowed in acknowledgment before turning to Fu Haotian with a command.

"Fu Haotian, since you claim to possess additional demon corpses, present them now for counting."

Fu Haotian smiled gracefully, exuding refined elegance as he bowed slightly.

"Please grant me a moment, Elder. I have already sent someone to summon Elder Wei."

His confidence was unmistakable, and his words, spoken before the entire assembly, carried the air of a victor. The presiding elder had no choice but to nod in acquiescence.

"Very well. We shall wait briefly."

With just a few words, Fu Haotian had seized complete control of the situation.

The gathered disciples waited with varying expressions—some eager, others resentful. Among them, Zhong Limeng and her allies wore looks of bitter resignation, though they could do nothing.

Yet as time passed, the initially triumphant disciples began to grow uneasy.

"It’s been nearly an incense stick’s worth of time. Why hasn’t Elder Wei arrived yet?"

"Could it be that Fu Haotian is merely putting on a show?"

"Nonsense! Senior Brother Fu’s status is beyond reproach. How could he resort to deception?"

"Then explain why Elder Wei is still nowhere to be seen?"

"Well…"

Whispers and debates spread like wildfire beyond the martial arena, filling the air with doubt.

The murmurs reached Fu Haotian’s ears, and though he maintained a forced smile, his expression darkened. The pointed remarks felt like smears on his dignity, stripping him of the glory he had expected.

This should have been his moment of absolute triumph, yet Wei Zhenfang was conspicuously absent.

Even if the final outcome remained unchanged, the delay stoked Fu Haotian’s irritation.

Standing alone before the massive assembly, Fu Haotian’s patience wore thin. Anger simmered in his chest, and he could no longer resist sending a covert message.

"What is the meaning of this?!"

"Why has Wei Zhenfang not appeared yet? How dare he act so arrogantly at such a critical moment? What is his game?"

An elderly attendant, visibly nervous, hurriedly replied via the same method.

"Young Master, please calm your anger. I dispatched someone to fetch him, but Elder Wei’s cultivation has advanced significantly. No one dares to press him too hard—perhaps he is still meditating. He will surely arrive soon."

Hearing this, Fu Haotian’s eyes narrowed, his expression darkening further.

That old fool Wei Zhenfang, growing more insolent by the day with his newfound power! Lately, he had been putting on airs constantly. If not for the fact that Fu Haotian still needed his support to secure the position of Chief Disciple, he would never tolerate such disrespect!

That wretched old man!

Let him revel in his arrogance for now. Once Fu Haotian claimed the title of Chief Disciple and no longer required external aid, he would make sure the old dog groveled at his feet in apology!

A cold glint flickered in Fu Haotian’s eyes, bordering on murderous intent.

Just then, the sea of disciples parted like a tide, clearing a path.

Both inner and outer sect disciples stepped aside respectfully.

"Elder Wei has arrived!"

A reverent announcement rang out as Wei Zhenfang finally strode into the martial arena, hands clasped behind his back.

Though nominally a guest elder, Wei Zhenfang’s recent feats—his cultivation breakthrough and his legendary battle against eight demonic entities—had spread far and wide. Tens of thousands of disciples regarded him with awe.

Now, with his arrival poised to decide the outcome of the Chief Disciple competition, his entrance in plain gray robes drew every eye in the arena.

Outer disciples, high-ranking sect elders, honored guests on the platform—all turned their attention to him.

Wei Zhenfang exuded an aura of unshakable calm, the bearing of a true master. With one hand behind his back, he walked forward steadily, his gaze fixed ahead.

His presence alone was enough to leave the crowd breathless.

Fu Haotian immediately stepped forward, clasping his hands in salute.

His face was all warmth and humility, the earlier hostility nowhere to be seen.

"Elder Wei, I had no choice but to trouble you to emerge from seclusion for the sake of determining the victor in this competition. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience."

Wei Zhenfang merely glanced at him indifferently and gave a slight nod.

"Hm."

The overwhelming aura of a true expert radiated from him once more, silencing any lingering doubts. Many were now convinced that Wei Zhenfang’s cultivation had indeed reached new heights—otherwise, he would never dare treat Fu Haotian with such aloofness.

Fu Haotian, for his part, showed no offense, maintaining his pleasant smile.

Even the presiding elder regarded Wei Zhenfang with newfound respect, bowing slightly as he inquired,

"Elder Wei, it is said that you possess an additional thousand demon corpses. Is this true?"

Wei Zhenfang nodded again.

"Indeed, it is."

The moment these words were spoken, the disciples’ reactions became starkly divided.

A single glance revealed the outcome written across their faces—while Zhong Limeng and her faction still wore expressions of unwillingness, her junior brothers had gone deathly pale.

Unfazed, the presiding elder continued,

"In that case, please present the demon corpses for immediate counting!"

Under Fu Haotian’s expectant gaze, Wei Zhenfang raised two fingers.

A streak of light shot from his storage ring, coalescing into a towering mound in the center of the arena.

As the brilliance faded, the horrifying pile of demon corpses came into view—towering half again as high as the two smaller mounds beside it. Even a rough estimate confirmed it far exceeded eight hundred.

The count of a thousand was beyond dispute.

Staring up at the gruesome mountain of remains, Zhong Limeng’s clenched fists slowly loosened, her face drained of all color.

Behind her, her fellow disciples stood in utter despair, crushed by the sight of the thousand-corpse mound.

"What… what do we do now?"

"It’s over… completely over…"

Whispers of resignation filled the air, and Fu Haotian savored every word.

His eyes swept over the crowd, lingering on the varying shades of defeat etched into their faces. The sight filled him with satisfaction, and he finally allowed himself a triumphant smirk, shedding his earlier facade of modesty.

Zhong Limeng’s silence, in particular, filled him with a deep sense of accomplishment.

Flicking open an ornate jade fan with practiced ease, Fu Haotian cast a mocking glance her way.

"Senior Sister Zhongli."

"Ah, forgive me—I misspoke. You’ll soon no longer be my senior sister. From now on, I should address you as ‘Miss Zhongli,’ shouldn’t I?"

His laughter rang out, sharp and derisive. Zhong Limeng and her brothers could only grit their teeth in silence.

Fu Haotian’s lips curled further, his expression feigning pity.

"What a shame."

"It seems your tally was a mere eight hundred, while mine stands at eighteen hundred. You didn’t even manage half of my count. As per our agreement, Miss Zhongli, you must relinquish all claim to the Chief Disciple position—and leave the Cangyun Heavenly Palace forever."

"However, I am a magnanimous man. Out of respect for our former camaraderie, I am willing to lend you a flying vessel for your departure."

"What say you? Hahaha—"

His laughter grew louder, bordering on grating.

Zhong Limeng’s face twisted in humiliation, the cruel reality leaving her no room for rebuttal. Her brothers seethed with helpless fury, no longer caring about the murmurs of the surrounding crowd.

With the outcome all but sealed, the presiding elder ascended the jade steps.

Standing before the palace master and the honored guests, his voice boomed across the arena.

"The victor of this Chief Disciple Grand Ceremony is—"

His proclamation, thunderous and final, was poised to etch glory and shame into history.

Yet just as the verdict was about to be delivered, a deep voice cut through the air.

"Hold!"

The entire assembly froze. Even the presiding elder frowned in irritation.

More trouble?

But when he turned toward the speaker—Wei Zhenfang—he suppressed his annoyance and asked sternly,

"Elder Wei, what further matter requires attention?"

The sudden turn of events shocked everyone into silence.

As the center of attention, Wei Zhenfang remained composed and spoke calmly.

"Are you certain the announcement wasn’t a mistake?"

"When did I ever say these thousand demon corpses were meant for Fu Haotian?"