Chen Chang'an Who Fell Victim to Public Opinion

The news of Chen Chang'an's preference for male companionship spread throughout Tianjiao City in just a day or two. The silent acquiescence of the disciples from the Nine Clouds Immortal Sect seemed to further confirm the rumor.

Now, countless women in Tianjiao City were heartbroken, shedding tears of sorrow, and some even harbored deep resentment toward Chen Chang'an.

Why?

Why would such an outstanding man have such a peculiar preference?

Couldn't he be more open-minded and accommodate both?

"Figures, the handsome ones are never reliable."

"What a waste of that face—how could he prefer men?"

"Exactly, what a tragedy."

"What a shame, truly a shame."

"Ah, why did he have to appear in my world, only to cruelly slip away?"

"Don’t flatter yourself—does he even know who you are?"

"None of your business!"

Watching the disappointed and hateful gazes of these women, Chen Chang'an could only sigh helplessly. Meanwhile, the looks from other men were equally complicated—some disdainful, some disgusted, some excited, and others eyeing him with predatory intent.

Chen Chang'an's goal had been achieved. Now, no one followed or approached him when he went out.

But his reputation… was utterly ruined.

"Big bro, look at this—now you’re the kind of person everyone avoids."

"Truly impressive," Da Huang said admiringly.

"You want this kind of 'impressiveness'? Should I find a few male dogs for you?" Chen Chang'an retorted coldly.

"No, no, no!"

"We’re good brothers—that’s just not right," Da Huang shrank back in fear.

Sigh.

Chen Chang'an exhaled in frustration. Truly, plans could never keep up with changes.

Whether it was the results of his test or this rumor about his preferences, both had become the talk of Tianjiao City. The earlier incident of those people parading through the streets was now completely forgotten.

Though the offended factions were still displeased, their grievances paled in comparison to the scandal of Chen Chang'an's supposed inclinations.

"Bastard!"

"Is this how you handle things?"

"Who told you to do this?"

"Do you have any idea how much damage you’ve done? Not only have you ruined the Grand Elder’s reputation, but you’ve also made the Nine Clouds Immortal Sect a laughingstock!"

"Do you know what people are saying now?"

"They’re saying our sect is nothing but the Grand Elder’s harem, filled with male concubines!"

"I swear, I ought to rip your stupid dog head off!"

A Nine Clouds Immortal Sect elder glared furiously at Wei Shufen. If not for this fool’s reckless actions, things would never have escalated to this point.

"Elder, I… I didn’t know it would turn out like this!"

"I just saw the Grand Elder was troubled and wanted to help solve his problem."

"He said he wanted those women to leave him alone—he never specified how!"

Wei Shufen felt wronged. After accomplishing such a feat, instead of being rewarded, he was being scolded?

"And now you’re playing the victim?"

"Do you realize the trouble you’ve caused us?"

"You’ve destroyed the reputation of the entire Nine Clouds Immortal Sect!"

"What right do you have to complain?" the elder roared.

"I… I really didn’t know!"

"Then what do you know?"

"Pack your things and get back to the sect. You’re confined for a thousand years—no leaving!"

"What?!"

"Get lost!"

Though Wei Shufen had been dealt with, reversing the rumor’s momentum wouldn’t be easy. How could they possibly clear their name?

The elder trembled with rage. Because of a few careless words, the Nine Clouds Immortal Sect’s dignity had been obliterated.

"Forget it!"

"Leave it to the Grand Elder. He’s the one who’ll want to wash away this stain the most."

Chen Chang'an was the primary victim—if anyone wanted to set the record straight, it would be him.

Unable to think of a solution, the elder could only pin his hopes on Chen Chang'an.

"Big bro!"

"What’s your plan?"

"Are you just going to let this slide?"

"This is about your reputation!"

Noticing Chen Chang'an’s silence, Da Huang couldn’t help but ask.

Chen Chang'an wasn’t one to take things lying down. With such a foul accusation hanging over him, would he really do nothing?

"There’s a way."

"I just haven’t figured it out yet."

"For now, let’s focus on the Heavenly Pride Tower."

Upon arriving near the tower, Chen Chang'an approached the Heavenly Pride Ranking and studied the names listed.

"Indeed, these so-called peerless geniuses live up to their reputation."

"The top ten have all cleared the ninety-ninth floor."

"The only difference is their completion time."

The strength of those on the Heavenly Pride Ranking was undeniable. Even the fiftieth-ranked individual had conquered the eightieth floor, meaning anyone below that threshold couldn’t make the list.

"I used to think that Qin Yuxuan wasn’t anything special, but it seems I underestimated him."

"And this… Mu Yunhai?"

"A member of the Mu family?"

Chen Chang'an’s eyes lingered on one name in particular—the second-ranked on the Heavenly Pride Ranking: Mu Yunhai.

Mu Yunhai, Mu Yunyao—the connection was obvious. He was undoubtedly a clansman of Mu Yunyao, though their exact relation remained unclear.

"Among the top ten, nine are prodigies from the Nine Great Immortal Clans."

"The only exception is the fifth-ranked Long Zaitian, who hails from the Dragon Clan."

Long Zaitian?

Do all demonic beasts use their race as their surname?

Then the eleventh-ranked Feng Huowu must be from the Phoenix Clan?

What about the Qilin Clan—what’s their surname?

Chen Chang'an glanced down at Da Huang and Little Earthworm, about to ask, when he suddenly sensed something amiss.

Who had just spoken?

Turning, he saw a white-haired yet youthful-faced man standing behind him, accompanied by several others.

"And you are?" Chen Chang'an frowned.

"Hahaha!"

"He really doesn’t remember anything!"

"He doesn’t even recognize us!" another man laughed.

Hm?

Realization dawned on Chen Chang'an—these were likely the ancestors who had been wronged by the "other" Chen Chang'an.

"Chen Chang'an, do you truly not remember us?"

"Then do you also forget what you did back then?" the Ancestor of Wuji Hall asked calmly.

"Don’t slander me. I may not have much, but my integrity is rock-solid."

"None of that was my doing."

Your integrity is rock-solid?

The Ancestor of Wuji Hall sneered. "You’re into men—is there anything you wouldn’t do?"

Damn it!

Did they have to bring that up?