Under the eyes of all the people watching the tournament, someone from the Academy appeared in the stadium. Most people quickly noticed that it was not Bai Han who showed up this time, but a middle-aged man named Song Li. Many people knew him as the upper echelon of the Academy, while the teachers there knew him as the head of the faction that was against Bai Han cheating, and asked him to just bow his head.
After Song Li showed up at the venue, he announced:
"Due to recent events, the Academy has decided to cancel the remaining rounds of the Tournament. But do not fret, we are aware that our decision is quite abrupt, as such, we will compensate the participants by given all the Top 30 Heaven Chosen the same amount of time enlightening in front of the Dao Tablets."
The cancelation of this tournament was not a surprise to some people as rumors were previously released by the Academy to give the Emperor Lineages a heads-up. The real reason that many people came to participate in the first place was to see what kind of compensation that the Academy would give the participants.
And many people were not happy--at least the people with the ability to enter the top 10 were not. According to the Academy's previous rules, the higher a participant ranked, the more time he or she could spend with the Dao Tablets, thus given them an advantage over their competitors.
In the battle for the Heaven Will, any little advantage could mean the difference between becoming an immortal Supreme being (Great Emperor) and forever remaining a moral. But now, this advantage was gone. Although the Academy used the term "fairness" to explain their actions, anyone thinking logically knew that there was no fairness in this situation.
For example, while they had a limited time with the Tablets, a person like Lin Fan could basically use it whenever he felt like it.
Nevertheless, despite how these people felt, Song Li did not pay them any mind and continued: "Additionally, the Academy would like to take this opportunity to apologize to all the Professionals that we have offended. In our attempt to remedy the situation, we have also reserved 4 additional spots for the Tablets, just like previous Tournaments. Please choose the four individuals that will gain access to this opportunity."
Many of the people watching this broadcast and sneered after hearing this. The cunning ones instantly understood that this Song Li wanted the people who allied against the Academy to fight between themselves when deciding which Professionals to gain this opportunity. And hopefully, during the process, break this loose alliance headed by the Dao Opening Sect based solely on benefit.
What's beautiful about this simple plan is the fact even if someone is aware of it, there is nothing that they could do about it, as this is an open plot. Cultivators will never give up any benefit.
After this short event, many people knew not to underestimate this new headmaster as he is a cunning fox.
"Now that everything is settled," said Song Li. "Let's begin the ceremony to place these Heaven Chosens' name on the Heavenly Dao Protection Book."
"Hold on, headmaster," suddenly ringed a voice throughout the stadium. Song Li turned his head to see who spoke, and to his surprise, it was the True Disciple of his own Academy, Lin Fan.
"Young Headmaster, this is not the time. If you have something to say, you do so after the ceremony is over," said Song Li with a frown on his face.
"I'm sorry, headmaster, but this is the exact time to speak."
Song Li could guess what Lin Fan wanted to say next, but he did not stop it: "So, what do you want to say?"
"Many of us here came to this Trial to garner fame, glory, and recognition. Personally, I do not think it's fair to those people to stop this Tournament just like that."
"The Academy has already decided to stop the Tournament."
"It's fine if it's stopped," replied Lin Fan calmly with a smile on his face. "But, this is not reason enough to stop any battles from happening. After all, I'm sure many people of the audience would love to see a clash between this generation's Top Heaven Chosen."
A brief pause followed Lin Fan's words, then a member of the audience yelled: "That's true, I would love to see such battles."
"Me Too."
"Me as well."
"Fight!" "Fight!" "Fight!"
Soon enough, the entire stadium was full of chanting, invigorating the previously dull and desolate atmosphere. As for Lin Fan, he had a slight smirk on his face as he enjoyed being in the spotlight; he imagined the trillion of people watching this broadcast, and him being the center of attention, he was glad that he followed this plan.
Meanwhile, Song Li looked at the satisfied look on Lin Fan's face, sighed deeply before saying: "So, Young Headmaster, what do you propose we do?"
Since Lin Fan was their future headmaster and he wanted to dos something, the Academy would support him. As for the later consequences of his actions, the Academy is still able to protect their own Heaven Chosen.
Lin Fan's smile became even more prominent, then he said: "Personally, I think that we should start big. For example, I challenge you," he then pointed at someone.
All the gazes of the world looked in the direction he was pointed, and it turns out that he was pointing to the #3 Heavenly Physique, Su Ya--who was standing in the middle of the stadium with all the other Heaven Chosen.
Although a little surprised by the sudden challenge, her facial reaction did not change much, nor did she displayed any form of emotion.
She giggled with a sweet and melodious voice, "Young Master Lin Fan, are you trying to bully this poor and helpless woman? Why don't you challenge any of the other men? I'm sure that they would be more than welcome to accept your challenge."
With a calm look on his face, Lin Fan sneered, "Only a fool would believe that Young Lady Su Ya is a helpless woman. As for the reason that I'm challenging you first, it's not because of your gender, but because I plan to slowly challenge the people in the Heaven Chosen List ranked above me.
"However, if Lady Su Ya does not want to accept my challenge, I can still challenge someone more 'powerful than you." While saying the last phrase, Lin Fan was looking at Jian Wushuang, who was ranked one number higher than Su Ya.
"Oh my, it seems that I have been underestimated," said Su Ya with a gentle smile on her face. "Although I know that you are trying to bait into fighting you, I will accept your challenge. It's about time someone taught you that you cannot be as cocky as you were in the Lower Realm."
Lin Fan's mouth twitched after hearing this, then a powerful killing intent emerged from his eyes.
Meanwhile, Su Ya giggled again as she said: "Oh, did I hit a sore spot?"
Song Li watched the entire interaction in the sky while secretly shaking his head. He could tell that Su Ya instantly controlled the rhythm of the battle with those few words. As someone who can control emotions and desires, one needs to be always in a calm state of mind when fighting her, otherwise, she will use your own emotions against you.
After seeing those two agreed on a battle, Song Li cleared out the field and provide them with enough space to fight. All the other Heaven Chosen returned to their own booth to watch this battle.
Lin Fan was standing opposite Su Ya, and with gritted teeth, he said: "I will make you regret your words."
"Whatever you say, farm boy,' replied Su Ya with a nonchalant look on her face as she cookout a bow from her space ring.
Meanwhile, after hearing her called him 'Farm Boy" a great deal of rage enveloped Lin Fan. The term 'Farm Boy' was a derogative word used by people of this world to describe geniuses from the Lower Realm; it has a negative connotation insinuating that they were peasants and of low status.
After knowing the existence of that word, Lin Fan hated it with a passion. Even though no one dared to call him that as he is the rightful heir of the Enlightening Emperor Academy, he still hated it.
Yet, today of all day, someone actually called him that in front of the entire world; in front of trillions of people.
Veins started appearing on Lin Fan's head, then, without hesitation or preparation, he rushed straight towards Su Ya; he looked like a charging bull that had lost his mind because of rage.
As for her, she sneakered at how easy it was to rile him up. She pulled the strings of her bow and a yellow arrow appeared, then she release it.
