Fang Yuan's appearance caught everyone off guard. According to the Central Continent Gu Refinement Grand Tournament's format, from the eighth round onward, only one Gu Master at each competition venue would be allowed to advance.
Over time, a convention had formed: every competition venue across the Central Continent had become someone's territory, and the powerful Refinement Path Gu Masters each lorded over their domain like savage beasts.
No beast would cross borders to challenge another ahead of time — unless absolutely necessary.
That would be decidedly unwise.
The more rounds one won, the greater the glory and the richer the rewards. An early showdown would only let a third party reap the benefits, like a fisherman profiting from the fight between a snipe and a clam.
So when many Gu Masters saw Fang Yuan appear, they couldn't help but speculate: "Could there be some personal grudge between Fang Yuan and the Fire Work Dragon Head?"
The Evil-Warding Sect elder presiding over this match felt something was peculiar, though his face remained impassive.
Fang Yuan's entrance complied with the tournament rules. As long as one entered any venue within the designated time, the results would be recognized.
Thus, even if others wished to block him, they couldn't do so under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
"His name is Fang Yuan? Could he be that renowned Fox Immortal Blessed Land master from our sect?" Disciples of the Immortal Crane Sect began to murmur among themselves.
"Come to think of it, that Lord Fang Yuan of ours really is mysterious. I've never even seen his true face."
"This is Fang Yuan? Hardly likely. The Central Continent is vast — it's not as if there aren't other Gu Masters sharing the same name."
"The pact between Fang Yuan and Feng Jinhuang has already spread far and wide. Our Immortal Crane Sect has plenty of exemption slots, more than enough for Fang Yuan to conserve his strength and compete after the tenth round."
The Immortal Crane Sect disciples buzzed with discussion, and many quietly shifted their gazes to Fang Zheng's face.
Fang Zheng's lips were pressed tight. His face had gone pale, and his hands, tucked inside his wide sleeves, were clenched into fists. As Fang Yuan's own brother, the moment Fang Yuan appeared, an instinct told Fang Zheng — that was his older brother!
Fang Zheng was caught completely off guard.
The shadows of his childhood descended upon him in that instant, enveloping him once more like a pair of dark hands closing around his throat.
Fang Zheng struggled to breathe.
The nightmare he had been desperately avoiding since waking from that coma came rushing back!
The arrogant shouts and cheers from the Ten Thousand Dragon Dock crowd faltered and gradually died down.
Fang Yuan had previously demonstrated formidable Refinement Path expertise, winning first place in seven consecutive rounds — the same record as the Fire Work Dragon Head.
Even the elders and disciples of the Ten Thousand Dragon Dock had to admit that Fang Yuan was a terrifying rival!
"I heard this Fang Yuan has the same record as our Fire Work Dragon Head — first place in seven straight rounds."
"Is he the one who made that bet with Feng Jinhuang?"
"If it really is him, then he's the master of a Fox Immortal Blessed Land — dripping with wealth."
"So what? Hmph, have you even looked at the rankings? The Fire Work Dragon Head is ranked seventh. Where's Fang Yuan? A mere thirty-something!"
"Exactly. He's come here to humiliate himself. I believe the Fire Work Dragon Head will surely defeat him."
Though the Ten Thousand Dragon Dock people said this, the other spectators saw things differently.
Fang Yuan had taken the offensive, displaying a fierce aggressiveness. He was clearly no fool — this cross-territory strike surely came with confidence and hidden cards.
Fang Yuan's refusal to play by the rules also left the Fire Work Dragon Head stunned, irritated, and wary.
So the Fire Work Dragon Head called out to test him: "Fang Yuan of the Immortal Crane Sect! Have you come here hoping to harvest an early defeat?"
The Fire Work Dragon Head really wanted to ask: What are you doing here?! Just stay put in your own territory and advance peacefully — is that so hard?! Has your brain short-circuited or something?
Even as he demanded answers with his mouth, he felt a swell of frustration in his heart — I have no grudge against you, so why come interfere with me? You still have that bet with Feng Jinhuang. Could it be because you think I look easy to push around?
The moment his words left his mouth, the commotion outside the ring erupted even louder.
"What? This Fang Yuan is actually from the Immortal Crane Sect?"
"Isn't he a Demonic Path Gu Cultivator?"
"That should be correct — the Fire Work Dragon Head confirmed it himself. How could that be false?"
"Huge news! Who would have thought he's actually a disciple of one of the Central Continent's Ten Ancient Sects. That's truly unexpected... but why did he come here? Did the Immortal Crane Sect and the Ten Thousand Dragon Dock already have a falling out? I haven't heard any rumors of conflict."
Even the presiding elder's eyes went wide as he stared blankly at Fang Yuan.
In that instant, Fang Yuan became the focus of everyone's gaze.
"Brother..." Fang Zheng gritted his teeth, his face white as paper, cold sweat soaking through his clothes without him even noticing. His breathing was labored and faint, as though he had just undergone strenuous exercise and was on the verge of collapse.
Fortunately, everyone's attention was focused on Fang Yuan at that moment, and no one noticed his wretched state.