"What? Could it be that the Ancient Divine Palace is going back on its word? Was it impossible from the very start for the one who achieved first place to actually obtain the successor status and those rewards?"
"Is the Ancient Divine Palace deceiving the world?"
"In my opinion, the Ancient Divine Palace never had any sincere intention of relinquishing the successor status, nor any sincerity in giving out those generous rewards."
"All of that was probably prepared for that Gu Changsheng. Didn't they previously say they would give out the successor status, only for a successor of the Ancient Divine Palace, Gu Changsheng, to suddenly appear? That Gu Changsheng even said that this battle for supremacy among the younger generation was merely launched to temper him."
"Heh, the Ancient Divine Palace, the number one power under heaven, the ruler of the Ancient Divine Continent, turns out to be nothing more than this."
"The Ancient Divine Palace is simply going back on its word. That Gu Changsheng was indeed invincible enough; none of those strongest Heaven's Prides were a match for him. But unfortunately, an even more invincible Battle Saint King appeared. What a resounding slap in the face. Heh heh, it was a good slap indeed..."
...
The entire city was in an uproar, with everyone heatedly discussing, and all of it was criticism and various censure directed at the Ancient Divine Palace.
It was about the Ancient Divine Palace reneging on its promise. From the initial awe, many people no longer felt reverence; instead, a sense of disgust had arisen.
Because the Ancient Divine Palace had deceived the world. Not only did a successor suddenly appear out of nowhere, but that successor was defeated by another, and the so-called successor status was never obtained.
This was deceiving the world. Even the Ancient Divine Palace would incur the disgust and contempt of the people.
This point was unchangeable. One might tolerate others deceiving them, but not such malicious deception, especially from the Ancient Divine Palace, which they had previously revered and worshipped.
Watching this scene, Li Xuan's expression changed repeatedly.
It had to be said that Ye Chen's move was indeed very effective. It stirred up rumors of the Ancient Divine Palace deceiving the world and even made people connect it to the series of events surrounding Gu Changsheng's appearance just now, imperceptibly adding fuel to the fire. In an instant, it had generated considerable resentment towards the Ancient Divine Palace and tarnished its reputation.
Naturally, having ruled the Ancient Divine Continent for so many years, the Ancient Divine Palace naturally feared nothing, possessing sufficiently invincible power to suppress all.
But it had always remained aloof and above, revered by the world, and could imperceptibly gather vast amounts of Faith Power. This was one of the Ancient Divine Palace's goals.
Now, facing widespread censure from the world, one could imagine that before long, everyone would know. Not only would the Faith Power decrease manyfold, but it would also become much more impure, which was very detrimental to the Ancient Divine Palace's long-term stable rule.
They could forcefully suppress the people, but they could not suppress the people's hearts. It would only lead to increasingly worse consequences.
Li Xuan's expression darkened, and he turned to look at Ye Chen, somewhat annoyed: "Battle Saint King, what is the meaning of this? This seat never said I wouldn't give you the successor status. I merely need to report to the Supreme Elders and the Palace Master first. By doing this, you are clearly plunging my Ancient Divine Palace into disgrace. Are you deliberately opposing my Ancient Divine Palace?"
"Opposing?" Ye Chen laughed, showing not the slightest trace of worry. "Fellow Daoist Li Xuan, you jest. Since I will be the successor of the Ancient Divine Palace in the future, why would I disgrace my own status? It's just that my voice was a bit too loud and was accidentally overheard by the people. I ask Fellow Daoist Li Xuan not to be angry. Once I obtain the successor status, they will shut up. Facts are the best proof. I need not say more; you, Fellow Daoist, should understand this."
Li Xuan's expression was indeed somewhat unpleasant. Ye Chen's words being grating was one thing, but he kept addressing him as 'Fellow Daoist,' clearly placing himself on the same seniority and level as Li Xuan. This annoyed him somewhat.
Who was he? He was a Elder of the Ancient Divine Palace. Even ordinary Saint Lords would have to bow and address him as 'My Lord.' He was a figure who could stand on equal footing with the Sovereigns of Imperial Dynasties. When had he ever been addressed as a peer by such a young junior?
But he was helpless.
Because the Battle Saint King indeed possessed the capital to do so. Although young, his cultivation was earth-shattering. He was a Supreme Heavenly Pride with one foot already in the Heavenly King Realm! Even those at the peak of the Saint Treasury Realm were no match for him. It was not an exaggeration to say he was a Samsara-level powerhouse, even though Samsara was a major realm and a particularly special tribulation level.
But what else could the Battle Saint King be, if not a Samsara-level powerhouse, being someone who surpassed the Saint Treasury Realm yet was not a Heavenly King?
How could such a monster have appeared in the world?
He felt quite helpless: "Battle Saint King, please remain calm. Since the Ancient Divine Palace has promised, it will be done. I ask you to make them stop the censure. It will be good for you, for me, and for the Ancient Divine Palace."
Li Xuan was rarely this humble. As the saying goes, one does not strike a smiling face. Ye Chen could not very well continue slapping him in the face. He nodded and turned to the entire city. His divine power surged mightily, his voice penetrating the Nine Heavens: "Fellow Daoists of the Divine City, please cease your censure of the Ancient Divine Palace. Fellow Daoist Li Xuan has just stated that the Ancient Divine Palace's successor status and rewards will definitely be given to me. He merely needs to report to the Supreme Elders and the Palace Master within the palace."
"Let everyone bear witness to this. I will be entering the Ancient Divine Palace shortly. Of course, if I do not come out, or if I do not obtain the successor status... well, I need not say more."
Li Xuan was furious. Ye Chen's final words were clearly laden with implication.
If he ultimately did not come out, or did not obtain that successor status, it would prove that the Ancient Divine Palace had indeed gone back on its word and deceived the world.
Even if the Ancient Divine Palace had truly dominated the Ancient Divine Continent for countless years, its reputation would suffer a great blow this time, and Faith Power would plummet, incurring an unbearable burden.
The gazes of countless people in the entire Divine City were fixed on Li Xuan, making him feel as if needles were pricking his back.
He never imagined he would be reduced to such a day. But gritting his teeth, he braced himself and said: "Everyone can rest assured. My Ancient Divine Palace keeps its word. However, the successor status is a matter of great importance, relating to the entire inheritance of the Ancient Divine Palace. Therefore, I will lead the Battle Saint King to the Ancient Divine Palace to have an audience with the Palace Master and the various Supreme Elders. I can guarantee that as long as the Battle Saint King harbors no ill intentions towards my Ancient Divine Palace and is committed to promoting and glorifying my Ancient Divine Palace, he will certainly obtain the successor status."
These words of Li Xuan contained many key points. It would be simple not to give Ye Chen the successor status: just claim he harbored ill intentions, or even that he had acted violently and domineeringly within the Ancient Divine Palace, killing or injuring many of its members. That would be enough to disqualify Ye Chen from contending for the successor status.
And no one would doubt it. The Ancient Divine Palace's ability to become the ruler of the Ancient Divine Continent was not just due to its heritage of dominating the world; it also had corresponding methods.
Moreover, concerning the inheritance of the Ancient Divine Palace, it was impossible to casually give the successor status to anyone. No one would doubt this point.
The entire city immediately quieted down. At this moment, the Sovereign of the Tianxu Imperial Dynasty suddenly stood at the front of the divine ship and was the first to cup his fists from afar and speak: "My Tianxu Imperial Dynasty believes the Ancient Divine Palace will not deceive the world. The Battle Saint King can proceed with peace of mind. The ancestor said he awaits your good news upon your return!"
A single stone stirred up a thousand waves!