Chapter 2688: Prematurely Crowned at Nineteen

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The youth was only twelve years old.

He didn’t possess an “official demeanor” that matched his age. He often said overly mature things that seemed out of place and always poked at people’s sore spots with seeming innocence.

You had to sigh at his talent, but sometimes you couldn’t help but find him annoying. Young people always disliked peers who were "too formal"; in their still clear age, they instinctively rejected greasy people and things.

Every one of the students in the Day Room had been bombarded by Bao Xuanjing’s private messages. He often asked questions, but not in a measured way, asking anything and everything. If someone was annoyed, he would just say, "Sorry, brother/sister, I’m young and don't know these things. You won't be angry with me, right?"

On festivals, he would send generic blessings that were clearly copied, without even an address, so everyone received the exact same message.

But these were small flaws, not even really flaws. What fault could there be with a polite and courteous child? It was just a child who had just started to grow, with an excessive imagination and imitation of adult appearances. Some people couldn’t quite accept it, while others might have felt it was maturity.

Heaven wouldn't create a perfect person.

At this moment, the twelve-year-old Bao Xuanjing left his seat, stood in front of the transparent mirror wall, looked down from a high position overlooking the martial arts platform, and lightly tapped with his bent finger.

It suddenly made people startled.

He was representing the Great Qi Empire, coming to this Guanhe Platform to participate in the Tianjiao Assembly. He was also representing the Great Qi Empire, coming to welcome the challenge from an outsider for the Eastern country's majesty!

People at this time seemed to just notice that the always brightly smiling, tender little face not only possessed "adult" courtesy but also "adult" majesty.

He was wearing luxurious purple clothes, not ordinary silk, and a jade belt around his waist that was already over a thousand years old.

The Great Qi Empire’s coronet and official robes adorned his nobility and status.

He, Bao Xuanjing… was just twelve years old, but already held a hereditary family title, honored as the Great Qi Shofang Earl!

He could happily call people "brother" or "sister," and playfully say, "You won't dislike me, right?" But when truly encountered on a formal occasion, everyone still had to respectfully call him "Earl Lord."

Gong Weizhang, Zhuge Zuo… everyone looked up at him.

The challenge he was facing at this moment was also something that everyone in the Day Room might encounter. What he was doing in response was what everyone needed to think about.

Knock, knock, knock.

At this moment, the twelve-year-old youth lightly knocked on the mirror wall. The Day Room, Moon Room, Star Room, and everyone above and below the platform were silent.

Even as the host, Ju Kui Zhenjun, could not ignore Bao Xuanjing’s request to speak. He only had to wipe the mirror light and open the communication between the inside and outside of the Day Room.

The gaze of the twelve-year-old youth fell on Xiong Wen, who was as solid as an iron tower: "You want to challenge me?"

Fortunately, there were only three people from the Ji country on site, otherwise a large number would have fainted – now only two had fainted. One was still foaming at the mouth.

The Prime Minister, National Teacher, and Minister of Rituals of the Ji country, who were originally happily gathered here, were now faint and unwell. They could not interfere with the matters on the platform, had no qualification to speak, and did not dare to "know," only using their own means.

Xiong Wen on the platform grinned, seemingly completely unfazed by the pressure that could destroy mountains and exterminate countries. He looked up and made eye contact with the Earl Lord of Great Qi, laughing without any pretense: "Can I?"

There was no wind or rain in the room, but hidden sounds of thunder.

"You cannot." Ju Kui terminated this undercurrent and raised his voice, saying: "Bao Xuanjing, according to the rules of the Yellow River Assembly, you do not need to pay attention to him."

"Of course I can choose not to pay attention," Bao Xuanjing said, standing there.

He was wearing an Earl robe that was a size too small and a precious, majestic jade crown. His long hair was tied very tightly, and his small face held some indifference.

That was a youth's dangerous expression.

"Because the Eastern country is strong, and because of the Eastern country's contributions to this world, I enjoy this position and can sit in the Day Room without needing to fight."

"I do not need to pay attention. The Great Qi Empire is strong enough to fully protect me, exempting me from all the storms and spittles of this world."

"No matter how silent, how evasive, how cowardly I am, the Eastern country's majesty will not lose half a point because of me."

"But who am I?" He suddenly smiled, asking with a smile.

"I rode my horse out from Linzi, ten thousand li to finally arrive here, coming to this world platform, to do what?"

He lifted a finger and flicked his own crown once, emitting the crisp sound of gold striking jade.

"My father died from an evil cult's affliction, my uncle perished on the battlefield, my ancestor overturned in the East Sea waves... The Bao family had no strong men, which made me wear the crown before I was twenty."

The shadow hanging down from the jade crown covered his eyebrows and eyes with a layer of darkness: "Now I hold the title of the Great Qi Empire, hereditary without replacement, with the title name 'Shofang'!"

"Today, an inexplicable country, a nonsensical player, stands here, questioning the Qi country in front of so many people."

The youth shook his head with a "heh" sound.

"Bao Xuanjing can choose not to pay attention, but Shofang Earl cannot."

"A small child can choose not to pay attention, but a warrior who represents the country and goes on expedition cannot."

"You are all my elders, and understand principles far better than Bao Xuanjing."

"So I won't say anything else."

He only used one index finger to knock the mirror wall in front of him: "Please open this door, I should test my sword."

The twelve-year-old Bao Xuanjing could openly enjoy the protection of the Great Qi Empire.

The twelve-year-old Shofang Earl, however, had to fight for the majesty of the Great Qi Empire!

Ju Kui's face was already expressionless, although no one could know how a million horses were galloping in his heart.

Did he really want such a big matter to happen during his hosted segment?

He glanced out of the corner of his eye at the freely wandering Zhijian bird and De Wen fish, understanding that with Jiang Wang's character, he would definitely not interfere for the sake of his hosting rights – unless the situation was already unbearable for him, Jiang Wang would not step forward.

Of course, he also didn't have the habit of letting people cause trouble.

"You were all able to walk onto Guanhe Platform, having passed through heavy tests, all of you are already capable of deciding your own lives. I, this old generation guy, have no place to arbitrarily teach you."

Ju Kui stood at the edge of the martial arts platform, his eyebrows and hair like iron: "But the main competition spots of the Yellow River Assembly were decided through multiple rounds of consultation by various parties. Indeed, the Yellow River Assembly is under the supervision of the world's people, and anyone can have opinions. But anyone's opinions should be proposed before the competition."

"Since the rules have already been set, and you have chosen to participate, please respect these rules."

"The competition has already proceeded to today."

He looked towards the player representing the Ji country: "Xiong Wen, you have no qualification to question."

"Ju Ge Lao, I have no question about the competition rules, how dare I!" Xiong Wen raised both hands, looking somewhat flustered: "I didn't think so much, I just didn't know if I could go forward, and I was nervous in my heart, so I asked casually."

Ju Kui let out a breath: "Since that is the case—"

"But some words, once spoken, cannot be treated as if they never happened," Bao Xuanjing said from the Day Room.

"There are so many people on site, can everyone say they didn't hear it? Can everyone say they forgot?"

"Someone has spat a mouthful of phlegm at the Qi country's flag. I stand here and have to wipe it off myself. Whether I use my Earl robe or my fresh blood is fine."

"Even if he asked casually… how can I not answer seriously?"

The finger of the young Shofang Earl extended out of the mirror surface.

His thin, twelve-year-old youth's body actually passed through the mirror wall without damaging the mirror wall itself, flying down and landing on the martial arts platform.

He slowly stood up from a half-squat on the ground, his purple robe lightly fluttering.

The huge martial arts platform felt vast due to the expansion of space.

Standing opposite the mountain-like Xiong Wen, Bao Xuanjing was tiny.

But he raised his head and puffed out his chest, looking around in all directions, showing not the slightest stage fright: "In the past, there was the Great Qi Champion Marquis, who chopped down Tianjiao on Guanhe Platform. He crushed the wolf god, diminished the world, and wherever his blade edge passed, he was invincible."

"In the past, there was the Great Qi Wu An Marquis, who went on expedition to Guanhe Platform, won every battle, and displayed the flag for the country. He drew the hardest lot, met the strongest opponent, never complained about his luck, only asked against whom his blade edge would be!"

"A true strong person should challenge without fear, the more they are ground, the more their edge can be verified!"

"When Wu An Marquis walked out of Linzi, he still didn't have the strength to dominate the world. It was on this Guanhe Platform, step by step, winning every battle, that he became stronger!"

"I have viewed him as an idol since childhood, wanting to emulate his actions, and starting from here."

He no longer looked at Xiong Wen, because he was not only targeting Xiong Wen: "This main competition spot belonging to the Great Qi Empire… I can take it out!"

"This is not the Great Qi Empire giving up the determined main competition spot, it is I, Bao Xuanjing, with hot blood surging, reckless and arrogant, wanting to fight for the dignity of the motherland!"

"Any person's challenge, I will accept."

He took a step forward, spreading both hands, his robe sleeves unfolding greatly: "Moreover, let's see today whether the person who enjoys the title of Great Qi matches the name and salary!"

The site was still silent; the cheers that should have erupted did not.

Most new small say in prime hair!

Because on this Guanhe Platform, he could not represent the final decision of the Qi country.

Everyone's gazes followed Ju Kui, looking at the considerably wide Bowang Marquis.

Ju Kui, handling official business, spoke formally: "Strictly speaking, the main competition spot of the Qi country can only be decided by the Qi country. Xiong Wen is naive and straightforward, Bao Xuanjing's courage is commendable, and in the end, it is youthful spirit, not right or wrong. However, the rules are here, and they cannot be changed just by your nodding – such a big matter cannot be taken lightly, we still have to see what Bowang Marquis says."

In the crowded viewing seats, the Qi country delegation exclusively occupied one side.

The Qi country Bowang Marquis sat on his special large chair. This chair was embedded with three viewing seats, and the fluctuation of space power was subtle and difficult to detect.

These years, he had not gotten fatter, but in sense, he had become more huge, seemingly needing more space to accommodate him.

Chong Xuan Yu was already asleep on his belly.

He picked up his son and handed him to Fourteen beside him.

He stepped out of the role of a viewer and returned to his identity as the leader of the Qi country team.

From the role of a father, he became the hereditary Marquis of Great Qi.

"The Yellow River Tianjiao Assembly is ultimately a stage for young people to display themselves."

He stirred his hand and laughed warmly and harmlessly: "Since the challenger has the heart, and the challenged has the intent… why not?"

That cluster of the Qi country delegation in the viewing seats at this time erupted in shocking cheers, for this fearless decision.

Bao Xuanjing's courage and Chong Xuan Sheng's trust all embodied the strength and composure of the Great Qi Empire.

The entire challenge competition field boiled over for a time, the audience excited with red faces and ears, for this unexpected surprise.

The commotion spread outside the challenge competition field and also through the broadcast of the Taixu Illusion Realm, throughout the present world. Twelve-year-old Bao Xuanjing formally entered people's vision, and Ji country's Xiong Wen thus also became world-famous.

The biggest variable of this session of the Yellow River Assembly had already occurred.

A challenger from the loser group would launch a challenge against the main competition seat of a hegemonic country that had been firm for several thousand years!

Ju Kui no longer said more, only pressing down with both hands to stop the noise, then said: "Since Bowang Marquis also represents the Qi country in agreeing… this time's challenge is hereby established."

"Xiong Wen, Bao Xuanjing, you have ten breaths of time to adjust your state—"

As he lifted his hand, a huge hourglass forming the character "Shi" (十, ten) appeared on the martial arts field, and it suddenly changed to "Jiu" (九, nine).

As the number in the hourglass constantly changed, Ju Kui spoke the last sentence: "When the hourglass runs out, the competition begins."

Xiong Wen closed his eyes, a huge breath instantly returning to his body, making him stand like a quiet stone.

Bao Xuanjing stood still, without any extra actions. He was very satisfied with his performance today.

He once tried to be a perfect person, to be a child who could win all goodwill and love. He was hardworking, humble, kind, warm… embodying all virtues in one body. Later, he discovered that was the wrong choice.

"Perfect" often meant "fake." Without shortcomings, he was instead not approachable.

Precisely because he was a shaped, self-molded unnatural person, he would have that taken-for-granted wrong idea. In the process of "being a person," he had taken many detours.

He gradually comprehended a principle—

A person's advantages are their shining points. A person's shortcomings are their vivid points!

So he changed his thinking, giving up the maintenance of his every detail, and started to be a person who was annoying in small ways but didn't lose on major principles.

There was no need to live so tired, no need to hold back everywhere.

Being a person was more relaxed, and instead more natural. Thus, he was more vivid, more of a person.

This was also the root cause of his ability to stride into the inner mansion without worry of being detected as problematic.

He now fundamentally had no problems.

The White Bone Venerable God was only a dream from a long time ago; he had opened up Bao Xuanjing's life.

The sand forming the character "Shi" in the hourglass, point by point, turned into flying light and went away.

Xiong Wen suddenly opened his eyes, his eyes already blood red!

"Roar!"

He emitted a beast-like roar, and at the same time, there was the sound of drums from his heart. Miscellaneous blood energy condensed behind him, and a giant bear dozens of zhang tall suddenly stood up.

The fight began the instant the timing ended. The blood-colored giant bear raised its bear paw, patting down like it was covering the sky and sun. Rolling air waves boomed open, making it like a cloud tide far away.

After the cloud gas dispersed, under the huge, mountain-like bear paw, stood the noble youth in purple clothes.

He only raised one hand – then used that slender hand like a bamboo branch to prop up this bear paw mountain.

Mad wind vigorously rolled, making his purple Earl robe flutter and make sounds.

Too composed.

His five fingers closed, suddenly grabbing this bear paw, and just pulling down—

Such a slender body actually burst out with such terrifying power. The blood-colored giant bear was like a fat bamboo shoot being pulled up!

The giant bear, which provided blood energy to Xiong Wen, pounced forward horizontally, falling like a collapsing mountain.

It covered half the martial arts field, as if to bury Bao Xuanjing.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

The huge, blood-colored bear body exploded open section by section.

Finally, it mixed into a group of pounding air waves, emitting a shocking explosion sound.

The blood-colored air waves were like a group of defeated soldiers instantly subdued, mixing together, and exploding time like a dragon rising – the twelve-year-old youth then stood on this blood dragon, treading the dragon and going, ignoring the tall Xiong Wen below, viewing him as grass!