Chapter 524 - 42: Generous Reward

"The final match of the Two Sects and One City Tournament: a complete victory for Song Changsheng of Luoxia City!"

Luu Yuming’s aged voice resounded throughout the arena. With that, the highly anticipated and deeply influential tournament officially came to a close. After this battle, Luoxia City would control both the Bian and Tuo provinces, becoming a powerhouse on par with the Golden Crow Sect and the Celestial Vein Sect.

Atop the stage, Song Changsheng watched Xia Qingxue’s retreating figure, his heart filled with relief.

’Without a doubt, Xia Qingxue is stronger than I am. If I hadn’t had a stroke of genius at the critical moment and managed to break through, this battle would have surely ended in my crushing defeat.’

But there are no "what ifs" in this world. Song Changsheng was the victor. He had the last laugh, and he had become the hero of Luoxia City!

"Senior Brother Song is mighty!"

"Senior Brother Song brings glory to Luoxia City!"

The disciples of Luoxia City erupted in earth-shattering cheers. They had all but given up hope for this battle, never expecting that even in such dire straits, this man could still turn the tide.

Song Changsheng looked toward the spectator stands. Zhuang Yuechan stood there, a graceful silhouette. Her beautiful eyes held a smile, a mixture of concern and pleasant surprise.

With a respectful salute to the judges’ platform and the spectator stands, Song Changsheng slowly descended from the stage.

"Hahaha! Good brother! Old Niu knew you had it in you!" Niu Dazhuang boomed with a hearty laugh, pulling Song Changsheng into a crushing hug. He slapped Song Changsheng’s back with a hand as big as a palm-leaf fan, so hard it nearly made his eyes roll back in his head.

Even Zhan Tianxia couldn’t hide the excitement on his face, his usual stern expression completely gone. Luoxia City had waited far too long for this day.

"On behalf of Luoxia City, I thank you." Suddenly, to the astonishment of everyone present, Zhan Tianxia turned to Song Changsheng and gave him a slight, respectful salute.

Song Changsheng quickly sidestepped the gesture and waved his hands. "Martial Uncle, please, don’t do that. I only did what little I could. The real credit belongs to you and Teacher."

This wasn’t false modesty; it was the truth.

Had Muu Guibai, Zhan Tianxia, and the others not exhausted every effort to negotiate and maneuver with the Celestial Vein Sect and Golden Crow Sect, he could have defeated every single person from both major sects and it still wouldn’t have been enough to decide the fate of Tuo Province.

That was why he didn’t see himself as Luoxia City’s hero, nor did he feel he had made some monumental contribution. He had simply answered the call and fought a few matches.

In return, he had gained the opportunity to cross hands with the prodigies of the Major Sects. He had even received an infusion of Star Power and guidance on the Array Dao from Zhan Tianxia. In Song Changsheng’s eyes, that already made it all worthwhile.

What’s more, during his fight with Xia Qingxue, he had even taken another step forward in his cultivation, converting the Spiritual Power in his body into Mana. That was a massive gain.

’It was a case of each party getting what they needed.’

"Luoxia will not let you down," Zhan Tianxia reiterated.

Just then, a fragrant breeze wafted past Song Changsheng as a slender figure threw herself into his arms.

"Yuechan?" Looking down at the woman in his arms, Song Changsheng was taken aback. He never imagined Zhuang Yuechan would choose to reveal their relationship so publicly, with everyone watching.

Watching the two of them embrace, Zhan Tianxia’s brow furrowed slightly.

’Although they had given their tacit approval to Zhuang Yuechan and Song Changsheng’s relationship, making it public now was not in Luoxia City’s best interests.’

After a moment’s thought, he finally turned away. Out of sight, out of mind.

"Is... is that Fairy Yuechan?"

"No way. Absolutely not."

"My eyes must be playing tricks on me. This can’t be real."

For a moment, Song Changsheng could almost hear the sound of countless hearts shattering in the spectator stands...

Song Changsheng held Zhuang Yuechan tightly. ’If she can be this brave,’ he thought, ’then what do I have to fear? Whatever storms the future holds, we’ll face them together!’

"Wh-wh-what... What is going on?" In the stands, Little Fatty rubbed his eyes vigorously, his chubby face a mask of utter disbelief.

"I... I don’t know either." The One-armed Swordsman’s eyes were wide with surprise. He had been training in the Hundred Thousand Mountains and hadn’t seen Song Changsheng or Zhuang Yuechan in several years. He had no idea the two had secretly gotten together.

"Sigh, that Changsheng kid sure works fast. She was the only rose among us thorns, and he’s the one who got to pick her," Little Fatty lamented. Then, a seductive figure flashed through his mind, and he couldn’t help but shiver.

He quickly shook his head to banish the image from his mind. By the time he snapped out of it, he realized Song Changsheng and the others had already left...

When the group returned to the inn, they found Muu Guibai had already arrived and was waiting for them, seated on a soft couch.

"Greetings, City Lord! Master! Teacher!"

The entire party bowed in a hurry.

Muu Guibai nodded kindly, then looked at Zhuang Yuechan and Song Changsheng. "The rest of you may go. Changsheng and Chan’Er, stay. I have something to say to you."

"As you command."

The others filed out, but Zhan Tianxia remained standing where he was, unmoving.

"Tianxia, you should go as well."

"Hm?" Zhan Tianxia was taken aback, but he didn’t ask any questions. He simply nodded and exited the room.

"Master?" Zhuang Yuechan’s heart pounded with anxiety. What she had done in front of everyone had been bold, and seeing the current situation, she braced herself for a scolding.

Seeing her expression, Muu Guibai smiled fondly and said with a sigh, "Ah, it’s wonderful to be young. Back in my day, I..."

He sighed. "But let’s not talk about that."

"We old folks won’t interfere too much in the affairs of you young people. However, there are some things that must be said up front."

"I have never married. Shang’Er and Yuechan are like my own children. They are destined to inherit my mantle and protect Luoxia City."

"Changsheng, you are my disciple as well. Are you willing to truly join Luoxia City and help Yuechan protect it?"

Both Song Changsheng and Zhuang Yuechan were stunned. They never imagined this was what Muu Guibai had kept them behind to discuss.