Chapter 308: Champion Trophy, Sword Saint’s Recognition! The Name “shangshan Che” Sweeps The Internet Like A Tide!
“Shangshan Che!”
“Shangshan Che! Shangshan Che! Shangshan Che…”
In the Sky City Arena that could accommodate over a hundred thousand audience members, at this moment, only this one name echoed.
Everyone cheered for it.
At the center of the arena, Shangshan Che stood in front of the golden Champion seat.
At this moment, he surprisingly didn’t feel too excited.
Rather than saying he wasn’t too excited, it was more like he was exceptionally calm.
On the contrary, Two-Foot Adult, still maintaining Benevolent King state, cheered as she ran over with big strides, scooped him up onto her shoulder and raised him high, looking absolutely thrilled out of her mind.
Kaga Kiyomitsu, who hadn’t said much throughout the entire Seed Battle, also shot out from the scabbard again, buzzing loudly in mid-air.
More excited than if she herself had received several Soul Enhancements.
The competitors ranked behind also cast different gazes—envy, disappointment, melancholy, pleasantness…
All sorts of emotions, too many to list.
Sitting on Two-Foot’s soft yet sturdy shoulder, Shangshan Che rubbed the hair on top of her head.
If talking about excitement, it was more when he had just beheaded Minamoto Shizuka and confirmed his victory in the Match.
That was true life-or-death speed; even a thousandth, or even a ten-thousandth of a second difference could rewrite the outcome.
So…
Shangshan Che thought, the Seed Battle Champion was indeed an honor worth boasting about, and possibly one of the prefixed titles before “this place can’t hold so many people” in the future.
But this was not the end point.
He had only claimed the crown among peers in one region of the Mortal Realm, verifying that under the Ghost Gods, he truly had few rivals.
This Seed Battle had indeed yielded rich rewards.
Amid Two-Foot’s cheering lap around the arena, Shangshan Che’s gaze swept over one Ghost God after another smiling and applauding at him, and battle intent inevitably surged in his heart.
Wanting to become stronger, wanting to become a Ghost God, wanting to compete with them, and then verify…
What true strength is.
Shangshan Che lightly exhaled, suppressing these untimely thoughts.
He shook his head inwardly, wondering if he had been influenced by battle maniacs like Lili Zi and Minamoto Shizuka.
Battles where everything is on the line are truly terrifying…
Shangshan Che scanned group after group of audience members again, smiling and waving at them in response to the cheers.
Thus, the cheers grew louder wave after wave.
The live stream drone zoomed in for a close-up, faithfully recording this moment.
—Far away, Ye Chun’s hands moved extremely fast, immediately saving over a dozen screenshots.
—Tamamo seemed to have entered some atavistic phenomenon, letting out many “oh hu” calls, saying she wanted to go take a photo together later.
At this time, Two-Foot Adult’s footsteps slowly came to a stop.
Shangshan Che looked down.
It was the Referee.
The Ghost God Judge—or rather host—in a suit, holding a microphone, was looking up at him with an enthusiastic smile.
Shangshan Che understood; this was for the champion interview.
So he jumped down from Two-Foot Adult’s shoulder to land beside the Referee, seeing him raise his other hand and speak,
“First, everyone, please cheer enthusiastically again for the Seed Battle Champion, Shangshan Jun!”
“Oh oh oh oh oh—!”
The cheers turned tangible, surging straight to the clouds, shaking Shangshan Che’s ears to the point of pain.
The Referee raised his hand to gesture downward again, and after the cheers quieted, he asked Shangshan Che: “Shangshan Competitor, do you have anything you want to say now, or any champion remarks?”
If he said no at this time, it would put the Referee in an awkward spot.
So Shangshan Che took the microphone and thought for a good while.
In these dozen seconds, the entire venue quieted down several degrees.
“—The Seed Battle competitors were all very strong, with exquisite Technique, deep foundations, and many moves I’d never seen…
To be honest, winning first place was just luck.”
Hearing Shangshan Che’s “humble remarks,” the venue immediately erupted in strong boos against the Versailles statement.
Come on, who among those who watched from start to finish didn’t know that you, Shangshan Che, had fought your way up with strength a thousand times harder than steel?
Not to mention others, you fought seven of the top ten!
And most were crushing victories!
Shangshan Che continued: “Winning this Champion position from Competitor Minamoto Shizuka’s hands, I’m still very happy and excited.”
Very happy?
The audience all looked up at the big screen showing that almost expressionless face.
Saying such words with that expression, Shangshan Che… aren’t you embarrassed at all!
This man is not just terrifying, he’s downright horrifying!
Lili Zi standing behind didn’t doubt it much.
—With Shangshan Che’s state of mind cultivation, he could naturally suppress all superfluous emotions easily, not letting them show.
It’s just that even after winning the championship, he maintained this habit as always.
As expected of him.
Lili Zi sighed inwardly.
Shangshan Che didn’t mind the varied audience reactions and continued: “Although I’ve claimed the Champion position, I won’t become arrogant or complacent because of it, nor rest on one championship laurel for life.”
At these words, the venue burst into laughter.
Shangshan Che paused, then took a deep breath and spoke with slight seriousness,
“Now with World Revival, Spiritual Energy Concentration rising day by day, cultivation in this era is far simpler than the previous millennium—it’s the best era.
But Demons and Monsters, Demons and Monsters are also becoming active as a result; the Eternal World from myths and legends is surfacing, subsequent tides are approaching, and without sufficient Power, self-preservation may be difficult.
Therefore, this is also the worst era.”
After these two sentences, the entire venue instantly quieted down significantly.
Most people fell silent, their gazes fixed on him.
Only a very few Normal people who thought demons, Supernatural Phenomenon, supernatural powers had nothing to do with them were still laughing carefree.
“The Seed Battle Champion is just a stop along my path; I accept the glory and praise here, but I won’t stop because of it.
Endless climbing, endless Progress, pursuing strength, and never satisfied.
Only thus can one avoid being abandoned by the new era.”
After scanning the venue once, Shangshan Che spoke solemnly,
“—Finally, I wish everyone martial fortune in this brand-new golden great era!”
The venue fell silent.
Then, applause thundered.
This was no figure of speech; the overwhelming applause truly gathered into rumbling thunder, expressing their recognition of Shangshan Che.
At this instant, Shangshan Che didn’t yet know that videos and clips of his speech were already spreading virally, forwarded by countless people.
Shockingly, they had already formed a hot topic wave on the internet.
And it was growing larger, showing no signs of stopping.
Having only said what should be said, Shangshan Che didn’t think much and handed the microphone back to the Referee.
“Shangshan Competitor.” The Referee laughed heartily, patting Shangshan Che’s back. “I look forward to the day I can address you as Shangshan Ge Xia.”
Shangshan Che was about to respond politely when he saw the Ghost God Judge heading down from the stage.
The award ceremony apparently wasn’t hosted by him.
Looking toward the stage below, he saw the dignified figure who had previously announced the end of the first round of the Seed Battle in mid-air.
Onmyo Assistant.
The sharp-featured man was now talking with Nanjo Emi, smiling openly.
“Nanjō Great Officer, you truly have sharp eyes… You spotted Shangshan Jun’s exceptional talent back then.”
Nanjo Emi spread her hands: “Just like he himself said, this is merely a future starting point.”
“Then I’ll watch with anticipation.”
The Onmyo Assistant from the Minamoto Family nodded expectantly and walked toward the stage.
The man walked slowly to Shangshan Che’s side; though he showed no Spiritual Power or Qi Barrier, it gave him an extraordinary sense of pressure.
The Onmyo Assistant nodded to him, then reached toward the Champion seat behind Shangshan Che.
With a faint golden light flash, the originally grand and imposing Champion seat transformed into an angular, exquisitely crafted golden trophy.
“—Shangshan Jun, congratulations on claiming the championship of the Eastern Region’s first Seed Battle!”
The Onmyo Assistant didn’t use a microphone, yet his voice reached every audience member’s ear.
His voice was gentle and gratified as he handed the hefty trophy to Shangshan Che.
Shangshan Che thanked him, then unexpectedly saw the item Prompt pop up from the trophy—
【Champion Award Seat】
【Quality: Epic+】
【Effect One: Serenity. Easier to calm the mind when cultivating near the “Champion Award Seat”; ordinary Demons and Monsters cannot approach.】
【Effect Two: Familiar Divine Casket. The “Champion Award Seat” can adapt as a Familiar for most Shikigami, and also serve as a Divine Casket for most Shikigami when receiving Offerings.】
【—This is the trophy of the Eastern Region’s first Seed Battle Champion, Shangshan Che.】
In slight surprise, Shangshan Che’s pupils contracted slightly, and the corners of his mouth lifted a fraction.
Even a trophy more symbolic than practical has this Quality, not bad…
Just as he wanted to raise the trophy like the champions he’d seen before, the Onmyo Assistant’s voice came softly,
“Shangshan Che, His Excellency the Sword Saint personally said he’s very optimistic about you… Keep it up.”
Shangshan Che looked up sharply, meeting the Onmyo Assistant’s warm gaze.
Sword Saint…?
Right, he almost forgot if not reminded.
Among the Seed Battle Champion rewards, there was also “an audience with the Sword Saint.”
He marveled inwardly.
He wondered what the legendary Sword Saint, who single-handedly subdued the other Three Great Families, was like; now his curiosity could finally be satisfied.
After raising the Champion trophy and taking a photo with the Onmyo Assistant, the latter went to fetch the remaining medals to award to TOP2 through TOP10.
The final rankings for Seed Battle places two through ten were, in order—
【TOP2: Minamoto Shizuka】
【TOP3: Kitada Kei】
【TOP4: Tokugawa Ririko】
【TOP5: Saito Ryuichi】
【TOP6: Kamo Kiichi】
【TOP7: Aosuke】
【TOP8: Kitamura Yūyū】
【TOP9: Takizawa Kai】
【TOP10: Hayashi Jin’ya】
Including himself, there were still five who had started in the top ten rankings.
This showed the preliminary rounds had substantial quality.
Taking the opportunity during the medal presentation, Shangshan Che also checked the rankings of other people he cared about.
His young colleague from the Special Affairs Office, Higashiyama Kei, ranked eleventh.
After some psychological struggle, Yan Liu, now with a resolute gaze, placed twelfth.
Tokugawa Haruhiko ultimately didn’t return to the top twenty, making him the lowest-ranked among the ancient family competitors in this Seed Battle—quite embarrassing.
Who knew what punishment he’d face upon returning to the Tokugawa family.
Further down… Yagyu Oshi, who took twenty-fourth, was showing a rare relaxed smile and greeting him; Akechi Yuya at ninety-two looked envious but lowered his head and averted his gaze when Shangshan Che looked over.
Finally, the opponent Shangshan Che had once defeated with all his strength in the True Sword Match—
Obscure Moon Hall’s second Disciple, Kuzuha Chihaya.
Ranked sixty-first.
The woman was looking down, rubbing her fingernail against the still sharp Blade, lost in thought.
Shangshan Che opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing more.
After scanning around, Shangshan Che ignored the wildly playing Two-Foot Adult and Kaga Kiyomitsu, and sneaked to the edge of the Arena and slipped down.
For the subsequent tedious rituals and procedures, let those two little fellows play if they wanted.
He wouldn’t participate.
After all, there were still so many prompts waiting to be checked one by one!
Soon, many audience members wanting photos discovered Shangshan Che had vanished, sighing in regret.
Because just now, the name “Shangshan Che” had swept the entire web, topping the hot searches on major sites.
Whether it was his recent acceptance speech, the previous brilliant Combat, or even his minor irrelevant actions…
Any video related to Shangshan Che was exploding in views at a terrifying speed right now.
“Chisa-chan! Let’s go! Come down with me to take a photo with Eldest Brother!”
Shocked by the terrifying traffic, Tamamo smacked her lips and dragged Chisa’s wrist toward the aisle beyond the seats without another word.
Okabe Motonobu watched the sisters’ backs, hesitating repeatedly, but ultimately didn’t reach out.
This was her and Che’s matter; Normals shouldn’t be involved.
…
Having just sneaked down, Shangshan Che spotted a familiar back in the distance.
Nanjo Emi, who had slipped away ahead of him, was stretching lazily and muttering unhappily,
“It’s over, it’s over! Finally done fighting, really… Why’d that Shangshan kid go so hard.”
Shangshan Che, tiptoeing to scare her, had just approached her back when Nanjo Emi hooked an arm from the front around his shoulder,
“Congrats, Seed Battle Champion.”
Before Shangshan Che could speak, he saw the relaxed and pleased woman tilt her chin and say,
“To redeem your champion rewards, just find a staff member to take you to the redemption room on the other side of Sky Castle; they have most of the redemption lists there.”
Shangshan Che was stunned, his gaze surprised,
“Sister Nanjo, how did you know I was going to ask that?”
“I know what you’re thinking, kid. Tsk.”
Nanjo Emi let go casually: “But for Spider Cutter, you have to go to the Minamoto Family to get it.”
Meeting Shangshan Che’s “ah” gaze, Nanjo Emi spread her hands helplessly,
“Hey Shangshan Jun, you didn’t think something so precious would be kept outside, did you? I heard even the Five Person Council was refused when they wanted to take it out before.
That old relic is probably still in the Minamoto Family’s forbidden grounds.”
She thought for a moment and raised a finger,
“And to become Spider Cutter’s new Master, apparently you have to pass its test; otherwise, you get other rewards.”
Shangshan Che nodded, indicating he understood.
—It seems Spider Cutter has intelligence, and not low.
At least on the same level as Little Jia.
Being acknowledged by the Blade to become the new Master is normal.
With a glance at the empty seat by the wall, Shangshan Che pretended to be tired and sat down smoothly.
“Sister Nanjo, I’ll rest here a bit; you go ahead.”
“What malicious Curse…”
Nanjo Emi twitched her brow and walked away.
The moment he sat, Shangshan Che’s fatigue vanished, his eyes instantly bursting with brilliant golden light.
—Because there were still mountains of prompts awaiting his favor!
【Your skill, Natural Reason School Proficiency +102!】
And just the prompts prefixed with “Your skill, Natural Reason School”… there were fully over a dozen!
End of the month, brothers, don’t forget to vote!
Begging for monthly votes or Z!!!
