Chapter 1357: Chapter 39 This Round is Stable!_2 Chapter 1357: Chapter 39 This Round is Stable!_2 If they chose to comply, the hard-earned supplies they had amassed would be plundered, with ninety percent taken away, and many of their subjects would not survive the harsh winter, resulting in low scores and eventual elimination.

If they chose to resist, they would have to withstand increasingly fierce attacks from Frost City; if they failed even once, their subjects would suffer heavy casualties, which would also result in low scores.

The previous victor, Master Jiang, was able to withstand nine consecutive attacks from Frost City with minimal casualties at a critical moment, thus securing an excellent performance and obtaining the title of Saint.

“Jin Ji, is it possible that someone achieved better results than Jiang Zhencang this time?” The Transcendent Cloud Codex flapped out of Jiang Zhencang’s Divine Soul, and the image of Ling Yun appeared, saying excitedly, “Could it be that someone not only withstood the attacks from Frost City but also launched effective counterattacks? Who could it be — Yao Yao, Green Fern, or perhaps Xuan’er and Lici?”

Past candidates for the title of Saint had also attempted to attack Frost City with inventive strategies, but as one might expect, each of them was crushed by the formidable martial power of Frost City.

Recently, Jiang Zhencang had been very busy dealing with various collaborations with the Wang family and coordinating with Emperor Zi’an and others for national war strategies. Therefore, the Transcendent Cloud Codex residing within Jiang Zhencang’s Divine Soul hadn’t been able to monitor the progress of the Saint competition daily.

They had to rely on Enlightened Ones like Jin Ji and several other Purple Abode Enlightened Ones to supervise the event.

However, there was no need to worry about cheating.

Every step taken by each candidate for Saint was meticulously recorded, so there was no fear of people meddling in secret.

Amidst the urging voices, Enlightened One Jin Ji activated the crystal stone screen, which displayed the disciple of the master of the Li Fire Line, Zhen Shicong, as the main character on the screen.

“Eh? Why would Zhen Shicong be inside Frost City?”

“My adoptive father, this time I have led my troops to clear out the rebellious alliance formed by the northerners. Here is the detailed list of our spoils.”

“My boy, you truly excel. Your adoptive father did not misjudge you.”

…

The Elders and Great Elders were all stunned by this scene. Was Zhen Shicong really siding with Frost City and had even become the city lord’s adoptive son? Wasn’t this treasonous?

“Lang Ya, look at the fine disciple you’ve trained!” bellowed Enlightened One of Lang Ya with a glare, exasperated, “He’s always been impetuous, but to do something so disgraceful at such a critical moment.”

“Lang Ya, what business is it of your disciple’s what mine from the Li Fire Line do?” the master of the Li Fire Line replied angrily, embarrassed, “My clever Shicong surely has a strategy in joining Frost City.”

“Master,” said Enlightened One Jin Ji, his voice tinged with awkwardness, “it is indeed a calculated strategy by Zhen Shicong. By accumulating contributions time and again, he has earned the trust of the lord of Frost City and has even managed to eliminate several possible successors.”

What?

The audience burst into a commotion; not only had Zhen Shicong taken an unconventional path, but he had also achieved remarkable success. If he truly managed to pull this off, it was as if he indirectly conquered Frost City.

“Hahaha,” laughed the master of the Li Fire Line, “I knew it, my Shicong, although his Bloodline Talent is not as good as Wang Liyao and others, he was bound to shine in real trials. It’s a pity his initial points were low; otherwise, he could have had a great chance to clinch the title of Saint.”

Enlightened One of Lang Ya also felt somewhat awkward, as Zhen Shicong, who usually seemed unreliable, could actually make some remarkable moves.

“Master, do not worry.” Enlightened One Jin Ji reassured, “Our Junior Brother Ce performed admirably too, not only withstanding more than a dozen waves of attacks from Frost City but also forging alliances with many refugee leaders, becoming a significant force against Frost City.”

As he spoke, Enlightened One Jin Ji adjusted the screen to show the impressive achievements of Gong Yang Ce.

Lang Ya’s face lit up with joy as he quickly perused Gong Yang Ce’s history. Indeed, Ce had been consistent and thoughtful in his approach, slowly but surely building a tremendous advantage.

Now, he had become a force second only to Frost City and possessed enough resources to comfortably survive the harsh winter.

Such an achievement was already much stronger than Master Jiang’s in the past.

“Well done, worthy of my disciple,” said Lang Ya in satisfaction, “Even if he loses by total points this time, it’s only because his Bloodline Talent is a few levels inferior, what a pity indeed.”

“What’s there to pity?” sneered Yunyang, “If one’s Bloodline Talent is inferior, it is just that. In the future, one at the Mid-Stage of the Void Realm can easily withstand the combined efforts of two or three Early-Stage Void Realm opponents, and my Lici is especially adept in combat, able to take on three enemies on her own.”

“Hmph, brute strength alone is ultimately no more than that of a brute,” retorted Lang Ya.

“Langya old dog, you dare slander my Lici. You’re trying to suppress her talent because you can’t stand to see others excel; my disciple and I shall remember this grudge,” said Yunyang furiously, “Once my Lici reaches the Void Realm, she could crush you with just a finger.”

Lang Ya’s face darkened. When had he ever suppressed Lici?

Yunyang was still as unreasonable, petty, and quick to take umbrage as ever.

“Master…” whispered Enlightened One Jin Ji, “Although Junior Brother Ce has performed very well, the performances of other candidates have not been weak either.”

“Jin Ji, I want to see how our Bao Bucheng is doing,” said Lang Ya.