Chapter 1641: The Champion is Decided
At this moment, many of the family forces in the crowd grew tense. After all, most of the youths among those hundred pairs came from the various major family forces within Flame Gold City.
Next, the purple-robed artifact forging master in the center announced the candidates for the ninth through sixth seats. The opinions of the seven purple-robed masters were largely without dispute. Only for the seventh and sixth seats did one purple-robed master hold a differing opinion. However, if only one person among the seven disagreed, the objection would be overruled. Only if two people raised objections would the matter be submitted to the crimson-gold-robed artifact forging masters for judgment.
The candidates for the sixth through tenth seats were thus decided directly without the involvement of the crimson-gold-robed masters. As for the remaining five candidates, everyone knew who they would be. The only question was the specific ranking.
"For the fifth seat of this artifact forging competition, I nominate Sima Nan. What do you all think?" The purple-robed master in the center spoke again. Sima Nan's heart skipped a beat. Having his name called out first was not a good sign—the later the name, the higher the ranking.
"I have no objection."
"I agree as well."
"I believe Sima Nan should be in the fourth seat. The wings he forged provide terrifying speed enhancement and possess powerful defensive capabilities," one purple-robed master raised an objection.
"I agree. Sima Nan should be in fourth place," another purple-robed master chimed in. The crowd's eyes flickered. These seven purple-robed masters might have their own favored candidates, just like Yan Feng's prospective master had a relationship with him. Or perhaps they genuinely believed Sima Nan was superior to Ge Qingfeng, which was why this dispute arose.
"Very well, let the crimson-gold masters decide," the purple-robed master in the center said, turning his gaze to the three people in crimson-gold robes and nodding.
"The three of us unanimously agree that Sima Nan should receive the fifth seat," the crimson-gold-robed master in the center stated. After hearing the objection from the purple-robed masters, they had already discussed it and agreed that Sima Nan should be ranked fifth.
"Mm." The purple-robed master in the center nodded. Generally, the three crimson-gold-robed masters would not have differing opinions. Of course, if one of them held a different view, the decision would be passed to the purple-gold-robed ninth-level master. This triple filtration system was designed to ensure absolute fairness in the artifact forging competition rankings, as some of these Flame Gold Tower masters might have personal biases and could not be completely impartial.
Of course, it was also impossible to leave everything to the purple-gold-robed master alone. After all, he was just one person with personal preferences, and his judgment might be based on his own tastes. Having one person decide the rankings of ten people would be somewhat arbitrary. Therefore, the purple-robed masters and crimson-gold-robed masters made the initial decisions. If they could not reach a consensus, the ninth-level purple-gold-robed master would make the final call.
Sima Nan was quite disappointed. He had only managed to secure the fifth seat.
"For the fourth seat, Ge Qingfeng. Any objections?" the purple-robed master in the center asked again. This time, the other purple-robed masters all agreed. After all, the golden pagoda that Hen Changtian had forged was even more extraordinary, and he had forged it alone. It was only natural that he be ranked above Ge Qingfeng. Ge Qingfeng understood this as well, so he accepted the outcome calmly.
Thus, the third seat went to Hen Changtian without any issue. Although forging alone was difficult for Hen Changtian, the pair of Yan Feng and Mu Linxue had both forged fourth-grade imperial artifacts. As a result, Hen Changtian clearly could not compete with them for the top two seats.
"The top two seats," the crowd murmured, their eyes sharp with anticipation. According to their expectations, Lin Feng should be second and Yan Feng first. However, Lin Feng's earlier words had been filled with confidence, which made the crowd secretly look forward to the outcome. If there were some disagreement, it would make things even more interesting.
"For the second seat, Mu Linxue and Lin Feng." The members of the Yan family all stood up again, their eyes fixed on the purple-robed master in the center. The next words would decide whether Yan Feng of the Yan family would win the championship of this artifact forging competition.
The people of the Mu Mansion also couldn't help but stand up. Many of them were even secretly hoping—what if the second seat went to Yan Feng? What would happen then?
"Both of you have forged fourth-grade imperial artifacts. The artifact cloud of Yan Feng's creation is more prominent, so in theory, its quality should be slightly higher. However, the imperial artifact forged by you two, Mu Linxue, appears very restrained. Perhaps due to the formation, I cannot fully understand it. Both of you should display your imperial artifacts so that we can make a judgment," the purple-robed master in the center said slowly.
"That's not appropriate. Yan Feng's imperial artifact is of better quality, so he should naturally be the champion. Just like before, why not first state your opinion, and then we can discuss and decide together? There's no need for a demonstration," Yan Feng's prospective master said in a low voice. In truth, he was also somewhat suspicious of the formation Lin Feng had carved earlier. He couldn't determine what kind of formation it was.
"I want everyone to clearly see the power of the imperial artifacts you've forged, so that it will be easier for you all to make a judgment," the purple-robed master in the center said again. "What do you all think?"
"For the sake of fairness, I also think it's better to have a demonstration first," said the artifact forging master who favored Lin Feng and Mu Linxue.
Then, several others agreed. The purple-robed master in the center officially announced, "Yan Feng, you go first."
"Mm." Yan Feng nodded slightly. Then, a powerful law force surged within his palm, continuously seeping into the Crimson Blood Sharp Sword in his hand.
"Slash!" Yan Feng held the sword and struck toward the sky. Instantly, a crimson blood light pierced through heaven and earth, slashing into the endless void. A terrifying crimson blood radiance seemed to devour everything, like a roaring fire dragon. The dreadful flame force filled the air, lingering for a long time, leaving a crimson blood trail across the sky.
"Mu Linxue, which of you two will demonstrate the long spear?" the purple-robed master asked, looking at Mu Linxue and Lin Feng.
"I'll do it," Lin Feng said softly. Then, he gripped the long spear tightly and slowly stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the sky. With a low shout, he said, "Go!"
"Whoosh!" The long spear shot into the air and suddenly vanished from the crowd's sight.
"Boom!" In an instant, a destructive force descended from the sky. The long spear appeared high above, as if it had pierced through the void.
"Phantom Void?" The crowd's eyes narrowed. The long spear had evaded everyone's sight and appeared directly in the high sky. How terrifying! A killing weapon that left no trace—this kind of imperial artifact was extremely dangerous.
The long spear returned to Lin Feng's hand. Lin Feng looked at the purple-robed artifact forging masters and said, "The long spear I forged surpasses his sword in attack power, speed, and illusory force. Which is stronger and which is weaker, I believe you seniors will have your own judgment."
"Oh?" The crowd's eyes flickered at Lin Feng's words. The usually low-key Lin Feng was finally showing his sharp edge, claiming that his imperial artifact long spear completely surpassed Yan Feng's sword in every aspect.
"Ridiculous! Your words are far too arrogant," Yan Feng shouted angrily.
"Looking at the artifact cloud makes it clear which imperial artifact has better quality. The first seat of this artifact forging competition should go to the Yan Feng pair," Yan Feng's prospective master said calmly.
"I think Mu Linxue and her partner should be the champions of this competition," the purple-robed master who had bet against him retorted.
"What do you all think?" The purple-robed master in the center looked at the others. The two imperial artifacts were not special types—one was a sword, the other a long spear. When Yan Feng forged his sword, the artifact cloud was stronger, and its attack power was fierce and domineering, like a fire dragon. Lin Feng's imperial artifact was stranger and more cunning. Although the artifact cloud was not as strong, it was equally terrifying.
"I think it should be Yan Feng."
"I think it should be Mu Linxue and her partner."
The six purple-robed masters each expressed their opinions. Three supported the Yan Feng pair, and three supported Lin Feng and Mu Linxue. The purple-robed master in the center who had asked the question had not yet expressed his stance.
"It seems we need to ask the three elders to decide," the purple-robed master in the center said, looking at the three crimson-gold-robed masters.
"Our opinions are also divided. Let the purple-gold elder decide the champion of this artifact forging competition," the crimson-gold-robed master in the center said calmly. The crowd's pupils contracted. Even the crimson-gold-robed masters were divided. It seemed the champion of this artifact forging competition was still very much up in the air!
The faces of the Yan family members were not looking good. They had already considered the champion seat as theirs for the taking, but now, suspense was piling up.
The people of the Mu Mansion were also very nervous. Would it be the Yan Feng pair, or Mu Linxue and Lin Feng?
Even Mu Qingying's hands were clenched tightly, her beautiful eyes fixed on the purple-gold-robed master, looking very tense. She was not alone. At this moment, countless eyes were all focused on one person—the ninth-level artifact forging master. His words would decide the champion of this artifact forging competition.
The purple-gold-robed artifact forging master slowly rose into the air, looking at Lin Feng and Yan Feng. Then, he revealed a faint smile and said, "Both pairs are exceptionally outstanding. But the champion seat can only belong to one. This time, the decision falls to me, but that does not mean everything. Even the one who receives the second seat should not be discouraged."
"Now, I announce that the Yan Feng pair... has obtained the second seat of this artifact forging competition." As the purple-gold-robed master spoke slowly, everyone's pupils contracted. Yan Feng was second. Then who was the champion? There was no need to say more—it was Mu Linxue and Lin Feng.
"Congratulations to you both," the ninth-level master said to Lin Feng and Mu Linxue with a smile, undoubtedly declaring them the champions. At that moment, Mu Linxue's beautiful eyes bloomed like a lotus, radiant and lovely. Her gaze immediately fell on Lin Feng. They had won!
The artifact forging competition... the champion seat!
Yan Feng's eyes flickered continuously, even appearing somewhat ferocious. His lips trembled slightly, and then he spat out a voice.
"I, Yan Feng, do not accept this!"
PS: There will be another chapter. Brothers, if you have any fresh flowers, please give a few!