Started out getting scumbags, but then invested in the invincible Empress.

Chapter 277 666, I don’t even want to act anymore

"Why are you causing trouble?" (Acting)

Murong Yan's voice was calm, yet it carried a mountain-like pressure.

"Sect Master, please understand! This disciple...this disciple did not intentionally cause trouble."

The leading disciple, steeling himself, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, swallowed hard, and said:

"But Junior Brother Li's record is truly unbelievable! To defeat someone at the Blood Transformation Realm level five ranks higher than others is unheard of!"

"Yes, Sect Master! Such a feat is not recorded in ancient texts, and even our ancestors could not match it! This disciple suspects... suspects that the Illusionary Demon Tower malfunctioned at the time? Or that the rating was incorrect?"

"If Junior Brother Li truly possesses such talent, he must have made great progress in his strength by now, just like Junior Sister Jiang!"

"How about... how about letting him attempt the tower again in front of everyone, to give everyone an explanation!"

The other four people quickly chimed in.

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the room reacted with varying expressions.

Anyone with eyes can see that this is an open conspiracy targeting Li Wudao.

To refuse is to show guilt; to accept is to perfectly replicate.

Moreover, with Jiang Churan's outstanding performance as a precedent, Li Wudao would also be criticized if he could not surpass the previous record.

With just a few words, Li Wudao was put in a very difficult position.

Although this method is crude, it can sometimes really work.

From the crowd, the voices of the disciples gradually rose in agreement.

"What they said makes sense. If Senior Brother Li could get through it last time, he certainly can this time as well."

"That's right! We'll find out whether it's true or false once we go in!"

"Senior Brother Li, let's prove it to them!"

A wave of voices rose, carrying with it a complex mix of curiosity, skepticism, and a desire to see the spectacle unfold.

Many disciples were led astray, and even some elders seemed to be pondering this, nodding frequently.

Not far away, Wu Shaotian's lips curled into a barely perceptible sneer.

The trend is established.

"Sect Master, what should we do? Everything is in complete chaos..."

One of the elders looked worried.

"No hurry, let's wait and see."

Murong Yan frowned.

In this situation, he cannot act arbitrarily or unilaterally; if he were to suppress the rebellion by force, it would likely backfire.

........

"Why?!"

Wang Zhao couldn't stand it anymore and pointed at the five people, cursing:

"Who do you think you are? You open your mouths and say a few words, and you expect others to prove their innocence?"

"What, do you own this sect? Do you set the rules?"

He turned to look at Li Wudao:

"Godfather, ignore them! These people are like rats in the gutter, they can't stand to see others do well! Let's just ignore them and see what they can do!"

The five disciples looked grim, and the leader argued forcefully:

"Junior brother, you are mistaken! We are merely seeking clarification; what wrong have we done?"

"clear?"

Wang Zhao laughed angrily, rolled up his sleeves, and was about to step forward, saying, "I think you guys are asking for a beating. You've really given me face!"

Qiu Zishi held Wang Zhao down, staring at the group with an unfriendly expression, his voice cold:

"To argue illogically is an act despicable."

"Senior Brother Li's record has been evaluated by the Illusion Demon Tower, and witnessed by the sect's higher-ups. Who are you to question it?"

His gaze was sharp as he swept over the five people: "Or... is it that someone is behind you, deliberately causing trouble?"

The five men's expressions changed drastically, and they subconsciously looked at Wu Shaotian.

Wu Shaotian's face tightened.

The leading disciple steeled himself, deciding to throw away all pretense and sneer at Li Wudao:

"Junior Brother Li, after saying all this, you just don't dare, do you?"

"What 'Blood Transcending Realm' level 15, what 'winning against opponents of higher levels'... I think it's all just bragging!"

"If you've got guts, go inside the tower now! Let everyone see if you're a dragon or a worm!"

It's a blatant act of provocation.

Everyone looked at Li Wudao.

Jiang Churan stood in front, dressed in white, her aloofness as cold as frost.

Her gaze fell on Li Wudao, and a barely perceptible ripple flickered deep in her watery eyes, a mixture of worry and anticipation.

Li Wudao stared at the five people for three breaths.

Suddenly smiled.

Six hundred and sixty-six, they're not even going to act anymore, it's obvious they're just trying to embarrass him.

It seems he has no choice but to put on this act today.

He pondered for a moment, then said loudly, "Since everyone wants to see it, I'll just go ahead and do it."

The sound was clear and carried throughout the square.

The whole audience was silent.

Wang Zhao's eyes widened: "Godfather, you..."

Li Wudao waved his hand, took a few steps forward, and his gaze, sharp as a sword, pierced the five people.

"I'm willing to take the risk, but there needs to be a prize involved, otherwise it won't be fun."

He paused, then said, word by word:

"If I surpass my previous ranking and improve my rank by a certain number of places, you five will each slap yourselves for that number of times and kneel before the tower for the corresponding number of hours!"

"How about that? Isn't that fair?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the five men turned deathly pale.

That's a huge bet!

If they lose, they will never be able to hold their heads high in the sect for the rest of their lives, which will be equivalent to ruining their future!

"What?" Li Wudao sneered. "Weren't you quite talkative just now? Now you're all mute?"

His eyes were cold and sharp, with a chilling edge.

The five men looked at each other, stammering.

They thought they were just making a few casual remarks to embarrass Li Wudao, but they never expected to get themselves involved.

"Cowarded?"

Taking the opportunity, Wang Zhao mocked, "Weren't you being quite arrogant just now? Now you're acting like a coward?"

"that is!"

One of the disciples couldn't stand it anymore and said, "You started this conversation, and this bet is very fair."

"If you want Senior Brother Li to prove it, you need to show your sincerity first!"

"If you don't have the guts, don't spout nonsense!"

The outcry rose again, but this time it sided with Li Wudao.

The five men, sweating profusely, looked at Wu Shaotian.

Wu Shaotian's face remained calm as he nodded slightly.

He didn't believe Li Wudao could surpass the previous record.

"You're lucky you escaped with your life from that good-for-nothing Cheng Yuanliang..."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he muttered to himself, "However, with your meager cultivation, I truly don't believe you can achieve anything significant..."

He still harbors doubts about Li Wudao's ability to break into the top 500 of the Xuan Tian Ranking on his first attempt at the tower.

How could a mediocre good-for-nothing who had been an ordinary person since childhood have a ranking on the Xuan Tian Ranking that far surpasses his after only one year of joining the sect?

He couldn't accept it from the bottom of his heart.

There must be something fishy in this!

And this time, under the watchful eyes of everyone.

If Li Wudao fails to surpass the previous record, he won't even need to make a fuss; the spittle of the crowd will drown him and plunge him into the abyss.

Having received the hint, the leading disciple gritted his teeth and said, "Alright! We'll take the gamble!"

"This..." The others had doubts.

"What are you afraid of? We have a very high chance of winning."

The leading disciple calmed the group down.

He then stared at Li Wudao, narrowing his eyes, "What if you fail to surpass your previous ranking?"

"hehe--"

Li Wudao chuckled.

"If I lose..." He stood with his hands behind his back and slowly said, "I will cripple my cultivation and be expelled from the sect."

The entire audience gasped in shock, erupting in uproar.

This is going way too far!

Even Murong Yan couldn't sit still any longer. His pupils contracted, and he couldn't help but speak up, "Wu Dao, why do this?"

He certainly didn't want anything to go wrong with the other party.

Otherwise, if he loses a Pure Yang Holy Body, he'll have nowhere to turn to cry.

"Sect Master, please rest assured, I have my own plans."

Li Wudao smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping over the five people one by one, finally lingering on Wu Shaotian for a couple of breaths, his eyes sharpening slightly.

Since you want to play, then I'll play with you properly.

You want to see me make a fool of myself?

I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you...

A sneer played on his lips as he turned and strode toward the tower gate.