Ye Chen's aggressive stance caused Chu Ge's eyes to turn cold.
His gaze swept across the crowd like a blade, giving the inner sect disciples present the uncanny impression of being pierced by countless swords.
Ye Chen felt a shiver run through him, his cheek burning as if slapped.
'That dog! What a fierce gaze… During the earlier test, his cultivation was obviously low! How does he now possess such formidable strength?'
Jealousy and resentment twisted within him.
"Ye Chen, in light of your enthusiasm, it's not that Senior Brother would refuse your participation in the Grand Competition. But what can you offer that would make me lower myself to attend?"
A faint smile curved on Chu Ge's lips as he continued.
"After all, I am different from you. I am a direct disciple and also a candidate for the Sacred Son. My talent far surpasses yours. You only need to cultivate diligently and contribute to the Sacred Land in the future, and that will suffice."
"As for me, I am destined to shoulder the future of Taihuang, to uphold its reputation. My time is invaluable. Master has already arranged my cultivation plan for the future, which cannot be lightly altered."
"To ask me to change my plan to participate in this trivial competition would be more harmful than beneficial. You would need to pay a price for it."
"After all, even the rewards of this Grand Competition are insignificant to me."
On the surface, it seemed Chu Ge was demanding some benefit for himself—but in reality, it was far from that.
His words made sense. Interrupting a carefully planned cultivation schedule to attend a minor competition would indeed serve no purpose. That was a plan personally crafted by the Holy Lord—how could a mere competition prize compare?
It was like leaving a mountain of gold untapped just to pick up a few coins from the ground.
Moreover, consider their respective statuses: Chu Ge's position was lofty, while Ye Chen's was comparatively low. How could a few words make him rush to participate in a minor competition? That would only lower his own standing.
Chu Ge's words left Ye Chen momentarily speechless. He wanted to retort, but could find no point to argue against.
A playful glint danced in Chu Ge's eyes. His words might have been slightly cutting, causing some displeasure in the crowd.
But so what?
Who among them would dare challenge his remarks?
And he wasn't wrong. For someone of his current rank, the Grand Competition for newly inducted disciples was trivial. Not even the most talented disciples chosen for the core sect had ever participated.
It was practically an insult to consider it significant.
As for the "future cultivation plan" he mentioned—whether it existed or not was irrelevant. No one would dare question Luo Huangjun.
Watching the scene, Luo Huangjun's flawless face broke into a faint smile.
Earlier, she had been worried that Ye Chen's aggressive behavior might provoke a misstep from Chu Ge.
But now, she was satisfied with his performance.
He had not let his newly elevated status make him arrogant, nor had he shown fear under Ye Chen's provocation.
From start to finish, he remained calm and composed. By contrast, Ye Chen had already lost the upper hand.
Chu Ge had seized control of the rhythm of their confrontation, effortlessly reversing the situation with just a few words.
At this moment, it was Ye Chen who should be feeling the pressure.
As for the future cultivation plan Chu Ge had fabricated in her name, Luo Huangjun paid it no mind.
Whether it existed or not was a matter she could settle with a single word. As his master, she naturally stood by her disciple.
Using her name as leverage—what harm was there?
If one possessed such a great advantage and did not use it, that would truly be foolish.