Changsun Ruoyan was so powerful that everyone suspected that she would most likely win first place in the Jiangnan Province Martial Cultivator Student Competition this time. Of course, this was under the premise that no other top-tier universities had participants.
However, this was basically unlikely. There were at least 30 martial cultivator institutions in the entire Jiangnan Province, and other schools would definitely find some strong individuals to participate.
"Ranking second is Tan Chao," the dean announced loudly at this moment.
Everyone in the venue cheered again.
"Thank you, thank you everyone," Tan Chao immediately stood up and cupped his fists in greeting to everyone in a very ostentatious manner.
"As you all know, Tan Chao went out for training this past month, making a full sprint preparation for the upcoming Jiangnan Province Martial Cultivator Competition. Before he went for training, he was already at Martial Artist level eighteen. After a month of training, I believe he should have reached Martial Artist level nineteen." The dean looked at Tan Chao with anticipation in his eyes.
"Hahaha," Tan Chao, however, burst into laughter.
"Tan Chao, what are you laughing at? Did you gain anything from your month of training?" the dean quickly asked.
"Reporting to the dean, I have now stepped into Martial Artist level twenty-one."
"What did you say?" The dean's face instantly paled in shock, and everyone at the scene also erupted in a commotion.
"I have now stepped into Martial Artist level twenty-one," Tan Chao repeated.
"Hahaha, Tan Chao, as expected of Tan Chao! I have even more confidence in this year's Martial Cultivator Competition. We can definitely secure two spots in the top fifty!" the dean laughed joyfully.
However, just then, Tan Chao suddenly interrupted the dean, "Dean, I have a few words to say."
"Tan Chao, if you have anything else to say, please do," the dean stopped and allowed Tan Chao to speak.
"In the month I was away, some major events seem to have occurred at Jinzhou University. There is an ordinary student from the School of Economics who also has talent in martial cultivation. He has also replaced Qian Jie to become the new fourth prodigy."
"Yes, his name is Zhou Hong," the dean said with a hint of confusion, wondering why Tan Chao was suddenly bringing up Zhou Hong.
"Dean, I don't think this Zhou Hong is qualified to represent our school in the competition."
"Uh!"
Everyone at the scene was stunned by Tan Chao's words. Although they felt that Zhou Hong's character was not good and he wouldn't go far, they hadn't expected Tan Chao to suddenly make a move at this moment.
Zhou Hong also frowned at this moment, his face a picture of bewilderment. He didn't know this Tan Chao at all. Was he sick to target him?
Qiao Wanli also asked curiously, "Zhou Hong, have you offended Tan Chao?"
"No, I've never met this person before," Zhou Hong shook his head with a confused expression.
"Then why is he suddenly...!" Qiao Wanli looked a bit distressed, seemingly worried that Tan Chao might make a move on Zhou Hong. After all, it would be quite troublesome for a genius like Tan Chao to target Zhou Hong.
"Grandpa, don't worry," Zhou Hong quickly comforted Qiao Wanli with a smile, noticing his worry.
"After all, Tan Chao is a local prodigy. I was originally hoping you two would become friends," Qiao Wanli said with a wry smile.
At this moment, the dean quickly asked, "Tan Chao, do you have any misunderstanding with Zhou Hong?"
"I think this person's character is extremely poor. I saw him bullying Qian Jie at the entrance just now, and he even laid hands on a ninety-year-old man. Not only that, I also saw his post on the university forum. He is actually one of Jinzhou University's notorious 'madmen'! How can such a scoundrel be worthy of representing our Jinzhou University in the competition?" Tan Chao snorted coldly, his eyes fixed on Zhou Hong.
The venue erupted in a clamor. Those watching the live broadcast in countless households were also secretly shocked. Although Zhou Hong was quite well-known within Jinzhou University, this was the first time he was being brought up in the entire Jinzhou City.
The dean was also feeling depressed at this moment. He was naturally aware of Zhou Hong's matters, and they were indeed not very glorious. However, if no one mentioned it, no one would know. He hadn't expected Tan Chao to bring it up in such an occasion.
"Dean, I suggest that Zhou Hong should not be allowed to participate in the competition," Tan Chao directly suggested.
"This...!" The dean was in a dilemma. If Zhou Hong didn't participate, it would mean one less spot, which would be a significant loss for Jinzhou University.
"Dean, go check the university forum. This Zhou Hong is too trashy, one of the infamous 'Five Madmen,' and is even widely considered the number one madman!"
At this moment, Zhou Hong stood up and said coldly, "Tan Chao, have I offended you?"
"Hmph, people like you are what I hate the most. As long as I am here, you will never participate in this Martial Cultivator Competition," Tan Chao turned and looked at Zhou Hong.
"Don't court death," Zhou Hong's face turned cold.
"So what if I court death? Do you have the ability?" Tan Chao said dismissively.
Everyone in the venue fell silent, watching Zhou Hong and Tan Chao exchange insults.
"Fine, then I will fulfill your wish," Zhou Hong, too lazy to waste more words, immediately walked towards Tan Chao.
Seeing this, Qiao Xiaoyu hurriedly pulled Zhou Hong back.
"Don't go. You can't beat him. It's not the end of the world if you don't participate," Qiao Xiaoyu said pleadingly, seemingly afraid her man would be beaten. If he were beaten, the whole of Jinzhou City would see.
However, Qiao Xiaoyu couldn't hold Zhou Hong back.
Upon seeing such a beautiful woman who seemed very close to Zhou Hong, Tan Chao couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. He cursed inwardly, "Damn it, I've only focused on cultivation, and all the beauties have been snatched by dogs."
Tan Chao felt like he had lost out.
Zhou Hong quickly reached Tan Chao's front. Qiao Xiaoyu also hurried forward and stood in front of Zhou Hong.
"Tan Chao, I'm sorry. I apologize on behalf of Zhou Hong," Qiao Xiaoyu said preemptively.
"What is your relationship with him?" Tan Chao quickly asked Qiao Xiaoyu.
"He is my fiancé."
"Very good. Now I'll give you a chance. Kick him to the curb, and then I'll be your fiancé, how about that?" Tan Chao deliberately said loudly, seemingly wanting to humiliate Zhou Hong. He believed that any woman with a sound mind would know how to choose.
"Ah!" Qiao Xiaoyu was stunned, seemingly not expecting Tan Chao to suddenly say something like this.
Everyone at the scene was also greatly surprised, including the countless people watching the live broadcast.
Zhou Hong was about to slap him, but upon hearing Tan Chao's words, he paused. Zhou Hong wanted to see what this guy was trying to do.
"Tan Chao, what are you doing?" an elder at the scene quickly stood up and asked. This elder was none other than an elder from Tan Chao's family.