Chapter 184 A Promise
“Congratulations, Jiang Xiao! Congratulations on your amazing victory!” Yang Yang eagerly blocked the entrance of the iron cage, almost shoving the microphone into Jiang Xiao’s mouth as he walked out.

“Uh.” Jiang Xiao scratched his head. Having just gone through a battle involving Black Flame and Tearful Rain Star Techniques, even with Zhong Ling’s help in protecting his mind, Jiang Xiao’s condition wasn’t exactly stellar.

Yang Yang, however, was extremely excited and exclaimed, “Do you know that you are about to break the World Cup record for the best ranking by a support-type Star Warrior!”

“Support-types have indeed made it into the top 8, but that was back in the 1970s, and that World Cup only had 16 participating countries!”

“If we count from the mid-1980s, when the World Cup truly became large-scale, you have already broken the historical best record!”

Jiang Xiao thought for a moment and said, “No need to add any limiting conditions. After the next match, I will be the historical best for the support-type.”

Yang Yang’s eyes widened slightly, and his mouth formed an “o” shape.

And the camera was focused on Yang Yang’s face, so this image was broadcast into countless homes…

This Jiu Xing Du Nai really dared to say it!

Already in the global top 11, with almost every remaining contestant having the strength to win the championship, the Jiu Xing Du Nai didn’t even need to know his opponent, and he directly made such a statement.

What kind of confidence was this?

This was… inexplicable confidence?

Jiang Xiao reached out, grabbed Yang Yang’s chin, and pushed it upwards, closing his mouth.

Yang Yang: “……”

What kind of contestant would do such a thing? Every other contestant was either known for being steady and reliable or arrogant and overconfident. Jiang Xiao was the only one who helped people close their mouths…

The whole world was watching, so Yang Yang gave an awkward smile and quickly asked, “What are your thoughts on this match?”

Jiang Xiao said seriously, “I will carry on with my teammates’ share.”

Yang Yang immediately felt the shift in tone, and glancing to the side, he saw that Fang Xingyun had just stepped behind the camera.

To be honest, Yang Yang really wished Fang Xingyun would leave; otherwise, this little toxic support just wouldn't produce the goods.

Yang Yang shifted his body, consciously blocking Fang Xingyun from Jiang Xiao.

Yang Yang changed the subject and said, “You are now an idol for the younger generation. Many support-type awakeners, no, the new generation of awakener children, are diligently honing their skills in combat, whether it be with fists, spears, knives, or swords.”

“Some schools have also begun to consciously cultivate students’ combat skills, urging them to put more effort into their techniques and achieve some balance with their Star Techniques.”

“According to our statistics, a considerable number of students have chosen the giant blade you use. What are your thoughts on this?”

Jiang Xiao was obviously stunned for a moment. So… he was also a popular idol now?

This was partly due to Jiang Xiao’s charm. After all, the World Cup was no joke, and Jiang Xiao had earned his place with real skills. No amount of boasting could compare to a solid victory!

But undoubtedly, there was a national push behind it. Wasn’t this exactly what the authorities wanted to see?

Since the arrival of the Other Dimension and the filling of Earth with star power and Star Techniques, people had placed an extremely high value on Star Techniques. And Jiang Xiao, carrying a giant blade, charging through this World Cup as a support, was indeed the perfect “role model.”

Jiang Xiao thought for a moment and said, “I chose to use the giant blade because it suited me. Everyone shouldn’t blindly imitate. You must choose the weapon you are best at or the weapon that is compatible with your Star Techniques.”

“When a person’s talent reaches a certain level, they can quickly get the hang of most weapons.”

“But believe me, you can train some weapons to an advanced level because you are compatible with them, but you can only train some weapons to an intermediate level at most. So, be sure to download the best map software and find your own position and direction.”

Yang Yang: ???

Jiang Xiao seemed to have opened a floodgate and said, “I have a friend with a not-so-good voice who originally practiced the long spear. He picked it up quickly, but he couldn’t improve further.”

“It’s like chasing a girl. Anyone can meet and get to know someone; everyone is polite and respectful.”

“But if you want to develop the relationship further, even if you put in more time and effort, it’s just not suitable. The key is that you have to have qi… uh, talent! The most specialized, the most unique talent!”

Yang Yang: ???

Jiang Xiao suddenly looked at the camera, his eyes piercing through the screen, looking directly at the awakener children in thousands of homes, “You already have the image in your mind, don’t you? That’s her back as she leaves you mercilessly…”

Yang Yang was dumbfounded. In a moment of carelessness, the little toxic support had poisoned the global audience!

The simultaneous interpreters from various countries almost couldn’t help but laugh out loud, and some really did laugh. Then, when the words were translated, people couldn’t help but chuckle at the little toxic support’s analogy…

“Cough, cough.” From outside the frame, a light cough suddenly came. People didn’t know who it was, but the cameraman knew. After all, Fang Xingyun’s aura was already radiating, and the cameraman’s hands were trembling a little.

These Star Warriors were all monsters! You can be angry, but don’t impose your pressure on us ordinary people…

Jiang Xiao and Yang Yang fell into a brief silence, the atmosphere slightly awkward. Jiang Xiao quietly glanced at Fang Xingyun, saw her stern gaze, and quickly averted his eyes.

Yang Yang once again consciously shifted his steps, blocking Fang Xingyun’s line of sight…

“So, uh… so,” Yang Yang continued, “How did you choose the weapon that suits you?”

Jiang Xiao blurted out, “From the moment I saw Xia Yan, I knew that I had to learn this giant blade.”

Yang Yang: “Huh?”

Fang Xingyun’s expression was extremely stiff, and she squeezed out a sentence from between her teeth, “Jiang! Xiao! Pi!”

Jiang Xiao quickly added, “That was in the snow-covered Other Dimension in Bei Jiang province. At that time, I was knocked to the ground by a White Ghoul.”

“Xia Yan descended like a divine soldier, stabbing the White Ghoul’s heart with a single blade. The giant blade pierced through the White Ghoul’s body, and the bloody blade tip was presented in front of me, a drop of blood falling on the tip of my nose.”

“Snap!” Jiang Xiao snapped his fingers and said, “Remember this encounter!”

Fang Xingyun stepped forward and said, “The interview ends here. The student needs to return to the team.”

While being dragged away by Fang Xingyun, Jiang Xiao didn’t forget to say to the camera, “Remember! It’s not you who choose the weapon, but the weapon that chooses you!”

In the camera, Jiang Xiao was dragged away by Fang Xingyun, leaving Yang Yang a mess in the wind.

Uh, actually… the effect was really good!

Although it wasn’t the usual interview path, Jiang Xiao’s revelation of his “love at first sight” with the weapon was enough for Yang Yang to complete the assignment with pleasure.

……

In the locker room, it was crowded with national team personnel, who were whispering and occasionally glancing towards a corner of the locker room.

There, Fang Xingyun was standing with her hands on her hips, looking down and glaring angrily at someone.

And Jiang Xiao’s face was full of obedience as he sat in the corner.

Weak, humble, and a little hungry.

Jiang Xiao was about to ask what they were having for lunch when Fang Xingyun spoke, “You have already entered the global top 11. You need to learn to be more mature and steady. You have many identities, and you know better than me that you can’t just run your mouth in front of the global audience! You need to pay attention to your image!”

Jiang Xiao grinned. I’m not a young idol, I’m not an idol star. I don’t rely on that stuff to make a living. I earned my place with real skills. Why should I care about my image?

Besides, this is my image. I’ve never changed.

Aren’t there enough high-profile images already? What is Hou Mingming doing? She is the national team captain.

What? You liked me when I was a student. Now that I’m famous, a national team member, and I’ve made it to the World Cup finals, you’re starting to dislike me?

Good for you, Fang Xingyun, you really are… uh, a breath of fresh air…

Besides, what I said just now was true. Why don’t you guys believe me?

Jiang Xiao was silent for a long time and said weakly, “You’re scolding me again right after I won.”

Fang Xingyun: “……”

Jiang Xiao blurted out again, “What’s for lunch?”

Fang Xingyun held her forehead with one hand.

My heart is so tired.

This little toxic support always says things like making it into the top 6, but the matches are getting harder and harder, and the level of the opponents has reached the peak of world university students.

The further they go, the easier it is to lose. Once they fail, she really can’t imagine what kind of storm Jiang Xiao will have to endure.

Fang Xingyun thought to herself, sat down next to Jiang Xiao, and her voice softened, “Xiao Pi, I am your team leader and the one who wrote your recommendation letter. I have an obligation to take good care of you.”

“How about we make a deal? Can you bring the calmness you have on the field to the interviews, just once, even just once, let me see your grace.”

Jiang Xiao: “Uh…”

Fang Xingyun: “You can be however you want in private. I know that’s your personality. You can bring your attitude on the battlefield to the interviews, or simply treat the interviews as acting. That way, you can better protect yourself.”

Jiang Xiao realized a fact: The feathers that you don't care about are the ones that the people close to you care about the most.

Jiang Xiao looked at Fang Xingyun, his expression serious, and he said very solemnly, “Thank you, Teacher Fang. I accept this agreement, and I will abide by it.”

Fang Xingyun’s expression eased slightly, and she breathed a sigh of relief. She reached out and gently rubbed Jiang Xiao’s head.

Jiang Xiao suddenly blurted out again, “Just one time, okay?”

Fang Xingyun’s palm stiffened slightly. Well, at least it’s a start…

“Go wash up. We’re going back to Jiang Hu City,” Fang Xingyun said, got up and left, and took out her phone, seemingly contacting someone.

Finally, Fang Xingyun was coaxed away, and Jiang Xiao breathed a sigh of relief.

As for bathing and changing?

Are you kidding? I have to know how our Captain Pea’s match went!

Jiang Xiao also went to his locker and quickly took out his phone.

Today, there was only one match in Jiang Hu City, and that was Hou Mingming vs. Saito Shinji. That match started at nine o’clock.

That match was at a different time than Jiang Xiao’s match. Jiang Xiao and Xie Yan’s match was at nine thirty.

And nine o’clock was the time when Jiang Xiao and Xie Yan entered the arena to warm up, so until now, Jiang Xiao still didn’t know the result of the match.

“Did Hou Mingming win?” Jiang Xiao asked everyone in the locker room while flipping through his phone.

Ever since he entered the locker room, he had been pressed against the wall by Fang Xingyun. Now that Jiang Xiao had finally gained his freedom, he immediately asked.

The buzzing voices in the locker room suddenly disappeared, but no one answered.

Jiang Xiao felt a bad feeling.

He frowned and swiped the screen of his phone, but his finger paused slightly.

No wonder Fang Xingyun was suddenly so earnestly trying to persuade Jiang Xiao…

Hou Mingming, lost!!!