C571 There Were Two Choices

Among all the young people present, the most at ease was undoubtedly Jingxiang.

After making her move, Woo Zhengyang had subtly altered the situation. The magical artifacts around them sensed that Jingxiang was no longer at the Tendon Bone Stage but had advanced to the mid-level of the Inner Stage. As a result, only three magical artifacts now surrounded her, and one of them had less than ten percent of its star power left, posing no threat.

The battle ended quickly, leaving everyone exhausted. Some of the Heavenly Mirror Pavilion disciples, who usually maintained an elegant demeanor, were now sprawled on the ground.

"Hey... this guy's still alive?" someone remarked, noticing Woo Zhengyang in the back, puzzled.

"Of course he's alive. He was hiding behind us like a coward. Why would anything happen to him?" another chimed in sarcastically.

"Exactly, kid. Who told you to hang back and pick up the scraps? Either get out or move to the front..."

"Enough, you all need to rest!" Jingxiang interrupted, giving Woo Zhengyang an annoyed glance.

Woo Zhengyang knew Jingxiang was scolding him for not heeding her earlier advice to stay put. Despite her good intentions, he had followed along anyway.

"Sister Jingxiang, why do you keep defending this guy? Even if you two have been through tough times together, we're the ones who are in the same sect!"

"Why is Situ Jingxiang showing so much favor to a young man from the countryside?"

Earlier, Situ Jingxiang could keep everyone in check, but after a life-and-death battle, they were all simmering with anger. Now, seeing Woo Zhengyang, they found a target for their frustration, and even Jingxiang couldn't hold them back.

After being rebuked, Situ Jingxiang was too furious to speak, her chest heaving with emotion, while the others grew even more relentless.

"Based on the previous attacks, it's clear these magical tools target us according to our numbers and abilities. This kid hiding behind us means the attacks meant for him are being shared by us."

"Absolutely, and who knows what other penalties we're facing because of his cowardice."

"Exactly, I knew the trial couldn't suddenly become this difficult without reason. It must be because of him."

"Alright, everyone, let's calm down. Jingxiang is just being loyal and righteous," said Youth Zheng, standing up to stop the group. He then looked at Situ Jingxiang and said, "Jingxiang, their suspicions aren't without merit. I trust you understand the situation and wouldn't jeopardize your peers for his sake."

"I..." With Youth Zheng speaking up, Situ Jingxiang couldn't argue back.

"Kid, out of respect for Jingxiang, I won't make things difficult for you. Just do the right thing," Youth Zheng said, stepping up to Woo Zhengyang.

"Woo Zhengyang, why should you end it yourself?" someone asked, feigning confusion.

"Why? Because you don't belong here. You shouldn't be hiding behind everyone else, picking up the scraps. They're right; this trial has never been this dangerous before, and now there's no way out. Maybe it's because of you that everyone else is sharing your danger. Are you going to keep dragging everyone down without taking responsibility?"

"So, you're blaming me for your lack of skill?" Woo Zhengyang scoffed.

"What did you say, kid?"

"Don't waste time talking to him. Just take him out. Otherwise, the next wave of attacks might be even more dangerous."

Woo Zhengyang's attitude, as if he was getting away with something, made everyone furious, cursing him out.

Youth Zheng, however, remained calm and said coldly, "No matter what, it's a fact that you've been hiding behind everyone else to gain an advantage. Either end it yourself, or let me do it. Choose your path!"

"Why do you people from the Heavenly Mirror Pavilion always give two choices? That Young Master Yuanye of yours was the same way, and now you are too," Woo Zhengyang replied irritably.

"What are you saying, kid? You think you can just mention Young Master Yuanye's name like that?"

"This kid is really crazy, talking nonsense. How has he survived this long?"

Woo Zhengyang's words sparked another round of anger and laughter.

With a slight smile, Woo Zhengyang began, "It's better to clear things up so you don't blame your lack of skill on me. I didn't take advantage of you earlier because I wasn't even here."

"Not here? Are you going to tell me you stepped out to meet Young Master Yuanye and then came back? Do you really think we'll believe that?"

"That's the truth. Believe it or not, your Young Master Yuanye gave me two choices: die now or die in a few days."

"Haha... This guy's quite the storyteller. So, did you pick the second option?" someone laughed.

Woo Zhengyang shook his head and continued, "I didn't choose either. I gave him two choices: either go back to the Heavenly Mirror Pavilion and train hard, waiting for me to come for him, or return empty-handed and face your pavilion master's wrath. Of course, the second option includes the first—waiting for me to come for him. Unfortunately for you, your Young Master Yuanye chose the second option, so here I am, causing trouble for you."

"He's definitely crazy, making up such tall tales."

"I think this guy got so scared he thinks he's become some kind of invincible god," they continued to mock.

"You got that right. Here, I am an invincible god," Woo Zhengyang paused before continuing, "Now, I'm giving you two choices as well. First, hand over your Hidden Heaven Bags and weapons, and wait here. Second, let me destroy your abilities and take the bags myself."

"Haha... This guy's lost it, and he's still greedy enough to want our Hidden Heaven Bag."

"He's just a country kid, always dreaming of getting a decent magical artifact. It's probably become an obsession for him."

No one believed Woo Zhengyang's words, not even Situ Jingxiang, who looked at him with suspicion. She thought he might have gone mad, but he seemed perfectly normal.

"Jingxiang, you see it too. This guy's lost his mind, so there's no need for you to defend him anymore," Youth Zheng said with a slight smile.

Situ Jingxiang hesitated... She and Woo Zhengyang had been through tough times together, but they weren't particularly close. She had already done her part, and now that Woo Zhengyang seemed truly unhinged, she had no reason to stand by him.

So, Situ Jingxiang turned away, choosing not to get involved.

"Kid, it looks like you won't end this yourself, so let me help you out!"

With that, Youth Zheng swung his sword at Woo Zhengyang...