Press Conference

"Now that the introductions are done, let's begin."

The voice of the man who was speaking was revealed to be a middle-aged man. He was well built and had a slight gold aura around him, meaning his External Cultivation was incredibly high level.

"We have gathered to witness the competitors before the match that will take place tomorrow, in which the position of Supreme Sovereigns Zi Xiao's Disciple will be fought for. Mushin Yuan is challenging Xiaoyao Julong to this position, and if he wins will become the Disciple of Supreme Sovereign Zi Xiao."

This little bit wasn't shocking to anyone, it was, of course, the reason the whole thing was being broadcast, because it was a very big event that the public had no way of not knowing about. It was the next part that shocked people, however, as they had not heard of what Mushin Yuan had bet.

"In return, however, if Mushin Yuan is to lose, he will be giving up the Mushin Family Treasure, the Double Lotus Saint Artifact, the Heavenly Saint Edge."

Uproar resounded through the territories that made up the Zi Xiao Region. It was truly a blessing to be able to have either of the bets on the table. How lucky one of them would be when they won.

"Are there any questions for Xiaoyao Julong?"

Shouting erupted from the audience below, trying to grab the attention of Julong, who was the one to choose who would be asking him the questions.

He pointed to one of the people seated in the front row. It was just an easier option.

"You, in the very left of the front row."

They stood up, flipping through some pages before looking up at Julong.

"Xiaoyao Julong, do you believe that the Double Lotus Saint Artifact is comparable to being the Disciple of Supreme Sovereign Zi Xiao? Do you not desire more to make it a fair bet?"

The look on Mushin Yuan's face became ugly hearing such a question. Was he not aware of how powerful the weapon he had bet was when restored?

"Moreover, it is in a damaged state and would require restoration. How do you respond to this?"

Julong sighed. What a stupid question the man had asked.

"A Double Lotus Saint Artifact is quite comparable to the position of Disciple of Supreme Sovereign Zi Xiao. As to restoring the weapon, why would I need it to be at the Double Lotus Realm right now? Do I look like a Double Lotus Saint? Please do not ask questions without putting thought into them."

The reporter looked rather displeased with his response, especially the part where he had openly insulted him in front of the whole region.

"Thank you for your response."

Mushin Yuan looked over at Julong, a little surprised. He was assuming him to be rather arrogant and fall for the bait that the man had set up, but instead, he had completely debunked the person and had caused him to lose a lot of face. The defence of the weapon also helped him to retain his face, which could have easily been destroyed had Julong demanded more from him.

Hands instantly raised again with the ensuing shouting from before. Lazily looking over them all he pointed to someone toward the back.

"Middle seat, back row."

They quickly stood up, knowing what they were to ask.

"How confident are you in being able to successfully defeat Mushin Yuan?"

Julong stiffened a little. The question was very direct and he didn't exactly want to enrage the person beside him since he seemed like a rather kind person.

"I am as confident as anyone should be in themselves. I believe I have what it takes to defeat Mushin Yuan, but the match has not been and I cannot say for certain as I do not know his Techniques or Trump Cards."

The reporter nodded to themself. He was satisfied with the answer given, though they wanted to create a more intense rivalry for a more entertaining match, it was clear Julong knew this and was holding his words. Mushin Yuan also noticed this and was holding a small smile on his lips. He was rather delightfully proven wrong about Xiaoyao Julongs arrogance.

"Thank you for your response."

Just as hands were about to go back up, Julong sighed and raised his voice.

"I will be taking no more questions on this matter."

The man conducting the conference nodded.

"Are there any questions for Mushin Yuan?"

Hands shot up just like they did for Julong, and Mushin Yuan tentatively looked over them, trying to spot the less shady looking people. He ended with his gaze on someone in the right side of the middle row.

"Far-right, middle row."

While this wasn't the first time he had heard Mushin Yuan speak, Julong had only just come to realise that his voice was rather soft and pleasant on the ears.

The man who had been pointed out quickly stood up to ask his question.

"What are your thoughts on fighting someone of a lower Cultivation Level than you? Does it make you nervous since he is the Disciple of Supreme Sovereign of Zi Xiao, or are you sure about yourself and able to defeat him?"

He pondered for a moment.

"I believe this question can be answered by what was previously said by Xiaoyao Julong. I believe in my capabilities to defeat him, however, I cannot be sure. There is a reason that Xiaoyao is the first Disciple of Supreme Sovereign Zi Xiao."

Mushin Yuan, in response to Julong's kindness, decided to stay neutral as well. There was no point in stirring up a rivalry that wasn't needed. He believed people fought their best when there was no hate involved. This was something Julong acknowledged with a smile and a small nod in his direction.

The person nodded and sat down.

"Thank you for your answer."

Just like all the other times, shouting ensued to gain Mushin Yuan's attention. He locked eyes with someone in the second row, in the middle left.

"Second row, middle left."

They shot up, prepared to fire his question away.

"Mushin Yuan, what will you do if you lose the Double Lotus Saint Artifact, will that not heavily hinder your Cultivation in the future?"

Mushin Yuan was not afraid to answer and quickly responded right after he had finished.

"If I lose the artifact, I lose it. If I lose it, it means that I was not good enough to be the Disciple of Supreme Sovereign Zi Xiao. I am willing to give up the treasure if in the future Xiaoyao Julong becomes someone extremely powerful to strengthen our Zixiao Region."

His words were filled with patriotism and without a trace of deceit. Julong's eyes sparkled at such a proclamation, such did Zi Xiao's head turn to look at the boy with respect. He was extremely humble to say such a thing.

"I will take no further questions."

Just like Julong he had ended with 2 questions. This was most likely a sign of respect as to not take the limelight. He wanted their battle to be noble and fair.

"Accepted. There will be no further questions."

The groans of annoyance came from the crowd of people who had spent hours coming up with questions. Generally, press conference's lasted a lot longer, however, this was generally due to rivalry sparked from the questions asked, which didn't happen.

"Since we have discussed our topic of the press conference, we are now coming to a close. I have one personal request of the participants, however."

"I don't mind."

"Fire away."

Both Xiaoyao Julong and Mushin Yuan responded respectively. It would at least make the meeting last longer.

"Would you be able to tell what you two believe this fight should encompass? Xiaoyao Julong, if you would like to answer first?"

He pondered for a second.

"I think this fight should be one of noble conduction with no resentment of each other during or after the match. This matter will decide who will most likely become one of the next superpowers in the Region and possibly the All-heavens, as such I will respect my opponent who is eligible to stand against me."

Looks of astonishment and awe arose from the citizens in the Zi Xiao region. Both of the contestants were so humble toward the matter. Their goals were not out of greed, but out of future prospects for the whole region and All-heavens. It was incredible as Cultivators generally were not like this and demanded respect from each other, following their own greedy goals till their demise. It was a welcomed change of pace.

"And Mushin Yuan?"

Mushin Yuan was snapped out of his stupor at the mention of his name. Those words were his thoughts exactly. He truly respected the one who was to be his opponent.

"I cannot agree more with the words of Xiaoyao Julong. I want this match to be something for the betterment of everyone and not just myself. I wish Xiaoyao Julong good luck in our match."

His final words were not arrogant, but extremely sincere. It was something which he followed up with a hand sign and a full bow to Julong. Julong smiled at the gesture and returned said gesture to him.

Such a true show of respect was extremely rare, especially in their generation of Cultivators.

"I wish Mushin Yuan the best of luck in our match."

The one presiding over the conference smiled warmly. He was rather touched by the scene. He like all the others were taken by the sincerity of the scene.

"We will now conclude this conference. Good luck to both participants tomorrow on the day of the match!"

Clapping erupted in the hall and around the region. Starry eyes of awe swept both of their figures. Tomorrow was sure to be a day no one wanted to miss.

Zi Xiao couldn't help but look at both of the boys, even Mushin Yuan, with eyes full of happiness. Perhaps if he performed well enough tomorrow, she would give Mushin Yuan some special treatment in the future.