IUD-CHAPTER 323 GOSSIP? SCANDAL?

In front of the passage leading to the contestant lounge, there was a slightly spacious area designated for reporters. The Festa was undoubtedly one of the world's grandest events, holding immense significance.

Many instances of individuals gaining fame and fortune through this event were well-known, and since the audience spanned every corner of the world, reporters wouldn't miss such an opportunity for interviews.

Hence, interview areas were set up at all stages of medium scale and above. Reporters often gathered here to interview popular contestants and the victors of the matches.

So, when Fang Li and Cecily emerged from the passage, a large group of reporters immediately swarmed them.

Camera flashes immediately enveloped Fang Li and Cecily. The cacophony of the reporters' voices began.

"Contestant Cecily Wong, could you please look this way!"

"Contestant Cecily Wong, can you answer my question?"

"Contestant Cecily Wong!"

"Contestant Cecily Wong!"

The voices of the reporters rang out one by one, blending into a noisy backdrop. Cecily scratched her head, appearing somewhat impatient, and said, "Sorry, I'm a bit tired. If you have any questions, you can ask my little junior brother."

"Eh?" Fang Li had just been about to let matters unrelated to himself pass him by, but he was immediately startled by Cecily's words.

Unfortunately, Cecily had smoothly shifted the focus, redirecting all the reporters' attention onto Fang Li.

"Contestant Fang, we heard that you are a disciple of 'Banyuu Tenra.' This time, teaming up with Contestant Cecily Wong for the competition, is it because your Master recognizes your strength?"

"If that's the case, can we assume that your strength surpasses that of your Senior Brother, Zhao Hufeng?"

"We heard that you haven't engaged in any duels since entering Jie Long. What's the reason for this?"

"Is it true that Jie Long's strategy involves keeping the information on strong contestants concealed?"

One by one, the questions reached Fang Li's ears, causing him to furrow his brows slightly and feel somewhat helpless. While it was possible to decline interviews with "no comment" as a reason for victors, Festa was originally an event aimed at pleasing the public.

If participants continued to refuse interviews, journalists might create all sorts of unfounded stories, ultimately leading to a drop in their public image.

For Fang Li, such a consequence didn't matter at all. After all, he couldn't care less about his reputation.

However, if the evaluation dropped, the Festa Organizing Committee might arrange formidable opponents to increase the excitement and boost the evaluations for contestants whose ratings had dropped.

So, if Fang Li refused interviews here, he might end up facing a powerful opponent in the very next match without even entering the official competition.

Without even having entered the main tournament, Fang Li didn't want to face a formidable opponent prematurely. Therefore, he had no choice but to answer each question.

"Teaming up with Senior Sister Wong was indeed Master's command."

"Senior Brother Zhao's strength has become incomparable to when he last participated, even Master can't stop praising him."

"I haven't dueled simply because I needed to focus on training. After all, I've just entered the sect."

"Jie Long is a martial-oriented academy. Master often teaches us that martial practitioners should adapt readily. We don't know how the academy arranges things, and we only hope to do our best in the competition."

He answered each question one by one, not revealing excessive information while avoiding giving anyone a pretext. Even Cecily, who was standing beside him, couldn't help but nod in approval.

Everything proceeded smoothly until one of the reporters raised a hand and asked a particular question.

"Since Contestant Fang is diligent in training and hasn't dueled, does this mean you have no form of entertainment in your free time?"

"There's no such thing," Fang Li reflexively replied. "I do relax when it's necessary. I've even attended Sylvia's concert before."

With this single sentence, the entire group of reporters erupted.

"Sylvia? Could it be Sylvia-Lyyneheym?"

"Is Contestant Fang a fan of 'Sigrdrifa'?"

"Did Contestant Fang participate in the 'Phoenix Festa' to catch the attention of Her Highness Diva?"

"Contestant Fang, please answer our questions!"

The enthusiasm of the reporters suddenly escalated even further.

Fang Li finally realized what he said and couldn't help but feel perplexed. These reporters were indeed sharp; knowing they couldn't obtain much substantial news, they immediately turned to gossip and rumors. This was unexpected.

However, Fang Li's eyes lit up as he recalled the Diva who enjoyed teasing him and a sly smile tugged at his lips before he answered, "Sylvia and I go way back; it's only natural to show my support for her."

This one sentence led to a tremendous uproar that followed.

…

In Asterisk City, at this moment, there were giant space windows in every corner broadcasting an interview.

It wasn't the interview regarding Fang Li from before; it was an interview with Sylvia.

During the opening ceremony of the 'Phoenix Festa,' Student Council Presidents from various academies were obligated to attend. For Jie Long, even though Fan Xinglou didn't show up in person, she had arranged for a representative to attend on her behalf.

However, Student Council Presidents from the other academies all attended the opening ceremony, including Sylvia.

Due to Fang Li's connection with Sylvia, she immediately became the focus of an interview. After all, Sylvia was a world-class Diva, and with her whereabouts finally known, it was only natural for reporters to be keenly interested.

However, due to Fang Li's involvement, Sylvia's interview naturally mentioned him.

Faced with the reporters' questions, Sylvia responded with a smile that could be described as perfect.

"Fang Li is indeed my friend and our relationship is not bad."

With this statement, Fang Li's reputation skyrocketed.

Despite being an unknown student before the competition and having made no moves during the matches, with little information and a virtually unknown reputation, Fang Li's name suddenly became prominent. He even made the headlines consecutively.

People began speculating about Fang Li's relationship with Sylvia, completely forgetting about his strength-related issues. Inadvertently, Sylvia helped Fang Li keep many details about himself hidden.

However, Fang Li also found himself in an unfortunate situation.

"Junior Brother! What's going on here?!" In the contestant lounge at Sirius Dome, Zhao Hufeng was cornering Fang Li.

"When did you meet Sylvia San? Why didn't I know about this?!"

As he said this, Zhao Hufeng even grabbed Fang Li's neck and shook him continuously, almost causing Fang Li's eyes to roll out of their sockets.

...

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