Chapter 51: Liu Ruyan Takes Action

Some of those present couldn’t help but be swayed by Ji Boxiao’s proposal. Yet there remained a problem: sixteen people were left, so who should be eliminated first? No one wanted to be the one singled out for elimination. Especially those whose abilities were somewhat weaker; they now regarded their neighbors with guarded suspicion.

Finally, someone voiced the question that had been weighing on everyone’s mind. “That’s all well and good, but who exactly is the outsider here? No one here is foolish; nobody wants to be used as a tool.” The speaker was blunt, and Ji Boxiao’s words had clearly targeted certain individuals. No one wanted to be Ji Boxiao’s henchman.

Seeing that everyone chose to watch silently, Ji Boxiao realized they had misunderstood him. “You’ve all got it wrong. That’s not what I meant. Among us, there’s a worthless little F-rank mixed in. I want to get rid of him first. Think about it: if one of us lets an F-rank into the top ten, or even earns a higher ranking, wouldn’t that be shameful for all of us? How could we hold our heads up if word got out?”

With that, everyone turned their gaze to Lin Xiao. They all knew about Lin Xiao’s situation by now; after all, he was the only one below B-rank in this assessment. Many had assumed he’d be eliminated quickly, yet he had survived until now. They had to admit Ji Boxiao’s argument had some merit: if Lin Xiao made it into the top ten, they would indeed be humiliated. Wouldn’t outsiders say they couldn’t even compare to an F-rank awakened one?

Lin Xiao: (expletive)

Ji Boxiao was truly despicable, and cunning as well; with just a few words, he had managed to turn everyone’s hostility toward Lin Xiao. But Lin Xiao had no intention of sitting back and waiting for his fate. He wasn’t afraid, but being targeted by so many at once was frustrating.

“Don’t let this guy mislead you,” Lin Xiao said. “Think about it: hundreds have already been eliminated. Which one’s awakened ability wasn’t higher than mine? At this stage, who cares about shame? Don’t let him sow discord among us. Ji Boxiao, if you’re a man, duel me one-on-one. Surely you’re not afraid of a little F-rank trash like me? If you are, then aren’t you worse than trash yourself?”

Lin Xiao’s words sobered many. They had almost been fooled by Ji Boxiao, but Lin Xiao was right—if there was any shame to be had, they had lost it long ago. If Lin Xiao truly had no abilities, he wouldn’t have lasted this long. They had all seen his previous performance: chased by so many spirit beasts, he carried another person and still outran the rest.

His speed, his explosive force—even if he was only awakened at F-rank, he wasn’t someone easily disposed of. For a moment, those who had come to their senses looked at Ji Boxiao with undisguised hostility.

Ji Boxiao hadn’t expected his scheme to backfire so quickly, and Lin Xiao had neatly defused the crisis with just a few words. Worse yet, it seemed he himself had now become the target.

“Lin Xiao’s right, Ji Boxiao. Didn’t you look down on him? Now he wants a duel—don’t chicken out!” someone jeered.

“Yeah, are you up to it or not? Don’t tell me you’re a coward.”

“I’m rooting for you, Young Master Ji. Hurry up and eliminate that guy!”

…

The crowd was eager for drama; if Lin Xiao and Ji Boxiao really fought, no matter who lost, one would be eliminated, which would only benefit everyone else.

Watching the crowd, Ji Boxiao fell silent. He was now uncertain about Lin Xiao’s strength. He was confident he could deal with Lin Xiao, but the others were all watching greedily; he couldn’t afford to be the one who stuck his neck out.

He cared little for the prize in this assessment, but he absolutely had to make it into the top ten—this was about whether he could become the next heir to the Ji family.

Thinking of this, Ji Boxiao snorted coldly. “Lin Xiao, seeing as we’re both from First High, I’ve decided to spare you—for now.”

The crowd responded with a chorus of boos; he had stirred up trouble, and now he was backing down. Did he really think everyone was that gullible?

Lin Xiao was even less inclined to give Ji Boxiao any respect. “Enough with the sanctimonious nonsense. You’re the classic hypocrite—playing both sides. If you’re a man, step up and fight me. If you don’t dare, then shut your mouth!”

Ji Boxiao was livid; he truly wanted to teach Lin Xiao a lesson, but at this moment, he could only force himself to endure. The assessment was simply too important to him.

Ji Boxiao said nothing, but beside him, Liu Ruyan couldn’t stand it any longer and stepped forward. “Lin Xiao, what do you mean by this? Brother Boxiao is sparing you for your own good. You should know your place!”

Now, whenever Lin Xiao saw Liu Ruyan, he felt nothing but disgust and didn’t even bother to reply.

Liu Ruyan saw Lin Xiao’s silence and immediately smiled, thinking he still had feelings for her. She believed his earlier behavior was just to attract her attention, and now he finally couldn’t keep up the act.

“Lin Xiao, if you withdraw now, for old times’ sake, Boxiao and I can help you in the future. The money I gave you before—you can keep it as a gift,” she said.

Lin Xiao spat fiercely on the ground. This was disgust taken to a new level. Where did this foolish woman get her confidence? Even now, she remained self-centered! And what did she mean by giving him money? That was his to begin with.

Liu Ruyan’s expression grew uglier. Ji Boxiao glanced at her, suddenly struck by an idea.

“Ruyan, go eliminate him for me. I really can’t make a move myself—you know how important this assessment is for me. But you’re different; even if you don’t make it to the top ten, I’ll prepare a spirit pearl for you,” Ji Boxiao said.

Liu Ruyan was momentarily stunned; she hadn’t expected Ji Boxiao to ask her to act. He had no other choice—his followers were few now, and none of them would heed his signals anymore.

He couldn’t make a move, so Liu Ruyan would have to do it. As an A-rank fire-type awakened one, she shouldn’t have much trouble dealing with Lin Xiao.

After a brief hesitation, Liu Ruyan decided to act. Lin Xiao had always been a thorn in Ji Boxiao’s side, and her intervention would make her position clear. It would also mark a clean break from her past with Lin Xiao; handsome as he might be, he was nothing more than F-rank trash.

And she was destined to rise above others.

So, Lin Xiao, you’ll just have to forgive me!