Aftermath

The battle had ended, but its aftermath continued.

The clash between two powerful geniuses had been like the collision of two meteors—truly spectacular, enough to make people's blood run hot.

As long as one was not blind, anyone could see that Fan Lang had held the absolute upper hand. Without suffering even the slightest injury, he had decisively defeated Murong Bai. Every ability he had used in battle had been more formidable than the last.

Only an even more monstrous genius could defeat a genius.

Countless eyes converged on Fan Lang, because they could no longer see Murong Bai lying on the ground.

After a brief silence, a noisy wave of voices erupted as people all voiced their opinions at once.

"Strong, too strong! Is he really a Mystic Spirit? He's practically a Mystic Master!"

"Murong Bai actually lost so miserably. He was beaten without any ability to fight back."

"Wind Cloud City has gained another monster."

The men were mostly astonished, but the love-struck women who adored Murong Bai felt quite differently.

"Murong Bai is hurt! Hurry and save him!"

"He actually injured my Brother Bai! What a horrible person!"

"Don't stop me! I'm going to avenge Murong Bai!"

"Boohoo, I'm going to die for love with Murong Bai! Murong Bai, wait for me on the Road to the Yellow Springs. We'll go together."

The thought processes of these love-struck women were simply beyond ordinary people.

Still, some women immediately transferred their affections and set their sights on Fan Lang, the victor. After all, Fan Lang was quite handsome, carried himself with pride, and possessed astonishing talent—all of which made him highly attractive to women.

When one prospered, all prospered. Of all the factions, the City Lord's Mansion was the happiest over Fan Lang's victory.

In the City Lord's Mansion section, Luo Jiuxiao abruptly rose to his feet and burst into laughter. Fan Lang had brought glory to the City Lord's Mansion this time, severely dampening the momentum of the other factions. As a result, the City Lord's Mansion's reputation would greatly rise in the near future, and its position would become even more secure.

However, Luo Jiuxiao also felt a trace of concern. Fan Lang was progressing at a terrifying pace and was clearly no ordinary talent. Before long, even he, a Mystic Master, might not necessarily be able to defeat Fan Lang.

Would someone like that really remain under the City Lord's Mansion?

The City Lord's Mansion is merely a low-grade faction. A monster like Fan Lang should develop in a mid-grade or high-grade faction. Keeping him in the City Lord's Mansion really is wasting his talent. I only hope that after he rises to great heights, he won't forget the City Lord's Mansion's support. Luo Jiuxiao thought to himself.

Beside him, Luo Hongyan's stunning face showed emotion. Her beautiful eyes widened as she stared intently at the proud figure on the arena.

The strength Fan Lang had displayed on the arena today far surpassed the level he had shown when sparring with her that day.

As the City Lord's Mansion's young lady, she had encountered many geniuses. Yet compared to Fan Lang, all those geniuses paled into insignificance.

Such strength and such talent stirred something within her. Whenever she looked at Fan Lang, her heart beat much faster than usual.

He is powerful, exceptionally talented, and destined for a boundless future. Isn't this exactly the kind of man I've always wanted to marry?

Luo Hongyan's heart skipped a beat.

Farther away, Monkey was shouting for Fan Lang at the top of his lungs.

"Lang Ge is invincible! Lang Ge, you really are my own brother! Ahhh! I'm so happy!" Monkey was beside himself with excitement, even more wild than Fan Lang.

Some rejoiced, while others worried.

In the Silver Moon Merchant Guild section, Yue Yifei wore a bitter smile. Forget Fan Lang—even Murong Bai, who had lost, was stronger than him. Surrendering in time had been a wise choice. Even if he had gone up, he would have been no match for them.

"Sigh, just how do these people cultivate? They're simply not human."

Yue Yifei shook his head.

The Murong Family watched their clan leader collapse on the arena, and all of them were greatly alarmed. Someone immediately rushed onto the arena and rescued Murong Bai. Fortunately, Murong Bai's life was not in danger.

The Murong Family hurriedly left with the injured Murong Bai. As they departed, two elders cast Fan Lang a deep look. Their clan leader had been beaten into such a state, so naturally they were unhappy.

This had been a fair duel. One had to accept defeat. The Murong Family made no further response and left in a sorry state with the unconscious Murong Bai.

Afterward, Luo Jiuxiao leaped into the air and landed beside Fan Lang. He patted Fan Lang on the shoulder and praised him, "A beautiful victory. You certainly stole the spotlight today, and you brought glory to the City Lord's Mansion as well!"

"Spare me the compliments. My ears will start growing calluses," Fan Lang said with a smile.

"That's true. You've heard plenty of praise already, and those are all empty words. Rewards are what matter. All the stakes put up by the seven factions belong to you. Those items are quite valuable. As for the Ice Fire Pool, just let me know whenever you want to go, and I'll arrange it immediately."

"Mm, then I'll trouble the City Lord."

Fan Lang had made a huge profit from this battle. Whether it was the wealth or access to the Ice Fire Pool, both were tremendous benefits.

There would definitely be many items among that wealth he had no use for, but he could exchange them for money. Money was always useful. Although Fan Lang did not lack money now, he knew there would be many places to spend it in the future. No amount of money would ever be enough.

The Wind Cloud Genius Battle thus came to an end.

Luo Jiuxiao had delivered an opening speech earlier, and now he gave another closing speech, both filled with conventional formalities.

Those who needed to leave left, and those who needed to disperse dispersed.

After returning to the City Lord's Mansion, Luo Jiuxiao immediately handed the seven sets of stakes to Fan Lang. Each set was worth over thirty thousand taels and included cards, equipment, manuals, gold, and silver, all rated between four and five stars.

Fan Lang did not stand on ceremony and accepted everything with a smile.

The City Lord's Mansion held a victory banquet that day. Everyone, from top to bottom, celebrated, and all had a share.

Fan Lang was the star of the banquet. Countless people raised their cups to congratulate him. He accepted every toast without refusing anyone, downing several jugs of wine and becoming seven or eight parts drunk.

During the banquet, Luo Hongyan took the initiative to toast Fan Lang and show him goodwill. This was something unprecedented.

Luo Jiuxiao saw the scene, stroked his little mustache, and gained a few more traces of amusement in his smile.

On that same day, Yue Dangkong, the president of the Silver Moon Merchant Guild, visited the Murong Family, ostensibly to check on the injured Murong Bai.

The Murong Family was wealthy and powerful, with many healing medicines in its residence. Combined with treatment from famous physicians, Murong Bai's injuries had stabilized. He had long since awakened, though his face remained pale.

After they met, Yue Dangkong offered a few words of concern. Murong Bai had a cold personality and merely responded with a couple of casual remarks.

Yue Dangkong would not have come without a reason. He had not come merely to say such meaningless things.

Yue Dangkong waved his hand and dismissed the people who had accompanied him, making it clear that he wished to speak with Murong Bai alone.

Murong Bai's gaze shifted slightly. He also waved his hand and sent his own people away.

Only the leaders of the two factions remained in the room.

"If you have something to say, say it now," Murong Bai said.

"Murong Clan Leader is forthright, so I'll get straight to the point. I'm considering leading the Silver Moon Merchant Guild to submit to the City Lord's Mansion. What does Murong Clan Leader think?" Yue Dangkong asked with a smile.