"No matter how strong you temper your body, at most you'll be a little harder to beat. Without learning powerful offensive techniques, it's basically useless."
A member of the team spoke up.
He had not exchanged a word with Jiang Ping An from the start. Now, his cold voice carried disdain for body refiners.
Or rather, disdain for Jiang Ping An.
Everyone else had earned a place on the team through their own efforts. Many resented someone who could reap the benefits without putting in the work.
Letting someone like that onto the team would weaken them as a whole.
At least half the team was unhappy with Jiang Ping An. Even those who seemed welcoming had their own opinions; they simply kept them to themselves.
Jiang Ping An saw the coldness and distaste in their eyes and suddenly said:
"I won't go any farther with you. I came here to absorb the flames. If someone comes out with the Imitation Divine Furnace, I'll intercept them."
"All right."
As the team leader, Lan Yu agreed to Jiang Ping An's request without hesitation.
Rather than take him into danger and have to protect him, it was safer to leave him at the perimeter.
She had never counted him as a fighter in the first place.
With her permission, Jiang Ping An stopped and descended toward the flames below.
Once Jiang Ping An left, the others no longer hid their thoughts.
"He thinks he can absorb Heavenly Star Trueflame? Even Divine Power Realm experts can't do that. Where does he get the nerve?"
"I don't know what the higher-ups were thinking, letting him take part in a contest this important."
"Heh. He saved the Princess, didn't he? Keep him happy now, and when the Princess comes into her own, a few good