The period between Li Xiaoxiao laying everything bare and the start of the world championship used the technique of "time flying like flowing water."
In reality, the camera simply cut to another scene in the blink of an eye.
The people in the world of Apex Esports King sensed nothing amiss, but the audience and the members of the Production Team understood everything perfectly.
High above, Director Yan Xiaoxian, incarnated as a golden ball of light, instantly grew excited.
"The first Devotee has appeared!"
"Li Xiaoxiao truly lives up to his title as one of last year's Seven Stars!"
"Though Zhang Guangmu eclipsed his brilliance, this level of Subconscious Trait is indeed unforgettable at first sight!"
Although Li Xiaoxiao had not truly died and was merely lying in a hospital bed receiving treatment, his decision was no different from seeking his own death.
In this world, Li Xiaoxiao's character template was designed so that "without the aid of extraterrestrial power, he would soon die violently."
The only regrettable part was that Li Xiaoxiao had chosen to sacrifice himself for Zhang Guangmu and his RLG teammates, rather than for human civilization.
If someone with ulterior motives dug a little deeper, they would notice the difference—the root of Li Xiaoxiao's sacrifice came from "self-interest," which made it seem less noble.
However...
This was already quite impressive.
Every year, so many people entered the industry. How many could achieve this level?
Demanding that others do this or that while standing on the moral high ground was also unpopular among audiences.
Besides...
If Li Xiaoxiao had already done his best, how was Zhang Guangmu supposed to perform afterward?
Before filming Apex Esports King, Yan Xiaoxian had advertised it as having "no protagonist," with "three Reserve Protagonists competing for the championship throne through their abilities,"