Da Huang's ascent to the top left many people helpless, even furious, but there was nothing they could do to change it.
Their only hope was that someone would step forward, seize first place, and restore the Human Race's dignity.
And Da Huang's remark instantly drew everyone's attention.
Two people in this group of Prodigies had yet to try. From the look of things, those two were the ones holding the group together.
"Do your best. You have to surpass him."
"Go on! We can't wait any longer."
"That's right! We believe in you. You can do it."
"You're the best we've got. The hopes of the Human Race are in your hands."
Seeing the crowd's reaction, Chen Changan and Mu Yunyao exchanged helpless looks. Good grief, that turnaround had come fast.
They had to admit, Da Huang was useful at times. Thanks to him, everyone's attitude toward Chen Changan and Mu Yunyao had shifted from displeasure to eager anticipation.
Their earlier behavior might have rubbed people the wrong way, but compared to a dog taking first place on the Cultivation Ranking, that was nothing.
Under the crowd's expectant gazes, Mu Yunyao walked step by step toward the energy stele.
The moment she reached out and touched it, everyone tensed with her.
"She has to succeed. She will succeed."
"Anyone can be first on the Cultivation Ranking, but not a dog."
"Please, you have to succeed!"
"There's a reaction! This could work!"
"That reaction's intense. She's done it—she must have!"
Unlike when Da Huang had touched it, the surrounding space trembled as soon as Mu Yunyao placed both hands on the energy stele.
At the same time, the phantom of a massive throne appeared above her head.
A distinctly different energy surged from the stele straight into the throne phantom