I Was Defending You, but It Turns Out You Didn't Need Defending! (Please Subscribe and Vote!)

The second day's competition arrived on schedule, and the martial arena was still a boiling sea of voices, bustling with excitement.

Every seat in the stands was filled. Talented prodigies from all corners had gathered, and the sects' powerhouses were all in attendance.

After last night's enlightenment and reflection, Luo Yong had gone to bed rather late and nearly overslept that morning. When he hurried into the competition grounds, beads of sweat still dotted his forehead.

The moment he entered the martial arena, he felt countless gazes converge on him.

Whether they were spectators in the stands or fellow competitors, everyone was watching him.

Luo Yong felt uneasy and muttered inwardly, Has the competition already started? Why is everyone looking at me like that?

Just then, the head referee walked over.

Luo Yong's heart tightened. He was about to apologize when the head referee said gently, "Luo Yong, would you like some time to prepare? Get yourself settled before taking the stage."

Those words left Luo Yong stunned, even a little bewildered.

He still remembered how a competitor had arrived late yesterday after running into trouble on the way. The head referee had given him a severe scolding and only reluctantly allowed him to compete after repeated pleas from both him and his master.

Why was the head referee being so courteous when he was late today?

"No need. Thank you, sir. I'm ready."

Luo Yong answered hurriedly, feeling rather overwhelmed by the unexpected favor.

Seeing Luo Yong's "modest" demeanor, the head referee nodded in satisfaction, turned toward the referees' seats, and began presiding over the competition.

Only then did Luo Yong realize that everyone had been waiting for him. The competition hadn't started because he hadn't arrived.

What he didn't know was that rumors had just been circulating here,