Everyone present was startled when they saw the figure within the black mist — a white man with the refined air of a British noble.
Zhe Luo swept his gaze over the hundreds of participants and spoke in a deep voice, "Everyone, it's normal for a plan to encounter setbacks. But if the nearly one hundred of us unite, no matter how strong Lu Jun is, there's no way he can win."
As his words fell, dozens of participants from various countries quieted down slightly. Indeed, if over a hundred High-level Mages joined forces, even one or two Super Mages would have to avoid their edge.
Zhe Luo continued, "Besides, unless we eliminate Lu Jun first, you all know we'll never take the championship. And since he's plundered so many people's resources, if we can take him down, we'll all become rich overnight."
The crowd exchanged glances. Faced with both situation and profit, they couldn't help but be tempted.
Someone asked in the international language, "So what's your plan?"
"Don't worry." Zhe Luo smiled and clapped his hands. "The main offensive will be led by us. You'll handle the distraction."
Right after, several figures emerged one after another from the black mist behind him, leaving the assembled participants visibly shocked.
"Those are… Ark from the U.S. team, Reddy and Jocen from Germany, and the Saintess Asharuiya from Greece…"
Someone exclaimed their names, each belonging to the core members of powerful nations — superstar participants of the World College Tournament, all with combat prowess above the rest.
At the same time, spectators around the world saw this scene, their expressions varied.
In most countries, the citizens were overjoyed. "Hahaha! Let's see that arrogant Chinese get what's coming to him — he's about to be targeted by nearly a hundred participants!"
"Good! Make sure to crush the Chinese team so hard they can't even reach the final duel!"
But for the Chinese netizens, it was agony — a complete emotional reversal. They angrily protested, "What the hell? This is ridiculous! It completely breaks the competition rules!"
Even the tournament organizers hesitated and called an emergency internal meeting to debate the situation.
In past Treasure Hunt Battles, group assaults weren't uncommon. Such alliances and rivalries were considered normal, adding variety, tension, and excitement to the contest.
However, this was the first time in history that all participants had joined forces to besiege one person — treating Lu Jun like a wild boss monster!
No matter how the audience complained, the Chinese spectators all knew the truth — Lu Jun's elimination was inevitable. No one could withstand such overwhelming targeting.
Yet even as Western netizens mocked him on the surface, many were secretly in awe of his dominance. One man standing against all — it was the perfect embodiment of their own Western ideal of the "superhero spirit."
Some even spoke up in his defense: "Oh my God, our contestants have no honor! Over a hundred people against one — even if they win, they still lose! It only proves they'll never match Lu Jun!"
Meanwhile, familiar faces such as Tang Yue, Ding Yumian, and Lu Mei back in China frowned deeply, unable to hide their concern for Lu Jun.
Inside the Chinese VIP room, a heated debate broke out among several Super Mages. Zhu Huoyin criticized, "Lu Jun's vengeance is too extreme. If he had only settled scores with those Western national members who attacked our team, it wouldn't have provoked such mass outrage."
She then pointed to another screen showing Mo Fan and Mu Ningxue trapped in an ambush by over a dozen participants after a string of robberies, adding, "Mo Fan as well — this bandit-like behavior tarnishes our national image."
The Treasure Hunt Tournament was now divided into two battlefronts — one large, one small. The larger one was the alliance of over a hundred participants led by Zhe Luo, planning to hunt Lu Jun down; the smaller one was Mo Fan fighting alone against the remaining contestants.
The Chinese team, standing alone against all other nations, had truly become a one-against-all force — the Treasure Hunt's order was collapsing.
To Zhu Huoyin, all of this was unnecessary. "Failing to endure small setbacks will ruin greater plans. For the sake of the overall championship, some details should have been sacrificed. This was the most promising year for victory and yet it's come to this."
Shao Zheng disagreed, replying, "Secretary Zhu, that's not right. Why can they do it, but we can't? I think Lu Jun's doing fine — striking back decisively, leaving no enemies behind."
"But look at the situation now!" Zhu Huoyin shot back sharply. "These two act without organization or discipline — especially Lu Jun! Before the competition even began, he slaughtered his own Lu Clan branch over a team quota dispute. His crimes are unforgivable."
Han Ji immediately caught the implication in her words. From what he knew, back in the Ancient Capital, Lu Jun had killed Zhu Jiming — someone very close to Zhu Huoyin. The Lu Clan branch led by Lu Zhantian just happened to be the political faction behind her.
It was clear she was using this moment to settle a personal score.
"Secretary Zu," Han Ji couldn't sit still any longer and said sternly, "You shouldn't be criticizing the National Team Captain like this."
Zu Huiyin sneered. "From what I see, both Lu Jun and Mo Fan must bear heavy responsibility for what's happened. After the tournament, they'll be punished."
Han Ji declared righteously, "I strongly disagree. Lu Jun and Mo Fan's actions were in full accord with justice. They have made tremendous contributions to the Nine Province. Regardless of the Venice Tournament's outcome, they must not be punished. In fact, Secretary Zu, it's you who should apologize to them for your remarks just now."
Zu Huiyin was stunned, her expression darkening. "What?! I should apologize to those two? Are they really worth such protection from you?"
"I have my reasons," Han Ji took a deep breath. "By now, the truth behind the Ancient Capital Undead Calamity should be made public. Once the Treasure Hunt match ends, I will declassify it."
Han Ji chose this timing for two reasons — first, Lu Jun and Mo Fan's cultivation had skyrocketed, and they now had enough strength to protect themselves. Second, it was to dissolve the public criticism that would follow their defeat in the tournament.
No matter the cause of their loss, the act of abolishing other national team members' cultivation and seizing another country's competitors' treasures would surely provoke massive controversy.
Upon hearing this, Zu Huiyin grew uneasy. Previously, she had kept quiet because Lu Jun's influence was too great. But now, seeing the two seemingly fall from favor, she jumped out to fiercely attack them, seizing the opportunity.
Shao Zheng tried to mediate. "Enough, before the match ends, anything can still happen."
The live-stream chat was filled with sighs of resignation. People were already discussing whether China's team, even if they lost, could still be called "The Crownless Kings." The loss was so bitter, so unjust, yet filled with a kind of tragic glory — especially after being targeted by every other team.
Even foreign viewers seemed to acknowledge this sentiment.
They wanted the Chinese team to lose, yet still felt regret when seeing it happen.
At that very moment, everyone watching the broadcast froze.
On a stretch of plain, Lu Jun suddenly stopped flying and slowly descended to the ground. He sat cross-legged atop a massive boulder, eyes closed, resting calmly. His lips moved slightly as he murmured, "So everyone wants to join hands and besiege me? Then come at me!"
"I'll stay right here and not move an inch — let's see how you clowns perform!"
His words traveled through the broadcast feed, echoing across the world and reaching hundreds of millions of viewers.
The entire audience fell silent. A complex, indescribable feeling rose within them — Lu Jun seemed like a legendary hero, his quiet words a declaration of war to the whole world. He feared no challenge!
The leaders of various nations suddenly felt their faces burn, an inexplicable sense of shame washing over them.
For additional chapters
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