After listening to Tanaka Kenho’s lengthy monologue, Lin Ran, though inwardly amused, put on a facade of profound melancholy, sighing without uttering a word.
Tanaka Kenho, as expected, took the bait, his demeanor instantly becoming animated and excited.
"There's hope! There's definitely hope!"
"He guessed correctly after all!"
"Lin Ran really isn't having an easy time in Long Country!"
"It makes sense. Lin Ran, as a rapidly rising new power, not only comes from humble beginnings but also lacks any backing. He must be subject to immense jealousy and ostracism, naturally leading to frustration in everything he does."
"Moreover, the fact that Long Country only sent him and Luo Qingyan as representatives might be a direct manifestation of this! If Long Country truly intended to win, they wouldn't have arranged things so casually. At the very least, they would have assembled a team of seven for Lin Ran!"
"Even if others were just there to fill spots, to cheer him on during battles, it would be better than nothing!"
"Therefore, it can be inferred that this competition might merely be the personal decision of Lin Ran and Luo Qingyan, hence their lack of support from higher authorities..."
"They wanted to seize this opportunity to improve their domestic standing, but it seems they haven't achieved the desired outcome, making them understandably frustrated."
"However, these two are truly formidable… they actually managed to achieve it."
"According to the information compiled by the event organizers, Lin Ran has essentially subdued all the remaining fighters who hadn't been eliminated. They all unanimously chose to forfeit the subsequent team battles, believing they stood no chance against Lin Ran – even with a combined effort."
"Even those with personal grudges against Lin Ran were no exception."
"After all, Lin Ran is too terrifying. To confront him head-on would be akin to entrusting one's life to his hands."
"Not only would they have no chance of victory, but if Lin Ran harbored any murderous intent, their demise would be certain..."
"Under such circumstances, there are no longer any fools who refuse to see reason."
"These individuals, who hold esteemed positions and possess profound cultivation back home, clearly wish to live long lives and are unwilling to gamble with their very existence."
"Thus, Lin Ran has effectively secured the championship of this tournament."
"The promises associated with the championship are also nearing the time for fulfillment..."
"And these can also serve as bargaining chips in negotiations."
With this thought, Tanaka Kenho decided to further fan the flames of the already delicate situation.
"Hero Lin, beyond this, do you have any plans for future development?"
"Returning to Long Country to bide your time is also a viable option…"
"Although the process might be somewhat arduous, it can still be achieved through the accumulation of time."
"Consider this: you are now an individual with extreme combat prowess. Establishing your own sect would pose no problem."
"Furthermore, your partner is equally exceptional. With your combined efforts, even without joining Long Country's peculiar systems, you could quickly build up a family."
"With the two of you, after a few centuries of hard work, and with the support of other families and a bit of luck, your family would undoubtedly begin to rise…"
"At the very least, you would become a significant presence in your local area."
"If we extend the timeline to millennia, it's not impossible for you to become an ancient hereditary lineage, standing as equals with those great families who once looked down upon you!"
"At that point, you can decisively retort, 'Do not mock the poor young man!'"
"Uh… though at that time, it's uncertain if you and they will still be alive today…"
"Of course, that's not important. Your descendants will surely remember your patronage."
"It won't be a problem to convey a message to their descendants then!"
As Tanaka Kenho spoke, his expression was filled with vibrant excitement and smug satisfaction. Yet, a hint of subtle pity for Lin Ran also flickered across his brow, as if he genuinely wished to champion Lin Ran's cause. His acting skills were, indeed, on par with Lin Ran's.
Lin Ran, playing along, immediately displayed a hint of hesitant regret, opening his mouth as if to speak but remaining silent, his face etched with disappointment.
Noticing Lin Ran's expression, Tanaka Kenho smiled again.
"What a pity…"
"If Hero Lin were with us, his treatment would undoubtedly be entirely different…"
"A pity, indeed!"
Lin Ran remained silent, showing no inclination to say more, appearing lost in thought.
At this moment, Chizuru Ginshiro suddenly stepped forward and said with a smile, "Then, is there a possibility…"
"That Hero Lin could truly stand on our side?"
Tanaka Kenho feigned surprise and asked, "What do you mean by that?"
Chizuru Ginshiro then chuckled merrily.
"It's quite literally what I mean…"
"Since Long Country has wronged Hero Lin so grievously, there is no need for Hero Lin to remain loyal to them."
"Now that you've seized this opportunity to participate in the competition and arrived on our Sakura territory, why not put down roots right here?"
"While we may not be as vast and resource-rich as Long Country, we are still quite respectable."
"Moreover, no matter how prosperous and magnificent Long Country is, it holds no meaning if you cannot obtain it yourself!"
"Isn't that right, Hero Lin?"
Upon hearing Chizuru Ginshiro's blatant proposal, Lin Ran's expression shifted drastically, and he immediately shot a sharp gaze at everyone present.
However, this reaction was within the expectations of Tanaka Kenho and Chizuru Ginshiro. They were not overly surprised, continuing to stand there with cheerful dispositions, as if awaiting Lin Ran's reply.
These two had been cooperating in their elaborate act for quite some time, all for this initial hope. Therefore, they could surmise that Lin Ran's current display of anger was merely an act for their benefit.
As they anticipated, it wasn't long before Lin Ran retracted his sharp gaze, instead breaking into a cheerful laugh.
"The fish has taken the bait!"
All three inwardly rejoiced, silently acknowledging their success.