Chapter 48: Cultivator Tournament

Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Cultivator Tournament

Currently, Shen Yun’s influence abroad was perhaps even greater than his influence at home.

The main reason was simple: sheer power.

It was like how things used to be in the past. If someone domestically received high praise from foreign experts in film, music, science, or any other field, it would quickly make the news, stirring a spontaneous sense of national pride. The current situation was quite similar.

Because of this, many people in the foreign comment sections were extremely hyped.

"Western Magic has still gained the recognition of an Eastern Golden Core Immortal!"

"I think John should go."

"He used the phrase ’looking forward to.’ I think those opposing this matter can rest easy now."

"The Eastern Thunder God is seriously too cool! It’ll take us at least ten years to get a Golden Core!"

"Go John! Go, Western Mages!"

Aside from the comments of ordinary netizens, many others also analyzed Shen Yun’s words. They believed this likely expressed the Chinese Cultivators’ recognition and valuation of Western Magic. It was even more likely to represent the official stance of China—a signal of peace released by Chinese Cultivators.

Just ten minutes later, John published his thoughts in the Western media. He attached a screenshot of Shen Yun’s Weibo post and wrote:

"Thank you very much. I am also very much looking forward to meeting you. In the magic inheritance I received, a Golden Core is called a ’Saint.’ That is a completely different realm, and meeting you will definitely allow me to take a massive step toward it. Furthermore, I believe the wonders of magic will not disappoint you either. This is an era of exchange..."

Compared to Shen Yun’s brief words, John had written a lengthy, eloquent paragraph. While humble and respectful, it also gave off a strong sense of self-confidence. Never mind foreign netizens; even when it spread back to China, it won over the goodwill of a massive crowd.

When it came to rhetorical talent, this man was indeed highly polished and mature. Moreover, he was constantly promoting his own ideals and shaping his image in the public’s hearts.

"I can’t help but feel that if this guy were placed in ancient times, he might actually become a legend like a Saint Son," Shen Yun sighed in amazement as he listened to this information at the dining table.

"If Master were placed in a myth, you would definitely be a legend too," Little Nine said while carefully peeling a crab shell.

"I wouldn’t make the cut," Shen Yun said, dumbfounded. "I don’t even know what my Spiritual Power attribute is. You’re the amazing one, Little Nine."

There were indeed some people online comparing him to the Lei Gong of myth, considering it was now widely believed that Lei Gong and the Lady of Lightning were just powerful Thunder Series Cultivators. Unfortunately, that was only Little Nine’s attribute.

"Little Nine was referring to an existence like the Jade Emperor," she said with a smile, dropping all the peeled crab meat into Shen Yun’s bowl. "The Jade Emperor rarely makes a move himself, but he still rules the Heavenly Court and commands all the immortals. In the future, Master definitely won’t be inferior to the Jade Emperor."

"Hearing you put it like that..." Shen Yun pinched his chin, grinning from ear to ear. "That position really does suit me. But if a monkey like Sun Wukong comes attacking, don’t make me hide under the table."

The image of the Jade Emperor from *Journey to the West* was already deeply ingrained in people’s minds. He was, truthfully, a little bit spineless.

"Please rest assured, Master. With Little Nine attached to you, you will definitely be able to defeat that monkey easily." Little Nine patted her chest seriously, making a soft *THUMP THUMP* sound like someone patting a cushion. By the end, she couldn’t hold it in anymore. Her face flushed pink as she laughed, her delicate body trembling.

It seemed she was picturing that exact scene.

However, in her heart, it wasn’t a bad thing for her Master to be a bit weaker and more of a homebody. That way, he would need her even more.

"Speaking of which, this crab is really delicious." Shen Yun dipped some meat in the sauce and stuffed it into his mouth. It was smooth, tender, and refreshing—far tastier than anything he could get outside.

Little Nine hadn’t just maxed out her housekeeping skills; her cooking was top-tier too. Since she could look up the recipes for various delicacies online, she could effortlessly succeed on her first try. She could even use big data analysis to improve upon them.

"If I weren’t a Cultivator, you’d definitely feed me until I turned into a ball." Shen Yun couldn’t help but speed up his eating, mumbling with a mouth full of food, "Cultivation is awesome—no, wait, Little Nine is awesome!"

During this period, he had basically never eaten the same meal twice. The menu changed every day. Compared to before, he was practically living the life of an immortal.

"As long as Master likes it." Praised by Shen Yun, Little Nine shyly lowered her gaze and started peeling a second crab.

After dinner, Shen Yun cultivated for a while to digest his food, then pulled Little Nine over to play video games. Even in the era of Spiritual Qi revival, the gaming economy was still running. After all, people needed entertainment more than ever to relieve stress.

Naturally, Little Nine completely crushed it when it came to game controls. Because she could observe their opponents’ field of vision and network movements if she wished, they played seven or eight rounds in a row, and she absolutely carried him through every single one.

Even after the system prompted, "Supernatural reaction speed detected; automatically transferring to the Cultivator Zone," the results remained exactly the same.

"So stomping noobs in this game is actually this satisfying."

It wasn’t until late at night that Shen Yun finally logged off, still wanting to play more.

Little Nine walked up obediently and reached out with her soft, nimble fingers to massage his shoulders. She then pressed against his back and leaned close to his ear, whispering softly, "Does Master want to take a bath first, or... go to bed first?"

"That’s a really tough choice." Shen Yun gritted his teeth and, with immense willpower, made his decision. "Bath first."

"Then... let Little Nine scrub Master’s back." Her shy voice, mixed with her warm breath, tickled Shen Yun’s ear.

It instantly made his breathing grow a little heavy. This kind of life was truly... too decadent.

Shen Yun couldn’t help but feel a bit glad. His decision not to sleep with Little Nine on the very first day had been the right one. Otherwise, he would have definitely degenerated into a complete deadbeat shut-in by now.

In short—

Shen Yun lived a fulfilling life revolving around cultivating, eating, gaming, enjoying Little Nine’s company, and taking his tank out for a daily spin.

Five days later.

The First Global Cultivator Tournament finally began.

Considering the nature of this tournament, the nominal organizers were actually a joint coalition of major traditional Chinese sects, with the government playing a supporting role. One could catch a glimpse of future trends from this setup alone:

—Cultivators would be managed by Cultivators.

So, when Shen Yun flew all the way over and arrived in the sky above the venue, the area below was already bustling with extraordinary activity.

Shaolin, Wudang, Quanzhen, Emei, Maoshan, Dragon Tiger Mountain, numerous lesser-known small sects from various regions, a fraction of folk Independent Cultivators, private organizations, and a massive throng of media reporters... there were a full tens of thousands of people present.