However, behind his benevolent smile, Sect Leader Bai Yunfei was currently engaged in rapid, high-stakes political calculus.
His original, grand master plan had been flawless.
The winner of the tournament would be offered an engagement to his sequestered daughter, Princess Bai Liyue. He had fully anticipated that Lin Ji'an, the "Hero" his daughter was utterly obsessed with, would accidentally secure the top spot through his competence.
He could have forced the marriage, secured his unregistered, monstrous potential for his own bloodline, and cemented his legacy.
But because Ji'an had been elevated to Proctor status, she had formally removed herself from the ranking.
And the man sitting at Rank 1 was Shen Zechuan.
'A minor, irritating setback,' Bai Yunfei's internal monologue sighed gracefully.
He looked at his Senior Apprentice.
Shen Zechuan was currently trying to discreetly wipe a smear of sweet chili sauce off his chin.
