Oops, the princess is surrounded by the male protagonists

Chapter 575 Before the martial arts tournament even began, Bai Yue had already become the public ene

"Bah! What the hell!"

A burly man with a face full of scars spat first, his voice loud and full of resentment.

"That kid Bai Dazhuang is incredibly lucky! He just picked up Tianyi Old Monster as his grandfather out of thin air. His luck is simply heaven-defying!"

"Who says it isn't?"

Someone immediately chimed in, their tone sarcastic.

"Who is Ming Jingxing? He was a ruthless figure who challenged several major sects with his sword decades ago! With such an ancestor backing him up, wouldn't he be able to walk around arrogantly at this martial arts tournament? We've worked hard for over a decade to cultivate, and we're not even as good as a pretty boy who relies on his elders' protection?"

"I think he's all show and no substance!"

Another burly man wielding a large knife sneered, his eyes filled with contempt.

"Besides his face, what real skills can he possibly have? He probably can't even master a complete sword technique; he's just relying on Old Monster Ming's reputation to intimidate people!"

These words instantly ignited the emotions of the crowd, and voices of agreement rose and fell.

"It's more than just finding a good grandfather!"

A disciple in a blue robe squeezed in, his tone a mix of gossip and jealousy.

"You don't know, do you? Su Ling Shuang of Su Xuan Palace and Su Ling Bing of Cang Feng Pavilion are recognized as the number one and number two beauties in the martial arts world! When they saw Bai Dazhuang just now, they were like they lost their souls, their eyes couldn't be taken off!"

"And there's Young Master Mo from Sword Casting Manor and Young Master Yuwen from Flying Cloud Manor!"

Someone added, their tone growing increasingly indignant.

"They almost got into a fight just now because they were trying to talk to him! He's the future heir to the manor, such a proud person, and they actually fought over a man. They've completely disgraced the Upper Three Sects!"

"It's really evil!"

A young disciple, who looked like a pale-faced scholar, frowned, his face full of disdain.

"So what if he's a little handsome? A grown man making a living off his looks, attracting so many men and women to fawn over him, what kind of behavior is this! He's simply corrupting the morals of the martial arts world!"

"I think he's a troublemaker!"

A female swordswoman dressed in pink couldn't help but speak up, her tone filled with strong hostility.

"A male vixen who specializes in bewitching people! Relying on his good looks, he flirts with all sorts of women, turning the martial arts tournament into a complete mess!"

"Hmph, those guys who rise to the top by relying on their connections and looks are the most despicable!"

A young man carrying a long sword on his back had a gloomy face, gripped the hilt tightly, and a fierce glint flashed in his eyes.

"When we get to the arena, if I run into him, I'll make him reveal his true colors! I'll show him that in the martial world, looks don't guarantee success; real skill is what truly matters!"

Discontent spread rapidly among the crowd like a plague, with more and more people joining the ranks of those condemning Bai Dazhuang, their words becoming increasingly harsh and their resentment growing stronger.

Before Bai Yue could even display any skills at the martial arts tournament, she had already become the target of everyone's resentment and hostility due to her overly prominent "backer" and eye-catching "romantic encounters."

Many people were eager to fight, their eyes fierce, waiting to crush this "lucky" pretty boy under their feet in the upcoming competition, making him lose face and venting their anger.

The air at the foot of the mountain was filled with heat and noise. Just then, a group of vendors carrying loads on shoulder poles seized the opportunity and came over, their faces beaming with eager smiles, calling out their wares to the crowd.

"Fellow heroes, come and try our freshly steamed meat buns! Thin skin, generous filling, and lots of juicy goodness!"

"Fresh fruits! Quench your thirst and refresh yourself, only three coins a pound, or your money back if you don't like it!"

Two vendors, one fat and one thin, were particularly energetic, shouting the loudest and fanning their plum juice vendors with palm-leaf fans to cool them down.

"Hello, chivalrous heroes who travel far and wide! It's hot and the journey is long, so why not have a bowl of chilled plum juice to quench your thirst? Made with the finest dried plums and licorice root, chilled for three hours, it's sweet and sour and refreshing! Only one penny a bowl, cheap and cooling!"

After cursing Bai Dazhuang for a long time, everyone was already parched. When they heard that the plum juice was cheap and refreshing, they all gathered around and bought bowls of it.

But some astute individuals whispered amongst themselves as they observed these suddenly appearing vendors.

"What are these vendors doing? The martial arts tournament is a grand event in the martial arts world, how come they're doing business at the foot of the mountain? Does Zixiao Temple allow this?"

The skinny vendor, with his sharp ears, immediately put down his bowl and bowed and explained.

"Gentlemen, please understand! We were originally waiters at the 'Yuelai Inn' up ahead, but due to the owner's mismanagement, the inn closed down, and we lost our livelihood. That's why we thought of bringing some soup over to earn a few copper coins to make ends meet. We had no intention of bothering you."

The chubby vendor quickly echoed, his face showing a look of deep gratitude.

"Thanks to the kind-hearted Taoist priests of Zixiao Temple! They allowed us to do some small business at the foot of this mountain to earn a living. In particular, that Taoist priest Ruoxian is truly the greatest of the philanthropists! He personally nodded in approval and even specifically instructed us to prepare the best soup for all the heroes, and not to neglect it!"

As they spoke, the two repeatedly bowed and scraped to Ruoxian, who was standing not far away, displaying extreme humility.

Upon hearing this, everyone turned their approving gazes toward Ruoxian, who stood not far away with a sanctimonious air.

"I see! Master Ruoxian is truly public-spirited and compassionate, and understands the suffering of the people!"

"Yes! Compared to Bai Dazhuang, who only knows how to rely on his grandfather, Master Ruoxian is the true model of a disciple of a prestigious sect!"

"In my opinion, the future of the martial arts world should be led by young talents like Daoist Ruoxian, who possess both virtue and ability!"

The praise poured into Ruoxian's ears, making him feel as if he had drunk fine wine, and even his steps became a little unsteady.

But he feigned humility and waved his hands repeatedly.

"You flatter me, you flatter me! I only did some minor things that were within my duty, nothing to mention, nothing to mention!"

His gaze swept over the pile of rubble from the ruined mountain gate, and a look of deep sorrow appeared on his face, his voice becoming somber.

"But... what a misfortune for our sect! To produce such a wicked disciple who has committed such a heinous act, ruining the century-old reputation of my Zixiao Temple! At the martial arts tournament, I will surely seek revenge on that traitor..."

Before Ruoxian could even finish saying the word "fairness," he suddenly sensed that something was wrong with the atmosphere around him.

The previously noisy discussion abruptly ceased, and the martial arts figures who had been praising him just moments before retreated like a receding tide, their faces filled with fear, their eyes all fixed on what lay behind him.

Ruoxian felt a chill run down her spine, a cold sensation shooting from the soles of her feet to the top of her head.

He turned his head sharply and saw Ming Jingxing walking slowly towards him with Shen Xingmian and Luosha, two female relatives! He had been so carried away that he hadn't noticed that this devil had returned!