Firefly Journey

Chapter 208 The Contest of Prodigies (9)

Several hours passed, and more and more participants gathered on the mountaintop.

The earth elemental creature within the vortex seems to have become restless. At least, its ability to devour sand and dust is significantly greater than before.

Everyone witnessed this change and became more vigilant.

Could this sudden commotion mean that the Earth Element Crystal is about to take shape?

No one can be certain, but being prepared is never a bad thing.

Lu Jianming didn't look at the changes in the vortex, but kept his eyes on the five members of the Dark Temple from beginning to end.

He knew that only by defeating them could he control the ownership of the Earth Element Crystal.

The tense atmosphere didn't last long. Outside the arena, Archbishop Relocat, under the High Priest of Judgment, felt the scene wasn't exciting enough and added his own touch.

As he withdrew his large hand, a roar suddenly erupted from the vortex atop the earthen hill.

The riots inside the vortex made every contestant nearby eagerly anticipate what would happen next; they knew that chaos could erupt at any moment.

Bang!Bang!Bang!

Several explosions came from inside the vortex, and the surrounding sand and dust were scattered everywhere because of the explosions, so everyone took cover.

The explosion lasted for less than ten seconds, after which a shiny ore slowly rose from the vortex from which it occurred.

Its brilliance is so dazzling that one can see its complete form through the wind and sand.

In the immediate aftermath of the Earth Element Crystal's emergence, no one dared to make any rash moves, nor did they want to be the first to stick their neck out and become the target of everyone's criticism.

The situation suddenly became awkward. Everyone remained vigilant, and the meaning was clear: I cannot be the first to take it, but I must kill the first person to take it.

Less than a minute later, a long-haired man from the five members of the Dark Temple stepped forward and laughed:

"It seems no one is interested in this elemental crystal. How about we do them a favor and let our Dark Temple have it?"

Philip's words were merely a test.

The Dark Temple is quite lucky; they have already gathered five people, making them undoubtedly the strongest faction here.

Nevertheless, they were not invincible and had to consider the possibility of others joining forces. Therefore, Philip had to do something.

"Haha, are you telling a joke?"

"Exactly, why should I give it to you? Just because your hair is long?"

“You can try taking it and see if you can get out of this hill.”

Philip's remarks drew a barrage of ridicule.

His expression changed, but he still dared not make a move.

Just as everyone was locked in a stalemate, a man in a long robe emerged from the sandstorm, his path leading directly to the gleaming Earth Element Crystal.

Is someone trying to be the first to stick their neck out?

Is there something wrong with his brain?

Of course not, Lü Jianming just wanted to make things simpler.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Lü Jianming walked up to the Earth Element Crystal, grabbed it, and arrogantly declared:

"Anyone who wants it, come and take it."

Upon hearing this, the group, who had originally planned to unite against the first bird to fall, suddenly became hesitant and uncertain.

He dares to do this, does he have a backup plan?

For a time, no one dared to lay a hand on him.

Apart from the five from the Dark Temple.

No, we haven't even made a move yet, and you're already trying to beat us to it?

That won't do, we must criticize and denounce you!

Philip jumped out again: "Who are you to spout such arrogant words? Do you really think all the contestants here are just decorations? You're far too arrogant!"

Before the Dark Temple members participated in the competition, Bennett had also made preparations for them, and naturally, he knew the best people from all the major forces.

However, when Lü Jianming gathered, for some unknown reason, he wore a traditional Chu costume, which caused the five people to fail to recognize him.

"What's it to you?" Lü Jianming laughed. "If you want it, come and take it!"

Even a clay Buddha has some temper, and these words completely enraged the members of the Dark Temple. They exchanged glances and decided to take action immediately, to teach this arrogant Chu man a lesson, and "incidentally" obtain the Earth Element Crystal.

Instead of getting angry, Lü Jianming laughed; this was exactly the effect he wanted.

Seeing the five people each displaying their skills, Lü Jianming adopted a posture of high alert. However, before they could even make a move, he directly threw out an "Earth Element Crystal" from afar, shouting:

"The Dark Temple's methods are indeed formidable. I am no match for them, so I'll just give you the Earth Element Crystal!"

The five members of the Dark Temple were all stunned. What's so great about us? Did we even make a move? You're flattering me, you idiot!

Lu Jianming's exaggerated expressions and shouts caused everyone to look at each other in bewilderment, but he himself did not care, because his goal had been achieved and the Earth Element Crystal had fallen into the hands of the five people.

“I have a feeling something is wrong,” said Joanna, the candidate saint among the five.

“That guy tricked me!” Philip said angrily.

Initially, everyone hesitated, wondering if anyone would be foolish enough to be the first to stick their neck out. But it turned out the one who was the first wasn't a fool; they simply passed the hot potato to the Dark Temple.

Logically, if the members of the Dark Temple didn't want to become the target of everyone's attacks, they should have thrown out the Earth Element Crystal to avoid being attacked by the masses.

but……

There are five of them!

Relying on their superior numbers, they were determined not to let their easy prey slip away!

None of the five had any intention of handing over the Earth Element Crystal. Philip continued his verbal spiel: "Guys, don't be fooled by that guy. He just wants to use you to fight us."

That makes sense, after all, Lu Jianming was quite pretentious just now. Before the divine decree even landed on him, he was so frightened that he threw the treasure away.

Everyone understands the logic, but the Earth Element Crystal is indeed in the hands of your Dark Temple, that's an indisputable fact.

So what if we're being used? Are we just going to stand by and watch you pocket the points?

It makes no sense!

The crowd was filled with hostility, but fearing the power of the Dark Temple, no one was willing to take the lead in causing trouble.

At this opportune moment, Lü Jianming jumped out again...

"Heh, your Dark Temple has gone too far! I can't take it anymore!"

Lu Jianming shouted, his longsword "Han Guang" already in his hand, and attacked the people of the Dark Temple, showing a fearless attitude.

With someone taking the lead, the people who had long disliked the Dark Temple no longer hesitated and joined the attack!

"Oh shit!"

The five members of the Dark Temple cursed inwardly, "You cunning Chu man!"

However, they had no good solution unless they threw away the Earth Element Crystal, but they were obviously unwilling to do so, so they could only accept the public's anger.

Fortunately, the Dark Temple was one of the seven great ancestral god churches, with a profound foundation, and was not too afraid of a bunch of rabble.

Just as everyone was charging into battle, Lü Jianming, who was in charge, was not putting in any real effort. While pretending to mediate, he turned his attention to the short-haired woman from the Dark Temple.

Joanna, the candidate for sainthood, is the one who holds the Earth Element Crystal.