Chapter 1262: Chapter 1272: Refusing the Invitation from the Factions! The sudden turn of events left everyone stunned. They had thought Tang Zhong was bound to lose, but unexpectedly, Tang Zhong executed a change in tactics, utterly defeating all four opponents! “What is this?” Jin Luotian was completely dumbfounded. It was hard to believe it was real! The intent of the four was clear: pair up to eliminate the lone competitor, and then duel amongst themselves. But now, the situation had completely reversed! The other members of the three guards were also in shock. “Amazing!” Liu Tiansheng, usually an honest man, surprisingly clenched his fist to cheer for Tang Zhong this time! Just then, the Flame Demon Guard, who had been presiding, also snapped out of his shock. Over the years, he had never witnessed such a scene; every year it was a chaotic fight with the same situation—pairing up to eliminate a single fighter. But this outcome, defeating four with one and winning, had never happened before! “I’ll count down three, two, one. Anyone on the ground who can still stand, get up; if not, I will declare the winner of this round!” Ren Yong was furious, wanting badly to get up, but no matter how hard he tried, his entire body was weak and powerless! In the end, he couldn’t manage it and collapsed back onto the ground! The others were in an even worse state! The Flame Demon Guard also saw the outcome: “Then the one who came out as the victor in this battle is Tang Zhong!” Hearing this, Tang Zhong sheathed his sword immediately! He leapt up and landed right beside Liu Tiansheng and the others. Liu Tiansheng was the first to rush over, embracing Tang Zhong with excitement: “Kid, you did great!” “Thank you, Commander Liu, it’s all thanks to that fruit!” Tang Zhong said with a smile. Liu Tiansheng nodded, knowing that Tang Zhong’s achievements today were due to his own efforts, with no one else to credit! “No surprise, you’ll definitely be hotly pursued by major forces, so choose wisely!” Liu Tiansheng advised. It was certain that Tang Zhong would enter the Inner Guards, but regarding these forces, he hadn’t considered any; he was fine navigating the world alone! “I’ll think about it.” At that moment, Chu Yuan approached him, “Congratulations on entering the Inner Guards!” Facing Chu Yuan, Tang Zhong knew he must have noticed something, but said nothing, implying he wasn’t a bad person! “Thank you, Teacher Chu!” Jin Luotian was furious hearing that someone from Earth Guard had entered the Inner Guards, “Teacher Chu, the Earth Guard people are all in, but what about others? After all, entering the Inner Guards isn’t just about match rankings!” “This time, only Tang Zhong entered the Inner Guards, the other four are out. Whether there are more openings depends on the battles outside!” Chu Yuan replied. “Impossible!” Jin Luotian tried to protest but couldn’t find the words! Indeed, if they couldn’t defeat one person with four, what else needed to be said!? From afar, representatives of the Inner Guard factions began approaching Tang Zhong. Every time a genius emerged during the Inner Guard assessment, they were highly sought after; now Tang Zhong was in that position! “I represent the Gentlemen Party in welcoming you, Tang Zhong!” said a scholarly-looking man. “I represent the Phoenix Hall in welcoming you, Tang Zhong!” said a woman, indicating the Phoenix Hall likely comprised mostly women! “I represent the War Sect in welcoming you!” Amidst the crowd, Southern Fire Divine Wood also stepped forward to invite Tang Zhong, despite their minor grudges. Tang Zhong’s current strength was impressive, and recruiting him to their Thunder Pavilion would be valuable; he took a step forward, “Thunder Pavilion welcomes you!” Numerous forces began extending olive branches to Tang Zhong! To grow stronger, taking in new blood is crucial; hence, strong individuals like Tang Zhong become hot commodities! But Tang Zhong wasn’t planning to join any forces! “Sorry everyone, I’m not interested in joining any forces!” Tang Zhong directly declined. Nobody expected this to happen! Did he just refuse everyone? Southern Fire Divine Wood’s brows furrowed. Their Thunder Pavilion was the strongest among the factions; he assumed Tang Zhong would join if he spoke, yet here was this unexpected result! Initially having some conflicts with Tang Zhong, if he joined Thunder Pavilion, fine; but if not, they could revisit prior grievances! “I’ll ask you once more, are you joining our Thunder Pavilion?” Southern Fire Divine Wood asked. “No need!” Tang Zhong replied. He had no intention of joining any force! “Very well!” Southern Fire Divine Wood said. Others couldn’t help but step forward too, “Will you consider joining our faction?” “I won’t consider joining any faction!” The statement shocked the whole area. He actually refused to join any faction during the Inner Guard assessment, where the first place usually joined a very good faction, ensuring a future as a powerful figure. If not aligned with any faction, one might fade into obscurity within the Inner Guards! Yet, it’s not certain that entering the Inner Guards is necessary! If Tang Zhong wanted in, he would be in; if not, then not—no one could force him! Southern Fire Divine Wood couldn’t argue further with Tang Zhong, except that not joining their faction rendered him an enemy! “Cough, cough, everyone, stop talking now!” Suddenly a voice was heard. Then Chu Yuan appeared. As a teacher of the Inner Guards, few would oppose Chu Yuan. “Since Tang Zhong doesn’t wish to join any faction, you can’t force him. Now step back!” Chu Yuan continued. Upon his words, no one spoke further. Then Chu Yuan looked at Tang Zhong, “Come with me!” “Go check on the others’ battles now?” Chu Yuan instructed. This content belongs to NoveI~Fire.net The others gradually withdrew. Liu Tiansheng approached Tang Zhong, whispering, “Good luck, Chu Yuan used to be my teacher. If he wants to talk to you, seize the opportunity!” Beside them, Jin Luotian and others gritted their teeth at Tang Zhong but said nothing. The recruiters from various factions could only leave. Only Chu Yuan and Tang Zhong remained in the cavern. Looking at Chu Yuan, Tang Zhong felt a bit nervous! Chu Yuan sized up Tang Zhong and then smiled widely, “Not bad!”