"Upper Rank C," Elder Wang's voice finally cut through the stunned quiet, his tone flat and matter-of-fact.
The words hit the crowd like a thunderclap.
After all the buildup, all the anticipation and raised expectations, the prodigy who had vanished for three months had returned with... mediocre talent at best.
"Upper Rank C?" someone whispered in disbelief.
"That's... that's barely above average."
"What happened to him?"
The disappointment was palpable.
Disciples who had been straining to get a better view now stepped back, shaking their heads. The electric atmosphere deflated like a punctured balloon.
Zhao Gongzu's expression transformed from jealous fury to satisfaction.
A slow, mocking smile spread across his features as he looked at the weak glow emanating from the crystal.
"A useless waste of time."
He sneered, his voice carrying just loud enough for those nearby to hear.
