“Mr. Champa, are you suggesting excluding Lin Chen from the Tournament of Power contestant list?”
The Grand Priest’s gaze sharpened.
“Do you know that both Zeno-sama have been eagerly looking forward to the Tournament of Power, especially towards watching Mr. Lin Chen’s fight?”
“Yes, yes! We’ve been waiting for so long!”
“Lin Chen must participate!”
As if echoing the Grand Priest’s words, both Zenos rose from their thrones.
The pressure from the Grand Priest and the Zenos instantly drained the color from Champa’s face, leaving him motionless on the ground.
However, he still managed to say, “Yes, Grand Priest-sama, but if Lin Chen participates, it would be unfair!”
Seeing Champa’s blatant disrespect and repeated attempts to oppose Zeno-sama’s arrangement, the Grand Priest was about to speak up to rebuke him when, unexpectedly, several other God of Destruction also spoke up.
“Grand Priest-sama, Champa is right. I also believe Lin Chen should not compete!”
“Lin Chen is too powerful beyond measure. It would be better to just declare Universe 7 the winner!”
“We implore the Grand Priest-sama to consider Champa’s suggestion!”
There were quite a few God of Destruction who stepped out. Out of the eight participating universes, aside from Universe 7 and Universe 6, astonishingly, people from five of the remaining six universes came forward to support Champa.
Only Belmod, the God of Destruction from Universe 11, remained silent.
Seeing so many voices of opposition, the Grand Priest’s gaze sharpened.
“What? Are you all discontent with Zeno-sama’s order?”
An overwhelming pressure filled the venue, immediately silencing everyone, including contestants from other universes who kept quiet out of fear, their backs breaking out in a cold sweat.
But this time, it seemed Champa and others were resolute.
“We dare not!”
“But Grand Priest-sama, continuing like this will inevitably lead to our defeat anyway. If Zeno-sama wants to punish us, then so be it!”
“That ba*tard Champa!”
Beerus nearly grounded his teeth in anger, finally understanding Champa’s earlier sneaky behavior. Apparently, he was rallying support from other universes.
Regarding Champa’s suggestion, Beerus didn’t need to think twice. Universe 4 and Universe 9 would undoubtedly wholeheartedly support it, considering their greatly diminished strength from previous losses, leaving them with slim chances this time.
If Lin Chen could be kept from fighting, their chances of survival would significantly increase.
Damn it!
If it were just Champa alone, Beerus could be certain that the Grand Priest wouldn’t consider it. But now, with six out of the eight participating universes opposing, even the Grand Priest might have to give it some thought.
Just then, Belmod, who had remained silent, suddenly spoke up.
“Grand Priest-sama, I actually think Champa’s suggestion is worth considering. However, simply rejecting Lin Chen’s participation might not be the best solution. After all, both Zeno-sama have been looking forward to his fight. So, I propose, why not consider this…”
“We can have Lin Chen participate in the competition as a separate team, representing only himself. Regardless of the outcome, it won’t be related to Universe 7. This way, it addresses Champa and others concerns and allows Zeno-sama to watch Lin Chen in the arena. I believe both Zeno-sama would prefer to witness a competition that has some suspense, don’t you think?”
“Having Lin Chen be a team on his own?” Grand Priest pondered.
“Oh no!” Whis whispered to Beerus and Lin Chen.
“This suggestion might very well be accepted by the Grand Priest, Lin Chen, you need to be prepared.”
“That Belmod, they must have conspired together!”
Beerus gritted his teeth.
Now it was clear, Belmod had surely collaborated with Champa long ago. Their ultimate goal was to isolate Lin Chen as a separate team, detached from Universe 7.
All the previous actions were just a façade.
Sure enough, upon hearing Belmod’s suggestion, the Grand Priest didn’t oppose it but turned to ask, “What do both Zeno-sama think?”
“They have a point. Lin Chen is too powerful, he’d win from any universe.”
“Yes, a bit of suspense in the competition would be better.”
Hearing both Zenos’ words, the Grand Priest then said, “Since you don’t object to it, shall we ask for Lin Chen’s opinion? After all, Lin Chen has previous merits yet to be rewarded, so should we let him decide?”
“Alright, let Lin Chen decide for himself!”
Grand Priest then turned to Lin Chen and said, “Mr. Lin Chen, you’ve heard what was discussed. If you oppose, the tournament will proceed as usual. But if you accept, according to Mr. Belmod’s suggestion, you will compete as a separate team.”
“Fantastic!” Beerus inwardly rejoiced. He hadn’t expected the Grand Priest to leave the final decision to Lin Chen.
What was there to say? Of course, he would refuse!
But just as Beerus was feeling pleased, another voice echoed in Lin Chen’s mind.
“Ding! Detecting the host facing the choices of Tournament of Power, triggering the strongest choices!”
“Choice one: Refuse the separate team, proceed with the tournament normally and achieve victory. Reward: Intermediate Mastery of Power of Space!”
“Choice two: Refuse the separate team, proceed with the tournament normally, and achieve victory without anyone from Universe 7 getting eliminated. Reward: Ultra Instinct Sign!”
“Choice three: Accept the separate team, obtain final victory alone. Reward: Advanced Ultra Ego!”
At this moment, time seemed to freeze for Lin Chen.
His attention was solely focused on the sudden appearance of the three choices.
These three choices would clearly determine how he would answer the Grand Priest’s question.
In fact, whether he fought separately or competed alongside Universe 7, it made no difference to Lin Chen.
Even if he is alone, Lin Chen would dare to face it.
Moreover, aside from considering the rewards, Lin Chen was actually more interested in Belmod’s suggestion.
After all, in this world, due to his presence, Universe 7 had almost overwhelming advantages over other universes. Under normal circumstances, this Tournament of Power would be entirely predictable.
So, the competition would be more interesting if Lin Chen fought alone as a team.
Seeing the rewards offered by the three choices, Lin Chen became even more certain of this point.
He directly eliminated choice one. Although the opportunity to strengthen a Power of Law was precious, it couldn’t compare to the rewards of the latter two choices.
And the reward for Choice two was Ultra Instinct Sign.
That was the state Goku had attained when he comprehended Ultra Instinct.
Support on Patreon for extra chapters. You can read upto 31 chapters and I’ve also activated (date to date) subscription model on my patreon.
Become a Patron!
Hmm… Option 2 would be best for him. Earlier in the story it was said that Ultra Instinct was ‘naturally’ incompatible with him. He can attain mastery of Space on his own, and Ultra Ego on his own. Unlocking the path of Ultra Instinct would be the best path.
And give Universe 7 the chance to spar with him XD