Light Fortress Chapter 1701 - 375: Grand Judge (Finale) (3)

I nominate Gu Shen to be the new ’Grand Judge’ of the Judgement Institute.

The Transcendents gathered at the Dojo for today's recruitment trial were utterly stunned. They had anticipated witnessing novice spars, perhaps some master challenges, and even indulging in a bit of gossip.

Little did they foresee stumbling upon such significant news!

From internal conflicts among Judges to the election of the Grand Judge—

Old Yu and Xu Fang were even more taken aback.

Gu Shen let out a soft sigh; he hadn't anticipated the old man's decisive actions.

He departed from the shrine and made his way to the Judgement Institute's headquarters.

Gu Shen had kept this entire affair private.

However, considering the timeline, how many minutes had actually passed since the unveiling of the Ghost Veil?

All the Judges within the Institute had been summoned by Gu Qilin!

It was evident that the moment Gu Qilin learned of his presence at headquarters, he began mobilizing forces... The old man had likely been planning Gu Shen's ascension to the Grand Judge position for quite some time.

Everyone, if you harbor any objections, you are welcome to voice them now.

Gu Qilin stated slowly: Any objections, in accordance with Changye traditions, can be formally presented against Gu Shen.

The dojo fell into a profound silence.

The Judges convened here by Gu Qilin displayed a myriad of complex emotions.

Given the old man's pronouncement, who would dare to raise an objection?

Even if someone harbored reservations, who among them possessed the capability to defeat Gu Shen?

Moments ago, Gu Shen's Great Achievement Domain was visibly overpowering Zhou E, a spectacle broadcasted for all to witness through the Spirit Network!

In recent years, the Judgement Institute had been embroiled in persistent controversies surrounding the Grand Judge appointment. The primary contention revolved around the first-rank Judge Zhou E and the second-rank Jin Yun.

These two Judges were remarkably similar in strength, forming an evenly matched pair in combat.

Both had successfully mastered two Great Achievement Domains, possessing the latent potential to achieve breakthroughs and become Titled powerhouses at any given moment.

Upon achieving such a breakthrough and receiving a title from the East Continent Council, they would naturally become contenders for the Grand Judge role—

To support Zhou E and Jin Yun, distinct followings had coalesced, and naturally, there were also neutral parties like 'Xie Zheng' who supported neither; in a bid to secure votes and forge alliances, factions had re-emerged within the Judgement Institute over the years. This was an unsurprising development, and while the factions led by Mr. Shu and Zhu Wang may have faded, new ones were inevitably destined to arise.

And now.

With Gu Shen's presence, all existing factions instantly lost their relevance.

In comparison to Gu Shen, the leaders of these two formerly prominent factions, Zhou E and Jin Yun, were akin to mere stars beside the brilliance of the sun.

They truly paled in insignificance.

I have no objections.

Jin Yun, holding the highest rank among them, was the first to speak, his voice devoid of any hesitation, a clear smile gracing his features.

Upon receiving confirmation that Gu Shen was indeed 'alive,' Jin Yun's aspirations for the Grand Judge position promptly vanished.

What greater satisfaction could there be than witnessing one's rival being decisively sidelined?

Now that Mr. Gu had spoken and commanded the presence of all Judges, Jin Yun felt compelled to publicly declare his allegiance, firmly aligning himself with Gu Shen.

...I have no objections either.

On the opposing side, Zhou E also echoed his agreement, his voice tinged with hoarseness.

His countenance was etched with a profound sense of shame.

Had it not been for the day's dramatic turn of events, he would have been the very first to offer his support.

However, Gu Shen had, earlier, overheard his private conversation with Du Wei.

If Zhou E had no intention of contending for the Grand Judge seat, why had so many persistent rumors circulated over the past years?

With these two prominent figures voicing their assent, the remaining attendees readily expressed their concurrence.

In the concluding moments, Zhong Fan, who had just disembarked from the high seas onto the East Continent, learned of the day's proceedings at the Changye Dojo via the Spirit Network. He swiftly conveyed his agreement through a message sent via Deep Sea.

This... constitutes unanimous approval; the nomination has passed.

Gu Qilin's tone remained remarkably calm, as if he were announcing an inconsequential matter. A fleeting look of complex emotion crossed his eyes; the customarily congratulatory tone was barely perceptible: Gu Shen, congratulations on your appointment as the new ’Grand Judge’ of the Judgement Institute.

All eyes shifted towards the immense screen suspended above the dojo.

Due to Gu Qilin's explicit refusal to permit recording by electronic devices.

At this precise moment, Zhou Wei's image continued to be displayed on the screen.

Old Grandpa Zhou Wei offered an awkward smile; it felt undeniably peculiar to be the one featured on camera while Gu Qilin himself was performing the nomination.

The selection of a Grand Judge was, by its very nature, a momentous occasion.

Yet, in this instance, it felt remarkably perfunctory.

However... Gu Shen's election as Grand Judge had never truly been in question.

While Zhou E and Jin Yun were undoubtedly formidable candidates, when contrasted with Gu Shen... the disparity was undeniably significant.

A sudden eruption of applause and cheers boomed from outside the dojo.

Following the news disseminated by Deep Sea, every individual within the headquarters building rushed towards the location.

The entrance to the fortieth-floor dojo was already densely thronged with people.

Similarly, the spectator stands were completely occupied.

"I am truly grateful for everyone's benevolence."

With deep sincerity, Gu Shen offered a gradual bow, his voice resonant with earnestness.

Despite a tranquil heart, adhering to the proper etiquette was still a necessity...

In truth, Gu Shen had initially intended to observe and identify any young prodigies at headquarters who had achieved a noteworthy cultivation level. Should such a peer appear, Gu Shen would have gracefully conceded.

Bearing the dual titles of the "Scion of the Netherworld King's Spark" and the "Guardian of the Ancient Literature Society,"

Gu Shen understood that his destiny might closely mirror that of Mr. Gu Changzhi.

His journey was destined for the Northern Continent Border, and ultimately, the Ancient Realm.

The very path that Gu Changzhi had once trod, he too desired to traverse.

Consequently, his sojourn in Changye was destined to be brief, perceiving himself, from this vantage, as a capable defender rather than an enduring sentinel.