Chapter Sixty-Three: League of Heroes

The Dragon League was the collective name for all of Divine Dragon’s fans—a name as domineering as their reputation. After all, they had the credentials to back it up: Divine Dragon’s previous novel had claimed the monthly ticket championship for ten consecutive months, virtually dominating the leaderboard for an entire year, unmatched by any rival. There were only two months without a championship, and that was because the previous book ended at the beginning of the month, and with the new book not yet on the shelves for over a month, only then did they miss the crown.

This time, Divine Dragon’s return was nothing short of regal—a king reclaiming his throne. Many established writers could only sigh, lamenting that the top of the ticket rankings would once again be out of reach. Su Tong’s challenge was akin to dropping a nuclear bomb in the world of online literature, sending shockwaves throughout the entire community.

After nearly a year of quiet, the web fiction world seemed to have ushered in a new era. The fans of the Dragon League were naturally stirred by Su Tong’s bold move; their dormant fighting spirit roared back to life. Their metaphorical blades had long yearned for action.

However, many members of the Dragon League didn’t stay up until midnight and were unaware of everything that had transpired. The next morning, upon waking, they saw the battle flags flying in their groups and the book review sections. “Coiling Dragon” was sitting at the top of the monthly ticket rankings with 811 votes, while “The Grandmaster” had only a little over 400.

Some Dragon League members could hardly believe their eyes. Was this real? Had they misread the numbers? But soon, the fans found their voices and let out their battle cries.

“I’m furious!”
“I’m angry, and the consequences will be dire.”
“Sharpen my battle sword.”
“Don my battle armor.”
“Charge to the heavens.”
“No more words—fight!”

One after another, Dragon League fans cast their minimum guarantee votes.

“No rush, everyone. Save your votes for the double points at the end of the month.”
“Use your guaranteed votes, but save the subscription-generated tickets for the month’s end.”

Both sides, organizers from the Dragon League and “Coiling Dragon” alike, fought fiercely but with restraint, wary of exhausting their resources too soon and losing their edge when it mattered most.

Still, the Dragon League’s wealthy patrons made a show of force, splurging on a Silver League, bolstering their morale.

“Oh, let me ask, Dragon League—who’s number one on the monthly ticket rankings right now?” Fans from “Coiling Dragon” ventured into the Dragon League’s review section to taunt them, refusing to back down.

Dragon League members were beside themselves with rage. Who would have thought “Coiling Dragon” would maintain its lead through the night and into the morning?

“Go back to your own side.”
“Get lost—you ballot stuffers aren’t welcome here.”
“We’re not afraid of ballot stuffers. Just wait, many Dragon League members haven’t even returned yet.”

The fanbases clashed, unleashing a torrent of arguments.

Su Tong’s challenge had indeed ignited the passion and fervor of “Coiling Dragon’s” readers. Whenever the Dragon League’s warriors called for battle, “Coiling Dragon’s” champions rose to the occasion, never missing a chance to duel.

“Haha, it’s been a while since I came here. The excitement’s back! Roar, Battle Cat has returned—tremble before me!”
“Awoo, things are lively as ever. I, Battle Robot, have returned—kneel before me!”

The battle maniacs from the Nian Nujiao Showroom, having rested for a time, heard that Su Tong was about to slay the gods and returned once more. During the new book’s launch, Su Tong had paid little attention to the review section or his readers, causing some fans to drift away. Now, hearing from the moderators that Su Tong’s fighting spirit had rekindled, the warriors reunited.

Upon witnessing this, Dragon League fans couldn’t help but feel a chill. Damn, Battle Cat and the other maniacs had once inflicted heavy losses on Dragon League—they were the kind who could fight for three days and nights without sleep.

Su Tong, meanwhile, was relaxed these days. It was September 1st and 2nd of his sophomore year, and after receiving his textbooks, he had almost no classes. As a member of the student committee, he helped with the freshman welcome but had little to do. From September 3rd to 5th, the school observed Victory Day—a holiday.

“Ajiao.” That day, the admin known as Winter Journey to Huangshan called Su Tong.

Su Tong was exasperated. Ajiao was a sore spot for him—why did everyone call him that?

“Come on, pick another name. Ajiao is a woman’s name,” Su Tong protested.

Winter Journey to Huangshan chuckled. “I saw that’s what everyone in the web fiction world calls you. I wanted to discuss that side of things, so I followed suit. Fine, I’ll call you ‘Gege’ then.” She snickered again.

Su Tong was helpless—it was supposed to be “big brother,” not “Gege” as in the title for a noble lady. Oh well, it was better than Ajiao.

“So, Huangshan, what’s up? Haha, you’ve worked hard lately. I should treat you to a meal sometime. I don’t even know where you are.”

“I won’t tell you where I am. Checking my phone number’s location won’t help—I’m not there,” Winter Journey to Huangshan replied with a laugh. “I’ve talked it over with the other review moderators. Our reader base isn’t small anymore. We want to come up with a name. Do you have any suggestions? We’re also asking the readers in the review section.”

“Are there that many readers? I haven’t really paid attention these days.” Su Tong had been updating regularly, more than ten chapters a day for five days straight, too lazy to check stats or subscriptions.

“You act like you don't care about anything. Even with three days off for Victory Day, you only livestreamed for five hours. Not even making money. I thought you’d put your mind to that, but apparently not,” Winter Journey to Huangshan said, exasperated.

Su Tong replied shamelessly, “Haven’t you noticed how diligent and fast I’ve been updating? I don’t have time to worry about anything else. I just keep forging ahead—the rewards will follow.”

Winter Journey to Huangshan considered this and admitted he had a point. Su Tong’s recent diligence was undeniable: work hard and the rewards will come—an admirable mindset.

“Back to the point—think about the name. Let me know before tonight. We need to finalize it,” Winter Journey to Huangshan reminded him.

Without hesitation, Su Tong said, “Let’s call it ‘League of Heroes.’ I like it. Of course, if you come up with something better, use that. It’s just my suggestion.”

In this world, there was no game called League of Legends, and the phrase itself was rare.

Winter Journey to Huangshan’s eyes lit up. Truly a gifted man—she loved the name instantly.

“Great, I can’t wait. I’ll get on it right away and make it official.” She hung up in a rush, eager to act.

The name “League of Heroes” quickly won the approval of most readers. From then on, the fans of Nian Nujiao had a true home—the League of Heroes.

“Damn, isn’t that just too cool?”
“It’s off the charts—my titanium-alloy eyes can’t take it!”
“Whoever came up with that name, I’m ready to worship you.”
“Come forward, name-giver! Please take me as your disciple—how can you be so awesome?”

More than ninety percent of the fans embraced the new name, bowing down in admiration.

“It was our General who came up with it, and our General is the very first member of the League of Heroes—Nian Nujiao himself.”

The news was announced.

“Wow, who would have thought it was our Ajiao? Who knew our Ajiao could be so fierce and bold while seeming so gentle?”

“Long live Ajiao!”

“Step aside—long live the General!”

“General, please accept my humble respects!”

Meanwhile, across the divide, Dragon League members were consumed with envy and resentment, especially the latter two emotions, driving them crazy.

How could they come up with such an unrivaled name?

“So what if your name is impressive? Our monthly ticket counts are neck and neck now. Just wait until the end of the month—we’ll crush you right down to the earth’s core.”