The moment the forces from the four major regions took their seats, a buzzing sound echoed from high above.
"Greetings to the Sect Master!"
"Greetings to all Peak Lords!"
As eight pillars of light shot up into the sky, the disciples from the seven major regions in the square all rose and bowed, shouting their greetings.
Furthermore, the leaders and their followers from various factions seated in the pavilions and terraces also rose and cupped their fists in salutation.
"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend our Azure Hall's Seven Sages and Ten Worthies Grand Assembly. We beg your indulgence for any shortcomings," said Duan Ya Zi, cupping his fists and bowing as he swept his gaze across the surroundings after An Ba Tian and the seven Peak Lords appeared high in the sky.
"Elder Duan speaks too highly. To witness such a grand assembly is our good fortune."
"Indeed. Such an event is a magnificent spectacle throughout the entire Azure Firmament Continent. We are honored to be present and should be grateful to the esteemed elders of Azure Hall."
"..."
As soon as Duan Ya Zi finished speaking, the leaders of various factions immediately responded. Each of their words clearly showed immense respect for Azure Hall.
Although these faction leaders were at the helm of their own sects, they were indeed insignificant compared to Azure Hall. Moreover, these leaders were well aware that any slight that displeased Azure Hall could jeopardize not only their resources but also their very development.
Furthermore, with the existence of Azure Hall, the Azure Firmament Continent enjoyed a measure of peace. Although there were minor competitions between factions, they were within normal bounds.
Duan Ya Zi, seemingly accustomed to the reactions of the faction leaders, nodded calmly and then waved his hand again. "Esteemed guests have traveled far. Please partake in our Azure Hall's unique Thousand Miles Fragrance brew. Now, I, the elder, declare the ceremony officially begin!"
As Duan Ya Zi's voice faded, the sixteen figures seated at the forefront of the seven major regions all moved and floated into mid-air.
Spiritual light flickered around the sixteen figures, and their auras erupted simultaneously. With the explosion of their energies, the sky above churned. The once clear sky seemed to freeze.
"I, Qi Li Xuan, welcome all junior disciples to challenge me!"
"I, Jiang Ming Zhi, welcome all junior disciples to challenge me!"
"..."
"I, Wei Wen Rui, welcome all junior disciples to challenge me!"
The sixteen voices boomed, each resonating through the heavens and shaking the ears of everyone present. The presence emanating from each of them was even more powerful.
Li Xuan glanced at them and knew that even if he were to use all his trump cards, he would likely not be able to defeat any one of them.
"Is this the prelude to battle?" Li Xuan murmured, a fervent fighting spirit igniting in his eyes.
Although he was no match for them now, Li Xuan believed that one day he would challenge these individuals, perhaps even surpass them. Li Xuan understood that his path was far from simple.
"Alas, these fellows are as arrogant as ever. However, I must admit I am truly impressed. Even against Wei Wen Rui, one of the Ten Worthies, I am no match."
Watching the sixteen figures issue their challenges, Song Wu Wen shrugged helplessly and said.
Li Xuan smiled upon hearing this and patted Song Wu Wen's shoulder. "Fourth Senior Brother, one day, you too will reach the position they occupy."
"Haha, Fifth Junior Brother, with your words, I must put in the effort. Hmm, it seems we cannot hold back in this ranking battle."
Song Wu Wen chuckled, his gaze then turning resolute as he looked towards Su Yue Ze, Chai Jing Yuan, and He Xi Dong.
"This battle concerns our Master's standing. As disciples, we must naturally give our all," Su Yue Ze, as the eldest disciple, understood the purpose of this Saint Son contention. He nodded slightly, his eyes also brightening considerably.
Li Xuan's heart stirred upon seeing this. Four jade bottles instantly appeared in his hands, and he handed them directly to Su Yue Ze and the other three. "Four Senior Brothers, the contention for Saint Son this time may depend on you. The contents within may be of assistance."
"Oh? Then I am eager to see what is inside," Song Wu Wen said, looking at the jade bottles in Li Xuan's hand with surprise, and was about to open one.
Li Xuan stopped Song Wu Wen and let out a wry smile. "Fourth Senior Brother, these are healing sacred items bestowed by the Sect Master to our Master. If you open them now, won't the Sect Master discover it? You can use them inside if the need arises."
"Also, you don't need to worry about me. While I may not have the strength for the Seven Sages and Ten Worthies contention, I still have some confidence in the Top Hundred Benevolent Ones competition!"
"Bestowed by the Sect Master? In that case, we thank you first." Hearing Li Xuan's words, Su Yue Ze and the other three were astonished. They nodded to Li Xuan and each placed a jade bottle into their storage rings. xxs
It was clear that Su Yue Ze and the other three took the importance of the Saint Son contention very seriously. With such items now, they felt no awkwardness in accepting them from Li Xuan.
After doing all this, Li Xuan breathed a small sigh of relief. Each of the four jade bottles contained three drops of Jade Dew. A single drop could heal more than half of one's injuries, making it an absolutely useful item in battle.
Time gradually passed. After fifteen minutes, Duan Ya Zi's closed eyes suddenly opened, and he let out a loud shout, "Present the Azure Sky Ranking!"
As Duan Ya Zi's voice fell, a golden, shimmering scroll appeared in the sky.
The Azure Sky Ranking slowly unfurled, and the golden light cast revealed a massive portal.
As the portal appeared, Duan Ya Zi surveyed his surroundings and then announced, "All participating disciples, except for the Seven Sages and Ten Worthies, must enter this Azure Sky Illusion Realm to contend for new rankings. Those who perform exceptionally will receive great rewards. Furthermore, disciples who enter the Top Hundred Benevolent Ones can challenge the Ten Worthies. If they win, they may then challenge the Seven Sages."
"Within the Azure Sky Illusion Realm, life and death are not considered. All will rely on their own means. If you are unable to contend, you may choose to withdraw from this competition. Your rankings will ultimately be displayed on this Azure Sky Ranking. What your results and destiny will be depends entirely on your own fortune."
"Additionally, each person will be given a token as a symbol of identity. Those who obtain more tokens will naturally rank higher. Conversely, if a token is lost, the competition for that individual will end. To withdraw, simply activate the token."
"Now, I, the elder, announce that the ranking challenge officially begins!"
As Duan Ya Zi's voice concluded, Li Xuan felt a strong killing intent surge forth. At this moment, even his fellow disciples from the same peak became vigilant.
After all, once they entered the Azure Sky Illusion Realm, it would be a battle for individuals. Even if there were opportunities for temporary alliances, they would likely have to face each other in the end.
"Fifth Junior Brother, be extremely careful in the Azure Sky Illusion Realm. The scenes within are different each time, so we cannot give you a specific rendezvous point. Therefore, until you find one of us four, you must prioritize your own safety."
As the killing intent rose, Su Yue Ze looked at Li Xuan with a solemn expression. Chai Jing Yuan and the other two also nodded in agreement.
Li Xuan nodded seriously. Although he possessed the strength of a high-level True Self Realm cultivator, among the over one hundred thousand disciples of Azure Hall, he was but a drop in the ocean.
Moreover, this was not the time for him to be overconfident. If he encountered disciples of similar strength, Li Xuan would be confident in his ability to hold his ground. However, if he encountered disciples above the Other Shore Realm, he would likely have to retreat.
Hearing Su Yue Ze's words at this moment, Li Xuan felt a warmth in his heart. That they were still thinking of him at this time showed how much they valued him.
"Enter the portal!"
When the killing intent reached its peak, Duan Ya Zi shouted again, and then moved, leaving the front of the portal.
Whoosh!
As Duan Ya Zi's voice fell, figures shot towards the portal. Fortunately, the Azure Sky Illusion Realm portal was enormous, so there was no immediate congestion.
"Fifth Junior Brother, we are going ahead. The Azure Sky Illusion Realm is randomly teleported. Besides being cautious of them, also beware of the beasts within. Remember, you must protect yourself."
Watching more and more disciples enter the Azure Sky Illusion Realm, Su Yue Ze and the other three once again cautioned Li Xuan.
Li Xuan nodded and replied, "Four Senior Brothers, rest assured, I have my means of self-preservation."
The four of them visibly relaxed somewhat and then exchanged glances before shooting towards the portal.
Li Xuan pondered for a moment, then moved and also headed towards the portal.
What Li Xuan did not know was that the moment he moved, Qiu Shao Long in the third region smirked sinisterly. He then moved and stepped into the portal simultaneously with Li Xuan.
Buzz.
A wave of dizziness washed over Li Xuan's mind. When he regained his senses, the scene before him had changed. Lush trees, fragrant grass. Everything seemed peaceful, yet Li Xuan felt a sense of lurking danger.
"As expected, it's a random teleportation. I wonder when this battle will end." Li Xuan scanned the surroundings with his divine sense, and after confirming there were no other disciples within a hundred-mile radius, his taut nerves relaxed.
After a moment of thought, Li Xuan began setting up. After arranging a simple Spirit Gathering formation, Li Xuan sat cross-legged and began to adjust his state.
According to Song Wu Wen, to prevent disciples of different levels from being eliminated immediately, each disciple's teleported area had certain restrictions.
It was like a circle divided into an outer ring, a middle ring, an inner ring, and a core point. However, as time passed, powerful disciples would also head to the innermost core to contend for a spot in the top hundred.
And now, having just entered the Azure Sky Illusion Realm, Li Xuan naturally would not rush to the innermost core so quickly. Firstly, Li Xuan had not yet grasped the general situation of the Azure Sky Illusion Realm. Secondly, Li Xuan wanted to test his true strength within the True Self Realm.
Time passed. After half an hour, Li Xuan exhaled a breath and slowly opened his eyes.
To rank high, one must seize others' tokens. Moreover, even if Li Xuan did not seek out others, sooner or later, someone would pass by this place and discover Li Xuan's location. Instead of waiting, it was more efficient to take the initiative.
"It's this time of day, there should be someone around by now." Li Xuan dismantled the Spirit Gathering formation, stood up, and shot off towards the distance after glancing that way.
The moment Li Xuan moved, on another side within the True Self Realm area, Qiu Shao Long's figure was also rapidly streaking through the air.
With his advanced Other Shore Realm strength, Qiu Shao Long's actions were naturally not as cautious as Li Xuan's. Some disciples of similar Other Shore Realm strength, sensing Qiu Shao Long's imposing presence, all suppressed their auras, daring not to challenge his might.
After all, advanced Other Shore Realm strength was nearly invincible in this region.
Qiu Shao Long instantly sensed these presences. However, at this moment, Qiu Shao Long was focused on quickly eliminating Li Xuan, so he had no interest in these disciples.
After a brief pause, Qiu Shao Long seemed to have discovered something and shot off again.
"This Qiu Shao Long seems to be looking for someone? I wonder who this fellow has targeted."
Those hidden disciples, seeing that Qiu Shao Long paid them no mind, breathed a sigh of relief. Then, watching Qiu Shao Long's departing back, they became somewhat curious.