The Ancient Ice Scar Bloodline!
Upon hearing this, Ji Wutian’s heart grew solemn. Judging by the name alone, this bloodline was clearly extraordinary, further emphasized by the term "Ancient," a time when powerful beings were ubiquitous.
The elite bloodlines of that era would naturally be even more potent and formidable today!
"Second Brother, congratulations on taking on another monstrous disciple!"
Ji Wutian pursed his lips as he looked at the young girl, Yu Hongyu, whom even he had almost been ensnared by. He could only imagine what kind of existence this girl would become under his second brother's tutelage in the future.
After a brief chat, the two young beauties, Bing Xiaoxue and Yu Hongyu, were chattering away, as if they had been inseparable friends for years.
A quarter of an hour later.
The group of four arrived at Qingcheng, the first city in the Haotian Immortal Kingdom.
The massive city gate loomed before them, exuding an aura no less imposing than Shenlong City.
"Let's go."
Ye Xuan's lips curved as he stepped into Qingcheng. Ji Wutian also let out a subtle sigh of relief. With this single step, their trial in the Haotian Immortal Kingdom had officially begun.
It had to be said that upon entering Qingcheng, the surrounding energy felt noticeably more concentrated. After all, a city established in such a location naturally possessed unique advantages, which was undeniable.
"Hehe, Master, I'm familiar with this place."
"I pulled off quite a few jobs here before..."
Yu Hongyu chattered proudly, eliciting a wry smile from Ye Xuan. This newly accepted disciple was certainly not one to sit still. As for Ji Wutian, he simply smiled slightly, thinking that such a personality was indeed befitting of his second brother's disciple.
"Hey, hurry up to the martial arts arena in the city center!"
"Today is the Qingcheng Grand Competition, if we're late, we won't get good seats!"
"Damn it, I bet all the prodigies of Qingcheng will gather here today."
"Yeah, the top three in this competition get the Cangyu Secret Key as a reward. That's the key to entering the Cangyu Secret Realm, and it's highly sought after."
Amidst the murmurs of the surrounding crowd, groups of three and five headed towards the center of Qingcheng.
"Master, this Cangyu Secret Key is a valuable item."
"You don't know, the Cangyu Secret Realm is unique to Cangyu Prefecture. It's filled with countless heavenly treasures, and legend has it, even top-grade immortal artifacts exist within, though no one has ever obtained them..."
It was clear that Yu Hongyu knew a lot about the Haotian Immortal Kingdom. However, this was a fortunate turn of events, as they wouldn't need a guide.
After all, this girl had probably robbed countless people over the years.
"Oh?"
Just as Ye Xuan was about to respond to Yu Hongyu, the system's voice chimed in.
"Ding! Host has triggered a random mission. Participate in the Qingcheng Grand Competition, obtain the Cangyu Secret Key, and receive 5000 Haotian Coins, with a bonus of 8000 mid-grade immortal crystals!"
As the system's voice echoed, Ye Xuan was slightly taken aback. The system truly didn't let him rest.
"Let's go and see."
Following Ye Xuan's command, he led the group towards the city center.
Not long after.
The group arrived at the city center, where Bai Cangyu, the City Lord of Qingcheng, was personally presiding over the Qingcheng Grand Competition.
As the City Lord of Qingcheng, Bai Cangyu possessed the strength of a peak first-tier Dao Ancestor, just a step away from becoming a second-tier Dao Ancestor. With his aura fully unleashed, the entire venue fell into silence, clearly demonstrating Bai Cangyu's high prestige in Qingcheng.
"This competition has been specially approved by Cangyu Prefecture. Our Qingcheng has been allocated ten Cangyu Secret Keys. Three of these will be awarded to the top three participants of the Qingcheng Grand Competition. The remaining seven will be held by the City Lord's Mansion, with four of them distributed to the four major families of Qingcheng."
As Bai Cangyu's voice faded, all eyes immediately shifted to the four individuals seated beside the City Lord's seat. These four were the representatives of the Chen, Zhang, Li, and another family of Qingcheng's guard, clearly indicating that each of their families had received a Cangyu Secret Key.
And this was the very reason for the fervent gazes of everyone present!
"This is rather interesting."
Ye Xuan listened to Bai Cangyu's words, then summoned the Arm-Bearing Ape and the One-Horned Bull Python. Since there were three Cangyu Secret Keys available, there was no reason for others to claim them.
Of course, the aura they exuded at this moment was only that of a sixth-tier Void Ancestor, on par with the participating powerhouses.
Shortly after registration, Bai Cangyu stepped onto the stage. "Very well, I now announce the commencement of the Qingcheng Grand Competition!"
"This competition will adopt a challenge-based elimination format to swiftly determine the top three strongest participants..."
Following this, Bai Cangyu elaborated on the competition's procedures. The entire process was straightforward, employing a challenge system for twenty platforms, representing the top twenty participants of the Qingcheng Grand Competition.
After the challenge rounds, the twenty participants would undergo a final ranking selection.
"Alright, the challenge selection begins!"
"All you prodigies and powerhouses, feel free to begin."
As Bai Cangyu's voice fell, twenty Void Ancestor level powerhouses immediately took their positions on the twenty platforms.
"Cangyu Secret Key, I'm taking it!"
The experts from the four major families immediately made their moves, clearly realizing that although they had already secured one Cangyu Secret Key, it was still insufficient for their desires.
And so...
The twenty platforms became a fiery battleground. Driven by the immense reward of the Cangyu Secret Key, all contestants unleashed their full might, their every move aimed at a decisive victory.
"Since that's the case, let's make our move too."
Subsequently, Ye Xuan and the other two, projecting themselves as sixth-tier Void Ancestors, swiftly conquered three platforms, successfully entering the top twenty.
Half an hour later.
The challenge rounds concluded, and Ye Xuan, along with the Arm-Bearing Ape, successfully secured their spots among the top twenty in the Qingcheng Grand Competition. This was beyond doubt.
After all!
Even the weakest among them, the Arm-Bearing Ape, possessed the strength of a peak fourth-tier Dao Ancestor. As for the One-Horned Bull Python, it was at the peak of the fifth-tier Dao Ancestor. The City Lord of Qingcheng himself would not have been able to withstand even a single blow from any of them. How could these Void Ancestor powerhouses possibly be a match?
"Hehe, Master and them... this 'playing the pig to eat the tiger' tactic is truly ruthless."
Yu Hongyu looked at her master with immense admiration. She loved this kind of move the most. As for Bing Xiaoxue beside her, her eyes were filled with the adoration of a fangirl as she gazed at her master on the field.
As expected!
A quarter of an hour later, the final three were determined from the top twenty.
Bai Cangyu looked at the three unfamiliar figures with a bitter smile. The four major families exchanged glances, their thoughts unreadable.
"Good!"
"I now announce the first place in the Qingcheng Grand Competition: Ye Xuan."
"Second place: Mu Bai."
"Third place: Lou Ao Xue."
"The Cangyu Secret Keys will be awarded to these three individuals. Congratulations, young friends!"
Bai Cangyu then personally handed the three Cangyu Secret Keys to Ye Xuan and the other two. This scene, however, filled others with envy. Of course, hidden in the shadows, countless pairs of eyes gleamed with murderous intent. Clearly.
Although Ye Xuan and the other two had obtained the Cangyu Secret Keys, whether they would live to enjoy them was another matter entirely!
Instantly, the gazes of the four major families and numerous other factions fell upon the trio of Ye Xuan. City Lord Bai Cangyu let out a quiet sigh, lamenting inwardly, hoping these three young friends could depart safely. As for what would happen next, no one could say.