Chương 380: Chapter 379: Conclusion of the Assessment

Like Bai Yang and the Qiu Clan member, Xiao Ming chose not to utilize his soul skills. Instead, he allowed his soul power to surge from his brow, transforming into a large hand that fiercely slapped towards the soul powers of the other four participants.

Although Xiao Ming appeared casual, Cao Ying and the others felt an overwhelming sense of imminent danger and silently increased their strength.

Boom!

The collision of invisible soul fluctuations created a powerful gust of wind that howled in the middle of the hall, causing a series of rustling sounds.

The vast soul pressure covered the entire hall, evoking fear, dread, and oppression from the depths of the spectators' souls. However, the intensity of the moment only fueled the enthusiasm of the onlookers.

Representatives from various forces stretched their necks and widened their eyes, focusing intently on the battle scene within the red circle, which was different from the battles of Dou Qi.

Pure soul battles had become extremely rare on the current Dou Qi Continent.

The fierce collision of souls caused the bodies of the four individuals within the red circle, excluding Xiao Ming, to tremble. Cao Ying and the others, who were sitting cross-legged, were forcibly pushed back varying distances, directly leaving the red circle!

Xiao Ming remained seated in his original position, his face displaying a calm smile.

At this moment, victory and defeat had been decided!

On the spectator's platform, the representatives of various forces were left speechless.

Fast! It was too fast! They didn't get to see enough yet...

...

"Are you all right?" Xiao Ming asked, extending his hand towards the delicate figure who was still seated.

Cao Ying coughed weakly before responding, "Cough, cough. Mhm, I'll be fine. You held back your strength at the last moment, didn't you...? Xiao Ming, you're truly outstanding. Thank you for indulging me in this petty game of mine..." She accepted his hand and slowly rose to her feet. Her lips curved into a slight smile, and her phoenix eyes locked onto him with an intense gaze. The pallor on her face added a fragile and captivating touch to her beauty.

"Th-Thank you for your mercy earlier, Elder Xiao Ming," Dan Chen said, her voice trembling slightly as she straightened her clothes and mustered her gratitude.

The enigmatic nature of soul power made clashes even more dangerous than Dou Qi battles. However, Cao Ying and Dan Chen, despite looking slightly pale after their full strikes were blocked, understood that Xiao Ming had somehow protected them.

"You don't need to thank me. It was a friendly competition, not a matter of life and death," Xiao Ming smiled warmly at Dan Chen, causing her to avert her gaze bashfully. As for the two representatives from the Bai and Qiu Clans, they were in much worse condition, feeling dizzy and disoriented, so they remained silent.

After giving Dan Chen and Cao Ying a moment to regain their composure, Xiao Ming turned to Elder Sheng. "Elder Sheng, can you announce the results of the assessment now?"

Elder Sheng approached with a smile on his face as if things had gone exactly as he expected.

"The assessment of the Five Great Clans has concluded. Based on the overall rankings from the three rounds, the first place goes to Xiao Ming representing the Ye Clan. The second place goes to Cao Ying from the Cao Clan, the third place goes to Dan Chen from the Dan Clan, and the fourth place goes to Bai Yang from the Bai Clan..."

With the assessment over, the Bai and Qiu Clans left dejectedly. They had both passed the assessment and managed to retain their positions among the Five Great Clans, so they weren't expelled from the ranks. But falling behind in rank was too embarrassing to stay!

Some people's hopes of replacing the Ye Clan were shattered, and they didn't want to linger any longer, so they gradually turned to leave.

Some forces that had previously had connections with the Ye Clan began to greet Ye Zhong, who was beaming with joy.

Although the Ye Clan had declined, they still preserved their position among the Five Great Clans, and the seat of an Elder in the Pill Tower would also be retained. Perhaps their status couldn't compare to the Cao Clan, but it was still an extraordinary position that ordinary forces couldn't compare to. Moreover, it seemed that they had some connection with Xiao Ming.

Ye Zhong greeted all these people with a smile, but he didn't pay too much attention to them. After experiencing days of ruin and despair, Ye Zhong understood very well that strength was the most important asset.

After casually dealing with those people, Ye Zhong came to Xiao Ming's side with Xin Lan. At this moment, Xiao Ming was discussing some matters with Elder Sheng.

Seeing Ye Zhong approaching, the two men ceased their discussion, and Elder Sheng turned his head to look at Ye Zhong, his eyes filled with a hint of reminiscence. He sighed and congratulated Ye Zhong, "Congratulations, the Ye Clan has retained its position among the Five Great Clans. It's fortunate for the Ye Clan to have the chance to meet Elder Xiao Ming. You should seize this opportunity..."

Elder Sheng's words, subtly implying something, were naturally heard by Ye Zhong. He couldn't help but applaud himself for the decision he had made earlier, allowing Xin Lan to learn from Xiao Ming.

Although Xiao Ming hadn't taken Xin Lan as his official disciple, he had still imparted teachings to her, establishing a mentorship between them. Xin Lan would acquire valuable knowledge to revitalize the Ye Clan.

"I am truly grateful to Elder Xiao Ming for his kindness. Ye Zhong will never forget it, and if there's anything in the future, please feel free to command it," Ye Zhong expressed his gratitude sincerely.

"You don't need to be too formal, Elder Ye," Xiao Ming replied. He was willing to help the Ye Clan because they had helped him obtain the qualification to participate in the Great Elder Selection Contest, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Of course, the Ye Clan would undoubtedly benefit more from this association.

Ye Zhong remembered Xiao Ming's kindness in his heart. Then, looking at Elder Sheng with a sense of relief, he clasped his hands and expressed his gratitude, "I also want to thank Elder Sheng for taking care of us all these years. Without your support, the Ye Clan wouldn't have had the qualification to stand here. This old man will never forget it!"

Elder Sheng chuckled nonchalantly. "We're old friends, no need to mention these things."

"Thank you, Elder Xiao Ming, for showing mercy. Otherwise, my sister would have suffered severe injuries. Our Dan Clan will remember this favor," a gentle voice sounded, and Xiao Ming turned to see a refined and handsome young man bowing in gratitude.

"And you are?" Xiao Ming inquired.

"I am Dan Xuan from the Dan Clan," the young man introduced himself, exuding an extraordinary and refined temperament that easily garnered favorable impressions. Xiao Ming also had a good character, so he just shook his head and smiled.

"You don't need to thank me. My partners care for her deeply, so how could I not take care of her? Besides, didn't Dan Chen already express her gratitude before?"

Dan Chen, who had been hiding behind her brother Dan Xuan, gathered her courage and peeked out, making eye contact with Xiao Ming. The sight of him caused her cheeks to flush instantly, and she hastily hid behind Dan Xuan, resembling an ostrich burying its head in the sand.

"I'm sorry, Elder Xiao Ming. My sister is a bit shy..." Dan Xuan apologized with a hint of remorse. After exchanging a few more words, he bid farewell with a smile, guiding Dan Chen away.

Cao Ying then approached, but seeing that Xiao Ming was occupied, their conversation was kept brief. She informed him of some matters he had to take care of at headquarters and then bid him farewell.

"Haha, it seems Elder Xiao Ming is quite popular among women!" Elder Sheng stroked his beard and teased, observing the interactions.

"Elder Xiao Ming is handsome and exceptionally talented. It's not surprising to receive such attention!" Elder Ye Zhong remarked with a touch of emotion.

Xiao Ming, known as the Dazzling Visage Alchemy Ancestor, was highly popular among women in the Pill Tower, a well-known fact. Coupled with his gentle character, he also had a certain level of popularity among male alchemists.

Xiao Ming simply smiled, not interested in discussing his private life.

"Now that the assessment is over, let's go."