Chương 88: Eleven Envoys Arriving on Swordback

Early the next morning.

The faint morning light illuminated the sky, with the rosy hues of dawn.

Glistening dewdrops dripped from the tips of leaves.

In the square designated for core disciples, 26 true lineage disciples, including Jiang Heng, had all gathered.

Standing in front of the crowd was a middle-aged man with a long beard.

He was none other than Core Elder Wu Hao, who had previously clashed with Elder Sun at the Elder Council.

"Everyone! The importance of the Qingzhou Union's martial competition, I believe everyone here is well aware of it," Wu Hao declared.

"It pertains to the various policies and support for sects in the Holy Land for the next five years, the allocation of numerous industries, the distribution of abundant resources, and most importantly, the well-being of every disciple."

"From the sect elders to the tens of thousands of disciples, everyone is waiting for your triumph!"

"May you all succeed!" Wu Hao shouted passionately.

"Let's go!" The crowd responded with fervor.

Their excitement wasn't just driven by personal gain but also the anticipation of competing with nearly ten thousand top-tier geniuses in Qingzhou.

To become a true lineage disciple, each one of them was an exceptional talent, brimming with self-confidence.

Even though they were up against thousands of equally outstanding competitors, they didn't consider themselves inferior.

"Depart!" Wu Hao led the group as they left the sect, demonstrating their martial skills in a direction.

...

Ulan City was the capital of Qingzhou, serving as the economic and political hub of the entire region.

Every order issued from here had a direct impact on the livelihoods of millions of people across thousands of square miles.

Outside Ulan City, there was a vast estate covering several miles, constructed at great expense by the Qingzhou King. It was dedicated to providing temporary accommodations for sect disciples every five years.

On this day, hundreds of servants bustled about the estate, serving tea, water, and exquisite pastries to the sect disciples who had arrived.

As Jiang Heng and his group of 27 arrived at the estate, Qingzhou King Xin Zhigang warmly welcomed them at the main entrance.

"I am Xin Zhigang, the King of Qingzhou, and I've been eagerly waiting for your arrival. Please, come in!"

Xin Zhigang was tall and robust, dressed in a blue robe that made him appear like a towering figure.

His laughter was hearty and welcoming as he greeted Wu Hao and nodded to the others.

Suddenly, his gaze fixated on Jiang Heng, and his expression turned surprised.

Typically, those who attended the martial competition were true lineage disciples with a cultivation level reaching the Sea Spirit Realm. Thus, the visitors were usually in their thirties, with their leader being an elder.

Jiang Heng's youthful face stood out in this crowd.

Qingzhou King Xin Zhigang quickly regained his composure and complimented, "The Dalu Sect is indeed a top-tier sect with numerous talents. I've heard that it recently produced two geniuses who made it to the Dragon Soaring List. Congratulations!"

The gaze of a few individuals instinctively fell on Jiang Heng, which made Xin Zhigang's expression change for a moment. He immediately understood Jiang Heng's identity but didn't inquire further. After a brief conversation, he directed everyone into the estate.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please follow me," a servant respectfully guided them forward, and Jiang Heng and his group followed.

Upon entering the estate, they found themselves in a vast square divided into different sections based on the sect's ranking. The Dalu Sect, as one of the top sects, occupied the eastern area.

Jiang Heng's group took their seats in their designated area, alongside another top-tier sect belonging to the Fenghe Region – the Heaven Sword Sect.

"So, it's Elder Wu leading the way. Long time no see, and your demeanor remains as impressive as ever!"

"You're too kind, Elder Huang. You seem to have made significant progress in your cultivation as well."

"Not at all!"

Both the Dalu Sect and the Heaven Sword Sect had been archrivals for years, but as sect leaders, they maintained a surface level of civility and exchanged pleasantries.

However, soon, Elder Huang, as he discreetly observed the Dalu Sect's true lineage disciples, fixed his gaze.

"The Dalu Sect truly has a pool of talent. In this generation, there are 26 true lineage disciples participating, and among them, there's a teenager of just over ten years old. I presume he must be Jiang Heng, the one who once ranked on the Dragon Soaring List?"

Elder Huang said with a somewhat forced smile.

For someone as young as Jiang Heng to become a true lineage disciple, Elder Huang believed it was highly likely he was the famous Jiang Heng. Jiang Heng had risen to fame by defeating the core disciples of the Heaven Sword Sect at the battle recorded in the Dragon Soaring List. His remarkable talent had garnered admiration, but it had also left a deep sense of shame for the Heaven Sword Sect.

To all the disciples of the Heaven Sword Sect, Jiang Heng had brought nothing but humiliation.

Elder Wu was well aware of this fact.

Following Elder Huang's gaze, Elder Wu chuckled heartily and said, "That's right! He is Jiang Heng, who once had a friendly exchange with your esteemed sect. You could say he has a connection with your sect."

At this point, he suddenly paused in his speech. Elder Wu had a realization that Jiang Heng, given his level of cultivation, was putting himself in grave danger by participating in this martial competition. What's more, the deep-seated enmity between him and the Heaven Sword Sect might make him a specific target.

"I should remind Jiang Heng to be cautious later," Elder Wu thought.

"Hmm! Truly a remarkable talent! To have the qualifications to participate in the Union Martial Competition at such a young age!" Elder Huang glanced meaningfully at Jiang Heng and then redirected the conversation with Elder Wu.

In his heart, Elder Huang pondered, "I can't continue discussing Jiang Heng too much; otherwise, it might arouse suspicion. I don't want to deter him from participating in the competition. If he does, it's a perfect opportunity to eliminate this arrogant brat."

"Stay calm for now! I mustn't show my intentions."

"No matter the reason for his decision to compete, this time, I will absolutely kill this presumptuous brat!"

Behind the two elders, the true lineage disciples of both sects sat with their eyes closed, focusing their energy.

Jiang Heng felt multiple glances occasionally resting on him and turned to see Elder Huang's glance and the intermittent glances from Heaven Sword Sect disciples. He smirked silently, then closed his eyes to meditate.

Not long after, someone suddenly shouted, "They're here!"

Jiang Heng opened his eyes and instinctively looked in a certain direction.

In the distant sky, eleven streaks of light rapidly broke through the atmosphere, quickly arriving over the square. These individuals stood on flying swords, silently suspended in the air.

These were eleven experts who could fly on their swords, a symbol of the Wanxiang Realm or higher cultivation.

In other words, each of these eleven individuals had the power equivalent to a sect master.

And those who had examined the records of previous martial competitions knew that the chief martial host was a master of the Sixth Realm of Martial Arts - the Profound Concealment Realm. Their cultivation far surpassed that of any sect master.

Everyone stood up from behind their tables and shouted in unison, "We welcome the Sacred Envoys!"

The eleven people landed in the center of the square. The middle-aged man in a plain white long robe, who was the leader, surveyed the area and calmly asked, "Have all the sects gathered?"

His solemn voice echoed in everyone's ears.