章節 195: The Path to the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament-3

The Blue Wind Ranking Tournament was fast approaching, and the Imperial Palace of Blue Wind was abuzz with preparations. The tournament was a highly anticipated event, one that could bring honor to the Empire and raise the status of its participants. Among those eagerly preparing was Raja, the young but powerful figure whose return to the Blue Wind Empire had stirred much excitement. In the quiet elegance of the Inner Palace, Cang Yue, the princess, stood with a determined gaze, her thoughts focused on the importance of this tournament.

"Raja, your participation in this tournament is not only crucial for you, but for the entire Empire," Cang Yue stated with unwavering conviction. Her words were filled with an earnestness that mirrored her concern for the future of the Blue Wind Empire. "With you and Yun Che representing the Imperial Family, the entire faction's ranking will rise. No other disciples, like Fang Feilong or Feng Bufan, can bring as much prestige to our name. The strength of a faction is not measured by the average rank of its disciples but by the performance of its best. And you—both of you—are more than capable of making our mark."

Raja nodded appreciatively at her words, knowing that Cang Yue believed in him, perhaps even more than he believed in himself. Together with Yun Che, they would carry the banner of the Imperial Family into the tournament, and he was confident they would do the Empire proud.

Just as the conversation settled, an anxious shout pierced the air, echoing through the halls of the Inner Palace. "Big Brother Raja!" The voice was unmistakable—it was Xia Yuanba.

Raja smiled, a sense of warmth filling his chest at the familiar sound of his friend's voice. "It's Yuanba," Raja said, his tone softening. Cang Yue, who had been standing at his side, immediately turned to the Palace Chief, Qin Wushang, who had been quietly observing.

"Allow him in," Cang Yue commanded gently. "He must have heard of Raja's return and come to see him."

The door opened almost immediately, and in burst Xia Yuanba, his face flushed with excitement. Without a moment's hesitation, he rushed toward Raja, throwing his arms around him and squeezing him in a bear hug. His eyes were brimming with tears, his voice cracking with emotion as he spoke.

"Big Brother, I thought you were gone forever! I... I thought I lost you!" Yuanba's voice was full of raw emotion, and it was clear that he had been holding onto his worry for a long time.

Raja chuckled softly and returned the hug, patting Yuanba on the back with a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Yuanba," he said warmly. "There's no way anyone in this world could hurt your Big Brother Raja. Not as long as I'm standing."

Yuanba wiped his eyes, still overwhelmed with the relief that flooded his heart. He pulled back slightly, still gazing at Raja as though trying to convince himself that he wasn't dreaming. "But... but you went to that dangerous Wasteland of Death! I... I thought you'd never return!"

Raja's heart ached for Yuanba. The bond they shared was deep, and Yuanba's feelings of worry were something Raja truly understood. "I know it was dangerous, Yuanba, but I survived. And I'll never let anything like that happen again."

As Yuanba stepped back, Raja took a moment to truly observe him. The boy had grown physically stronger, but something nagged at him. Although Yuanba had spent significant time in the Blue Wind Profound Palace, training under the best resources, he had only managed to reach the seventh level of the Elementary Profound Realm.

Raja's brows furrowed slightly, a mix of disappointment and concern settling within him. "Yuanba, I see you've grown a little stronger. But... seventh level? You've been in the Blue Wind Profound Palace for some time now, with all the training resources you could ask for. You should be at a higher level by now."

Yuanba lowered his gaze, a faint flush of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "I... I know, Big Brother. It's just that... I haven't been able to focus as much as I should have. It's not easy, even with all the resources."

Cang Yue, who had been silently watching the exchange, gave a soft sigh of concern. "Yuanba has always been a good-hearted boy, but his development has been slower than we expected. The Palace has done all it can, but perhaps something more is needed."

Raja's protective nature flared as he turned to Yuanba. "Don't worry. I'll make sure you get the training you need. I won't let you waste your potential."

As the conversation shifted, Cang Yue's expression grew serious, her concern for Raja evident. "Raja, you've been through too much already. The Wasteland of Death was beyond dangerous, and I can't bear to see you put yourself in such peril again. You must promise me that you won't venture into such places any longer."

Raja smiled softly at her, his eyes full of warmth. "I promise, Cang Yue. I've learned my lesson. No more reckless adventures."

But Cang Yue wasn't convinced. "Please, Raja, I just want you to stay safe. Your journey should not be filled with such dangers."

"I understand," Raja said. "But you know that some things can't be avoided. Sometimes, destiny calls, and we must answer."

Raja, noticing the growing concern in Cang Yue's eyes, decided to share a brief version of his adventures in the Wasteland of Death, though he omitted the parts involving Little Fairy and the Dragon God Trial—those were far too complex and dangerous to explain in such a setting.

"I've faced trials that no one should ever have to endure," Raja said quietly. "But I've also gained power that others can't even imagine. The Wasteland... it wasn't just a place of death. It was where I grew stronger, much stronger. And that strength is what will carry us through the coming challenges."

As Cang Yue spoke, a growing unease settled in. "But there is one person missing—Fen Juechen. He was supposed to arrive by now."

Qin Wushang, ever the practical one, tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair, his brow furrowing. "It's possible he lost track of time while preparing for the tournament. It's not like him to be late."

Without hesitation, he turned to Yuanba. "Yuanba, go to the Profound Gathering Tower and check on Fen Juechen. See if he's there."

Yuanba's eyes lit up, his excitement palpable. "I... I can go to the Profound Gathering Tower?!" He had heard much about the tower, but as a lower-ranked disciple, he had never been allowed inside before. To him, it was a place of mystery and reverence.

"Yes," Qin Wushang replied. "Go and see if he's there."

Yuanba could barely contain his joy as he rushed off, eager to experience something so significant.

The Profound Gathering Tower stood as a symbol of the Blue Wind Profound Palace's power. Only the most elite disciples were allowed entry, and Yuanba could hardly believe his good fortune when he was sent there. His heart raced with anticipation as he stepped toward the tower, the air thick with the scent of mystery.

But soon, he returned, accompanied by a figure dressed in black—Fen Juechen.

Fen Juechen's aura was one of arrogance, and his indifference was palpable. He barely glanced at the assembled group, his demeanor dismissive as he spoke, "What are you all standing around for? Get moving. I've arrived."

His words were icy, his gaze cold as he looked over everyone, particularly ignoring the presence of Cang Yue and Qin Wushang with an almost palpable disdain.

Raja's keen eyes immediately noticed something strange. Xia Yuanba was walking with an awkward limp, his movements stiff. Concerned, Raja moved closer.

"Yuanba, what happened?" Raja's voice was firm, his gaze intense.

Yuanba hesitated, his face flushing with embarrassment. "It's nothing, Big Brother. I just slipped on the stairs."

But Raja wasn't fooled. "Don't lie to me. Someone did this to you, didn't they?"

Before Yuanba could respond, Fen Juechen's voice cut through the room, dripping with disdain. "I did it," he said coldly, his eyes narrowing at Yuanba. "He had the nerve to walk in front of me. I simply gave him a 'lesson' for his arrogance."

Raja's fury erupted in an instant. He stepped forward, his voice laced with ice as he glared at Fen Juechen. "You dare to lay a hand on my little bro, Yuanba?" He demanded. "Apologize, now. And slap yourself three times to show you understand your place."

Fen Juechen scoffed, his arrogant smirk never fading. "I will do no such thing."

Raja's eyes burned with intensity, and he turned to Yun Che. Without a word, Yun Che understood the unspoken command. He released his King's Haki, an overwhelming aura that forced Fen Juechen to his knees, his body trembling as he lost consciousness.

Qin Wushang sighed deeply, frustration etching his features. "The selection process for the tournament might be jeopardized if we don't move quickly."

Raja's voice broke through the tension. "I'll represent the Imperial Family, alongside Yun Che. We don't need other disciples. Let's just focus on our strength."

Qin Wushang nodded, acknowledging Raja's point. "The tournament ranking is determined by the strongest disciple, not by averages."

Raja continued, "Given the short time left before the tournament, it's better to avoid the hassle of selecting new participants. If we bring Yuanba, it would be an opportunity for him to fulfill his dream."

Yuanba, overwhelmed with gratitude, spoke up. "Big Brother, I... I never thought I'd have a chance to join the tournament. But... my strength isn't enough."

Raja's voice was firm as he made his request. "Please, let both Yuanba and Yun Che join us. It's important to me."

Cang Yue stepped forward, her voice gentle but filled with conviction. "I agree with Raja. His strength, along with Yun Che's, is enough to represent the Imperial Family. Allowing Yuanba to accompany us is not unreasonable." She already measured Yun Che Cultivation using her Monarch Heart Secret Art technique.

Though Qin Wushang was reluctant, Cang Yue's intervention made him reconsider. "Very well," he said with a resigned sigh. "But Yuanba will be an escort, not a competitor."

Qin Wushang set two conditions: "Yuanba can join, but he is to attend as an escort, and Raja must rank in the top hundred."

Raja nodded firmly. "I accept these conditions. You won't be disappointed."

Yuanba's face lit up with joy. "Thank you! Thank you so much!"

The group prepared to depart on the Giant Snow Eagles, splitting into two groups. Cang Yue and Raja flew together, with Yun Che and Yuanba following closely behind.

As they flew toward the tournament grounds, Cang Yue clung to Raja, her emotions stirring. "I was so scared for you, Raja. I thought I might lose you forever."

Raja hugged her back, offering comfort. "I'm here, Cang Yue. You don't have to worry."

Raja's thoughts turned to Yuanba. "He's like a younger brother to me. I'll never let anyone hurt him again."

Cang Yue asked, her voice tinged with curiosity, "Have you heard of Chu Yuechan? She's from Frozen Cloud Asgard, a beauty and a powerhouse. Even the Emperor admires her."

Raja was surprised by Cang Yue's strong reaction. "What's your interest in her?"

Cang Yue sighed, her voice tinged with something deeper. "She's not only beautiful but incredibly powerful. Her recent news that she become Emperor profound Realm is... complicated."