Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
There were still three days left until the qualification battle, but Ancient City was already packed with people. People had come from all the territories and prefectures; they had even come from the Desolate Lands to participate in such a grand occasion. Everyone was aware that nothing in the Three Middle Realms was more important than the Title Battle, and nothing could steal its limelight.
However, there are exceptions to all rules, and, on this day, everyone in Ancient City was talking about a piece of art. Any person lucky enough to have seen this piece of art was astounded, and they all felt that they had benefited greatly from seeing it. Even Great Venerables were not an exception to this. Many people who still hadn’t gotten to see it could think of little else but to see it. However, not just anyone was able to see it.
That piece of art was now in the hands of the Mysterious Thunder School’s Master, Yao Tianshi, and no one dared to steal it. The many people who had a good relationship with Yao Tianshi got to see it. The piece of art consisted of just a single word—Doctrine.
It was rumored that many people had a miraculous moment of enlightenment after seeing the piece. However, the general consensus was that it was a pity they couldn’t study it for long. What had really caused the biggest sensation was that all great factions had started proposing offers for it, trying to buy it from Yao Tianshi. The offers proposed raised the price sky-high, and getting higher as time passed. Yao Tianshi was not willing to sell. He stated that the piece of art didn’t belong to him; he was just keeping it safe for a friend. It would be up to his friend to accept or reject their offers.
All factions desired then to meet Yao Tianshi’s friend.
“Since he asked me to hold his piece of art in safekeeping, it is obvious that he has gone away because he is occupied with a certain matter. He stated that he will show himself in the Title Battle.” Yao Tianshi had been disturbed by these prospective buyers many times, which was why he didn’t speak with them politely any longer.
It was only then that the factions stopped and decided to just wait for Yao Tianshi’s friend to show himself. But people still discussed this matter spiritedly. The Mysterious Thunder School was always alone and isolated, and its inheritance was passed down to just a single person. It was rarely in touch with other factions. Moreover, Yao Tianshi’s friends were so few that they could be counted on one hand.
Moreover, a piece of art capable of producing a moment of enlightenment wasn’t something an ordinary person could make. Regardless of how they fretted over this or how many sums they spent to buy intelligence about it, they still weren’t able to learn who the creator of this piece was.
“Regardless of who it is, this person is surely extraordinary.”
“All great factions, and even the Spirit Clans, will fight over such a person.”
“What kind of person can make a painting capable of inspiring a moment of enlightenment?”
Yao Tianshi’s mysterious friend stole the Title Battle’s limelight temporarily. However, after everyone had ascertained that he wouldn’t show himself, the crowd paid attention once again to the qualification battle. On this day, the qualification battle, which was the current center of attention, would finally officially start. This battle would be held on the plaza at the center of the city like most great events. All the streets leading to the plaza were overcrowded, and it was difficult for people to navigate their way around. It was only after the Blood Shadow Dynasty lifted the restrictions on flight that such a situation was alleviated.
Jiang Chen and his group were proceeding by jumping from roof to roof. The four people following him were full of expectation. They all wanted to show their power like Jiang Chen. Even though the qualification battle was just an appetizer, it was still worth seeing for the people who had waited for almost a year for the event. At the very least, they would be able to discern the skill of the 100 people who would qualify.
“I hope that it’s better than the last few years.” Everyone hoped for this because then the Title Battle be spectacular.
“Jiang Chen.” Zhou Jianfeng suddenly gestured his right side. A group of tall women clad in white clothes was arriving from that direction. They were all beautiful and, as they walked together, they seemed like a garden of flowers. They caught everyone’s attention. It was especially the case for the woman leading them. She seemed like an outstanding white lotus among the group of flowers, and she overshadowed the women next to her. She was the Civil and Martial Arts Institute’s Miss Tian Ling. She had long black hair draped over her shoulders and a flawless and perfect oval face.
“Jiang Chen, I’m really sorry. You took a trip in vain because of me,” Tian Ling said.
“It is me who has disturbed you. All opportunities for getting an enlightenment are fleeting. If I had been in your place, I would have taken the same decision,” Jiang Chen said.
Tian Ling pursed her lips and revealed a faint smile. Everyone couldn’t help but desire to have a taste of her lips upon witnessing her cherry mouth.
“Let’s go together.”
“That’s exactly what I wanted,” Jiang Chen said.
The others didn’t have any objection to this, as it was an honor for them to accompany the Civil and Martial Arts Institute’s women. Jiang Chen introduced his four companions to them.
After Ji Yinyi and Tian Ling finished greeting each other, they looked at each other for a longer time than the others, before they started chatting amicably.
“Miss Ji is from a small piece of the Desolate Lands, yet she still has attained such high achievements. It is really amazing, and you still haven’t displayed even half of your potential,” Tian Ling said.
Jiang Chen reminded Tian Ling that they already got to see each other in the Wing Prefecture, but they just didn’t get to chat there because they were in a different environment.
“Tian Ling!” Such an amicable ambiance was broken by someone else’s arrival.
It was Jiang Zhe!
The qualification battle was going to be held on this day, yet he still dressed casually as if he was just going out on an excursion. He wore blue Spirit Clothes and had delicate and pretty facial features, while maintaining a lofty and dignified demeanor.
“You were implicated by him, yet you still walk with him?” Jiang Zhe spoke angrily.
Everyone in the Three Middle Realms was aware of Jiang Zhe’s feelings toward Tian Ling. Before Jiang Chen appeared, they had been close, and many rumors about them had spread. However, it was later confirmed that they were just talking about martial techniques.
“Jiang Zhe, you shouldn’t speak like this about it.” The delight on Tian Ling’s face disappeared, and disappointment showed on her face. She said. “Everyone knows who was in the wrong in the affair between Jiang Chen and the Jiang family.”
“He killed our Jiang family’s disciple….” Jiang Zhe replied without giving this matter a single thought.
“Fine, discussing this matter won’t be of any help.” Jiang Chen interrupted him.
“Who do you think you are? How can you speak to me like this? Last time I saw you, you were just a stray dog.”
Jiang Zhe had always looked down upon Jiang Chen, and he couldn’t accept being interrupted by him.
“The last time I saw you, you were really just a stray dog,” Jiang Chen spoke mockingly. Jiang Zhe was also one of the geniuses beaten by him last time.
“You depended upon external power, so how are you qualified to chide me?”
” If you don’t have external help like the Jiang family, how will you reach a high level today?” Jiang Chen sneered coldly.
“Humph! You can only blame your parents for being incompetent,” Jiang Zhe spoke disdainfully.
“What did you just say?” Jiang Chen couldn’t help but fly into a rage. Even a dragon had a sore spot, which none must touch. He had had two lives, and in both lives he had been blessed with the best parents. He still rejoiced about this.
“You heard me.” Jiang Zhe looked at him with a provocative gaze.
“Enough!” Tian Ling stood between them and said, “It is useless for you to continue arguing like this. Ancient City has new rules, and you cannot have a fight.”
Upon hearing her, Jiang Chen calmed down, while Jiang Zhe curbed his sharp gaze.
“Tian Ling, come with me,” Jiang Zhe said.
“This isn’t an issue of which person I walk with, so don’t make matters difficult for me,” Tian Ling shook her head and spoke.
“He can’t protect you.” Jiang Zhe was quite unwilling to accept this. He said, “That woman will probably come over to cause trouble for you, and you could easily end up targeted if you stand next to him.”
“I don’t fear her, and I don’t need to depend on anyone,” Tian Ling said.
“Fine.” Upon witnessing how resolute she was, Jiang Zhe could only give up. However, before he left, an object appeared in his hand. It was a precious treasure, and when he took it out, everyone in the vicinity cast their gazes over it.
“It will shortly be your birthday. I’ve been thinking a lot about it and I have decided to give this to you in advance.”
