“Linghu Hongfei?”
“Why is he here? Didn’t he say he wouldn’t participate in this selection?”
Linghu Hongfei’s arrival caught everyone by surprise, yet it also sparked immense excitement.
After all, Linghu Hongfei was widely recognised as the greatest genius in the Ancestral Martial Starfield.
Without him, the Ancestral Martial Ten Stars selection would simply feel incomplete.
Not to mention witnessing him in action, even catching a glimpse of him in person was a dream for many, especially the younger generation—and among them, the young women were the most thrilled.
Which young woman wouldn’t want to find the most outstanding man in the world to protect her?
Undoubtedly, Linghu Hongfei was the partner they all yearned for. Unfortunately, Linghu Hongfei was far above their reach, and they knew they weren’t worthy of him. Still, this didn’t diminish their admiration and adoration for him.
“Linghu Hongfei, it seems you’ve changed your mind?” Wuming Ken asked.
“This junior encountered some trouble earlier and thought I wouldn’t make it in time for the Ancestral Martial Ten Stars selection. I didn’t want to delay everyone because of me, so I withdrew. But once I recovered, I rushed here immediately, hoping the elders would grant me a chance,” Linghu Hongfei said, clasping his fists. His attitude was humble yet articulate, polite yet dignified.
Not only were the younger generation captivated, but even the elders couldn’t stop praising him.
“And your health now, is it fully restored?” Wuming Ken inquired.
“Thank you for your concern, elder. This junior has fully recovered,” Linghu Hongfei replied.
“That’s good to hear. You are the future pillar of our Ancestral Martial Starfield. If anything were to happen to you, it would be bad news for us all.”
“As for whether you can participate in the Ancestral Martial Ten Stars selection, I cannot decide alone. I must consult with the clan elders.”
After saying this, Wuming Ken headed toward the main chariot in the Starfield Master Realm.
No one knew exactly who was inside, but there was no doubt that it housed influential figures from the Starfield Master Realm—perhaps even Supreme-level experts.
Not long after, Wuming Ken emerged from the chariot and returned to his previous position.
“Linghu Hongfei, after discussions with the clan elders, we’ve decided to make an exception today, allowing you to join the Ancestral Martial Ten Stars selection midway,” Wuming Ken announced.
“Thank you, elder,” Linghu Hongfei said, clasping his fists again. Though he smiled, there was no trace of wild excitement, as if he had been confident of this outcome all along.
In truth, not only was he certain, but many others present also believed that as long as Linghu Hongfei wished to participate, he would be allowed.
After all, he was the undisputed greatest genius. Even if he didn’t compete, he would still be regarded as the greatest.
On the contrary, an Ancestral Martial Ten Stars selection without him would lack weight.
But with his participation, the rankings would regain their rightful significance. So, even if it meant bending the rules, the Starfield Master Realm would allow him to join.
“However, there is one condition,” Wuming Ken added suddenly.
“What is the condition, elder? Please tell me,” Linghu Hongfei asked calmly.
“To convince everyone, you cannot take the hidden path. You must take the open path. If you can reach the end via the open path, no one will question your worth. At that point, you may challenge any one of the ten participants. If you win, you’ll earn the right to join the selection,” Wuming Ken explained.
“To take the open path? That’s an incredibly harsh condition.”
“Indeed, that path is guarded by ancient ferocious beasts of the Venerable realm.”
“It’s an impossible task… but if it’s Linghu Hongfei, perhaps he can do it.”
Many felt the condition was too severe, but some believed that while others would surely fail, Linghu Hongfei might just succeed.
After all, his strength far surpassed that of his peers. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have such an illustrious reputation.
What is a prodigy? Linghu Hongfei was the true definition of a prodigy.
What is a genius? In the presence of Linghu Hongfei, no one else could claim that title.
“Very well, this junior accepts,” Linghu Hongfei replied decisively.
*Whoosh—*
With that, Linghu Hongfei leapt forward, landing on the Nine Dragons Phenomenon Hill and stepping through the gate of the Qiankun Great Bell.
The moment he entered, everyone’s curiosity was piqued.
However, the Qiankun Great Bell was impenetrable to their senses, so they couldn’t see what was happening inside.
As if understanding the crowd’s thoughts, Wuming Ken formed hand seals and chanted an incantation. Then, pointing at the Qiankun Great Bell, he said, “Open!”
In an instant, the radiant Qiankun Great Bell turned transparent.
Now, everything inside the bell was visible to all, without the need for any special techniques.
Within the Qiankun Great Bell, there were multiple paths leading to the end.
These paths were intricate and complex, designed to avoid the ancient ferocious beasts.
But one path was straight and direct, the shortest route to the end—yet also the most perilous, teeming with ancient ferocious beasts.
And Linghu Hongfei had chosen this, the most dangerous path.
The ancient ferocious beasts…
Some charged across the ground, shaking the earth.
Others soared through the air, tearing through the void.
These were not intelligent spirit beasts but bloodthirsty, savage creatures.
Some were even at the Venerable realm.
Yet, in such a treacherous place, Linghu Hongfei remained composed, his grace unshaken.
Wielding a long sword, he advanced steadily.
With a flick of his arm, waves of sword energy surged from the blade.
The sword energy formed crescent shapes, expanding as they swept forward, with the largest spanning over a thousand metres.
Wherever the sword energy passed, it obliterated everything. Not only were the Martial Immortal-level ancient ferocious beasts cut down, but even those at the Venerable realm were instantly cleaved in two, utterly unable to withstand Linghu Hongfei.
Most astonishingly, the sword in his hand wasn’t some meticulously crafted weapon forged from rare materials—it was merely an ordinary iron sword.
Such a sword couldn’t even cut through a slightly harder stone.
Yet in Linghu Hongfei’s hands, it became a weapon capable of effortlessly slaying Venerable-realm ancient ferocious beasts.
This was possible because of Linghu Hongfei’s cultivation.
Second-rank Venerable—that was his current strength.
In comparison, Tang Zhenghao, another of the Ancestral Martial Ten Stars, was still at the Heavenly Immortal realm. Even Linghu Yueyue was only at the Martial Immortal realm, and still some distance from its peak.
But Linghu Hongfei was already a Venerable, and a second-rank Venerable at that.
This was Linghu Hongfei.
“Too powerful! Truly worthy of being the greatest genius of the Ancestral Martial Starfield.”
“With him here, all other geniuses pale in comparison.”
“Spectacular! Only with Linghu Hongfei does the Ancestral Martial Ten Stars feel truly complete.”
“Why even bother competing? There’s no need! The top spot in the Ancestral Martial Ten Stars undoubtedly belongs to Linghu Hongfei.”
At this moment, not only were the younger generation staring in awe, but even the elders couldn’t stop singing his praises.
Though young, Linghu Hongfei defied the heavens. Not only were his peers no match for him, but even many elders who had cultivated for thousands of years felt inferior.
Watching such a Linghu Hongfei, even Chu Feng furrowed his brow.
Chu Feng had come here with a clear goal—to claim the top spot in the Ancestral Martial Ten Stars.
But against a Linghu Hongfei like this, how could he prevail?
