“That’s Elder Wei Sheng, the second core elder, who guards the entrance to the Quiet Cultivation Zone.”
As an elder took a seat to Baili He’s left, someone let out a surprised exclamation.
Lin Xiao’s gaze followed. Though this elder lacked the natural Martial Lord aura of the old woman or Baili He, there was a faint trace of a similar presence, suggesting he was half a step into the Martial Lord threshold.
The second core elder’s status and strength were indeed not far behind Baili He’s.
Unbeknownst to Lin Xiao, this elder had appeared alongside Baili He when Lin Xiao drew heavenly lightning.
“The Wei family is the largest clan in the Holy City. Besides Elder Wei Sheng, they have another Martial Lord, Elder Wei Jin, ranked sixth among the eight elders, one rank above Elder Xiahou Lan,” someone explained.
“True, the Wei family’s overall strength is greater, but this year, none of their members can contend for the top three, so Elder Six probably didn’t have the face to show up.”
“The Wei family had Wei Dao last competition, but this time, their strongest is Wei Teng, who might barely make the top ten. Top ten is a dream for us, but for a Martial Lord elder, it’s not impressive enough.”
Glancing at Elder Wei Sheng, the crowd buzzed with discussion. Elder Seven’s family had a contender for first, so if Elder Six came to watch a top-ten hopeful, it would be a loss of face.
Hearing the fervent chatter, Lin Xiao inwardly marveled. The Holy Origin Academy was indeed a complex web of powers. Any talented disciple might have a formidable backer.
As Wei Sheng sat, a dozen other elders and middle-aged figures took their seats nearby. Clearly, these were representatives of the Holy City’s various factions, each exuding an extraordinary aura.
“Those are the leaders or elders of the Holy City’s clans and sects. The two Martial Lord families, five Martial Venerable families, and ten major sects have all arrived. Next, the academy’s disciple factions will take their seats.”
“Look, that’s Mo Jiutian, the top of the Human Star Ranking, the figurehead of the top disciple faction, the Martial Alliance.”
“Mo Jiutian must be highly valued by the Martial Alliance to be sent here. In past competitions, the top three disciple factions always sent Star Ranking figures—such dominance.”
“The Human Star Ranking’s hundred members are all renowned geniuses. Any one of them could crush the grand competition’s first place. The top Human Star ranker is intimidating enough. The Earth Star Ranking has fifty, and the Heaven Star Ranking thirty—those monsters are cultivation fanatics who rarely appear unless it’s something major.”
The square buzzed with voices. Compared to clan and sect representatives, the crowd was more fixated on the disciple faction representatives—geniuses who were idols to countless young disciples.
Hearing this, Lin Xiao’s gaze shifted.
A group of youths entered the square, led by a young man in a golden imperial robe, striding with commanding presence, impossible to ignore.
Around twenty-five, he was dignified and handsome, his chiseled face radiating resolute strength. His brows carried a domineering air, and his eyes, sharp as blades, instilled a suffocating, despairing feeling.
Clad in his golden robe, he exuded an emperor’s aura.
This was none other than Mo Jiutian, the top of the Human Star Ranking.
As Mo Jiutian entered, his piercing gaze swept the crowd, a faint killing intent lingering in his eyes.
“That’s Mo Jiutian?” Lin Xiao’s eyes narrowed. Mo Jiutian’s fleeting glance carried a dangerous edge.
Mo Jiutian was indeed a dangerous figure, his top rival.
Lin Xiao was certain that, with his current strength, he was far from Mo Jiutian’s match.
In the crowd, another figure stared at Mo Jiutian with burning battle intent, eager to challenge him.
It was Gu Juejin.
“Top of the Human Star Ranking, huh?” Hong Feng’s eyes gleamed with similar fervor. He didn’t believe his talent was inferior to Mo Jiutian’s—just a matter of age.
Give him three years, and he’d reach that level.
Elsewhere, the Shura Butcher’s eyes also flashed with intense battle intent.
Top of the Human Star Ranking?
He’d love to clash with such a thrilling opponent. The outer court rankings didn’t interest him, but the top Human Star ranker was enticing.
“That ethereal purple-robed woman is Ziling, the monster who once took first in the grand competition. She’s here as the Spiritual Gate’s representative.”
“The Spiritual Gate is small but full of spiritual controllers with terrifying combat power. Even the top disciple factions avoid provoking them.”
“That other beautiful woman is the Moon Gate’s representative, Situ Xuan, an Earth Star Ranking figure, likely stronger than Mo Jiutian!”
“That’s the Blade-Sword Alliance’s genius, the third-ranked on the Human Star Ranking, Blade Maniac.”
The crowd erupted as these genius disciples appeared. Thirty young representatives arrived, each a monstrous talent.
Every one was on the Star Ranking, among the top of the Human Star Ranking.
Two were even from the Earth Star Ranking: Situ Xuan from the Moon Gate and Yu Gang from the Tyrant Gate.
But the most captivating were the purple-robed Ziling and the brown-skirted Situ Xuan, both breathtakingly beautiful, their graceful steps and alluring figures sparking imaginations.
“The Mad Demon Xiahou Wanyu is here too!”
“That’s Wei Dao, just below Blade Maniac in fame.”
Amid exclamations, after the thirty disciple faction representatives took their seats, another group of youths entered, heading to the rear of their respective faction seats.
Lin Xiao glanced at the so-called Xiahou Wanyu. Burly, with a gaunt, pallid face and a sickly, sinister air, his eyes gleamed like eerie lights, sending chills down spines.
Xiahou Wanyu was another dangerous figure, likely not far behind Mo Jiutian.
As the crowd settled, Baili He stood, his gaze sweeping the field. The entire square fell silent under his presence.
The highly anticipated grand competition had finally begun.
“Everyone, this year’s grand competition is held today. Its purpose is to gauge the level of this generation’s young disciples. Those with high talent will be prioritized for cultivation. Not only the Holy Origin Academy but every faction is willing to invest resources in promising disciples,” Baili He said slowly, his voice resounding across the square.
“With cultivation resources, you can grow in the shortest time, breaking age barriers to reach greater heights.”
He continued, “So, to gain better resources, show your talent!”
At Baili He’s words, the young disciples in the square surged with excitement. Today’s competition was their chance to shine, secure high ranks, gain recognition, and access superior cultivation resources.
