“Xiao Disheng, come up and fight!” Lin Xiao said coldly.
Juedao Sect’s Ren Jinghua had killed Zilong, but Ren Jinghua was then killed by Xie Ya. To seek revenge, Lin Xiao could only target Xiao Disheng, Ren Jinghua’s fellow disciple.
Xiao Disheng, like Ren Jinghua, was ruthless with the Juedao technique, striking fiercely and killing opponents outright.
Since that was the case, Lin Xiao had no need to hold back.
Of course, he was cautious, knowing Xiao Disheng might not accept the challenge, especially since Yang Xiu had already died by his hand.
But if he didn’t issue the challenge, there might not be another chance, so he had to try.
Hearing Lin Xiao’s words, everyone was surprised. Lin Xiao’s choice wasn’t Shi Jiuming, as they had speculated.
However, recalling how Zilong died at Ren Jinghua’s hands, they instantly understood Lin Xiao’s intent.
All eyes turned to Xiao Disheng.
They were curious whether Xiao Disheng would accept the challenge.
Xiao Disheng frowned, then said, “I concede!”
The crowd let out a collective sigh. Xiao Disheng had indeed backed down. Even disciples of the eight major sects could be intimidated!
After Lin Xiao, another round of challenges began. The subsequent battles were no less thrilling, but no one challenged or fought Lin Xiao.
Even Shi Jiuming, after losing to Li Renchou, directly conceded to Lin Xiao.
Li Renchou also didn’t challenge Lin Xiao.
Ling Hu, originally at the ninth-tier Martial Venerable level, broke through to the first-tier Martial Lord during a critical moment in his fight with Zhuang Yuan. His strength surged, defeating Zhuang Yuan in a single move.
However, due to his late breakthrough, Ling Hu had already lost to several others, ultimately ranking thirteenth.
After all matches concluded, Sheng Xu stood and announced, “Southeast Region Youth Conference, final rankings: First place, Lin Xiao.”
“Second place, Li Renchou.
Third place, Lu Chuyou.
Fourth place, Mo Yan.
Fifth place, Xiao Disheng.
Sixth place, Shi Jiuming.
Seventh place, Zi Ling.
Eighth place, Ming Que.
Ninth place, Sheng Li.
Tenth place, Yin Mu.
Eleventh place, Qu Shang.
Twelfth place, Chen Long.
Thirteenth place, Ling Hu.
Fourteenth place, Zhuang Yuan.
Fifteenth place, Qiu Liao.”
“Now, the fifteen will proceed to Sheng City Observatory!”
As Sheng Xu’s voice fell, the crowd erupted in excited chatter. Lin Xiao, along with the Wanxiang Pavilion group, followed the crowd towards Sheng City Observatory.
Sheng City Observatory was located in the northern part of Sheng City, adjacent to the Sheng residence.
Soon, Lin Xiao and the group arrived at the observatory’s location.
Before them stood a massive, low-plaque structure, resembling a giant shell crouching on the ground.
The structure, neither wood nor iron, was dark and unadorned, exuding a solemn, ancient aura at first glance.
At this time, many Sheng family powerhouses, including several ninth-tier Martial Lords, surrounded the observatory.
Everyone knew that only youths under twenty-five could enter Sheng City Observatory, so no disturbances arose.
Otherwise, with no Martial Emperors present, even the Sheng family’s many experts might not have been able to stop intruders.
With Sheng Xu, a half-step Martial Emperor, and a group of ninth-tier Martial Lords, anyone trying to sneak in would likely be crushed to pulp by the Sheng family’s forces.
“The fifteen on the final ranking, step forward to Sheng City Observatory. Everyone else, retreat a hundred zhang!”
At this command, the onlookers retreated a hundred zhang away.
They knew that even if they helped their allies seize a spot, they would face joint pursuit from the Sheng family and other forces upon exiting, bringing disaster to their families or allies.
Thus, even without Martial Emperors present, no one dared cross the line.
The Wanxiang Pavilion group also stood at the hundred-zhang perimeter.
A hundred zhang was no obstacle for a sixth-grade senior Spirit Controller. If anyone dared target Lin Xiao, they could act instantly.
After Shi Jindou and the others nodded, Lin Xiao, along with Zi Ling, Ling Hu, Qu Shang, and others, walked to the front of Sheng City Observatory, joining the other youths on the final ranking.
Lin Xiao remained vigilant, wary of the Sheng family making a move against him at this moment.
Fortunately, the Sheng family didn’t act.
“Sheng City Observatory, open!” Sheng Xu commanded, hurling a black key towards the observatory.
A black light suddenly shot out from the observatory, enveloping the fifteen youths standing nearby.
In the blink of an eye, the fifteen youths vanished from everyone’s sight.
The key flew back from the observatory into Sheng Xu’s hand.
The observatory returned to its original state, as if nothing had happened.
“No gate opened. How did they get in?” The crowd was puzzled. Even the ninth-tier Martial Lords present didn’t know how the fifteen entered.
“Sheng City Observatory doesn’t require any talent or martial skills. It automatically selects the most suitable techniques or treasures. This time, who knows what treasures or renowned Southeast Region martial skills will emerge?”
“What they obtain is fused into their minds or stored in their storage rings. It won’t be known for a while, perhaps months or years before it spreads.”
“Not necessarily. With no Martial Emperors present, maybe…”
The crowd speculated curiously, but they stopped short of sensitive topics.
They all knew the value of the items in Sheng City Observatory, whether treasures or techniques, which could make one famous or even help reach the Martial Emperor realm. It was impossible not to be tempted.
In the past, youths entering the observatory had Martial Emperors protecting them, making it impossible for others to act.
But this time was different. Without sufficient protection, some might secretly strike.
After all, the items in Sheng City Observatory were too enticing.
Meanwhile, inside Sheng City Observatory.
“Chi!”
Lin Xiao’s vision darkened, and he found himself in a pitch-black void where he couldn’t see his hand in front of him. His divine sense couldn’t probe beyond a zhang.
“Is this the inside of Sheng City Observatory?”
Lin Xiao was astonished. The observatory felt like another unfamiliar world.
Here, apart from darkness, there seemed to be nothing.
Yet this space felt vast and boundless, like an infinite cosmic void.
Moreover, without using any elemental or spiritual power, his body floated in the void.
He also discovered that even trying to move with spiritual power was futile, as if he were bound by this dark space.
“What kind of place is this?” Lin Xiao wondered suspiciously. “This shouldn’t just be a place for passing down techniques and treasures, should it?”
He was also curious, having heard that Sheng City Observatory granted items best suited to one’s talent.
What would he receive?
Elemental techniques or skills? Spiritual skills? Or treasures?
“Chi!” But at that moment, a sudden change occurred.
