Three great suns hung high in the sky, already blazing with scorching light.
The sunlight reflected off a particularly bright spot—rows of bald heads gleaming like giant lightbulbs, refracting dazzling rays.
Divine Monk Huaikong’s gaze seemed to pierce through the "Rivers and Mountains Scroll," faintly glimpsing the Celestial City within.
Venerable Hengyuan scrutinized his disciple with stern eyes, gesturing in sign language.
Those familiar with the Xuankong Temple’s monks would recognize the question:
"Did you sneak meat again?"
"What? Master, are you asking if I’m confident about the Dragon’s Ascent Tournament?"
Monk Murong—also known as Murong Xiao—responded with a completely unrelated answer.
As he spoke, he subtly tightened his sleeves.
"Of course I am! I’ve recently been inspired by Brother Li Mo—my divine techniques have improved greatly!""What improvements?"
Hengyuan stepped closer, his expression unreadable.
"I’ve discovered a way to fix the flaws in the Indestructible Vajra Body!"
Hengyuan paused mid-step, glancing at the radiant, dashing figure of the "Divine Hammer Overlord" standing nearby.
What good could one possibly learn from the "Peerless Heavenly Dragon"?
Still, Li Mo had Ying Bing by his side. That girl’s martial insights might just...
"What method?" another monk asked curiously.
The Indestructible Vajra Body was one of the temple’s three supreme techniques, and Murong Xiao was currently its sole practitioner.
How could such a divine art still have room for refinement?
"Exactly! I observed the ‘Sea Cucumber Divine Intent.’ As long as you remain still, the healing speed of injuries increases dramatically!"
"?"
Hengyuan’s face flushed with a mix of exasperation and embarrassment.
Sea Cucumber Divine Intent? Are you trying to make yourself more delicious? Is this appropriate? Can it even be?
Yet, upon closer thought, he couldn’t pinpoint what was wrong with the logic...
With a resigned huff, he grabbed Murong Xiao’s sleeve, intent on confiscating the hidden meat.
Plop—
Two big-headed dolls fell to the ground.
"Master, what are you doing?"
Murong Xiao picked them up:
"I just thought these dolls looked like Abbot Shizun and Merchant..."
Ahem!
Before he could finish, the dolls vanished from his hands.
The monks instinctively turned their eyes toward their abbot, Divine Monk Huaikong.
"Why is everyone staring at me?"
"The things on the ground..."
"What things? Are you mocking this old monk’s poor memory?"
Hengyuan looked at Murong Xiao:
"Did you see anything just now?"
"Nope."
Murong Xiao shook his head like a rattle-drum—he had no desire to practice the "Silent Meditation" punishment.
Hengyuan nodded in satisfaction.
Moments later, a voice echoed across the sky:
"Under the heavens, only the Divine Monk masters the art of ‘Mustard Seed and Universe.’ We implore you to act."
Hengyuan gave a slight nod and tossed out the alms bowl at his waist.
The bowl inverted midair above the platform, releasing a thousand auspicious rays that warped the surrounding space. Though the platform appeared unchanged, its interior had expanded vastly, now imbued with mystical wonders.
Simultaneously—
Dang—
Dang—
Dang—
Three morning bell tolls resounded as a dragon-drawn carriage emerged from the Meridian Gate. The carriage was pulled by a pure golden dragon—majestic, solemn, and radiant. Though not colossal in size, its draconic aura commanded awe.
The carriage itself resembled a miniature palace, adorned with intricate carvings, upturned eaves, and bustling eunuchs and palace maids.
Accompanying it were the chariots of the empire’s most esteemed officials, civil and military alike.
"His Majesty arrives!"
The curtains parted, revealing two figures inside the palace.
One wore the imperial crown, his face obscured, as if his presence alone intensified the sun’s brilliance.
The other was the Empress, ranked first on the "Hundred Flowers List," exuding grace and the dignity of a ruler who nurtures the realm.
"Father..."
Jiang Chulong adjusted her sunglasses, her expression unreadably cool.
She had once dreamed of standing openly beside her father and the Empress.
But now...
She glanced back.
Not far away, Li Mo stood in his white robes, effortlessly handsome, while Ying Bing, in her dark immortal gown, was as serene as a lotus. Both surveyed the scene above with no trace of reverence.
The little princess quietly stepped closer to them.
Above, a eunuch unfurled an imperial decree, his voice booming:
"The realm is at peace, and so many young talents have emerged—proof that the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands flourish under Our rule. We are deeply gratified..."
To summarize:
The first part was pomp—under His Majesty’s leadership, the empire thrived. All credit to him. Any objections?
None? Good. Now, shower him with praise.
The second part outlined the Dragon’s Ascent Tournament rules:
Simple! Draw lots, compete. The top three may enter the Celestial City, and all ranked talents will receive imperial rewards—higher ranks, better prizes.
"We declare the tournament begins!"
The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers.
The Rivers and Mountains Scroll projected highlights from past tournaments, replaying legendary clashes.
Court musicians played stirring melodies, their notes lingering in the air.
"Imperial Capital, I’ve returned. Not to prove my strength, but to reclaim what I lost!"
"I never dreamed I’d stand here, revitalizing the Gangdou Sect. This is our duty!"
"The Horizon Cloud Sword Intent is peerless!"
"If not for Brother Li, I’d still be struggling in the outer sect—maybe even expelled..."
"The Imperial Capital’s splendor, the tournament’s grandeur—nothing compares."
"Brother Li’s ideas are... unconventional, but he’s a true gentleman."
The crowd murmured with admiration.
"..."
Ying Bing watched, her thoughts drifting far away.
A wind from the Celestial City tousled her hair, and for a moment, she saw her younger self on that stage.
Back then, the Qingyuan Sect had already collapsed. She’d joined the tournament to escape disaster.
Winning brought no joy—only emptiness.
No one had been left to celebrate her victories.
Now, she had people waiting for her, cheering for her, worrying for her...
And she had a reason she couldn’t afford to lose.
This time, the system’s ranking was the one she most desired to top.
"So that’s the Emperor and Empress?"
Li Mo considered using his "Heaven’s Eye" to observe them.
But the divine eye warned:
[Warning: The target of observation may trigger unforeseeable consequences. Proceed?]
"...Better not."
Li Mo decided his current life was comfortable enough. No need to invite trouble.
Some beings—like the immortals of the Nine Heavens—were dangerous to even know about.
He shook his head and turned his gaze elsewhere.
Checking for investment opportunities is secondary—the main goal is to understand one's rivals.
First, one must rank among the top three in the Hidden Dragon Tournament to qualify for entry into Tianren City and help the "Ice Block" reclaim the other half of the Heavenly Phoenix Domain.
Then, it's all about winning—more and more victories.
The Indomitable Battle Will of the Heaven-Defying Ape forges an invincible spirit. To claim the crown at the Hidden Dragon Grand Assembly would allow this will to ascend even further.
At that point, one might even dare to test the limits and don the Great Sage's battle regalia.
In simpler terms, it's about triumph—both in name and in fact.
.....