Nine Nether Dragon Emperor

「Tian Shu, Central Square.」

By dawn, the entire square was already teeming with people. The Star Domain Conference was to be held here today! This was a grand event for the entire Big Dipper Star Domain, and everyone wanted to witness the splendor of the prodigies from the Seven Realms.

Those with access to inside information were even more excited. On the surface, the conference was a contest between the prodigies of the Seven Realms, but secretly, it was a confrontation among the five kings of Chi Ming. Many people of status and position had already begun laying the groundwork. With the right moves, they could establish connections with the most powerful royal families in Chi Ming. This was an opportunity of a lifetime!

Even young noblewomen made grand appearances, dressed to the nines. After all, if one were fortunate enough to be noticed, it would be a meteoric rise to the top.

"Look, that’s Young Master Zhang Yuan from the Yu Heng Realm! He truly is as wise and valorous as the legends say!"

"That’s Qin Yuan from Tian Quan! Look at his demeanor... oh, my heart is melting!"

Each new contender’s appearance provoked cries of amazement. The cries of adoration grew even louder and more incessant, especially when the prodigies from the estates of the five Chi Ming kings arrived.

"Hey, who’s that? Why is he so handsome?"

"He really is! What a pity he’s just a servant."

"So what if he’s a servant? Look at his master’s bearing. Although he can’t compare to the other five, he must be from Chi Yang. If that servant were willing, I wouldn’t mind at all."

"You’re insane! Good looks don’t put food on the table! That guy is definitely just a pretty boy!"

"Don’t you dare talk about him like that! How does he look like a pretty boy?!"

When Ning Xuan appeared behind Luo Ji, his strikingly good looks immediately captivated a large number of the young women in the crowd.

Beside him, Cheng Dabao gave him a harsh pinch.

Ning Xuan’s mouth twitched. Really now. It wasn’t his fault he was so handsome! Why was he always the one who got hurt?!

Seeking some comfort, Ning Xuan glanced around, only to freeze. He saw Jiang Chan. She was dressed differently from last night; this time, she was in men’s attire. She can’t be participating in the Star Domain Conference too, can she?!

Just as Luo Ji took his seat, Ning Xuan heard Jiang Chan’s voice transmission. "Hehe, what’s with that expression? Didn’t expect me to compete?"

"I’m quite surprised, yes," Ning Xuan admitted openly.

"I don’t like owing people favors," she transmitted back. "You helped me last night, so I figured I’d help you out today. That’s why I’m here."

Hearing this, Ning Xuan had a bad feeling.

"No, why would you help me? I just couldn’t stand that arrogant, high-and-mighty attitude of Tu Yu’s. It had nothing to do with you!"

He didn’t want to get dragged into these muddy waters. If this girl intervened on his behalf, forget winning—just placing high would make him a target for everyone! This wasn’t helping him; this was putting him on a spit to roast!

"How could it have nothing to do with me? I was the one involved. Besides, after the gathering last night, my two aunts were fooled by such a simple trick. It’s a disgrace to my name, to Jiang Chan! Don’t worry. With me here, I’ll definitely get you into the top four!"

At Jiang Chan’s declaration, Ning Xuan almost burst into tears. "Miss, it’s really not necessary! I can handle it myself!" Having no other choice, Ning Xuan changed tactics, hoping to placate her first.

"I know you’re strong. I won’t intervene against ordinary opponents. I’ll only take action when the time is right!"

Ning Xuan’s mouth twitched. Thanks a lot!

"Actually, I’ve been hiding my true strength," Ning Xuan decided to brag, seeing no other way out. "Count them all up; not one of these people is a match for me!"

"Really?" Hearing Ning Xuan’s earnest tone and, more importantly, feeling the aura he now projected, Jiang Chan was momentarily dazed. For a split second, she had actually equated him with her father.

"Of course it’s true! You probably don’t know this, but just last night, I advanced two whole realms!" He hadn’t wanted to tell anyone, but he was being forced into a corner.

"It hasn’t even been ten hours since the gathering ended! You advanced two realms? That’s incredible!" Now, Jiang Chan was genuinely shocked.

Ning Xuan quickly pressed his advantage. "So, don’t worry. I can handle all of this!"

Jiang Chan said nothing more.

Only then did Ning Xuan breathe a sigh of relief. He felt even more at ease when he glanced around and noticed many unfamiliar faces, none of whom seemed weak. He had already made his decision. Since he couldn’t hide, he would be the first to charge out. After all, that was the only way his eventual defeat would seem like a natural outcome.

"Ladies and gentlemen, quiet down, please."

Suddenly, a voice rang out. It wasn’t loud, yet it clearly reached every corner, carrying an inexplicable authority that swept over the crowd.

Ning Xuan’s heart tensed. That was the power of a Divine Soul! And the man controlled his strength perfectly. This person is a master!

Glancing at Tu Yu standing beside the speaker, Ning Xuan knew at once. That must be Tu Yu’s father, the Chi Ming Envoy, Tu Jingcheng!

"The purpose of this Star Domain Conference is surely known to you all," Tu Jingcheng announced. "And I am certain that each of you is as eager to begin as I am, so I shall not waste any more words! I hereby announce the Star Domain Conference... now begins! The rules are—"

"Tianji’s Ning Xuan wishes to be the first to fight! I await your instruction!"

Before the envoy could finish, Ning Xuan charged out and leaped into the center of the arena.

Everyone was stunned.

"Is this guy crazy?! The rules of the competition haven’t even been announced yet!"

"Where did this moron pop out from?!"

"That idiot can’t possibly think that being the fastest will win the princess’s favor, can he? Doesn’t he know the princess isn’t even here?!"

"Exactly! The rules haven’t been announced, and he just couldn’t wait to rush out. Is this supposed to be a joke?!"

"Actually, I think he’s quite clever!"

"What do you mean?"

"Think about it. The contestants here are all true prodigies; he wouldn’t stand a chance. Given that, why not go against the grain? This way, as long as his skills aren’t too pathetic, he’ll be remembered."

"Damn! That makes a lot of sense!"

Hearing this, many other contestants had the same realization. One after another, they followed Ning Xuan’s lead and leaped out. In an instant, more than a dozen people stood on the dueling platform.

"This is outrageous! Simply outrageous! Lord Envoy, this is all my fault. Rest assured, I will immediately..." the middle-aged man on Tu Jingcheng’s right stammered fearfully, about to take action.

Unexpectedly, Tu Jingcheng simply smiled. "Let them warm up the stage. It’s quite good."

Then, he waved away the four people who were ready with the drawing lots and declared directly, "I admire your courage. In that case, you may begin your battle. Rely on your own abilities—life and death will not be questioned. The fight will continue until only one person remains standing!"

In the center of the arena, dark lines etched themselves across Ning Xuan’s forehead. Right now, he wanted nothing more than to find the person who had called him clever and beat them to a pulp.