The Strongest Talent Tree

The summons for the major sects had been Hu Xun of the Ghost Realm’s idea. Xi Yueluan had merely gone with the flow, inviting the four great families as well in the hopes of resolving the issue of the ancient restriction face-to-face.

The one thing she hadn’t expected was that the Thief God Hall had also sent someone.

"Brother Gui, you didn’t gather all of us here just to watch these kids perform, did you?" Cruise clearly didn’t have much patience.

At his words, the gazes of the others all focused on Hu Xun.

"Of course not." Hu Xun shot a meaningful glance at Xiyue Feng and the others, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "According to the Ghost Realm’s investigation, Rongcheng’s four great families are very likely connected to the ancient restriction. So, I’d like to ask the four Patriarchs present to give us an explanation."

Xiyue Feng and the others frowned. The hot-tempered Nanyuan Bo was the first to speak out. "For all we know, the ancient restriction is connected to your Ghost Realm."

"Heh, whether there’s a connection or not... we’ll know after a quick search," Hu Xun sneered.

"Ridiculous. Would your Wanglao City allow just anyone to search it?" Dongfang Wuji retorted sarcastically.

Hu Xun chuckled darkly. "Could it be that the Patriarchs have a guilty conscience?"

"Guilty my ass! Don’t think your Ghost Realm is so high and mighty. When I was roaming the Ancient Cang Realm, you kids were still drinking milk!" Nanyuan Bo’s mustache bristled as he glared.

Hearing this, Cruise, who was standing nearby, became displeased. "Old man, you’re looking down on the younger generation of the five great sects a little too much."

"Kid, who are you calling an old man?" Nanyuan Bo roared, glaring at Cruise.

"Hmph. If it weren’t for that mysterious expert, do you think I’d be here wasting my breath on you?" Cruise, equally enraged, unleashed the aura of a level-sixty-five expert.

The situation spiraled out of control in an instant. Just as the two sides were about to come to blows, a sudden, immense pressure forced them back into their seats.

Then, amidst countless shocked and bewildered gasps, the Old City Lord slowly appeared on the grandstand.

"You’re here!" Xi Yueluan rose with delight and helped the Old City Lord to her own seat.

The Old City Lord smiled amiably, his wise gaze sweeping over the crowd. "There will be plenty of opportunities to fight," he said with a light smile. "Don’t disrupt the children’s tournament."

"Old City Lord, my apologies for this embarrassing display." Nanyuan Bo’s anger instantly vanished, and he bowed in apology.

The Old City Lord nodded meaningfully, his gaze shifting to the representatives from the major sects. "I am aware of your reasons for coming to Rongcheng. If I were to simply ask you to leave now, I suspect you wouldn’t be satisfied."

"How about this?" the Old City Lord said with a faint smile. "You young ones can team up and face the four Patriarchs. If you win, you may remain in Rongcheng to investigate. If you lose, you will return peacefully to report on your mission and no longer disturb the tranquility of our city."

Cruise and the others could naturally sense the Old City Lord’s immense power; none of them dared to act rashly.

"Senior, do you speak true?" Cruise asked, his eyes glinting. He didn’t consider Xiyue Feng and the other Patriarchs to be much of a threat.

"Of course." The Old City Lord nodded coolly.

Dugu Xiao, who had been silent, spoke up. "There are only four of you. That seems a bit unfair."

The Old City Lord stroked his beard and chuckled. "Luan Girl is one of Rongcheng’s own, so naturally she will not fight. The Thief God Hall has young Feng Hao, so they will not fight either. That makes it a perfect four-on-four."

"Very well." Dugu Xiao gave Xi Yueluan and Feng Hao a thoughtful glance before nodding in agreement.

"Since that’s settled, we shall wait until the children’s tournament is over. The children of Rongcheng are quite talented, after all," the Old City Lord stated with a calm nod.

"Is that so?" Cruise smirked and turned his attention to the Rongcheng Academy tournament.

The representatives from the other sects did the same. They couldn’t do anything about it. With the Old City Lord present, they wouldn’t dare step out of line.

Over with the Thief God Hall contingent, Kang Shuai and Wang Tongqian were visibly startled when they saw the Old City Lord. They turned to Feng Hao in bewildered shock. "Brother Feng, what’s the deal with this Old City Lord? He feels even more terrifying than those old fossils back at the Grand Hall."

"Uh... I’m not really sure, myself." Feng Hao scratched his head in embarrassment. "I just know the Old City Lord is a Hundred-level Expert."

Kang Shuai’s expression grew grave. "I’m afraid it’s not as simple as just being a hundred-level. My old man is a Hundred-level Mage, and he’s nowhere near the level of this Old City Lord."

Wang Tongqian nodded in profound agreement. "No wonder the Ghost Realm suffered such heavy losses before. With a senior expert like him here, I doubt any sect could successfully invade."

’It seems there are even greater realms beyond level one hundred,’ Feng Hao thought, completely baffled.

...

And so, the once-chaotic grandstand finally returned to order. Following the Old City Lord’s example, everyone began to watch the tournament intently.

Even the sect elites like Ye Xiaobao and Cruise watched with great interest, occasionally whispering amongst themselves and offering critiques. Anyone who didn’t know better might have thought they were here on vacation.

The combat assessments proceeded in full swing. With the Old City Lord in attendance, Zhao Hao and the other senior staff of the academy gained a new sense of confidence and diligently oversaw the matches.

Just then, a dynamic beat caught everyone’s attention.

DOOM-CH-KA-CH... DOOM-CH-KA-CH...

A young girl in a lolita-style outfit strode onto the battle stage. With a flick of her long whip, she easily ended the fight. It was none other than Xi Yueyao, making her entrance complete with her own background music.

"Huh? Now that girl’s interesting. She brings her own music to a match," Ye Xiaobao remarked in surprise.

"You know, this tune is pretty catchy," Cruise said, bobbing his head to the beat.

Xi Yueluan and Xiyue Feng exchanged a stunned glance, their faces a picture of utter confusion.

"What is going on?" Xiyue Feng asked, completely baffled.

Xi Yueluan shot a meaningful look at Feng Hao. "I suspect it’s that boy Feng Hao’s handiwork."

"Sigh. That girl Yaoyao is getting more and more out of hand," Xiyue Feng lamented, his face clouded with worry.

Over with Feng Hao, he couldn’t help but get excited by the beat when he saw Xi Yueyao make her entrance. "Brothers, that girl there is your future sister-in-law."

Kang Shuai and Wang Tongqian were taken aback for a moment, then couldn’t help but chuckle. "Er, our future sister-in-law is certainly... cute."

"But of course," Feng Hao nodded smugly.

Back on the stage, soon after Xi Yueyao finished her fight, it was Zhou Chen’s turn. Perhaps on a signal from Elder Gu, Zhou Chen activated his bloodline talent the moment he stepped up. A dark red halo enveloped his body, and his presence was immense.

Zhou Chen’s gambit proved effective. The activation of his bloodline talent immediately drew the attention of all the major sects.

"A promising talent with an awakened bloodline. It seems this trip wasn’t a waste after all," Hu Xun said, his eyes wide with surprise. "Who’s the headmaster here? Give this boy to us, the Ghost Realm."

Zhao Hao was both flattered and flustered. He hastily replied, "The boy’s name is Zhou Chen. He is Elder Gu’s Direct Disciple. It would be best to let Elder Gu make the decision."

"Fine. Doesn’t matter who," Hu Xun nodded, understanding.

Elder Gu beamed. "Thank you for your generous offer, Young Master Hu, but Zhou Chen’s bloodline talent is a better fit for Thousand Blades Valley."

Upon hearing this, Hu Xun instantly lost interest and sullenly turned his head away.

Dugu Xiao, however, looked at Elder Gu with surprise and frowned. "What is his bloodline ability?"

"The bloodline is called [Wrathful Combat]. When activated, his Basic Power and basic attack speed are doubled," Elder Gu said with a confident smile.

"Not bad. It is indeed a good fit for our Thousand Blades Valley." Dugu Xiao nodded thoughtfully. "After this mission is complete, have him come with me to Dust Wind."

"I couldn’t ask for anything more." Elder Gu nodded excitedly, so moved he was on the verge of tears.