Eternal Heavenly Emperor

Half a year passed, and the three of them had made significant progress in their vigor and spirit, evidently due to cultivating the Minor Formless Mysterious Skill.

However, they may only remember the cultivation techniques of the Martial Master Realm, so once they break through to the Martial Sect, their potential will be exhausted. Nevertheless, being brought here by their elders indicates that they stood out from fierce competition and received tilted cultivation resources. Even without a High-Tier Technique of the Earth Level after advancing to the Martial Sect, their cultivation speed would still be faster than average.

Having gone through hardships together, the bond they shared was certainly extraordinary. Chu Hao greeted them with a smile.

"This must be Senior Brother Cao, one of the Four Talented of Tianhe?" Hu Yan looked at Cao Yunlin, her face full of admiration.

One of the four strongest, most talented, and most promising young men in Tianhe County, he was naturally the ideal choice in the hearts of every unmarried woman.

Cao Yunlin only glanced sideways, snorted, and ignored them.

He disliked Chu Hao and, by extension, disliked the people around Chu Hao. Otherwise, though arrogant, he wouldn't be so lacking in manners.

However, Hu Yan wasn't upset. Geniuses were sure to be unique; how could they not have a bit of pride? Being able to see her idol up close, she was already filled with joy and didn't mind Cao Yunlin's attitude at all.

"Everyone's cultivation has significantly improved!" Chu Hao said with a smile.

The three of them smiled. They had not only obtained a Middle-Grade Earth Level Cultivation Technique but also quite a few Star Stones, enough for about a year's worth of cultivation. With ample resources and a High-Tier Technique, how could their cultivation speed not be fast?

"I'm at the seventh-tier!"

"I'm also at the seventh-tier!"

"Haha, I'm a bit stronger than you all, Eighth Tier!"

The three of them reported their cultivation progress enthusiastically. Within half a year, they had made rapid progress. Chu Hao remembered clearly that back then they were only at the fifth-tier. Comparatively, he was only at the early stage of the Four Meridians, but now he had reached Nine Meridians.

"Chu Hao, what about you?" The three all looked at Chu Hao.

Chu Hao scratched his head, a bit embarrassed, and said, "Eight Meridians!" He actually didn't want to put them down, but since his cultivation would undoubtedly be revealed in a fight later, lying would be wrong.

As for the Nine Meridians and Ten Meridians, because these two were truly hidden veins, even if they were opened, they wouldn't show, which could be concealed.

"Eight Meridians!" Shen Chao and the other two exclaimed in unison.

Eight Meridians wasn't particularly astonishing. Lv Han was also at Eight Meridians. The critical point was that Chu Hao had been only at the early stage of the Four Meridians, yet now, he was at Eight Meridians; that was simply too unbelievable.

They were all cultivating the Minor Formless Mysterious Skill, and none temporarily lacked Star Stones. Why was there such a significant gap?

— Lv Han could advance one step ahead because he was already at the peak of Five Meridians at that time, so he could enter Eight Meridians faster than Hu Yan and Shen Chao.

"You always manage to surprise us!" Lv Han sighed.

"Maybe you could become one of the new Seven Stars this time!" Shen Chao gave Chu Hao a higher evaluation.

"Perhaps you could even become one of the Four Talented!" Hu Yan joked.

The three smiled. Although Chu Hao's cultivation speed was very fast, displaying immense talent, the Four Talented were indeed monstrous and significantly ingrained in everyone's hearts, utterly unmatched.

The Four Talented were like the brilliant sun in the sky; ordinary people could only worship them from the ground.

Chu Hao smiled without saying a word. Too much boasting now would only make people think he was bragging. Let the facts speak later.

After talking with Chu Hao for a while, Shen Chao and the others returned to their elders, as the competition was about to start.

"Yao Di has arrived!" At this moment, someone exclaimed, drawing countless gazes towards the entrance.

Two unassuming old men walked in front, followed by seven young people, among whom one was like an absolute blade drawn from its sheath, radiating a dazzling light that made people afraid to look directly.

Silver Frost Valley, one of the Four Talented, Yao Di!

Upon his appearance, his gaze immediately met with Cao Yunlin's. The collision of their glances created an undercurrent.

Cao Yunlin, initially calm and composed, like a gentleman, now had his hair standing without wind, eyes glittering with brilliant colors, and his whole aura turned into a sharp sword, exuding sky-high battle intent.

"Gao Fei has also arrived!"

Another one of the Four Talented entered. Gao Fei was the complete opposite of the first two, dressed in coarse cloth, unkempt, with a straw in his mouth, and his hands behind his head, looking carefree.

Cao Yunlin and Yao Di both glanced at Gao Fei, who didn't care at all. Instead, he yawned and said, "What, want to fight? Let me catch some sleep first; after a nap, I'll deal with both of you!"

Both Cao Yunlin and Yao Di snorted. Gao Fei had a bad habit of speaking without restraint, saying whatever crossed his mind, so they wouldn't take his words seriously.

With Gao Fei's arrival, Cao Yunlin and Yao Di stopped their confrontation. After all, they had already lost—to Jin Yunlin, who had already stepped into the Martial Sect Realm!

The lower the realm, the more precious time was. Being stuck in a realm for a year or two could create a vast disparity between two martial artists with the same talent.

The Four Talented, originally on par, were the strongest geniuses of Tianhe County. Naturally, no one would want to be left behind and become second-rate.

"Look, Zhu Qi!"

"Hua Sheng is here too!"

"And Cang Taiyun!"

The geniuses arrived one by one, this time the Seven Stars of Tianhe. Chu Hao narrowed his eyes; in terms of aura alone, these seven were not inferior to Cao Jingwen and others. But aura was just one aspect; whether the Seven Stars could succeed depended on their true strength.

The key was whether they had opened the Ninth Proper Vein—or even the Tenth!

If someone could open the Tenth Proper Vein, they would undoubtedly sweep through the entire Martial Master Realm. Conversely, if they hadn't opened the Ninth Proper Vein, they would undoubtedly be left behind, distanced far by their peers.

"Wu Shitong!"

Someone called out. He was also a blademaster, immediately recognizing Wu Shitong, one of the Seven Stars.

Small Absolute Blade, Wu Shitong.

Chu Hao had seen this blade-wielding genius once. After half a year, Wu Shitong's aura was even more restrained. Only when focused intently would his blade radiate a stunning chill.

A blademaster who bides his time is more terrifying!

Young geniuses from known Great Sects arrived one after another, and only a few guests hadn't arrived yet. As the host, Sky Heart Sect had arrived early, but Jin Yunlin hadn't appeared. Presumably, he was already in the Martial Sect Realm, completely dominating the younger generation. Early or late, appearing or not, what difference did it make?

No one would doubt his position as the top genius either way.

"Hey, who is that?"

"I haven't seen them before."

"So beautiful!"

"I know, she's from Moon Language Valley."

"Moon Language Valley, what sect is that?"

"They established just a couple of years ago and only accept female disciples. They haven't determined their rank yet!"

Amid the crowd's discussion, two women appeared. Leading was an old woman with a cane, looking quite prosperous. Behind her was a young woman, truly graceful and elegant.

Her skin was as white as jade, delicate and smooth. Dressed in pure white, the difference between her clothes and her jade-like skin was indistinguishable. Her ink-black hair contrasted starkly with her snowy attire, making her incredibly eye-catching. Moreover, she was remarkably beautiful.

A true fairy descended to the mortal world!

Anyone who saw her would feel this way.

Chu Hao compared her to Su Wanyue in his mind. In terms of beauty, Su Wanyue had a slight edge but without any glaring advantage.

The woman walked without looking sideways, following closely behind the old woman.

"Look, Senior Brother Jin has arrived!"

At that moment, someone shouted.

Jin Yunlin!

The undisputed top genius of Tianhe County, the first to enter the Martial Sect Realm, at the mere age of 21! In the past hundred years, the youngest genius to become a Martial Sect was 24.

Undoubtedly, he was Tianhe County's strongest genius in the past century—though only within Tianhe County. Sky Martial Star was vast, and Tianhe County was just one of the Middle Nine Counties, not even the strongest, as it lacked a Fourth Grade Sect.

Jin Yunlin's appearance overshadowed all other geniuses, radiating unparalleled brilliance.

Martial Sect!

Cao Jingwen, Yao Di, and Gao Fei, the other three Talented, were also full of fighting spirit. They used to be equals, so none wanted to be stepped on by Jin Yunlin. Fortunately, after this competition, they would enter the Ancient Trial Ground. Surviving it would mean a 90% chance of becoming a Martial Sect immediately.

Similarly, the Seven Stars were full of fighting spirit. Though temporarily unqualified to contend with Jin Yunlin, they aimed to overthrow the other three Talented.

This competition had far more participants and higher quality than the previous one.

"Ahem! Ahem!" The Sect Master of Sky Heart Sect personally presided over the event. He coughed to signal for silence and said, "Three more years have passed. This time it's Sky Heart Sect's turn to host this competition. We are martial artists, so no need for formalities or rituals. Our event showcases strength!"

"So, let's begin!"

"Everyone can challenge others. Ultimately, we old folks will evaluate and select the new Four Talented and Seven Stars to represent Tianhe County in the Ancient Trial Ground!"

Hearing the words Ancient Trial Ground, every young person showed excitement. Though fraught with dangers, successfully passing through meant becoming a Martial Sect.

For the younger generation yearning for strength, what were risks anyway?