Ling Tian Sword God

"It's all thanks to the Sect Leader's foresight, allowing the gifted talents of our sect to participate in the martial arts competition under a different identity. Even the righteous leaders wouldn't be able to see through it," the Demon Elder said with a grin.

Upon hearing this, Sikong Yi's eyes narrowed slightly, and he glanced at Liu Xiling beside him. In fact, Liu Xiling had devised this method. When it came to martial arts, he was stronger than Liu Xiling, but in terms of intelligence and strategy, he was likely far inferior to her.

"Such a task requires someone with sharp wits, lest they give themselves away. Only she is up to the task," Liu Xiling replied indifferently.

"Good, let this lass surprise me again."

Sikong Yi nodded, a keen light glinting in his eyes. As long as they could seize the Dragon Vein Qi from the Martial Arts Monument, the Saint Witch Religion would become increasingly prosperous and thrive for ages to come.

「Five days later.」

Ling Chen had finally crossed the northwest region of Thunder Country and reached his destination, the City of Thunder.

As the capital of Thunder Country, the City of Thunder boasted a history of thousands of years. Its city walls stood tens of feet high, with multiple layers of fortifications, presenting a grand and imposing sight.

Due to the upcoming martial arts competition, the entire City of Thunder was already in turmoil.

Tens of thousands of Jianghu martial artists had flooded into the City of Thunder over the past few days. Their purpose, without exception, was the martial arts competition.

The inns, taverns, and guesthouses in the City of Thunder had all been booked to full capacity. Even outside the City of Thunder, numerous tents and shelters had been erected, all filled with people.

The largest tavern in the city was the Thunder Roar Tavern.

This tavern had five floors: the Sky Void Palace and the Myriad Dao Sect each occupied one floor, the Chiyu Mountain Manor occupied one, the Divine Intent Sect occupied one, and the remaining top martial arts Aristocratic Families shared the last one.

Essentially, all the Grand Masters and martial arts prodigies from major families had gathered here at the Thunder Roar Tavern.

"So many people! And so many formidable individuals I've never seen before!" Xiao Muyu exclaimed, her pretty face filled with shock as she gazed at the sea of people outside.

"Yes, the Martial World is indeed full of hidden talents," Shangguan Qiushui nodded. "I wonder how many prodigies will emerge in this martial arts competition. Basically, every competition brings out a host of previously unknown experts. These individuals, often obscure in Jianghu, typically seize such an opportunity to make a name for themselves."

"Just do your best." Nie Wu Xiang sighed after a moment of contemplation, then clenched his fists. So many people want to leave their names on the Martial Arts Monument, but unfortunately, only three can have their names inscribed in the end.

Coming out of the room, the Great Elder said with emotion, "The martial arts competition concerns the destiny of our Sect. The better your performance, the more prosperous our Sect's fortune will be. I hope you won't disappoint me."

"Yes, Great Elder," everyone nodded solemnly.

Shangguan Hong was a bit surprised. The martial arts competition is tomorrow. Why hasn't that kid Ling Chen shown up yet? Given his character, he wouldn't miss this. But his continued absence is deeply worrying. I hope nothing has gone wrong.

If he didn't arrive by tomorrow, Ling Chen would have to wait another three years. Although Ling Chen would surely soar to new heights in three years, he would miss this current opportunity.

How many three-year periods does one have in a lifetime?

「The next day.」

As the morning sun had just risen, the City of Thunder was already bustling with activity.

Outside the city, due to the martial arts competition, the entire City of Thunder had been under high alert for several days. The city gates were closed early to prevent spies from sneaking in.

Suddenly, a lone rider approached the city walls of the City of Thunder.

"Who goes there? State your name!" a city guard soldier shouted.

"Ling Chen of the Divine Intent Sect, here to participate in the martial arts competition!" Ling Chen declared, gripping his sword with both hands, his voice firm.

ROAR!

As his voice faded, the Lion-Tiger Beast let out a deafening roar, seemingly causing the entire city wall to tremble.

"A Lion-Tiger Beast! He actually tamed a Lion-Tiger Beast as a mount!"

"Impressive! This man is undoubtedly a martial arts expert! Quickly, open the city gates and let him in!"

The eyes of several city guard soldiers instantly filled with reverence. Everyone admired strength.

BOOM!

The city gates opened. Ling Chen leaped off the Lion-Tiger Beast's back and patted its head. "Go!"

Nodding its massive head, the Lion-Tiger Beast turned and galloped back the way it came.

Ling Chen had promised the Lion-Tiger Beast that he would release it upon reaching the City of Thunder. Now that he had arrived, he naturally kept his word.

With a swift movement, Ling Chen darted through the city gates.

West of the city, a training field spanning a ten-mile radius teemed with people. This was the venue for the martial arts competition.

Beside the field stood an enormous, ancient stone tablet, twenty feet high. Its top resembled a dragon's head, incredibly majestic, and upon it were strikingly carved the four large characters: "Martial Arts Monument."

"This is the Martial Arts Monument, the wondrous artifact that suppresses the Five Nations Dragon Veins!"

A group of young geniuses gazed at the ancient stone tablet before them, their faces filled with awe. The Martial Arts Monument was renowned, its name echoing like thunder.

"Everyone, let's activate the Martial Arts Monument together!"

On a high platform, a martial arts authority from the Sky Apex Realm appeared, addressing martial arts experts from other sects.

This Top Sky Apex Strong was the national preceptor of Thunder Country, known as Sky Thunder Wandering Cultivator, and he was the host of this martial arts competition.

As the martial arts competition was a fair and impartial event, the host would not be an expert from any major sect or prominent Aristocratic Family. Instead, it would be a reputable and independent expert from the Jianghu.

Activating the Martial Arts Monument required a considerable amount of power, so Sky Thunder Wandering Cultivator alone was not enough; he needed the help of several other powerful individuals.

Sky Thunder Wandering Cultivator made the first move. His True Qi seemed to crackle with the force of thunder. As he thrust his palm forward, a whip-like stream of True Qi shot out, striking the Martial Arts Monument.

Ten top-tier Great Master Level Powerhouses, coordinating with Sky Thunder Wandering Cultivator, poured their immense True Qi into the Martial Arts Monument.

The sight of more than ten people acting in unison was truly spectacular.

HUM.

Upon receiving the infusion of True Qi, the Martial Arts Monument suddenly lit up, revealing a dense array of names.

These names all belonged to the extraordinary talents who had placed in the top three of previous martial arts competitions and had their names inscribed on the monument. The most conspicuous among them were the three characters: "Young Master Ye."

Young Master Ye was the mysterious successor of the Night King Clan, the number one expert on the Heavenly List, and also the champion of the previous martial arts competition, his brilliance outshining all others of the younger generation.

WHOOSH!

Under the infusion of such majestic True Energy, five astonishing streams of Dragon-shaped energy suddenly burst forth from the Martial Arts Monument. The first stream of Dragon Vein Qi landed on a young man so handsome he seemed almost ethereal.

Nie Wu Xiang's eyes widened slightly. It's Dragon Vein Qi! This is the blessing of Dragon Vein Qi. I'd heard long ago that all young talents participating in the martial arts competition receive a blessing of Dragon Vein Qi. However, the strength of the bestowed Qi depends on the contestant's own power. Right now, the strongest stream of Dragon Vein Qi has undoubtedly landed on Young Master Ye.

However, this Dragon Vein Qi was not permanently attached to the contestants. Those defeated in the competition would have their Dragon Vein Qi stripped away and seized by the victor.