Marrying Wives and Attaining Immortality in a Chaotic World

Chapter 240: The Competition

The competition for the Nine Heavenly Holy Son and Holy Maiden was held at the Heavenly Mystic Sacred Land, as it now served as the “central sacred land” of the Nine Heavenly Sacred Lands.

Xu Lian no longer needed to run around. He could simply wait for the Holy Sons and Holy Maidens from the other eight Sacred Lands to arrive… He had been running around so much lately that he had almost become known as “Xu the Runner”.

That day, the weather was clear and the sun was shining brightly.

The auspicious day for the selection of the Nine Heavenly Holy Son and Holy Maiden had arrived, and the event was being held in the largest battle arena in the Heavenly Mystic Sacred Land.

The Holy Sons and Holy Maidens from the eight sacred lands arrived as scheduled.

There were sixteen in all.

The men were handsome and elegant, while the women were graceful and ethereal, truly befitting their status as the Holy Sons and Holy Maidens of the younger generation.

For some reason, the higher-ups had decided to let Xu Lian, the Heavenly Mystic Holy Son, and Dou Qianxue, the Heavenly Mystic Holy Maiden, handle the reception. Only an elder from the Sequence Hall was assigned to supervise the competition.

Thus, Xu Lian and Dou Qianxue sat in the main seats on the high platform of the martial arena… It was quite an awe-inspiring moment.

Countless disciples gathered in the martial arena, their heads forming a dark, undulating sea like black lake water. As disciples of the Heavenly Mystic Sacred Land, they felt a sense of pride when they saw their Holy Son and Holy Maiden receiving the Holy Sons and Holy Maidens from the other sacred lands. It gave them a psychological advantage.

“Senior Brothers and Sisters, you’ve come a long way. Please sit down and rest for a moment. The competition is about to begin,” Xu Lian said, gesturing for the Holy Sons and Holy Maidens from the eight sacred lands to sit down.

The Holy Sons and Holy Maidens from the eight sacred lands exchanged glances, unsure of the higher-ups’ intentions. In the past, the competition for the Nine Heavenly Holy Sons and Holy Maidens had always been a grand affair. The Holy Lord and Lady of the Central Holy Land would attend in person, along with the elders. Sometimes even a quasi-Supreme would be present, and friendly forces would be invited to observe.

This time, however, the Heavenly Mystic Holy Son, Xu Lian, and the Heavenly Mystic Holy Maiden, Dou Qianxue, were left to handle the reception on their own. It seemed rather… simple.

The Holy Sons and Holy Maidens from the eight sacred lands sat silently on the high platform, sipping tea.

Noticing Dou Qianxue’s slightly bulging abdomen, the Holy Son of Heavenly Pivot Sacred Land’s expression changed, his pupils contracting sharply. “The Heavenly Mystic Holy Maiden… is pregnant?”

As soon as these words were spoken, the disciples of Heavenly Mystic Sacred Land erupted in excitement, eager to create a drama.

“Brother Xu is amazing! He’s already impregnated Sister Dou!”

“Congratulations to Brother Xu and Sister Dou on their baby!”

The other Holy Sons and Holy Maidens also turned their attention to Dou Qianxue, clearly noticing her pregnancy.

The Holy Maidens from the Eight Sacred Lands didn’t seem to be too bothered, only casting curious glances at Xu Lian.

However, the Holy Sons looked displeased, their expressions turning cold.

After all, the competition for the Nine Heavenly Holy Son and the Holy Maiden hadn’t even started yet. It was still unclear who would become the Nine Heavenly Holy Son and Holy Maiden. If Dou Qianxue became the Nine Heavenly Holy Maiden, and one of the Holy Sons from the other holy realms became the Nine Heavenly Holy Son, what would that mean?

So there was an unwritten rule in the Nine Heavenly Sacred Lands: before the Nine Heavenly Holy Son and Nine Heavenly Holy Maiden were chosen, the Holy Sons and Holy Maidens from the different Heavenly Sacred Lands were not allowed to have intimate relationships. This was because it was uncertain whether they would be paired together or not.

At that time, Xu Lian hadn’t known about this rule and hadn’t given it much thought. Even if he had known, he probably wouldn’t have been able to resist her. Dou Qianxue was beautiful, and she was his official Holy Maiden. Who could resist that?

Xu Lian smiled apologetically. “Senior brothers, I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself and ended up with Qianxue. I’ll do my best to become the Nine Heavenly Holy Son.”

His words sounded rather… arrogant. But he was confident. At the third stage of the Divine Source Realm, with seven progression points in reserve and enough Void God Flowers to advance further, he was ready to break through at any moment. No matter how strong the other Holy Sons were, they couldn’t possibly surpass him.

Hearing this, the Holy Sons from the other sacred lands didn’t look any happier. If anything, their expressions grew even darker. Was that confidence or outright contempt?

Since the deed had already been done, Xu Lian knew that no amount of explanation would help. He decided to let his strength speak for itself. Once he secured the title of Nine Heavenly Holy Sons, the other Holy Sons would have nothing more to say.

Of course, Dou Qianxue had known about the rule, but she had not reminded Xu Lian… and had even gone along with him.

This showed that regardless of who became the Nine Heavenly Holy Son, she had already chosen to be with Xu Lian. Of course, the divine laws of the Divine Kingdom and the influence of the Goddess of Time had likely played a role in her decision.

Dou Qianxue spoke up. “Since I am no longer pure and am now pregnant, I am voluntarily withdrawing from the competition for the Nine Heavenly Holy Maiden.”

The holy maidens from the other holy lands were naturally pleased. One less competitor.

In truth, even if Dou Qianxue hadn’t withdrawn, she wouldn’t have been able to win the title of Nine Heavenly Holy Maiden. Her pregnancy had affected her cultivation progress, and her current strength was slightly lower than that of the other Holy Maidens.

The Heavenly Pivot Holy Son snorted coldly. “If all the Holy Maidens from the other sacred lands were like you and got pregnant before the Nine Heavenly Holy Maiden was even decided, how would we ever choose a Nine Heavenly Holy Maiden?”

Xu Lian knew that he had broken the rules and was at fault, but he couldn’t allow someone to scold his woman like this. He calmly said, “We are all Holy Sons and Holy Maidens of equal status. What right do you have to scold the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Mystic Sacred Land?

Even if Qianxue and I broke the rules, it’s up to the Discipline Hall to handle the matter. You can report it to them, but you have no right to interfere,” 

The Heavenly Pivot Holy Son’s expression turned ugly. He knew that Xu Lian possessed the divine laws of the Divine Kingdom and had the backing of the Goddess of Time. Even if he reported the matter, the most Xu Lian would receive would be a warning or a minor punishment, such as a reduction in salary for a year or two.

The other Holy Sons also felt a bit depressed. Competing against someone like Xu Lian, who possessed the divine laws of the Divine Kingdom, was simply bad luck.

“Buzz!”

The space trembled as the elder from the Sequence Hall of the Heavenly Mystic Holy Land arrived, floating in the air.

“Since everyone is here, let’s begin,” the elder said, glancing at the eighteen Holy Sons and Holy Maidens.

Dou Qianxue stood up and said, “Elder, a few months ago, I consummated my relationship with the Heavenly Mystic Holy Son. Now that I am pregnant, I am voluntarily withdrawing from the competition for the Nine Heavenly Holy Maiden.”

The elder was stunned for a moment. She glanced at Dou Qianxue’s slightly bulging abdomen and then at Xu Lian, unsure of what to say.

“Elder, the withdrawal of the Heavenly Mystic Holy Maiden is not enough punishment. I request that the Heavenly Mystic Holy Son also be disqualified from the Nint Heavenly Holy Son Competition!” said the Heavenly Pivot Holy Son.

He knew that it would be difficult to bring Xu Lian down. With the divine laws of the Divine Kingdom and the support of the Goddess of Time, Xu Lian’s background was too formidable. However, the Holy Son of Heavenly Pivot wasn’t without support. Among the Quasi-Supremes, one was from the Heavenly Pivot Sacred Land and had close ties to his lineage. He decided to give it a try.

Well, it seemed like things were heating up. Xu Lian stated his position: “I admit that I was wrong, and I accept other punishments. However, I do not intend to withdraw from the competition for the Nine Heavenly Holy Son.”

The Elder frowned, unsure of how to handle the situation. She announced, “The competition for the Nine Heavenly Holy Son and Holy Maiden is temporarily suspended. I will report this matter to the higher authorities.”

The Elder then disappeared into the void, presumably to report the situation.

The disciples of the Heavenly Mystic Sacred Land began to stir.

“Heavenly Pivot Holy Son, what’s your problem? The other seven Holy Sons haven’t said a word. Why are you the only one causing trouble for our Heavenly Mystic Holy Son, Brother Xu?”

“Are you secretly in love with our Heavenly Mystic Holy Maiden, Sister Dou? But Brother Xu and Sister Dou are already together. The rice is cooked. Your secret love is useless. Why not be more magnanimous?”

“Think about it from another angle. Even if Brother Xu and Sister Dou hadn’t gotten together before, as long as they liked each other, they could still become Dao-mates. It’s simple: if Dou Qianxue intentionally lost the competition for the Nine Heavenly Holy Maiden, she would definitely become Brother Xu’s Dao Companion. Rules are dead, but people live. You must learn to be flexible…”

The Heavenly Pivot Holy Son said coldly, “Rules are rules. If the Heavenly Mystic Holy Maiden wanted to be with the Heavenly Mystic Holy Son, she could have intentionally lost the competition. That would have been fine. But getting together beforehand and breaking the rules is unacceptable.”

Xu Lian raised his hand to calm him down. “Sit down. The Sequence Hall elder has already reported the matter to the higher-ups. There’s no need for you to say anything more.”

The Heavenly Pivot Holy Son was furious, but he had no choice but to sit down.

Not long after, the Elder returned, floating in midair. She announced, “The Elders have decided to allow Heavenly Mystic Holy Maiden Dou Qianxue to withdraw from the Nine Heavenly Holy Maiden competition. As punishment, she will be fined half a year’s salary.

Heavenly Mystic Holy Son, Xu Lian, for having intimate relations with the Holy Maiden in advance and breaking the rules, will be fined one year’s salary as punishment.”

The Heavenly Pivot Holy Son was speechless. As expected, the punishment was nothing more than a slap on the wrist – a fine of one year’s salary.

Xu Lian stood up and cupped his hands in respect. “The elders are wise.”

The disciples of Heavenly Mystic Sacred Land couldn’t help but laugh.

“All right, I declare the competition for the Nine Heavenly Holy Son and Holy Maiden officially open. I don’t need to explain the rules, right? During the competition, you are not allowed to use any weapons or forbidden artifacts that exceed your cultivation level,” the elder said.

“Now, let’s draw lots to determine the opponents.”

Since there were nine Holy Sons, one would receive a bye.

There were eight Holy Daughters, so no bye was needed.

Soon, the lots were drawn.

Xu Lian drew the number one lot, as did the Holy Son from the Heavenly Inquiry Sacred Land. They were paired against each other.

The two of them entered the arena and began their duel.

After a few probing moves, Xu Lian sensed that the Holy Son of Heavenly Inquiry was at the second stage of the Divine Source Realm. He felt confident. It seemed that after a year, the other Holy Sons hadn’t reached a significantly higher level of cultivation.

“Boom!”

“Boom!”

“Boom!”…

A golden Heavenly Mystic Sacred Land appeared, followed by a golden Imperial Capital, then the Calamity Finger, and finally the Seal Light Sword Wheel… Xu Lian unleashed his combo.

The Holy Son of Heavenly Inquiry was forced to retreat, barely holding out for over twenty moves before being defeated.

One match after another, the disciples of the Heavenly Mystic Sacred Land were treated to a feast for the eyes. This was a battle between Holy Sons!

A few hours later, the first round of matches ended.

There were five remaining in the Holy Son group: Xu Lian, the Heavenly Mystic Holy Son, the Heavenly Pivot Holy Son, the Heavenly Rvolution Holy Son, the Heavenly Gate Holy Son, and the Heavenly Jade Holy Son.

In the Holy Maiden group, there were four left: Heavenly Pivot Holy Maiden, Heavenly Radiance Holy Maiden, Harmony Holy Maiden, and Movement Holy Maiden.

From the previous matches, Xu Lian had already judged the cultivation levels of the other Holy Sons. The highest was at the third stage of the Divine Source Realm, the same as him. His chances of becoming the Nine Heavenly Holy Son were almost certain.

However, to be safe and avoid any surprises-such as a hidden “Old Six” among the Holy Sons-he decided to add a progression point to his realm. When no one was looking, he took out a Void God Flower, added the necessary ingredients, and advanced to the fourth stage of the Divine Source Realm.

“Second round, draw lots,” the Elder announced, proceeding in an orderly fashion.

The remaining Holy Sons and Holy Maidens stepped forward to draw lots.

Xu Lian noticed that he had drawn the same lot as the Heavenly Pivot Holy Son. They were paired against each other.

The Heavenly Pivot Holy Son also noticed this and let out a cold snort.

The disciples of Heavenly Mystic Sacred Land perked up, sensing that something exciting was about to happen.

However, the match wasn’t as exciting as they had expected… The Heavenly Pivot Holy Son was at the second stage of the Divine Source Realm, while Xu Lian was at the fourth stage-a full two minor realms higher. Combined with the combat techniques from the Sacred Spirit Record, Xu Lian defeated Heavenly Pivot Holy Son in just three moves.

The Heavenly Pivot Holy Son gave Xu Lian a cold look. “Even though you won and your strength is admirable, I still cannot accept you because you broke the rules of the Nine Heavenly Sacred Lands!”

“…” Xu Lian replied, “It’s okay if you don’t accept me. I’ll just contribute more to the Nine Heavenly Sacred Lands in the future and make up for my mistakes. How about that?”

The Heavenly Pivot Holy Son said, “Then I’ll watch.”

Xu Lian raised his hand. “Let’s seal it with a handshake.”

The Heavenly Pivot Holy Son was stunned for a moment, but eventually shook Xu Lian’s hand.

The Sequence Hall elder looked at Xu Lian with approval. Even though he possessed the divine laws of the Divine Kingdom and had the backing of the Goddess of Time, Xu Lian remained humble and calm. He truly had the bearing of a Nine Heavenly Holy Son. Based on his strength, the title was practically his.

The following matches went as the Elder had predicted.

There were no surprises.

Xu Lian defeated Heavenly Gate Holy Son and advanced to the finals. In the final match, he defeated Heavenly Jade Holy Son, who was at the third stage of the Divine Source Realm, and claimed the title of Nine Heavenly Holy Son!

In the Holy Maiden group, the Heavenly Movement Holy Maiden proved to be the most skilled. With her cultivation at the third stage of the Divine Source Realm, she defeated the other Holy Maidens and claimed the title of Nine Heavenly Holy Maiden.

The Heavenly Movement Holy Maiden walked over to Xu Lian, took his hand and smiled sweetly. “Husband!”

Xu Lian was naturally in a good mood. This was another beautiful senior sister, talented and strong, and she seemed quite enthusiastic… Very much to his liking.

With the Heavenly Movement Holy Maiden becoming the Nine Heavenly Holy Maiden, the Heavenly Movement Holy Son wouldn’t be left alone. According to the rules, the Heavenly Movement Sacred Land would select a new Heavenly Movement Holy Maiden to become his Dao Companion.

Xu Lian waited and waited, but he didn’t see any “award ceremony”. He asked, “Is there no reward for becoming the Nine Heavenly Holy Son and Holy Maiden?

The Heavenly Mystic Sacred Land disciples burst out laughing.

The Elder sternly said, “The titles of Nine Heavenly Holy Sons and Holy Maidens are symbols of status and honor. What more reward do you need?”

Alright… Xu Lian suddenly felt a bit deflated. Fortunately, he had gained a beautiful senior sister and the qualification to compete for the position of the Goddess of Nine Heavens’ Dao Companion in the future. Otherwise, all this effort would have been for nothing.