Chapter 1565: Battle Preludes

After a deathly silence, the Central Ruins battlefield suddenly erupted. The cries of astonishment that burst forth in that instant almost shook the very sky.

The East Ruins Divine Sovereign, West Ruins Divine Sovereign, and South Phoenix Divine Sovereign all showed immense shock, their reactions even more pronounced than that of the North Cold Divine Sovereign.

Not to mention everyone else.

Shock, excitement, disbelief… Amidst the overwhelming surge of sound, the North Cold Divine Sovereign slowly turned his head to look at Beihan Chu, focusing his spiritual perception intensely on him, sensing his aura: "Chu'er, you… you…"

"Father King," Beihan Chu smiled faintly, "With the cultivation of my master and the seniors, your son was fortunate enough to break through the bottleneck and achieve the rank of Divine Sovereign."

Beihan Chu's voice was not loud, yet it pierced through the sound waves, echoing in everyone's ears and exploding like countless claps of thunder within them.

"…" The North Cold Divine Sovereign's lips trembled, followed by his entire body: "Good… good… good… Haha… Hahahaha… Hahahahaha…"

He laughed loudly, a wild, unrestrained laugh: "To have a son like Chu, your father has no regrets in this life, hahahaha! Hahahahaha—"

This was the most uninhibited and joyful laugh of the North Cold Divine Sovereign's life! It was also the first time he truly understood what it meant to have no regrets, even in death.

The other three Realm Kings stared in astonishment, then after a long silence, they all sighed softly. They knew this was a true miracle, one they could not envy and might never be able to replicate.

"The Northern Region Sky Monarch Ranking is the most prominent and esteemed profound ranking in the Northern Divine Realm," Qianye Ying'er transmitted to Yun Che.

Although information flow between the Northern Divine Realm and the other three divine realms was restricted, at the level of a King Realm, they were not entirely ignorant. Qianye Ying'er had already known about the "Northern Region Sky Monarch Ranking" in the Northern Divine Realm back in the Brahma Heaven God Realm.

"This ranking lists all Divine Sovereigns in the Northern Divine Realm who are under sixty deca-cycles of age… naturally, excluding those from King Realms," Qianye Ying'er said calmly. "If I recall correctly, in each era, there are only about a hundred people who can make it onto this list in the Northern Divine Realm."

"I see," Yun Che understood why the reactions of those present were so strong.

He and Qianye Ying'er were arguably the most indifferent among them.

The Northern Divine Sky Monarch Ranking, in a sense, was indeed the most renowned and valuable profound ranking in the Northern Divine Realm. It recorded all Divine Sovereigns outside of the Northern Divine Realm's King Realms who were under sixty deca-cycles of age!

To achieve the rank of Divine Sovereign at less than sixty deca-cycles… which means under six hundred years old, without a doubt, anyone who did so was a true heaven-defying genius! The term "Sky Monarch" also carried the meaning of a Divine Sovereign favored by the Heavenly Dao!

Becoming a Divine Sovereign within a hundred deca-cycles was enough to cause a huge stir. However, achieving Divine Sovereign status within sixty deca-cycles made one a child of miracles even in an upper star realm! Among the thousands of star realms and countless powerful cultivators in the vast Northern Divine Realm, only a mere hundred people could enter the Northern Region Sky Monarch Ranking!

This ranking, of course, was not merely a simple record of the youngest Divine Sovereigns. Its greater significance lay in informing the world that these young Divine Sovereigns, who made it onto the list, were the ones most likely to become Divine Masters in the future, standing at the pinnacle of the Northern Region.

Such children of miracles were rare even in upper star realms. Yet, Beihan Chu, from the North Ruins Realm—a middle star realm—had entered the ranking!

This was unprecedented in the Five Ghastly Ruins Realms… no, it was something they dared not even dream of.

"You certainly have reason to be proud," Unblemished Elder said to the North Cold Divine Sovereign. "In my Nine Luminaries Heavenly Palace, Chu'er is also the first to enter the Northern Region Sky Monarch Ranking. Before him, the youngest Divine Sovereign was already over a thousand years old. Even the Palace Master himself has praised him highly and values him greatly, almost treating him like a son."

Beihan Chu smiled faintly, "This disciple's achievements today are all due to the grace of my sect. It was a great fortune bestowed by heaven for this disciple to enter the sect."

"Indeed," Unblemished Elder nodded slightly.

The North Cold Divine Sovereign's inner excitement still surged like waves, impossible to calm. He finally understood why Beihan Chu had suddenly become the Young Palace Master, why the dignified Third Palace Master of the Hidden Sword Palace personally protected him, and why he was even willing to stand behind him.

No one would doubt the future of someone who could enter the Northern Region Sky Monarch Ranking. In a place like the Nine Luminaries Heavenly Palace, this was an unprecedented event. Although Beihan Chu's seniority was low, it was enough for the Nine Luminaries Heavenly Palace to grant him the most extreme cultivation, protection, and even status.

Amazement, discussion, fervent cheers… This was not just a miracle and honor for North Cold City, but for the entire Five Ghastly Ruins Realms. To enter the Northern Region Sky Monarch Ranking from a middle star realm was incredibly rare in the history of the Northern Divine Realm. All the watching profound practitioners felt a sense of shared glory amidst their shock.

On the South Phoenix Divine Nation's side, some were dumbfounded, others cried out, and even the South Phoenix Divine Sovereign remained motionless for a long time, looking dazed… However, Yun Che clearly noticed that Nanhuang Chanyi remained calmly seated, showing no obvious reaction from beginning to end, as serene as still water.

He looked up towards the small profound ark floating high in the sky. His spiritual perception did not forcibly penetrate the barrier, but he faintly detected the presence of a person within.

Was someone sealed inside?

Yun Che merely glanced casually, then quickly withdrew his attention, no longer paying heed.

"Father King, your son is here on his master's command to witness the Central Ruins Battle. I dare not usurp your role," Beihan Chu said with a bow.

"Haha, good," the North Cold Divine Sovereign's mood couldn't have been better. With a wave of his hand, his rich Divine Sovereign voice forcefully suppressed the roaring sound waves of the Central Ruins battlefield: "Everyone, the Central Ruins Battle is a grand event held every fifty years in our Five Ghastly Ruins Realms. It is a battle of Divine Kings, and more importantly, a battle of profound way and glory."

"For this Central Ruins Battle, we originally invited Venerable Hidden Sword, Palace Master of the Hidden Sword Palace of the Nine Luminaries Heavenly Palace, to serve as supervisor and witness. However, Venerable Hidden Sword had other commitments, so Young Palace Master Beihan Chu of the Hidden Sword Palace will act in his stead as supervisor and witness."

The North Cold Divine Sovereign did not refer to Beihan Chu as "my humble son" but rather addressed him as "Young Palace Master of the Hidden Sword Palace."

"Please, Young Palace Master and Unblemished Elder, take your esteemed seats."

"No," Beihan Chu quickly waved his hand, "While outside, your son is a disciple of the Heavenly Palace, but upon returning, I am a son of North Cold. How could I sit above my Father King?"

"Heh heh, it's enough that you have such intentions," the North Cold Divine Sovereign smiled. "But today, you represent your master. The Central Ruins Battle is a contest among four realms; if you were to supervise the battle as a son of North Cold, it would appear unfair."

"…Yes, then your son will obey Father King's wishes." Beihan Chu then took his esteemed seat, which was positioned impressively above the four Realm Kings!

The Central Ruins battlefield finally began to quiet down, but the gaze and attention of the entire audience were no longer primarily on the battle itself, but entirely focused on Beihan Chu. The words "Northern Region Sky Monarch Ranking" were simply too shocking, still giving them a profound sense of unreality.

Furthermore, despite such achievements, he was neither unrestrained nor arrogant, possessing a pure heart like a child. How could one not sigh in admiration?

"Everyone," the North Cold Divine Sovereign announced clearly after the battlefield quieted, "The rules for this Central Ruins Battle remain the same as previous ones. Each of the four Realm King Sects may send ten participants, whose cultivation must be at the Divine King Realm, and whose lifespan must not exceed fifty deca-cycles."

Divine Kings under fifty deca-cycles of age were the absolute peak and transcendent existences in any middle star realm, and each one would inspire awe and reverence from all profound practitioners in such a realm.

However, with Beihan Chu, a shining gem, present this time… the gap between Divine Kings under fifty deca-cycles and Divine Sovereigns under sixty deca-cycles was more than just vast; there was no comparison, no brilliance left for the former.

All previous Central Ruins Battles had been hosted by North Cold City, and this time, even the supervisor was the former North Cold Crown Prince. North Cold City, which had been esteemed in the Five Ghastly Ruins Realms for many years, would now hold an even more transcendent position above all other forces, with no possibility of being shaken.

"The battleground rules also remain unchanged: a four-way round-robin format, where the victor remains and the loser is eliminated. The ranking will be determined by the order in which all participants are defeated, which also decides the dominance over the Central Ruins Realm for the next fifty years!"

The North Cold Divine Sovereign explained the rules of the Central Ruins Battle, his words and demeanor more spirited than ever before. After concluding, he turned his gaze to Beihan Chu: "Young Palace Master, as the supervisor and witness for this Central Ruins Battle, please open the event."

Beihan Chu stood up, a gentle smile on his face. He bowed to his surroundings but did not immediately announce the opening of the Central Ruins Battle. Instead, he slowly said, "My reason for coming here, apart from obeying my master's command to supervise this Central Ruins Battle, also involves a personal desire."

As soon as he spoke, the entire venue fell silent. Gaze after gaze consciously began to turn towards the South Phoenix Divine Nation.

At the same moment, Beihan Chu's body turned directly towards the location of the South Phoenix Divine Nation.

"Senior Nanhuang," Beihan Chu bowed deeply to the South Phoenix Divine Sovereign, "Years ago, I had the fortune to meet Princess Chanyi in the South Phoenix Divine Nation, and my heart was captivated at first sight. However, I was too young and had achieved nothing then, possessing only fervent passion and deep affection, so it was entirely reasonable for Princess Chanyi to reject me."

"During my years in the sect, I wholeheartedly cultivated the profound way, my mind pure and unblemished, yet my feelings for Princess Chanyi could not diminish in the slightest. Perhaps, the greatest motivation for my achievements today was the hope of one day being worthy of Princess Chanyi."

The South Phoenix Divine Sovereign stood up, a smile in his eyes, and the North Cold Divine Sovereign also nodded with a smile. However, on the side of the West Ruins Sect and East Ruins Sect, faces were grim or dark, some even gritting their teeth.

It had come true; Beihan Chu's presence at the Central Ruins Battle was indeed for Nanhuang Chanyi!

Furthermore, the situation was infinitely more "serious" than they had anticipated!

Because the one who arrived was not just Beihan Chu, a disciple of the Nine Luminaries Heavenly Palace, but Beihan Chu, who had entered the "Northern Region Sky Monarch Ranking"!

Moreover, when facing the South Phoenix Divine Nation, Beihan Chu was surprisingly humble and polite. Far from holding a grudge or using his power to suppress them because of the past rejection, he adopted an extremely low posture, his words and demeanor conveying the deepest sincerity and yearning.

One must remember, the current Beihan Chu's reputation must have shaken the upper star realms, and he had undoubtedly become the foremost among the Nine Luminaries Heavenly Palace disciples of his generation. For him to still favor Nanhuang Chanyi was a true blessing!

Furthermore, with his current stature, there was no need for him to appear in person. A single word would suffice, and the South Phoenix Divine Sovereign would dutifully personally present Nanhuang Chanyi to the Nine Luminaries Heavenly Palace… and even consider it an honor!

"Heh… what incredible luck has South Phoenix stumbled upon!" the East Ruins Divine Sovereign grumbled in a low voice. As the master of East Ruins, his eyes were filled with unconcealable jealousy.

"This Beihan Chu is really a disgrace," Dong Xueci muttered resentfully. Remembering his recent direct mockery of Nanhuang Chanyi, a chill ran down his spine, and he suddenly felt a pang of guilt and began to sweat.

Beihan Chu's voice continued, "This junior has finally achieved some small success and believes himself worthy of Princess Chanyi's regard. Therefore, today, I brazenly ask for Princess Chanyi's hand in marriage once more before everyone present, requesting that Senior betroth Princess Chanyi to me. If my wish is granted, this junior will surely cherish Princess Chanyi more than his own life… I beg Senior to grant my wish."

Every word was sincere, every word deeply moving. The North Cold Divine Sovereign smiled and said to the South Phoenix Divine Sovereign, "Nanhuang, what are your thoughts?"

Everyone knew that the North Cold Divine Sovereign's question was purely rhetorical.

How could the South Phoenix Divine Nation possibly refuse? There wasn't even the slightest chance!

Beihan Chu, having entered the Northern Region Sky Monarch Ranking, had the potential to achieve the Divine Master realm in the future. Even if he didn't, he could stand at the pinnacle of the Nine Luminaries Heavenly Palace. If Nanhuang Chanyi married Beihan Chu, the South Phoenix Divine Sovereign, who had always been weak in the Five Ghastly Ruins Realms, would completely reverse his fortunes… As countless people secretly thought, this was the South Phoenix Divine Nation's destined luck!

Furthermore, Beihan Chu's timing was somewhat subtle… it was even before the opening of the Central Ruins Battle.

It was subtly serving as a preemptive warning to the East Ruins Sect and West Ruins Sect.

The South Phoenix Divine Sovereign was beaming, and all the members of the South Phoenix royal family around him were smiling brightly, filled with excitement. The South Phoenix Divine Sovereign said, "It is my little daughter Chanyi's immense fortune to gain the favor of my virtuous nephew. However, this matter still requires me to first consult with my daughter's wishes."

"Chanyi, do you have anything to say?" The South Phoenix Divine Sovereign asked with a jovial smile, "If you are too shy to speak, your father can accept on your behalf."

Under everyone's gaze, Nanhuang Chanyi slowly rose. Her face was obscured by a beaded veil, yet she still exuded an ethereal grace that made people inwardly sigh, understanding why Beihan Chu had been so captivated… What she was about to say, and what would happen next, was already set in stone in everyone's minds, with no other possibility.

Within the Central Ruins battlefield, Nanhuang Chanyi's soft voice resonated: "The greatest fortune in a woman's life is to gain the affection of the one she admires. However, for Chanyi, Young Master Beihan is not that person."

Her words, like a gentle breeze, instantly silenced the entire venue, freezing every expression on every face.