Chapter 206: Ranking Battle Xuan Power Test

Now, allow me to announce the rewards for this ranking tournament.

Ling Wugou's words immediately drew everyone's attention back to him, and they listened intently. The rewards for each ranking tournament were always different. Ling Wugou's voice resonated clearly: "The third-place winner in the individual ranking will receive one 'Purple Vein Dragon Heart Pill.' The second-place winner will receive three drops of 'Purple Vein Marrow Cleansing Fluid'…"

As Ling Wugou spoke, gasps erupted from the audience below. The names "Purple Vein Dragon Heart Pill" and "Purple Vein Marrow Cleansing Fluid" were well-known to everyone present. These were legendary elixirs, incredibly rare and priceless. The former was said to be refined from the power of a true dragon's profound core, enabling the user to completely open their profound entrances for a month, dramatically increasing their cultivation speed by several times! The latter could temper bone marrow and brain marrow, significantly enhancing the user's physique and mental strength, providing permanent and immense benefits. Both elixirs were extraordinarily valuable, and even with vast wealth, they were almost impossible to acquire. Especially for the younger generation, the "Purple Vein Dragon Heart Pill" and "Purple Vein Marrow Cleansing Fluid" were nothing short of divine medicines.

All the participating disciples present, including those from the top sects, stared intently, their throats emitting continuous swallowing sounds.

However, the conditions for acquiring either of these elixirs were extremely stringent… reaching the top three among over fifteen hundred top-tier talents was truly harder than ascending to the heavens.

"…the first-place winner in the individual ranking will receive a Sky Profound Artifact from Heavenly Sword Villa – the Dragon Scale Armor."

A collective gasp swept through the arena!

As the first-place reward was announced, the entire arena erupted into an uproar, like a boiling pot, and the commotion lingered for a long time.

A Sky Profound Artifact… the Dragon Scale Armor!!

"As expected of Heavenly Sword Villa, such a gesture makes it impossible not to be astonished," said Sect Master Xiao Juetian of the Xiao Sect, his face filled with shock. "I've heard of this Dragon Scale Armor. It's made from the scales of a true dragon, incredibly tough, and it even has a certain reflective property against external profound energy. Having the Dragon Scale Armor is like having an extra… no, several extra lives! Lei'er, this time, you must give your absolute best. For this Dragon Scale Armor, even if it's Ling Yun, you must give it your all and never admit defeat directly."

"Yes!" Xiao Kuanglei nodded vigorously in response.

"There are only three Sky Profound level armors in the entire Azure Cloud Empire, and none of them can compare to this Dragon Scale Armor." Grand Elder Fen Moli of the Burning Heaven Clan could no longer remain calm, but he was not as optimistic as Xiao Juetian. His expression quickly returned to neutrality: "It's a pity. This Dragon Scale Armor is merely a spectacle to dazzle us. With Ling Yun present, who can possibly contend with him? In my opinion, this might be a grand gift brought by Elder Ling Kun from Heavenly Sword Villa, used to capture our attention in this manner. Ultimately, it will still belong to them."

Ling Wugou continued his announcement: "The top ten ranked sects in the tournament will be eligible to collectively explore the 'Heavenly Lake Secret Realm' after the battles."

"Furthermore, the top ten ranked sects, after exploring the 'Heavenly Lake Secret Realm,' will have the rare opportunity to personally witness the 'Demonic Being' sealing ceremony, personally performed by Elder Ling Kun of Heavenly Sword Villa."

"Demonic Being Sealing Ceremony? What is that?" Yun Che asked Qin Wushang, puzzled.

Qin Wushang pondered for a moment and said, "I'm not entirely sure either. Including this time, I've been here three times, but I've never heard of such a 'reward.' However, I have heard whispers about the term 'Demonic Being.' It's said that a century ago, Heavenly Sword Villa brought a 'Demonic Being' to Heavenly Sword Mountain Villa and sealed it beneath the Sword-Wielding Platform. The colossal sword at the center of the Sword-Wielding Platform exists specifically to seal that 'Demonic Being.' Perhaps this seal needs to be reinforced periodically, or perhaps Ling Kun's true purpose in coming to Heavenly Sword Mountain Villa isn't to witness this Azure Cloud Ranking Tournament, but rather to reinforce that seal… Of course, that's just speculation."

Yun Che had actually heard about Heavenly Sword Mountain Villa housing a demonic being sent by Heavenly Sword Villa a century ago, when Cang Yue casually mentioned it while introducing Heavenly Sword Mountain Villa to him. He swept his gaze around and noticed that most people were whispering amongst themselves, their faces showing confusion… clearly, they had no idea what this "Demonic Being Sealing Ceremony" was about.

"The auspicious hour has arrived! Now, I, this elder, declare that this year's Azure Cloud Ranking Tournament officially begins!"

The vast Sword Discussion Arena immediately fell silent. Ling Wugou's body blurred as he soared into the air, leaving a faint gray afterimage. In a flash, he landed precisely at the center of the Sword Discussion Arena, where a colossal Profound Energy Testing Stone already stood.

"This ranking tournament involves five hundred and thirteen sects competing for rankings, with a total of one thousand five hundred and thirty-five participating disciples. All participating disciples must be no younger than sixteen and no older than twenty. Anyone outside this age range will be immediately disqualified. We will now begin drawing tournament numbers. Before drawing numbers, all participants must undergo age and profound energy tests. This will also allow everyone to become familiar with the names of these outstanding young talents… Now, all participating disciples whose names I call, please step forward immediately for your profound energy test and number draw."

A profound energy test was an essential procedure for every ranking tournament. However, the true purpose of this profound energy test wasn't to measure profound energy, but rather age. After all, the ranking tournament had very strict age limits for participating disciples.

"Heavenly Blade Sect – Li Badao, Ji Hong, Ye Changqing!"

The three individuals whose names Ling Wugou called immediately descended from their seats and, one by one, placed their palms on the Profound Energy Testing Stone. Their measured ages were 19, 20, and 20, respectively, with corresponding profound energy levels of Spirit Profound Realm Level 3, Spirit Profound Realm Level 2, and Spirit Profound Realm Level 2. After that, they drew their tournament numbers nearby and returned to their seats.

"Thunderbolt Mountain – Wu Mu, Wu Feiran, Wu Qingyun!"

"Heavenly River Cloud Pavilion…"

"Worshipping Moon Sect…"

"Divine Cloud Island…"

Wave after wave of participating disciples, grouped by sect, stepped forward for their profound energy tests and number draws. As in previous years, the ages of the participating disciples were primarily concentrated between 19 and 20. There were very few 18-year-olds, and even fewer 17-year-olds. As for 16-year-olds… nearly half of the disciples had already gone up, and still not a single one was 16.

Over ninety percent of the participating disciples' profound energy levels ranged from Spirit Profound Realm Level 1 to Spirit Profound Realm Level 5, with less than one-tenth exceeding Spirit Profound Realm Level 5. To reach the Spirit Profound Realm before the age of twenty was considered a genius among geniuses, even in the imperial capital of the Azure Cloud Empire. The Azure Cloud Imperial Profound Palace, including the outsider Fen Juechen, only had three such individuals. In small cities like Flowing Cloud and New Moon, it was simply unimaginable. But here, they were merely considered mediocre. Young profound practitioners above Spirit Profound Realm Level 5 were the true prodigies among these natural talents, forming the top tier of the ranking tournament.

As for the True Profound Realm… at least so far, there hadn't been a single one.

"Xiao Sect – Xiao Kuanglei, Xiao Zhen, Xiao Nan."

The moment "Xiao Sect" was announced, the entire arena abruptly fell silent once more. The Four Great Sects, renowned throughout Azure Cloud, were finally stepping onto the stage!

The three participating disciples from the Xiao Sect walked out of their seats, moving side by side towards the center of the Sword Discussion Arena. Their manner of walking was distinct from disciples of other sects, and their brows exuded an almost arrogant self-assurance.

Xiao Kuanglei – 20 years old – Spirit Profound Realm Level 9.

Xiao Kuanglei was the first to undergo the profound energy test. As his result appeared, gasps of astonishment filled the audience below. Especially those disciples who were usually arrogant and hailed as the "number one genius" in their respective territories, they were utterly dumbfounded, unable to believe their own eyes.

Only twenty years old, yet already Spirit Profound Realm Level 9, just two steps away from the Earth Profound Realm – how was this possible? They trembled with silent cries in their hearts.

The gasps around him made Xiao Zhen let out a cold snort. He stepped forward and placed his palm on the Profound Energy Testing Stone.

Xiao Zhen – 20 years old – Spirit Profound Realm Level 9.

This time, the already dumbfounded young disciples were left utterly speechless. They had only heard about the formidable reputation of the Four Great Sects before, but now, they were witnessing the terrifying strength of these sects with their own eyes.

Finally, it was Xiao Nan's turn.

Xiao Nan – 18 years old – Spirit Profound Realm Level 6.

Although Xiao Nan's profound energy was the lowest among the three, he was two years younger than Xiao Kuanglei and Xiao Zhen. This age combined with that profound energy level was no less shocking than the previous two.

Not long after, the three participating disciples from the Burning Heaven Clan also stepped forward.

Fen Jin – 20 years old – Spirit Profound Realm Level 9.

Fen Juebi – 20 years old – Spirit Profound Realm Level 8.

Fen Yuange – 19 years old – Spirit Profound Realm Level 7.

"'Fen Jin' is the eldest grandson of Burning Heaven Clan's Grand Elder Fen Moli, and also the Burning Heaven Clan's top disciple for this ranking tournament. As for Fen Juebi, his talent is inferior to Fen Juecheng's, so he won't be the main focus of the Burning Heaven Clan in this tournament," Qin Wushang explained casually.

"Ice Cloud Immortal Palace – Shui Wushuang, Wu Xuexin, Xia Qingyue."

Among the Four Great Sects, Ice Cloud Immortal Palace had the fewest disciples. This was because Ice Cloud Immortal Palace not only accepted only female disciples but also had extremely stringent requirements for their aptitude, talent, and appearance. Consequently, in terms of average disciple strength, even Heavenly Sword Mountain Villa couldn't compare to Ice Cloud Immortal Palace. Moreover, every disciple of Ice Cloud Immortal Palace was exceptionally beautiful. Chu Yuechan, the number one beauty who captivated countless young talents back then, hailed from Ice Cloud Immortal Palace.

As expected, the moment the three women from Ice Cloud Immortal Palace appeared, a chorus of swallowing sounds echoed throughout the arena. The young disciples who had reached this point were all at the pinnacle of their respective domains, accustomed to enjoying the company of various beauties. Yet, the aura of the Ice Cloud Immortal Palace disciples was simply incomparable to ordinary women. The naturally drifting ice aura around them added an ethereal, dreamlike quality. The last girl's face was veiled, her true appearance hidden. The gazes of the young disciples were fixed on the faces and graceful figures of Shui Wushuang and Wu Xuexin, staring intently, utterly captivated.

"Brother-in-law, look, it's Big Sister!!"

Although Xia Qingyue wore a veil, Xia Yuanba recognized her at a glance. He quickly grabbed Yun Che's arm, exclaiming excitedly.

"Shh…" Yun Che quickly shushed him, whispering, "I know she's Qingyue, and I knew she would participate in this ranking tournament… You can call me brother-in-law, but absolutely do not call her 'Big Sister' again. Ice Cloud Immortal Palace disciples are forbidden from marriage. If someone overhears, it could be very detrimental to her, and we would also attract unnecessary attention."

Xia Yuanba immediately covered his mouth with both hands, nodding repeatedly, no longer daring to shout.

Yun Che's gaze fell upon Xia Qingyue's back, his heart stirring… It had been a year and a half since they last met, and she had clearly grown much taller. Her already graceful figure was now perfected to the extreme. Merely seeing her back was enough to imagine her peerless elegance… Beneath her veil, her face must have grown even more breathtakingly beautiful.

"That veiled girl is… is… Yuanba's sister… your wife?" While others couldn't hear Xia Yuanba's words, Cang Yue, who was sitting beside them, heard them clearly. She stared at Xia Qingyue blankly… looking at the wife of the man she loved, her voice and eyes conveyed an indescribable mix of complex emotions.

Regardless of whether they had true affection, regardless of whether they had consummated their marriage… she was, after all, his wife… properly betrothed, married through formal rites, witnessed by heaven and earth, and by elders, with the world as their witness…