Chapter 918: The Curtain Rises

As the Nine Regions Tournament drew near, countless factions across Hunyuantian turned their attention towards it. Everyone understood the tournament's immense significance; it represented a competition and challenge among the nine regions from a different angle, and any outcome would be enough to shake Hunyuantian to its core. Consequently, the Nine Regions Tournament became the sole topic of discussion in Hunyuantian during this period, capturing widespread attention.

Naturally, fervent discussions also arose concerning who would emerge as the ultimate victor of the Nine Regions Tournament.

"In this Nine Regions Tournament, the ultimate winner will undoubtedly be Zhao Mushen of Wanzu Domain."

"That's not necessarily true. Wu Yao of Wushen Domain and Su Youwei of Zixiao Domain might not be weaker than Zhao Mushen. Those two unparalleled talents are not to be trifled with..."

"Indeed, Zhao Mushen's firm hold on the top spot is only because Wu Yao and Su Youwei don't place much importance on that position. Otherwise, if they truly competed, Zhao Mushen might not be so secure."

"Actually, Wang Xi of Blood Sea Domain is not simple either."

"Heh, which of the top eight on the Divine Dwelling List is simple?"

"What about Zhou Yuan of Tianyuan Region?"

"He is indeed a top-tier prodigy, but regrettably, he lacks the necessary experience. If he had fully opened all nine Divine Dwellings by now, he might have been able to contend with them. But who doesn't know that the last two Divine Dwellings are the most challenging to open? He seems to have been born at an inopportune time."

"Yes, defeating Chen Xuandong was impressive, but that also depends on who he's compared to..."

"In this Nine Regions Tournament, it's quite possible that Tianyuan Region will still come in last..."

Such discussions were prevalent in almost every populated area of Hunyuantian. However, it was evident that the most favored contenders were still the renowned super-talents like Zhao Mushen, Wu Yao, and Su Youwei, whose brilliance shone like a dazzling sun. In contrast, Zhou Yuan appeared much dimmer, almost forgotten. When occasionally mentioned, it was with a tone of regret. Those hostile towards Tianyuan Region felt even more disdain, for while the Nine Regions are the overlords of Hunyuantian, and the other eight regions remain powerful and unshakeable, Tianyuan Region now seemed somewhat precarious due to the disappearance of Grand Elder Cang Yuan. Consequently, there were many eager to take advantage of its weakened state.

Presumably, many forces in Hunyuantian harbored malicious intentions, secretly hoping Tianyuan Region would truly collapse. Such a scenario would offer them an opportunity to rise, for even a small portion taken from a behemoth like Tianyuan Region would be enough to make them immensely rich.

Under such intense scrutiny, the Nine Regions Tournament finally commenced.

***

**Wanzu Domain.**

Within a verdant bamboo forest, a figure stood with hands clasped. His physique was as straight as a pine, his face handsome, with features that appeared sculpted. A mysterious lotus mark adorned his brow. Standing there, he radiated a brilliance like the sun, captivating all eyes.

He was Zhao Mushen, the individual countless Divine Dwelling realm experts across Hunyuantian revered.

Yet at this moment, he gazed respectfully at the man before him, who held a carving knife in one hand and a piece of green bamboo in the other. As the blade descended, bamboo shavings continuously flew. The man appeared remarkably young, seemingly close in age to Zhao Mushen. His complexion was fair, and his looks were far inferior to Zhao Mushen's, yet as Zhao Mushen observed him, his eyes were filled with respect, even awe.

For the person before him was none other than the founder of Wanzu Domain, and one of the most ancient Saints in Hunyuantian... Grand Elder Wanzu.

Moments later, Grand Elder Wanzu's carving knife finally ceased its work. He blew gently on the bamboo carving, clearing away the shavings, before looking up at Zhao Mushen. His face was remarkably youthful, yet his eyes held an indescribable ancientness.

"Mushen, if the opportunity arises during this Nine Regions Tournament, capture him and bring him back secretly," Grand Elder Wanzu said, tossing the bamboo carving in his hand to Zhao Mushen.

Zhao Mushen caught it. The bamboo carving depicted a lifelike male figure. Recognizing it, he said with a touch of surprise, "Zhou Yuan of Tianyuan Region?"

A hint of astonishment arose within him. He had, of course, heard Zhou Yuan's name recently, but hadn't paid it much heed. While Zhou Yuan's accomplishments might cause a stir elsewhere, to him, they were merely child's play. So regardless of how much commotion Zhou Yuan had caused recently, Zhao Mushen had never truly considered him an opponent.

However, now, Zhou Yuan's name had actually reached Grand Elder Wanzu himself... and for the Grand Elder to issue a personal order, it couldn't help but greatly astonish Zhao Mushen.

Grand Elder Wanzu glanced at Zhao Mushen and smiled faintly, "This Zhou Yuan hails from another realm. I suspect he has some connection with that old fellow, Cang Yuan."

Although Zhou Yuan's identity hadn't been exposed, someone at Grand Elder Wanzu's level was exceptionally keen. He truly only had a slight suspicion, but that mere suspicion was enough to prompt him to action. However, he couldn't personally intervene, as that would cause too significant a ripple. After all, though that old fellow Cang Yuan had disappeared, there were still those in Hunyuantian who were loyal to him.

Zhao Mushen's eyes narrowed slightly. Without further questions, he took the bamboo carving and quietly said, "Understood." His tone was dismissive, as if he were about to crush an ant underfoot. As the top-ranked on the Divine Dwelling List, he certainly possessed that qualification.

Grand Elder Wanzu nodded, saying nothing further. Had Zhou Yuan not potentially been connected to Cang Yuan, someone of his strength would never have caught his eye, let alone warranted a personal order. Impossible.

Zhao Mushen bowed respectfully. "Then this disciple shall depart," he said.

Only after Grand Elder Wanzu nodded once more did Zhao Mushen turn and depart from the bamboo forest.

Beyond the bamboo forest, the landscape opened up to reveal thousands of figures standing in perfect formation, each radiating potent Genesis Qi fluctuations. Their eyes burned with fervent devotion as they beheld Zhao Mushen emerge.

Zhao Mushen's gaze swept over them, his expression serene. He raised a hand.

"Go!"

The next instant, thousands of figures soared skyward, like a vast, surging cloud.

Within the bamboo forest, Grand Elder Wanzu watched their departure. After a prolonged silence, he turned towards the void, his ancient eyes profound. A low murmur echoed through the bamboo grove.

"Cang Yuan... you old fool, you truly are a troublemaker, and utterly ignorant!"

Grand Elder Wanzu's face remained impassive, yet a ripple of formidable power suddenly surged forth from within him. The bamboo forest, spanning a thousand li, instantly vanished into nothingness, as if it had never existed. That power was silent and imperceptible, yet terrifying enough to make one tremble.

Gazing at the now empty ground, Grand Elder Wanzu exhaled softly, and his expression gradually softened. With a flick of his sleeve, the Genesis Qi of heaven and earth converged, as if transforming into dew and showering down. Green shoots immediately emerged from the ground, growing at an astonishing speed. In mere moments, the thousand-li bamboo forest was reborn, verdant and teeming with vitality.

Destruction with one hand, creation with the other. The power of a Grand Elder was truly wondrous.

"Cang Yuan, let's see how much longer you can hide!"

***

**Wushen Domain.**

Wu Yao's red dress fluttered. Her narrow phoenix eyes surveyed the thousands of Wushen Domain disciples before her. These were the most elite of Wushen Domain's current generation; their mere presence caused the Genesis Qi of heaven and earth to boil and surge. The thousands of Wushen Domain elites, in turn, gazed with reverence at the sharp and domineering Wu Yao.

Standing behind Wu Yao were two tall figures. One was Lan Ting, and the other, whose demeanor was in no way inferior, was also a handsome man. Had Zhou Yuan been present, he would have recognized him, for this individual had followed Wu Yao when she returned to Great Wu years ago and even ambushed him with a palm strike when Zhou Yuan was distracted, thus establishing a past grievance between them. His name was Zhao Yunxiao.

Both men, at this moment, gazed at Wu Yao's back, admiration visible deep within their eyes. Then they exchanged glances; their expressions were calm, yet held a subtle hint of mutual competition.

"Junior Brother Yunxiao, your recent seclusion certainly wasn't brief. I wonder if your ranking on the Divine Dwelling List will still be stuck at nineteenth after this?" Lan Ting said with a low, knowing smile.

Wushen Domain had deliberately concealed much of its strength for the Nine Regions Tournament. Lan Ting, despite his formidable power, had never appeared on the list, while Zhao Yunxiao had consistently remained at nineteenth, neither advancing nor falling back. Thus, within Wushen Domain, Zhao Yunxiao was affectionately nicknamed "Zhao Nineteenth." However, only those privy to the inner workings knew that Zhao Yunxiao's nineteenth rank was merely a facade for outsiders. In terms of true strength, he held no one above him in high regard, save for those in the top eight.

Zhao Yunxiao's expression remained indifferent. "After this Nine Regions Tournament, Senior Brother Lan Ting should no longer be able to conceal his strength," he said. "I'm rather curious to see how high you'll rank then."

Their gazes met, sparks visibly flying.

Wu Yao, ahead, paid no heed to the subtle rivalry between the two behind her. Her phoenix eyes remained tranquil. Raising her slender hand, her figure instantly transformed into a streak of light, soaring skyward. Closely following were the many elites of Wushen Domain.

***

**Zixiao Domain.**

On a cloud platform, Su Youwei gazed at the grand banners before her. Dressed in a long crimson-purple gown, her dark hair elegantly swept up, her exquisite face glowed. Moments later, she raised her gaze to the distance, an imperceptible curve forming unconsciously on her lips. That instant was breathtaking, captivating everyone present.

"Your Highness, I can finally meet you again..."

***

**Blood Sea Domain...**

**Sacred Rune Domain...**

**Profound Machine Domain...**

At this very moment, from all Nine Regions across Hunyuantian, majestic figures ascended skyward. What followed was an overwhelming fervor, as countless forces also mustered their ranks and followed closely behind.

This grand event, a celebration for Hunyuantian's younger generation, had truly begun.