Regardless of how perilous Xie Baoshu’s situation was, how tenacious Chao Yu was, or how furious Bao Bozhao was…

Even if Jiang Wang’s impromptu blade learning drew some attention.

The gaze of most people still rested upon Chong Xuanzun.

Just moments ago, he had accomplished the magnificent feat of fighting three opponents single-handedly, truly proving that he was the foremost expert in the Outer Tower realm among the younger generation of Qi, and the most qualified to represent Qi at the Yellow River Meeting.

In his hand, he still held a scroll, clearly indicating that he had been reading just moments before being summoned by an urgent imperial decree from the Qi Emperor.

He had arrived so hastily, yet so gloriously.

This man, dressed in white, standing alone in the center of the plaza, today… truly overshadowed Linzi with his brilliance!

And it wasn’t until this moment that those with discerning eyes realized.

From beginning to end, Chong Xuanzun had not moved the left hand he held behind his back.

His left hand had consistently held that scroll.

He had fought three opponents, and he had fought them with a single hand…

And he had emerged victorious!

While it still couldn’t compare to the legendary and almost immortal feat of the Celestial Mansion Elder who had killed three powerful Outer Tower experts while still in the Inner Mansion realm, in the present day, it was more than enough to be called unparalleled in Linzi!

With such a performance, who could utter a single word of dissent?

If a person like this couldn’t go to the Yellow River Meeting, then who was worthy?

Sitting in a high position, the Great Qi Emperor instructed Han Ling: “Those on the field today are the heavenly prides of my Great Qi. Have someone keep an eye on them, and have the imperial physicians treat them well. Whatever medicine is needed, feel free to procure it, without regard for cost.”

These words were spoken to Han Ling, but of course, they were also meant for everyone to hear.

Han Ling bowed and acknowledged, giving a look, and his subordinate eunuchs left to carry out the order.

Only then did the Emperor turn his gaze to the plaza: “Chong Xuan’s brilliance, you have not failed to live up to the name!”

Chong Xuanzun bowed in礼, and replied: “Your Majesty overpraises.”

The Great Qi Emperor looked at him again, a smile in his voice: “What book is Aiqing reading?”

This was an inconsequential question, but it was precisely because of its insignificance that it indicated the Emperor’s satisfaction.

“Reporting to Your Majesty.” Amidst Chong Xuanzun’s nonchalant elegance, there was a rare hint of awkwardness. He drew the hand behind his back further back: “Uh, a leisure book.”

Jiang Wang had already seen the details of the book through the rouge mirror.

However, he hadn’t known what it was about before. Now that he heard Chong Xuanzun say it was a leisure book, he had some guesses.

The title of that book was “Biographies of the Thousand Beauties of the Various Kingdoms.”

Below the formal title, there was a line of smaller characters, which should be the subtitle, reading “Secret History of the Martial Emperor.”

Presumably, there was a character written incorrectly. The book should be about the story of the Qi Martial Emperor’s clashes with the heavenly prides of the various kingdoms…

Biographies of the Thousand Beauties of the Various Kingdoms, indeed.

It was a leisure book. However, it was also good for broadening one’s horizons and appreciating the style of the heavenly prides of various countries.

If there were also some records and evaluations of battles, it would be a very valuable book.

He could buy a copy to read later.

The Great Qi Emperor did not press further, only saying: “Bestow a seat.”

Two eunuchs carried a large chair draped with red silk and placed it at the edge of the plaza, near the Grand Ancestral Temple, facing the imperial steps.

Placing it in this position represented the future of Qi. It was also for the ancestors to see the heavenly prides of the nation.

Chong Xuanzun bowed slightly: “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

He then turned elegantly, walked to the large chair, and sat down in a casual posture.

It should be noted that at today’s Grand Master’s Rite, apart from the Jiang imperial family, only those over a hundred years old were allowed to sit.

This was naturally an honor.

An honor to be received with trepidation.

But Chong Xuanzun sat down as naturally as if he were sitting down for a meal at his own table.

So naturally, it was as if… he was supposed to have a seat today.

Only after Chong Xuanzun had taken his seat did a eunuch walk to the edge of the plaza. He did not move forward, only pressed his hand lightly on the ground.

Cracks mended, crushed stones expanded, bloodstains vanished…

The plaza, which had been riddled with pits, quickly returned to its original state. The entire process showed no trace of struggle or effort, demonstrating a mastery of control that was reaching its peak.

When he withdrew his hand, there was no longer any trace of battle here.

The Prime Minister of Great Qi, Jiang Rumuo, then said: “The Grand Rite continues!”

Such a pronouncement should have been the duty of the official in charge of rites, but it was not surprising that Jiang Rumuo did it.

This Prime Minister had always been low-key and peaceable, and his administrative style was gentle and flowing like water. Among the Prime Ministers of Great Qi throughout history, he was considered to have weaker control over the Political Affairs Hall. However, his reputation in court and in the common people was very good.

Furthermore, selecting the heavenly prides of the nation today, his personal hosting as Prime Minister was a responsible act.

As soon as Jiang Rumuo’s voice fell, Lei Zhangan, Jiang Wang, and Cui Zhu looked at each other, each with their own thoughts.

The rules of the martial competition had been announced long ago. Each of the three competitors for a spot would fight two matches. Therefore, in a situation where the strength difference was not significant, who went first and who they fought against was very important.

If one’s strength was overwhelming like Chong Xuanzun’s, allowing them to fight three opponents at once, then such considerations were unnecessary.

Thinking of Chong Xuanzun’s dazzling performance just now, Jiang Wang took a deep breath, his thoughts racing.

I will fight three too!

No, there are only two opponents…

Even a completely dominant win against two opponents cannot overshadow Chong Xuanzun. After all, there are only three competitors in the Inner Mansion realm, and another person cannot be conjured out of thin air.

Forget it, since I can’t overshadow him, there’s no need to reveal too much. I’ll just go one by one…

Having made up his mind, Jiang Wang didn’t wait for Jiang Rumuo to randomly choose opponents. He took a step forward: “Brother Lei, please enlighten me!”

Even with recovery time, the first two people to enter the arena in this three-person martial competition would definitely be at a disadvantage.

Just like in the Three City Tournament in Fenglin City back then, Jiang Wang had taken advantage and easily won the championship.

Today, however, he was full of confidence and didn’t care about these things.

The changes in between were countless days and nights that had not been wasted.

The reason he chose Lei Zhangan first was, of course, because he didn’t quite like him, and he wouldn’t leave any advantage for him.

Lei Zhangan’s breath was stuck in his throat.

He was already cursing in his heart, but his demeanor remained impeccable.

He laughed heartily and stepped forward: “Then I shall give you some pointers!”

Today was different from the past. Having completed the Three Mansions and further advanced his Nine Heavens Thunder Derivative Art, he had great confidence in this battle. The only unpleasant thing was that Jiang Wang had been the first to speak.

This showed that… today, Jiang Wang was more confident than he was!

As for Cui Zhu, who came from the Prisoner Electric Army, he still had that cold expression, and it was impossible to tell if he was happy or not. He simply remained silently at the edge of the plaza, leaving enough space for the two confronting each other.

On the high platform, Jiang Wuhua seemed to want to mend the relationship. Looking at the two people in the plaza, he smiled and said: “This Prince must take a good look. Jiang Qingyang, whom Wuyou has called a hero, is sure to perform extraordinarily!”

Jiang Wuyou had not said anything yet.

It was Jiang Wuxie who smiled first: “I presume he will not disappoint the皇兄.”

“Oh?” Jiang Wuhua asked: “Wuxie is also very optimistic about this person?”

Jiang Wuxie sniffed the wine in his cup and smiled: “I came here today, and what I most look forward to is Jiang Qingyang.”

It was true that they might all appreciate Jiang Wang, but mentioning him at this time naturally conveyed another meaning – not being optimistic about Lei Zhangan.

The Qi Emperor’s exceptional favor towards the Eleventh Prince had given these elder brothers and sisters a sense of crisis.

Jiang Wuqi clasped his hands on his knees, only smiling, not speaking.