The final bout of the Inner Palace stage’s eight-to-four elimination concluded without a shred of suspense, with Qin Zhizhen emerging victorious.

While the outcome was a foregone conclusion, the process offered a multitude of “surprises,” or perhaps “shocks.” Beigong Ke, indeed, lived up to the formidable reputation of Beigong Yu and the high expectations of the entire Yong Kingdom. His resilience and strength were truly moving. His final gambit, the exploded Plummeting Silver River Sword Qi Array, was not to be underestimated.

However, what truly captured the attention of all was Qin Zhizhen’s “Five Palaces Confluence.” First, there was Gan Chang’an, who could cultivate to the Inner Palace at the tender age of nine, and now Qin Zhizhen, who possessed a Celestial Palace. The prodigies of Great Qin were in no way inferior to anyone. This led people to speculate just how terrifying Huang Budong, the Qin Kingdom’s foremost prodigy under thirty and one who resembled a wizened old man, would be when he unleashed his power. This Yellow River Grand Meeting truly lived up to its reputation for stirring up storms!

Furthermore, people pondered, or perhaps anticipated, a question: The peerless Celestial Palace cultivator, Chong Xuanzun, had the invincible Du Zhao alongside him, each showcasing their brilliance. With Qin Zhizhen also revealing a Celestial Palace, who could stand against him?

With this, the list of the top four in the Inner Palace stage was finalized. In the order of their victory, they were: Deng Qi of the Mu Kingdom, Huang Sheli of the Jing Kingdom, Jiang Wang of the Qi Kingdom, and Qin Zhizhen of the Qin Kingdom.

After Yu Tu announced the final results, naturally, people were sent to carry the defeated away for treatment. The prodigies who had reached the top four of the Inner Palace stage also descended from the platform. The four martial arts platforms rumbled as they merged into one. The subsequent semifinals would be held on this single platform.

Yu Tu extended a hand, unfurling the light screen that would determine the matchups once more. Shining upon it were the names of the four strongest Inner Palace realm prodigies of this era. Yes, in the realm of Inner Palace cultivation, they were currently the strongest in the world. The order of matchups was undeniably crucial. For instance, Du Zhao and Chong Xuanzun in the quarterfinals nearly perished together, resulting in this year’s Outer Building stage having no champion. Similarly, if Yan Shaofei had the backing of a powerful kingdom, he might have been able to disregard the rumors and easily claim the top spot…

In the battles of the Inner Palace stage thus far, the strongest performances had undoubtedly come from Qin Zhizhen of the Qin Kingdom and Jiang Wang of the Qi Kingdom. The former was an unparalleled prodigy with Five Palaces Confluence, while the latter had forcefully defeated Xiang Bei, who was nearly deemed invincible. Deng Qi of the Mu Kingdom, with his numerous killing techniques, was undoubtedly unfathomable, and Huang Sheli of the Jing Kingdom had effortlessly overwhelmed her opponents without expending much effort. However, based on their current performances, they truly could not compare to the former two. Strong individuals are needed to highlight the strength of other strong individuals. Battling against the weak does not showcase one’s brilliance at all. It is only at this gathering of kingdom prodigies that so many prodigies can fully display their strength. In ordinary times, these top prodigies from various kingdoms rarely have the opportunity to demonstrate their full power.

As spectators, observing the expressions of the four waiting prodigies was also quite interesting. Qin Zhizhen remained as silent as a rock, seemingly indifferent to whoever he faced. As a Celestial Palace cultivator, he naturally possessed such qualifications. Deng Qi wore a bronze mask, so his expression was invisible. However, his physical state was very relaxed, without a hint of tension. This likely offered a glimpse into his inner confidence. Huang Sheli openly watched Jiang Wang. It was unclear if she particularly valued this opponent, if she was observing, or if she was provoking. Jiang Wang, on the other hand, remained calm and composed, even nodding at Huang Sheli as if they had reached some agreement.

The top four of the Inner Palace stage were truly fascinating. Even with Qin Zhizhen having displayed the Five Palaces Confluence, at least in terms of aura, none of the prodigies showed any signs of weakness. On the contrary, each was full of confidence and vigor. Just how terrifying a Celestial Palace cultivator could be, Chong Xuanzun had already demonstrated in the Outer Building stage. Yet, these prodigies in the Inner Palace stage were all full of spirit and vitality. Could another Du Zhao possibly emerge? Perhaps they were just putting on a brave face…

Everyone held their breath, awaiting the final result on the light screen. When it was settled, the viewing stands erupted!

Deng Qi of the Mu Kingdom versus Huang Sheli of the Jing Kingdom.

Jiang Wang of the Qi Kingdom versus Qin Zhizhen of the Qin Kingdom!

It was as if the battle of prodigies in the Outer Building stage was reenacted. The two prodigies who had performed the strongest in the previous rounds had met early again!

Regardless of whether people were anticipating, dissatisfied, or happily excited, the list was set and could no longer be changed by anyone. According to the order displayed on the light screen, the semifinals of the Yellow River Grand Meeting’s Inner Palace stage would begin with the battle between the Jing and Mu prodigies.

Qin Zhizhen turned directly and walked back to the preparation area. Jiang Wang, on the other hand, took a deep look at Deng Qi, then stepped back a few paces and stood there, showing no intention of returning to the Qi Kingdom’s preparation area, clearly indicating that he would be observing the battle from below the stage. The choices of Qin Zhizhen and Jiang Wang in this match were different from those of Du Zhao and Chong Xuanzun in the Outer Building stage. At that time, those two peerless prodigies in the Outer Building stage had already displayed extraordinary strength and regarded each other as their greatest opponents, so they seized every moment to recover their condition, directly meditating below the martial arts platform.

Currently, Qin Zhizhen had hardly expended any energy. While Jiang Wang had fought intensely with Xiang Bei, he had maintained the upper hand throughout, from the battle for the Heaven-Connecting Palace to the external battle. With his powerful divine soul and abundant Dao Yuan reserves, his losses were easily replenished. Relatively speaking, he was more interested in observing the battle closely. One was Huang Sheli, who had promised him a decisive battle early on, and the other was Deng Qi, who made him extremely curious and subtly expectant. That faint hope should have an answer…

He thought that before Huang Sheli, who possessed four Divine Abilities, anyone would need to go all out and could not hold back. Jiang Wang did not want to miss any details of such a battle.

Zhao Rucheng, disguised as Deng Qi, naturally sensed Jiang Wang’s attention, but he remained unmoved. Today was the first step in his decision to return the favor. The favor he had to return was too great, and the object of his repayment was too immense. He absolutely did not want to involve the earnest and resolute Jiang San Ge. Therefore, he deliberately kept his distance. In fact, at the moment Jiang San Ge asked him if they had met before, how could he not hear the trembling and anticipation in that question? How could he not want to imitate Du Laohu’s tone and shout –

“Of course I know you! I’d recognize you even if you were burnt to ashes!”

But he couldn’t.

Everyone in the world has their own path, and often they must walk it alone.

Stepping onto the martial arts platform, he stood still. Zhao Rucheng quietly watched his opponent. Having reached this point, the only thought in his mind was to win. Facing the prodigy representing a hegemonic kingdom at the River-Watching Platform, if he still harbored thoughts other than winning, whether it was concealing his identity or something else… then there would be absolutely no possibility of victory.

The two people standing on the martial arts platform had completely different moods. Compared to Zhao Rucheng’s heavy heart, Huang Sheli was noticeably more relaxed. She stepped onto the martial arts platform and first glanced at Ye Lan’er, the most beautiful woman in the Chu Kingdom. Very good, she was watching me. Then she looked at Chong Xuanzun in the Qi Kingdom’s preparation area. Very good, he was watching me. Then she also conveniently looked at Jiang Wang, who was standing below the martial arts platform. Very good, he was also watching me. Next, it should be Xue Kingdom’s Xie Ai. Xie Ai… Huang Sheli suddenly turned back and stared intently at Zhao Rucheng –

Kid, you’re dead!