As the hosting location for the Universe Holy War galaxy main competition, Upper Origin Realm had long gathered forces and powerhouses from various planes.

To travel to the main city for registration, they naturally needed transportation—after all, walking or flying was too disgraceful.

At this moment, the sky was full of various flashy rare birds and beasts—some with flames jetting from their feet, some covered in rippling water—each more extravagant than the last, each more pay-to-win.

In contrast.

If you traveled by warship, you’d be too embarrassed to greet others when going out.

Jun Changxiao was a typical example. Arriving in the Eternal, he was immediately scorned by a group of handsome men and beautiful women.

Sigh.

Gou Sheng was quite helpless.

He could only summon the Nine-Horned Thunder Cloud Dragon.

Among various demon beasts, the most impressive were undoubtedly lightning types, because lightning discharge special effects were completely incomparable to flames or water ripples.

“Crackle crackle!”

“Crackle crackle crackle!”

The Nine-Horned Thunder Cloud Dragon carrying Gou Sheng and others flew through the heavens. Just the electric arcs lingering on its path were magnificently spectacular.

“Giddy up—”

“Yah!”

“…”

The overtaken handsome men and beautiful women had their superior attitudes instantly shattered, their expressions uglier than each other’s.

Dragon-Tiger Immortal Beasts were quite good.

But before the Nine-Horned Thunder Cloud Dragon, they were trash.

Even when it sensed that purer dragon energy than its own, its gaze revealed humanlike fear and inferiority as it gradually lowered its head.

Was this face-slapping over?

No.

Just beginning.

“Roar—”

A spring-thunder-like roar rang through the heavens, startling the handsome men and beautiful women to look back in unison.

“Crackle crackle!”

“Crackle crackle crackle!”

Another gigantic demon beast permeated with lightning effects came treading through the air.

Li Qingyang stood with hands behind his back on his life-bonded contract beast’s head, shouting, “Sect Master, wait for this disciple!”

“This is…”

Gu Tianxing said in surprise, “A Thunder Diamond Beast?”

Thunder Diamond Beasts in the upper universe weren’t particularly rare demon beasts—their level was even a tier below Dragon-Tiger Immortal Beasts. But what shocked Old Gu was that the aura this demon beast erupted with seemed to have reached—half-step Heavenly Mystery!

“Impossible!”

“How could this level of demon beast have half-step strength!”

What level of demon beast could break through to what realm had explanations. In Gu Tianxing’s understanding, even the highest-grade Thunder Diamond Beast reaching peak Truth-Seeking Realm was already remarkable!

Indeed.

Looking at past and present Thunder Diamond Clan powerhouses, the highest strength only equaled human peak Truth-Seeking Realm. As for half-step Heavenly Mystery, they had never reached it.

Many clans had realm bottlenecks.

Not from lack of effort, but from breed and bloodline limitations—destined to be unable to touch higher levels.

Today, a Thunder Diamond Beast came treading through the air, possessing aura no weaker than human half-step Heavenly Mystery, deeply shocking Gu Tianxing and powerhouses from various planes.

Li Qingyang’s contract beast had such high strength because the two signed a life bond—their realm and strength were mutually shared.

Gu Tianxing didn’t know the Eternal Sect’s second disciple was a genuine half-step Heavenly Mystery Realm cultivator, nor that they signed a life bond contract. Otherwise he wouldn’t be so surprised.

“Hurry up.”

Jun Changxiao flying ahead said.

“…”

Those handsome men and beautiful women’s expressions became wonderful again.

Clearly, they understood from the man’s words that Jun Changxiao was the sect master. He rode an incomparably rare dragon beast while his disciple rode a mount stronger than Dragon-Tiger Immortal Beasts—this was simply…

“Awooo—”

“Roar—”

Suddenly, more demon beast roars rang out.

The handsome men and beautiful women stiffly turned their heads.

In their vision appeared several demon beasts with auras no weaker than peak Truth-Seeking Realm—a phoenix seemingly carved from ice and snow, a mighty demon beast with wind vortexes gathering beneath its feet, a gigantic beast resembling a husky, a small lobster, a large crab…

“Swish!”

“Swish!”

They flew rapidly, surrounding the Dragon-Tiger Immortal Beast while maintaining the same speed.

Su Xiaomo, Xiao Zuiji, and others standing on their respective life-bonded contract beasts said in unison, “Sect Master, wait for us disciples!”

“…”

The handsome men and beautiful women were immediately scared to tears.

These martial artists riding incredibly impressive mounts were all disciples of the person they had just scorned!

Jun Changxiao arrived as a newcomer and was mocked for driving a junker. With one command, core disciples each driving limited-edition supercars surrounded them—are you afraid or not?

“Swish!”

“Swish!”

The Nine-Horned Thunder Cloud Dragon carried lightning effects through the heavens.

Jun Changxiao stood between two horns, proudly crossing his arms. The strong wind blew open his hair, blew away his wig, revealing a face looking down upon all under heaven.

The disciples rode their life-bonded contract beasts closely following, arranged in a ‘human’ character formation. Among them was one point—the Dragon-Tiger Immortal Beast. The handsome men and beautiful women sitting on it huddled together trembling, tears constantly welling in their eyes.

Punks.

Still showing off?

“Who is that?”

“The one riding the thunder cloud seems to be the Star Sea Alliance leader from Crossing Heaven Realm, right?”

“No wonder so ostentatious.”

Riding the most impressive Nine-Horned Thunder Cloud Dragon himself with various special-effect demon beasts as backdrop, Jun Changxiao instantly became the public focus.

“Sigh.”

Gu Tianxing shook his head.

Although he wasn’t accustomed to this high-profile approach, honestly speaking, it really brought him face.

“Young man.”

“If your disciples can achieve good results in the main competition, Uncle will be even more gratified.”

“Please rest assured.”

Jun Changxiao said seriously, “They will become the most dazzling stars of the main competition!”

After these words, Li Qingyang and the others behind him had burning gazes.

They craved more intense battles, craved stronger opponents. The preliminaries didn’t satisfy them—the galaxy main competition should fulfill their wishes!

“Swish—”

Suddenly, a sword light flew from the distance, sometimes merging into clouds, sometimes drifting through midair.

“Hm?”

Zhou Hongzhuan turned to look.

It was a graceful woman with three thousand black silken strands flowing in the wind, wearing a nimble outfit that perfectly outlined her figure. The flying sword beneath her feet emanated extraordinary aura.

If Jun Changxiao’s Nine-Horned Thunder Cloud Dragon was compared to a limited-edition supercar, then this sword was a limited-edition super motorcycle, speeding through the heavens with speed not falling behind at all.

“Swish—”

The flying sword accelerated, taking a detour to overtake.

Just as it rushed past, the woman turned her head, first glancing at the Nine-Horned Thunder Cloud Dragon then at Zhou Hong, playfully blinking her eyes.

The process happened very quickly. When Zhou Hong’s gaze followed, the flying sword had already completed its overtaking. As for the action the other just made, it seemed like a painting imprinted in his sea of consciousness.

“Tsk tsk.”

Jun Changxiao looked at the increasingly distant sword light. “What a wild girl.”

“This woman is named Jian Xiaohong,” Gu Tianxing said.

Jun Changxiao said, “Such a simple and unadorned name.”

“Though the name is ordinary, the surname is very sacred,” Gu Tianxing said.

“Oh?”

Jun Changxiao said, “Please elaborate.”

“Tens of thousands of years ago, a martial artist named Jian Guixu appeared in the Azure Cloud System. Using his self-created Guixu Sword Technique, he swept through top sword cultivators from various major planes without a single defeat, honored by the world as Guixu Sword Saint.”

Gu Tianxing spoke while Zhou Hong listened carefully, because he was interested in anything related to sword dao.

“Later.”

Gu Tianxing said, “Jian Guixu couldn’t find opponents. He stood in the Azure Cloud System universe and with one sword broke through the void. From then on, he sealed his sword in retirement, no longer concerning himself with jianghu affairs.”

“That strong?” Jun Changxiao was astonished.

In the lower realm when exterminating Star Spirit Realm martial artists, he had also achieved sword-breaking void, but that was in a low-level environment. In the upper universe, he definitely couldn’t do it.

“This Jian Xiaohong is Jian Guixu’s granddaughter. As for that flying sword, it’s the Guixu Sword, said to rank first on the Azure Cloud System Sword Artifact Rankings,” Gu Tianxing said.

“No wonder it flies so fast.”

“Moreover.”

Gu Tianxing continued, “This woman is one of the hot favorites to win this galaxy main competition.”

“So she’s also a competitor.”

Jun Changxiao looked at Zhou Hong and asked, “How do you feel?”

“Very strong.”

Li Shangtian’s roar was more like venting his emotions, telling the world: I may be born ordinary, but I still shine brilliantly in the heavens.

“Junior Brother.”

Li Qingyang, Xiao Zuiji, and the others’ faces showed smiles.

They felt proud of Li Shangtian’s victory. However, the next second they couldn’t smile anymore because he suddenly collapsed on the ground.

During these five years of cultivation, Eternal Sect disciples had all comprehended the Nine Dragons Splitting Palm. Though they had some gains, they only grasped the surface. So Li Shangtian forcibly using it to instantly defeat Chu Wange had depleted seventy to eighty percent of his dantian’s energy.

Simply put.

However fierce his showing off just now, the weakness now was equally strong.

“Damn!”

Jun Changxiao sat down, arms crossed, roaring inwardly, “Using your ultimate move right at the start and exhausting yourself—what about the later matches?”

“This contestant, can you get down from the stage yourself?” the referee asked.

“I can…”

After gasping briefly, Li Shangtian struggled to stand and walked down step by step. Li Qingyang and Xiao Zuiji hurried forward to support him from both sides, afraid he’d accidentally fall again.

“Senior Brothers…”

“Did I overdo it…”

“Yes.”

Li Qingyang and Xiao Zuiji said in unison.

…

Each group’s first round ended.

However, the entire venue remained silent as if someone had pressed the pause button.

Spectating male martial artists stared wide-eyed, female martial artists covered their mouths, looking in disbelief at Chu Wange being carried away by officials.

The hope representing our Crossing Heaven Realm was defeated just like that by a seemingly unremarkable Eternal Sect disciple?

“Uncle.”

Jun Changxiao waved his hand before Gu Tianxing’s eyes. “Are you alright?”

“…”

Old Gu stiffly turned his head. “May I presumptuously ask what level of disciple this Li Shangtian is in your Eternal Sect?”

“Inner disciple.”

“What about Ye Xingchen?”

“Core.”

“…”

Gu Tianxing fell silent, suddenly stood up, grabbed his collar and shook vigorously, roaring, “An inner disciple stronger than a core disciple—do you think I’ll believe that!”

Because the shaking frequency and amplitude were too great, Jun Changxiao frothed at the mouth, his eyelids rolling back.

Gu Tianxing thought Li Shangtian was stronger than Ye Xingchen because the martial technique displayed was too terrifying. In fact, core disciples all had comprehension of Nine Dragons Splitting Palm—they just disdained using it in the preliminaries.

…

The hope of Crossing Heaven Realm being defeated dealt a heavy blow to various martial artists while also shocking competitors who passed the first round.

At this moment, they looked at each Eternal Sect disciple as if viewing demons, howling inwardly, “Can’t see any hope of advancing at all!”

Right.

Not a bit of hope.

Next, Li Renfu announced the start of rounds two, three, and four. The scenes presented were all Eternal Sect disciples easily advancing.

He Wudi was still the same—though ultimately winning matches, he always gave the impression of being lucky.

Ye Di was still as domineering as ever. Whenever he mounted the battle platform, he instantly finished opponents.

Some might worry whether Li Shangtian could still perform.

Men.

Cannot be questioned.

So he took a spiritual energy recovery pill and continued mounting the battle platform, defeating opponents with iron-hard fists.

Logically, having expended so much energy, fighting should be very difficult. In fact, he won quite easily. This was nothing more than his opening move finishing the preliminaries’ big favorite.

More precisely, using Crossing Heaven Realm’s strongest competitor to give other competitors a show of force, making them scared to death every time they came up to fight.

“Group One advancement spot, He Wudi!”

“Group Two advancement spot, Li Qingyang!”

“Group Three…”

“Group Fifty advancement spot, Li Shangtian!”

After intense competition, all fifty preliminary spots were determined. Just as Jun Changxiao predicted, all registered Eternal Sect disciples obtained spots—truly a complete sweep!

Unfortunately.

Five short.

Otherwise, they would have taken them all.

“Uncle.”

Jun Gou Sheng said, “This junior did what he said.”

“…”

Gu Tianxing said nothing.

At this moment, he had long been shocked by the Eternal Sect disciples’ powerful performance.

These Eternal Sect disciples were truly a group of monsters!

“Haha!”

Suddenly, Gu Tianxing threw back his head and laughed.

The Universe Holy War’s competition principle was the strong advance, the weak are eliminated. With Eternal Sect disciples so formidable and having instantly defeated Crossing Heaven Realm’s number one genius, having them fight in the galaxy main competition would definitely achieve extraordinary results, thus raising our realm’s prestige!

“Sect Master Jun!”

Gu Tianxing said, “Whether our Crossing Heaven Realm can achieve better rankings in the galaxy main competition three years from now depends on your Eternal Sect disciples!”

“What?”

Jun Changxiao said speechlessly, “We still have to wait another three years?”

“Ding! Epic quest triggered.”

Another quest…

Wait!

Epic quest!

Jun Changxiao nearly flew up from his seat.

After completing the main quest in the upper realm and advancing to half-step Heavenly Mystery Realm, epic quests never came again. His realm had been stuck in place for hundreds of chapters. Today finally… the wait was over!

“Swish!”

Jun Changxiao quickly pulled up the system panel and clicked on the epic quest.

Upper Universe Epic Quest One.

Quest Details: The Universe Holy War is the highest-level martial combat feast in the upper universe. Host must bring disciples to participate in the galaxy main competition and obtain direct entry tickets to the Holy War.

Quest Conditions: Holy War entry tickets 0/2.

Quest Reward: ???

“Holy War entry tickets?” Jun Changxiao stroked his chin. “Uncle, have you heard of these?”

Gu Tianxing said, “Three years from now, the Azure Cloud System will hold the galaxy main competition. Only competitors who make it into the top ten can obtain entry tickets and participate in the Universe Holy War finals as seeds.”

“Only ten entry tickets?”

“The ten best-performing geniuses can go directly to the Holy War finals. Others can obtain entry qualifications through the resurrection matches.”

“Good.”

Jun Changxiao said seriously, “Three years from now, my Eternal Sect will definitely go all out and not disappoint Uncle.”

Epic quests were linked to realm advancement. After waiting so long, one finally came. Forget participating in a genius Universe Holy War—even if it were a sect master Universe Divine War, he’d go complete it.

…

“Swish!”

The scene suddenly shifted from Crossing Heaven Realm to the vast universe starry sky, with subtitles slowly appearing below: ‘Three Years Later.’

“Swish—”

In endless starspace, the Eternal sailed at extreme speed, then merged into a plane even larger than Crossing Heaven Realm.

This was Upper Origin Realm.

One of the Azure Cloud System’s strongest planes.

The hosting location for the Universe Holy War’s galaxy main competition.

“Wow!”

“So beautiful!”

After disembarking from the Eternal, Su Xiaomo and the others looked at various warships flying back and forth above and mountains suspended in the heavens, their gazes showing surprise.

“Stay calm.”

Jun Changxiao said.

Undeniably, Upper Origin Realm was stronger than Crossing Heaven Realm. The environment could be described as marvelously crafted. But having traveled the universe for years, he had long learned to remain composed.

“Roar!”

“Roar!”

Suddenly, dragon-tiger roars came.

Jun Changxiao looked up and saw several gigantic dragon-tiger beasts flying overhead, carrying handsome men and beautiful women—truly full of immortal energy.

“Tch.”

One of them glanced down at the docked Eternal and said disdainfully, “People still travel by ship these days?”

“…”

Jun Changxiao said speechlessly, “We’ve been mocked.”

Gu Tianxing’s expression grew serious. “These are Dragon-Tiger Immortal Beasts. In the entire upper universe, only a few can be found. For them to use them as mounts, their status is probably extraordinary.”

“Whoosh!”

At this moment, a massive aura surged nearby.

Gu Tianxing quickly turned around to see a gigantic dragon beast with nine horns on its head and lightning coiling around it appear.

“Nine-Horned Thunder Cloud Dragon!” Passersby exclaimed in succession.

“Uncle.”

Jun Changxiao, sitting atop it, waved his hand. “Hurry up and get on.”

“…”

Gu Tianxing’s mouth twitched.

The Nine-Horned Thunder Cloud Dragon’s preciousness far exceeded the Dragon-Tiger Immortal Beasts, but it always preferred solitude with a proud temperament—how could it willingly become a human’s mount?

This question needed the Prison Trio to answer.

“Roar—”

After loading Gu Tianxing and the disciples, the lightning-effect-maximized Nine-Horned Thunder Cloud Dragon flew at extreme speed, soon catching up to the Dragon-Tiger Immortal Beasts flying ahead.

“Tch.”

As they overtook, Jun Changxiao looked at those handsome men and beautiful women and said, “Giddy up! Yah!”

—

In the first round of matches, all Eternal Sect disciples who fought advanced smoothly.

Gu Tianxing was a bit dazed.

Not just him—the audience was also dumbfounded.

This expression mainly stemmed from the first fighter He Wudi being truly too poor. Even winning the match was just luck, creating an illusion that Eternal Sect disciples came to be abused.

Many competitors, after watching the first match, felt somewhat relieved.

That disciple had good luck—could the others also be lucky?

As long as they fought seriously and avoided mistakes like Dou Haitao’s, taking them down would definitely be easy.

The result?

After being knocked off the arena, the Crossing Heaven Realm geniuses all stood frozen in place, brains only thinking one thing—Eternal Sect disciples are too strong!

This strength was crushing-level.

Like Li Qingyang—although he also hid his cultivation, he wasn’t as exaggerated as He Wudi and still brought terrifying pressure to opponents.

“Brat!”

Gu Tianxing’s gaze grew serious. “How did you train these disciples?”

One or two being strong was understandable.

Dozens of disciples all this strong was simply incredible!

“Uncle.”

Jun Changxiao said, “The martial path has no shortcuts. Their achievements today rely on persistent, unremitting effort.”

“…”

The system really wanted to complain but didn’t know where to start.

“Makes sense.”

Gu Tianxing nodded in agreement.

He had already begun imagining that in their short lives, this group of young Eternal Sect disciples must have experienced much tempering and shed countless sweat under the setting sun.

Unfortunately…

Gu Tianxing looked at Li Shangtian mounting the arena and shook his head. “Effort is admirable, but before outstanding talent, it’s utterly worthless.”

Clearly.

He still favored Chu Wange.

Jun Changxiao said nothing.

He didn’t want to refute Gu Tianxing’s words because the best proof was through action.

…

Battle platform.

Li Shangtian jumped up, his left foot tripping his right, and tumbled over.

“…”

Many people grinned.

Before even starting, was he already this afraid?

They misunderstood—Li Shangtian wasn’t afraid, just too nervous, which caused an error that shouldn’t have happened.

Why nervous?

Because this was his first time participating in such a grand event, especially with all his fellow disciples finished and successfully advanced, leaving only him—naturally the pressure was greater.

“Relax.”

Li Shangtian thought inwardly, “Don’t be nervous.”

“Junior Brother.”

Li Qingyang encouraged through voice transmission, “You can do this!”

Ye Xingchen leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and said flatly, “If you lose to him, I’ll help you kill him.”

“…”

Li Qingyang and the others’ expressions became wonderful.

Having interacted so long, they naturally knew Ye Xingchen was actually concerned for his junior brother, but the words were truly inauspicious.

“Whoosh!”

Li Shangtian took a deep breath. That nervousness gradually dissipated, then he looked at Chu Wange, cupped his fists, and said, “Eternal Sect disciple Li Shangtian. Please teach me!”

A simple self-introduction, containing iron determination.

However, this performance, in the audience’s eyes, in Gu Tianxing’s eyes, seemed like a new recruit who knew he must die but could only steel himself to go to battle.

“Please.”

Chu Wange’s tone was gentle.

Although praised as Crossing Heaven Realm’s number one genius, there wasn’t the slightest bit of arrogance visible on him. He didn’t even show contempt because Li Shangtian stumbled.

Modest and courteous, refined and elegant.

No wonder Gu Tianxing deeply believed such a genius could win.

“Not bad.”

Jun Changxiao gave praise.

Since crossing to this world, he had encountered many various geniuses. Low-key ones with substance like this were quite rare. Most relied on talent and status, arrogant to the point their noses almost touched the sky.

Of course.

Praise was praise.

Since they met on the competition stage, a victor must be determined.

Li Shangtian also understood this principle, so after greeting each other, he charged forward first.

“Crossing Heaven Palm Seal!”

“Whoosh whoosh!”

“Whoosh whoosh whoosh!”

Palm seals gathered from midair, pressing toward Chu Wange first.

“Boom boom boom!”

The battle platform endured explosive bombardment and began trembling slightly, but because formation masters had reinforced it beforehand, there were no signs of collapse.

“This guy doesn’t seem weak either!”

Seeing the violent energy waves the battle produced, the audience was astonished.

“…”

Gu Tianxing’s mouth twitched.

“Uncle.”

Jun Changxiao said, “The good part’s just beginning.”

“Swish—” Li Shangtian instantly merged into the energy waves.

“Boom!”

“Boom!”

Intense pounding sounds came from within, making the outer energy waves surge one after another, covering half the battle platform.

“Boom!”

Shortly after, what seemed like a muffled sound from palm strikes came. Li Shangtian and Chu Wange both retreated from the permeating energy waves—one retreated seven or eight zhang, the other more than ten.

“Young Master Chu fell into disadvantage?”

“How is this possible!”

Everyone’s eyes widened.

According to past genius competitions, by now the battle should have started and Chu Wange’s opponent should have already been defeated. Yet from the current situation, after their palm strike within the energy waves, not only did he fail to finish it, he didn’t even gain an advantage!

“Whoosh!”

Li Shangtian breathed a sigh of relief, thinking inwardly, “I thought he’d be as strong as Senior Brother Ye. Now it seems he’s not that great.”

While everyone discussed Chu Wange, he heard it clearly, so when fighting he was very serious, afraid the opponent was too strong and he couldn’t handle it.

The result?

After simple exchanges, he found the other was just average.

Actually, Chu Wange was quite strong. At the peak Truth-Seeking Realm level, he already represented an excellent example. But… Li Shangtian at the same peak Truth-Seeking Realm was more excellent.

More precisely.

Any peak Truth-Seeking Realm disciple from the Eternal Sect was unfathomably deep. After all, they had experienced various trials, cleared various secret realms—simply put, you have outstanding talent, I have cheats.

Of course.

This wasn’t promoting opportunism.

In fact, whether core disciples or inner and outer disciples, after joining the Eternal Sect, despite having various resources, their training intensity was hundreds or thousands of times greater than others.

Their achievements today stemmed partly from various martial facilities but equally from their own efforts.

As for Jun Changxiao.

Never mind—this was the real cheat user. Don’t be polite, curse freely.

“Since he’s just like that.” Li Shangtian rolled his shoulders and head. “Let’s end this match quickly.”

Chu Wange’s brow furrowed slightly.

“Swish!”

Right then, Li Shangtian stepped forward in a half-crouch, his hands rapidly forming complex seals as vast energy gathered above.

“Nine Dragons Splitting Palm?” He Wudi said.

“…”

Li Qingyang said speechlessly, “Junior Brother is too reckless.”

“Whoosh whoosh!”

“Whoosh whoosh!”

As Li Shangtian’s complex hand seals frequently struck, energy waves gathered above the battle platform, emanating vast dragon might.

The entire venue fell silent.

At that moment, the powerful aura emanating shocked everyone, including Gu Tianxing.

“Mount Lu Rising Dragon Strike!” Just then, Li Shangtian blasted the void with both hands. A dragon beast roared into being, carrying vast pressure as it pounced toward Chu Wange!

“This move is Nine Dragons Splitting Palm!” He Wudi roared.

“Boom!”

Instantly, an ear-splitting boom came. The battle platform was immediately shrouded in dazzling light, forcing spectating martial artists to reflexively raise their wrists to block the intense light, their hearts simultaneously rising with huge waves!

What kind of martial technique was this to be so terrifying!

The radiance blazed on the platform briefly before gradually fading. When everyone finally looked clearly, they saw Li Shangtian standing in place, a deep long trench before him. The extending path not only covered the area where Chu Wange had stood but also spread to the outer wall of the venue.

“Finished.”

Jun Changxiao stood, face full of smiles.

“…” Gu Tianxing said nothing because he was already completely stunned, because… Chu Wange was embedded in the outer wall, also unconscious.

Crossing Heaven Realm’s number one genius.

The one nicknamed Chu One-Move, Chu Wange, was defeated by an Eternal Sect disciple in one move.

“Victor!”

“Li Shangtian!”

When the referee announced the match result, Li Shangtian, standing proud as iron on the battle platform, first looked toward his senior brothers and sisters outside, then at Jun Changxiao in the spectator stands, and roared, “Disciple Shangtian, mission accomplished!”

—

Because the preliminaries had pre-assigned groups, there was no need to waste time and effort on drawing lots, which nicely saved time.

However, when the various competitors successively found their names and first opponents and confirmed it wasn’t Chu Wange, they all breathed sighs of relief.

They could encounter anyone except him—otherwise they’d definitely be knocked out in one move without even a chance to make it to the second round.

“Li Shangtian?”

“That name’s quite amusing.”

“An Eternal Sect disciple? Pretty unlucky to encounter Chu One-Move in the first round.”

Everyone looked with schadenfreude at the clustered Eternal Sect disciples, hoping to pick out the one called Li Shangtian to see what expression was on his face right now.

“Senior Brother.”

Li Shangtian said, “This opponent of mine seems very strong!”

“No problem,” Li Qingyang said.

“…”

Li Shangtian looked speechless.

For core disciples like them, these preliminaries weren’t a big deal, but he was a rookie participating in such a grand event for the first time.

“Competitors from each group, take your positions!”

At this moment, Li Renfu shouted loudly.

“Let’s go.”

Li Qingyang and the others shook their heads, rolled their shoulders, gave each other encouraging looks, and separately walked toward their assigned group areas.

Many competitors were paying attention. When they saw Li Shangtian heading east, they confirmed in their hearts—this was the unlucky fellow encountering Chu One-Move in the first match.

As Crossing Heaven Realm’s top genius, Chu Wange was definitely the preliminaries’ most favored contestant. Anyone encountering him would inevitably be eliminated.

“Sigh.”

Gu Tianxing shook his head. “Brat, your sweep plan won’t work.”

“Is that so?”

A smile appeared on Jun Changxiao’s face.

He didn’t refute because to gain others’ belief, he had to prove it with strength.

…

The venue had many small arenas with various groups of competitors gathered nearby. They were all busy warming up, their blood even beginning to boil.

Make a name for themselves.

It would start from the preliminaries.

In contrast, Li Qingyang, Xiao Zuiji, and the others were relatively calm.

After joining the Eternal Sect, they had experienced all kinds of matches and long ago achieved mental tranquility—unless encountering powerful opponents.

“Boring to the extreme,” Ye Xingchen said coldly.

If not for needing to go through procedures to enter the main competition, he wouldn’t participate in the preliminaries because the contestants were truly too trashy.

“First pair from each group! Take the stage!”

“Swoosh!”

“Swoosh!”

On dozens of battle platforms, various geniuses successively mounted the stages. Because the Eternal Sect had registered too many disciples, some inevitably had to go first.

Who?

He Wudi.

Standing on the arena, he inwardly collapsed. “I clearly wanted to keep a low profile—why am I going first!”

He Wudi secretly glanced at Jun Changxiao in the spectator stands. Seeing the other smiling at him, he reluctantly said, “I can only follow the Sect Master’s orders.”

“Universe Holy War preliminaries first round begins now!” Li Renfu announced.

“Whoosh!”

“Whoosh!”

In an instant, auras erupted on dozens of battle platforms. Competitors first politely cupped their fists, then began intense combat.

It must be said, martial artists daring to register were all quite strong, their cultivation all at the Truth-Seeking Realm level, with some even at upper or peak levels.

“Boom!”

“Boom!”

Platform Twelve had the most spectacular fight, with both contestants erupting their strongest cultivation, displaying various martial techniques in a splendid show.

Of course.

Most of the audience’s attention was focused on Platform Nine, focused on He Wudi.

Daring to have so many disciples compete—did this Eternal Sect have real skill or were they just padding numbers?

“Boom!”

“Boom!”

The match began. The competitor named Dou Haitao immediately unleashed fierce palm techniques, forcing He Wudi to continuously retreat, even looking quite狼狈.

“…”

Everyone’s mouths twitched.

Dou Haitao could only be considered average among all competitors, yet from the opening he was being suppressed. The Eternal Sect really came to make fools of themselves.

“Young man.”

Gu Tianxing said heavily, “Is this the level of your disciple?”

“Uncle.”

Jun Changxiao said, “Keep watching.”

“Watch what!”

Gu Tianxing roared, “Suppressed from the opening—can he still make a comeback?”

“Boom!”

Suddenly, a booming sound came from the arena. Dou Haitao staggered back several steps.

“This…”

Gu Tianxing was immediately dumbfounded.

He had watched the entire match and clearly captured that in his panic, He Wudi threw out a punch that accidentally broke through the opponent’s technique and even struck his chest.

“See.”

Jun Changxiao said, “Isn’t it getting better!”

“…”

Gu Tianxing shook his head. “Lucky once—can he be lucky every time?”

He was right.

Afterward, He Wudi continued being suppressed by his opponent, but always broke through techniques in incredible ways at critical moments.

“…”

Gu Tianxing’s expression became wonderful.

Being lucky once was understandable, but being lucky multiple times was bizarre!

Or was the opponent deliberately hiding his strength?

“Impossible.” Gu Tianxing immediately rejected this. “This fellow should truly be lucky.”

As a top powerhouse from the upper universe, he was quite accurate at reading people and absolutely wouldn’t believe He Wudi was deliberately performing. In fact, he was performing, but because he acted too realistically, there were no flaws to detect.

“Boom—”

After fighting a while longer, He Wudi pretended to struggle greatly as he knocked Dou Haitao off the arena, then sat down with a thud and wiped sweat from his forehead—telling the audience that although he won, it was very lucky.

Sure enough.

Everyone believed it, thinking he was too fortunate!

Dou Haitao, knocked off the platform, turned red with anger. From start to finish, he had clearly held the advantage, yet still lost in the end—this was truly too unjust.

“Platform Nine victor, He Wudi!”

“Second pair of competitors from each group, take the stage!”

From the referee’s shout, it wasn’t difficult to tell that other groups had long determined their outcomes, while He Wudi, because he was too invested in performing, had invisibly delayed quite a bit of time.

…

The second pair of competitors from each group successively took the stages.

This round, Ye Xingchen fought.

The proud and arrogant Ye Di waited for the referee to announce the start, instantly closed in and blasted his opponent away with one punch.

How to describe the speed?

Just as the referee’s voice shouted “begin” and the trailing tone hadn’t yet faded, the match was already over. The total time used didn’t exceed one second.

Jun Changxiao shook his head. “Xingchen and Wudi are simply two extremes.”

One attacks, one defends.

Ye Xingchen and Xiao Zuiji.

One bold, one cautious.

Ye Xingchen and He Wudi.

Including that time when drunk he went to Ah Zi’s bed—he could be called the iron Ye Di with disposable fellow disciples, the Eternal Sect disciples’ strongest compatible CP king.

“Step.”

After winning, Ye Xingchen walked down from the arena.

Because his performance was too domineering, other competitors made way one after another, their gazes revealing wariness.

“It’s over.”

Someone howled inwardly, “My next opponent is him!”

…

The matches continued.

Eternal Sect disciples successively fought, also letting the audience successively realize that only He Wudi was weak—the other competitors were all very domineering, defeating opponents with instant kills, like the white-robed Lu Qianqian, like the iron wall Xiao Zuiji.

“No suspense!”

“Simply a group of monsters!”

“We can only watch Chu Wange now!”

As everyone discussed, Li Renfu announced, “Final pair of competitors from each group, take the stage!”

“The main event is here!”

Everyone simultaneously locked onto Arena Eight and looked at Chu Wange, who represented Crossing Heaven Realm’s hope—truly the center of attention.

Jun Changxiao interlaced his fingers, lips curving into a smile. “Once Shangtian defeats this person, we can announce the preliminaries are over.”

—

Jun Changxiao brought his disciples.

As expected, their entrance was as shocking as always, as attention-grabbing as always, as… ridiculous as always.

“Flashy and gaudy!”

“Boastful nonsense!”

“Arrogant and domineering!”

Everyone cast contemptuous looks their way.

This time, the mockery couldn’t be blamed on everyone—it was mainly because Jun Changxiao was too infuriating. Making a high-profile entrance was one thing, but he had to strike a pose and shout that the Eternal Sect would sweep all the spots.

“…”

Gu Tianxing shook his head and said, “It’s fine for young people to be a bit arrogant, but going overboard isn’t good.”

He still favored Ye Xingchen, but with only fifty advancement spots total, having the Eternal Sect sweep them all was definitely impossible. If they encountered someone like Chu Wange, some disciples would surely be eliminated.

“Enter.”

At this moment, Jun Changxiao snapped his fingers.

Led by Lu Qianqian and Li Qingyang, the competing disciples strode inside. Along the way, Ye Di quietly stored the modified speaker from his shoulder back into his spatial ring.

They were heading to the competition area.

Gou Sheng went to the spectator area instead.

Because Gu Tianxing had led them to register, their seats were adjacent to his.

“Uncle.”

Jun Changxiao sat down, hands behind his head, leaning back, legs propped on the front railing, and smiled, “This junior isn’t late, right?”

“Just in time,” Gu Tianxing said.

Jun Changxiao released his spiritual sense, letting it permeate the interior corners of the venue where various young martial artists gathered. “These are the geniuses of Crossing Heaven Realm?”

“Yes.”

“Seems pretty ordinary.”

“…”

Gu Tianxing pointed toward the standout Chu Wange and said, “This young man is the number one genius of our Crossing Heaven Realm. If your disciples encounter him, they’ll definitely be eliminated, even Ye Xingchen.”

“Is that so?”

After examining him, Jun Changxiao said, “This person is indeed somewhat extraordinary, but I’m afraid he’ll have difficulty threatening Ye Xingchen.”

Gu Tianxing realized this brat was too good at posturing, so he chose to remain silent and quietly wait for the preliminaries to begin.

Jun Changxiao also stopped talking, secretly wondering whether he should take the opportunity to advertise.

Speaking of advertisements, martial artists from Meteor Star Continent would get headaches, because the past Dragon-Tiger Clash had been an unbearably painful memory. To this day, the City Lord Han of the Great Honor Imperial City was still immersed in advertisements, unable to extricate himself.

“Forget it.”

Jun Changxiao shook his head. “Let fate decide.”

He wasn’t really pursuing disciple numbers anymore, only seeking exceptionally talented youth, so recruitment was more about luck. Moreover, young people flooded into the sect from Eternal Realm every year—they were completely self-sufficient.

…

In the competition area of the venue, more and more geniuses entered.

They either stood alone or gathered in groups of two or three, all looking with peculiar gazes at the dozens of Eternal Sect disciples clustered in the corner.

If not for confirming that the Universe Holy War was a one-on-one combat event, everyone might suspect these strangely dressed sect disciples had specifically come to fight as a team!

“Senior Brother.”

Li Shangtian said, “I’m a bit excited!”

He had participated in matches before, but this was his first time in such a high-level event, especially with nearly a million spectators surrounding them, so his heart was very anxious.

“Use the same mindset you have when sparring with fellow disciples,” Li Qingyang said.

“Uh…” Li Shangtian scratched his head. “That depends on which fellow disciple. If it’s Senior Brother Ye, my mentality would definitely explode.”

Sima Zhongda, Huo Ling, and the others expressed agreement.

If they sparred with each other, the problem wasn’t too big, but encountering core disciples like Ye Xingchen or Xiao Zuiji—that wasn’t called sparring, that was called going up to get beaten.

“No problem.”

Su Xiaomo said, “These competitors probably aren’t at Junior Brother Ye’s level, so you can fight boldly with confidence.”

“That’s good then.”

Li Shangtian breathed a sigh of relief and continued looking at the distant competitors. His gaze involuntarily rested on Chu Wange. Seeing how calm and composed the other was, he immediately straightened his chest and raised his head.

He represented the Eternal Sect—how could he fall behind others in momentum when the match was about to begin?

“Everyone.”

Just then, the preliminary competition supervisor Li Renfu appeared at the center of the venue and announced loudly, “Welcome to participate in the Eleventh Universe Holy War, Crossing Heaven Realm Division preliminaries. Next, we will determine fifty advancement spots.”

“Ah ha…”

Everyone yawned.

They hoped to see the matches start immediately rather than listen to this dry, boring opening speech.

“All competitors are now in position.”

“Please look at the big screen!”

Li Renfu turned around. Flowing light gradually gathered in midair, divided into grid after grid, each filled with two names.

Jun Changxiao was quite surprised. “These preliminaries don’t let you pick opponents but have the officials directly assign them?”

Gu Tianxing said, “Correct.”

From the light screen, this competition was divided into many groups.

Each group’s advancing martial artist would fight the advancing fighter from another group, and so on, until reaching the end—equivalent to obtaining an advancement spot.

“Strange.”

Jun Changxiao discovered a problem.

The forty-five disciples he had registered were all assigned to different groups.

If they fought round by round, they could each obtain a spot without encountering fellow disciples during the rounds, successfully avoiding internal battles.

“Uncle.”

Jun Changxiao said, “Separating all my disciples completely was clearly deliberate.”

“Some time ago, Li Renfu came to see me.”

Gu Tianxing explained, “He said your Eternal Sect registered too many disciples. To prevent them from deliberately throwing matches when encountering each other during rounds, they had to be separated. If you want spots, earn them through skill.”

“…”

Jun Changxiao was speechless.

The officials suspected that with so many disciples registered, he hoped they’d encounter each other in matches and throw fights so some disciples could advance smoothly.

“Sigh.”

Gou Sheng shook his head. “Judging a gentleman’s intentions with a petty person’s mindset.”

Well then.

Since they were all separated, they could sweep the spots perfectly.

Regarding this grouping that seemed designed to prevent Eternal Sect disciples from cheating, Jun Changxiao was actually quite supportive. At least they didn’t need to worry about internal battles, allowing all disciples to smoothly obtain spots.

“Bring it on, bring it on.”

Jun Changxiao’s gaze burned eagerly. “This Master can hardly wait to see all the disciples advance smoothly!”

Gu Tianxing shook his head and pointed to the grouping at the far lower left of the light screen. “Your disciple named Li Shangtian faces Chu Wange in the first round. Stop dreaming of a complete advancement.”

With this reminder, Jun Changxiao realized that Li Shangtian’s group and first opponent were actually Chu Wange. He covered his face. “It’s over.”

“Inevitable,” Gu Tianxing said.

In his view, if encountering Ye Xingchen, the two might have a fierce battle with uncertain outcome, but meeting other disciples, especially non-core ones, would definitely spell doom.

“Uncle.”

Jun Changxiao added, “When I said ‘it’s over,’ I meant…”

He paused, then said, “Chu Wange.”

Gu Tianxing reached out, pulled at his cheeks, and roared, “Will you die if you don’t show off!”

—

“Huff!”

“Huff!”

Inside the Heavenly Might Secret Realm, Ye Xingchen half-crouched on the ground, sweat dripping down from his chin.

“Little… brat…”

In the distance, the Demonized Lü Bu sat cross-legged on the ground, his eyes nearly bursting as he said: “Return… my… equipment!”

From the pitted and scarred condition of the Tiger Cage Pass battlefield, the two had apparently fought for a long time and seemed to have both exhausted themselves.

“Tch.”

Ye Xingchen stood up, then collected the Sky Scorcher Halberd and equipment set, turning to disappear from the spot.

Before leaving, he didn’t forget to say: “Next time, you’ll definitely lose.”

Five years.

He had challenged the Demonized Lü Bu for a full five years.

From being beaten up at first, to barely holding on, to narrowly losing, and now supporting himself until the very end, Ye Xingchen was improving almost every moment.

However.

Like Xiao Zuiji’s situation.

He remained stuck at the Peak Truth-Seeking Realm level without breaking through.

Couldn’t be helped. Breaking through to Half-Step Heavenly Mystery required tremendous opportunity—it wasn’t something you could advance to just by working hard.

“This guy…”

Watching Ye Xingchen leave, the Demonized Lü Bu finally collapsed onto the ground like a deflated balloon, saying unwillingly: “Getting stronger each time. Can’t do anything to him anymore.”

The main problem was not having equipment, plus having his equipment worn by his opponent. Otherwise, fighting for another five years, he could still completely dominate him.

“Whoosh—”

Outside the secret realm, Ye Xingchen was teleported out. He had originally planned to take a cold shower, but hearing the Sect Master’s call, he immediately dismissed the thought and headed to the great hall.

Martial Arts Arena.

Li Qingyang, Xiao Zuiji, and others had already arrived, standing tall and proud one by one.

Over the five years, many disciples hadn’t obtained any great opportunities and remained stuck at the Peak Truth-Seeking Realm, but whether in terms of aura or temperament, they all had undergone tremendous changes.

Calculating their ages, most of them were approaching fifty, but because in the high martial arts world, lifespans easily reached thousands or tens of thousands of years, they were still very young and still appeared vibrant and full of vitality.

“Whoosh!”

“Whoosh!”

After a moment, Su Xiaomo flew over holding Xia Shuiyun’s hand, then returned to a specially reserved position and exchanged smiles with their fellow disciples.

Everyone had been together for a long time. They wouldn’t say polite words—everything was in the mutually trusting gazes.

“Whoosh!”

A cold wind blew. Lu Qianqian, dressed in white as pure as snow, landed at the very front of her fellow disciples.

Just as Xiao Duo complained in the previous chapter, time hadn’t left any traces on Jun Changxiao’s face because his face was too thick, but this ice-cold, snow-like eldest disciple truly hadn’t changed one bit. Perhaps… because her face was too cold.

“Whoosh!”

“Whoosh!”

After a moment, Long Ziyang, Li Shangtian, and other disciples all arrived.

There were forty to fifty people in total. Names won’t be listed one by one to avoid being accused of padding again.

In any case, all those participating in the Universal Holy War definitely had names and identities. Whether they could get screen time also depended on circumstances. For instance, Jing Zhixiao and Mao Xiaodao might just be pulled in to fill out the roster.

“Is everyone here?” Jun Changxiao asked.

“Everyone’s here!”

“Depart!”

With a flourish of his sleeve, Jun Changxiao donned his sunglasses and strode toward the mountain gate.

Lu Qianqian, Li Qingyang, and other disciples followed closely behind. Because there were so many people and their aura was so strong, the scene was quite spectacular.

“Strange.”

Elder Wei said with a puzzled expression: “Couldn’t they just teleport out directly? Why must they lead the disciples out through the mountain gate?”

……

Crossing Heaven City.

Because it was the day the preliminaries began, the streets were packed with people.

In the city’s central district, the former registration point had temporarily erected competition platforms and spectator stands, with competitors successively going through entrance procedures.

“Alliance Leader Gu.”

Li Renfu, the Crossing Heaven Realm district supervisor, asked in confusion: “Where are the Eternal Sect people?”

“Don’t worry.”

Gu Tianxing, sitting in the highest-grade spectator section, said: “On the road.”

“Oh.”

Li Renfu paused briefly, then said: “Alliance Leader Gu, Li has something to say—I don’t know if I should mention it or not.”

“Speak.” Gu Tianxing said.

Li Renfu said: “The Universal Holy War is the highest-level genius competition in the entire upper universe. That Sect Master Jun you brought previously had so many disciples register—it’s really a bit frivolous.”

“Whether it’s frivolous or not, we’ll only know after they fight.”

Gu Tianxing also thought Jun Changxiao was being too careless, but since everyone had already registered and it was about to start, he could only choose to believe.

Moreover.

His son had left for these five years. Although he hadn’t broken through to Half-Step Heavenly Mystery, he had already stepped into Peak Truth-Seeking Realm, which made him firmly believe that the disciples Jun Changxiao cultivated, even if not all excellent, should at least produce a few outstanding geniuses, right?

Speaking of Gu Chaoxi, one had to mention that this guy’s realm and height had both skyrocketed.

Not long after birth, he was tempered by Gu Tianxing with various heavenly treasures, then focused on cultivation at the Eternal Sect for five years. Breaking through to this level was quite normal.

Regrettably.

He didn’t fulfill the promise he made when leaving the Crossing Heaven Realm.

This couldn’t be blamed on him. After all, even the core disciples had been stuck for five years.

If blame must be assigned, then blame Gou Sheng and the system—one for not using cheats, the other for not producing good items.

……

“Young Master Chu has arrived!”

Just then, a shout rang out from outside the venue, causing all kinds of martial artists to turn and look back.

“Whoosh!”

In their field of vision, six burly martial artists carried a luxurious palanquin flying through the air, then steadily stopped at the entrance.

“Alliance Leader Gu.”

Li Renfu hurriedly said: “Our Crossing Heaven Realm’s number one genius has arrived. I must go greet him.”

“Go ahead.”

Gu Tianxing nodded, looking at the brocade-robed man stepping out from the palanquin, thinking: “This youngster is stronger than he was a hundred years ago. I wonder if that Eternal Sect disciple named Ye Xingchen can defeat him?”

Chu Wange.

The Crossing Heaven Realm’s undisputed number one genius.

No matter what sword or blade came before, they were all little brothers compared to him.

Especially a hundred years ago at the Crossing Heaven Realm’s genius competition, he fought his way to the finals, defeating opponents of any level with one move, so he was also called Chu One-Move.

Unlike flow traffic geniuses like Gui Yuhuan, Chu Wange had both looks and strength—a genuine talented performer. Especially since he usually lived in deep seclusion, the martial world only had his legends but rarely saw him in person.

“No suspense.”

“Young Master Chu will definitely be first!”

“Other competitors can only compete for second place.”

“Not necessarily. Five years ago, that cold-faced young man could instantly defeat Gui Yuhuan. He’ll probably give Young Master Chu some trouble.”

“Tch. When Young Master Chu participated in the genius competition back then, he defeated everyone all the way to the finals and won the championship. How can that guy compare?”

After Chu Wange entered the competition venue, martial artists discussed him enthusiastically, their words filled with envy and admiration.

If a person is excellent, they might draw others’ jealousy. If a person is excellent to the extreme, they’ll only make others feel awe, even feel ashamed of their own inferiority.

“Thud thud thud!”

“Thud thud thud!”

Suddenly, thumping sounds came from the main street, startling passersby into dodging aside and turning back with astonished expressions.

Because the camera was placed on the ground, the lens faced the other end of the street. Accompanied by the Chaotic Era Giant Star BGM, heads first appeared, then iron-boned, clanging figures emerged, ultimately striding past the camera.

“Step!”

“Step!”

Lu Qianqian, Li Qingyang, Su Xiaomo, Xiao Zuiji, Ye Xingchen, He Wudi, and other disciples lined up in double rows at the entrance.

(Animators take note—you must use slow motion here. From when the Eternal Sect disciples appear until they stop, you must give close-ups of passersby and martial artists, keeping them frozen in shocked expressions throughout, otherwise the effect won’t work.)

“Whoosh!”

A cloak swept past the camera. Jun Changxiao, walking with Doflamingo’s gait to the rhythm, stopped in front of all the disciples. First, he removed his sunglasses and exhaled a smoke ring, then spread his legs wide and opened both arms with a strange laugh: “Today’s preliminaries—the Eternal Sect has booked the entire venue!”

Five years.

A full five years.

The Eternal warship constantly wandered through the universe.

During this time, Jun Changxiao passed through many planes, experienced different customs and cultures, gained some elevation in his mental state, and also earned quite a few martial dao resources.

Don’t ask how he earned them—if you ask, he was a traveling merchant.

Of course.

Along with his mental state, what also elevated was his shamelessness.

After all, as a businessman, you not only had to be eloquent but also bargain, otherwise how could you obtain profits?

“Sect Master.”

Flying out from a certain plane, Shangguan Xinyao skillfully plotted the route: “Estimated to arrive at the Crossing Heaven Realm in about half a month.”

“Mm.”

Jun Changxiao leaned back in his chair, one hand propping up his face.

Five years of time hadn’t left any traces of age on his refined face. Instead, his entire being now exuded an even stronger aura of a superior, along with… the shrewd cunning that only merchants possessed. He was truly a contradictory combination of dignity and pettiness.

“Whoosh—”

The Eternal warship tore through the void, flying toward the Crossing Heaven Realm.

As for the plane Jun Changxiao had just visited, groups of local martial artists with bruised and swollen faces lay on the ground, howling in unison: “Sako, you bastard! Of all people to provoke, you had to provoke a demon!”

Sako said nothing because he had long since been beaten unconscious.

Here’s what happened: the Eternal warship was flying through the universe when it nearly collided with another warship. The other party opened their door and immediately started cursing, even pulling out a communication token to call for backup.

“……”

Jun Changxiao’s anger flared.

I was going straight.

You came from the side to hit me.

Do you think I’m blind? Can’t tell this is insurance fraud?

“Brat!”

Sako held the communication token, pointing at Gou Sheng’s nose and angrily saying: “My people will arrive soon. If you don’t pay up today, you’ll leave your life behind!”

“Waiting is too slow.”

Jun Changxiao said: “Why don’t we go to your territory instead?”

Sako was a bit confused. In all his years doing this, this was the first time he’d encountered someone who voluntarily went to their home base.

“Fine!”

“Come if you dare!”

So he led Jun Changxiao to his home. On the surface, it looked like he was leading a person, but in reality, he was leading a… group of demons!

The rest of the plot was nothing more than local martial artists standing up for him, ultimately all being knocked to the ground, not only getting injured but also losing their spatial rings.

It would have been fine if they hadn’t tried to scam Jun Changxiao, but to try scamming him—they really didn’t know how the word “death” was written.

……

Crossing Heaven Realm.

Gu Tianxing stood outside the Star Sea Alliance’s great hall and said: “Only three days left until the event. Why hasn’t that little dog thief returned yet?”

Vice Alliance Leader Peng said in a low voice: “Could he have stood you up?”

“……”

Gu Tianxing frowned.

“In my opinion.” The Grand Elder said: “Jun Changxiao completely didn’t take the Universal Holy War seriously. Otherwise, five years ago, he wouldn’t have registered so many disciples to compete.”

So much time had passed, yet everyone still couldn’t understand the behavior of having one sect send out several dozen disciples.

“He won’t.”

Gu Tianxing said: “I trust that guy.”

Though he said this with his mouth, in his heart he was thinking: “You brat, if you dare stand me up, I’ll beat you up no matter where you are in the world!”

“Whoosh—”

At this moment, the sky twisted, and an imposing warship flew over, then slowly docked on the grass at the base of the Star Sea Alliance’s mountain.

“Click click!”

The cabin door opened, and Jun Changxiao walked out dashingly, shouting loudly: “Uncle, this junior has arrived!”

His voice rang like a great bell, echoing throughout the Crossing Heaven Realm.

Those geniuses who were heading to Crossing Heaven City to participate in the preliminaries all stopped in their tracks, their brows uniformly furrowing.

Pressure.

Suddenly unprecedentedly intense!

“This time in the preliminaries, I have an ominous premonition…” one competitor said with a grave expression.

“Young Master need not worry.” The accompanying old servant smiled: “This Crossing Heaven Realm preliminary has fifty slots. As long as you occupy one, you can proceed to the star system advancement tournament.”

“True.”

That young competitor felt relieved, then shook his head and said self-deprecatingly: “Perhaps I’ve been training too hard recently and taking the preliminaries too seriously, becoming anxious about gains and losses.”

……

Star Sea Alliance, Great Hall.

Gu Tianxing carefully scrutinized Jun Changxiao and found that after five years, he seemed to have become even more charismatic, yet also more slippery.

“Uncle.”

Jun Changxiao said: “During this training expedition, I happened to encounter a world focused on medicinal materials and brought back quite a few herbs of varying quality. Please be sure to accept them.”

Various heavenly treasures and potted plants appeared out of thin air.

Gu Tianxing was quite knowledgeable in this area and immediately became interested, but soon looked with suspicious eyes: “You didn’t steal these, did you?”

“……”

Jun Changxiao said helplessly: “All purchased at great expense. I have receipts and invoices.”

“Worthy nephew is thoughtful.”

With a wave of his hand, Gu Tianxing collected all the medicinal materials.

At first, he called him Jun Dog Thief, Little Dog Thief, but now he called him Worthy Nephew. The change in attitude was too real.

“By the way.”

Gu Tianxing said: “Where’s my son?”

“Chaoxi is still training and will return tomorrow.” Jun Changxiao said.

“Oh.”

Gu Tianxing added: “What about those competing disciples of yours?”

“They’re also training.”

“……”

Gu Tianxing said helplessly: “With the preliminaries imminent, you still won’t have them hurry back. Do you even take the Universal Holy War seriously?”

“Uncle.”

Jun Changxiao said: “I’m very serious!”

Indeed.

For these five years, he constantly emphasized that disciples should diligently cultivate, appearing very solemn and serious, even treating it as a top priority.

No wonder when he shouted earlier, the competitors felt tremendous pressure. After all, if the usually casual Eternal Sect disciples were already terrifying, and now they were treating things seriously, it completely… left people with no hope whatsoever.

……

Five years passed quickly.

Three days naturally passed even faster.

This day.

Eternal Realm, clear skies turning cloudy, good air quality.

“Whoosh!”

Jun Changxiao stepped out from the great hall, putting on the Sect Master’s exclusive cloak while straightening his collar, proclaiming loudly: “Assemble.”

“Boom!”

Xiao Zuiji set down the mountain and swiftly returned to the sect.

Under the morning sunlight, the muscles exposed outside gleamed brilliantly.

From this, one could see that after five years of physical refinement, although his realm hadn’t substantially improved, his defense had probably increased considerably.

Xiao Duo: “Afraid of pain so maxed out defense?”

……

At this moment, it was early morning.

A beam of sunlight penetrated through the window.

Su Xiaomo got up, walked to the wardrobe, and took out a brand new Eternal Sect uniform. After putting it on, he looked back at Xia Shuiyun, who was still sleeping soundly, thinking: “I’ll go and come right back.”

“Creak.”

Gently opening the door, gently closing it.

However, when he walked out of the small courtyard built five years ago, a languid voice came from behind: “Not waiting for me?”

Xia Shuiyun had already woken up. She leaned against the window, her waterfall-like black hair casually draped down, looking very feminine.

“Didn’t want to disturb your rest.”

“Creak!”

The door opened. Xia Shuiyun had already changed into her uniform, tying up her disheveled black hair: “Don’t forget, I’m your fiancée and also an Eternal Sect disciple.”

Su Xiaomo paused briefly, then reached out his hand with a smile: “Let’s go.”

Xia Shuiyun gave him a look but still extended her hand, and they left together the home they had built five years ago, officially announcing their return to the Eternal Sect.

Life winner.

Su Xiaomo.

The Universal Holy War preliminaries were five years away, which gave Jun Changxiao time to do many things, so he wasn’t anxious at all and even temporarily resided at the Star Sea Alliance.

Of course.

He wasn’t just playing around.

Rather, he was actively discussing management experience with Vice Alliance Leader Peng.

Where there are three people walking together, one can be my teacher.

As the strongest force established in the Crossing Heaven Realm, with the proper Alliance Leader taking his wife into seclusion, the vice leader managed things impressively well—he definitely needed to learn from this and then apply what he learned by teaching it to Young Master Yuan.

Previously, with the soul bomb constraint, even when purchasing medicinal materials, Jun Changxiao had to handle it personally.

Now, although the main storyline task still existed, without the bomb threat, Gou Sheng was starting to slack off and somewhat wanted to be a hands-off boss.

In fact.

Having developed to this point with so many high-level members, it could basically operate on its own.

What he could do now was figure out how to make the sect stronger and how to obtain more martial dao resources.

“This is a problem.”

Jun Changxiao sat in the courtyard and said: “Must constantly consider it.”

“Big Brother.”

Gu Chaoxi walked over and said: “When are we leaving?”

He was getting a bit anxious.

Because ever since coming to the Crossing Heaven Realm, his mother frequently called Qing Qiulin over to chat, and their relationship was getting better day by day. If they didn’t take her away soon, they might really end up getting married.

“In a few days.”

Jun Changxiao also planned to leave, after all, he still needed to take his disciples to explore the universe. Perhaps within five years they’d encounter opportunities and break through to Half-Step Heavenly Mystery Realm.

“By the way.”

He said: “I heard from Uncle Gu that he registered you for the Universal Holy War long ago?”

“Yes.”

Gu Chaoxi said.

“So in five years, you’ll be participating in the preliminaries with the disciples.”

“My father is the Star Sea Alliance Leader and has absolute weight in the Crossing Heaven Realm, so as his son, I don’t need to participate in the preliminaries and can be directly guaranteed entry to the main competition.”

“……”

Jun Changxiao fell silent.

After a moment, he secretly turned his head to look at you outside the screen and howled: “That’s so damn enviable!”

……

A few days later.

Jun Changxiao stood outside the Star Sea Alliance and cupped his fists: “Uncle Gu, thank you for taking care of me during this time. This junior will take his leave now.”

“Hmph.”

Gu Tianxing snorted coldly and said: “Make sure to take good care of my son on the road.”

“Chaoxi is my brother and also an Eternal Sect Elder. This junior will naturally protect him with my life.” Jun Changxiao said seriously.

These words weren’t just for Gu Tianxing—they were also for himself.

“Go on then.”

Gu Tianxing turned around.

Actually, at first, he was unwilling to let Gu Chaoxi leave with Jun Changxiao, but after thinking about it, someone who could cultivate an outstanding disciple like Ye Xingchen might have special training methods.

“Uncle!”

“Farewell!”

Jun Changxiao cupped his fists and turned to descend the mountain.

The Eternal warship quietly stopped on the open ground. Shangguan Xinyao and others were already in position, testing various flight data in the cockpit.

“Big Brother.”

Jun Changxiao said: “Time to depart.”

“Mm.”

Gu Chaoxi walked toward the opened cabin.

Just as he was about to enter, he stopped, turned around, knelt on the ground, and kowtowed toward the Star Sea Alliance’s mountain gate: “Father, Mother, your son will return.”

“My child…”

Mother Gu covered her face and wept.

Gu Tianxing kept his back to the mountain’s base, his expression invisible, though his hands trembled slightly.

After a moment, his voice rang out like a great bell: “If you haven’t broken through to Peak Truth-Seeking Realm when you return, you’re not worthy of being my, Gu Tianxing’s, son!”

“Peak Truth-Seeking Realm?”

“Father!”

Gou Wa shouted loudly: “That requirement is too low—why not make it Half-Step Heavenly Mystery!”

“Hahaha!”

Gu Tianxing laughed heartily: “Now that’s my, Gu Tianxing’s, son!”

“Whoosh!”

Gu Chaoxi stood up and turned toward the Eternal warship.

“Whirr! Whirr!”

Under the Star Sea Alliance leadership’s watchful eyes, the warship spouted flames and flew out of the Crossing Heaven Realm, merging into the endless universe.

“Vice Alliance Leader.”

The Grand Elder muttered: “Can the young master break through to Half-Step Heavenly Mystery in five years?”

“Theoretically speaking, it’s extremely difficult.” Vice Alliance Leader Peng said.

This was with the Alliance Leader present, so he spoke rather tactfully. What he actually thought was that even those proud sons of heaven participating in the Universal Holy War might be able to break through to Half-Step Heavenly Mystery in the future, but doing it within five years was… absolutely impossible!

“Big Brother.”

After the Eternal warship flew out of the Crossing Heaven Realm, Jun Changxiao walked over, patted Gu Chaoxi’s shoulder, and said: “In the future, when talking about Half-Step Heavenly Mystery, can you add the word ‘Realm’ and not add the word ‘ba’?”

“Why?”

“Talk about mystery without ‘ba’—civilized you and me.”

……

“Five years from now.”

Jun Changxiao sat in the cockpit, shaking the plain water in his wine glass with one hand while looking toward the endless starry sky with the other: “I will make all star systems remember the Eternal Sect.”

The Universal Holy War held once every thousand years was, in his view, an excellent opportunity to establish fame.

As long as he had fame.

He could obtain prestige points.

As long as he had prestige points.

He could use cheats without restraint.

“Moreover.”

Jun Changxiao said: “The main storyline task wants me to dominate the universe. If my disciples win the Universal Holy War championship and defeat the proud sons of heaven from various star systems and planes, wouldn’t that count as completing the task?”

“Host is overthinking.” The system said.

Jun Changxiao replied: “The task only said ‘dominate’ without giving hard targets. Combined with the previous task of helping Yu Feiya restore imperial prestige gaining task progress, this shows that so-called domination doesn’t mean conquering with strength.”

The system was speechless.

“Of course.”

Jun Changxiao said: “I definitely won’t stupidly wait ten years for the main competition to arrive. During this time, I’ll tour various star systems. Perhaps I’ll complete the main storyline task early and step from half-step into true Heavenly Mystery Realm.”

“You think with this author’s habits, they’ll give you that much time to fool around?” The system said: “Bet you the next chapter jumps straight to five years later.”

“……”

Jun Changxiao said: “I believe it.”

“So.”

The system said: “Before activating the Spring and Autumn Great Method, quickly plan out your disciples’ cultivation properly, so they have a reasonable explanation for becoming stronger after five years, instead of readers complaining: Look, they’re using cheats!”

……

Heavenly Might Secret Realm.

“Whoosh!”

Ye Xingchen exhaled and raised his head to look at the city tower engraved with the words “Tiger Cage Pass,” his eyes cold: “These five years, I will spend alone in the secret realm.”

“Boom boom boom!”

Lü Bu jumped out, roaring: “Little thief, return my equipment!”

The two immediately engaged in fierce battle, ultimately ending with Ye Xingchen’s defeat.

Previously, he could defeat this SS-level Demonized Hero Soul because he had fellow disciples working together. With just him alone, he was definitely getting beaten up.

It didn’t matter.

Night Emperor was beaten up but was actually quite happy.

Because this was the goal he set for these five years—without relying on others, personally defeating him!

……

“Boom!”

“Boom!”

In an empty area on the eastern side of the Eternal Sect, Xiao Zuiji carried a heavy mountain on his back, walking forward step by step.

Body cultivation.

Never neglected.

It wasn’t just him and Ye Xingchen who were busy.

All disciples who registered for the Universal Holy War were actively cultivating, not for anything else, but to make the Eternal Sect’s name shake the universe!

Under Jun Changxiao’s cultivation, these people were already sufficiently abnormal. Now that they were focusing even more on cultivation, they truly weren’t giving competitors from other planes any chance to survive.

……

Time flowed on.

Never to return.

Five years passed just like that.

Ye Xingchen defeated one of the Crossing Heaven Realm’s top one or two geniuses, so Gu Tianxing believed he was qualified to participate in the Universal Holy War and proactively brought Jun Changxiao to register.

Registering the address as Crossing Heaven Realm was also to bring honor to himself.

Although Gu Tianxing and his wife lived in seclusion in the Mountain Sea Realm, he was ultimately from the Crossing Heaven Realm and was practically equivalent to a Realm Lord. If there were any benefits, he naturally hoped to give them to his own plane.

However.

What he didn’t expect was.

When they arrived at the registration point, this brat Jun Changxiao opened his mouth and named several dozen disciples.

“Oh.”

“Right.”

“There’s also Lin Yi, Ye Feng, and Qin Lin.”

Gou Sheng finally added.

Core disciples and inner sect disciples weren’t enough to satisfy him, so even second-generation disciples were counted.

Sure enough.

This was definitely stirring up trouble.

“……” The person in charge looked completely bewildered.

He had encountered situations where one person registered a few people, but this was the first time he encountered someone registering several dozen people.

“You brat!”

Gu Tianxing scowled and said: “You’re registering so many people to compete—do you think the Universal Holy War is child’s play?”

“Uncle.”

Jun Changxiao said earnestly: “I don’t want to register so many either, but our sect has too many geniuses. They’ve worked so hard to cultivate—since there’s a grand competition being held, I should at least give them a chance to show themselves, right?”

“Bah!”

Gu Tianxing couldn’t maintain the dignity a powerful expert should have and spat: “Don’t let your tongue get twisted from such big talk!”

“Alliance Leader Gu…” The person in charge said awkwardly: “Should I really register all these people?”

“Register them!”

Gu Tianxing said: “Since this brat wants his disciples to get beaten up, grant his wish!”

He was getting a bit angry, a bit worked up.

“Alright then.”

The person in charge placed both hands on the compass’s light screen, inputted all the names he had written down, then asked: “Sect, place of origin.”

“Eternal Sect, Crossing Heaven Realm.”

“……”

The person in charge muttered to himself: “I’ve lived here for so many years—how have I never heard of this sect?”

Forget it, forget it.

Since Alliance Leader Gu personally brought him here, he had to give face.

Honestly, if it weren’t for Gu Tianxing bringing Jun Changxiao, and he had come to register himself and registered several dozen disciples at once, he would very likely be suspected of having mental problems, or even deliberately causing trouble.

……

“Buzz!”

“Buzz!”

In a grand hall, image light screens continuously trembled, with names successively appearing, all suffixed with Eternal Sect, Crossing Heaven Realm.

“What’s going on?”

A red-haired elder sitting inside held a bowl of rice, eating while saying: “Why did the Crossing Heaven Realm suddenly have so many registrants? And they’re all from the same sect.”

“Eternal Sect?”

“That’s a rather arrogant name.”

A graceful woman sitting nearby said with narrowed eyes and a smile. Her appearance was enchanting, and she exuded a languid aura.

“Contact Li Renfu at the Crossing Heaven Realm registration point.” A dignified-looking elder sitting in the head position said in a deep voice: “Ask him what exactly is going on.”

Clearly, he should be the Universal Holy War’s chief administrator.

He was dissatisfied with the situation of suddenly having one sect with so many martial artists registering, even believing it was deliberately profaning the sacred competition.

“I’ve found out.”

Shortly after, the red-haired elder said: “These so-called Eternal Sect competitors were referred by the Crossing Heaven Realm’s Star Sea Alliance Leader.”

“Gu Tianxing?”

The dignified elder frowned.

“Didn’t that guy go into seclusion with his wife?” The graceful woman flicked her hair and said.

The dignified elder said: “I heard he cut down quite a few Star Spirit Realm warships a few years ago. Now showing his face publicly—isn’t he afraid of retaliation?”

“With Gu Tianxing’s strength and influence, the Star Spirit Realm probably wouldn’t dare openly retaliate, right?” The red-haired elder said.

“They won’t dare openly, but they’ll come in secret.”

The graceful woman said disdainfully: “That’s the Star Spirit Realm’s consistent style.”

“Issue a notice.”

After a moment of silence, the dignified elder said: “Don’t allow situations where one sect registers so many competitors again.”

The Universal Holy War was very sacred, and those qualified to compete were all top geniuses from their planes. If just anyone could register, it really would be no different from child’s play.

As for the Eternal Sect.

Given Gu Tianxing’s face, they would let it slide. Anyway, during the preliminaries, those competitors without real ability would definitely be eliminated.

……

Crossing Heaven Realm, Star Sea Alliance.

After Gu Tianxing returned, he called Jun Changxiao over and said: “In five years, the Universal Holy War preliminaries will begin. At that time, all registrants must participate in their registered plane. If they don’t arrive within the specified time, they’ll be considered as having forfeited.”

“……”

Jun Changxiao said speechlessly: “Uncle’s meaning is I have to wait here for five years?”

“No need.”

Gu Tianxing said: “During this time, you can take your disciples to train, but you must return before the preliminaries begin.”

“Fine.”

Jun Changxiao said confidently: “No problem.”

“However…” He weakly added: “If your Crossing Heaven Realm competitors have similar strength to that blade genius, I feel there’s no need to fight anymore.”

“Why?”

“They definitely can’t beat my Eternal Sect disciples.”

Gu Tianxing reached out, grabbed his face, and roared: “Is your face thicker than others’!”

“Ow! Ow!”

“Get lost!”

Jun Changxiao covered his face and ran off.

However, after he left, Gu Tianxing looked at his hand, recalled the feeling he just touched, and with an extremely serious expression said: “This brat’s face is really thick!”

……

Eternal Realm.

Jun Changxiao called Li Qingyang and the others over, then distributed tokens engraved with their names.

These were Universal Holy War competitor tokens. When the preliminaries began, they could take these to the competition venue. Otherwise, even if they announced their names and sect affiliation, they wouldn’t be officially recognized.

“Ah?”

Li Shangtian held the token, unable to believe it as he said: “I was registered too?”

As an inner sect disciple who had focused on photography for decades, he never imagined he’d be personally selected by the Sect Master to participate in competition-like events, especially a Holy War involving the entire universe!

An opportunity!

He must seize it!

“Listen up, all of you.”

After distributing the tokens, Jun Changxiao stood outside the great hall and said: “Train hard for these five years. When the preliminaries begin, spread the fame of our Eternal Sect!”

“Yes!”

The disciples stood tall and shouted loudly.

Perhaps because they hadn’t competed in a while, or perhaps because the scale was too grand, their eyes sparkled with light, and their blood instantly boiled.

Except for group fights, many Eternal Sect disciples rarely had the chance to prove themselves with their strength, so participating in the Universal Holy War was an opportunity to stand out!

In the courtyard.

He Wudi placed the competitor token on the table and said helplessly: “I really don’t want to participate.”

Making him compete for first or second place with a bunch of young people really wasn’t interesting, but since the Sect Master had registered him, as a disciple, he couldn’t refuse to participate.

Conflicted, irritated.

In stark contrast to He Wudi was Ye Xingchen.

At this moment, he closed the door, pressed against it, looked down at the token, and said proudly: “I will make my name resound throughout the entire universe!”

“First place!”

“This emperor has it locked down!”

……

A certain realm.

A veiled woman walked to a Universal Holy War registration point and said: “I want to register.”

“Name.”

“Xie Lingyao.”

Vice Alliance Leader Peng was right.

A sparring match had ended.

But the one who lost wasn’t Ye Xingchen—it was Gui Yuhuan.

This result caught the Star Sea Alliance’s leadership completely off guard.

“Unbelievable!”

“How did he do that!”

The Grand Elder and others looked utterly shocked.

They could accept Gui Yuhuan losing.

But what they couldn’t accept was that even after unleashing the Tyrant Blade Art and forming an impenetrable barrier of blade light, he was still easily broken through by his opponent, then knocked out with a single punch!

“Trash.”

Standing on the arena platform, Ye Xingchen said coldly.

Though these two words sounded harsh, there was no denying that Night Emperor had the right to say them, because he had defeated Gui Yuhuan at the peak moment of his strongest attack, using his actions to slap the faces of all the Star Sea Alliance’s leadership.

Especially.

He ruthlessly slapped the faces of the rational fans.

Look.

Your idol was defeated by me in one move—is he completely washed up now?

If those fans had shown a bit more composure at the time, Ye Xingchen might not have been so decisive in finishing him off instantly. He might have symbolically held back a bit, letting him lose less miserably.

No choice.

Fans’ behavior, idols pay the price.

“Your strength is formidable, Sir. Gui admits defeat wholeheartedly!” Gui Yuhuan endured the pain coming from his chest and cupped his fists.

Ye Xingchen said nothing and turned to walk down from the arena.

He was disappointed.

Disappointed that he was too strong and couldn’t find an opponent.

Forget it.

After returning, he should spar more with Junior Brother He. At least when that guy didn’t go all out, they could fight to a draw.

“Let’s go home.”

Jun Changxiao stood up.

Ye Xingchen instantly defeating Gui Yuhuan didn’t surprise him at all. After all, he was one of the Eternal Sect’s disciples with the strongest offensive power. Winning against a fellow Peak Truth-Seeking Realm martial artist was perfectly normal.

……

“What?”

That same day, when Gu Tianxing returned from visiting relatives with his wife and learned about the battle’s outcome, he exclaimed in shock: “Defeated Gui Yuhuan in one move?”

“Absolutely true.”

Vice Alliance Leader Peng said rather helplessly.

If he hadn’t witnessed it with his own eyes, he probably would have been just as shocked as the Alliance Leader.

“Father.”

Gu Chaoxi said: “It’s perfectly normal. There’s no need to make such a fuss.”

He didn’t deny that Gui Yuhuan was excellent, but he also couldn’t deny the terror of his own sect’s disciples. If he had to describe them, they were a group of monsters!

“Gui Yuhuan is one of the top one or two geniuses in our Crossing Heaven Realm, yet he was instantly defeated by that brat’s disciple. This is simply…” Gu Tianxing found it hard to accept as he said: “Unbelievable!”

After speaking, he hurriedly headed to Jun Changxiao’s residence.

“Uh…”

Gou Sheng scratched his head as he saw Gu Tianxing’s shocked expression and said: “It’s just defeating a martial artist of the same realm.”

“Brat!”

Gu Tianxing said gravely: “Do you know what it means that your disciple instantly defeated Gui Yuhuan?”

“What does it mean?” Jun Changxiao asked.

Gu Tianxing said: “With Gui Yuhuan’s current strength, in the previous Universal Holy War, even if we don’t say he’d definitely make it into the top 500, he could at least enter the top 600. If your disciple could instantly defeat him, he could probably kill his way into the top 200!”

No way!

Ye Xingchen at the Peak Truth-Seeking Realm level was already very strong.

Yet in this estimation, he could only enter the top 200? Didn’t this mean there were still one hundred ninety-nine other competitors like him?

“Uncle.”

Jun Changxiao asked in surprise: “Are all the top 200 competitors that terrifyingly strong?”

“Yes.”

Gu Tianxing sat down and said seriously: “Let me put it this way—everyone who can participate in the Universal Holy War is a top genius from their plane. Those who can kill their way into the top 200 can be considered the proud sons of heaven from an entire star system!”

Jun Changxiao fell silent.

A proud son of heaven from an entire star system—this was indeed quite impressive.

Gu Tianxing said: “All competitors who make it into the top ten are existences that countless beings look up to.”

“Uncle.”

Jun Changxiao asked: “Have you participated before?”

“No.”

Gu Tianxing shook his head and said: “The Universal Holy War was held ten thousand years ago and has only been held ten times to date.”

“Oh.”

Jun Changxiao acknowledged with a sound.

Ye Xingchen, standing nearby, furrowed his brow.

He wouldn’t forget the scene he saw when he and Xie Lingyao entered that certain illusion realm. He especially remembered that in the illusion, Xiao Zuiji came to find him and said, “The twelfth Universal Holy War is about to begin. Are you interested in accompanying Senior Brother to fight and turn everything upside down again?”

“Senior Gu.”

He asked: “How often is the Universal Holy War held?”

“Once every thousand years.”

“……”

Ye Xingchen fell into silence.

If the illusion corresponded to the future, and they were only at the eleventh Universal Holy War now, when Xiao Zuiji invited him to participate in the twelfth one, it should be a thousand years from now?

Impossible!

I’m not the Night King!

She’s not the Night Consort either!

I won’t leave the sect, and I definitely won’t have children!

“Xingchen?”

Jun Changxiao asked: “What are you thinking about?”

Ye Xingchen stopped his wild thoughts and said: “Nothing.”

“That’s not right.”

Jun Changxiao said suspiciously: “Your eyes just now were very complicated. Do you have something on your mind?”

“Come.”

Setting out wine and laying out dishes, he said: “Please share what’s troubling you.”

“This disciple needs to go cultivate.”

Ye Xingchen definitely wouldn’t mention that he saw the future, that he saw himself leaving the sect.

“A bit strange.”

Watching him leave, Jun Changxiao said while propping up his chin.

“Sect Master Jun.”

Gu Tianxing said: “Since your disciple is so strong, why not have him participate in the Universal Holy War?”

“This junior does have that plan, but…” Jun Changxiao said bitterly: “I don’t know where to register.”

“Let’s go.”

Gu Tianxing said: “I’ll take you to Crossing Heaven City. There’s a registration point there.”

Something’s wrong!

Why has Uncle Gu suddenly become so enthusiastic toward me!

Jun Changxiao felt a bit panicked.

“Sect Master Jun, this old one has an inappropriate request—I don’t know if I should mention it or not.” On the road, Gu Tianxing spoke up.

“Don’t mention it!”

Jun Changxiao said directly.

Usually, when someone has an “inappropriate request,” nothing good comes of it!

“It’s like this.” Gu Tianxing said: “I heard from Gou Wa that you don’t seem to be planning to return to the Upper Realm?”

“The Upper Realm was just a stopping point. Since I’ve left, this junior doesn’t plan to return.” Jun Changxiao said.

Gu Tianxing said: “The Universal Holy War has regulations—competitors must report their star system and plane.”

“……”

Jun Changxiao was speechless.

For this kind of competition, wasn’t it enough to just register your sect and name? Why did you have to report your address too?

“Since you don’t plan to return to the Upper Realm, why not register under my Crossing Heaven Realm?”

“……”

Jun Changxiao understood.

No wonder he suddenly became so enthusiastic—turns out he was digging a pit here waiting for him!

“Fine.”

Gou Sheng agreed.

Actually, it didn’t matter which plane he registered under. The key point was for his disciples to win the championship and obtain generous rewards.

Of course.

Jun Changxiao also had his own plans.

If there was another chance to participate in the twelfth Universal Holy War in the future, he would definitely have his disciples compete under the Eternal Realm’s name, because by then it should have developed and should be able to stand proudly in the upper universe.

“Haha!”

Gu Tianxing laughed heartily and said: “Truly my son’s brother—you really give your Uncle Gu face.”

……

Crossing Heaven City.

The capital of the Crossing Heaven Realm.

Jun Changxiao had no interest in observing the magnificent architecture and followed Gu Tianxing straight to the Universal Holy War registration point.

Because there were still ten years until the competition began, there weren’t many forces or individuals registering.

“Alliance Leader Gu!”

The person in charge walked out and said with a smile: “What brings you here?”

“Bringing an acquaintance to register.”

“Oh?”

The person in charge looked at Jun Changxiao and said: “For Alliance Leader Gu to personally escort someone, this young friend must be extraordinary.”

“Cut the nonsense.”

Gu Tianxing said: “Hurry up and process the paperwork.”

“Right, right!”

The person in charge sat down and took out something resembling a compass. He placed both hands on it, and flowing light gradually appeared.

“Competitor’s name, place of origin, sect.”

“Lu Qianqian, Li Qingyang, Su Xiaomo, Xiao Zuiji, Ye Xingchen, He Wudi, Li Fei, Tian Qi, Long Ziyang, Yang Yuhua, Song Xuanzhou, Li Shangtian, Sun Mucheng…” Once Jun Changxiao opened his mouth, he couldn’t stop. Gu Tianxing and the person in charge’s eyes gradually widened.