Only by entering the secular world can one transcend it. The ancient martial arts conference promoted by the Guo family is also something many people desire to do, though they were beaten to the punch.
As Guo Hongguang’s voice faded, a mighty bell tolled, echoing across the venue, instantly igniting the emotions of everyone present…
This is the stage for the younger generation. If someone could shine brilliantly at the martial arts conference, not only would they gain fame and prestige, but more importantly, they would prepare themselves for their upcoming entry into the secular world.
Some hidden aristocratic families or guardian temples could be described as sealed away for a thousand years, and they had clearly grown weary of such a life. Entering the secular world was the only thing that could truly excite them.
“The Ancient Martial Arts Conference will determine the top ten young experts who will represent the ancient martial arts world of China to explore a tremendous secret. Therefore, everyone, do your best!”
As the event commenced, numerous young experts gazed at the elevated platform in the center of the square with burning eyes. Then, a voice slightly tinged with age and experience further ignited a wave of excitement.
It wasn’t just the younger generation of experts whose expressions turned contemplative; even some old sages wore expressions of deep thought. They hadn’t expected the martial arts conference to carry such an enticing prospect—exploring a hidden secret? What exactly was going on!
However, even though doubts lingered in their minds, they did not voice them aloud, for they had recognized the speaker as the head of the Eastern Holy Temple. The Eastern Holy Temple was no ordinary force; even among the guardian temples, it ranked among the elite.
With the lure of fame and fortune, and the added incentive of uncovering a tremendous secret, the excitement soared. Some passionate youths began rolling up their sleeves, eager for action, though none stepped forward immediately.
Because everyone understood that the first to ascend the platform would inevitably become the target of all, and that wouldn’t be bravery—it would be sheer foolishness…
“I didn’t expect the younger generation of experts to be so hesitant. Then I, Du Xuan of the Hidden Du family, shall take the first step and challenge all comers!”
Finally, someone broke the slightly awkward silence. With a powerful stomp, he leapt onto the platform. Possessing the strength of the middle stage of Qi Condensation, he indeed had reason to be proud, as the Hidden Du family was only ranked mid-tier among the hidden aristocratic families.
On this person radiated the audacity and arrogance typical of the younger generation of martial experts, reigniting the fervor of the crowd. Regardless of Du Xuan’s actual strength, he was indeed a passionate young man.
The middle stage of Qi Condensation was considered an expert even within a hidden family, but this was the Ancient Martial Arts Conference, a gathering of countless prodigies from across China. Even experts at the peak of Qi Condensation might not be held in high regard here.
“Now that Brother Du has stepped forward, I, Meng Yu of the Meng family, shall come forth to meet this challenge, and thus open the Ancient Martial Arts Conference!”
Just as everyone hesitated, wondering whether to step forward, a figure had already entered the arena. He, too, was at the middle stage of Qi Condensation, and seemed even slightly stronger than Du Xuan.
The two exchanged glances and nodded slightly. Though they had stepped forward, they still had the self-awareness to know that at this level of martial arts competition, they could only be considered supporting characters.
Being the first to step forward always gave one the chance to be a memorable supporting figure, and they were indeed quite clever. The spectators below began murmuring, amazed at how formidable the younger generation was—those at the Qi Condensation stage could only serve as background figures.
Guo Hongguang’s expression was grim, not because the old man before him had embarrassed him, but because he vaguely sensed that among the many young experts present, there were not a few who had reached the verge of the Late Heaven Stage, and some had even just entered the Early Heaven Stage.
Such strength was already terrifying. Originally, he had planned for the younger generation of the Hidden Guo family to establish dominance and prestige for their clan, but now, he even doubted whether the Hidden Guo family’s representatives could make it into the top ten.
Others might not know, but as one of the organizers, Guo Hongguang was very clear—the tremendous secret they were to explore was actually a lost inheritance, perhaps something left behind from the Xuanyuan era thousands of years ago…
If that were truly the case, having someone from the Hidden Guo family make it into the top ten would bring enormous benefits—an inheritance from a previous era of martial arts. Just thinking about it was enough to make one’s heart race.
At this moment, many people shared similar thoughts. The two youths who had stepped forward casually were already halfway to reaching the peak of Qi Condensation. One could imagine just how terrifying the strength of the younger generation would be.
Below the platform, Situ Wenchang gazed at the two figures on stage, a sense of defeat washing over him. His hard-earned strength, obtained through years of relentless effort, now seemed laughable. Looking at the current situation, he probably wouldn’t even get the chance to step onto the stage.
“Perhaps only that guy could stand his ground against these so-called geniuses. I hope you can bring glory to a branch of the Hidden Situ family. If that’s the case, calling you the Young Master would be no problem at all!”
Muttering to himself, Situ Wenchang’s smile was tinged with bitterness. Thinking back to how he had once opposed Xiao Yufan over the position of family head, he now found it ridiculous. The latter had long since left him far behind, and he could no longer even chase after Xiao Yufan’s shadow.
The two figures on the platform were not fighting to the death, but they had indeed unleashed their full strength. With equal abilities, both at the Qi Condensation stage, the spectacle was quite impressive.
Within a few minutes, both were already bearing serious injuries. The fight had gradually shifted from cautious probing to an intense, heated clash, though such a level of combat struggled to capture sustained attention.
“Brother Meng Yu’s strength is slightly superior to mine. I willingly admit defeat. If we continue fighting, I will still lose, but it will also cost you dearly. Therefore, I will wisely withdraw.”
After another collision, Du Xuan used the momentum to retreat from the platform, declaring his loss to Meng Yu. Though their strengths appeared equal, Meng Yu had already reached the verge of the peak of Qi Condensation, and Du Xuan knew that continuing the fight would be pointless.
The first match ended quickly. After Du Xuan left the stage, another person leapt up. Also at the middle stage of Qi Condensation, this challenger had a good chance of victory against the already weakened Meng Yu.
This kind of successive challenges caused many people to furrow their brows. It seemed that making it into the top ten among the younger generation wouldn’t be easy. Even those with strong abilities began to show signs of movement.
Unexpectedly, Meng Yu still emerged victorious in the second round, drawing appreciative glances from many. No one had expected such an exciting moment so early in the Ancient Martial Arts Conference. Some even noticed that Meng Yu was attempting to use the external pressure to break through to the peak of Qi Condensation—an impressive feat indeed…
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