A massive azure wind vortex, like a flickering light, appeared above the colossal square in a few breaths. The vortex shivered lightly and then dissipated into countless points of light, from which two figures descended gently, riding on a soft breeze, and landed on the seats. “It’s actually the Wind Venerable? I never expected that four Venerables would attend this grand assembly. This trip was indeed worthwhile.” “The normally rare and elusive Battle Sovereigns have shown up in full force, with four of them. The scale of this Quadrant Pavilion Assembly is indeed impressive, no wonder it has attracted so many people.” “Hehe, I wonder who will be the ultimate beneficiary of this assembly?” The appearance of the last two individuals naturally drew the attention of everyone, and Xiao Yan was no exception. As soon as the two figures emerged, his gaze immediately shifted towards them. As for Mu Qing Luan, dressed in green robes, since Xiao Yan had already met her, his gaze did not linger on her much, instead, it locked onto the elder in front of her. The elder wore a green robe, and his long hair was draped over his shoulders, giving him a carefree appearance. His features, although not ordinary, still carried a trace of handsomeness despite his age, suggesting he must have been quite striking when younger. Among the four Venerables, his appearance was the most impressive. Moreover, his aura, due to his cultivation in wind elemental Battle Qi, was somewhat ethereal and unpredictable, evoking a sense of otherworldly mystery. “Is he the Wind Venerable?” Xiao Yan slowly appraised the green-robed elder, his eyes flashing with a glint of excitement. He had heard much about the Wind Venerable from Elder Pharmacist; they were said to be close friends who shared life and death. If this were true, and if the Wind Venerable valued his friendships as deeply as the rumors suggested, then Xiao Yan might have found a formidable ally. As Xiao Yan’s heart fluttered with excitement, the Thunder Venerable and the Sword Venerable, seated on their respective seats, greeted the Wind Venerable with a respectful bow. The Wind Venerable’s reputation surpassed that of the other three, so even though they now held the same status, the two still showed their respect. However, the Yellow Spring Venerable beside them seemed to have some tension with the Wind Venerable. He glanced at the Wind Venerable with narrowed eyes before turning away, as if he hadn’t seen him. The Wind Venerable, always wearing a gentle smile, responded politely to the Thunder Venerable and the Sword Venerable but paid no extra attention to the Yellow Spring Venerable. Although mutual suspicion and restraint existed among the Quadrant Pavilions, the Wind Venerable and the Yellow Spring Venerable were particularly at odds, with the latter’s dark and unscrupulous nature not being to the former’s liking. After exchanging pleasantries, the Thunder Venerable looked up at the sky, then slowly stood up, scanning the square around him. Instantly, the noisy clamor that filled the air was silenced under his stern, thunderous gaze. “Today is the good day for our Wind and Thunder Pavilion to host the Quadrant Pavilion Assembly. Thank you all for coming to Mt. Thunder to support us. However, I believe everyone is aware of our rules. I hope there will be no disturbances during the assembly.” The Thunder Venerable’s voice, like a rumble of thunder, resonated across Mt. Thunder, imbued with a hint of thunderous power. Weaker attendees almost involuntarily shivered. His words were brimming with a commanding presence, like the irresistible force of thunder, leaving no room for argument. Though such tone might be unappealing, no one dared to object, intimidated by his terrifying strength. The awe-inspiring power of a Battle Venerable was truly extraordinary. Seeing no objections, the Thunder Venerable nodded slightly and waved his hand, causing a clear, ringing bell to resound again. “This year’s Quadrant Pavilion Assembly includes fifty-three participants, including the four disciples of the Quadrant Pavilion. The rules are the same as always: the battle will begin with a melee until only eight remain. Now, all participants, please enter the arena,” the Thunder Venerable announced as the bell rang. Just as his words faded, a whistling sound echoed across the square, and young figures started to flit into the arena. They then scattered around, watching each other with caution. The entrance of these individuals immediately ignited the atmosphere, with deafening cheers erupting like a tidal wave, rising to the sky, and even disturbing the distant cloud layers. As the participants entered, Mu Qing Luan, Tang Ying, and Wang Chen, seated on the platforms, exchanged glances before leaping into the arena. When they entered, the area around them cleared, for everyone knew their strength and would not willingly confront them. As key figures of the assembly, Mu Qing Luan and the others’ entrance further escalated the excitement of the crowd. The atmosphere on the mountaintop reached its peak with their appearance. Suddenly, a clear, melodious cry of a crane filled the sky. A rainbow-colored giant crane emerged from a part of the mountain, carrying a graceful figure on its back. She tapped the crane’s back lightly with her toes and glided down without making a sound, landing gracefully in the center of the arena. It was Feng Qing’er, whose regal demeanor was unmatched. Feng Qing’er’s arrival further enlivened the crowd, for everyone knew that she had the highest chance of winning this year’s Quadrant Pavilion Assembly. Upon seeing Feng Qing’er, the Wind Venerable, Sword Venerable, and Yellow Spring Venerable on the platform cast surprised glances. Then, the Wind Venerable said with a smile, “It seems the Thunder Venerable has invested a lot of effort. You’ve even personally concealed her true strength. Is this some kind of surprise tactic?” Hearing this, the Thunder Venerable laughed and said, “Not at all, Sword Venerable. This girl’s identity is special, so I had no choice but to do so out of necessity.” “It seems the Thunder Venerable is eager to secure the head seat of the Quadrant Pavilion again. The Wind and Thunder Pavilion’s chances of victory are indeed the highest this time,” the Wind Venerable remarked, his gaze lingering on Feng Qing’er’s delicate figure. “You are too kind, Wind Venerable. That girl Mu Qing Luan is from the Heavenly Phoenix Family. If she awakens her bloodline, she would be a standout among the younger generation,” the Thunder Venerable replied with a smile, a hint of hidden pride in his eyes. For this year’s Quadrant Pavilion Assembly, he was determined to win.
The Wind Venerable smiled and said nothing.
The Yellow Spring Venerable, however, frowned. Wang Chen was one of his outstanding disciples, but he seemed to be a bit inferior compared to Feng Qing’er. It seemed the Yellow Spring Pavilion’s status wouldn’t change much this year.
Among the Quadrant Pavilions, the Yellow Spring Pavilion always ranked last. The Yellow Spring Venerable was helpless, for his pavilion lagged behind in nurturing the next generation of talents.
On the silver tree, Xiao Yan’s gaze remained fixed on Feng Qing’er. He always felt a vague sense of danger from her, unrelated to her strength but a feeling he couldn’t explain. Frowning, Xiao Yan’s gaze swept across the arena, where participants were standing guard, their faces tense. These youths, though not old, were exceptionally strong. Of course, those participating in the assembly were anything but ordinary; they either had exceptional talent or came from powerful backgrounds.
“Truly befitting of the Central Region, such young Battle Emperor experts are hard to find even in the Black-Corner Region. I didn’t expect the Quadrant Pavilion Assembly to attract so many.”
Xiao Yan sighed softly, acknowledging the Central Region’s status as the pinnacle of the continent, teeming with geniuses, any of whom could emerge as a surprising force.
“Ah?”
Amidst his amazement, Xiao Yan’s wandering gaze suddenly paused, and a puzzled exclamation escaped his lips.
His gaze stopped at a corner of the square, where a black-robed figure stood, back to him. Despite the distance, Xiao Yan felt a faint sense of familiarity from the figure’s silhouette.
Xiao Yan’s brows furrowed. With his current strength, such a familiar feeling wouldn’t appear without reason.
As Xiao Yan pondered, the black-robed man gripped something in his hand, and a long spear materialized. His body shifted slightly, revealing a partial side view to Xiao Yan.
Staring at the familiar profile, Xiao Yan was stunned for a moment before clapping his hands in surprise.
“Lin Yan? Why is he here?”
The person Xiao Yan recognized was Lin Yan, who had once accompanied him from the Jia Nan Academy to the Gama Empire. When Xiao Yan emerged from his seclusion in the valley, Lin Yan, along with Lin Xiu Ya and Liu Qian, had left the empire. He never expected to see Lin Yan here.
The shock gradually faded, and Xiao Yan couldn’t help but shake his head. In just half a year in the Central Region, he had encountered many old acquaintances. The twists of fate were truly unpredictable.
“Since everyone has arrived, let the assembly begin…”
On the platform, the Thunder Venerable, seeing all participants were present, ceased his conversation, raised his hand, and spoke in a calm, resonant voice that filled the entire arena.
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