In the days that followed, Chen Junting's life became a whirlwind.
Nearly all his time was spent "guiding"—ahem, beating—Qin Lan and the others.
To help them adapt to diverse combat styles, he not only sparred with them personally but also drafted Title Douluo-level sect members still residing at the sect via random draw.
Naturally, Ji Juechen wouldn't miss this. After all, the sect's most talented youths were all in this group. "Guidance"? Perfect—it matched his craving for worthy challenges.
Time flowed on.
Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect – Grand Battle Arena
ROAR—!
A colossal bone dragon surged skyward, spiraling into the heavens!
At its peak, it plummeted, wreathed in a terrifying aura. Black light flickered as spatial energy coiled around it—a force of apocalyptic power.
Below, Ji Juechen stood utterly still.
Yet faint silver motes shimmered eerily around him.
Amplified by seven soul rings, his "Emotion" Domain unfurled. Behind him materialized a new True Body—distinct from before.
A giant spectral Ji Juechen mirrored his movements: left foot stepping forward, both hands gripping his sword, thrusting it straight ahead—utterly simple, devoid of any flourishes.
But the moment the blade pierced forward, all silver motes converged onto its tip, compressing into a single point. The air itself layered and rippled around the thrust.
BOOOOM—!
Sword met dragon—a cataclysmic explosion.
Dust billowed in all directions!
Moments later, Ji Juechen's spectral form dissipated. The bone dragon, however, flared its wings, dispersing the dust clouds.
The spectators now saw clearly:
Ji Juechen knelt, sword planted in the earth, disheveled but eyes blazing with exhilaration.
Gu Tianchen dismissed his True Body and walked over.
"Ji, what's that sword technique called?" His casual tone revealed this wasn't their first duel.
"Sword Intent—Dragon Severing."
"Dragon Severing?" Gu Tianchen's expression twisted. After a pause, he added dryly, "I should've hit harder."
"Then Senior Ziyan would've been heartbroken," Chen Junting quipped, leaping onto the platform.
Their sparring was routine—Ji Juechen only had three worthy opponents among them: Chen Junting, Gu Tianchen, and Huo Yuhao. (Dugu Xin might qualify—but his poisons? Too messy.)
Chen Junting's jibe targeted Ji Juechen's newfound romance. Since confessing to Jing Ziyang, their relationship had grown intensely warm—though 99% of that warmth came from her.
"Hmm." Ji Juechen, though shy, nodded honestly—a reaction the group now found perfectly normal.
"By the way, Old Ji—will you go to Mingdu for the tournament?"
"Yes!" Ji Juechen's eyes burned with fervor even before Chen Junting finished.
This Tournament gathered all the geniuses from the four empires' academies and sects! Missing it would be a shame.
And maybe… I'll get to duel them.
"Good. You're officially on the team roster." Chen Junting wasn't surprised. He'd added Ji Juechen long ago—this was merely procedural.
But now—another matter arose.
Lord Ning had just relayed a message via soul guidance device: All competitors were to assemble at the Sect's Grand Hall to discuss tournament logistics.
"The timing makes sense," Ning Tian remarked, rising gracefully from the spectator stands. "Brother Junting, let's go!" She beckoned Wu Feng and the others.
Soon, Chen Junting's group—14 members including Ji Juechen—stood ranked before the Grand Hall's dais.
Sect Master Ning Bowen sat upon the central throne. Present were all elders except the four guarding the Nine Treasures Pavilion and Chief Grand Elder Ye Xuanji.
Ning Bowen leaned on his cane, heart swelling with pride.
These children had grown faster than he'd dared hope:
—2 Soul Saints
—4 Soul Emperors
—7 Soul Kings.
All prodigies. Undoubtedly, they'd become the sect's pillars.
"Everyone's here," Ning Bowen said warmly. "You likely know why I summoned you. As intelligence confirms, this tournament now includes continental sects—renamed the Continental Youth Soul Master Tournament. The format's changed, intensifying competition. But I'm not worried."
His confidence radiated—trust in their strength. And they'd earned it.
"I don't doubt your championship victory. Each win will elevate our sect's prestige. But I called you here for another reason."
His expression turned grave.
"Mingdu reports: The Sun Moon Emperor is on his deathbed. Crown Prince Xu Tianran is sharpening his blade for war. Mingdu will be dangerous."
Thus, Elder Zhi would lead the team, and Elder Yang Zihan—stationed in Mingdu—would evacuate entirely and rendezvous with them.
Evacuate entirely?
Chen Junting's eyes narrowed. That makes sense.
With war looming, leaving disciples in Mingdu would be suicidal. Better to withdraw preemptively.
Indeed, 80% of the sect's Sun Moon assets had already been transferred. Yang Zihan could now spare the time.
As for Ye Xuanji's absence—
Chen Junting knew his master was breaking through.
Since learning of the Holy Spirit Cult's forces—Long Xiaoyao, Ye Xishui, Demon Empress, Demon Eye Tyrant Emperor—Ye Xuanji had pressured himself relentlessly, obsessing over the Yin-Yang Complementary Dual Core method Chen Junting obtained from Titan.
But breaking through to Level 99 wasn't easy.
Half a year had passed since Mu En's death—and still no breakthrough.
Master… please succeed.
"Don't worry about logistics," Ning Bowen concluded, clapping softly. "I shared this so you'd stay vigilant. We elders will handle the war. Your duty? Shine at the tournament—let the world know Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's might!"
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