Dragon City, the residence of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family, remained as magnificent and tranquil as ever, as if all the turmoil of the outside world were isolated by those towering city walls and invisible majesty.
Yu Yuanchen was in secluded cultivation within the family's secret realm. Surrounded by swirling Purple-Gold Lightning, his soul power, which had been at the peak of level 83, surged like a rushing river and quietly broke through to level 84. The crimson glow of his eighth soul ring flickered intermittently, reflecting the Thunder God Seal between his brows.
He was pouring all his effort into refining the residual energy from the Sky Azure Bull Python soul ring and soul bone, consolidating his cultivation level, and continuously attempting to further compress and refine the liquefied Thunder True Essence within his Dantian, steadily advancing toward the prototype of a soul core. As time passed in the outside world, for him, it was merely an accumulation of growing power and insight into the laws.
However, this tranquility was abruptly shattered by a message from Martial Soul City that shook the entire soul master world.
On this day, a messenger dressed in the attire of a Martial Soul Hall deacon arrived in Dragon City riding a Wind-Chasing Colt. Carrying an edict issued by the Papal Palace, he solemnly delivered a gilded document into the hands of the patriarch, Yu Boxuan.
The content of the document, in the name of Martial Soul Hall, was officially proclaimed to the world:
To highlight the talents of the soul master world, establish order among sects, and promote the prosperity of the continent, Martial Soul Hall would hold the Continental Sect Tournament in ten years. They would publicly select the seven strongest soul master sects and bestow upon them the titles of the "Upper Three Sects" and the "Lower Four Sects"!
The document outlined the general rules for the selection: a comprehensive assessment would be conducted based on the sect's overall strength, the quantity and quality of their Titled Douluo, the talent of the younger generation, and the sect's foundation and influence. At that time, all renowned soul master sects on the continent would be invited to participate to ensure fairness.
The news spread like a giant boulder cast into a calm lake, instantly whipping up a monstrous wave across the entire soul master world!
Ten years! The Upper Three Sects! The Lower Four Sects!
Countless sects were shaken, stirred, and even driven to madness!
This was an officially recognized ranking of sects across the entire continent! Once selected, it would not only mean supreme glory but also signify immense benefits and the power of discourse! Its influence would far exceed any unofficial ranking of the past!
For a time, the continent was in turmoil. Every sect that considered itself powerful began to sharpen their blades, lay plans in the shadows, and hoard strength, preparing to show their mettle in this grand event ten years later and vie for those seven supreme seats!
Inside the Council Hall of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family, the atmosphere was heavy.
Yu Boxuan sat in the main seat, his expression calm and naturally imposing. Seated below him were the two Super Douluo, Yu Qingtian and Yu Bo Yu, as well as several core elders. Yu Yuanchen had also been invited out of his secluded cultivation and sat beside Yu Boxuan.
The gilded document lay flat on the table in the center.
"Martial Soul Hall... has finally taken this step." Yu Boxuan spoke slowly, his voice low. "Using the names of the Upper Three Sects and Lower Four Sects to integrate sect forces and standardize order... what a grand scheme, what a lofty pretext."
An elder frowned and said, "Sect Master, this proposal seems fair, but it harbors malicious intent! By this move, Martial Soul Hall is undoubtedly bringing all the powerful sects of the continent under the rule system they have established. Those selected must accept their favor and be bound by their constraints; those who fail will inevitably harbor resentment, or even engage in mutual attrition. No matter the outcome, Martial Soul Hall can sit back and reap the rewards, firmly occupying the position of arbiter. Their status as the overlord of the continent will be even more consolidated! This is an open conspiracy!"
Another elder interjected, "Furthermore, the ten-year period seems generous, but it is actually time given for the major sects to prepare, and even... to fight and consume each other! Who knows how many storms will be stirred up during this time!"
Everyone fell silent, knowing these words were true. This move by Martial Soul Hall could be called calculating.
Yu Qingtian snorted coldly, "My Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has been passed down for thousands of years with a deep foundation. Now, with the Sect Master and myself holding the fort, Bo Yu having newly attained the Titled Douluo realm, and Chen'er possessing peerless talent, the future is promising! This position of the Upper Three Sects will surely have a place for us! Why should we care about the look on Martial Soul Hall's face?" His tone was overbearing and full of confidence.
"That may be so," Yu Boxuan's gaze swept over the crowd and finally landed on Yu Yuanchen. "Chen'er, what is your take on this matter?"
Yu Yuanchen pondered for a moment before speaking, "Grandfather, Elders. This proposal from Martial Soul Hall is indeed an open conspiracy, intended to integrate order and consolidate their transcendent status. However, for our clan, it is also an opportunity."
He paused and continued his analysis, "First, this selection is conducted publicly. Under the eyes of the masses, even if Martial Soul Hall has selfish motives, they must still consider their reputation and should maintain fairness in general. With our current strength, as long as we develop normally, there is no suspense about being selected for the Upper Three Sects. This title will be of great benefit to our clan's reputation, the recruitment of disciples, and the acquisition of resources."
"Second, the ten-year period is neither long nor short. It is just enough to serve as a buffer for our clan to accumulate strength, cultivate the younger generation, and perfect various systems. When the tournament arrives, we can respond calmly, demonstrate our strength, and establish our position."
"Third, this is also a golden opportunity to observe the movements of various forces on the continent. Which sects are likely to compete, which are potential opponents, and which can be cooperated with—all can be glimpsed during these ten years."
Hearing this, everyone nodded one after another. Yu Yuanchen's analysis was calm and comprehensive; he saw the challenges but also grasped the opportunities.
"In that case, should our clan participate actively?" Yu Boxuan asked.
"Not only must we participate, but we must also strive to be the head of the Upper Three Sects!" Yu Yuanchen's tone was firm. "However, there is no need to rush, nor is there a need to be overly flamboyant. We should overcome movement with stillness, cultivate diligently, and steadily improve our own strength. When the time comes, we can simply reveal our edge with Thunderous Momentum."
"Moreover," a gleam flashed in his eyes, "give me ten years, and I am confident that I can at least reach the level of a 95-level Super Douluo. With my own foundation, as long as that ultimate powerhouse from Martial Soul Hall does not appear, no one on the continent will be able to do anything to me!"
"Hahaha, good!" Looking at the high-spirited Yu Yuanchen, Yu Boxuan clapped his hands and laughed. "Let it be as Chen'er says. Pass down the order: from this day on, the entire sect will go all out to prepare for the tournament in ten years! Resources will be tilted toward key cultivation of talented young disciples; the elders must also practice diligently and not be slack!"
"Yes!" everyone responded in unison, their fighting spirit soaring.
After the meeting, Yu Yuanchen spoke with his grandfather in private.
"Chen'er, what you said just now aligns perfectly with my thoughts," Yu Boxuan said. "However, although there are many competitors for the position of the Upper Three Sects—the Clear Sky Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect are not easy to deal with—these are the only two that need special attention. Especially the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect; although their attack power is not strong, their auxiliary ability is the best in the world, their influence is huge, and they are on good terms with many strong sects, making them highly favored."
Yu Yuanchen nodded, "Grandfather's concerns are correct. Sect Master Ning of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is a man of talent, and his sect's strategy has always been brilliant. Rather than being enemies, it is better to be on good terms. Perhaps we can take this opportunity to strengthen cooperation with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect for mutual benefit."
He understood in his heart that relying on their unique auxiliary abilities, although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect only had one guardian Douluo, the 95-level Azure Peak Douluo was in no way inferior to a 96-level Super Douluo when boosted by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. The several peak Soul Douluo within their sect also had the strength to fight against those who had just entered the Titled Douluo realm when boosted, so their selection for the Upper Three Sects was almost a certainty.
Rather than competing with them, it was better to join forces to deal with potential pressure from Martial Soul Hall or other quarters.
"Hmm, cooperation for mutual benefit is indeed the best policy," Yu Boxuan agreed. "You may communicate with Sect Master Ning at your discretion regarding this matter."
"Grandson understands."
Leaving the Council Hall, Yu Yuanchen did not immediately return to his secluded cultivation but instead went to the Ye Family courtyard.
Ye Zhilan was tending to the herbs in the yard. Seeing him arrive, she smiled sweetly, "Brother Yuanchen, you've finished your seclusion? I heard Martial Soul Hall has announced something major?"
Although she did not directly participate in sect struggles, she was well-informed.
Yu Yuanchen nodded and briefly told her about the sect selection, then said, "Zhilan, the perfection of the Qi and Blood system needs to be accelerated. If this system can succeed, it will not only benefit the sect disciples but may also become a major feature and foundation for our clan in the future, adding to our luster in the tournament."
Ye Zhilan was wise and immediately understood the crux of the matter, nodding earnestly, "Don't worry, Brother Yuanchen, I will assist with all my might and work with Grandfather and the elders of the clan to intensify our research."
Looking at her earnest appearance, Yu Yuanchen felt a warmth in his heart and said softly, "This will be hard work for you. However, don't overexert yourself; don't let your own cultivation fall behind." He always remembered her belief that cultivation was the priority.
Ye Zhilan's cheeks flushed, feeling sweet inside, and she whispered, "Mm, I know."
Just as the various forces on the continent were in turmoil due to the declaration of Martial Soul Hall, a high-level meeting had just concluded deep within the Papal Palace in Martial Soul City.
In the magnificent Council Hall, only two people remained.
The Pope, Qian Chongshan (Holy Angel martial soul, level 96), stood with his hands behind his back in front of the window, looking at the bustling city below with a deep gaze. He was about fifty years old, his face majestic, and his aura as deep as the sea. Although he was only acting as Pope, his methods and strength were not to be underestimated.
Golden Crocodile Douluo sat on a golden chair to the side, his expression still carrying a trace of dissatisfaction as he snorted, "Ten years? Is that too long? In my opinion, we should use thunderous means to designate them directly; those who don't submit, we beat them into submission! Why go through all this trouble?"
Qian Chongshan turned slowly, his voice calm yet carrying an unquestionable majesty: "Elder Jin'e, force can suppress others for a moment, but it is difficult to win them over for a lifetime. The reputation of the Upper Three Sects is not merely a hollow title; it requires true substance to command the respect of Soul Masters across the world and make them willingly follow the order led by our Martial Soul Hall. Ten years of time is enough for truly capable sects to stand out, and it will also allow those who do not know their place to... eliminate themselves. Furthermore, this move will better demonstrate the fairness and magnanimity of our Martial Soul Hall."
He paused, a flash of deep light crossing his eyes: "Besides, these ten years are also a prime opportunity for our Martial Soul Hall to observe, plan, and consolidate our internal affairs. Once the grand trend is established and the order is set, why worry about the continent not being at peace?"
Golden Crocodile Douluo snorted. Although he still felt it wasn't satisfying enough, he did not refute further. He knew that when it came to planning and strategy, Qian Chongshan was indeed more skilled than him.
"How is Daoliu's cultivation lately?" Qian Chongshan suddenly asked.
Mentioning Qian Daoliu, Golden Crocodile Douluo's complexion cleared slightly, revealing a look of satisfaction: "Daoliu has peerless talent and has already reached the peak of level 87. The prototype of his Soul Core has condensed, and his progress is rapid. He has also sensed the inheritance of the Angel God Trial; his future achievements will be limitless." He valued this junior, Qian Daoliu, highly, treating him as his own.
A hint of comfort also appeared in Qian Chongshan's eyes: "That is excellent. Once Daoliu grows up and inherits the position of Pope, our Martial Soul Hall will surely usher in a new era of glory. These ten years are also a time to pave the way for him."
The two discussed for a while longer before Golden Crocodile Douluo finally departed.
Qian Chongshan stood alone, his gaze once again cast outside the window, as if he could see the scene ten years later where the sects of the continent bowed in submission and order reigned supreme. The corner of his mouth curled into a faint smile, one that suggested everything was under his control.
"Upper Three Sects... Lower Four Sects... Heh, the good show has only just begun."
The situation on the continent became completely subtle and tense due to this document from Martial Soul Hall. Undercurrents surged, and the wind and clouds gathered.
All the sects were secretly preparing for that grand event ten years later.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family was no exception.
Yu Yuanchen knew clearly that these ten years would be a golden period for him and his family to rapidly increase their strength and establish a top-tier position on the continent. He needed to improve his strength faster, perfect the Method of Soul Cores, promote the Qi and Blood system, and even... find that legendary Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!
The peaceful days had already ended, and a magnificent, grand era was slowly pulling back its curtain.
───────────────
Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: GodKun-Chan