High Martial Arts: I Awaken a Low-Tier Martial System Chapter 1039 - 481: Gearing Up! The Arrogant Qinggu (Double-Length - , Vote Requested)

Central Area of the Huanglong Main Star.

The grand hall towered like a celestial palace, dragon qi coiling about it; beams and pillars were all carved from millennia-old mysterious jade, etched full of primordial dragon patterns that emanated an ancient yet vast and imposing pressure.

This was the place of the Nine Clans Summit—the Huanglong Divine Hall!

All the geniuses of the nine clans gathered under one roof; as their sleeves fluttered, multicolored divine radiance intertwined and clashed, and an invisible fighting intent quietly spread throughout the grand hall.

Jiang Ye stood in a corner, his aura restrained, as deep and still as an abyss, as towering as a mountain; his Tier Four Demigod Peak cultivation was deliberately suppressed, and he only released a faint, indeterminate Fourth Tier fluctuation.

"Is that Ye Jiang? He actually broke through to the Fourth Tier?"

"In just three years, from Third Tier Peak to Fourth Tier—this speed is outrageous!"

"Judging from this aura, at most Fourth Tier Early Period, right? After all, every step in the Fourth Tier is as hard as ascending to the heavens."

"I’d guess Fourth Tier Mid-period. Back then he could clash head-on with heaven’s chosen; it’s normal for him to progress faster." Many powerhouses of the nine clans had all noticed Jiang Ye.

Quite a few geniuses turned their gazes toward Jiang Ye, their eyes filled with astonishment and speculation.

No one dared imagine him at the Fourth Tier Peak—that was simply too distant for the younger generation, like an uncrossable chasm.

"Junior Brother Ye Jiang, how have you been?"

A hearty laugh rang out, breaking the quiet of the corner.

Wang Zihuang wore golden armor, the plates engraved with intricate Emperor’s Law sigils; his posture was straight as a pine, and traces of Emperor’s Law flickered faintly around him as he strode in great steps toward Jiang Ye.

His gaze was sharp as an eagle’s, carrying a measure of scrutiny, but even more so the blazing battle intent between peers.

"Junior Brother."

"I did not expect you to break through to the Fourth Tier; not bad." Wang Zihuang patted Jiang Ye’s shoulder with solid force, clearly probing him.

"Senior Brother’s progress is not small either." Jiang Ye said with a faint smile.

He could vaguely sense a terrifying power slumbering within Wang Zihuang’s body, like an Ancient Fierce Beast in deep sleep.

"But of course."

"Junior Brother, if we meet on the Trial Ground, don’t blame your Senior Brother for showing no mercy." Wang Zihuang grinned. "This time, I intend to reveal some real skill."

Jiang Ye smiled slightly, his expression composed and unhurried. "Senior Brother’s strength is formidable. I was just thinking of asking for some guidance, to see whether I can now keep up with Senior Brother’s steps."

He was indeed curious in his heart.

At present he was already at the Fourth Tier Peak, the Mysteries of Law thoroughly integrated, and further enhanced by the Perfection-level [Nine Netherworld Ten Thousand Demon Palm].

Compared to Wang Zihuang, who had long since entered the Fourth Tier Peak and whose innate divine ability had reached Great Success, which of them was truly stronger?

Jiang Ye likewise looked forward to it.

"Oh? You are quite confident." Wang Zihuang raised his brows, the battle intent in his eyes burning ever brighter, the corner of his lips lifting with a lively smile.

"Then I shall wait and see. Don’t let me down."

As his words fell, a red-clad figure walked over with graceful steps; the sway of her skirt brought up waves of scorching air currents—it was Red Light.

Her features were strikingly beautiful, with a hint of heroic spirit at the tips of her brows; her aura burned as hot as blazing fire. Her gaze fell upon Jiang Ye, carrying a trace of scrutiny.

"Daoist Friend Ye Jiang, congratulations on breaking through to the Fourth Tier."

"I wonder, are you now at Fourth Tier Early Period, or have you already reached the Mid-period?" Red Light asked with a light laugh.

People of the Crimson Divine Race also turned to look over; Chi Jiuxin, standing amid the crowd, likewise had curiosity written all over her eyes.

Jiang Ye smiled without speaking, merely inclining his head slightly, not responding directly.

He kept Venerable Bai’s instructions firmly in mind.

Revealing his full strength too early would only draw unnecessary attention and scheming; for now, displaying a portion of his power was more than enough.

Seeing that he did not wish to say more, Red Light did not press; she merely curved her lips in a knowing smile.

"So composed."

"Could it be he has already broken through to Fourth Tier Mid-period?" Red Light marveled inwardly.

No wonder Venerable Bai held him in such high regard; his talent truly was extraordinary.

At this moment—

"Tap, tap, tap..."

A figure in a green robe walked over at an unhurried pace, his face stern; around him coiled the fresh aura of the Grass and Wood Law. His steps were steady, carrying an innate oppressive force.

"Qinggu?" Everyone turned their eyes toward him.

Jiang Ye also recognized the newcomer at first glance.

The previous generation’s heaven’s-pride Talent of the Qing Clan—Qinggu!

This was also the one ranked fourth on the Huanglong Divine Map Tower, his strength unfathomable.

"Red Light, how have you been?" Qinggu’s gaze landed on Red Light.

"For this Nine Clans Summit, my Qing Clan has long been prepared." Qinggu grinned, with a trace of provocation. "This time, we will definitely press your Crimson Divine Race beneath us."

Red Light’s eyes turned cold; she snorted. "Qinggu, you are still this arrogant."

The Crimson Divine Race and the Qing Clan were very close in ranking, and thus there were many points of competition between the two clans.

As the leading figures of the previous generation for their respective clans, Red Light and Qinggu naturally had no shortage of clashes.

"With me here,"

"Your Qing Clan will forever be forced into second place." Red Light snorted.

"Times change." Qinggu let out a cold laugh, then shifted his gaze, looking down over the people of the Crimson Divine Race.

"This generation of the Crimson Divine Race is far too desolate."

"Not even one heaven’s-pride Talent; the strongest, Chi Jiuxin, is merely of Extraordinary Talent." Qinggu shook his head with a chuckle.

"Red Light."

"This time I have already made a breakthrough; my [Life and Death Law] has climbed another level, more than enough to counter you." Qinggu’s tone was resolute, brimming with confidence as though victory was already in his grasp.

"Unless your Crimson Divine Race is hiding another powerful genius, one who can withstand the pressure on the juniors below, otherwise in the rankings of this Nine Clans, your clan will inevitably fall in position."

At these words, the faces of many from the Crimson Divine Race darkened.

Qinggu’s words were not false; the younger generation of the Crimson Divine Race was indeed withered. Aside from Red Light, this previous generation’s heaven’s pride, they did lack a powerhouse who could hold up the sky alone.

Red Light’s brows knit slightly as she sighed inwardly.

But soon, her gaze shifted and fell upon Jiang Ye.

She knew Jiang Ye’s combat strength well; though he possessed only Extraordinary Talent, he could clash head-on with heaven’s chosen. Now that he had broken through to the Fourth Tier, his strength would only be more formidable—he might just become an unexpected pleasant surprise.