I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 587: The Arrival of the Ten Saints Grand Competition

"That's correct, his name is Wuming, according to a disciple from the Divine Sword Holy Land. Rumor has it he hails from Tianzhou and has already crushed a number of experts from the Divine Sword Holy Land. Furthermore, his primary target is that Prodigy Xiao from the Wendao Academy."

The Demoness held nothing back, revealing every piece of information she possessed.

Trading in secrets was a primary source of their revenue; to them, one buyer was as good as any other.

"Interesting."

Cao Youqian nonchalantly produced two Spirit Stones and flicked them toward the Demoness.

Seeing this, the nearby Demoness spoke up quickly: "Young Master, I also happen to know the true identity of that Moke."

"Oh? Is he from Tianzhou as well?"

Cao Youqian replied with a playful grin.

"Indeed. Beyond that, Moke has gained a deep comprehension of the Great Dao Truth of Buddhism. It is claimed that he even bested a Bodhisattva from the Great Thunder Sound Temple during a theological debate."

The other Demoness added.

"This Ten Saints Grand Competition is becoming more fascinating by the moment."

Cao Youqian toyed with a Spirit Stone before tossing it to the second Demoness.

"Young Master, do you intend to participate in the Ten Saints Grand Competition yourself?"

The Demoness asked with curiosity as she caught the stone from Cao Youqian’s hand.

"Why don't you guess?"

Cao Youqian countered, his face wearing a beaming smile.

The two Demonesses were clever enough to realize they should stop prying.

The trio spent the night drinking and enjoying themselves until the following morning, when Cao Youqian led Shi Xuan out of the Wenxiang Pavilion.

"Incredible, Second Brother is truly magnificent."

Shi Xuan gave his senior a thumbs-up once they were clear of the pavilion. Today had certainly been an eye-opening experience for him.

"Just a few simple tricks for navigating life,"

Cao Youqian remarked with indifference. "Ultimately, we cultivators must depend on our own strength for everything."

"Brother, based on what those Demonesses said, it looks like every major Sect has brought in reinforcements from Tianzhou. They clearly want to prevent you and Eldest Brother from taking the top two ranks."

Shi Xuan wasn't actually worried about his senior brothers losing. Ever since he had grasped the Great Dao Truth, he had become increasingly aware of just how terrifying his two brothers were. Even a typical Great Saint from the Northern Wilderness would be no match for them.

Cao Youqian showed no fear upon hearing this. Instead, a spark of excitement lit up his eyes: "It makes the Ten Saints Grand Competition more engaging if there are powerful experts. If the participants were just a bunch of nameless nobodies, I wouldn't even bother showing up."

He paused briefly before asking: "Junior Brother, do you want to dig up some intel on Shi Hao?"

Shi Xuan shook his head in refusal. "There is no need. If I cannot overcome Shi Hao while receiving Master’s personal guidance, it simply proves that I am too weak."

Hiss...

Cao Youqian inhaled sharply, pondering the words for a moment. "I never realized that beneath your honest exterior, your flattery skills were actually superior to mine."

"Hehe."

Shi Xuan let out a simple, awkward laugh. The two brothers walked back to the Inn arm-in-arm and reported their findings to Chu Feng.

"It appears the major Holy Lands aren't willing to concede just yet."

Chu Feng fanned himself with his feather fan and remarked: "But this is for the best. This time, Da Qian and your Xiao Chen can make their names known across the entire Xuantian Continent."

Cao Youqian suggested: "Master, since the Grand Competition hasn't officially begun, perhaps you could give us a lecture on the Dao to help us improve a bit more?"

"I didn't think a kid like you would try to embrace the Buddha’s feet at the very last second."

Chu Feng paused before continuing: "Very well. Starting today, I will provide you with some guidance. I’ll also give you a taste of the true pressure exerted by a Saint."

Upon hearing this, the two replied in perfect unison: "We thank you, Master!"

During the following days, the members of the Miscellaneous Dao Academy remained secluded within the Inn, focusing entirely on Chu Feng’s instruction.

In what felt like an instant, only three days remained before the start of the Ten Saints Grand Competition.

Early that morning, the Mountain Moving Great Saint arrived at Chu Feng’s courtyard and said with deep respect: "Saint Chu, it is time for us to depart for the Nine Cauldrons Secret Realm."

"Mm."

Chu Feng gave a curt nod, changed his attire, and made his way to the Inn’s courtyard square.

The chosen geniuses of the Wendao Academy were already assembled there, waiting patiently.

As Chu Feng appeared, they greeted him as one: "We pay our respects to Saint Chu!"

"You may rise."

Chu Feng cleared his throat and began to speak slowly: "Everyone, the Ten Saints Grand Competition, which shall determine the fate and standing of our Wendao Academy..."

It took half an hour for Chu Feng to conclude his lengthy oration. Observing the burning fighting spirit in his disciples' eyes, he commanded: "Move out!"

"Yes!"

With a thunderous shout, the massive contingent from the Wendao Academy set off in grand fashion.

The Nine Cauldrons Secret Realm was located atop Mount Nine Cauldrons, situated just outside the city walls of Nine Cauldrons City.

By the time Chu Feng led the Wendao Academy students to the mountain, the area was already overflowing with people. Cultivators from various Holy Lands had arrived early and were waiting in silence.

The arrival of the Wendao Academy group immediately triggered a wave of startled whispers.

"Look! That is Saint Qiankun, the man who was once known as the invincible Great Saint!"

"The aura of Saint Qiankun is a level of existence that commoners like us can never hope to reach!"

"..."

Chu Feng led his disciples to the designated area for the Wendao Academy. He scanned the gathered Holy Lands, and a subtle smile touched his lips when his gaze met the Saints of the other factions.

Unfortunately, those Saints ignored him entirely, acting as if he weren't even there.

Chu Feng wasn't the sort of person to beg for attention from those who didn't want to give it. He held the firm belief that a strong enough fist would eventually command everyone's respect. If necessary, he would simply trade blows with these old fogies once they entered the Nine Cauldrons Secret Realm.

As the minutes ticked by, the remaining Holy Lands arrived one after another.

Before long, all Ten Great Holy Lands were gathered at the summit. The sight of ten Saints standing together was enough to leave the surrounding cultivators deeply moved.

At that moment, an elderly man stepped forward from the crowd. Chu Feng recognized him as the Lord of Nine Cauldrons City, the same man who had welcomed them previously.

"Jiuding offers his respects to the esteemed Saints."

The City Lord bowed with great reverence.

"Daoist Friend, you are far too polite,"

Several Saints replied with courtesy.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the Lord of Nine Cauldrons City produced a key and a ceremonial altar from his storage ring.

Following an intricate ritual dedicated to the Heavens, the City Lord used the key to trigger the opening of the Nine Cauldrons Secret Realm.

A glowing portal of light manifested in the sky above the mountain peak. The Lord of Nine Cauldrons City announced to the assembly: "Saints, the Secret Realm is now open. In accordance with tradition, this Grand Competition shall endure for seven times seven, totaling forty-nine days."

"Mm."

The Saint of the Divine Sword Holy Land acknowledged the statement before addressing the crowd: "Everyone, following the established protocols, we shall enter the Nine Cauldrons Secret Realm one by one. Since my Divine Sword Holy Land was the victor of the previous competition, we shall be the first to enter. Are there any objections?"

"Old Ghost Sword, quit acting so superior. Get a move on, we have a schedule to keep,"

The Saint of the Blood God Cult remarked with clear annoyance.

The Divine Sword Saint merely smiled and remained silent, leading his followers into the portal.

Watching the last of the Divine Sword disciples vanish into the light, Chu Feng turned to his own group and gave the order: "Let’s go!"