Rise from a Low-class Family to Martial Artist

Chapter 556 - 83: The Weight of a Beauty’s Favor

Yan Kingdom Royal Martial Academy.

The Vice Prime Minister of Yan Kingdom, the Director of Yan Kingdom Royal Martial Academy, Murong Song, Lu Qiguang from Han Kingdom’s Martial Arts Academy, Hou Zhantian, the Director of Lingxiao Martial Arts Academy...

At this moment, all the leaders from the Nine Kingdoms have gathered in the great hall of the Martial Academy.

"Since everyone is here, I shall announce the rules."

Murong Song looked at the crowd, speaking slowly: "This time, there are a total of sixty Martial Arts Academies registered, so we will rank them accordingly."

Of the Nine Countries Martial Arts Academy, there are a total of sixty-four, but not every academy participates, as those who know they are at the bottom often choose not to compete, since the resources for the last few ranks are about the same.

"After the first round of points matches, the rankings will be determined based on the points and subsequent battles conducted accordingly."

Everyone present did not object to Murong Song’s announcement of the rules, as these rules have always been in place for the ranking tournaments.

In the first round of points matches, the rankings are based on the points to prevent stronger Martial Arts Academies from facing each other too early.

...

...

"The first round of points matches is very important. In the first round, academies with higher points will compete against those with lower points. In the following rounds, opponents will also be assigned based on points."

In the courtyard of Canglan Martial Arts Academy, Vice Director Chen was explaining the competition rules to Lin Chen and the others.

"Dean Chen, what does the first round of points matches test?"

Li Yuan asked curiously. He had been present at the previous academy ranking tournament but had not participated, so he was familiar with the rules of the ranking tournament.

The only change in each ranking tournament is the first round of points matches.

"Since it’s hosted in Yan Kingdom, it’s highly likely related to the Divine Soul."

Vice Director Chen gave his conjecture. The ranking tournaments are hosted rotationally among the Nine Kingdoms, and the host kingdom certainly has an advantage; this advantage lies in the first round.

The host country can set the content of the first round of points matches, as long as it isn’t too outrageous, the other countries will accept it.

Yan Kingdom, regarding the Divine Soul, has unique cultivation techniques. Yan Kingdom’s martial artists have an advantage over ordinary academy disciples in this aspect, but not against certain genius disciples.

Upon hearing it related to the Divine Soul, Lin Chen reflexively touched the jade pendant in his bosom, but what flashed in his mind was a particular content from the booklet given by Murong Yan.

"Thousand Illusion Secret Realm!"

There exists a secret realm within the Yan Kingdom Royal Martial Academy.

The Thousand Illusion Secret Realm is used by the Royal Martial Academy disciples to cultivate their Divine Souls. Inside, there are several trials related to the Divine Soul.

Murong Yan had detailed the "Thousand Illusion Secret Realm" in the booklet, essentially a detailed guide in terms of previous world parlance.

The beauty’s kindness is heavy.

Lin Chen sighed lightly in his heart. If the news were to spread, even though Murong Yan is a princess, it might still cause dissatisfaction among Yan Kingdom martial artists.

...

...

"For this first round of points matches, our country has decided to open the Thousand Illusion Secret Realm for training, setting up a total of three checkpoints, with corresponding points given based on each participant’s performance."

Murong Song slowly spoke, introducing the specifics of the first round of points matches.

After a brief moment, Murong Song smiled and looked at everyone, saying: "Does anyone have different opinions?"

"Han Kingdom has no objection."

Lu Qiguang spoke calmly. He had anticipated it before coming. Yan Kingdom’s academy disciples had previously entered the Thousand Illusion Secret Realm, having an advantage over other academies, but this advantage means little in the face of absolute strength differences.

"Agreed."

Hou Zhantian also concurred, something expected.

"Wu Kingdom has no objections."

"Zhao Kingdom approves."

...

As no country objected, Murong Song smiled and said: "To welcome all of you and the geniuses from each country, His Majesty has prepared a banquet in the palace tonight, and hopes everyone will attend."

Upon hearing Murong Song’s words, several elders in the venue showed meaningful smiles.

They were well aware of the intention behind the Yan Kingdom Royal Family hosting a banquet for geniuses from various countries.

Yan Kingdom royal women have trained in a special Divine Soul technique that can assist others in cultivation. Because of this, Yan Kingdom royal women often marry into royal families or geniuses from other countries.

Evidently, the Emperor of Yan is trying to use this opportunity to see the geniuses from various countries, aiming to select a worthy son-in-law.

No doubt, this banquet is sure to feature several Yan Kingdom royal women, but all countries are happy to see this.

If chosen by a Yan Kingdom royal woman, one might return from the tournament with a beauty at their side.

Once everything was settled, Hou Zhantian was just about to leave the great hall but was stopped.

"Don’t rush off, Junior Brother Hou."

The person speaking was Lu Qiguang, who looked at Hou Zhantian with a smile, and the other elders who were about to leave also paused their steps.

Everyone knew that Han Kingdom and Liang Kingdom were competing now. If these two faced off in the ranking tournament this time, a fierce battle would likely ensue. Rumors had already spread about incidents at the docks, and it was known that the two countries had already torn through pretenses.

Why did Lu Qiguang stop Hou Zhantian at this time?

"Senior Brother Lu, what is the matter?"

Hou Zhantian looked at Lu Qiguang. In terms of realm, Lu Qiguang had stepped into the Second Grade several years before him, and was older as well, so calling him Senior Brother was appropriate.

"The Martial Arts Academy is committed to nurturing martial artists from the Nine Kingdoms. Han Kingdom and Liang Kingdom’s conflict is something I, as Vice Palace Master of the Martial Arts Academy, do not wish to see."

"The issue lies with Han Kingdom. My Liang Kingdom has suffered from the Northern Border Demon Race for years. Countless Liang citizens have perished at the hands of the Demon Race, and many martial artists have sacrificed to protect Liang’s territory and people, which I’m sure Senior Brother Lu is aware of."

Hou Zhantian stared at Lu Qiguang, his meaning clear: the conflict between the two countries was initiated by Han Kingdom, not Liang.

"These national policies are beyond what you and I can decide. I don’t wish to debate this with you, Junior Brother Hou."

Upon hearing Lu Qiguang’s words, a hint of mockery appeared on Hou Zhantian’s lips, but he refrained from ridiculing further. After all, the two countries had not completely gone to war yet, and it was still the ranking tournament, not the time for tearing away all pretenses.

"Currently, your Liang Kingdom is amassing troops at the Northern Border. To be frank, my Han Kingdom’s military department is also taking action. I wish not to see war between our countries. Why not let the ranking tournament decide? If any of Liang’s four Martial Arts Academies ranks above Han’s four academies, Han Kingdom will withdraw troops, allowing Liang to eradicate the Northern Border Demon Race. But if all your academies rank below mine, then let there be peace at the Northern Border."

Lu Qiguang’s words drew the attention of the other elders, all eyes fixed on Hou Zhantian, eager to see his decision.

Based on the rankings from the past two events, two of Han Kingdom’s academies ranked below Liang’s, but they also knew that Lu Qiguang must be fully prepared to make such a proposal.

"Junior Brother Hou, what is your opinion?"

Seeing Hou Zhantian’s silence, Lu Qiguang spoke again.