by Mars Gravity
“Alright, I will head there now.”
Yun Che left the Moon Embracing Palace, and sprinted directly towards the Middle Palace. The moment he stepped into the Imperial Study, Cang Wanhe took the initiative to welcome him. “Che’er, you have finally returned. We initially thought that you would only stay at the Frozen Cloud Asgard for a few days, never did we expect that it would be for several months.”
“Judging by Father’s look, could it be that there is some sort of important emergency?” Yun Che asked as he looked at Wang Canhe’s expression.
“Haah!” Cang Wanhe sighed. “It’s not really an urgent matter, however, this matter might have a very big influence on you. Since a month ago, we have dispatched men to send letters regarding the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament to the various large sects, in order to make preparations for our nation’s talented practitioners of the young generation to participate in the tournament… However, seven days ago, we received Frozen Cloud Asgard’s reply, and they actually rejected having Xia Qingyue to head towards Divine Phoenix Empire.”
“I know about this matter. But Frozen Cloud Asgard does indeed have their own reasons for doing this.” Yun Che said.
“Oh?” Cang Wanhe glanced at Yun Che, and continued. “A nineteen year old at the middle stages of the Emperor Profound Realm, the eternal number one practitioner in Blue Wind! If she participates, she will definitely shock the other six nations. Not only will she raise my nation’s prestige, she will also spread Frozen Cloud Asgard’s name far and wide. We really don’t understand why Frozen Cloud Asgard isn’t allowing Xia Qingyue to participate. But from the looks of it, you seem to already know the reason… But, not just Frozen Cloud Asgard, the letters that we have sent to the rest of the sects, had all been rejected as well.”
Yun Che’s brows slightly twitched, before following up. “Isn’t it normal for them to reject? When competing with others outside, their biggest goal is naturally to spread their names and show off their might. However, if they are unable to show off, and instead suffer mockery and humiliation if they participate, then no matter who they are, they wouldn’t be willing to meddle in it either.”
“Indeed.” Cang Wanhe sighed heavily. “In truth, we have already predicted this outcome. Because in the past Seven Nation Ranking Tournaments, it has always been this way as well. In terms of the level of profound strength, the difference between the other six nations and us, is indeed too big. In the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament, excluding the Divine Phoenix Empire, the participants sent out by the other five nations are always at least at the Sky Profound Realm. However, our Blue Wind Empire, within these one thousand years of history, a single Sky Profound Realm practitioner below the age of twenty five had actually never appeared. Hence, in the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament, our Blue Wind Empire has always been an existence similar to a laughing stock. Those absolute geniuses in the boundaries of Blue Wind, had once participated in the tournament while carrying pride and confidence in themselves. In the end, all of them were mercilessly abused, their pride was smashed, and they returned in humiliation… A long time has passed, and even the Four Major Sects no longer allowed their disciples to represent Blue Wind to participate in the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament. We had initially thought that Frozen Cloud Asgard would definitely take this opportunity to show off their might with the appearance of Xia Qingyue; never did we expect that Frozen Cloud Asgard would still decline.”
“This time, the reason why Frozen Cloud Asgard did not allow Xia Qingyue to head to Divine Phoenix City isn’t because of a lack of confidence, nor do they not wish to borrow this opportunity to show off their might. Rather, they have a special reason that they’re unable to tell others about.” Yun Che explained simply on behalf of Frozen Cloud Asgard. “Father, since all of the sect disciples are not willing to participate, then in the past Seven Nation Ranking Tournament, how did our Blue Wind make arrangements for the tournament?”
Cang Wanhe shook his head and smiled, and it was a very self-depreciating smile. “Although we don’t wish to participate, as we will simply suffer mockeries and humiliation if we do, we cannot not participate in it, otherwise, Blue Wind will even lose that final piece of dignity. Hence, in the past few tournaments, we have always picked out a few genius disciples under the age of twenty five, who had graduated from Blue Wind Profound Palace and entered our royal family’s forces, to simply cope with the matters… As for the results, the former emperors had basically never asked about them, because those results can be figured out even by counting one’s toes.”
“…Ten? So you’re saying, in the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament, there are ten participants for every nation?” Yun Che said.
“That’s right.” Cang Wanhe nodded. “The number of official participants by every nation is ten, but a thousand people are allowed to accompany them! The Seven Nation Ranking Tournament is hosted once every twenty five years, and it’s a topic that’s very rarely brought up in our nation. Because every single time it is brought up, any Blue Wind citizen would think of it as a humiliation, but to the other six nations, it could be referred to as the biggest event in the profound world! To the extent where the emperors of each nation would put down their nation affairs, and personally accompany them to view the tournament. Those mighty and strong sects, would also bring out their most elite forces to head over. Although a thousand accompanying members sound to be a lot, these thousand names are usually fought bloodily over by those mighty sects. As for those who are unable to be part of the accompanying thousand people, they would still make their way to Divine Phoenix City… To the point where, in order to obtain an entry pass to view the tournament and support their own nation’s practitioners, they would enter Phoenix City in advance by a month, or even a few months… During the period of the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament, the degree of bustle in Divine Phoenix City, far surpasses your imagination.”
What Cang Wanhe said was correct. The “Blue Wind Ranking Tournament”, within the boundaries of Blue Wind, especially within the profound world, was paid attention to by an extremely high degree. While the “Seven Nation Ranking Tournament”, these four words which represented the biggest event in the entire Profound Sky Continent, were actually something that Yun Che seemed to have never heard of before from anyone… Forget about the fact that there was merely less than a year before the tournament which was hosted once every twenty five years… if Feng Xichen had not randomly barged into his and Cang Yue’s wedding ceremony, and handed Cang Wanhe the invitation, Yun Che might not even know about this matter regarding the “Seven Nation Ranking Tournament”.
While, at the same time, Cang Wanhe’s straightforward words had already clearly outlined how grand the “Seven Nation Ranking Tournament” was for the rest of the other six nations, and even the entire Profound Sky Continent! At this time, most of the other six nations’ conversation topics would perhaps be centered around the upcoming Seven Nation Ranking Tournament.
Those sects who had been awarded the qualifications to participate for their various nations, were also in their most anxious, serious, and excited preparations in twenty five years.
Only Blue Wind Empire, was as quiet and peaceful as the wind, completely stagnant. No one was paying attention to it, nor was there anyone discussing about it, as though that was a matter regarding the other continents, and had nothing to do with them at all.
This was a form of escape, and even more so, a form of helplessness, and humiliation.
He could even imagine that in the Divine Phoenix City, there would be densely packed numbers of practitioners from the six nations pouring in, while basically not a single Blue Wind citizen could be seen. In that grand tournament, when every single person headed up the stage, he or she would always be accompanied by the intense cheers and shouts by his or her respective nations, and when a practitioner from Blue Wind Empire headed up the stage…
That image, even though it was just an imagination, it was already incomparably miserable and sad.
Yun Che suddenly raised his head, and said with incomparable seriousness. “Father, regarding the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament this time. You don’t have to make any other arrangements and preparations. I shall be the only one… who represents Blue Wind Empire in this tournament!!”
Chapter 395: Obscure Premonition
“You… By yourself?” Cang Wanhe held a face of shock. However, after pondering for a moment, all of a sudden, he actually felt that this did not seem to be a proposal that he could not accept. In Blue Wind Empire, among the practitioners under the age of twenty five, only Xia Qingyue was able to compare herself against Yun Che. And if Xia Qingyue did not participate, there would no longer be anyone who was worthy to be brought into comparison with Yun Che… Even if it was Ling Yun, who was referred to as the number one of the young generation back then.
Then, even if he picked out the nine strongest practitioners who were under twenty five from the royal family’s forces… Forget about nine of them, even there were ninety of them, they would basically be unable to compare to Yun Che.
In that case, what was the difference between sending Yun Che alone, and choosing another nine people to participate? Those nine people, were nothing more than simple stopgaps.
Even if that was the truth, to merely send a single person to participate in the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament… In the history of the seven nations, there did not seem to be a precedence. For the rest of the other six nations, in order to fight over that ten slots, it could be said to be a life and death struggle. They hated the fact that they were unable to expand this number to the thousands, or even to the high ten thousands. A situation where they were short of people to make up the ten slots wouldn’t appear at all.
However, in Blue Wind Empire…
“Haah!” Cang Wanhe sighed for the third time. Evidently, he held a heavy depression and deep helplessness for this Seven Nation Ranking Tournament. “That’s fine as well. If it’s you alone, there basically won’t be any difference even if we force out another nine to participate. Instead, it would cause the pride of those nine people, who are referred to as geniuses of Blue Wind, to suffer a huge blow. However, in that case, you will truly be fighting alone… And by fighting alone, we do not merely mean that you will not have any companions participating in the tournament alongside you, even in that entire venue, there basically might not be a single appearance of anyone that comes from our nation, because that place is a land of humiliation for our Blue Wind citizens. In the past Seven Nation Ranking Tournaments, there had never been Blue Wind citizens who were willing to appear there… Oh, wait, that’s not right! There might be a difference this time.”
Cang Wanhe’s eyes suddenly blazed up. “If Blue Wind practitioners were to know that you will be representing Blue Wind in the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament this time, maybe, it might light up their hopes and wishes for the honor of the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament once again! Because you are the most talented genius in Blue Wind history, someone who could even heavily injure Ling Tianni at the age of nineteen! With profound strength at the Earth Profound Realm, your battle strength is actually comparable to that of a mid-stage Emperor Profound Realm… There’s no reason for you to be unable to shine in the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament!”
“Adding that, in the profound world of Blue Wind, especially among the young practitioners, the number of your fans are countless, and this time, you’re even participating in the war for the sake of glory for our Blue Wind profound world. It might be possible that when you step atop that tournament ground, many supporters will appear, in order to witness the strongest Blue Wind practitioner in history!”
As Cang Wanhe said that, he became more and more agitated. He then patted on Yun Che’s shoulders. “We will immediately announce to Blue Wind about this matter. However, in this case, all of the heavy responsibilities will be pressed on your body, and yours alone. However, although you’re the only person participating, there won’t be any less people accompanying you. We, shall personally head over there with you as well.”
Back then, although Yun Che told Feng Xichen that he would personally head over to Divine Phoenix Sect to participate in the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament in front of everyone, because not even a single hint of the incident that happened on that day was allowed to be leaked out, this matter had yet to be spread out.
“Father, you’re coming with me?” Yun Che said in shock.
“That’s right.” Cang Wanhe nodded. “We trust in your abilities… Although it is just you alone, we believe that you will create yet another history for my Blue Wind Nation! How can we not personally witness this moment in history?”
Yun Che, however, did not even think about it, and decisively shook his head. “No! Father definitely cannot go with me!”
“…Why?” Yun Che’s incomparably decisive attitude stunned Cang Wanhe.
“Father, it is but a mere ranking tournament, I will obviously be happy if you come with me. I would even wish to bring Xueruo, Grandfather, Little Aunt along as well. However, regarding my journey to Divine Phoenix Empire this time, participating in the ranking yournament is simply secondary, otherwise, I wouldn’t even be willing to participate in this Seven Nation Ranking Tournament. My main goal in heading to Divine Phoenix Empire, is to settle the grudge with Divine Phoenix Sect. For every single day this grudge stays unsettled, the attention Divine Phoenix Sect puts on me will never disappear. If, one day, they were to suddenly make a move, there’s a huge possibility that it would affect the people beside me. Hence, I wish to make use of this ranking tournament to settle my matters with the Divine Phoenix Sect… In the ranking tournament, the seven nations will be present, and there might even be a possibility for people from the Sacred Grounds to witness the event as well. Under the eyes of such a huge crowd, settling this grudge then would be much easier than settling it personally with the Divine Phoenix Sect, and it’s also the best opportunity for me… However, at the same time, it will be accompanied by unforeseeable dangers.”
“Thus, it’s sufficient for me to head to Divine Phoenix Empire alone. When I do anything, I will be able act without restraints, and without any worries as well.” Yun Che said with a calm expression.
“But…”
“I know father’s intentions.” Yun Che instantly interrupted Cang Wanhe’s words. “Father must be thinking of easing my grudge with the Divine Phoenix Sect during your meeting with the Divine Phoenix Emperor. However, the Divine Phoenix Sect will probably not sell any favors when it comes to a matter concerning bloodlines. And, a mere Thirteenth Prince basically did not even put father in his eyes, so it’s even more impossible for the Divine Phoenix Emperor… to take father’s words to heart.”
Although Yun Che’s words were very straightforward, they were the absolute truth. Cang Wanhe’s expression stiffened for a moment, before he let out a huge sigh. “Alright then. Since you insist on this, naturally, we won’t force you. Take this…”
Cang Wanhe took out ten pure red badges, which looked exactly the same, and handed them to Yun Che. On the front of the badge, a phoenix with opened wings was carved on it, while the two words “Blue Wind” were carved on the back.
“These are the badges of participation that were sent along with the invitation for the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament the other day. By wearing it, you will be identified as a participant for our nation in the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament. When the time comes, it’s also used to allow you to enter the arena and the residence arranged by the Divine Phoenix Empire. You simply have to insert your own profound energy into one of the badges, then that badge could then be used to prove only your identity. Even if someone else were to steal it away from you, that person would still be unable to remove the aura of the profound energy within it. Since you will be the only one representing Blue Wind in this tournament this time, we shall give these ten badges to you. If you happen to lose one of them, you can use the others as back-ups. Hoho.”
Yun Che
nodded. After inserting his own profound energy into the badge at the very top, he kept all ten of the badges.
“Speaking of which, the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament this time, really holds too many similarities to the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament two years ago… Twice, and you’re the only one representing our imperial family in the tournaments for both times. You’re really the only one for both times.” Cang Wanhe raised his head, and sighed deeply. “During the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament, you allowed the reputation of our imperial family to once again rise in might in the great lands of Blue Wind. And this time, you’re even taking a great risk, to fight alone for the sake of our Blue Wind Nation’s honor… My Cang family, really owes you far too much.”
“Father, you must never ever say such things.” Yun Che said with a smile. “Xueruo is my wife, so I’m half a member of the Cang household. It is perfectly justified for me to work hard for my own family, and my own relatives.”
Cang Wanhe nodded, and then, heavily patted on Yun Che’s shoulders. “Go then. Compared to seeing you possibly obtaining fame and honor in the ranking tournament… your royal father wishes more to see your safe return.” Even if you’re unable to settle the grudge with the Divine Phoenix Sect, even if you worsened the matter even further either, no matter what, you must live!”
“Father, don’t worry. The risk this time, there’s a huge possibility that it’s much smaller than I imagined it to be. After all, in the ranking tournament where the seven nations are all present, the Divine Phoenix Sect will not do anything outrageous.” Yun Che said with a calm expression.
“When are you preparing to leave?”
“I will leave tomorrow.”
That night, Yun Che stayed in Moon Embracing Palace. He fondled with Cang Yue for an entire night, accompanied Cang Yue and Xiao Linxi for breakfast on the second day, and then began his preparations for his journey south… In this lifetime, Yun Che had never left Blue Wind Empire, he had no idea what the conclusion would be during this trip either.
