by Shian Jeen
“What?! Lu Cong’s here as well?! These disciples on the top of the Highgod Advancement List, even though they aren’t Highgod Realm masters yet, each of them are freak geniuses with strength almost comparable to a Highgod Realm master. If they’re also here, there goes our chances...”
“It’s just that, I don’t know for what reason, the first-ranked Wan Long actually isn’t here! Oh, but I’ve heard that Huwang Xiao is!”
“Huwang Xiao? With his Eighth Order God Realm strength, what is he doing here? Although his talent is amazing, I heard that one of the first conditions Saint Mother Yao Chi put up in selecting the inheritor disciple is a cultivation of late-Tenth Order and above.”
That group of disciples passed by Huwang Xiao’s side. Not recognizing him, they walked on.
Listening to that group of disciples’ discussion, Huwang Xiao was curious.
Third on the Highgod Advancement List, Lu Cong? Huwang Xiao suddenly remembered that time on the Hailstone Mainland when he was searching for the Hailstone Treasure. He met a tall young man of the Azure Dragon Institute that displayed the Ten Thousand Words Dharani to break the restrictive formation.
That young man was also called Lu Cong.
‘Looks like that tall young man I encountered on the Hailstone Mainland was the same Lu Cong on the Highgod Advancement List.’
Even though there were quite a few similar discussions, Huwang Xiao didn’t pay them much attention.
Just as he turned around, planning to return to his courtyard, a group of five disciples in Azure Dragon Institute brocade robes was walking toward his direction.
One of them was the same tall young man, Lu Cong!
Lu Cong was surprised seeing Huwang Xiao, blurting out: “Huwang Xiao!” Clearly, he didn’t expect to run into Huwang Xiao here.
The other four Azure Dragon Institute disciples spread out and encircled Huwang Xiao as if they were trained dogs when they heard Lu Cong say his name. All of them fixed a deathly glare at Huwang Xiao.
But Lu Cong reprimanded the four: “What are you all doing? This place is Yaochi Mountain!”
Only then did the four Azure Dragon Institute disciples shuffle back to Lu Cong’s side.
Lu Cong’s glare was fixed on Huwang Xiao, sneering in ridicule, “Huwang Xiao, I didn’t expect you to also be attending Saint Mother Yao Chi’s banquet, you’re really overestimating yourself wanting to be her inheritor with your meager strength.”
That year, he and several others went through great trouble to break the Hailstone Treasure’s outer barrier, but who would have thought that all their effort was for naught. Instead, Huwang Xiao was the one who got the Hailstone Treasure.
Due to this, his resentment and hatred toward Huwang Xiao had only grown stronger through the years.
Huwang Xiao was indifferent even after hearing Lu Cong’s ridicule, “You think you can win the first place on the battle stage?”
Lu Cong laughed reverberated, “He Feifan broke through to Highgod Realm, but he didn’t come. Wan Long isn't here either, so the first place is in my grasp. When that time comes, you can also challenge me. Too bad though, I don’t think you have the strength.” With that said, he signaled the four disciples behind him and left.
“Senior brother Lu, are we letting that punk off just like this?” One of them was unwilling.
An evil smile rose on Lu Cong’s face, “Don’t worry. During the stage battle, even if this punk doesn't dare to challenge me, I’ll call him out in front of everyone, he cannot run from battling me. I’ll crush him in front of everyone, then have him roll off the stage!”
Lu Cong purposely did not lower his voice, hence, his exact words reached Huwang Xiao’s ears.
Huwang Xiao watched the backs of these Azure Dragon Institute disciples with a sneer, ‘Overestimating myself?’ Well then, in a few days during the stage battle, he would show Lu Cong who was the one overestimating themselves, who wins and who loses.
However, this Lu Cong wouldn't have the chance to roll off the battle stage.
Because he was fated to die on the stage!
Ch.778
Back in his courtyard, Huwang Xiao entered the Godly Mt. Xumi, sitting cross-legged at the center of the Xumi Temple. He then began circulating the Asura Tactics.
The Black Tortoise and Vermilion Bird Divine Fires’ spirits flew out from Huwang Xiao’s body, orbiting around him as two types of star force poured out from the void into him.
Soon, the night gave way to day.
When morning came, Huwang Xiao ended his practice. He noticed that his internal organs were stronger than ever, tempered by the Black Tortoise and Vermilion Bird Galaxies’ star force, emitting a soft glow like starlight.
“I wonder what will happen if all four great divine fires converge...” A sudden thought flashed in Huwang Xiao’s mind.
After integrating with the Vermilion Bird Divine Fire, a theory formed in Huwang Xiao’s mind, growing stronger as time passed. If he could integrate with all four divine fires, there should be some kind of transformation. There was a chance that the final product would evolve into a new, higher grade fire that surpassed the four divine fires.
A fire that surpassed the four divine fires! What kind of flame would that be?
Huwang Xiao didn't know, but he was sure that it would bring unimaginable benefits to his cultivation path.
Moreover, with four great divine fires converged as one inside his body, his soul’s clarity would be further enhanced by a huge degree, it might even prompt a stunning transformation in his soul.
This further reinforced his goal of condensing a supreme godhead.
The supreme godhead, the king of godheads!
However, the Azure Dragon Divine Fire was in Xiang Mingzhi’s body. Remembering this, an intense murderous aura flickered in his eyes. If he wanted to get his hands on the Azure Dragon Divine Fire, there was only one option, kill Xiang Mingzhi!
If Xiang Mingzhi was dead, the Azure Dragon Divine Fire would be ownerless. At that time, Huwang Xiao would be able to integrate with it!
Therefore, during the Highgod Advancement Tournament, he must kill Xiang Mingzhi!
Coming out from the Xumi Temple, Huwang Xiao was about to practice his Asura Sword Skills when he saw Liu Yun and Qi Wen walking in together.
Yesterday, Liu Yun told Qi Wen about the twenty thousand high divine grade spirit stones, hence, this morning, both of them came to thank Huwang Xiao. Qi Wen was especially grateful.
Huwang Xiao could only accept it, smiling wryly in his heart.
He understood that, although twenty thousand high divine grade spirit stone wasn’t a significant sum to him, to his Senior Apprentice-brother Liu Yun and Third Apprentice-sister Qi Wen, the twenty thousand high divine grade spirit stone were the thing that saved their lifetime happiness.
In the blink of an eye, four days passed.
In these four days, other than cultivating, Huwang Xiao would sometimes go to Feng Yang’s courtyard for advice on cultivation.
Of course, Feng Yang told Huwang Xiao what he knew.
After four days, the day of Saint Mother Yao Chi’s birthday banquet had finally arrived.
But before they headed to the banquet, Feng Yang had Huwang Xiao stand in front of him and took out a pale blue divine armor. Feng Yang looked at his disciple, saying, “This is an ancient divine armor I found by chance long ago, called Blue Lion Divine Armor. Now, Master is giving it to you, put it on later.”
Blue Lion Divine Armor!
Standing close at the sides, Liu Yun, Qi Wen, and Chen Yang each had different thoughts.
As an ancient treasure, the Blue Lion Divine Armor had a strong defensive power, and it was one of the top-tier divine armors amongst those known in the four galaxies. Naturally, it was extremely precious. However, there was a crucial point to this; before Feng Yang received Huwang Xiao as his disciple, he had told his three other disciples, Liu Yun, Chen Yang, and Qi Wen, that whoever receives this Blue Lion Divine Armor would
be the one who succeeds his true legacy!
No one expected Feng Yang to choose this time to give the Blue Lion Divine Armor to Huwang Xiao.
Liu Yun and Qi Wen looked enviously at Huwang Xiao, whereas an unnoticeable flicker of hatred flitted passed Chen Yang’s eyes.
Legacy inheritor!
There was difference like heaven and earth between a personal disciple and a legacy inheritor.
A great master can have numerous personal disciples, but there will only be one legacy inheritor!
Huwang Xiao had no idea of the underlying meaning of his Master giving him the Blue Lion Divine Armor. He hid a wry smile looking at the divine armor emitting a soft blue glow.
With everything said and done, his Master Feng Yang was still doubtful of his strength. No doubt, this Blue Lion Divine Armor was for him to protect himself. But, it was hard to blame Feng Yang for not believing that Huwang Xiao could stand against disciples on the Highgod Advancement List.
In every term, there were thirty names on the Highgod Advancement List.
Each name represented a perfection stage late-Tenth Order God Realm and above, most of them being peak perfection stage late-Tenth Order God Realm.
In the four galaxies, there were more than thirty people at peak perfection stage late-Tenth Order God Realm, however, not everyone could have their name on the Highgod Advancement List. For example, Huwang Xiao’s Eldest Senior Apprentice-brother Liu Yun. Liu Yun couldn’t even climb to the bottom of the list.
“Master, this Blue Lion Divine Armor, I..” Just as Huwang Xiao wanted to decline, Feng Yang pulled his face down and stated in an absolute tone, “Don’t say anything more, I already decide to give this to you, put it on this instant.”
This instant?
Huwang Xiao didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Having no choice but to nod and comply, he wore the Blue Lion Divine Armor beneath his robe in front of his Master and Senior Apprentice-brothers and Senior Apprentice-sister.
Only after Huwang Xiao put on the armor did Feng Yang’s expressions soften into a smile, “With this Blue Lion Divine Armor, that Jiang Hanzhi will have a hard time if he wants to hurt you.”
Hearing Feng Yang bringing up that Highgod Advancement List fifth-ranked Jiang Hanzhi, Huwang Xiao secretly shook his head.
“But you have to be careful of that Lu Cong’s Ten Thousand Words Dharani.” Feng Yang went on, “That Ten Thousand Words Dharani technique was the ancient Scholarly Gate’s supreme technique, don’t underestimate its power. Lu Cong has already cultivated more than three thousand words, his strength is already comparable to an early First Order Highgod Realm master.
Huwang Xiao nodded again, acknowledging Feng Yang’s words.
But Feng Yang went on, giving Huwang Xiao some advice and reminders before the group left the courtyard, heading to the hall where the birthday banquet was held.
Yao Chi’s courtyard was at the peak of Yaochi Mountain, not too far from where Feng Yang and the others were staying, thus it didn’t take them long to reach the banquet venue.
‘Yaochi’ was a pond of several hundred square meters large with white mist floating from its surface. This pond was one of the universe’s natural spiritual energy ponds that brought unimaginable benefits to cultivators practicing inside it.
Around the spiritual energy pond were seated many masters who came from various forces.
Huwang Xiao took a quick glance around, seeing groups from the Azure Dragon Institute, Vermilion Bird Institute, White Tiger Institute, Jiang Family, Gudu Family, the Celestial Peach Sect, etc. There were many familiar faces.
When Feng Yang arrived, a lot of guests stood up, enthusiastically greeting Feng Yang.
Feng Yang grinned, cupping his fists to return everyone’s greetings before Saint Mother Yao Chi’s maids escorted his group to their seats.
Reaching their designated seat, Feng Yang sat down while Liu Yun, Chen Yang, Qi Wen, and Huwang Xiao stood behind him. In the banquet, only Highgod Realm masters were qualified to have a seat.
Just as Feng Yang sat down, an equivocal voice sounded, “I say, Feng Yang, based on your disciples’ strength, how thick-faced are they to come and participate in Saint Mother Yao Chi’s banquet? Aren’t you’re afraid that you’ll be embarrassed by them?”
Huwang Xiao tilted his head slightly toward the source. The person who spoke was the Azure Dragon Institute Principal, Qin Yi. By coincidence or not, Qi Yi’s seat was beside Feng Yang’s, with no more than a three meters distance between them.
Qin Yi’s voice was loud enough to attract the surrounding guests' attention.
Feng Yang’s face darkened hearing this, his voice cold in retort, “Qin Yi, do you really think Saint Mother Yao Chi is going to choose someone from your Azure Dragon Institute?”
Qin Yi laughed proudly, full of confidence, “In terms of strength, our Azure Dragon has a better chance than your Black Warrior Institute.”
Ch.779
The Azure Dragon Institute Principal’s bold words drew low but indignant whispers and gasps from the nearby guests. Some families’ Ancestors and Patriarchs who had good relationships with the Feng Yang frowned at Qin Yi’s arrogant tone.
Even though they disliked Qin Yi’s arrogant and proud attitude, in terms of strength, they couldn't deny that the Azure Dragon Institute’s Lu Cong and others were indeed stronger than the Black Warrior Institute’s Liu Yun, Huwang Xiao, and the other two.
Hence, no one dared to say anything in reproach.
Feng Yang harrumphed coldly, “Let’s wait and see the results.”
Qin Yi issued a derisive chuckle, “Feng Yang, how about we make a little side bet? If the inheritor that Saint Mother Yao Chi will select comes from my Azure Dragon Institute, you’ll give me a hundred billion, if the selected person comes from your Black Warrior Institute, then I’ll give you one hundred billion.”
One hundred billion!
Quite a few Ancestors and Patriarchs were shocked.
To the majority of the ones present, one hundred billion was an astronomical figure.
Feng Yang’s expression sank. Anyone could see this was a plot—a pit.
He had to admit that, strength-wise, the Azure Dragon Institute disciples had a higher chance of being selected as the legacy inheritor, whereas his disciples’ chances were practically zero.
“What? You lack the guts?” Seeing Feng Yang remain silent, Qin Yi taunted with a mocking laugh, “Or, as the Black Warrior Institute Principal, you can’t afford to take out one hundred billion? Please don’t tell me you’re poor to that extent!”
Lu Cong and the other Azure Dragon Institute disciples laughed loudly.
Feng Yang’s face was darker than murky water, “What if the disciple that Saint mother Yao Chi chooses is not from either of our institutes?”
“If that is the case, then our little bet is void.” Qin Yi paused momentarily before answering.
“Fine, I’ll bet a hundred billion with you!” An unyielding light shone in Feng Yang’s eyes, agreeing in a solemn voice.
“A verbal promise is no guarantee, I ask everyone present here to bear witness, both sides will now take out one hundred billion.” Seeing Feng Yang agreed, Qin Yi laughed with glee, a sly light shining in his eyes as if his scheme had already succeeded. With a wave of his hand, a spatial ring floated to the table in front of him. The restrictions on the spatial ring were already opened, thus everyone present was able to see numerous Qinglong coins piled high like mountains within.
Looks like Qin Yi had prepared well in advance.
From all directions, divine senses swept over the spatial ring. Inside it was exactly one hundred billion.
Feng Yang’s expression turned even darker.
Although he could take out a hundred billion, who really carried so much money on them at all times?
“Haha, Feng Yang, you’re not planning to agree to the bet purely based on empty words, right? And then go back on your words later?” Qin Yi mocked.
A
t this moment, Huwang Xiao spoke indifferently, “Our Master is thinking that a bet of one hundred billion is too small, therefore he wants to change the betting amount to one trillion. It’s just that Master is not sure if Institute Principal Qin can take out this sum.”
One trillion!!
The surrounding guests nearly choked on their own saliva hearing Huwang Xiao’s words.
Including Qin Yi. Just like everyone else, his gaze was fixed on Huwang Xiao.
Although Huwang Xiao’s action in this kind of occasion was considered rash, ignorant of proper etiquette given his identity, no one reprimanded him. Everyone was too flabbergasted by Huwang Xiao’s words to reprimand him.
Moments later, the Azure Dragon Institute Principal recovered his senses, glaring at Huwang Xiao even while he laughed, “Little punk, are you sure you can take out one trillion? As long as you can take out one trillion, I’ll bet one trillion with you! But, if you cannot take it out, then, hehe…” Qin Yi’s expression turned cold, “I’d be forced to teach you some manners on behalf of your Master!”
Not a trace of fear could be seen on Huwang Xiao’s face, “And if I manage to take out one trillion and Institute Principal Qin can’t?”
Qin Yi was taken aback by the retort. His gaze on Huwang Xiao grew sharp and hostile, then he answered nonchalantly, “What a joke! I can’t take out one trillion?” He refused to believe that Huwang Xiao could take out such a huge sum. Even though Huwang Xiao had the Hailstone and Xuanji Treasures, one trillion was still impossible for him.
To Qin Yi, Huwang Xiao’s actions were nothing but false bravado, trying to pull wool over their eyes.
Feng Yang was about to speak when Huwang Xiao lightly turned his wrist and a spatial ring floated to the table in front of Feng Yang. Just like Qin Yi’s, its restrictions were also opened.
The instant the spatial ring appeared, the spiritual energy around the pond rose to an inexplicable level, surging out like a tempest and shocking everyone.
