Nine Revolutions Star Technique

Chapter 626 - 629: Taotian Palace Grand Selection

Morning!

As the first ray of sunlight poured down onto the earth.

The entire Lintian City seemed to awaken from slumber, with countless crowds gathering, forming a massive torrent rushing towards Taotian Palace. Taotian Palace’s recruitment was always divided into Inner and Outer Sects.

The Outer Disciples didn’t have many requirements; reaching the Celestial Saint Realm sufficed for entry. As for the Inner Sect, it was much stricter, allowing only Celestial Venerable Cultivators to enter.

Though Zhou Hai had obtained the lotus seed and trained for several months on Hidden Dragon Mountain, he was still only a Half-Step Celestial Venerable. Without hope of participating in the Inner Sect disciples’ selection, he could only accompany Ye Qingchen and Lu Yanwu.

Ye Qingchen, as usual in a blue robe, with a long sword on his back, his long hair simply tied, and a jade gourd at his waist, did not look like a disciple participating in a grand selection, but more like a young carefree nobleman.

The Three-tailed Fox, as usual, was perched on his shoulder, seemingly longingly assessing the lively scene around them.

Lu Yanwu, in a red dress, with a black girdle at her waist, carried a long spear, looked heroic and graceful, following Ye Qingchen step by step.

Their appearance attracted quite a bit of attention.

"Isn’t that young lady in red Lu Yanwu? But who is the man beside her?" The crowd wondered, eyes filled with curiosity, "Wasn’t it said Lu Yanwu is proud by nature, never giving affection to men? How is it she is so close to a man now?"

Those knowledgeable quietly explained on the side:

"He is Ye Qingchen!"

The people around immediately looked enlightened.

Instantly.

The looks aimed at Ye Qingchen became playful and mocking.

"This lad is quite bold, having offended so many prodigies, and still dares to be so leisurely?"

"Heh, today, not only Zhang Muyun is coming, but Chu Tian Association, Lin Tianlai, Tang Lifei, and Sun Wuming are all attending. How could he fare well? Fearing he might find it hard to retreat unharmed!"

One should know.

The scene outside the Human Immortal Martial Tomb was witnessed by quite a number.

This youngster was so arrogant as to challenge the likes of Chu Tian Association, if not for the timely opening of the Martial Tomb, he would have been crushed before the public! But who would expect him to appear openly again today!

"Is this the place?"

Ye Qingchen did not care about the thoughts of those around him; he stood with hands behind his back, observing the Taotian Palace of the Kunlun Realm before him.

He saw.

A vast range of undulating mountains mostly hidden within the sea of clouds. Through the mist, one could glimpse grand halls and mysterious caves built into the peaks.

Such grand and majestic appearance was unmatched, not even by the mightiest sects on the Barbaric Continent. Occasionally, streaks of aurora floated amidst the clouds, ethereal and enchanting.

As Ye Qingchen surveyed Taotian Palace, suddenly a voice filled with delight came from beside him:

"Brother Ye!"

Ye Qingchen turned his head; it was none other than Fang Mingyu and Lin Shifei, whom he had met on Lantai River. Seeing Ye Qingchen’s surprised face, Fang Mingyu smiled and said:

"I heard someone mention Brother Ye had come for Taotian Palace’s selection, and I could scarcely believe it until I saw you! I haven’t even had the chance to thank you for saving my life on Lantai River!"

Ye Qingchen casually waved his hand, "It was nothing!"

"Why are you still here, Brother Ye?" Lin Shifei, slightly anxious, lowered his voice: "I passed by earlier, hearing Zhang Muyun already knows you’re here, and he’s heading this way, seemingly with ill intent!"

Zhang Muyun?

Ye Qingchen raised an eyebrow slightly.

He vaguely remembered, the person from the day of the Human Immortal Martial Tomb was a powerful youth, trained in incredibly mighty combat techniques. Although his cultivation was at the Celestial Venerable Eighth Layer, his strength was akin to some of the Celestial Venerable Ninth Layer cultivators.

"If he comes, I’ll deal with him casually!" Ye Qingchen replied lightly.

Fang Mingyu wanted to speak but was cut off by Zhou Hai coldly saying, "Would Mr. Ye fear him?"

"Indeed!" Lu Yanwu nodded slightly.

Upon hearing this, Fang Mingyu’s expression remained unchanged, yet he shook his head inwardly.

He had heard about the incident at the Martial Tomb, understanding that Ye Qingchen thoroughly offended all these top prodigies. Now it seemed not only was Ye Qingchen arrogant, but those around him were also picking up the same trait.

Even Zhou Hai, a Half-Step Celestial Venerable, dared to boast so boldly?

Chu Tian Association, Zhang Muyun, and others were among the strongest prodigies apart from the likes of Wu Xingyun and Tuoba Ye. What merit did he have to disregard these people?

’I thought Ye Qingchen might be someone worth befriending, but I didn’t expect him to be this brash and oblivious to retreating. Continuing this way will surely bring trouble; I better disengage soon!’

As he considered this, Fang Mingyu’s smile faded, finding an excuse to leave promptly.

However, Lin Shifei remained, persistently advising Ye Qingchen to avoid the storm, not to worry about temporary setbacks. Yet, Ye Qingchen seemed uninterested, rather asking curiously:

"By the way, I still don’t know what exactly the Taotian Palace Inner Sect selection is like, Brother Lin, can you explain?"

Lin Shifei was dumbfounded.

With things so urgent, you’re still concerned about this?

Seeing Ye Qingchen so keen, Lin Shifei could only sigh inwardly, explaining:

"Each Taotian Palace Inner Sect selection is different. The theory is we’ve become Inner Sect disciples, and now some elite Inner Sect disciples are to be selected!"

"Anyone reaching the top hundred receives some reward; the higher the rank, the better the reward. Some lucky ones may even be chosen as Elder’s True Disciples!"

"But, the conditions to become an Elder’s True Disciple are stringent! Usually, only those of top-tier prodigies qualify!"

"Is that so?"

Ye Qingchen nodded thoughtfully.

"Mr. Ye will surely become an Elder’s True Disciple this time!" Zhou Hai declared confidently.

"Indeed!" Lu Yanwu agreed, thinking of Ye Qingchen’s strength displayed at the Human Immortal Martial Tomb; becoming a True Disciple should be easy for him!

Ye Qingchen stroked his chin.

His strength far exceeded Chu Tian Association and others; even facing Wu Xingyun and Tuoba Ye, he had confidence to not lose. If nothing unexpected happened, indeed he could become a True Disciple.

However.

Before he could speak, suddenly an arrogant voice rang from the side:

"You, aspiring to be an Elder’s True Disciple? Do you even deserve it?"

Ye Qingchen slightly furrowed his brow, looking up.

There appeared a slim youth, carrying a three-zhang-tall Giant Cauldron in one hand, breaking through the crowd. His gaze at Ye Qingchen was like an eagle overlooking an ant on the ground, full of disdain and ridicule.