422: Survive to the finals

But Lu Xingchen didn't push her away immediately; he just gently patted her shoulder and softly asked, "Xiao Xue, what's wrong?"

Mu Ruxue said, her voice choked with sobs, "Thank you, Teacher, for being willing to come with me. If I hadn't met you, if I hadn't joined the Lingyun Sect, I might never have been able to get my revenge."

"My wish has been fulfilled, and there is nothing left in this world for me to worry about. From now on, I will dutifully stay in the Lingyun Sect, dedicating myself to its strength, treating you as a father, and seeing you through to the end of your days."

Hearing this, Lu Xingchen's eyebrows furrowed into a line.

"Ah, this..."

"Xiao Xue, seeing me through to the end of my days is a bit much. I'm only two years older than you; it's not certain who will be in the ground first."

"Fulfilling a wish is a good thing! Using the Lingyun Sect as a springboard, you can see a broader world and meet more excellent people. This isn't an end for you, but a beginning. I'm still looking forward to you becoming a Saint and leading the Lingyun Sect to prosperity and strength!"

Hearing this, Mu Ruxue was slightly stunned: "Huh? Can someone like me also become a Saint?"

Lu Xingchen nodded slightly and chuckled, "I have high expectations for you; your chances of becoming a Saint are very high."

Mu Ruxue let go of him, nodded heavily, and said in a deep voice, "Teacher, don't worry, I won't disappoint you."

Immediately, the two returned to the Lingyun Sect, leaving behind a scene of devastation.

The news of the Li Family's destruction spread throughout Wangshu City in just one night, yet no one dared to interfere.

This was because the members of the Wang and Chen Families who had been released had already spread the word that a Disciple of the Lingyun Sect had annihilated the Li Family.

Lu Xingchen, however, no longer had time for such matters. Early the next morning, he gathered with his friends at the Sect gate, preparing to head to the Human Emperor Hall.

A total of four people were participating in this Martial Arts Convention: Lu Xingchen, Xu Qing, Lin Xu, and Zuoqiu Qingluo.

Jiang Taishen and two Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters were at the gate to bid them farewell.

Jiang Taishen softly said, "To prevent cheating, the Human Emperor Hall does not allow Saints from various Sects to enter. After all, there are no fewer than ten Ninth-Rank Sects participating in this convention. If ten Saints were to gather, even the Human Emperor Hall would not be able to control such a powerful force."

"So I can only see you off here. Xiao Chen, Xiao Qing, this journey will last a year, and the future is uncertain. It would be best if you can obtain an Opportunity to become a Saint, but you must first ensure your own safety. I hope you all return safe and sound."

Lu Xingchen and Xu Qing simultaneously bowed to Jiang Taishen.

"Teacher, we will definitely return victorious!"

Jiang Taishen nodded slightly and softly said, "Xiao Chen, your strength is greater than Xu Qing's. In the special space, if you have the chance, you must take good care of her. Do you understand?"

Lu Xingchen nodded heavily.

"Teacher, don't worry, with me here, Third Senior Sister will definitely be safe!"

Jiang Taishen nodded again.

"Alright, I have nothing more to instruct you on. You may depart!"

Lu Xingchen said no more, turned around, and summoned Xiao You.

"Everyone, let's go!"

Immediately, everyone stepped onto Xiao You's back and flew towards the horizon.

Along the way, Zuoqiu Qingluo patted Lu Xingchen's shoulder and softly said, "Big Strong One Brother, although I like you very much, I can't participate in the upcoming Martial Arts Convention with you."

Hearing this, Lu Xingchen was slightly stunned.

"Huh? Does your Tianji Pavilion have other arrangements?"

Zuoqiu Qingluo shook her head slightly and softly said, "It's not like that; the Tianji Pavilion can't control me. It's mainly due to the special nature of my abilities."

"I told you before, my ability is Prophecy Technique; I'm not good at combat. If I force it, I definitely won't achieve a good ranking. But I can cast Prophecy Technique on myself, predicting future events to avoid risks, seek Opportunities, and pass through unharmed."

Hearing this, Lu Xingchen's heart was startled.

"Holy crap, you can play it like that! Then aren't you going to make it to the finals by just hiding? I'm so envious!"

Zuoqiu Qingluo shook her head and chuckled, "Don't even think about the finals. Isn't there a competition at the end? Although I can predict the drawing order and choose weaker opponents in each round, that's only in the Early Stage. The entrants in the finals are all quite strong; no matter how much I manipulate it, I won't be able to win."

"I can only guarantee a high ranking, but winning the championship is impossible."

Hearing this, Lu Xingchen's eyes went wide.

"I have to work hard for a year, competing with tens of thousands of Human Race Prodigies on the same stage, just to have a chance to break through. Yet you can lie down and enter the finals; it's truly infuriating to compare oneself to others!"

Seeing Lu Xingchen's disgruntled expression, Zuoqiu Qingluo felt a little smug and couldn't help but lift her head.

"Hahaha! Luck is also a part of strength, and I can manipulate luck. So I can't travel with you. You're an oddity; I can't predict your future. If I were with you, my Prophecy Technique would become ineffective and I would only be a burden to you."

Lu Xingchen nodded slightly and chuckled, "Understood. In that case, you must take care of yourself alone. See you in the finals!"

Zuoqiu Qingluo softly said, "Alright, Big Strong One Brother, don't disappoint me. But don't be too sad; I can still travel with you now."

"Good!"

With that, Lu Xingchen turned to look at Lin Xu.

"Senior Brother Lin Xu, Miss Qingluo is going solo. You wouldn't abandon me, would you?"

Hearing this, Zuoqiu Qingluo covered her mouth and chuckled.

This guy, he's already so strong, yet he still acts so hesitant, as if afraid he can't beat others.

Lin Xu smiled warmly.

"Don't worry, I'll always follow you. Given our friendship, it's best if we can fight together. If we can unleash Dual Sword Combination again, we won't even fear a Saint!"

Lu Xingchen softly said, "Speaking of Dual Sword Combination, besides the last time when the two immortal slaying swords were stimulated and actively fused during the fight against Bai Cang, we haven't succeeded once in our subsequent attempts. Dual Sword Combination is incredibly difficult!"

Lin Xu chuckled, "Where there's one, there's two; it will definitely be achieved in the future."

"Let's hope so!"

The four chatted on Xiao You's back.

After a day and a night of travel, everyone finally arrived in the Central Continent Middle Region.

And the Human Emperor Hall was located in the very center, spanning tens of thousands of meters.

And this didn't even account for the various Small Worlds opened by the Human Emperor Hall's Saints using spatial power.

Even the Medicine King Valley could open so many spaces for planting Spirit Medicine; how could the Human Emperor Hall, as the co-ruler of the Nine Provinces and one of the highest organizations of the Human Race, have weak foundations?

The four people and one Dragon landed at the entrance of the Human Emperor Hall, and then Xiao You entered the mount space to rest.

The four hadn't walked a few steps before they were stopped by the two Venerables guarding the gate.

"Young friend Lu Dazhuang, young friend Lin Xu, young friend Zuoqiu Qingluo, you three are actually traveling together! This is simply incredible!"

Hearing this, Lu Xingchen was slightly stunned.

"You know me?"