22: Dark horse!

Over the next two days, the area outside Listening Bamboo Pavilion was indeed much quieter.

However, discussions about the three members of the Lin family intensified among the various factions at the Grand Gathering.

Their background, Cultivation Techniques, and especially that unfathomable white-robed Old Ancestor, all became hot topics of discussion.

And the names Lin Hao, Ye Chen, and Lin Yun quietly rose a few more ranks on the prodigy ranking, clearly indicating that the Academy was continuously monitoring their movements.

Finally, three days had passed.

Dong—!

A grand and distant bell chime echoed from deep within Myriad Manifestations Academy, spreading across ten thousand miles!

The Heavenly Vault Grand Gathering officially began!

The atmosphere of the entire Myriad Manifestations Mountain Range was instantly ignited!

Countless streams of light soared from various inns and mountain peaks, like a hundred birds flocking to a Phoenix, converging towards the largest “Heavenly Vault Training Ground” in the center of the mountain range!

The clamor was deafening, and Battle Intent soared to the heavens!

Lin Hao, Ye Chen, and Lin Yun opened their eyes, their gazes sharp, their condition adjusted to the optimal state.

Lin Dao's figure also appeared in the courtyard.

“Let's go.”

He took a single step, bringing the three of them into the surging crowd, heading majestically towards the arena that would determine the fates of countless Prodigies.

Dong—!

The bell chime was vast and its echoes lingered, as if announcing the slow curtain-raising of a new era.

The Heavenly Vault Training Ground, situated atop the main peak of the Myriad Manifestations Mountain Range, was incredibly vast, capable of accommodating hundreds of thousands of spectators.

The ground was paved with some indestructible azure-gold stone, inscribed with countless reinforcing and protective Formation runes, shimmering with faint spiritual light.

Around it were layers upon layers of circular stands, like petals in full bloom, which were now packed with people, their voices creating a surging tide of sound.

In the center were ten massive arenas, several zhang high and also covered in Formations, like ten ancient battle stages awaiting the baptism of blood and glory.

High in the sky, amidst the clouds and mist, some suspended jade platforms and immortal pavilions were faintly visible. These were the viewing areas for the high-ranking officials of Myriad Manifestations Academy and the truly top-tier figures from Qingzhou's major powers, beyond the reach of ordinary Cultivators.

Lin Dao led Lin Hao and the other two, casually taking seats in an inconspicuous spot in the stands.

Even so, the four of them still attracted quite a few gazes.

After the commotions of the past few days, the Lin family, this “dark horse,” had become a key focus for many factions.

Soon, an Elder from Myriad Manifestations Academy flew to the central main arena, his voice like a grand bell, announcing the rules of the Grand Gathering.

The Heavenly Vault Grand Gathering was divided into elimination rounds and ranking matches.

The elimination rounds adopted a free-for-all mode.

All young Cultivators who passed the bone age test and met the requirements would be randomly divided into ten zones, with only ten individuals from each zone ultimately emerging to advance to the next round.

The rules were simple and brutal: those who fell off the arena lost, those who voluntarily admitted defeat lost, and those who lost their combat capability lost.

Intentional killing was forbidden, but swords and blades had no eyes, and casualties were at one's own risk.

“Elimination rounds, begin!” the Elder commanded.

Buzz!

The protective light screens around the ten arenas instantly rose, emitting powerful energy fluctuations.

At the same time, a huge light screen unfolded above the stands, displaying the list of participants for each zone.

Lin Hao was assigned to Zone 3, Ye Chen to Zone 7, and Lin Yun to Zone 9.

The three exchanged glances, each seeing determination in the other's eyes.

“Be careful,” Lin Hao said in a deep voice.

“Don't mess up,” Ye Chen grinned.

Lin Yun nodded lightly.

The three transformed into three streams of light, shooting towards their respective arenas.

Lin Dao sat still, his eyes slightly closed, seemingly unconcerned with the fierce Dragon-Phoenix struggle below, but his Divine Thought had already silently enveloped the three arenas like an invisible net.

Any malice or killing intent directed at Lin Hao and the other two could not escape his perception.

On the arena, chaos instantly erupted!

Hundreds of Spirit Sea Realm Cultivators crowded onto a single arena, and for those mere ten spots, intense battles broke out almost the moment it began!

Sword Qi crisscrossed, spells roared, and the sounds of fists and palms clashing were incessant!

People were constantly being knocked off the stage, spitting blood, or even severely injured and unconscious, then teleported out by the Formation.

Zone 3.

As soon as Lin Hao stepped onto the stage, he stood like a rock in a corner, not actively attacking.

However, the story of him forcing back Lei Meng with a single finger that day had already spread, and immediately, several Cultivators who considered themselves quite strong teamed up to attack, wishing to eliminate this formidable opponent first.

“Gale Slash!”

“Earth Thorn Art!”

“Poison Python Whip!”

Several attacks came from different directions, blocking all of Lin Hao's escape routes.

Lin Hao's eyes narrowed. His longsword remained sheathed; he merely tapped the ground with its scabbard, his body moving with the wind!

Flowing Cloud Steps!

Wind Control Art!

His figure seemed to transform into an elusive wisp of clear wind, weaving leisurely through the gaps in the dense attacks; those attacks couldn't even touch the hem of his clothes!

“What fast movement technique!”

“Damn it! We can't hit him!”

Those few Cultivators were both shocked and angry.

Just as their old strength was exhausted and new strength had yet to emerge, Lin Hao moved!

Clang!

The longsword finally left its sheath!

A clear, water-like sword light streaked across the arena like lightning!

It wasn't some world-shaking ultimate move, but a simple and direct thrust, yet it was incredibly fast, accurate, and ruthless!

And it contained a fierce Gale Sword Intent!

Puff, puff, puff!

The protective spiritual light of those few Cultivators was instantly pierced like paper. Blood spurted from their shoulders, wrists, and other non-vital areas simultaneously, and they screamed as they flew backward, falling off the arena!

One strike!

Eliminated several people!

The entire venue was in an uproar!

“What fast swordplay!”

“This Sword Intent… truly lives up to its reputation!”

Lin Hao sheathed his sword and stood, his expression calm.

After Lin Dao's guidance, his control over power was even more refined. That single strike consumed very little energy but was remarkably effective.

After this battle, no one in Zone 3 dared to easily provoke his area.

Zone 7.

The style was completely different.

Ye Chen, like a humanoid Vicious Beast, charged directly into the most densely packed crowd!

He didn't use any weapons; his fists were the best weapons!

The Archaic Savage Bull Art operated to its extreme, his vital Qi soaring like wolf smoke, every punch and kick carrying terrifying immense power capable of collapsing mountains and shattering stones!

A Body Cultivator at Spirit Sea Realm Stage Seven roared and met his punch head-on.

Crack!

The sound of a breaking arm bone was clearly audible, and the Body Cultivator screamed as he flew backward.

A Cultivator conjured a Medium Grade Profound Rank defensive shield.

Boom!

Ye Chen's punch smashed down, the shield's spiritual light exploded, and the Cultivator behind it was also sent flying!

He didn't deliberately avoid attacks; most spells that struck his bronzed skin only left shallow white marks, barely able to break through his defense!

The might of the Ancient Desolate Sacred Body was displayed to its fullest!

Wherever he went, people were knocked flying, like a tiger entering a flock of sheep; he had no equal in a single exchange!

Some even saw him charging and were so scared they directly jumped off the arena to admit defeat!

“Monster!”

“This is a monster!” The Cultivators in Zone 7 were terrified and all avoided his sharp edge.

Zone 9.

Lin Yun's fighting style was the most peculiar.

He didn't actively attack anyone, but merely stood quietly at the edge of the arena. In his eyes, stars appeared and vanished, and an invisible illusionary force field silently spread with him as the center.

Several Cultivators who wanted to pick on the weak and attack him, a “Spirit Sea Realm Stage One” Cultivator, suddenly became dazed as soon as they approached within ten zhang of him, as if trapped in a nightmare. Some spun in circles on the spot, some frantically attacked the air, and some even stumbled off the arena themselves!

“Pupil Technique!”

“It's an illusionary Pupil Technique!”

“Don't look into his eyes!”

“Seal your Divine Sense!”

Someone shouted in horror, trying to resist.

But how could Lin Yun's Starry Sky Annihilation Pupil be so easily resisted?

Even in its initial Awakening, its illusionary power directly targeted the essence of the Divine Soul!

Occasionally, a stronger Cultivator who could barely break free from the illusion would rush close. Lin Yun would then unleash the “Starlight Protection” he Awakened that day; a transparent shield condensed from starlight would appear, easily blocking the attack, while the starlight in his eyes flashed, sending out a stronger illusionary impact, and the opponent would immediately fall into deeper confusion.

He was like a quiet vortex, silently devouring his opponents without shedding blood.

Three arenas, three completely different fighting styles, yet equally efficient and equally eye-catching!

Above the jade platforms and immortal pavilions in the sky, some important figures also cast their gazes of attention.

“Oh? Pure Sword Intent, agile movement technique, a good talent.” An old man with an ancient sword on his back looked at Lin Hao and nodded slightly.

“Blood Qi like a furnace, astonishing physique! Could this child possess some ancient battle physique?” A burly man as strong as a bear stared at Ye Chen, his eyes flashing with sharp light.

“Starry Sky Annihilation Pupil? I didn't expect such a rare Pupil Technique to appear… too bad his cultivation is still shallow.” A beautiful woman looked at Lin Yun, showing a look of interest.

And a Vice Palace Master of Myriad Manifestations Academy, seated in the main position, focused his gaze more on the white-robed young man in the stands who was resting with his eyes closed, a hint of scrutiny and solemnity flashing in his eyes.

He, surprisingly, couldn't see through the depth of that young man.

The elimination rounds lasted for about an hour.

Finally, as the last few struggling Cultivators were cleared from the stage, the ten arenas gradually quieted down.

On each arena, only ten people remained, all bearing injuries, their auras unstable, yet their eyes were filled with excitement and exhaustion.

Lin Hao's white robes remained, unsullied by dust.

Ye Chen was steaming with heat, his Battle Intent high.

Lin Yun's face was slightly pale, clearly indicating that continuously using his Pupil Technique consumed a lot, but his eyes remained clear.

All three, successfully advanced!

“Elimination rounds over!”

“Those who advanced, rest for a day!”

“Tomorrow at this time, the ranking match draw will take place!” The Academy Elder's voice rang out again.

The protective light screens fell.

Lin Hao and the other two flew down from the stage and returned to Lin Dao's side.

“Old Ancestor.” The three bowed.

Lin Dao opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the three, and he nodded slightly: “Acceptable.”

“Go back and recuperate.”

There was no excessive praise, but the single phrase “acceptable” reassured the three of them.

Just as they were about to leave the Martial Arts Arena, several powerful auras locked onto them.

Led by the Young City Lord of Liuyun City and the Youth surnamed Chen, along with several other “allies” they had apparently befriended at the Grand Gathering, who also had impressive auras, blocked their path.

The Youth surnamed Chen had also successfully advanced, and his ranking seemed to be quite high.

“Hmph! Consider yourselves lucky that the free-for-all allowed you to exploit loopholes!” The Young City Lord of Liuyun City's face was grim. “In the ranking matches, it's genuine one-on-one!”

“Let's see how long you can remain arrogant!”

The Youth surnamed Chen's gaze coldly swept over Lin Hao: “I hope you don't encounter me too early.”

“Otherwise, your little Sword Intent probably won't be enough.”

Ye Chen clenched his fists, making crackling sounds: “So much nonsense. I'll just smash you on the arena.”

Lin Hao merely glanced at them indifferently, saying nothing, but that calm gaze inexplicably made the Youth surnamed Chen's heart tremble.

Lin Dao acted as if he hadn't even seen these people, directly leading the three of them through their midst. That dismissive attitude humiliated the people from Liuyun City more than any words could.

Back at Listening Bamboo Pavilion.

Lin Dao said no more and went straight back to his Quiet Room.

Lin Hao and the other two immediately began reviewing today's battles, digesting their experiences, and recovering theirConsumption.

Everyone knew that tomorrow's ranking matches would be the real test.

One-on-one, with no possibility of trickery, strength, foundation, and on-the-spot adaptability were all indispensable.

And whether these three dark horses of the Lin family could continue their winning streak would depend on tomorrow.

Under the night sky, Myriad Manifestations Academy was brightly lit, with undercurrents surging.

Countless gazes were anticipating tomorrow's fierce competition.

And the names Lin Hao, Ye Chen, and Lin Yun, after their stunning performance in today's elimination rounds, had truly entered the sights of those top Prodigies.