205: Chaos in the Hall of Protector of Flames

"Huh?" Lin Xia was taken aback.

Meeting Chen Qingxuan's meaningful smile, she lowered her head slightly, "This servant girl was too forward... With my talent... I know I am not qualified to ask Young Master Chen for guidance."

"Eh, no..." Chen Qingxuan was left speechless, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Seeing that Lin Xia had misunderstood, he didn't put on airs. "Miss Lin, you may have misunderstood. It's not that I'm unwilling to impart my ex... experience to you. What I mean is, a true Prodigy does not need to Cultivate diligently. If a Genius still needs to Cultivate diligently, it must be because their talent isn't high enough."

"Is that so?" Lin Xia couldn't help but widen her beautiful eyes.

Seeing Chen Qingxuan's serious expression, at this moment, no words could describe her inner state.

It could be said that these words completely twisted her perception.

All this time, she had thought it was because her Comprehension Ability was poor, or that she hadn't Cultivated hard enough, which was why she couldn't compare to those renowned Geniuses.

But now, Chen Qingxuan was telling her... that a Genius doesn't need to work hard at all?

Facing Lin Xia's dazed expression, Chen Qingxuan added, "I'm telling the truth. It's like in some places, the Spiritual Qi that ordinary Cultivators come into contact with is very shallow. Even if they Cultivate diligently, they still can't compare to ordinary people living in a world full of Spiritual Qi, even if the latter just breathes in Spiritual Qi, the gains can surpass the former... Talent is the same. This thing, you either have it or you don't. Although you don't have top-tier talent, that's only in the context of the Upper Domain. If you were placed in a lower Prefecture, you would also be a Genius that they could never reach... I've made myself clear enough, right?"

"..." Lin Xia nodded silently.

Completely unaware of how Chen Qingxuan had grown up, she pondered his words with extreme seriousness, as if listening to immortal music.

After a long while, Lin Xia raised her head, "Thank you for your guidance, Young Master Chen. This servant girl has one more question to ask."

"Speak!"

"It's just... it's very easy to encounter a Bottleneck when Cultivating... What does Young Master Chen usually do in such situations?" Lin Xia looked at Chen Qingxuan with burning eyes, thirsting for knowledge.

Chen Qingxuan was stunned for a moment. "Bottleneck? Sorry, I've never encountered one, so I can't give you any answer."

"Huh?" At this moment, Lin Xia felt like she had been struck by lightning.

Never encountered a Bottleneck? Is this something a Cultivator can say?

How is this any different from a brothel woman who entertains guests every night, and after retiring, claims she has never seen a man's private parts?

But Chen Qingxuan's serious expression dealt a devastating blow to the doubts arising in her heart.

He really had never encountered a Bottleneck!

Recalling the hardships she had endured all these years to increase her strength... Lin Xia's eyes couldn't help but turn red. Then what did her efforts all these years amount to?

"Why are you crying?" Chen Qingxuan comforted her thoughtfully, "I'm not intentionally hiding my experience from you. I really have never encountered a Bottleneck. Before you mentioned it to me... to be honest, I even forgot that this thing existed in the world. I'm not lying to you."

"...Wuwu!" Lin Xia instantly broke down. It would have been better if she hadn't been comforted, but once comforted... the last shred of her strength shattered.

"What the...?" Chen Qingxuan was dumbfounded.

Facing his bewildered gaze, Lin Xia sobbed, "I finally understand my Revered Master... I know why my Revered Master would say that before becoming an Immortal, facing an Immortal is like a frog at the bottom of a well... After becoming an Immortal, facing an Immortal is like a mayfly looking up at the vast sky... It turns out we have always been the lowest of existences... just slightly better than the lower Prefectures... but we can't compare to you at all... Perhaps you even think it's a waste of time to look at us."

"Hey, don't belittle yourself!" Chen Qingxuan thoughtfully wiped away her tears and comforted her, "This world cannot do without you. If not for you, there wouldn't be us today."

"Hmm?" Lin Xia looked at Chen Qingxuan curiously, not understanding why she was still so important.

Immediately after, she heard Chen Qingxuan add, "The so-called distinction between high and low is mutual. If it weren't for you... then my talent would have no comparison, and how could I be called a Prodigy? It is precisely because of you that there is talk of my high talent... It is precisely because there are weak people that the strong stand out..."

"Wuwuwu..." Lin Xia burst into tears.

"What's with you?" Chen Qingxuan scratched his head. Seeing that Lin Xia couldn't stop crying, he began to make empty promises, "Don't worry, when you're out in the world, it's all about background. Diligent Cultivation is nothing! Since I owe you a favor, when I become a God King in the future, you will be an Immortal... Isn't that more worthwhile than taking the Immortal Assessment? Many Geniuses can't even achieve that."

"Hmm? Do you really think you can become a God King?" Lin Xia raised her pretty face. At first, she thought Chen Qingxuan was joking, but hearing such remarks again, she couldn't help but feel that Chen Qingxuan didn't seem to be just talking.

Chen Qingxuan said seriously, "Of course I'm serious. Do you want to witness the birth of a New God King?"

"I do!" Lin Xia nodded as if possessed.

"For this honor, will you do whatever I tell you to do?"

"Yes, I will do whatever you tell me."

"Good!" Chen Qingxuan said with satisfaction, "Then from now on, don't refer to yourself as 'This servant girl' anymore. You need to know that you are pretending to be my sister. You can call me Little Chen. Helping me successfully participate in the Hundred States Tournament is your most important task right now."

"Mm-hmm!" Lin Xia nodded with a serious expression, "I understand... Little Chen!"

"That's more like it!" Chen Qingxuan smiled.

...As the grand event in the Three Thousand Divine Provinces second only to the Immortal Assessment, the Hundred States Tournament had registration locations in every one of the top one hundred Prefectures. After all, the number of participants alone reached hundreds of thousands each time.

The registration location for the Yan Domain was at Hu Yan Hall, similar to the Star Protection Hall in the Star River Ruins, which was the force in charge of the laws and maintaining order in the Yan Domain.

However, compared to the Star Protection Hall, the foundation of Hu Yan Hall was incomparable to the former, and there was no shortage of experts related to Immortals serving within it.

After arriving at Hu Yan Hall, Chen Qingxuan and Lin Xia were about to register for the tournament. There were many young talents around who were also registering, but before they could enter, they saw experts from Hu Yan Hall come out to disperse the crowd.

"Everyone disperse, registration has ended." The Elder announced in a loud voice.

As soon as these words were spoken, it immediately caused many Cultivators who were preparing to register to exclaim. "What? Has registration for the Hundred States Tournament closed?" "Isn't there still half a month left? How could it be over?" "Elder, we traveled from thousands of miles away, and we're finally almost at the front of the line..." The crowd discussed heatedly.

Many of them even began to plead. After all, for most people, although the Hundred States Tournament is held once every one hundred and eighty years, one only has one chance to participate in their lifetime. Whether they were prepared or not, no one wanted to miss this opportunity.

On the other hand, the Elder on the high platform said calmly, "If you wanted to participate in the Hundred States Tournament, why didn't you come to register earlier? You don't take this matter seriously, so even if you participate, it's useless. It's better to go back and Cultivate diligently, or go to the venue where the Hundred States Tournament is being held first and grab a good spot to watch the tournament."

In an instant, the area outside Hu Yan Hall was in an uproar.

Chen Qingxuan raised his eyebrows and looked at Lin Xia, "There's a time limit for registering for the Hundred States Tournament?"

"This..." Lin Xia's expression was complicated as she looked at Chen Qingxuan and said, "There hasn't been in previous years. It might be because there are too many contestants registering for the tournament in the Yan Domain this time, and additionally, the famous forces and Geniuses in the Yan Domain have already registered. The remaining contestants won't cause any waves, so they suspended registration early."

"But don't worry, Young Master Chen." As she said this, Lin Xia added, "If you want to register, you still can. After all, your identity... although we can't use your identity, I can use the banner of the Uncrowned Immortal Temple."

Chen Qingxuan nodded. Consequently, the two of them crossed the crowd and walked onto the high platform.

Seeing the two approaching, the previous Elder said with an unkind tone, "I said registration has already closed. What are you still coming up here for?"

"This Elder, I am Lin Xia from the Uncrowned Immortal Temple. My Revered Master is Qiu Wenxian!" Lin Xia didn't waste any words. While introducing her sect, she already took out the token of the Uncrowned Immortal Temple.

"Oh?" That Elder was stunned for a moment. After catching a glimpse of the Uncrowned Immortal Temple's token, he instantly put on a smile, "So it is the Disciple of Immortal Qiu. I apologize for not welcoming you properly. I wonder what Miss Lin is here for?"

Lin Xia's brow relaxed, "We are here to register for the Hundred States Tournament. Please accommodate us."

"What?" The Elder was immediately stunned and didn't know whether to laugh or cry, "Given Miss Lin's age... I'm afraid you have already missed the opportunity to register for the Hundred States Tournament, right?"

"Elder, you misunderstood." Lin Xia pointed to Chen Qingxuan and indicated, "It is not me who wants to register for the tournament, but... he is my younger brother, and he wants to participate in the Hundred States Tournament. He is currently within the age limit and can be tested using the Bone Testing Stone."

"Your younger brother?" The Elder looked at Chen Qingxuan. Because Chen Qingxuan was wearing a mask, he couldn't see his stunning appearance, and naturally couldn't feel his extraordinary aura.

The next moment, the Elder looked back at Lin Xia, "Is he also a Disciple of Immortal Qiu?"

"No."

"Then he... does Immortal Qiu know he is coming to register?"

"My Revered Master does not know about this."

Before Lin Xia could say more, at this moment, the Elder suddenly became impartial again, "Miss Lin, registration for the Hundred States Tournament has closed. You are too late."

"What?" Lin Xia looked incredulous. Or rather, she didn't expect to be rejected even after bringing up the Uncrowned Immortal Temple. Was this because he thought... Chen Qingxuan was just her brother... not a Disciple of the Uncrowned Immortal Temple?

At this time, Chen Qingxuan spoke, "What? Can't you make an exception?"

"Hmm?" Hearing Chen Qingxuan's disrespectful tone, the Elder sneered immediately.

After glancing at Lin Xia, the next moment, he said loudly, "I said registration has already closed. If I make an exception for you, would that be fair to the others who haven't registered? Such a major event, how can it be something you can just make an exception for? Since you wanted to participate in the Hundred States Tournament so badly, why didn't you come and register earlier?"

Whoosh—a burst of exclamation sounded around them instantly, and countless people cast their gazes over. After all, the Elder's voice was not soft, or perhaps, feeling that Chen Qingxuan was not respectful enough when speaking to him, he was deliberately scolding Chen Qingxuan loudly.

At the same time, he was also killing the chicken to warn the monkeys, letting people know that they could not defy him. After all, to be able to become an Elder of Hu Yan Hall, who didn't have some sort of background?

Perhaps he would need to be wary of a Disciple of the Uncrowned Immortal Temple, but when facing the younger brother of a Disciple of the Uncrowned Immortal Temple, and someone who wasn't even a member of the Uncrowned Immortal Temple... did he still need to be afraid? Then wouldn't he have wasted all his years?

"You..." Lin Xia felt as if she had been struck by lightning. At this moment, she sensed something bad and instinctively looked at Chen Qingxuan...

Chen Qingxuan smiled, "Is your Hu Yan Hall always this arrogant? For such a major Hundred States Tournament, the higher-ups haven't called a halt, yet you subordinates dare to suspend registration on your own authority, huh?"

"What did you say?" Seeing that Chen Qingxuan still dared to talk back, the Elder instantly opened his eyes wide in anger.

But the next moment, he looked at Lin Xia and said, "Miss Lin, out of respect for your Revered Master, Immortal Qiu, I have been polite to you, but your younger brother... is he not a bit too ill-mannered? Look at how many people couldn't register. Who else is like him, disrespectful to their Elders and lacking in etiquette?"

"..." Lin Xia's eyes sank, knowing that the other party was beyond saving, "I advise you to apologize immediately and restart registration."

"What do you mean by that?" The Elder looked incredulous and said sternly, "If it weren't for the sake of your Uncrowned Immortal Temple, for trespassing here like this, I would have already kicked you off..."

Bang—before the Elder could finish his sentence, Chen Qingxuan slapped him across the face. In an instant, it sounded like a thunderclap, deafening.

Under the gaze of everyone, the arrogant and domineering Elder saw his whole body instantly flip 180 degrees, his head slammed into the ground by the slap.

Whoosh—the sudden scene caught everyone off guard. For a moment, countless people who wanted to register for the tournament retreated, and a group of experts from the Star Protection Hall instantly swept onto the high platform.

Boom—at the same time, this slap naturally couldn't take care of the Elder, and furious power erupted from within his body.

But before he could crawl up from the ground, a large hand had already grabbed the throat of his destiny, and it was none other than Chen Qingxuan.

"What?" The moment he was lifted up by Chen Qingxuan, the Elder's face turned pale. How is this possible? A young man who wants to participate in the Hundred States Tournament... actually suppressed the power within his body... What is this kid's background?

"Miss Lin..." After realizing something was wrong, the Elder immediately cast a complex look at Lin Xia. After all, she was the one who brought him here.

"Sigh!" Lin Xia sighed softly, just casting a look of helplessness. How could she dare to stop Chen Qingxuan? If he had to blame someone, he could only blame... Hu Yan Hall for being too arrogant.

After all, it was a hegemon-level force in the Yan Domain, facing flattery and fawning all day, naturally it could not tolerate any dissenting opinions... But Chen Qingxuan was not one of those ordinary people who fawned over them all day.

"This..." Meeting Lin Xia's gaze, the Elder's brain buzzed, and his intuition told him that things were not simple. Chen Qingxuan's strength alone... could not possibly be that of an unknown ordinary person. And he was wearing a mask. I was careless!

Thinking of this, he immediately brought out his extraordinary status and background, trying to make Chen Qingxuan wary.

"Presumptuous! Let go of Elder Liu immediately." At this time, a voice came from behind. A group of Hu Yan Hall experts bowed one after another, "Greetings, Hall Revered Master."

... ... PS: I might stop writing, or update very slowly. The book platform hasn't given me any traffic for over two months, even though the completion rate isn't low; I don't know why. I originally endured until 500,000 words hoping to turn things around, but I never expected there to be absolutely no reaction. This book has been supported by the readers I got during the initial showcase for over two months, which is already not bad; without new traffic, I really can't keep going. Thank you all for your support. I wrote the beginning very seriously, but I really can't spend any more energy on the rest.