Moonwatch Mountain, the summit plaza.
Commandant Tan announced that the competing martial artists were to take the stage.
At those words, Yang Jing slowly drew a deep breath into his chest, then slowly released it, banishing the last stray thoughts from his heart. His gaze instantly became clear and resolute.
The Jintai Grand Tournament, which he had long anticipated and spent so much time preparing for, was finally about to begin in earnest.
From long periods of secluded cultivation to bringing all Three True Arts into the true qi realm, he had hacked through thorns and brambles every step of the way for this moment.
He had also done it to display everything he had learned at Jintai Prefecture's foremost martial gathering and bring honor to his sect.
And to test his own cultivation.
At this moment, he felt neither nervousness nor panic, only fighting spirit poised to erupt.
Meanwhile, throughout the plaza's inner section, the competing martial artists rose from their seats.
Young figures moved one after another toward the enormous bluestone arena in the center.
Among them were core disciples of the Five Great Sects, the favored talents of various factions and lineages, and gifted independent cultivators who roamed the martial world alone.
Every one of them stood tall, their spirits soaring, their eyes revealing the confidence and sharpness of young heavenly prodigies. They stepped steadily onto the arena in a scene both orderly and magnificent.
Yang Jing immediately stood up. Fang He, Ma Qiang, Yan Chenglong, and the other competing disciples from Lingxi Peak followed at once, staying close beside him.
Forming a small group, they made their way steadily toward the bluestone arena along the steps leading from the inner section.
As he walked, Yang Jing's gaze happened to sweep past the side of the Profound