While Qi Yuan was speaking with the Black Deer Martial Lord, nearly four hundred peak Martial Kings had gathered beneath the Sky Piercing Tower.
These peak Martial Kings came from various strongholds. They stood quietly together now, divided into different factions.
Since the Ancestor Blood Competition was of tremendous importance, no one dared speak loudly or step out of line.
They appeared rather calm on the surface, but inwardly, they were extraordinarily excited. Their gazes differed, some carrying wild ambition.
At that moment, a serpentine creature spoke in a mechanical voice. "The examiners have arrived. Pay respects to the examiners!"
Following its voice, nearly thirty-six thick pillars of light descended from above the tower.
Within every pillar of light sat the representation of a powerful Martial Lord.
These Martial Lords sat atop the tower, with only a wisp of their auras leaking out as silhouettes of light.
The nearly four hundred peak Martial Kings present swiftly lowered their heads and bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Examiners!"
They did not dare look at these examiners at all. With their heads lowered, they acted with the utmost caution.
Or rather, even if someone bold enough raised their head to look, they would see nothing. They could only see the auras leaked by the Martial Lords.
The light silhouettes appeared for only a breath before vanishing again, like gods seated high above the clouds.
The serpentine creature spoke again. "Pay respects to the Ancestor!"
All the officials immediately turned their gazes southward, their expressions reverent as they solemnly bowed.
The ceremony ended.
The serpentine creature announced, "The Ancestor Blood Competition begins!"
At once, an iron gate beneath the tower slowly opened.
The peak Martial Kings below all grew excited.
"This Ancestor Blood Competition, I will definitely enter the top ten!"
"The top thirty will certainly