Leading the Charge

After listening to Yang Yuanzi's introduction, Fang Wang felt something was amiss. If the final nine spots were decided solely by the number of wins, wouldn't those ranked lower have an advantage?

If the second-ranked vein peak didn't challenge the first-ranked vein peak, couldn't they just starve the first vein to death?

But then he thought about it again and understood.

This was the Nine Meridians Martial Competition!

First came the competition between the veins, and then the competition between individuals. Which vein to challenge wasn't something a disciple could decide. For the peak masters, the ranking of their vein peaks was the most important thing. As for the final nine spots, those were individual benefits for the disciples.

The second-ranked vein peak would definitely challenge the first vein, otherwise, they'd have to wait another ten years!

The ranking of the vein peaks concerned the distribution of sect resources and attracted disciples to join. Just like the first vein, it had the largest number of disciples.

Wait!

Zhou Xue was in the first vein, and Lu Yuanjun was also there...

Fang Wang suddenly felt the pressure from the first vein. This first vein couldn't be trificked with!

However, the third vein was ranked eighth, so they probably wouldn't challenge the first vein either.

Yang Yuanzi continued to explain some precautions. The nine disciples listened attentively until the bell rang in the Sect Main City. Only then did Yang Yuanzi lead them away.

Everyone flew on their swords. Standing high in the sky, Fang Wang saw the ten vein peaks surrounding the Sect Main City, with numerous disciples flying towards them, weaving through the misty snow.

The bell of the Sect Main City continued to ring. Golden light rose from various areas within the city, thirty-two beams in total. They condensed in mid-air to form thirty-two semi-transparent golden mirrors. As he got closer, Fang Wang could see that the mirrors reflected a massive combat stage.

That combat stage was located in the center of the Sect Main City, a hundred zhang long and wide. There were magic artifacts and formations around the edges. Further out were various pavilions, where disciples would usually settle their grievances.

Fang Wang followed Yang Yuanzi towards the combat stage. The disciples of the nine veins had all arrived in the city and were scattered in various places. Without needing to get close to the combat stage, they could watch the battles by looking up at the golden mirrors. Some of the more enterprising disciples began setting up various betting stalls, allowing disciples to wager with spirit stones and Spirit Qi Pills.

"It's Brother Fang Wang, he's participating too!"

On a street, Fang Xin looked at Fang Wang flying overhead and exclaimed excitedly. The three Fang Manor disciples beside her became excited as well. For such an important sect event, Fang Wang, who had only been an apprentice for three years, could participate?

What talent!

Their clansmen felt no jealousy, only boundless pride. The more famous Fang Wang became, the more they would benefit.

Fang Hanyu, his eyes covered, flew on his sword through the vast snow mist. Although he couldn't see Fang Wang, he had come specifically to watch Fang Wang fight. After returning and learning about White Clad Startling Swan's record, he understood the truth: Fang Wang was White Clad Startling Swan!

With White Clad Startling Swan's strength, it wouldn't be difficult to break into the Nine Meridians Martial Competition!

After Fang Hanyu underwent Spirit Sculpting, his strength greatly increased. Unfortunately, he hadn't managed to break out from the Second Vein. The overall strength of the Second Vein ranked in the top three, far surpassing what the Third Vein could achieve.

The names of the vein peaks were based on their original rankings. The former Third Vein was once the third-ranked existence. Now, having fallen to eighth place, the Third Vein was arguably the biggest joke within the Taiyuan Sect.

Fang Wang followed Yang Yuanzi into a pavilion at the edge of the combat stage. Yang Yuanzi walked to a chair on the platform and sat down, while the disciples stood behind him.

"Master, which vein shall we challenge first?" Li Yu asked.

Fang Wang looked at the other vein peaks flying into their respective pavilions one after another. He didn't see Zhou Xue's figure for the moment.

Yang Yuanzi calmly said, "Let's challenge the Fifth Vein first."

The Fifth Vein, which was ranked seventh last time, challenging them would put the least pressure on the Third Vein.

After a while, Fang Wang saw the First Vein arrive. A large group of disciples came with the First Vein, including Lu Yuanjun and Zhou Xue.

About fifteen minutes later, Guang Qiuxian descended with a group of elders from the main peak. Yang Yuanzi and the other peak masters all stood up, which also caused the disciples behind them to quiet down.

True Person Greedy Sleep, who had served as an elder during the introductory assessment, landed on the combat stage. He looked as unreliable as he had three years ago.

"The Nine Meridians Martial Competition, held once every ten years, begins early. I believe the peak masters have already explained the rules. It will last for seven days. You may all fight at your leisure. Which vein wishes to be the first challenger?" True Person Greedy Sleep said with a smile. His voice, surprisingly, was transmitted through the thirty-two golden mirrors in the city, reaching the entire main city.

After speaking, True Person Greedy Sleep's gaze swept across the various pavilions.

Yang Yuanzi did not speak; instead, he closed his eyes.

A full seven days was enough for every vein to compete. The losers could also continue challenging as long as there were participating disciples who could still fight.

Soon, the peak master of the Fifth Vein spoke, "The Fifth Vein challenges the Second Vein!"

As the words fell, a disciple behind him flew onto the stage. A disciple from the Second Vein also leaped onto the combat stage. Four elders sat cross-legged around the combat stage. They immediately cast spells, activating the formation. The magic artifacts at the edge of the combat stage emitted a faint white light screen, which expanded as it rose until it connected with the other light screens.

Once the formation was set up, True Person Greedy Sleep announced the start of the duel.

Both participating parties were in the Spirit Pill Realm, clearly wanting to get off to a good start. Fang Wang watched intently, also wanting to see battles between cultivators in the Spirit Pill Realm.

His fight with Li Honggang had ended too quickly, leaving him unsure of how cultivators in the Spirit Pill Realm typically fought.

However, speaking of which, the Fifth Vein was quite bold, challenging the top-three Second Vein when they were ranked seventh!

As the battle began, the two disciples summoned their respective natal magic artifacts. They quickly cast spells for long-range combat, with various spells erupting and constant roars.

The combat stage was exceptionally sturdy. Regardless of the spells cast upon it, the surface remained as smooth as jade, without any damage.

The disciples within the main city were all watching, discussing with their friends, keeping the entire city in a constant uproar.

The first battle lasted for about half an incense stick's worth of time. The disciple from the Second Vein emerged victorious. That person did not step down but continued to accept challenges.

"Master, who will go on stage first later?"

Li Yu asked. He wasn't as excited as the disciples from other veins, as the Nine Meridians Martial Competition had been a day of shame for them in recent years.

Yang Yuanzi, with his eyes closed, said, "You arrange it."

Hearing this, Li Yu turned to look at the disciples, his brow furrowed slightly.

"Who could be the White Clad Startling Swan?"

Li Yu mused silently. The White Clad Startling Swan was renowned throughout the immortal cultivation world, and he had naturally heard of them. To be able to wield the Startling Swan Divine Sword Art, they had to be from the Third Vein. However, Yang Yuanzi and the elders of the Third Vein had all vehemently denied this, leading him to boldly guess that the White Clad Startling Swan might be one of the Personal Disciples.

Soon, Li Yu's gaze fell upon Fang Wang, and he asked, "Junior Brother Fang, are you willing to go first?"

Fang Wang nodded. "Naturally, I am willing!"

If I go, you guys won't have any chances!

"Senior Brother Fang will definitely succeed!" Zhou Bo fawned.

That's right, Zhou Bo had also secured one of the nine spots for the Third Vein. Fang Wang suspected he might have gotten in through the back door.

The other disciples looked at Fang Wang with curiosity and scrutiny. Fang Wang had been a Personal Disciple from the moment he joined the sect. This halo was too significant, causing many disciples to hold him to a higher standard.

Gu Li shook her head slightly, sighing inwardly. It seemed she wouldn't be able to compete today, at least.

The duel between the Second Vein and the Fifth Vein lasted for an hour, ultimately ending in the Fifth Vein's defeat. Five members of the Fifth Vein were severely injured, a truly tragic outcome.

There were many elders surrounding the combat stage, and with True Person Greedy Sleep present on the stage, there was no possibility of disciples dying.

Next up was the Ninth Vein. This vein peak, which had initially ranked last, actually challenged the First Vein. Fang Wang only then learned that the Ninth Vein had ranked fourth in the previous Nine Meridians Martial Competition.

Fourth challenging first. That took guts, just like the Fifth Vein, they were being stubborn.

The disciple who first took the stage for the First Vein was neither Lu Yuanjun nor Zhou Xue. However, this disciple was powerful. Wielding a magic sword, they won four consecutive matches before calmly exiting the stage to be replaced.

Fang Wang compared them inwardly. Li Honggang was likely no match for this disciple of the First Vein.

The First Vein truly lived up to its reputation as the strongest vein peak!

In less than half an hour, this vein peak duel concluded. The First Vein emerged victorious, having lost only one match. They had only sent four participants throughout the entire competition, and Zhou Xue had not even entered the stage.

"It seems Zhou Xue holds a very high position in the First Vein."

Fang Wang was curious. After being away for three years, what kind of strength had Zhou Xue displayed upon her return to earn such a status?

The disciples throughout the city marveled at the First Vein's power, while the disciples of the First Vein felt honored and immensely proud.

"Which vein wishes to challenge next?"

True Person Greedy Sleep stood on the combat stage and inquired. As his voice fell, Yang Yuanzi's voice rang out, "The Third Vein challenges the Fifth Vein!"

This announcement caused an uproar throughout the city!

Earlier, the Fifth Vein had challenged the Second Vein and lost, with five members severely injured. How could the Third Vein take advantage of their weakened state so soon after?

This was Yang Yuanzi's original plan. Fang Wang had thought that Yang Yuanzi would change his mind after the Fifth Vein's defeat, but he hadn't expected him to stick to it.

Good heavens, it seems the Nine Meridians Martial Competition is being taken seriously, with undercurrents at play!

The disciples of the Third Vein looked at Fang Wang. Without a word, Fang Wang walked to the edge of the platform and leaped down, landing on the combat stage.

"It's you, little fellow. You've grown quite quickly."

True Person Greedy Sleep winked at Fang Wang, teasing him.