The Seven Great Sects Selection: The Winds and Clouds Begin to Stir
Dragon City, the residence of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, remains as magnificent and tranquil as ever, as if all the disturbances of the outside world are isolated by the towering city walls and the invisible majesty.
Yu Yuanchen secluded Secluded Cultivation in the family's Secret Realm, his body surrounded by Purple-Gold Lightning. His Soul Power, which was at the peak of level 83, surged like a river and quietly broke through to level 84. The crimson light of his Eighth Soul Ring appeared and disappeared, reflecting the Thunder God Seal between his eyebrows.
He was focusing all his efforts on refining the remaining energy from the Sky Azure Bull Python's Soul Ring and Spirit Bone to consolidate his Cultivation Level. He was also constantly trying to further compress and condense the liquefied Thunder True Essence in his dantian, steadily moving towards the rudimentary form of Soul Core. The passage of time in the outside world was, to him, merely an accumulation of power and understanding of the laws.
However, this tranquility was abruptly shattered by a message from Spirit City that shook the entire Soul Master World.
On this day, a messenger dressed in the attire of a deacon of the Spirit Hall arrived in Dragon City on Wind-Chasing Colt, carrying an edict issued by the Papal Palace. He solemnly handed a gilded document to the Patriarch Yu Boxuan.
The contents of the document, in the name of the Spirit Hall, are officially proclaimed to the world:
To showcase the talents of the Soul Master World, establish the order of sects, and jointly promote the prosperity of the continent, the Spirit Hall will hold Continental Sect Tournament ten years from now to publicly select the seven strongest Soul Grandmaster sects and bestow upon them the titles of "Upper Three Sects" and "Lower Four Sects"!
The document outlines the general rules for the selection: a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted based on factors such as the overall strength of the sect, the number and quality of Titled Douluo, the talent of the younger generation, and the sect's foundation and influence. All renowned Soul Master sects on the continent will be invited to participate to ensure fairness.
The news was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating a huge wave throughout the entire Soul Master World!
Ten years! The Upper Three Sects! The Lower Four Sects!
Countless sects were shaken, excited, and even went mad!
This is an officially certified, continent-wide ranking of sects! Being selected is not only an unparalleled honor, but also signifies enormous benefits and a greater voice! Its influence will far surpass any previous informal ranking!
In an instant, the continent was in turmoil. All the sects that considered themselves powerful began to prepare for battle, secretly plotting and accumulating strength, ready to make their mark in the grand event ten years later and compete for the supreme seven seats!
The atmosphere was heavy Council Hall of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Yu Boxuan sat in the main seat, his expression calm and dignified. Below him sat two Super Douluo, Yu Qingtian and Yu Boyu, as well as several core Elder. Yu Yuanchen was also invited out of seclusion and sat beside Yu Boxuan.
The gilded document lay flat on the table in the center.
"The Spirit Hall... has finally taken this step." Yu Boxuan spoke slowly, his voice low and deep. "Using the names of the Upper Three Sects and the Lower Four Sects to integrate sect forces and regulate order... What a grand gesture, what a lofty pretext."
An Elder frowned and said, "Sect Master, this proposal seems fair, but it actually harbors malicious intentions! The Spirit Hall is using this move to bring all the powerful sects on the continent under its own set of rules. Those who are chosen will have to accept its favor and be bound by it; those who are not chosen will inevitably harbor resentment and even fight each other. No matter the outcome, the Spirit Hall can reap the benefits, firmly occupy its position as arbitrator, and its position as the continent's hegemon will be even more secure! This is a calculated scheme!"
Another Elder interjected, "Moreover, a ten-year period, while seemingly ample, is actually time for the various sects to prepare, and even... to fight and waste against each other! Who knows how many storms will be stirred up during this time!"
Everyone remained silent, knowing full well that this was no exaggeration. The Spirit Hall's move was indeed cunning and calculated.
Yu Qingtian snorted coldly, "My Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has a thousand-year-old heritage and profound foundation. Now, with the Sect Master and I in charge, Boyu has been newly promoted to a title, Yuanchen has unparalleled talent and a promising future! I will definitely have a place among the Upper Three Sects! Why should I care about the Spirit Hall's attitude?" His tone was domineering and full of confidence.
"That's true," Yu Boxuan's gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on Yu Yuanchen, "Chen'er, what's your opinion on this matter?"
Yu Yuanchen pondered for a moment before speaking, "Grandfather, Elder, the Spirit Hall's proposal is indeed a calculated move, aimed at consolidating order and solidifying its superior position. However, for our sect, it is also an opportunity."
He paused, then continued his analysis, "Firstly, this selection is conducted publicly, under the watchful eyes of many. Even if the Spirit Hall has its own selfish motives, it must consider its reputation and generally maintain fairness. With our sect's current strength, as long as we develop normally, being selected Upper Three Sects should be a certainty. This title will greatly benefit our sect's reputation, recruitment of disciples, and acquisition of resources."
"Secondly, a ten-year period is neither too long nor too short. It provides our sect with a buffer to accumulate strength, cultivate future generations, and improve our various systems. Only then can we calmly face the grand competition, demonstrate our strength, and solidify our position."
"Thirdly, this is also a good opportunity to observe the movements of various forces on the mainland. Which sects are likely to compete, which are potential rivals, and which can be cooperated with—all these can be discerned within these ten years."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Yu Yuanchen's analysis was calm and comprehensive, recognizing both the challenges and the opportunities.
"In that case, our sect should actively participate?" Yu Boxuan asked.
"Not only should we participate, but we should strive to Upper Three Sects!" Yu Yuanchen said firmly. "However, there is no need to rush, nor to be overly flamboyant. We should remain calm and focused, concentrating on developing and strengthening our own power. When the time is right, we can unleash our full potential with Thunderous Momentum."
"Moreover," a glint of light flashed in his eyes, "Give me ten years, and I'm confident I can cultivate to at least level 95 Super Douluo. With my own foundation, and as long as that Limit Breaker from the Spirit Hall doesn't appear, no one on the continent can do anything to me!"
"Hahaha, good!" Looking at the spirited Yu Yuanchen, Yu Boxuan clapped his hands and laughed. "Then let's do as Chen'er says. Issue the order: from this day forward, the entire sect shall prepare with all its might for the grand competition ten years from now! Resources shall be allocated to nurturing talented young disciples; all Elder must also diligently cultivate and not slack off!"
"Yes!" the crowd responded in unison, their fighting spirit high.
After the meeting, Yu Yuanchen spoke privately with his grandfather.
"Chen'er, what you just said is very much what I thought," Yu Boxuan said. "However, although there are many competitors for the position of the Upper Three Sects, the Clear Sky Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect are not easy to contend with, but only these two sects need to be given special attention. Especially the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, although its offensive power is not strong, its support capabilities are unparalleled in the world, its influence is huge, and it has good relations with many powerful sects, so its reputation is very high."
Yu Yuanchen nodded. "Grandfather's concerns are very valid. Sect Master Ning the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect School is an outstanding individual, and his sect's strategies have always been brilliant. It's better to befriend him than to be his enemy. Perhaps we can take this opportunity to strengthen our cooperation with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect for mutual benefit."
He understood that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, with its unique support abilities, had only one Guardian Douluo, but the level 95 Azure Peak Douluo, amplified by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, was in no way inferior to a level 96 Super Douluo. Several of the school's peak Soul Douluo, amplified by the Pagoda, were also capable of fighting against newly appointed Titled Douluo. It was almost a certainty that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School would be selected as one of the Upper Three Sects.
Instead of competing, it would be better to join forces and jointly deal with potential pressure from the Spirit Hall or other sources.
"Yes, cooperation and mutual benefit are indeed the best course of action," Yu Boxuan agreed. "You can discuss this matter with Sect Master Ning as appropriate."
"Grandson understands."
After leaving the Council Hall, Yu Yuanchen did not immediately continue his seclusion, but instead went to the Ye Family courtyard.
Ye Zhilan was tending to the herbs in the courtyard when she saw him arrive. She smiled sweetly and said, "Brother Yuanchen, you've come out of seclusion? I heard the Spirit Hall issued a major announcement?"
Although she doesn't directly participate in sect conflicts, she is very well-informed.
Yu Yuanchen nodded and briefly explained the Sect Selection process. He then said, "Zhilan, the improvement of the Blood Essence System needs to be accelerated. If this system succeeds, it will not only benefit the sect's disciples, but may also become a major feature and foundation of our sect in the future, adding considerable luster to the competition."
Ye Zhilan was intelligent and immediately understood the key point. She nodded earnestly, "Don't worry, Brother Yuanchen, I will do my best to assist you and work closely with Grandpa and the clan Elder to conduct the research."
Seeing her earnest expression, Yu Yuanchen felt a warmth in his heart and said softly, "You've worked hard on this. However, there's no need to overwork yourself; don't let your cultivation fall behind." He always remembered her idea of prioritizing cultivation.
Ye Zhilan's cheeks flushed slightly, her heart filled with sweetness, and she whispered, "Yes, I know."
Just as various forces on the continent were in turmoil due to the Spirit Hall's announcement, a high-level meeting had just concluded deep within the Papal Palace in Spirit City.
Only two people remained in the magnificent Council Hall.
Pope Qian Chongshan (Holy Angel Martial Soul, Level 96) stood with his hands behind his back by the window, gazing at the bustling city below with a profound look in his eyes. He was about fifty years old, with a dignified face and an aura as deep as the sea. Although he was only temporarily acting as Pope, his skills and strength were not to be underestimated.
Golden Crocodile Douluo sat on the golden throne to the side, his face still showing a hint of dissatisfaction. He sneered, "Ten years? Isn't that too long? In my opinion, we should just use swift and decisive measures to directly designate them. Those who don't submit should be beaten into submission! Why go through all this trouble?"
Qian Chongshan slowly turned around, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority. "Elder Jin'e, force may suppress for a time, but it cannot subdue forever. The title of the Upper Three Sects is not merely an empty name; it must be truly deserved to earn the respect of all Soul Master and make them willingly follow the order led by my Spirit Hall. Ten years is enough time for truly powerful sects to emerge, and it will also allow some who are out of touch with reality to be eliminated. Moreover, this action will better demonstrate the fairness and magnanimity of my Spirit Hall."
He paused, a profound glint in his eyes. "Moreover, these ten years have also been a golden opportunity for our Spirit Hall to observe, plan, and integrate internally. Once the situation is settled and order is established, why should we worry about unrest on the continent?"
Golden Crocodile Douluo snorted, still feeling unsatisfied, but he didn't refute further. He knew that Qian Chongshan was indeed more skilled than him in planning and strategizing.
"How has Daoliu's cultivation been lately?" Qian Chongshan suddenly asked.
Mentioning Qian Daoliu, Golden Crocodile Douluo's expression softened slightly, revealing a hint of satisfaction. "Daoliu's talent is unparalleled, he has already reached the peak of Level 87, and the Soul Core Prototype has been condensed, his progress is rapid. He has also sensed the inheritance of the Angel God Trial, his future achievements are limitless." He valued this junior Qian Daoliu, highly, and regarded him as his own son.
A hint of satisfaction appeared in Qian Chongshan's eyes. "That's excellent. Once Daoliu grows up and inherits the position of Pope, our Spirit Hall will surely usher in a new era of glory. These ten years are also a time to pave the way for him."
The two discussed the matter for a while longer before Golden Crocodile Douluo finally left.
Alone, Qian Chongshan turned his gaze out the window once more, as if he could see a scene ten years later where the sects of the continent had submitted and everything was in perfect order. A faint smile, as if he had everything under control, appeared on his lips.
"The Upper Three Sects... the Lower Four Sects... hehe, the show has only just begun."
The situation on the mainland has become extremely delicate and tense due to this document from the Spirit Hall. Undercurrents are surging and the Wind and Clouds are gathering.
All the sects are secretly preparing for that grand event ten years from now.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is no exception.
Yu Yuanchen knew that these ten years would be a golden period for him and his family to rapidly increase their strength and establish their top position on the continent. He needed to improve his strength even faster, perfect the Method of Soul Cores, advance his Blood Essence System, and even... find the legendary Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!
The peaceful days have come to an end, and a magnificent era is slowly unfolding.