King Wanyang, Overseas Forces

Cloud Pavilion.

This is a special institution established by the Great Cloud Dynasty.

Their duty is to unearth talented individuals within the dynasty's borders and manage the updates for the rankings.

As a renowned large-scale city, Wanyang City naturally hosts a branch of the Cloud Pavilion.

Consequently, many extraordinary talents choose to challenge the famous geniuses on the rankings at the Cloud Pavilion to rise to prominence rapidly.

At this moment, the White Jade Plaza of the Cloud Pavilion is already packed with people, the air thick with noise.

Members of some prominent families within the city, along with many figures in power, have also arrived upon hearing the news.

"Lin Xuan has been missing for five years; why challenge Xu Qingyun the moment he reappears? Can he even win?"

Amidst the bustling crowd, someone questioned.

"There should be some hope. After all, Lin Xuan had quite a reputation back then and possessed extraordinary talent. Since he dares to challenge Xu Qingyun this time, he must have great confidence."

"I don't think much of it. If Lin Xuan were truly that powerful, why hasn't he climbed onto the Human Prodigy Ranking yet?"

"That's a flawed argument. While making the Human Prodigy Ranking is good, there are some monstrous talents who don't even care for such a list."

"True. Either way, we'll know the outcome once they start fighting."

Many nodded in agreement at these words.

Among them, some well-informed martial artists pondered and spoke up.

"I heard that Lin Xuan seems to have gone overseas and joined a large sect, and his strength has grown significantly."

Overseas sects!

While they do not know much about the forces outside the Great Cloud Dynasty, they understand the principle that there is always someone better, and a sky beyond the sky.

Some overseas sects that have remained hidden for years are indeed formidable, even terrifying.

However, someone immediately retorted.

"Even if Lin Xuan joined an overseas sect, so what?"

"Times have changed. The Great Cloud Dynasty today is increasingly prosperous, far stronger than when it was first established; it may not necessarily be inferior to those overseas sects."

"Besides, not to mention the imperial power, the strength of major sects like the Mystic Blade Sect and the Divine Fist Sect alone could rival some overseas sects, right?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the scene quieted down significantly.

Indeed, although the Great Cloud Dynasty does not interact much with overseas forces, it has become increasingly powerful.

Some weaker overseas forces even come to pay tribute!

Therefore, the outcome of this duel is truly hard to predict.

On the right side of the White Jade Plaza, inside a large restaurant.

The seventh floor of the restaurant, usually quite lively, is sparsely populated at this moment.

Only five people are sitting there, drinking tea.

They are all dressed in luxurious robes.

One of them is a middle-aged man.

He sits in the main seat, his sword-like brows and star-bright eyes fixed on the White Jade Plaza with a smile on his lips.

"Interesting. Which overseas force is trying to use this kid Lin Xuan to probe the foundation of my Great Cloud?"

After speaking, the middle-aged man shifted his gaze to the man in the ornate robe on his right and asked.

"Xu Qingyun, is he your only son?"

This man in the ornate robe is the current head of the Xu Family in Wanyang City, possessing a relatively profound cultivation.

He is also among the top twenty experts in Wanyang City.

But at this moment, he spoke with a slight tremor: "Yes, I dare not hide it from you, Your Highness; Qingyun is indeed my son."

Facing King Wanyang, who had fought his way up through mountains of corpses and seas of blood, how could he not be nervous?

He quickly added a flattering remark.

"Although the boy is mischievous and hot-headed, his talent is decent. In the future, he will surely go through fire and water for our Great Cloud, giving his all until his dying day."

"I am naturally aware of your son's potential, and I am also looking forward to his performance."

King Wanyang nodded faintly, a smile appearing on his face.

He has been stationed in Wanyang City for many years.

The more geniuses there are in the city, the more benefits he can reap.

Furthermore, some of these talented individuals might eventually become his subordinates and serve him.

Therefore, he occasionally spends time coming out to see these young talents.

If he spots a genius he fancies, he will step forward to recruit them.

At this moment, seeing the head of the Xu Family wearing a smile, it seemed as though he had gained the approval of King Wanyang.

The other family heads present immediately frowned.

"It is said that Lin Xuan is highly valued by an overseas sect and has even been taken in as a personal disciple by an elder. He will not be easy to deal with!"

At this moment, the head of the Mu family spoke in a somber tone.

"Haha! To tell you the truth."

"Just half a month ago, when my son was training in Heavenly Blade Canyon, he happened to encounter a genius ranked thirteenth on the Human Prodigy Ranking and won with ease."

The head of the Xu Family stood with his hands behind his back and laughed heartily: "It is just that my son did not make a fuss about it, and I did not announce it."

Hearing this, the head of the Mu family fell silent and said nothing more.

Originally, Xu Qingyun's ranking was only nineteenth.

But the fact that he could defeat a genius ranked thirteenth clearly meant he had been hiding his true strength.

Barring any accidents, Lin Xuan was bound to lose this time.

One could only say that this old fox, the head of the Xu Family, had hidden his cards deep!

As time passed, a large crowd gathered around the plaza.

Su Yun and the others arrived at the scene.

"Everyone is saying now that this Lin Xuan has joined an overseas sect and his strength has greatly increased."

"Do you think he can win?"

Jiang Feng asked with a curious expression.

Li Changqing frowned in thought: "This person is very mysterious. There was no information about him before, so I really don't know how strong he is or who will win."

"Lin Xuan's chances of winning are slim. Among the inner disciples of the Divine Fist Sect, Xu Qingyun's strength is at the top tier."

"I fear only Junior Brother Su Yun could fight him."

Chen Qingxue, standing to the side, said.

"I hope Xu Qingyun can win. If he loses, it won't just be his own face that is lost."

"If that happens, things could become serious."

Mu Yu, an outer disciple who had been silent until now, pointed out the crucial issue.

As soon as these words were spoken, the others were stunned.

Indeed, the outcome of this match involved more than just a change in the Human Prodigy Ranking!

At this moment, Su Yun had already turned his gaze toward the White Jade Plaza.

The next moment, two figures landed in the center of the plaza.

"Lin Xuan, you have some nerve, daring to come and challenge me?"

Xu Qingyun clenched his fists, his aura surging.

Faint golden light radiated from his fists, looking quite extraordinary.

Xu Qingyun was burly, eight feet tall, and expressionless. He looked like someone not to be trifled with.

"Too much talk. I, Lin Xuan, have my eyes on your spot on the Human Prodigy Ranking!"

Lin Xuan stood there holding a crimson longsword, his gaze cold.

In truth, he did not care much for the so-called Great Cloud Human Prodigy Ranking.

However, the major power behind him wanted him to challenge a genius from the ranking to test the strength of the younger generation of the Great Cloud Dynasty.

If he could succeed in the challenge, his status within that major power would rise significantly.

This concerned his future prospects.

Furthermore, he had some history with Xu Qingyun from years ago.

If he could defeat him head-on, he could vent his pent-up anger.

"It's been a few years, and you're still as unruly and arrogantly ignorant as before!"

Xu Qingyun couldn't help but sneer.

Back then, he had taught this Lin Xuan a lesson for slaughtering the innocent, which was the source of their conflict.

He hadn't expected that after a few years, not only had this person joined an overseas sect, but he actually dared to come and challenge him!

Today, he would prove to the world that those overseas sects that had been in seclusion for years were not necessarily stronger than the Divine Fist Sect!

If he could win, the higher-ups of the Divine Fist Sect would surely bestow upon him a wealth of treasures.

Perhaps within a year, he would be able to break through to the Qi Sea Realm!

A moment later, a white-robed deacon from the Cloud Pavilion walked onto the plaza with a calm expression.

Then, he waved his right arm and shouted loudly.

"The match begins!"