At the same time.
Across the Nine Provinces, the various factions had reacted far sooner than Mount Shu.
The news of the sect tournament had been released over a month ago. The true contest had begun in the shadows long ago.
Dao Sect.
Inside the Headmaster's Hall, three disciples in Daoist robes stood side by side.
The old man seated at the head had white hair and beard. He was leafing through a Jade Slip, silent for a long while.
After some time, he set the Jade Slip down.
"Mount Shu's chosen candidates have been confirmed. Chen Changqing, Lu Tian, and a new face named Chen Yuan."
"Chen Yuan?" The young man standing at the front frowned. "Never heard of him."
"Neither have I. But for Daoist Wu Xing to give him his natal Immortal Artifact, he cannot be underestimated." The old man's voice was calm.
The young man fell silent for two breaths.
"Master, Mount Shu's generation... is too strong."
The old man raised his eyes to look at him.
"Afraid?"
"Not afraid." The young man shook his head. "Clearheaded. Chen Changqing hasn't lost since the Golden Core realm. A Spirit Transformation who slew Tribulation Transcendence cultivators, a Tribulation Transcendence cultivator who suppressed True Lords—someone like that..."
"Enough." The old man cut him off. "If you're admitting defeat before you even step onto the field, give this spot to someone else."
The young man shut his mouth.
Beside him, a burly young man folded his arms and sneered.
"Senior Brother, you think too much. Chen Changqing, Chen Shortqing, whatever—once we're on the field, fists do the talking. I'd like to see whether that mouth of his can stop my hammer."
The old man glanced at him. He did not rebuke him, only shook his head.
There was too