Seizing the Initiative (1)

After reaching the fourth level of the Bone Forging Realm, Gu Changge left the Prince's Mansion, ending his seclusion.

The Divine Dynasty Grand Competition of the Qianyuan Divine Dynasty was to be held today in the Imperial City. All descendants of Divine Generals and Divine Ministers, as well as disciples from noble families, would participate.

"Hoo, it's time to head to the competition grounds in the Imperial City."

Gu Changge let out a breath and said.

Although he was currently only at the fourth level of the Bone Forging Realm, he fortunately had five Emperor Artifacts, an Emperor-grade Purple Gold Puppet, and the Sky Locking Formation. Coupled with four Demonic Beasts at the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he had plenty of means and should have the strength to win first place in the competition.

Gu Changge arrived at the center of the Imperial City. At this moment, a massive circular martial stage stood in the center, surrounded by a dense crowd and many Golden Armor guards maintaining order.

Gu Changge walked closer to the martial stage.

"Your Highness, please present your token."

The leading Golden Armor Guard recognized Gu Changge and said.

Royal family members, while not needing invitations like others to participate in the competition, were required to present their identity tokens.

Gu Changge took out his Prince's Token and handed it to the Golden Armor Guard.

The Golden Armor Guard examined it carefully and said, "The token is in order. Your Highness may enter."

Thus, Gu Changge walked onto the martial stage.

About half an hour later, a voice suddenly rang out.

"I announce that from this moment on, the Divine Dynasty Grand Competition of the Qianyuan Divine Dynasty officially begins! All those who have not yet entered will have their qualifications revoked!"

A Golden Armor Guard Leader stood on the martial stage and declared loudly.

"This competition will follow the rules of a knockout tournament. All participating contestants will come forward to draw lots and duel in pairs to determine the winners. When it is a contestant's turn to compete, other contestants may rest in the spectator stands beside the martial field."

The Golden Armor Guard Leader said.

At the very top of the spectator stands sat the Divine Emperor of the Qianyuan Divine Dynasty, Gu Zhantian, along with the Empress, Su Yurou.

Next were the Divine Generals and Divine Ministers of the Qianyuan Divine Dynasty, as well as the great nobles and patriarchs of the noble families.

Gu Changge's ten older sisters did not participate in this Divine Dynasty Grand Competition. Firstly, they were in seclusion comprehending the Great Dao, and secondly, they were all experts at the Ninth level Quasi-Emperor Realm, making it clearly unsuitable for them to participate.

Gu Changge stepped forward and drew a lot. It had the number "232" written on it, indicating that Gu Changge was the 232nd person to compete.

There were a total of two thousand lots, but the numbers ranged only from "one" to "one thousand." Each number corresponded to two lots. Those who drew the same lot would duel on the martial stage.

Gu Changge sat in the spectator stands, watching one battle after another. So far, the contestants who had appeared were all performing as expected, with no exceptionally powerful individuals.

Gu Changge observed that most contestants were in the Bone Forging Realm to the Skin Scraping Realm, and no contestants at the Marrow Cleansing Realm had appeared yet.

Soon, it was Gu Changge's turn.

"Contestant number two hundred and thirty-two, come to the stage!"

The Golden Armor Guard Leader shouted loudly.

Gu Changge then ascended the martial stage.

Opposite Gu Changge was a youth who looked about sixteen or seventeen years old, similar in age to Gu Changge.

"I am Xiao Moran, the young master of the Xiao family from Mu Yu City, Wu An County. I apologize for any offense."

Xiao Moran cupped his fists and bowed.

"Royal family, Gu Changge. I seek guidance."

Gu Changge said.

Xiao Moran, the person before him, had a strength of the third level of the Tendon Lengthening Realm, a full major realm higher than him. Therefore, Gu Changge had to be cautious in dealing with him.

"This saber is a Spirit Artifact passed down in my Xiao family. It is a Mid-grade Star Tier. Today, I will use this saber to duel with you."

Xiao Moran took out a treasure saber emitting a purple glow and said seriously.

After all, facing a disciple of the royal family, he had to treat it with seriousness.

Disciples of the royal family had always enjoyed the most superior resources of the Qianyuan Divine Dynasty, far beyond what ordinary family disciples could compare to.

Xiao Moran initiated the attack on Gu Changge.

"Overlord Saber Art!"

Xiao Moran shouted loudly and slashed his saber at Gu Changge.

Gu Changge sidestepped, rolled to the side, and dodged Xiao Moran's attack.

"Mysterious Ice Sword Technique!"

Gu Changge also unleashed a move, the Emperor Technique: Mysterious Ice Sword Technique. Although he was a major realm lower than Xiao Moran, with the boost from the Emperor Technique and Emperor Artifact, it was enough to bridge the gap in their realms.

"What a powerful move! Is this the foundation of a royal family disciple? Any random move is an Emperor Technique and an Emperor Artifact."

Xiao Moran slashed forcefully again, blocking Gu Changge's attack.

Gu Changge gave Xiao Moran no chance to catch his breath and activated the Qianyuan Emperor Scripture, unleashing the Qianyuan Emperor Seal.

"Qianyuan Emperor Seal!"

Gu Changge also shouted, forming hand seals and striking towards Xiao Moran.

Xiao Moxuan couldn't withstand two consecutive Emperor Techniques and was defeated, falling outside the martial arena.

"I concede."

Gu Changge said.

"No need, I was simply outmatched."

Xiao Moran shook his head and got up, leaving the training ground.

After winning the first round of elimination, Gu Changge returned to the spectator stands to rest.

In the subsequent duels, there were still no particularly eye-catching matches. It was clear that everyone was holding back, not revealing their ultimate skills.

The Qianyuan Divine Dynasty Grand Competition consisted of three elimination rounds and a final arena match. The first three rounds were eliminations, where 250 participants would be chosen from the initial 2,000. These 250 would then compete in an arena match to determine the final ten winners.

Soon, the first round of elimination concluded.

"All remaining victors, please proceed to the martial arena to draw lots."

The Golden Armor Guard Leader announced.

Gu Changge walked onto the martial stage and drew his lot again. This time, he drew number three hundred and twenty-six.

Gu Changge wasn't in a hurry. He sat down on the spectator stands and observed.

Just then, he suddenly saw six familiar figures – his six Maidservants.

"Yuechun? What are you all doing here?"

Gu Changge asked.

"Your Highness is participating in the Grand Competition, so of course, we Maidservants must come to watch."

Murong Yuechun replied.

Soon, it was Gu Changge's turn to step onto the stage again.

"Your Highness, good luck! We believe you will surely achieve the top spot."

Murong Yuechun said.

"Then I'll take your good wishes."

Gu Changge said.

Gu Changge walked onto the martial arena.

"From the North Town King's Mansion, the Third Young Master, Changsun Kangle, requests your guidance."

Changsun Kangle said.

"From the Imperial City, the Eleventh Prince, Gu Changge, requests your guidance."

Gu Changge said.

"So it's His Highness the Eleventh Prince. I apologize in advance, but I cannot hold back during our duel."

Changsun Kangle said.

"It's fine, I won't be holding back either."

Gu Changge replied.

After all, he was a disciple of a King's Mansion, not comparable to the young masters from ordinary families in the previous cities. As soon as Changsun Kangle stepped forward, he unleashed three Top-grade Moon Tier Spirit Artifacts.

"Are we comparing weapons? I've never been afraid of anyone in that regard."

Gu Changge said.

With that, he donned the Flying Feather Battle Robe and Flying Feather Battle Boots, and unleashed three Emperor Artifacts: the Azure Rainbow Sword, the Jadeite Bell, and the Glazed Bottle, hurling them at Changsun Kangle.