Yang Guo frowned. "Dozens of prefectures, over a hundred sects, plus rogue cultivators and disciples of those old monsters-there must be thousands of outstanding talents who qualify. And they're going to eliminate over ninety percent?"
"That's what the disciple reported."
Qin He nodded, a trace of helplessness crossing her face. "The Celestial Pivot Jade Terrace is mysterious and unfathomable. Though we don't know exactly what form the assessment will take, the screening is bound to be extremely strict."
Her gaze swept over everyone present before settling on Han Shuang, Qiu Lu, and Zhou Muyun. Her meaning was clear: green leaves served to set off red flowers, and most of them would be leaves-including those three.
"It really wasn't going to be that simple!"
Zhou Muyun's expression grew grave, and he couldn't help sighing inwardly.
Qin He withdrew her gaze, then suddenly pointed toward the seat of honor in the hall and lowered her voice. "See that young man? His name is Zhang Fengyun. He's the strongest participant from Heavenly River Sword Manor this time, in the late true astral realm and fifth on the Elite Selection Ranking!"
Everyone looked in the direction she indicated.
A man of about thirty sat beside the seat of honor. Dressed in a blue-green robe, he had a well-proportioned build and a cold, stern face.
People approached him from time to time to offer toasts. He handled them with calm composure and impeccable tact, neither dampening the mood nor diminishing his own standing.
"Zhang Fengyun, fifth on the ranking."
Zhou Muyun's pupils contracted slightly. On the way here, Yang Guo had told him that Heavenly River Sword Manor was a sect in Rivers and Mountains Prefecture, but the situation there differed from that of other prefectures.
Heavenly River Sword Manor stood alone at the top,