The next morning, as dawn broke, countless primordial divine islands floating above the Stele Forest Imperial City were enveloped in golden light. Rays of morning light descended from the sky, illuminating the entire ancient imperial city. On the streets, a large number of cultivators were already coming and going. With the Four Great Lineage Grand Competition approaching, the entire imperial city was in an extremely lively atmosphere.
Qin Yu had already arrived outside the Chi Family Lineage's territory. As a major Lineage in the Stele Forest Imperial City, the Chi Lineage occupied an entire independent world. From afar, countless suspended palaces were arranged in an orderly fashion above the sea of clouds. Divine bridges connected heaven and earth, and the primordial river flowed through the peaks. From time to time, young disciples could be seen riding divine rainbows through it.
A scene of great prosperity unfolded before Qin Yu's arrival at the clan gate. Several guards dressed in Chi Lineage battle robes stepped forward, clearly indicating that the disciples on duty had all been rotated. One of the young disciples, with a serious expression, clasped his hands and said, "Please show your identity token." "Only Chi Lineage disciples are not allowed to enter." Qin Yu nodded slightly, not making things difficult for the other party.
His expression remained gentle. "Please inform them that Senior Chi Tongyue invited me here." The disciple was clearly taken aback for a moment, then his attitude became much more serious. "Please wait a moment." After saying that, he quickly left. About ten breaths later, the disciple returned quickly, and this time, his expression had clearly changed.
There was even a hint of respect in his voice. "Senior, you've kept me waiting." Elder Tongyue has already given instructions, please. She is waiting for you in her palace. Qin Yu clasped his hands slightly. "Thank you for your trouble." He then stepped into the Chi Family Lineage's territory.
As Qin Yu traveled deeper into the Chi Lineage, he could feel its profound heritage more and more. Countless primordial divine peaks stood between heaven and earth, with palaces on their peaks. In the void, there were also divine bridges of the Dao connecting the four directions. Divine birds spread their wings and auspicious beasts galloped—the world was filled with an extremely rich primordial aura.
The palace where Chi Tongyue was located was situated atop a solitary divine peak deep within the Chi Lineage. From afar, the entire palace appeared to be formed from the condensation of moonlight. Countless ice-blue primordial runes floated around the palace, and streams of Daoist light continuously swirled around the main hall. In front of the palace, a divine bridge extending through the sea of clouds stretched out.
With an extremely magnificent presence, Qin Yu arrived at the end of the divine bridge and immediately saw Chi Tongyue in the main hall, sitting upright in the main seat. Beside her was a pot of spiritual tea. Today, Chi Tongyue was wearing a light blue dress, which made her look less dignified than an elder and more gentle and approachable.
Upon seeing Qin Yu arrive, a hint of a smile even appeared in her eyes. Qin Yu quickly stepped forward, respectfully clasping his hands in a salute, "Junior Qin Yu." "Greetings, Senior." Chi Tongyue looked at the young man before her, her eyes filled with admiration, especially after sensing the completely different aura emanating from Qin Yu.
Her smile deepened. "Why are you still calling me 'senior'? You've received my inheritance from the Stillness Chaos Return-to-Origin Pearl," strictly speaking, "Aren't I your master?" She deliberately put on a serious face, but her eyes remained smiling. "What?" "You little rascal, you haven't forgotten this old woman, have you?"
Qin Yu was taken aback, a rare hint of embarrassment appearing on his face. He quickly clasped his hands in a fist salute, "How dare I, a junior..." "Your kindness, senior..." Qin Yu would forever remember it. Seeing Qin Yu's expression, Chi Tongyue burst out laughing, her shoulders trembling slightly. "Alright, alright..." "I was just joking with you." "Don't take it so seriously." She gently picked up her teacup.
While sizing up Qin Yu, he clicked his tongue in amazement. "You little rascal, you're getting more and more outrageous. The first time I saw you, you were just beginning to show your talent, and now... you've already stepped into the Eternal Silence Realm Initial Stage."
At this point, Chi Tongyue shook her head helplessly, but her eyes were full of admiration. "Such a cultivation speed... I wouldn't dare take you as my disciple. Maybe in a few years... even I'll have to call you senior." After saying that, she couldn't help but laugh, and Qin Yu could only smile wryly.
He also noticed that Chi Tongyue was completely different from when they first met. Back then, she exuded the authority and distance of Chi Lineage elder, but now she seemed more like a very close elder, her words full of affection. This change surprised even Qin Yu, so he gently sat down.
He respectfully said, "Senior." "May I ask what brings you here today?" Upon hearing this, Chi Tongyue's smile slowly faded. She gently set down her teacup, her gaze gradually turning serious. The previously relaxed atmosphere changed accordingly. She leaned forward slightly, looking directly at Qin Yu. "Alright." "Then let's get down to business." "I presume you already know." "Three months from now." "is the Four Great Lineage Grand Competition."
She paused for a moment, then slowly began, "I'd like to hear your thoughts." Qin Yu, outwardly calm, couldn't help but sigh inwardly. "As expected." "It's still about this matter." "The dignified elders of the Chi Lineage personally summoned me." "Besides the Grand Competition." What else could it be? Thinking this...
Qin Yu remained respectful and slowly began, "This junior has indeed considered this matter. If the Chi Lineage needs me, I can serve as an outside aid." Hearing this, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Chi Tongyue's eyes, but Qin Yu continued, "However, I am ultimately not a disciple of the Chi Lineage. Moreover, Hua Jingmeng has always harbored resentment towards me, especially Hua Yanyang. Therefore, I intend to change my appearance and identity to participate in the competition. I just don't know if the competition rules allow it?"
Upon hearing this, Chi Tongyue's eyes flickered slightly, then she slowly nodded. "Absolutely." In fact, the competition rules have never restricted this. As long as it's not the elders of the Lineage personally participating, disciples, stewards, and external aids can all participate.
Her gaze gradually turned cold, clearly thinking of the Hua Lineage. As for Hua Jingmeng, he was indeed treacherous and cunning, ever since Hua Feiting's death. "His temperament has become increasingly extreme, and his methods increasingly ruthless." A cold smile appeared on her lips. "However, he's not a concern. The real trouble is Hua Yanyang. He's extremely talented and fiercely protective of his own, and he also knows you. He'll definitely cause a lot of trouble."
Then, Chi Tongyue slowly stood up, walked to the window, and looked towards the Chi Lineage's martial arts arena in the distance, where countless young disciples were practicing and sparring. Her expression returned to calm. "However, you don't need to worry too much. Ninghua has already told me some things about you, and my Chi Lineage is not without its own strength." As she said this, a hint of pride suddenly appeared in her eyes. Chi Xiyue's strength far surpasses Hua Yanyang's. If she truly reaches that level, the Hua Lineage won't be able to cause any trouble.
After speaking, Chi Tongyue turned around again and looked at Qin Yu, her eyes filled with a meaningful look. "However... what I'm more curious about is how quickly you've grown in just a few years. It's truly unexpected."
When Chi Tongyue finished speaking, she didn't immediately continue. Instead, she slowly picked up the tea on the table and took a sip. The morning light streamed in through the glazed windows on both sides of the main hall, casting a soft glow on the jade screen behind her. Her gentle eyes quietly watched Qin Yu, seemingly observing his reaction.
Seeing Qin Yu's calm expression and quiet listening, a hint of admiration appeared in her eyes.
When ordinary young cultivators hear about the Four Great Lineage Grand Competition, they are usually most concerned about the rewards and rankings. However, this young man did not ask a single question from beginning to end. Instead, he maintained an unusual composure.
Chi Tongyue smiled slightly and gently set down her teacup. "Since you've decided to participate, there are some rules you should know beforehand." As she spoke, she lightly tapped her jade-like finger.
A pale golden light curtain suddenly unfolded from the void, and countless points of light transformed into twenty figures that floated in mid-air.
"This year 'Four Great Lineage Grand Competition is different from previous years." "The Chi Lineage, Hua Lineage, Su Lineage, Gu Lineage Lineage will each send five cultivators to participate."
"They can be young disciples or stewards." "The cultivation level is limited to the True Annihilation Realm · Initial Stage to the Eternal Silence Realm Initial Stage." "In addition, each Lineage is allowed to invite two external aids."
At this point, Chi Tongyue glanced at Qin Yu, a hint of a smile flashing in her beautiful eyes. Clearly, Qin Yu was one of the Chi Lineage's biggest trump cards. Then, she waved her hand lightly, and the twenty beams of light in the void began to move.
A series of golden serial numbers appeared, "A total of twenty participants." "A lottery will be held before the competition." "The number you draw will determine your appearance number." "There are no Lineage divisions, and no prior arrangements."