The news that the Four Saints Guard had come under the control of the new Celestial Master was so shocking that almost no one listened to the long explanation the old Celestial Master gave about the history of the Celestial Master Mansion.
The thought of military power was constantly buzzing in everyone's minds.
At this moment, not only the noble families, but even the emperor in the palace changed his expression upon hearing this news.
He saw the powerful Four Saints Guard as soon as he entered the palace.
I've always wondered, Cloud Capital possesses this power, why hasn't it participated in the struggles of the Central Plains for thousands of years? Now that the Celestial Master Mansion possesses this power, how does it intend to use it?
So, they were planning to give it away?
Has this old man gone mad?
Or is it...?
"What do you think the Zhang Family is really up to?" The emperor asked, sitting in the main hall, somewhat puzzled.
"Perhaps it's not that complicated," King Xiang said calmly. " The Zhang Family never intended to relinquish the position of Celestial Master. The so-called Four Saints Army were always reserved by the Zhang Family. The reason for holding this election was to make all the sorcerer families re-evaluate the power of the Celestial Master Mansion and to make them understand why the Celestial Master Mansion was able to command all the sorcerer families in the world back then. Power needs to be demonstrated, and I think that's the reason."
"The legendary King Xiang never used any schemes or tricks, but I never expected him to be so perceptive of people's hearts?" the emperor laughed.
"It's not that I don't use them, but in most cases, schemes and tricks are simply useless."
"So, who do you think will be the new Celestial Master at this Celestial Master Assembly?"
"I don't know," King Xiang said calmly. "I only know that as long as it's not someone from the Zhang Family, the Celestial Master will have the Four Saints Guard eliminate that newcomer."
"Hahahaha!" The emperor burst into laughter.
--
"You have a pretty dark view of the Zhang Family."
Back at the Court of State Ceremonial, Chen Qing's words were almost identical to those of King Xiang in the palace, which immediately amused Shen Qi, who then made some sarcastic remarks.
"I'm just trying to think of him as a little more normal," Chen Qing retorted, pursing her lips. "But I'm afraid he might be a little abnormal."
"Abnormal?" Shen Qi was stunned. "Isn't abnormal a good thing? Maybe they really will give up the Four Saints Guard?"
"That's actually what I fear most," Chen Qing said quietly. "Abnormal people, those who act illogically, or those who genuinely have mental problems, or those who harbor even more terrifying secrets—anything I don't want to encounter. To be honest, what the Celestial Master Mansion has brought out this time is already frightening enough; I really don't want to see anything more troublesome."
"Then why did you call Chen Ying here?" Shen Qi couldn't help but ask.
As soon as Chen Qing returned, he used his Divine Path abilities to notify Wei Gongcheng and asked Chen Ying to come over.
"With such tempting offers, I can't possibly remain unmoved, can I?" Chen Qing rolled his eyes. "Besides, it's good for that girl to broaden her horizons. A new era has arrived. It's good to know what kind of people the top powers have under their command, and what level you yourself are at in the field."
Shen Qi was taken aback for a moment, then nodded and said, "That's true. Those young men behind Chen Baifeng don't seem to be to be underestimated, especially Chen Baifeng's son, Chen Ye, right? I feel that his strength might not be inferior to Chen Baifeng himself. I even feel that I might not have the upper hand if I were to face him."
"You're guaranteed to lose if you face him," Chen Qing said directly.
"Am I really that unreliable?" Shen Qi asked, speechless.
" Dragon Transformation is an ancient shortcut, sacrificing some limits while maximizing potential. If even an old man like you can't catch up, what's the point of the Dragon Palace's existence?"
Shen Qi: "."
Who are you talking about, the old man?
"The bloodline that Shen Ye Fusion is extraordinary." Chen Qing narrowed his eyes slightly. He had the sense of smell of a true dragon and could smell a very special scent on that kid. If he wasn't mistaken, that kid should have Fusion that bloodline.
It's really interesting that the South Sea Dragon King's hometown was actually willing to give that away to the Chen Household.
What exactly are they planning?
"So, you sent Chen Ying here because you plan to represent Jiangnan in the competition?"
" Chen Ying is the dean, how can we let her participate so easily? Wouldn't it be embarrassing if she lost?" Chen Qing rolled her eyes. "Of course we should let the younger generation participate."
"Are you kidding me?" Shen Qi was stunned. "The juniors you're referring to, you don't mean those kids from the academy, do you? Do you even know who these contestants are?"
"Of course I'm not joking. But you," Chen Qing looked at the other person curiously, "Have you not been paying attention to the progress of the Dragon Palace Academy these past two years?"
"Huh?" Shen Qi was taken aback. In the past two years, apart from studying the basic formations Dragon Palace Inheritance, he had been playing chess and drinking with Wei Gongcheng. He hadn't really paid much attention to the Dragon Palace Academy that Ziyue had just established.
"Looks like you've really been having too much free time lately," Chen Qing said with a sneer. "Take a good look, you old man. New talents are emerging much faster than you think in this era."
Shen Qi: "."
--
"Father, is what the old Celestial Master said true?" At this moment, many aristocratic families from the South Sea were discussing the announcement Heavenly Lord in a room at the Court of State Ceremonial that had been protected by a protective barrier.
To be honest, people weren't very interested in the selection of the Celestial Master at first, but things are different now.
The Four Saints Guard.
This power is far too tempting.
If a family of sorcerers could master this power, then they would truly be immortal!
"Since it was said in front of everyone, it must be fulfilled, but the prerequisite is that it can be obtained." Chen Baifeng smiled slightly, "The Old Master dared to offer this reward, naturally because he has absolute confidence in his successor."
"That's not necessarily up to him!" Inside the room, golden flames gleamed in the eyes of several disciples.
Those who Dragon Transformation had absolutely no interest in the so-called new generation of celestial masters.
"Don't be careless." Chen Baifeng shook his head and said, "You've seen the power of the Celestial Master Mansion. I can't figure out Zhang Zhiyun's level either. Let's take it one step at a time, get through the first hurdle, and get what he promised first."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Today, the old Celestial Master not only announced the new Celestial Master's treatment but also showed considerable sincerity in other ways.
For example, anyone who can pass the first level will receive ten models of the Four Saints Guard.
This alone has already made many families eager to acquire the Four Saints Guard. They are created using magic, and if they can bring them back, they will be extremely valuable. If they can also be passed down to their families, they will be considered treasures!
With guards nearly as strong as Yaksha, this is practically a family's protective artifact.
"Father is right. There might be some shady dealings in the selection of Celestial Masters in the future, but at least they won't dare to cheat openly in this first round. In order for the Celestial Master Assembly to continue, they won't easily break their promise."
Chen Baifeng stroked his beard and nodded. His youngest son, Chen Ye, not only had amazing talent in magic techniques, but also good emotional intelligence. If he could make a great contribution to the family this time, he would be the heir, and his maternal family would definitely have no objections.
While the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children is important, in a sorcerer family, talent ultimately takes precedence.
"What is Lord Chen's opinion on the announcement of the first test?"
Today, Celestial Master Zhang also announced the rules for the first round of selection. The first round of the selection of the Celestial Masters will have four candidates guarding the Four Saints Gates of the Imperial Palace, while the rest will sign up to try their luck. Successfully entering the Four Saints Gates and reaching the Hall of Rectitude and Harmony will be considered passing the round. If one can find and defeat a candidate during this process, one can replace the candidate. The rules are simple and clear, and seem easy to follow, but there are some tricks involved in the selection process.
Because not all four candidates were from Heavenly Capital; Ziyue, one of Chen Qing's subordinates, was also a candidate.
"By the way, will Chen Qing let Ziyue cheat?" someone couldn't help but ask.
"He must care about his reputation in front of the whole world," Chen Baifeng said with a smile.
"What about us? How do we choose?" the other families couldn't help but ask.
"Well," Chen Baifeng stroked his beard, momentarily hesitant. "Judging from the current situation, the top candidates Zhang Zhiyun and Murong Ziyi seem to be the strongest contenders in Cloud Capital. Both the Zhang Family and the common people of Cloud Capital seem to have great confidence in them. On the contrary, you've seen Zhang Xiaoyun, the candidate from the Azure Dragon Gate. He doesn't seem like a strong person at all, but the more he seems like that, the more likely he is to be a fraud."
What does Father mean?
"I can't say for sure either." Chen Baifeng sighed, "The Celestial Master Mansion is being deliberately mysterious; it can't be that simple. Zhang Xiaoyun's sect is definitely not a freebie for the masses. Otherwise, everyone would apply for that sect. If everyone could pass, would the Celestial Master Mansion have enough Four Saints Guard to give away?"
"That's true."
"But you never know, maybe they're just being deliberately mysterious." Chen Baifeng shook his head and smiled wryly, "Who can say for sure? Ye'er, which department do you want to apply to?"
"I want to test the mettle of being the top favorite!" Chen Ye said confidently. " Zhang Xiaoyun's path seems to offer a great chance, but as Father said, it might actually be a trap. So why not be fair and square? I'll go for the top spot. He can't possibly resort to underhanded tactics, can he?"
Chen Baifeng didn't object; instead, he nodded and said, "This choice might not be bad. It's honorable, and even if we lose, it won't tarnish the reputation of the Chen Household. What about you?"
The others looked at each other. Several of them, like Chen Ye, were full of confidence, while others showed some hesitation.
Chen Ye chose Zhang Zhiyun's subject, so naturally they couldn't choose the same one; otherwise, competing with each other would reduce their chances. Besides, they didn't have the same confidence as Chen Ye and his ilk.
" Lord Chen, what do you think of the Vermilion Bird Gate?"
Vermilion Bird Gate.
Chen Baifeng looked at the younger generation of the other aristocratic families with a strange expression. The Vermilion Bird Gate —that's the gate that Ziyue guarded, announced today.
These little guys really don't seem to have forgotten the true worth of our Great Jin's former number one sorcerer!