The tournament begins

"Why are you blushing like that? I wasn't talking about you."

Ning Tian blushed with embarrassment and said in a low voice, gently pinching Wu Feng's waist with her delicate hand, causing the latter to grimace in pain before letting go.

"And it's a male cat and a female cat, which clearly refers to Lu Cheng and Grandmaster. They shared a room last night."

"Grandmaster is indeed beautiful and has a great presence. Miss, do you think we can compete with her? Even if we offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal, it wouldn't work." Wu Feng frowned again.

"Who said I wanted to compete with her? Stupid!" Ning Tian rolled his eyes at Wu Feng.

"She is the undisputed first wife, without question. We have no need to compete with her, nor can we possibly win; it would only lead to endless disputes."

"What should we do then?" Wu Feng asked in astonishment.

"It's about being humble," Ning Tian shrugged. "Besides, because of the cooperation between our sect and the Body Sect, I have a huge dowry and my family's support. I'll be the only one among my sisters to publicly marry Lu Cheng, so we'll have the right to be married in the eyes of the world."

"Therefore, there is no need for competition; we already have a place in Lu Cheng's harem."

"It's only because you, Miss, see things so clearly." Wu Feng suddenly realized, her pretty face flushed, and she nodded and smiled.

"Fool."

Ning Tian shook her head. Not long ago, she was disgusted by men, but after last night's experience, she had become addicted to that feeling. She wondered what would happen after Lu Cheng actually deflowered her...

But speaking of Wu Feng, she herself has never experienced anything like that; she only used props...

Cough cough cough.

Ning Tian looked at Lu Cheng with affectionate eyes.

If there weren't so many people around and the Empress holding the fort, she would have taken the first step last night. Unfortunately, she has to wait a little longer.

"Alright, it's the first match after all, let's go check it out."

Tang Ya suggested.

"Good."

Lu Cheng nodded.

The group arrived in the team's exclusive viewing area in a grand procession.

This also attracted a lot of attention. Although many powerful figures from the Body Sect did not show up but instead went into hiding, Lu Cheng was too conspicuous. He attracted the attention of not only many academy teams but also some sect teams that were expected to advance to the top four.

"That's Lu Cheng?"

Several young men dressed in gray-black outfits gathered together. The handsome young man at the head of the group had sharp eyes fixed on Lu Cheng, but one hand was unconsciously resting on the hilt of his sword.

Only then did he realize something was amiss, and somewhat taken aback, he moved his hand away, his expression turning serious. "Such terrifying strength..."

"He didn't even glance at me, yet the murderous intent he unconsciously exuded forced me to instinctively draw my sword in defense."

"Captain, is he really that powerful?" Another disciple of the Proud Sword Sect asked in astonishment.

"I'm afraid it's more than that. Five years ago, he could already display combat power comparable to Soul Saint. I dare not imagine what he will be like five years later."

The leading gray-robed disciple shook his head.

"I'm afraid what those guys said is true. We don't even expect to compete for the championship. Just reaching the top four will be enough to make a name for our Proud Sword Sect."

On the other side.

The Heavenly Dragon Sect and other forces were also secretly watching Lu Cheng and his group. However, Yu Tianlong's attention was more focused on Long Aotian. His senses were not as sharp as those of the sword cultivators, so in his eyes, the tall young man who was nearly two meters tall was a greater threat.

The latter is at least at the peak of the Soul Emperor, and may even have entered the Soul Saint realm.

With his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes gleamed with intense fighting spirit.

"Wow, so many people..."

Tang Ya's pretty face was full of excitement as she looked around.

"It's a pity that Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen didn't come, otherwise... it would have been truly lively."

"Hehe." Lu Cheng chuckled.

If these two were to come, the Sun Moon Empire would probably be the first to pack up and occupy Bengbu; that would be a blatant provocation.

However, in the original novel, it was Xiao Hongchen who led the team. For the glory of the empire, he paid the price of not being able to make any progress in his cultivation for the next five years, and swallowed a large amount of medicine to raise his strength to the level of Soul Saint.

And what about this life?

Without Xiao Hongchen, the steadfast Sea God of the empire, what can the Sun Moon Empire Imperial Academy Team possibly use to win this tournament?

Of course, in the final showdown, the Sun Moon Empire will not give anyone the chance to determine a winner.

But... what if the Sun Moon Empire doesn't even make it into the top four?

He shook his head, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.

Lu Cheng guessed that the Sun Moon Empire Royal Team in this competition were probably all students who desperately improved their cultivation by using drugs, sacrificing their potential for the next few years. But so what?

Without laughter and dreams, the Sun Moon Empire Royal Team is truly just a nobody on the sidelines.

They would likely be easily defeated by veteran powerhouses like the Proud Sword Sect or the Heavenly Dragon Sect, and even facing the Mingdu Soul Tool Team would be a life-or-death situation.

The previous champion seems to have made many people lose their way, unable to distinguish who is stronger or weaker.

Lu Cheng leaned on the railing, his gaze fixed on the young figure on the high platform.

Regent.

Xu Tianran.

If he remembered correctly, back then, in order to stop this guy from ascending to the throne, he didn't lay a finger on the old emperor. At most, he made him so angry that he had a heart attack, but given the medical conditions in this world, he would at most have to lie in bed for a while and be fine. It was impossible for him to die or be seriously ill in bed.

Since that's the case.

Either the old emperor is planning to sabotage him, or the famous scene of filial piety between father and son will be staged again in the Sun Moon Empire.

This Xu Tianran is really capable of doing something like this.

The latter seemed to notice his gaze as well. Their eyes met, and Xu Tianran forced a smile onto his stiff face and nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

The two gazes then separated, both filled with murderous intent.

"Grand Preceptor, how are the preparations for Qiankun Asking Love Valley progressing?" Xu Tianran shifted his gaze, his expression unchanged, and asked softly.

"It's already awakened. Anyone who passes through it will be forcibly sucked in by that strange formation. As for the other three sides, they've also been covered by a net." A black-robed figure standing beside him spoke calmly, his voice neither male nor female, quite androgynous.

"..."

After a moment of silence, Xu Tianran asked again.

"With the Holy Spirit Cult and the Sun Moon Empire combined, what are the chances of them completely annihilating the Body Sect?"

"... have no idea."

The man in black shook his head. "Those guys have a deep foundation, not to mention that Du Busi has already reached the limit. Even if we have three limit-level experts here, we still have to spare some attention to stop the other forces."

"Fine, if he were to self-destruct in my capital, it would be troublesome too," Xu Tianran exhaled a breath of stale air, somewhat helplessly.

"The self-destruction of a Limit Douluo is enough to take me down."

"In short, the best course of action is to open a passage in the east, preferably leading them to Qiankun Asking Love Valley, as long as we can drive them there..."

"Does His Majesty hate him?" the man in black asked softly.

"Anyone who dares to lay a finger on the woman I've chosen deserves to die," Xu Tianran said indifferently.

"..."

Beneath the black robe, the mysterious man curled the corner of his lips into a smile.

Should he be killed?

Who do you think you are...?