Free Web NovelChapter 2705: Chapter 2708: Putting on Airs
After returning to the tavern, Jiang Chen began his seclusion.
Although he was confident he could secure a spot to enter the Canglan Realm, he did not have any traces of arrogance. He was well aware of the kind of people who were invited. Tomorrow’s battle could very likely be a precursor to the final match of the great competition. He would not be careless; if he couldn’t secure the qualification to enter the Canglan Realm, it would be embarrassing for his master!
The night passed without a word.
Early the next morning, Si Huang’er arrived at the tavern and took Jiang Chen and Hu Yiqiu away.
"Master, why haven’t I seen them?"
Walking towards the imperial city, Jiang Chen turned to look at Hu Yiqiu.
"Didn’t you send someone to find Yun Tao? He followed the people of the Abandoned Plains. Ling’er that girl couldn’t stand the boredom and went out to play. Elder Su has been studying the ancient formation on the way you came and hasn’t left the house. The two elders of the Gold-devouring Rat Clan received a message that their clan is coming forth into the world, so let me tell you that they’ve returned!"
Hu Yiqiu explained the situation of several people.
"The Gold-devouring Rat Clan has already emerged, sweeping through forces that once oppressed them!"
Leading the way ahead was Si Huang’er, who glanced at Jiang Chen: "I didn’t expect you to revive the Gold-devouring Rat Clan elder. The powerful beings behind you are increasing!"
"No matter how many powerful beings are behind you, it’s better to become a powerful being yourself!"
Jiang Chen chuckled softly.
Upon hearing this, Si Huang’er gave Jiang Chen a deep look, a thoughtfulness in her eyes, while Hu Yiqiu smiled contentedly.
"Si Huang’er."
Jiang Chen called out softly.
Si Huang’er raised her eyebrows, eyes widened slightly: "What did you call me?"
"Si Huang’er! If you become someone above a Saint, the pride within your heart will drive your progress. But now, the pride within your heart may become a shackle, a leaf that blinds your eyes."
Jiang Chen smiled lightly: "You should be aware of this yourself, which is why you chose to go to the Extraterritorial Battlefield, a place where the enemy won’t care about your imperial daughter status. But these are all semi-restrictive measures. What you need to do is truly let go of that illusory pride; it’s okay to be proud inside, but not showing it outwardly."
Si Huang’er slightly furrowed her brow, the thoughtfulness in her eyes growing more intense.
Hu Yiqiu glanced at Jiang Chen, then at Si Huang’er, remaining silent, yet his smile carried a hint of intrigue.
The three no longer spoke and soon arrived outside the moat of the imperial city.
"Little princess."
In front of the moat bridge, a row of armored soldiers saluted Si Huang’er with clasped fists and bows.
Si Huang’er waved her hand, seeming somewhat absent-minded.
Jiang Chen glanced at this group of soldiers, a hint of doubt in his eyes.
This is merely the outer perimeter outside the moat of the imperial city, requiring powerhouses at the Unity Realm stage to stand guard? Just because of the final competition?
Walking across the moat bridge, Jiang Chen increasingly felt something amiss. Even at the city entrance, those standing guard were powerhouses at the Unity Realm stage. The faint aura emanating from atop the city gate made Jiang Chen feel uneasy.
These auras wouldn’t normally be detected by him, yet the other party deliberately allowed him to perceive them. Why? To intimidate?
The imperial city actually needs to intimidate those entering? What’s going on?
Jiang Chen gently furrowed his brows, glanced at the still thoughtful Si Huang’er leading the way, and turned to Hu Yiqiu.
"Follow along, don’t look around."
Hu Yiqiu seemed to notice something too and spoke softly.
Jiang Chen nodded, silently following Si Huang’er.
Walking, the three arrived in front of a grand hall.
The hall was majestic and splendid, dazzlingly resplendent, with an intangible, soul-stirring aura.
This was not the aura of those inside but rather the hall itself, as if the hall were a living entity!
Before the hall was a plaza spanning a thousand meters in radius. At this moment, more than two hundred people were already gathered at the northern end of the plaza, before the hall.
Sweeping his gaze over those gathered, he was familiar with a few people in the central position.
In the center stood the Crown Prince Si Wenkang and the unreliable Fourth Prince Si Wenhao, flanked by people from the War King’s Palace and the Slaughter King Pavilion. The War King’s couple and Slaughter King were absent. Further out were six middle-aged men, each accompanied by a young person. Jiang Chen recognized Tang Jie, Yue Muchen, and Zheng Tianyang among them—these must be the six great marquises.
This group formed the first row. Behind them stood a crowd of people—some dressed in fine attire, others clad in armor. Within this group, Jiang Chen spotted acquaintances like Cui Baichang, as well as Pang Guang, Pang Lie, Mu Wanqiu, and Tan Zhengyao.
Behind this crowd were three teams: one of Unity Realm stage, one of Virtual Refinement, and one of Divine Infant Realm. All were at the pinnacle in their respective stages. Among them, Jiang Chen also saw several familiar faces: Feng Xuan’er, Gu Lin, Jian Wuheng, Zhang Sanfeng, Zhuo Bufan, and Pang Wenyan.
Zhang Sanfeng followed Pang Guang yesterday; unexpectedly, he also arrived here today.
"Hmph! Such airs! A mere Divine Infant Realm ant making us wait here."
As Jiang Chen and his companions approached, a cold snort sounded.
This cold snort made those waiting here realize something, causing them to glance at Jiang Chen with meaning.
"Greetings Crown Prince, greetings Fourth Prince!"
Si Huang’er walked to Si Wenkang and Si Wenhao, and Hu Yiqiu and his companion bowed and saluted them, but Jiang Chen outright ignored Zheng Tianyang.
Seeing Jiang Chen disregard him, Zheng Tianyang’s expression turned slightly sullen.
"Jiang Chen, why don’t you stay by Huang’er’s side rather than going behind?"
Si Wenkang chuckled softly, his gaze moved to Hu Yiqiu: "Old drunkard, you stay here too."
"Yes!"
Hu Yiqiu and his companion responded with a salute, stepping to Si Huang’er’s side but standing slightly behind.
When Si Wenkang asked Jiang Chen to stay, the rest were momentarily surprised, but upon seeing Hu Yiqiu, they all displayed understanding.
"Everyone."
Si Wenkang turned to face those behind him: "Present here are the talented juniors of Canglan City and the top twenty combat power rankings personnel from various locales across different stages. Though the ranking by Bai Xiao Building is based on your past achievements, it holds some truth."
"Today is the day my sister undergoes tribulation. To start with a good omen for her, let’s have the juniors spar, showcasing Canglan Continent’s combat prowess. Anyone achieving top three positions in their stage today can enter the Canglan Realm to observe the ceremony.
As for those who don’t reach the top three, don’t lose heart. With the descendants of the great royal mansions here, just defeat them in your stage and you can also enter the Canglan Realm to observe the ceremony, plus you can decide their qualifications to enter the Canglan Realm!"
Pausing, Si Wenkang smiled lightly: "That’s the rule, Huang’er, you will preside over it. Everyone, let’s enter the hall and watch. Us staying here might make these little fellows nervous."
"Haha!"
"Crown Prince is quite right!"
An array of elders chuckled and followed the Crown Prince into the hall, leaving only the participants of the duel and the countless heirs of each mansion in the field.
