One hour before Apex went to register for the Tang Family marriage competition, inside the Tang estate, there was a spacious room adorned with only two plush chairs facing a cozy fireplace. Between them sat Shen Tang and Song Jiayi, the head of the Jiayi family, the second strongest family in the Lower Realm.
Curiously, Song Jiayi asked Shen Tang, "Why are you hosting a marriage competition?" Despite their long acquaintance, this decision puzzled him.
Shen Tang paused briefly as a knock resounded through the room. "Come in," he said. A maid entered, carrying a tray with two small tea cups. After placing it on the round table, she bowed and left the room. Shen Tang and Song Jiayi each picked up a cup and took a sip before Shen Tang resumed his explanation.
"I am hosting this competition due to the escalating tension with the Han Family. While we have an alliance through my daughter and your son's marriage, if war were to break out, you would not be able to join us. It would force other families with alliances to side with the Han Family. Some might choose not to, but it would strain their relations, perpetuating the cycle of war."
Shen Tang took another sip of tea and continued, "However, the current rankings do not truly reflect the strength of our families. The reason behind this competition is to discover a talent that surpasses all of us in the Lower Realm. Someone who can ensure the future safety of my family. If I can find such a person, I can rest peacefully."
Song Jiayi was taken aback by Shen Tang's words. He remarked with a smile, "Ah, you have truly changed, my old friend. I remember the young you, eager to prove yourself as a genius to the Lower Realm. Now you have become a more compassionate version of yourself."
Shen Tang replied, "In my youth, I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. But now, with so much at stake and a loving family, I cannot revert to my old ways. Especially with a new child on the way."
Song Jiayi jokingly added, "Congratulations on having another baby. Now I need to have one too, so they can get married."
They shared a laugh and continued their conversation. Song Jiayi then inquired about the rumors of Shen Tang supplying the Giga Flower Sect with herbs. He asked if Shen Tang intended to use them in the war.
Shen Tang clarified, "No, I provide them with herbs and materials for pill-making for my children's benefit. I do not plan on involving them in the war, especially considering the number of young children they have."
Song Jiayi remarked, "You have truly changed. I suppose I must change along with you, and together we can strive to create a new era of peace, my dear old friend."
Shen Tang reflected, "If only the concept of peace truly existed in this world. The cycle of cultivation persists regardless of our efforts. Defying the heavens is beyond the reach of both humans and immortals. The heavens observe our foolishness, and I wouldn't be surprised if the gods mock us for killing our own people."
They spent a few more minutes chatting and laughing, as they did during their once-in-a-decade meeting. Finally, Shen Tang stood up and declared, "The time has come for the marriage competition registration today." He extended his hand to Song Jiayi, who accepted the gesture, and they walked together towards the front doors of the Tang estate.
Outside, they were greeted by a long line, despite the registration having been open for only a minute or so. They stood there for about 40 minutes, considering leaving due to the lack of notable talents. However, Shen Tang's attention was suddenly drawn to a masked figure with a high cultivation base—Apex. He tapped Song Jiayi on the shoulder and exclaimed, "That's him! That's the future protector of the Tang Family!"
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After registering for the Tang Family marriage competition, Apex set off to attend another event stored in its database—the entry test for the Jade Palace Sect. This sect was renowned as the strongest in the Lower Realms, and only 50 out of thousands who attempted to join would be selected. Moreover, the outer disciples of the Jade Palace Sect were often more powerful than the core disciples in many other sects.
Before heading to the Jade Palace Sect, Apex transformed its appearance, changing its black hair and golden eyes to white hair and red eyes, while retaining its facial features. With all preparations complete, Apex soared through the sky until it reached a large crowd gathered in front of a massive green gate.
Choosing to land a few miles away, Apex walked the remaining distance. Arriving just as the gates of the Jade Palace Sect opened, Apex witnessed three individuals standing before them—two men, one old and the other young, along with a young woman.
The old man gradually floated into the air, positioning himself at the perfect spot to address the crowd. This prompted gasps from the onlookers, as it was likely their first time seeing someone fly.
"Hello, fellow cultivators! Today is the day the Jade Palace Sect accepts new disciples!" The old man's voice, though not spoken loudly, reached everyone's ears, thanks to his manipulation of Qi.
This was something that only Apex had picked up on.
"This entry test will have three different parts to it, and if you manage to pass all the parts, you will become a disciple of the Jade Palace Sect!"
"Past this gate is a teleportation gate that will bring you to the area where the tests will be held. Once I touch the floor, you all may begin entering the teleportation gate."
Once the old man touched down on the ground, everyone rushed to the teleportation gate.
As the old man looked at all the disciples entering the gate, the young man beside him spoke.
"How many of them will be spit out by the teleportation gate?"
The old man replied, "Around 30% to 40% will be spit out due to not meeting the first requirement of having a 5th Stage Spirit Apprentice cultivation base."
"What will be the highest cultivation base this time?"
This time it was the young woman who asked the elderly man a question.
"Most will be exactly at the 5th Stage of Spirit Apprentice. A few will be at the 6th Stage, and less than 10 will be in the 7th Stage. There won't be an 8th Stage, let alone a 9th stage."
"What if there was someone with a high cultivation base, such as 8 or 9?"
The woman asked.
"Then he'd be considered a genius, especially if he was under the age of 30. Even past the age of 30, such an achievement is incredible. And in that case, he would become my personal disciple instantly."