The so-called Qingzhou Martial Arts Union is a grand competition that takes place every five years, organized by the entire Qingzhou region's sects under the guidance of the holy land. The results of this competition determine the rankings of the sects for the next five years.
In the vast Qingzhou region, with billions of people and hundreds of sects, only twenty top-tier sects have fixed slots. The remaining high-level, mid-level, and low-level sects are ranked based on their overall scores. The gap in reputation and benefits between each rank is substantial, making every Martial Arts Union a brutal competition.
The Sect Martial Arts Union serves as the stage for the true inheritor disciples of the sects. They represent the sect's potential and its future. This is why every sect invests significant resources in nurturing true inheritor disciples. These disciples are the main force in the Martial Arts Union, shaping the future of their sects.
Except for those promoted due to their placement on the Hidden Dragon List, all true inheritor disciples from the sects are top-notch experts in the Spiritual Ocean Realm.
Now, Elder Sun's proposal to have Jiang Heng participate in such a brutal competition, especially as he has only recently reached the Pre-Natal Realm, seems like a death sentence.
Therefore, when Elder Sun voiced his suggestion, everyone was taken aback. A middle-aged man with a long beard couldn't remain silent and frowned, saying, "The Martial Arts Union is the battlefield for Martial Artists in the Spiritual Ocean Realm. Sending a disciple who has just reached the Pre-Natal Realm there, isn't that sending him to his death?"
"Since it's a test, it should naturally align with his age and abilities," he continued. "You, as a core elder, are attempting to persecute a talented disciple with such a crude method. I believe you are not fit for your position."
Elder Sun's face turned stern, and he exclaimed, "Wu Hao, are you challenging me?"
Wu Hao, the middle-aged man with the long beard, glanced at him coldly and then turned to Bai Haocang, saying calmly, "Master, I have a proposal: revoke Elder Sun's position as a core elder. Besides barely meeting the cultivation requirements, his character and abilities are far from matching the status of a core elder. What right does he have to participate in discussions? He only knows how to make a scene."
Upon hearing this, Elder Sun suddenly stood up, his voice filled with anger, "Wu Hao! Are you insulting me, a fellow core elder?"
"Silence!" Bai Haocang suddenly spoke up, and the entire room fell silent. Elder Sun froze and quietly sat down.
Bai Haocang's expression returned to its usual calmness, and he said softly, "I agree with Elder Sun's suggestion. Let Jiang Heng participate in this Martial Arts Union. Please express your opinions."
This statement surprised everyone, and Elder Sun looked at him in disbelief.
"Jiang Heng has already enjoyed many of the sect's resources. If he can't demonstrate enough potential, it is indeed necessary to demote him to appease certain individuals," Bai Haocang continued calmly.
"However, even though there's no limit to the number of true inheritor disciples who can participate in the competition, Jiang Heng has just broken through to the Pre-Natal Realm. Participating in the Martial Arts Union would be extremely dangerous and unlikely to be of any benefit."
Someone hesitated and said, "Regardless of whether he deserves the treatment of a true inheritor disciple, Jiang Heng is undoubtedly a top-tier genius. Sending him to his death for no reason would be a waste of the sect's resources."
Elder Sun then smiled.
Although he didn't understand why Bai Haocang had agreed to his proposal, he didn't want others to spoil it. He quickly said, "Elder Huang, you're overthinking it. Jiang Heng is renowned for challenging opponents above his level. Now that he's in the Pre-Natal Realm, he can undoubtedly surpass those in the Spiritual Ocean Realm. He will surely bring glory to our Daolu Sect, so don't worry!"
However, Wu Hao, who sat opposite him, furrowed his brows and said coldly, "Can he still challenge above his level as before?"
"All the true inheritor disciples participating in the Martial Arts Union are peerless geniuses, undefeated within their own ranks. Some of them have even made it to the Hidden Dragon List and possess terrifying strength, allowing them to challenge above their level. You want Jiang Heng, who has just reached the Pre-Natal Realm, to challenge them?"
"This is purely reckless!"
Bai Haocang lightly tapped the table, and when the discussions gradually quieted down, he said, "As Jiang Heng's master, I know his strength very well. Rest assured, he has the ability to participate."
"Raise your hands to vote."
"Those in favor of his participation, raise your hands."
Elder Sun immediately raised his right hand, followed by other elders hesitantly raising their hands.
"13 votes in favor."
"Well, the proposal is approved!"
Certainly, here is the translation of the provided text:
"One month later, Jiang Heng was to participate in the Qingzhou Union Martial Arts Tournament!"
The gentle voice of Bai Haocang echoed in the meeting hall.
Outside Jiang Heng's residence,
Two disciples with solemn expressions stood at the gate.
A young steward in blue approached from a distance, politely saying, "Hello, Senior Brother Jiang Heng, the Sect Master has sent me to invite you. Please inform him."
One of the disciples nodded, picked up the brass ring on the gate, lightly tapped it, and softly said,
"Senior Brother Jiang, the Sect Master requests your presence!"
"Understood!"
Soon, a voice echoed from the quiet residence, reaching the ears of the three.
The young steward, bowing across the courtyard, said politely:
"Senior Brother Jiang, I'll take my leave first. Please come as soon as possible."
After saying this, he turned and left.
In the cultivation room,
Jiang Heng opened his eyes and let out a long breath.
"Sect Master? What could be the purpose of summoning me?"
He furrowed his brow, pondered for a moment, and then stopped thinking about it.
After all, within the sect, no one could harm him. So, why not go and see?
With this in mind, Jiang Heng smiled, got up, and headed towards the door.
It didn't take long for him to arrive at the Sect Master's cultivation hall.
"Master!"
Jiang Heng greeted the Sect Master with the same respect as always.
"Please, sit!"
Bai Haocang showed no difference in his usual demeanor, his tone calm and indifferent.
Both of them sat cross-legged facing each other.
"Next month is the Qingzhou Union Martial Arts Tournament. Originally, you weren't required to participate in this one, but someone has been discontented with your status as a True Transmission Disciple without showing corresponding talent."
"So, it was proposed that you also participate in this Union Martial Arts Tournament."
"The Elder Council approved it."
Bai Haocang's gaze remained as gentle as water, unperturbed.
Jiang Heng felt puzzled.
The promotion to a True Transmission Disciple wasn't something he had actively sought; it was the sect that had initiated it.
Now, they were dissatisfied with his performance as a True Transmission Disciple?
Jiang Heng shook his head inwardly and calmly replied, "No problem!"
He had read about the Union Martial Arts Tournament in books and was well aware that participants were the top talents of various sects, all of them powerful Spiritual Sea Realm cultivators.
Even if they were only slightly ordinary in the Spiritual Sea Realm, they could easily lose their lives in such a competition.
However, Jiang Heng had no worries.
Although he had only one month left and his current strength hadn't improved significantly compared to two months ago, he was entirely focused on improving the "Swallowing Heaven and Earth Technique," earning a whopping 2 million potential points every day!
Combined with the 18 million potential points he had already accumulated, his strength would undergo a significant transformation in just one month!
By then, he wouldn't be afraid of any Spiritual Sea Realm expert.