Doran Yushan smiled, "Those are old stories. Now, it is Wendy who is exploring the Inner Universe on behalf of my father. How is she doing in the council?"
Basel smiled back, "I'm not in a position to discuss Councilor Wendy. Sorry."
Doran Yushan smiled again, not taking offense.
"Are these the elites of your Great Yu Empire? They're too weak," a discordant voice sounded from a man next to Basel.
Doran Yushan's expression remained unchanged as he looked past Basel toward the gathered Yutang members.
Basel reprimanded in a low voice, "Shut up. We from the council are only here to review, not to train."
"Yes, sir," the man replied quietly.
Lu Yin stood among the courtiers, observing the Yutang members, many of whom were familiar faces. Ras and Mono were there, but Zhang Dingtian was not.
"That big guy looks pretty strong," Tao Xiang appeared beside Lu Yin, startling him.
Lu Yin jumped, "How did you get here?"
"Came to check out the big deal," Tao Xiang said.
"Weren't you notified by His Majesty?" Lu Yin asked curiously.
Tao Xiang shook her head, "No."
Lu Yin's eyes flashed, but he said nothing.
On the other side, Basel asked curiously, "Prince Doran, I heard there are five hall masters in Yutang. Why haven't we seen them?"
Doran Yushan replied awkwardly, "The hall masters will be here shortly. Please wait a moment."
A hint of coldness flashed in Basel's eyes as he nodded. His gaze swept around and then fixed on Tao Xiang, feeling an inexplicable danger from her despite her youthful appearance. Even Doran Yushan, a Cruiser, didn't give him such a feeling.
"Prince Doran, who is that little girl?" Basel asked.
Doran Yushan followed Basel's gaze and replied casually, "She is Tao Xiang, the captain of the Sixth Team of the Great Yu Empire's Royal Court's Thirteen Teams."
"It's said that the captains of the Royal Court's Thirteen Teams are extremely powerful. Why aren't they present in the court?" Basel's tone was not pleasant.
Doran Yushan smiled nonchalantly, "The Thirteen Teams have the privilege of not attending court sessions. Besides, they aren't exactly the younger generation. Captain Tao Xiang may look young, but she's actually over a hundred years old. No need to be concerned, Councilor Basel."
"Oh, I see," Basel relaxed upon hearing her age. It would indeed be strange if such a powerful person were truly just a little girl.
At this moment, five figures appeared at the training ground's entrance, led by Shu Zhi, shirtless with a red battle blade on his back, exuding a murderous aura.
Basel and his companions, who had initially dismissed the Yutang elites, now looked interested. Despite being only at the Melder level, these individuals seemed capable of challenging typical Outer Universe Limiteers.
Seeing their arrival, Doran Yushan breathed a sigh of relief. Though Yutang members were students, Yutang held a special status in the Great Yu Empire, akin to the Youth Council, independent from the power structure yet holding significant authority. No one dared to underestimate these students, not even Prince Doran.
The application of the Physical Strengthening Technique made it inevitable for the younger generation to hold power. They grew rapidly, enough to contend with the older generation, evidenced by the rise of the Ten Decisions. Especially in recent years, young strongmen had become increasingly formidable, far surpassing previous generations, leaving many puzzled.
"Your Highness, we are here," Shu Zhi said, his voice low, addressing Doran Yushan while staring at Basel.
Doran Yushan smiled, "These are the members of the Outer Universe Youth Council, future overseers of our empire's younger generation."
Shu Zhi and his companions stared at Basel, shocked. Basel, though only about ten years older than them, was a formidable star-walking powerhouse, exerting a suffocating pressure.
Basel glanced at them indifferently, noting their good performance for Melders, but still finding them just decent.
"No wonder Councilor Wendy declined to reform the Great Yu Empire's Youth Council herself and had you oversee it instead, Councilor Basel. There's simply no talent here," Ghostfire, who had remained silent until now, spoke, his tone full of provocation.
His words made the faces of the Great Yu Empire's people, including Doran Yushan, darken.
Wendy Yushan had been ordered to reform the empire's Youth Council but had stated there was no talent, a humiliation for the Great Yu Empire. Ghostfire's comment publicly shamed the empire.
Basel didn't stop him because it was true.
Shu Zhi glared at Ghostfire, "Who are you?"
Ghostfire smirked coldly, "Ghostfire, a subordinate councilor of the Outer Universe Youth Council."
Shu Zhi and the others were shocked. Ghostfire, only at the Seeker level, had joined the Outer Universe Youth Council? He must be terrifyingly talented. Even Shu Zhi, the strongest of the Great Yu Empire's younger generation, wasn't qualified.
"It's hard to believe, right? You're all Melders. I can play with you without suppressing my level," Ghostfire said arrogantly.
Doran Yushan's eyes flashed as he looked at Basel, who didn't stop Ghostfire, his expression calm.
"Such arrogance. In that case, I'll represent Yutang and fight you," Tianming stepped forward, his face serious.
Shu Zhi said calmly, "Suppress your level."
"I said it's not necessary. Levels are also a part of strength. Do you all in your country fight at the same level? Outside, no one talks about fairness," Ghostfire sneered.
In the distance, Lu Yin was surprised. He had seen the strength of Tianming and the other hall masters. Even with his strength, he couldn't match them. They were the absolute peak Melders of Yutang. If Ghostfire, a Seeker, could challenge them, it would be terrifying.
Everyone moved aside as Tianming stared at Ghostfire, knowing he must be prepared. Basel wouldn't have let him act otherwise. But why? Just a Seeker.
"You can attack now," Tianming said.
Ghostfire smirked, raising his hand. A black flame floated above it, astonishing everyone. A talent, black flame.
Basel smiled, admiring Ghostfire. He had joined the council because of this talent, reaching the pinnacle of power among the younger generation.
With a whoosh, the black flame formed a chain that lashed at Tianming, scorching the void and distorting the air. Tianming didn't touch it directly. He raised his hand, his palm turning into a claw, executing the Twentieth Form of the Beast Claw. A beast's roar echoed in the void, and the Beast Claw swiped through the flame chain, smashing into the ground, sending dust flying.
Everyone focused on the scene, only to see Tianming in shock. His attack had no effect.
Opposite him, Ghostfire swung the black flame chain again, cracking the ground, trying to trap Tianming.
Tianming rushed at Ghostfire, striking with "Triple Impact."
Three consecutive explosions, the same force layered three times, sent a shockwave that forced the Yutang elites back. But the attack seemed to have no effect on Ghostfire, who stood proudly with his black flame chain still burning.
Everyone was stunned. Tianming, the hall master of Yutang, couldn't touch Ghostfire.
Doran Yushan's pupils contracted, "This is the conversion of matter and reality. His talent allows him to convert his body to a special state, avoiding physical attacks. Right, Councilor Basel?"
Basel nodded in admiration, "Prince Doran is perceptive. Yes, Ghostfire's flames are called Void Flames, allowing him to burn himself to nothing and reassemble, avoiding physical attacks for a short time."
"What an impressive talent. No wonder he could join the Outer Universe Youth Council as a Seeker. With this talent, he is invincible at the Seeker level," Doran Yushan said in amazement.
Tao Xiang explained the same to Lu Yin, adding, "Some top-tier talent users can develop their abilities to extreme levels, converting between reality and void, even replacing celestial bodies and natural disasters. Ghostfire is far from that level but has great potential. The universe is indeed wondrous, with all kinds of people."
Lu Yin narrowed his eyes, thinking, "Conversion between reality and void, huh? It reminds me of someone, but that person didn't rely on talent's uniqueness but on extreme development. Ghostfire is far from that, but in the Seeker realm, he is nearly unbeatable. No wonder he dares to challenge Yutang hall masters. This talent is nearly invincible."