The square was abuzz with excitement, and the crowd engaged in animated discussions.
"This cohort of outer disciples has generally surpassed their predecessors, particularly Ye Tian, the Seventh Prince, and Meng Shiyun. Each of them is significantly stronger than the champion of the previous tournament. Once this group enters the inner sect, it won't be long before they shatter the rankings of the Divine Star List."
"I can't wait; the inner sect is about to become lively. I wonder if the seventy-two seniors on the Divine Star List feel the pressure?"
"Many of the experts on the Divine Star List are currently honing their skills across the Great Yan Kingdom, but if they learn that some newcomers have grasped the will of martial arts, they will undoubtedly rush back."
"It seems the inner sect competition is not far off. I wonder how high Ye Tian and the Seventh Prince can reach by then."
"It's hard to say; their talent is undeniable, but time is not on their side. Competing against the experts on the Divine Star List in such a short period will not be an easy feat."
"However, in the next inner sect competition, Ye Tian and the Seventh Prince will undoubtedly break into the top ten of the Divine Star List."
"Who knows? Perhaps the next cohort of newcomers will feature another extraordinary talent. For some reason, I suddenly feel that the Divine Star Gate is beginning to flourish, as if an increasing number of geniuses are gathering here."
"That's excellent! The stronger the Divine Star Gate becomes, the more cultivation resources we will acquire."
…
Some inner disciples exchanged thoughts, expressing their anticipation for Ye Tian, the Seventh Prince, and others, as well as their hopes for the future of the Divine Star Gate. Meanwhile, the outer disciples silently encouraged themselves, striving to elevate their rank to martial spirit within three years and become inner disciples.
In the center of the square, a new arena was set up, commencing the subsequent ranking matches.
Ye Tian's position as the first was beyond dispute; from that point on, any opponent who faced him chose to concede.
Even Meng Shiyun, who had already reached the fifth level of martial spirit, followed suit. However, she smiled at Ye Tian on the arena and gently said, "I know you have little true essence left, but you truly deserve this first place; I won't claim your honor!"
With that, the veiled beauty departed the arena like a gentle breeze.
Ye Tian managed a wry smile, rubbing his nose; he knew Meng Shiyun spoke the truth. The three Stellar Hands had already drained most of his true essence, and battling Meng Shiyun at her peak was clearly impossible.
Yet, gazing at Meng Shiyun's retreating figure, a confident smile crept onto Ye Tian's lips.
He still had his blade intent as a trump card!
Ye Tian was convinced that, in the near future, this secret would astonish everyone.
From the outset of the tournament, Ye Tian had no intention of revealing his blade intent, even if it meant he could not secure a place in the top ten.
The vast expanse of the Divine Continent, with the Great Yan Kingdom being so immense, meant that his martial journey was just beginning; revealing his trump card at this early stage would be unwise.
After all, in truth, Ye Tian was not merely a young man; the soul within him was that of a special forces soldier who had traversed from Earth. While he had not lost the youthful fervor, he possessed an additional virtue that set him apart from the youth—patience.
The days ahead were long, and there would inevitably come a time when he would unveil his blade intent to the world, a moment that would surely send shockwaves throughout the capital of the Great Tang.
As the last rays of the setting sun faded, the remaining matches finally concluded.
One must admit, the Seventh Prince was indeed unfortunate; he chose to challenge Ye Tian prematurely and was subsequently defeated, causing him to miss the subsequent matches and be forced to concede.
As a result, Meng Shiyun took his place, ranking second with a record of eight wins and two losses, just behind Ye Tian.
Yun Shuiyao, with seven wins and three losses, claimed the third position.
The unfortunate Seventh Prince, having missed the last three matches and lost to Ye Tian, ended up with a record of six wins and four losses, placing fourth.
The Thirteenth Prince ranked fifth; although he could not compare to the Seventh Prince, he felt immense joy seeing the Seventh Prince fail to break into the top three, filling him with satisfaction.
It was said that the Seventh Prince later regained consciousness only to learn of his ranking, causing him to faint with anger once more.
After the rankings were announced, some rejoiced while others despaired. Those in the top ten were elated, while those who did not make the cut secretly resolved to train harder and advance to the martial spirit realm.
A silver-robed elder from the Divine Star Gate appeared in the arena, though not Zang Lao; this was a formidable middle-aged man exuding a powerful aura.
"The arena matches have concluded successfully. We shall now distribute the rewards. First place, Ye Tian, receives ten low-grade spirit stones and one Blood Bodhi. Second place, Meng Shiyun, receives ten low-grade spirit stones. Third place, Yun Shuiyao, receives five low-grade spirit stones. Fourth place…"
As the silver-robed elder announced the rewards, gasps of astonishment rippled through the crowd, with envious and resentful glances directed at Ye Tian and the others on the arena.
"Blood Bodhi! I've heard that consuming one can elevate a martial spirit's rank by one level. I wonder if that's true?"
"It should be, but it's said to only be effective for those below the third level of martial spirit. For those above, it has some effect, but not significant."
"And there are spirit stones as rewards! These gems are infused with the essence of heaven and earth. We outer disciples can only acquire one spirit stone in a year. I've heard that inner disciples receive one spirit stone a month, while those at the top of the Divine Star List obtain even more resources."
"If I had ten spirit stones, I would face no pressure in advancing to martial spirit."
The crowd buzzed with excitement, each face reflecting envy and jealousy.
"Blood Bodhi! Spirit stones!"
As he gazed at the rewards in his hands, Ye Tian couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Now a first-level martial spirit, consuming the Blood Bodhi would surely elevate him to the second level. At that point, with the power of his ten blood pills, he would be capable of defeating experts at the fourth and fifth levels of martial spirit.
And these ten spirit stones! Ye Tian had already learned about spirit stones from the "Chronicles of Beihai," understanding their immense value as essential treasures for martial cultivation.
The purple spirit stone he obtained in Baiyun Town was a type of spirit stone, but it was merely the lowest grade. Even so, the purple spirit stone was already quite precious, highlighting the even greater value of spirit stones.
Spirit stones are classified into four grades: low-grade, mid-grade, high-grade, and supreme-grade. In the Great Yan Kingdom and the eighteen nations of Beihai, most circulating spirit stones are low-grade, while those above mid-grade are rare.
The number of experts in a sect determines its strength, while the quantity of spirit stones reflects the sect's potential.
The more spirit stones a sect possesses, the more experts it can cultivate, thereby increasing its overall strength.
Thus, in the Divine Continent, the status of spirit stones is unassailable, representing a crucial resource coveted by all sects, factions, and families.
Sometimes, the emergence of a spirit stone vein can provoke numerous factions to vie for control, and even a kingdom like the Great Yan could face annihilation.
…
Ye City!
The low walls, constructed entirely of earth, appeared somewhat dilapidated. Yet, the guards atop the walls stood tall, their chests out, eyes gleaming with vitality, exuding an impressive presence.
This group of guards infused the impoverished little town with a vibrant energy.
"Everyone, perk up! Have you all forgotten to eat?"
"What's the matter? Did you not sleep last night? Why do you all resemble wilted vegetables? Are you putting on a show for children? Did you think joining the Ye Family Army was a chance for a leisurely life?"
"I'll tell you plainly, the Ye Family Army eliminates ten individuals every day; only the strongest may remain!"
…
A resounding reprimand echoed from the training grounds near the city gate, drawing the attention of many passersby.
A tall man stood in the training area, vociferously admonishing the thousands of soldiers practicing with their spears.
This man had a rugged appearance and only one arm, yet he emanated an intimidating aura; a single roar sent shivers through the ranks of soldiers.
"Captain Li Tie remains as stern as ever. Ever since my boy joined the Ye Family Army, he has shed all lazy habits, devoting himself solely to eating, sleeping, and training."
"Indeed! I've heard that Captain Li is not only a seventh-level martial master but also the commander appointed by Ye Tian, which is why these youngsters respect him."
"Speaking of Ye Tian, it has been a while since he returned. I heard he has left Blood Jade City to participate in the assessment at the Falling Star Mountains; I wonder if he will successfully enter the Divine Star Gate."
"Rest assured, Ye Tian is the greatest talent of our Ye City. He will undoubtedly gain admission to the Divine Star Gate. Perhaps it won't be long before our Ye City boasts a figure surpassing the martial master level."
Outside the training grounds, some residents of Ye City whispered among themselves, careful not to disturb the training of the Ye Family Army.
Their faces were illuminated with joyful smiles, filled with hopeful anticipation for the future of Ye City.
"Though the residents of Ye City generally possess mediocre talents, they are all brimming with determination; it's no wonder a genius like Ye Tian has emerged," Li Tie mused, casting a thoughtful glance at the onlookers outside the training ground.
"However, speaking of which, the assessment at the Divine Star Gate should have concluded. I wonder if Ye Tian has successfully gained entry?"
Li Tie was filled with anticipation; he was now closely tied to Ye City. The stronger Ye City became, the greater his benefits and elevated status would be.
Ye Tian was the key to Ye City's prosperity; the rise and fall of the entire city would hinge on his influence.
Suddenly, a thunderous rumble shook the earth, and the sound of galloping hooves echoed from afar, capturing everyone's attention.
"What's happening?" Li Tie exclaimed, his heart racing as he leaped towards the distant city wall.
Upon reaching the wall, he beheld a vast throng approaching from the distance, including luxurious carriages, warriors riding ebony steeds, and various support teams.
Among them, a warrior clad in blood-red attire, riding a black steed, surged forward, shouting towards the city gate, "Lord Ye Tian has entered the Divine Star Gate, claiming first place in this year's tournament! The Lord of Blood Jade City has come to offer congratulations; please, General, open the city gate!"
"Boom…"
In an instant, Li Tie felt a deafening roar in his head, leaving him momentarily stunned.
Soon, the news spread throughout Ye City, igniting a fervor among the populace. This ancient little town erupted like a dormant volcano, which had slumbered for a millennium, suddenly bursting forth with life.