Category: They All Want to Be My Female Lead

180 The Arrival of the Hundred Battles Legion

“Student Yan Zhen…”

The referee instructor stared intently at Yan Zhen, his face covered in sweat.

In the audience, all the students and instructors watched with wide eyes, their hearts pounding.

—Was he going to kill Wen Canglan in front of everyone?

Huangfu Wenqing, Zi Xunyi, and Long Ying, their faces tense, didn’t dare look away from their beloved.

The previously boisterous atmosphere of the duel was now eerily silent.

Yan Zhen, his expression cold and impassive, held the burning gold and silver greatsword reversed in his grip and, under the watchful gaze of everyone present, thrust downwards.

“Aaaaaghhh!”

Wen Canglan screamed.

The tip of the Extreme Tyrant Sword pierced through his right palm, the Gold and Silver Fire burning the wound, causing excruciating pain.

Having endured the Heavenly Dragon’s Eight Tones and the Thunder Talisman’s mental assault, Wen Canglan could barely think, but he still managed to utter the most crucial words.

“I concede! I concede! Grandfather, save me!”

However, Vice Dean Wen Qingshan was blocked by Grand Elder Yu Yan.

“I was going to kill you, but my current strength isn’t enough to defy the academy’s rules.” Yan Zhen showed no mercy. “You used this hand to injure me, so today, I’ll cripple it!”

He slowly withdrew the Extreme Tyrant Sword, letting the flames dissipate.

Burned by the Gold and Silver Fire, Wen Canglan’s right hand was practically charred bone. Even with life-saving and regenerative pills, it would be difficult for him to fully recover.

An eye for an eye.

In the script, their conflict was merely a rivalry over love, so Yan Zhen hadn’t harmed him after defeating him. But reality was different.

The force of that palm strike had been enough to severely injure a four-star Mystic Master and leave lasting damage. How vicious.

This was Yan Zhen’s revenge!

Wen Canglan screamed and then lost consciousness, his broken glasses scattered on the floor, his usual composure gone.

The referee, relieved, announced the result: “Final round of the Star Picking Ceremony, the victor is student Yan Zhen!”

The audience, still stunned, began to applaud hesitantly, the applause gradually growing louder, like rolling thunder, echoing through the arena.

Vice Dean Wen Qingshan instantly appeared on the stage, picked up Wen Canglan, and gave him a pill to stabilize his injuries.

Then, he looked up, his eyes like daggers, glaring at Yan Zhen. “You monster! How dare you cripple a fellow student in public! You have no heart!”

Grand Elder Yu Yan appeared just as quickly, shielding Yan Zhen, calmly neutralizing the Vice Dean’s attack. Her usually narrowed eyes opened slightly, her cheerful expression replaced by an icy coldness. “Vice Dean Qingshan, I suggest you save face for yourself and the Wen family. Yan Zhen’s actions didn’t violate any academy rules.”

During the Star Picking Ceremony, even accidental deaths or injuries weren’t penalized. Before an opponent conceded or fell off the stage, it was assumed they still had the ability to fight back, and continued attacks were permitted.

However, if Yan Zhen had killed Wen Canglan, given his clear advantage, it would have been considered a deliberate act of revenge, a violation of the rules.

Crippling his hand, however, was equivalent to removing his combat ability, ensuring victory, which was within the rules.

“Grand Elder Yu Yan, are you protecting this monster?!”

Before the Grand Elder could respond, another figure appeared before Yan Zhen: Huangfu Wenqing, her sword drawn, glaring warily at Vice Dean Wen Qingshan.

Almost simultaneously, purple and pink lights leaped from the audience, landing beside Yan Zhen, shielding him.

Zi Xunyi and Long Ying, both radiating the aura of Mystic Kings. Of course, this was just a façade. If necessary, they could even fight a Mystic Ancestor.

“Old man, did you ask me before bullying Zhenzhen?”

“…”

Wen Qingshan, startled, looked at them with apprehension. Seeing Grand Elder Yu Yan’s cold expression, he knew he couldn’t do anything. He picked up Wen Canglan and, transforming into a streak of crystalline light, left the Grand Dueling Arena.

Grand Elder Yu Yan breathed a sigh of relief. If Wen Qingshan had lost control, it would have been a disaster. A public fight between the Grand Elder and the Vice Dean would be a major scandal, and the Sacred Ground would intervene.

She turned to Yan Zhen, reached out from her wide sleeve, and patted his head. “Well done, Little Yan Zhen. Congratulations on becoming the number one student on the Rising Star List!”

Yan Zhen coughed, blushing slightly. “Grand Elder, everyone’s watching.”

Grand Elder Yu Yan’s smile returned. “Hehe, are you shy? So cute.”

Yan Zhen scratched his cheek awkwardly, finally understanding the complicated feelings of Clan Head Yu Lu and Dean Yu Qing.

He turned to the three girls, smiled, and instinctively reached out to pat Long Ying’s head, then realized he was doing the same thing as the Grand Elder.

Long Ying, however, enjoyed it, grinning happily. “Congratulations, Zhenzhen.”

Huangfu Wenqing also said, “As expected.”

Zi Xunyi spoke up. “Grand Elder, it’s time for the award ceremony, right?”

Grand Elder Yu Yan was about to nod when she suddenly sensed a powerful aura. She opened her eyes abruptly and looked up.

Not just her, but Yan Zhen, the three girls, and everyone in the audience, including the referees and the remaining contestants, also looked up.

A rift suddenly opened in the sky above the Grand Dueling Arena, and soldiers in silver armor, wielding silver spears, emerged, forming two neat rows.

Each soldier was at least at the Mystic Lord realm, with even a few Mystic Ancestors among them. Then, a general in golden armor, his aura far surpassing the soldiers’, stepped forward, stood before them, and looked down at the people in the arena, his gaze quickly settling on their esteemed princess.

Yan Zhen, Zi Xunyi, Huangfu Wenqing, and Long Ying’s expressions changed.

—The Hundred Battles Legion of the Celestial God Clan! They had arrived!

The powerful soldiers in silver armor landed on the arena floor in perfect unison, then, led by the general in golden armor, they knelt on one knee, cupped their hands respectfully towards Zi Xunyi, and said, “Gu Yan, Deputy Commander of the Hundred Battles Legion, leading the Second Legion, has come to escort Princess Zi Ji back to the clan.”

Silence fell over the arena, everyone’s faces a mask of shock.

They knew the Purple-Clad Goddess had a mysterious background and noble status, but they hadn’t expected it to be this high. Even a young general, likely a Mystic Venerable, knelt before her, addressing her as “Princess.”

Yan Zhen and Zi Xunyi hadn’t expected the Celestial God Clan to arrive so soon, so unexpectedly.

They had planned to have a celebratory banquet together after the tournament, a farewell feast before her departure.

Zi Xunyi stepped forward and said calmly, “You may rise… I still have matters to attend to at the academy and can’t leave with you right now. Please wait. We’ll depart tomorrow.”

Gu Yan stood up, his expression stern. “His Majesty has ordered me to escort Princess Zi Ji back as soon as possible, without delay. Further delays might lead to unforeseen circumstances. Please do not be willful, Your Highness.”

179 Yan Zhen vs. Wen Canglan

In the packed Grand Dueling Arena, two figures, wreathed in different types of Mystic Power, clashed fiercely on the stage, their fists and palms a blur of motion, sparks flying.

The Wen family cultivated Crystal Mystic Power, a mutated form of Metal and Earth Mystic Power, stronger than ordinary single-attribute Mystic Power.

Logically, it should overpower Yan Zhen’s Fire Mystic Power, but Yan Zhen cultivated the Emperor Flame Technique and had refined three Extreme Flames, integrating them into his Mystic Power, making it incredibly domineering.

If not for the vast difference in their cultivation levels, Yan Zhen’s Mystic Power alone could crush Wen Canglan’s.

Even with a nine-star difference, he could still hold his own.

Yan Zhen’s fist met Wen Canglan’s palm, their Mystic Powers clashing violently, then, with a loud bang, they both leaped back.

Wen Canglan’s aura surged, and powerful Mystic Power gathered in his palm, then he struck.

“Crystallization Palm!”

Yan Zhen planted his feet firmly, his fist enveloped in eight spiraling layers of Mystic Power, and punched.

“Eight Extremities Burst!”

Boom!

The massive crystalline palm print shattered before it could reach Yan Zhen, exploding into countless shards of Crystal Mystic Power that flew towards him like living things, trying to invade his body and crystallize his meridians and Mystic Power.

Crystallization!

A smirk appeared on Wen Canglan’s lips. However, before he could fully smile, blood-red scales appeared on Yan Zhen’s skin, forming a protective layer that repelled the Crystal Mystic Power.

The Dragon Blood Scale Transformation!

Wen Canglan’s face darkened. Crystal Mystic Power, like Ice Mystic Power, grew stronger with each hit, eventually crystallizing or freezing its target.

Yan Zhen had specifically cultivated a defensive technique to counter his Crystal Mystic Power.

But the Inner Academy didn’t have such a technique. Even if it did, Vice Dean Wen Qingshan would have confiscated it, preventing it from spreading, as it would be a significant weakness for Wen family cultivators.

Where did Yan Zhen learn it? Did Grand Elder Yu Yan give it to him? Or… Zi Xunyi?

Thinking of the latter possibility, Wen Canglan felt a surge of anger, which he channeled into his Tier 5 Rigid Crystal Sword.

This sword, capable of injuring even Mystic Kings, was one of his most powerful trump cards, rarely used.

“Die!”

However, as Wen Canglan drew his sword, Yan Zhen also summoned the Extreme Tyrant Sword.

Two sword beams shot out from their blades, colliding mid-air after traveling nearly ten zhang, canceling each other out.

Then, they clashed with their swords, their rapid movements leaving trails of light in the air.

Wen Canglan realized that his Rigid Crystal Sword, incredibly hard and capable of corroding other weapons, wasn’t just ineffective against Yan Zhen’s Extreme Tyrant Sword, but was even being damaged by it, small chips appearing on the blade as gold and silver flames clung to it like a persistent disease.

The Gold and Silver Fire was extremely effective against metal and jade, countered only by wooden, ice, or sand swords, or by weapons of a higher tier, like Tier 7 Mystic Tools.

Another of his advantages neutralized.

Was this flame sword even higher tier than his Rigid Crystal Sword?

Dozens, hundreds of clashes, their powerful sword Qi leaving crisscrossing marks on the arena floor, some scorched black, others covered in a layer of crystal.

Finally, after one hundred and eight exchanges, Wen Canglan, unable to hold back any longer, unleashed his Mystic Power and used Sword Six: Army Breaker from the Nine Swords Technique.

A sword beam, powerful enough to pierce through an army, shot towards Yan Zhen. He immediately unleashed his Extreme Flames, three different colors swirling around his Extreme Tyrant Sword as he used the Grand Flame Extinguishing, Ashless Slash to block Wen Canglan’s attack, shattering his Rigid Crystal Sword.

Boom!

A wave of sword Qi and flames surged forth, engulfing Wen Canglan. However, Yan Zhen didn’t let his guard down.

As expected, when the flames and sword Qi dissipated, Wen Canglan reappeared, unharmed, his body covered in a layer of translucent crystalline armor, similar in material to his Rigid Crystal Sword.

This was Wen Canglan’s greatest trump card, the Sword Sacrifice Technique. By sacrificing his sword and merging with it, he could temporarily boost his cultivation.

And using this as a catalyst, Wen Canglan unleashed the black hole within his dantian, connecting with the power of heaven and earth.

He was advancing to the Mystic King realm!

Clad in crystalline armor, Wen Canglan hovered in mid-air, his body like a vortex, absorbing the surrounding Mystic Qi, his aura intensifying.

“Did you think this was all I had? Since you’re so eager to die, I’ll grant your wish!”

Multiple Rigid Crystal Swords materialized around him, then, as if alive, curved through the air towards Yan Zhen, a dense barrage of flying swords.

Yan Zhen charged towards Wen Canglan, dodging the incoming swords, then swung his burning greatsword.

However, Wen Canglan blocked the attack with a shield formed from hundreds of sword shadows, the layered defense dissipating the sword Qi and flames.

After several unsuccessful attempts, Yan Zhen was even grazed by the flying swords, his shoulder bleeding.

“This technique is truly troublesome!”

Yan Zhen retreated, stabbed his sword into the arena floor, then quickly formed hand seals, his bright eyes turning into dark vertical slits, a sinister aura emanating from him.

“Roar!”

Powerful sound waves, visible to the naked eye, erupted from his mouth, engulfing the hundreds of sword shadows. Cracks appeared on the hard crystal surfaces, and they shattered.

Heavenly Dragon’s Eight Tones, Second Tone!

“What?!”

Shock and panic, emotions he shouldn’t be experiencing, appeared on Wen Canglan’s face.

Another technique countering his Crystal Mystic Power, no, this was a soul skill.

The sound waves assaulted his ears, and Wen Canglan screamed, his eardrums rupturing, his head throbbing, his crystalline armor shattering and falling away.

However, he still had his newly acquired Mystic King cultivation. Seeing Yan Zhen charging towards him, sword in hand, he endured the pain, summoned a Rigid Crystal Sword shadow, and tried to block the attack.

However, an invisible tendril, crackling with lightning, shot out from Yan Zhen’s forehead, striking Wen Canglan like a whip.

Crack!

Bzzt!

“Aaaaaghhh—”

A searing pain shot through Wen Canglan’s head, followed by intense numbness, his mind reeling.

Yan Zhen’s Extreme Tyrant Sword cleaved through the sword shadow and slashed across Wen Canglan’s chest, creating a deep wound. Blood, mixed with crystal shards, sprayed out, instantly evaporating in the intense heat, the air thick with the metallic scent of blood.

Yan Zhen kicked the momentarily paralyzed Wen Canglan, sending him tumbling off the stage. As he watched him crash to the ground, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. He raised his burning greatsword, pointing it at the fallen Wen Canglan.

“How dare you, you brat!”

Vice Dean Wen Qingshan, on the platform, jumped to his feet, his Mystic Ancestor aura surging towards Yan Zhen like a tidal wave.

Grand Elder Yu Yan, beside him, opened her narrowed eyes, her own Mystic Ancestor aura intercepting his attack, preventing him from teleporting to stop Yan Zhen. “Vice Dean Qingshan, are you planning to interfere in a duel between juniors? You’re the Vice Dean!”

Wen Qingshan glared at her furiously. “That boy is trying to kill him! Stop him!”

178 The Celestial God Clan Arrives

Ling Fei, ranked third on the Rising Star List, cultivated Wind Mystic Power and specialized in movement and leg techniques. His Sky Soaring Steps and Wind God Legs were renowned throughout the Inner Academy, allowing him to both control the pace of battle and unleash devastating bursts of speed.

However, Yan Zhen’s movement technique was even more profound. With Starry Sky Dance, he moved like a phantom, leaving only trails of starlight in his wake.

Their figures flickered across the arena, appearing for less than a second at a time, legs and fists clashing, Fire and Wind Mystic Power colliding, sparks and flames flying, scorching and cracking the arena floor.

Bang!

Yan Zhen and Ling Fei reappeared simultaneously, leaping back from the explosion, their gazes locked on each other.

“You’ve got some skills, kid. Few in the Inner Academy can keep up with my speed. You’re one of them.”

“So, Senior Ling Fei, you honed your movement skills just to be someone’s lackey?”

Ling Fei faltered, then chuckled wryly. “Some things… are beyond our control. No matter what you say, I’ll do what I have to do. Just give up, Junior Brother Yan Zhen. You can’t beat that gloomy, bespectacled guy. I hate to admit it, but he’s stronger than me, probably already at the Mystic King realm—you should understand the difference between a Mystic King and a Mystic General.”

Mystic Kings could access the power of heaven and earth.

What was the power of heaven and earth? The vast, ambient Mystic Qi between heaven and earth.

Although they couldn’t control it as freely as Mystic Lords, even a sliver of this power was enough to overwhelm any Mystic General!

A Mystic General’s power was like a river, while a Mystic King’s was like a vast ocean, incomparable!

Yan Zhen chuckled. “Senior Ling Fei, do you really think you can force me to use my full strength?”

Ling Fei slowly gathered his power, his legs glowing with emerald Wind Mystic Power. “Are you saying a quasi-Mystic King isn’t enough to make you serious? That’s quite a boast.”

“Because you lack fighting spirit, Senior Ling Fei. You don’t even want to fight. Who are you trying to win against?”

Ling Fei snorted and charged, launching a kick at Yan Zhen.

Yan Zhen, without even looking, closed his eyes, adopted a horse stance, and raised his hands, using the Yin-Yang Stance of Tai Chi Quake.

Beneath his feet, a black and white Yin-Yang symbol appeared, spinning rapidly and neutralizing Ling Fei’s attack.

Amidst the flurry of kicks, Yan Zhen grabbed Ling Fei’s leg and, using the accumulated force, redirected the attack, doubling its power.

“What?!”

The immense force sent tremors through Ling Fei’s body, shattering his Mystic Power armor as he was sent flying backward.

Just as he was trying to regain his footing, a flash of starlight appeared before him. Yan Zhen materialized and kicked him in the chest.

And that wasn’t all. As Ling Fei flew backward, Yan Zhen reappeared and kicked him again.

While Ling Fei struggled to regain control of his Mystic Power, Yan Zhen landed three consecutive kicks, sending him flying off the stage.

Yan Zhen landed gracefully at the edge of the arena, while Ling Fei crashed into the spectator stands, coughing up blood.

According to tournament rules, anyone who fell off the stage was defeated.

Ling Fei smiled wryly. “I didn’t expect you to have such a move… I underestimated you.”

Yan Zhen ignored him and, after the referee announced the result, left the arena.

Ling Fei hadn’t been serious. Otherwise, defeating him wouldn’t have been so easy.

He returned to Wen Canglan and scratched his head. “Sorry, Wen, I couldn’t force him to use his trump cards.”

Wen Canglan glanced at the talented Ling Fei. “It’s enough. That soft yet powerful fist technique is troublesome. It’s good to have seen it beforehand.”

The two wealthy alchemists, having exhausted their resources and severely injured each other, both forfeited, unable to continue. Now, only Yan Zhen, Huangfu Wenqing, and Wen Canglan remained.

Normally, under these circumstances, the three of them would engage in a free-for-all, the last one standing declared the victor. However, everyone knew that Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing were close, while Yan Zhen and Wen Canglan were enemies. A free-for-all would become a two-against-one situation.

Vice Dean Wen Qingshan naturally wouldn’t allow this, and the other elders also felt it was inappropriate. Grand Elder Yu Yan smiled and said, “Since we can’t decide, let’s ask the three of them for their opinions.”

The referee relayed Grand Elder Yu Yan’s message to the three finalists.

Wen Canglan adjusted his glasses and said calmly, “A free-for-all is fine. Let them team up. As a senior, I should be magnanimous towards my juniors.”

The referee turned to Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing. After a brief discussion, they replied, “A free-for-all is fine, but Wenqing won’t participate. I’ll fight him one-on-one.”

The referee nodded, satisfied. Neither of them was backing down. Let the battle begin!

The three of them entered the arena, but Huangfu Wenqing retreated to a corner, leaving the stage to Yan Zhen and Wen Canglan.

“Not even letting your fiancée help you? Don’t regret this later, Yan Zhen.”

“I’m just worried you’ll make excuses if you lose. It’s better to cut them off at the source.”

“Hmph, advancing from a four-star Mystic Master to Mystic General in a year… has that made you so confident?”

“Better than you, remaining stagnant, refusing to advance to Mystic King, just to participate in this Star Picking Ceremony and fight me? How childish.”

Wen Canglan’s face darkened, and crystalline Mystic Power formed a thin, translucent armor around him, shimmering with a rainbow of colors.

“Since you know, then prepare to die.”

Yan Zhen also unleashed his flames, his body bathed in swirling gold and silver, like a demon emerging from a pool of blood.

“Let me experience this so-called Wen family ultimate technique. Let’s see how you plan to injure me with that pathetic palm strike without resorting to a sneak attack.”

Boom!

As his words fell, gold and silver flames clashed with the shimmering crystalline energy, a powerful shockwave rippling outwards, ruffling Huangfu Wenqing’s hair and clothes as she watched from the corner, worried for Yan Zhen.

She didn’t think he would lose, but who knew how badly he would be injured?

In the audience, Zi Xunyi and Long Ying sat together, their eyes fixed on the battle.

…

Almost simultaneously, outside the Sacred Ground Academy, a distorted purple vortex slowly appeared, and a violet-gold warship emerged, a flag with the character “Tian” (Heaven) fluttering in the wind.

On the deck, a group of soldiers stood in formation, led by a young man. Despite his youthful appearance, he was a Mystic Venerable, wielding spatial power!

And the soldiers under his command were all at the Mystic Lord realm!

—The Celestial God Clan had arrived.

177 The Star Picking Ceremony 

Of course, Yan Zhen wasn’t worried about losing to Huangfu Wenqing. After advancing to Mystic General, he was ridiculously strong.

The Emperor Flame Technique, the Ancestral Talisman Scripture, and the Primordial Dharma Body Chart were all top-tier cultivation techniques, their power increasing exponentially at higher realms.

And he hadn’t even reached his full potential yet. After this advancement, he could refine another Extreme Flame.

His target was the Wind-Thunder Crystal Fire within the Nine-Layered Celestial Dome Pagoda.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t act yet. He had to wait until he returned from Cloud Heaven Palace. This was also why his cultivation hadn’t progressed in the past half-month.

The first round quickly concluded. Those with higher rankings easily defeated their lower-ranked opponents, except for a few close matches between those at the edges of the upper and lower halves, and a few unexpected upsets.

After a fifteen-minute break, the second round began. Fifty-four participants remained, no byes this time. Yan Zhen was matched against the thirty-third ranked student, his old nemesis, Bai Ao.

Bai Ao, originally ranked thirty-third, had been replaced by Yan Zhen, then fought his way back up, only to encounter Yan Zhen again. His face darkened.

Yan Zhen said calmly, “Are you going to concede now, or should I beat you until you’re forced to?”

Bai Ao was indignant. “Don’t get cocky! You only won because of that flame sword! If I had a Tier 6 Mystic Tool, I could easily reach the top ten!”

“Even with a Tier 6 Mystic Tool, you still have to be able to wield it. Besides, my sword isn’t some crafted artifact, but my Natal Sword, forged by my own hands.”

He had shaped it himself, blow by blow, with his Spiritual Power as the hammer. Beautiful Master hadn’t interfered at all.

“Then let’s see how strong you really are!”

Bai Ao donned his wolf-head gauntlets, his body crackling with silver-white lightning, his Mystic Power transforming into a thunder wolf that lunged towards Yan Zhen.

Yan Zhen calmly drew his Extreme Tyrant Sword, holding it aloft with both hands in a high guard stance.

Flames erupted from the blade, a terrifying pressure descending.

Bai Ao abruptly stopped, about ten meters away, the lightning around him dissipating. He gritted his teeth and said, “I concede!”

He knew he couldn’t withstand a single blow from Yan Zhen’s sword.

It was better to concede than to be defeated and injured.

Yan Zhen, not surprised at all, dispelled his Extreme Tyrant Sword and, without even looking at Bai Ao, walked off the stage.

Bai Ao, his jaw clenched, also left the stage, heading straight out of the arena.

The spectators, referees, and remaining contestants were stunned.

A single display of the flame sword had forced a six-star Mystic General to concede? Even against a Mystic King, such a swift surrender was rare. Had Bai Ao been completely traumatized by Yan Zhen?

Wen Canglan adjusted his glasses, a flicker of hatred in his eyes as he looked at Yan Zhen, then, hearing his name called, he leaped onto the stage.

His opponent was ranked forty-fourth on the Rising Star List.

Within ten moves, the forty-fourth ranked student was covered in crystal, his body stiffening as he collapsed onto the platform, unconscious. Wen Canglan, however, was unharmed, not even breaking a sweat.

After the referee announced Wen Canglan’s victory, two medical instructors rushed onto the stage and carried the unconscious student away for emergency treatment.

The Wen family’s Crystallization Palm was truly formidable.

Wen Canglan casually walked off the stage, his gaze meeting Yan Zhen’s. He narrowed his Crystal Eyes and made a throat-slitting gesture.

Yan Zhen ignored him. This guy was indeed strong, even capable of advancing to Mystic King mid-battle, but Yan Zhen had more than a few tricks up his sleeve.

Then, Huangfu Wenqing also easily defeated her opponent and advanced to the next round.

After another fifteen-minute break, the third round began.

Twenty-seven participants remained, and there was another bye. This time, it was Huangfu Wenqing who benefited, advancing directly to the fourth round.

Yan Zhen also defeated his opponent, ranked nineteenth.

After three rounds, only fourteen remained. This time, they had a full hour to rest and recover.

In the fourth round, Yan Zhen was matched against his previously defeated opponent, Wu Tie. After his defeat, Wu Tie had climbed back up from thirty-third to twelfth place, hoping for a rematch with Yan Zhen during the Star Picking Ceremony to reclaim his lost glory.

He had even advanced from seven-star to eight-star Mystic General!

However, Wu Tie quickly changed his mind, understanding why Bai Ao had conceded. After twenty rounds, he was once again defeated by that terrifying flame sword, his prized Black Gold Mystic Armor sliced open like tofu. If he hadn’t conceded in time, he might have lost an arm.

While he thought he had improved, Yan Zhen’s strength had grown to an unbelievable level. Besides Gu Tiange, another monster had emerged in the Inner Academy!

Their battle electrified the crowd, everyone gaining a new understanding of Yan Zhen’s power.

He was definitely top-three material!

A betting pool on the side even added a “Yan Zhen wins” option.

After four rounds, the tournament reached the fifth, with only seven participants remaining:

Wen Canglan, Ling Fei, Yu Die, Yan Zhen, Huangfu Wenqing, and the leaders of Artifact Spirit and Medicine King.

The last two weren’t particularly strong individually, but they were wealthy and had come prepared, unleashing powerful, albeit expensive, attacks and techniques.

For alchemists, their creations were considered extensions of their own power. Therefore, the tournament didn’t prohibit the use of Mystic Tools and Mystic Pills, as long as they were crafted by the alchemist themselves. Before the tournament, specialized instructors inspected each item.

Yan Zhen’s Natal Sword, for example, had also been inspected. The tournament didn’t allow items above Tier 6, as they would be too powerful, and certain explosive or lethal weapons were also prohibited, ensuring fairness as much as possible.

The fifth round began. The matchups were now random, and the extra person wouldn’t receive a bye but would face one of the losers from the previous round.

Second place vs. third place.

Beauty vs. beauty.

Rich guy vs. rich guy.

Yan Zhen waited for his challenger.

The first match was between the two wealthy alchemists. They threw Mystic Tools and consumed Mystic Pills like they were going out of style, a dazzling display of wealth that ended in a draw, both severely injured.

The next match was between Yu Die and Huangfu Wenqing. Cousin Yu Die, specializing in a gentle Water-style fist technique, fought like a body cultivator, able to withstand Huangfu Wenqing’s sword Qi and even trade blows with her, forcing Huangfu Wenqing to reveal her trump card:

Sword Intent.

Something usually only comprehended at the Mystic King realm, Huangfu Wenqing not only grasped it early but also had a deep understanding of it, even able to channel the power of heaven and earth, shattering Yu Die’s defenses and forcing her to concede.

Cousin Yu Die was filled with resentment. One monster like Yan Zhen was enough; now even his “fiancée” was so outrageous. A mere three-star Mystic General, possessing Sword Intent and defeating her, a nine-star Mystic General!

The third match was between Wen Canglan and Ling Fei. Wen Canglan, after saying something to Ling Fei, conceded and then chose to challenge Yan Zhen.

As they entered the arena, Ling Fei adopted a stalling tactic, clearly trying to wear down Yan Zhen’s strength and force him to reveal his trump cards, increasing Wen Canglan’s chances of winning.

176 The Star Picking Ceremony

Yan Zhen paused, then realized the time had come. After the Star Picking Ceremony, the Celestial God Clan would arrive to take Zi Xunyi away.

Only half a month left. The Celestial God Clan must have notified her in advance.

Although he knew this separation was inevitable, Yan Zhen still felt a pang of sadness.

He sat beside Zi Xunyi, gently embracing his pregnant wife, and comforted her, “Don’t worry. It will be alright.”

Zi Xunyi leaned weakly against his chest, silent.

Yan Zhen spent most of his time with Zi Xunyi, even cultivating within the cliffside building.

Seeing this, Grand Elder Yu Yan summoned him back, warning him that the Celestial God Clan would be arriving soon and that he shouldn’t be too close to Zi Xunyi for now.

Yan Zhen made some excuses and returned to the cliffside building, wanting to spend as much time as possible with his soon-to-be-departing wife.

If the script was accurate, the Celestial God Clan would arrive on the day of the Star Picking Ceremony, and Zi Xunyi would leave after watching his duel with Wen Canglan.

Time was running out.

Three days later, the preliminary rounds of the Star Picking Ceremony began. The 108 students on the Rising Star List would set up arenas at their respective society headquarters and accept challenges from non-ranked students.

The preliminary rounds would last for seven days. Those who remained undefeated would qualify for the main event and compete for higher rankings.

At the Yan Huang headquarters, formerly the Black Horn society’s territory, a crowd of students, mostly Mystic Masters with a few Mystic Generals, gathered in the plaza.

There were more than 108 Mystic Generals in the Inner Academy, especially towards the end of the school year, as many Mystic Masters advanced. Everyone who made it into the Inner Academy was strong; some were just… socially challenged.

Moreover, some Mystic Generals, after dropping off the Rising Star List, would choose to focus on cultivating in seclusion, hiding their true strength until the end of the year to make a comeback and gain greater benefits.

On the arena, Huangfu Wenqing was currently dueling a hidden three-star Mystic General. Within ten moves, she sent him flying, winning easily.

“Sword Five, Barrier Break?”

The man clutched his bleeding shoulder, his face pale. He hadn’t expected such a vast difference in strength, even though they were both three-star Mystic Generals. She had even mastered the fifth form of the Nine Swords Technique!

“I overestimated myself. I concede!”

With his strength, he could still challenge those ranked lower on the Rising Star List and had a chance of winning.

The remaining challengers, seeing this, hesitated.

A three-star Mystic General defeated in just a few moves? Those who were only one or two-star, should they even bother?

Yan Zhen was only a one-star Mystic General, but he had defeated the seven-star Mystic General Wu Tie while still a seven-star Mystic Master. Challenging him was asking for trouble.

However, there were always those who were eager for a challenge. A burly, bearded man, who didn’t look like a student at all, jumped out and pointed at Yan Zhen. “Brat, do you dare fight me hand-to-hand, no weapons, a true test of strength?”

Yan Zhen glanced at him. A three-star Mystic General, clearly skilled in body tempering, close to the fourth realm.

“What, are you scared?” The man taunted. “Are you only capable of fighting with weapons?”

The onlookers immediately understood his intention.

The reason Yan Zhen could defeat opponents of higher realms and reach the ninth place on the Rising Star List was because of his abnormally powerful flame sword, said to be forged from an Extreme Flame. They didn’t know how he did it.

Without the sword, Yan Zhen’s strength would be greatly reduced.

But would Yan Zhen be so foolish as to not use his sword?

Under everyone’s gaze, Yan Zhen calmly walked onto the arena and said, “Did Wen Canglan send you to test me?”

The man’s expression faltered, then he sneered. “I’m just here to expose your false strength. Without that flame sword, could you have defeated Wu Tie and reached ninth place on the Rising Star List?”

“I don’t have time to waste on you.” Yan Zhen said coldly. “One move.”

“Haha, one move? Did I hear that right? You think you can defeat me with one move—huh?”

Yan Zhen suddenly vanished. The bearded man felt a chill down his spine and quickly turned around, but Yan Zhen reappeared before him, his flame-wreathed fist slamming into his stomach.

Eight Extremities Burst, Ninth Burst!

Bang!

The bearded man’s Mystic Power armor shattered, and his heavy body flew backward, spitting blood as he landed among the crowd, unconscious.

Silence fell over the plaza.

Gulp.

The sound of swallowing was clearly audible as everyone stared, dumbfounded.

—He really took him down with one move?

Yan Zhen, even as a Mystic Master, could defeat Mystic Generals. Now, as a Mystic General himself, he was even more terrifying, his strength defying logic!

Yan Zhen said impassively, “Anyone else want to challenge me? Come on up.”

The challengers exchanged glances.

“…”

After a moment, they all dispersed, even carrying away the unconscious bearded man.

For the next seven days, no one dared to challenge him. This was exactly what Yan Zhen wanted. He wanted to spend time with his wives, not deal with these bothersome people.

Seven days later, the preliminary rounds ended. The Rising Star List remained mostly unchanged, only the bottom ten or so ranks replaced by new Mystic Generals.

After the preliminary rounds came the main event, held in the Grand Dueling Arena.

The tournament used a matching system.

Not random matching, but those in the top half of the rankings were matched against those in the bottom half.

Notably, Gu Tiange, having advanced to Mystic King, wouldn’t be participating in the Star Picking Ceremony, so there were only 107 participants instead of 108.

One person would receive a bye in the first round. The top 53 would be matched against the bottom 53. If someone from the lower half won, they would take their opponent’s ranking.

This meant that Yan Zhen, ranked ninth, might be matched against someone ranked sixtieth. If he won, his ranking would remain unchanged, and he would advance to the next round. If he lost, he would be eliminated, and his opponent would take his place.

After the first round, there would be another bye, with the remaining top 26 matched against the bottom 26.

Since they were already ranked, this system ensured that the strongest wouldn’t face each other early on, and the weakest wouldn’t be eliminated immediately, making the tournament fairer.

The day of the Star Picking Ceremony arrived, the weather clear and sunny, a gentle breeze in the air.

The Grand Dueling Arena was packed. Vice Dean Wen Qingshan, Grand Elder Yu Yan, and other Inner Academy higher-ups were present on the platform. Even Dean Yu Qing, Head Instructor Shui Bailan, and other Outer Academy leaders had come to watch.

Referee instructors and medical instructors were stationed around the arena. The Rising Star List elites, having drawn lots, sat in the waiting area, calmly awaiting their turn, ready to jump onto the stage when their names were called.

There was only one arena, the gazes of tens of thousands of spectators focused on the two combatants.

Under the spotlight, they would fight with all their might!

Yan Zhen looked at the projection screen above the arena, which displayed the first round’s matchups.

Number 9: Bye.

—Is this the protagonist’s luck?

Huangfu Wenqing was matched against the seventieth-ranked student, the same three-star Mystic General she had defeated in the preliminary rounds.

This time, he only lasted five moves, and Huangfu Wenqing clearly wasn’t using her full strength. She hadn’t even used the Nine Swords Technique in the script.

Yan Zhen felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead. His fiancée’s strength far exceeded the script’s description. Even he couldn’t quite grasp her true power.

175 Forming a Master-Servant Contract with the Dragon Girl

They returned to the residence from the dining hall.

“Long Ying, do you know how to form a master-servant contract?”

“I don’t remember.”

“…Then I’ll take you to see my master.”

“Eh? Oh.”

Long Ying blinked, a flicker of nervousness in her eyes.

—Are we going to the Fire Refining Starry Sky to see the Star Saint? Shouldn’t the Star Saint just send out a contract scroll from the pendant?

In the script, Chen Xi didn’t allow anyone to enter the Fire Refining Starry Sky, and even Yan Zhen rarely went in. She usually projected herself outwards to help him.

Their master-servant contract was formed when Chen Xi sent out a contract scroll from the crystal pendant.

However, after being reborn, Chen Xi hadn’t projected herself out even once, remaining within the Fire Refining Starry Sky to accumulate power. It was always Yan Zhen who went in to see her.

Last night, when Yan Zhen discussed how to deal with Wen Canglan with Beautiful Master, she suggested refining Long Ying’s divine blood but didn’t offer a contract scroll, as she would help him refine the divine blood, making a contract unnecessary.

Therefore, Yan Zhen had to take Long Ying to see Beautiful Master.

“Come closer, Long Ying. We’re going in.”

The little Dragon Girl quickly grabbed both of Yan Zhen’s hands.

The crystal pendant glowed, distorting space, and their figures vanished, appearing on the altar within the Fire Refining Starry Sky.

Burning stars, towering pillars, and a vast plaza.

The familiar scene filled Long Ying with nostalgia. This wasn’t her first time here, but it wasn’t a frequent occurrence either.

In the center of the altar, a breathtakingly beautiful woman with silver-white hair and a black dress sat with her back to them, gazing into the void.

—It’s… it’s the Star Saint! Did the Star Saint also get reborn? Will she see through me? Should I confess to her that I’m reborn? But then, Zhenzhen will also find out, right? Hmm…

Long Ying straightened up, like a soldier before their commanding officer.

Yan Zhen, however, was surprised. Beautiful Master wasn’t meditating or recovering her strength.

“Master.”

Chen Xi turned around gracefully, saw her precious disciple with a pink-haired loli, paused for a moment, then smiled gently.

“Zhen’er, is this the Dragon God Clan princess you mentioned?”

“Yes, Master. This is Long Ying. Because her power is currently limited, she’s in her child form.”

Long Ying bowed politely and said respectfully, “Greetings, Star Saint.”

Star Saint? Chen Xi paused, then realized that this little girl, like Jiu Youyue, was also reborn.

She wasn’t a Star Saint yet, but an Alchemist Saint. She would become the Star Saint only after leaving the Fire Refining Starry Sky and advancing to the Saint realm.

Long Ying had simply gotten used to the title, as their first meeting in her previous life was after Chen Xi’s release, so she addressed her as “Star Saint,” not “Master Chen Xi.”

“Are you the Myriad Dragon King’s daughter?”

“Yes!”

“You possess a powerful energy within you, but you can’t control it yet. Judging by its aura, it’s the Phoenix God Clan’s Nirvana Fruit. Did you steal the Nirvana Fruit?”

“Mm, I’m sorry, I was wrong.”

Long Ying quickly apologized for her childish behavior.

Chen Xi chuckled. “I’m not blaming you. Consuming the Nirvana Fruit should have awakened a new talent. That’s a good thing. As for the Phoenix God Clan, I’m not close to them.”

To be more precise, there was some bad blood between them.

The Phoenix God Clan possessed an Extreme Flame called the “Thousand Feathers Phoenix Immortal Fire,” ranked twelfth on the Extreme Flame List, the most agile of all Extreme Flames, wielded by each generation’s Phoenix Goddess.

The previous Phoenix Goddess didn’t get along with Chen Xi, jealous of the Starlight Glass Fire’s title of “Most Beautiful Extreme Flame.” She had even challenged Chen Xi to a duel, only to be soundly defeated and humiliated, creating a lasting grudge.

“The Nirvana Fruit is located in the Phoenix God Clan’s forbidden grounds. Being able to steal it and escape is quite a feat.”

“Hee hee, thank you for the praise, Star Saint. I only used Mother’s treasure.”

Actually, Long Ying had just been lucky. If she hadn’t awakened a powerful spatial talent after consuming the Nirvana Fruit, even entering a teleportation formation wouldn’t have guaranteed her escape. After all, the Phoenix God Clan’s Saints weren’t to be trifled with.

Chen Xi, already aware of the details, was simply testing her.

“Zhen’er, why did you bring her here?”

Yan Zhen briefly explained the situation.

Chen Xi chuckled inwardly. This silly girl actually offered to become Zhen’er’s mount.

She had already noticed, in her previous life, that this seemingly naive and carefree little girl harbored feelings for her disciple—or rather, everyone had noticed, except for Yan Zhen himself, who saw Long Ying as just a child and remained oblivious to her affections.

It seemed this little girl also wanted to… deepen her relationship with Zhen’er.

“Are you sure about this, Long Ying?”

“Do you disapprove, Star Saint?”

“I’m just worried you’ll regret it later.”

“I won’t regret it, not as long as it can help Zhenzhen…”

“In that case, I’ll grant your wish.”

Guided by Chen Xi, they pressed their blood-stained fingertips onto the contract scroll, forming a master-servant contract, a clear superior-subordinate relationship.

A flame-patterned collar appeared around Long Ying’s neck, and a dragon head mark appeared on the back of Yan Zhen’s left hand. Both felt a sense of their fates being intertwined.

Long Ying touched her collar, looking at the mark on Yan Zhen’s hand.

By activating the mark, he could force her to obey his commands, up to three times, after which the contract would be dissolved.

In her previous life, Yan Zhen had only used it once, to tell her to leave.

Remembering that unpleasant memory, Long Ying bit her lip, hugged Yan Zhen, and said softly, “From now on, we’re even closer partners, Zhenzhen~”

Yan Zhen touched the mark on his hand, fragmented images flashing through his mind, causing a sharp pain in his forehead.

“Zhenzhen?”

Yan Zhen snapped back to reality, looked down at the little girl who barely reached his waist, and felt a surge of tenderness. He couldn’t help but pat her head.

“Yes, from now on, we’re even closer partners. I’ll treat you to even more feasts and make sure you’re happy every day.”

“Really? You promise?”

After signing the contract, Long Ying, wincing slightly, produced a drop of her divine blood, which Yan Zhen refined and absorbed.

After a day and a night, Yan Zhen, with the contract’s power, withstood the transformative side effects of the Dragon God’s divine blood and successfully absorbed it, his physique further enhanced.

Although still far from the “Intermediate Achievement in Body Tempering, Blood Qi as Smoke” realm, his physical strength alone was now enough to deal with Mystic Generals above five stars!

Leaving the Fire Refining Starry Sky, Yan Zhen took Long Ying to the cliffside building and found the atmosphere tense.

Huangfu Wenqing stood by the window, gazing at the scenery, her eyes distant. Zi Xunyi sat on the couch, looking dejected.

Even when they heard the sound of the French window opening, they didn’t react.

Yan Zhen, thinking they had another argument, but unsure, walked over to Zi Xunyi and asked, “What’s wrong, Zi Ji?”

Zi Xunyi sighed softly. “My clan is sending people to take me back.”

174 Tricking Long Ying?

Long Ying, her little nose pinched shut, couldn’t breathe. She let out a muffled whimper and woke up, her emerald eyes filled with sleepy resentment.

“What are you doing, Zhenzhen?”

She pouted, clearly unhappy.

—This little girl has quite the temper when she wakes up.

Yan Zhen coughed and said gently, “Long Ying, are you hungry? I’ll treat you to a feast.”

Hearing the word “feast,” Long Ying’s eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly. “Yes, ple—uh…”

She paused, then, remembering her new persona, quickly composed herself and said gracefully, “Yes, please. Since it’s Zhenzhen’s invitation, I would be delighted to accept.”

Yan Zhen looked at her askance, thinking this little girl was getting weirder and weirder. She was originally a simple, gluttonous loli, then briefly a seductive loli after transforming into her adult form, and now she was an elegant loli.

He suspected that Long Ying, like Zi Xunyi, was reborn, but he wasn’t sure if she had also experienced some… complications during the process, causing these changes in her behavior.

If Long Ying was reborn, tricking her into signing a master-servant contract might not be so easy. If all else failed, he would just have to ask her directly for a drop of her divine blood. She probably wouldn’t refuse.

“Zhenzhen?”

“Oh, let’s go. Where are your shoes?”

“I don’t like wearing shoes.”

“…”

She had taken off the little dress and shoes she wore to the Star Gathering Banquet and was back in his oversized T-shirt, barefoot, her little feet padding softly against the floor.

Yan Zhen took Long Ying’s hand, told Zi Xunyi and Huangfu Wenqing that he was taking her out for a meal, and then left with her for the dining hall.

The two women weren’t fond of ordinary food, so he didn’t invite them.

At the dining hall, in a private room, Yan Zhen ordered the most expensive medicinal cuisine and told Long Ying to eat her fill. He also ate a little.

After she was full, Yan Zhen diligently served her tea, wiped her mouth, and even let her sit on his lap while he rubbed her belly.

Long Ying, enjoying herself immensely, leaned against his chest, looking utterly blissful.

Yan Zhen, focused on attending to her, remained silent.

Finally, the little Dragon Girl, unable to contain her curiosity, asked, “Zhenzhen, did you do something… you shouldn’t have?”

Yan Zhen blinked and said calmly, “You mean, treating you to a feast and rubbing your belly is because I did something wrong?”

“Isn’t it?”

“Heh, so that’s how you see me. Oh well! Since I don’t know if I’ll survive my duel with Wen Canglan, it’s better to separate sooner rather than later.”

Yan Zhen sighed dramatically, stopped rubbing her belly, and put Long Ying back on the chair beside him.

Long Ying was startled and quickly climbed back onto his lap, looking at him with wide, pleading eyes. “I was just kidding, Zhenzhen! Don’t be angry!”

“I’m not angry. I’m just thinking… if I die at Wen Canglan’s hands, how should I explain it to you all?”

“Don’t worry, Zhenzhen. You can easily defeat that four-eyed guy.”

“It’s not that simple. Wen Canglan is about to reach the Mystic King realm. The Wen family’s Crystal Mystic Power is incredibly powerful, and their Crystallization Palm is difficult to defend against. If I get hit, it’s game over.”

“Don’t worry! If you refine my divine blood and learn the Dragon Blood Scale Transformation, you can easily resist the Crystal Mystic Power’s erosion.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

“Yes. My dragon scales have strong defensive properties and resistance. If you refine my divine blood, you can also condense similar scales. Although they’ll be much weaker, they’ll be more than enough to deal with Mystic Generals and Mystic Kings.”

—I’ve been waiting for you to say that.

Yan Zhen put on a hopeful expression. “Then, Long Ying, could you give me a drop of your divine blood?”

The little Dragon Girl’s large, watery eyes seemed to speak. “I’m willing, but Father said divine blood is precious and shouldn’t be given away casually.”

“Your father is right, but I’m not just anyone. We’re best friends, aren’t we?”

“That’s true, but…”

“But what?”

“But the Dragon God Clan’s divine blood is incredibly potent. Even a single drop could transform a mortal into a dragon, driving them mad.”

“It’s fine. I cultivate the Primordial Dharma Body Chart, created by the Human Ancestor. It requires refining divine blood to advance. I can handle it.”

“It’s still dangerous. But there’s a safer method.”

—Tsk, this little girl, when did she learn to be so coy?

“What method? Tell me.”

“If you form a master-servant contract with me and become a Dragon Knight, you’ll be able to withstand my divine blood!”

“?”

Yan Zhen was dumbfounded. Wasn’t that his line? Why was Long Ying saying it? He had already given up on the contract, prioritizing obtaining her divine blood. And now, she was the one suggesting it?

—No, wait. Long Ying is reborn. If she’s suggesting it, she clearly wants him to be the servant and her the master. Not a Dragon Knight, but a… Knight Dragon!

“What do you mean by ‘master-servant contract’?”

“It means I become Zhenzhen’s mount! We’ll share life and death, support each other, and never be apart! Understand?”

The little Dragon Girl blushed, her already adorable face even cuter.

Yan Zhen didn’t understand why Long Ying was offering to be his mount. Wasn’t she reborn? Shouldn’t she be against it?

In the script, Long Ying resented being tricked into becoming his mount, feeling like she had been taken advantage of, refusing to transform unless absolutely necessary.

Later, after experiencing life and death together, their bond deepened, and they even learned a secret technique to merge and transform into a dragon-human hybrid. There was no “Dragon Knight” scenario.

“You mean… you want to be my mount?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t you… dislike being someone’s mount?”

“That’s why I’m saying, for you, Zhenzhen, I’m making a huge sacrifice! You have to be good to me from now on! Otherwise, I won’t forgive you, hmph!”

“…”

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Don’t you want to, Zhenzhen? Hmm?”

Super fierce.JPG Yan Zhen saw a flicker of fear in her eyes, despite her stubborn expression.

“I… I don’t want to treat you like a mount. Aren’t we best friends?”

“It’s just a contract so you can refine my dragon blood. I won’t transform unless absolutely necessary… unless you treat me to a feast!”

“Long Ying.”

“If… if you don’t want to, then forget it. I don’t want to be a mount anyway!”

“Huh? I… I do! I do! Please, Lady Long Ying, bestow your divine blood upon me and save my life!”

Yan Zhen quickly agreed.

A smile returned to Long Ying’s face, a hint of triumph within.

173 Advancing to Mystic General

After the Star Gathering Banquet, Gu Tiange, through his subordinates, once again expressed his desire to spar with Yan Zhen.

Yan Zhen scoffed inwardly, knowing that he just coveted his sword. The “sparring” was just an excuse. He casually brushed them off and left the banquet hall with the three girls.

The Star Picking Ceremony was at the end of the school year, only four months away. Within these four months, he had to advance to the Mystic General realm, trick Long Ying into becoming his mount, obtain a drop of her divine blood to learn the Dragon Blood Scale Transformation technique, and counter the Wen family’s Crystallization Palm.

And after refining the Dragon God’s divine blood, the power of his Heavenly Dragon’s Eight Tones would be further enhanced.

Advancement wasn’t something that happened overnight. Going from eight-star to nine-star Mystic Master was relatively easy, but advancing from Mystic Master to Mystic General was a significant step.

For Mystic One, Mystic Scholar, and Mystic Master, the first three realms, it was simply a matter of accumulating Mystic Power. With sufficient pills, the process could be greatly accelerated. From Mystic General onwards, however, it was different.

A Mystic General’s Mystic Power would gain a spiritual nature, allowing for remote manipulation even after being released and enabling the creation of lifelike constructs.

Like Bai Ao, who could manifest a lightning wolf.

To unlock this spiritual nature, one had to compress and refine the Mystic Power crystals within their dantian to their utmost limit, forming a crystalline sphere, like a miniature planet.

Through continued cultivation, the sphere would compress further, its spiritual nature intensifying, until it collapsed into a small black hole, allowing one to connect with the power of heaven and earth.

Then, they would become a Mystic King!

Yan Zhen planned to advance to Mystic General first, then make a contract with Long Ying, obtaining her dragon blood. After all, refining Dragon God divine blood was a risky endeavor, potentially causing a transformation into a dragon.

—Although Beautiful Master could help him refine the divine blood, he wanted to try it himself this time.

Three months later, within a single-person cultivation room on the sixth level of the Celestial Dome Pagoda, Yan Zhen successfully advanced to one-star Mystic General.

After ten days of secluded cultivation, he finally achieved his goal. The still-upgrading system automatically rewarded him with a Tier 4 trump card.

He had used his previous Tier 3 trump card against the Tier 6 Magma Fox.

With this Tier 4 trump card, he could handle Cloud Heaven Palace’s pursuit… Hmm, he wasn’t even sure if they would pursue him anymore. Something felt off.

Unfortunately, no longer a newbie, he didn’t receive a level-up gift package.

Sigh…

Glancing at the deducted points on his academy card, Yan Zhen realized he had been cultivating for ten days. He tidied himself up, entered the Fire Refining Starry Sky, reported his advancement to Beautiful Master, received his customary milk pill and head pat rewards, then, satisfied, returned to reality and his residence. After taking a bath, he went to Grand Elder Yu Yan’s office.

He had to report to her as well.

Grand Elder Yu Yan was naturally pleased. “Excellent, Little Yan Zhen. Now that you’ve reached Mystic General, you can truly compete for the top three spots on the Rising Star List.”

Yan Zhen grinned. “It’s all thanks to your guidance, Great Aunt.”

“Oh, I haven’t taught you anything. It’s all due to your own hard work, Little Yan Zhen.”

“The Vice Dean hasn’t caused me any trouble these past three months. You must have been… dealing with him, right, Great Aunt?”

“That’s just an elder’s duty…”

Grand Elder Yu Yan smiled and took out a new storage ring, handing it to Yan Zhen. “As an alchemist, you’ll need a storage ring specifically for materials. This high-grade storage ring is for you. I’ve also included some useful herbs and Mystic Crystals for Mystic Generals.”

Storage rings were divided into three tiers: low, medium, and high. Low-grade rings had a capacity of one cubic meter, medium-grade ten cubic meters, and high-grade one hundred cubic meters. Above that were “storage spaces,” used by Mystic Venerables and above, more convenient and secure than storage rings.

Yan Zhen had three storage rings: one medium-grade and two low-grade. He stored his materials in the low-grade rings. Now, with this high-grade ring, he could free up the two lower-grade ones.

“Thank you, Great Aunt.”

“Good boy~”

Grand Elder Yu Yan patted his head affectionately.

During these three months, Yan Zhen had also visited Yu Tian Island to treat the three sisters. Grand Elder Yu Yan and Dean Yu Qing had mostly recovered, while Clan Head Yu Lu still had some minor symptoms, which she could manage herself.

These rewards were personally prepared by Clan Head Yu Lu.

Looking at Yan Zhen’s handsome, smiling face, Grand Elder Yu Yan sighed inwardly, thinking that Xiao Lu had truly made up her mind.

Leaving the Grand Elder’s office, Yan Zhen hurried to the cliffside building. As soon as he landed on the balcony, the mature Zi Xunyi opened the French window to greet him. “Husband, you’re back… Congratulations on your advancement.”

Yan Zhen smiled faintly, put his arm around her waist, and entered the room.

The feel of a soul avatar was indeed different from a physical body, lacking the… tangible quality of flesh and blood. However, in the dreamscape, it was the opposite. Soul avatars were more vivid and sensitive.

Come to think of it, he hadn’t… had any meat in three months. He had spent two days with the four girls in the Outer Academy, but it was purely platonic, just hugs and kisses. Younger Aunt Dean and Aunt Head Instructor’s sudden appearance had prevented him from going any further.

Inside the room, Zi Xunyi and Huangfu Wenqing were playing a board game, while Long Ying lay sprawled on the bed, fast asleep.

Huangfu Wenqing had already advanced to Mystic General two months ago and was now a three-star Mystic General, her progress incredibly fast.

Yan Zhen suspected she also had some kind of cheat.

As for Zi Xunyi, she was also growing stronger as the fetus developed. According to Beautiful Master, it was because Ling’er herself was a Mystic Saint. Even as a consciousness, she was incredibly powerful, and her power was influencing her mother.

Yan Zhen remembered the script mentioning that when he reached the Emperor Realm, Yan Yan would awaken her Yan Emperor bloodline and instantly become a nine-star Mystic Saint. As for their second child, Yan Lingji, she would be born a Demigod, reaching the Saint realm after just one month.

Although it was difficult for Celestial Sovereigns to have children, their offspring, even the weakest, would be at least a Mystic Venerable.

—Even for my daughters’ sake, I have to reach the Celestial Sovereign realm!

When Yan Zhen entered, Zi Xunyi and Huangfu Wenqing looked up simultaneously, smiling when they sensed his Mystic General aura.

“Zi Ji, how are you feeling?”

“I’m fine. It’s just that Ling’er keeps asking me to read to her. I’ve almost finished all the books in the room.”

“I’ll borrow some from the library later… Wenqing, is your forehead still hurting?”

“It stopped hurting after I took the pills you refined. I didn’t realize soul cultivation was so dangerous. I almost suffered Qi deviation.”

“That’s good. Soul cultivation requires careful attention. If you have any questions, ask me or Zi Ji. Don’t try to figure it out on your own. It’s better to discuss it with others.”

“I understand.”

“…”

Yan Zhen gestured for them to continue their game and walked over to the bed, sitting down and gently pinching the little Dragon Girl’s nose.

172 Yan Zhen’s Counterattack

Those who had accused Yan Zhen were rendered speechless. Firstly, they were in the wrong to begin with. Secondly, they had almost forgotten the incident, their anger rekindled only by Wen Canglan’s prompting. Thirdly, Yan Zhen was simply too powerful, not just him, but his companions as well. Even the Mystic King realm Inner Academy Goddess had joined his society!

Wen Canglan frowned, not expecting Yan Zhen to so easily deflect their accusations. It seemed he had waited too long, and their initial anger had dissipated.

“You—”

He tried to speak again, but Yan Zhen interrupted him forcefully.

“—Shut up, Wen! I haven’t even settled the score with you, and you dare to show your face here?! Four months ago, when I left the cliffside building, you sneak-attacked me, injuring me severely with a single palm strike! I was only a four-star Mystic Master then and couldn’t withstand your Wen family’s ultimate technique, the Crystallization Palm. If it weren’t for Zi Ji’s medicine, I might have suffered permanent damage! Such a despicable act, harming a junior and suppressing a freshman, you’re even more vicious than those from the Demon Realm! And now you have the audacity to accuse me of being dishonorable? You’re not even worthy!”

Silence fell over the hall, everyone staring at Wen Canglan in shock.

In their eyes, Wen Canglan was a decent person. Although from a powerful family and with high cultivation, he didn’t usually bully the weak, and the Broken Mirror members were treated well. He was quite popular in the Inner Academy.

Would such a person try to harm Yan Zhen? Many were skeptical.

Wen Canglan himself was stunned, unable to believe Yan Zhen’s audacity.

He had injured Yan Zhen, but he had only used half his strength. He hadn’t expected him to be so fragile, unable to withstand a single palm strike. And now, Yan Zhen was making it sound like attempted murder!

How could he endure such an accusation?

“I didn’t—”

“—Don’t even try to deny it!” Yan Zhen interrupted him again, his voice booming. “Long Ying appeared, and many instructors and elders witnessed the scene. They’re all witnesses! Don’t tell me they’re all from your Wen family and will cover for you!”

Hearing this, the crowd’s expressions changed.

Yan Zhen wouldn’t make such accusations without proof.

However, Wen Canglan’s supporters still couldn’t accept it, hoping for a reasonable explanation, their eyes fixed on him.

“I… I…”

Wen Canglan, under everyone’s scrutiny, couldn’t explain himself.

He had attacked, albeit with only fifty percent of his strength. But that was still enough to severely injure a one or two-star Mystic General, and Yan Zhen was only a four-star Mystic Master at the time. He had intended to harm him.

The second-ranked student on the Rising Star List stood alone, his fists clenched, his words weak and unconvincing.

—Silence was the best answer.

The crowd looked at Wen Canglan with disgust and fear.

Young people fighting over love rivals was common, especially in the Outer Academy. They had seen it countless times. But for Wen Canglan, the second-ranked student on the Rising Star List, to sneak-attack a Mystic Master freshman, even intending to cripple or kill him, was excessive and a serious violation of academy rules.

Within the academy grounds, causing permanent injury or death was strictly forbidden, except in official life-or-death duels.

They hadn’t expected Wen Canglan, usually so composed and elegant, to be so vicious and ruthless. Grand Elder Yu Yan seized the opportunity and spoke, “Student Wen, is what Little Yan Zhen said true?”

Wen Canglan lowered his head, remaining silent.

Vice Dean Wen Qingshan, his eyes narrowed slightly, said calmly, “The Grand Elder is asking you a question, Canglan. Answer truthfully!”

Hearing his grandfather’s voice, Wen Canglan’s confidence returned, and his racing mind calmed down. He looked up and cupped his hands respectfully. “Grand Elder, I admit I was in the wrong, but it wasn’t as Junior Brother Yan Zhen described. I didn’t intend to kill him. I simply heard that he defeated a Mystic General at the Mystic Master realm and, intrigued, wanted to spar with him.”

“Is sneak-attacking how your Wen family ‘spars’ with people? A nine-star Mystic General wanting to ‘spar’ with a four-star Mystic Master? Do you think we’re fools? Why not spar with a five-star Mystic Lord instead?” Yan Zhen, having read the script, knew he would use “sparring” as an excuse. “Stop making excuses, Wen Canglan. You can lie, but your Wen family’s Crystallization Palm can’t.”

“What do you mean?”

Wen Canglan’s face darkened. Yan Zhen took out a small pouch from his storage ring.

“I carefully preserved the residual Mystic Power crystals from my injuries. It’s been nearly four months, and the energy within hasn’t completely dissipated. I’m sure any instructor or elder familiar with the Crystallization Palm can tell how much force you used, whether you intended to spar, cripple me, or even kill me!”

“You!”

“Canglan…”

Vice Dean Wen Qingshan called out, and Wen Canglan flinched, snapping back to reality. He gritted his teeth and lowered his head. “Alright, I admit I was in the wrong. Junior Brother Yan Zhen, I sincerely apologize. I acted impulsively and used excessive force. Please forgive me.”

Before Yan Zhen could respond, Wen Canglan continued, “But you probably won’t forgive me so easily, right? In that case, I’ll give you a chance to challenge me. Since we can’t resolve this through words, let’s settle it through a duel. You can’t accuse me of bullying a junior now, can you?”

Yan Zhen scoffed. “Don’t try to muddy the waters. The matter is clear. You’re suspected of harming a freshman, a serious violation of academy rules. You should have your Mystic Power sealed, receive fifty lashes, and be confined for at least a month—Grand Elder, am I right?”

Grand Elder Yu Yan smiled and nodded. “You remember the rules very well, Little Yan Zhen.”

Because Yan Zhen hadn’t died and hadn’t suffered any permanent injuries, the punishment was lighter.

Wen Canglan’s face turned ashen. Yan Zhen continued, “As for your challenge, I accept. After you’re released from confinement and have fully recovered… no, let’s just settle it at the year-end Star Picking Ceremony. We’ll determine the victor, and also… life or death. You almost killed me with a single palm strike. I’ll return the favor tenfold and take your life!”

“Yan Zhen…”

Wen Canglan glared at him, but Yan Zhen, unafraid, raised his arm and shouted, “Enforcement Team, arrest him!”

A squad of enforcers, who had been waiting outside, entered the hall, walked over to Wen Canglan, and bound his hands with Mystic Power suppressing shackles.

Wen Canglan didn’t resist. With Grand Elder Yu Yan present, resistance was futile and would only lead to more suffering. And with his grandfather watching, he knew he wouldn’t be seriously harmed. This was just a formality.

With the clanking of chains, Wen Canglan was escorted out of the banquet hall, and Vice Dean Wen Qingshan also discreetly disappeared.

The Rising Star List experts were stunned. In all the years of the Star Gathering Banquet, this was the first time someone had been arrested during the event.

They looked at Yan Zhen, who, as if nothing had happened, continued eating casually, occasionally feeding Long Ying, who was sitting on his lap, sunflower seeds.

—Try messing with me. I have cheats!

171 Wen Canglan’s Accusation

The after-dinner entertainment of the Star Gathering Banquet—the Society Battle.

If a society disagreed with the redistribution of rankings, its leader could initiate a Society Battle, using strength to reclaim their benefits.

However, few succeeded.

Precisely because of the society members’ poor performance, their ranking had dropped. Unless they had significantly improved since their defeat, initiating a Society Battle was just asking for trouble.

In the script, Zi Xunyi volunteered to fight, offering it as a “meeting gift” to Yan Zhen, single-handedly defeating the three opponents.

Now, however, Zi Xunyi was pregnant, and Yan Zhen didn’t want her to fight.

But Zi Xunyi, having seen her future self’s memories, naturally wouldn’t miss this opportunity to help him. She insisted on fighting the Black Horn society, showcasing her true strength before the other Rising Star List experts and shocking those who had dismissed her as a mere flower vase.

A Mystic King!

That time she repelled Wen Canglan, the second-ranked student, with a single palm strike, it wasn’t because he was going easy on her, but because she was far stronger than anyone in the Inner Academy!

A Mystic King, skilled in both Mystic Power and soul cultivation, against Mystic Generals, it was a one-sided victory.

The Black Horn society was utterly humiliated, retreating in disgrace.

Zi Xunyi gracefully returned to her seat.

Yan Zhen quickly placed Long Ying on Huangfu Wenqing’s lap, stood up, and gently helped his pregnant wife sit down.

Zi Xunyi, both pleased and annoyed by his attentiveness, whispered, “There’s no need to be so nervous. I’m not about to give birth.”

“Better safe than sorry,” Yan Zhen said matter-of-factly. “I told you not to fight, but you didn’t listen.”

“That Wu Tie was trying to goad you into fighting, having his subordinates wear you down first, then defeating you when you were weakened, to regain his confidence. How could I let him succeed?”

“You’re the best, wifey~”

“Don’t call me that! What if someone hears you?”

“Then I’ll use a mental transmission… You’re the best, wifey~”

Zi Xunyi blushed at her husband’s playful antics and lowered her head, ignoring him.

Wen Canglan, watching their intimate interaction from afar, seethed with jealousy.

Why was Zi Ji so close to Yan Zhen, even knowing he had a fiancée?

And why didn’t his fiancée seem to mind?

Could it be—no!!!

The possibility of “two women sharing one husband” flashed through his mind, but he immediately dismissed it.

Zi Xunyi was the daughter of the Celestial God Clan’s leader, her status even higher than the Holy Son and Holy Maiden of the Sacred Ground. Her standards were incredibly high. She would never share her husband with another woman.

Perhaps Huangfu Wenqing wasn’t really his fiancée. Even if she was, they must not have any real feelings for each other!

Wen Canglan managed to convince himself, but his anger towards Yan Zhen only intensified.

He had always gotten everything he wanted, which made him indifferent and apathetic, until he met Zi Xunyi. He fell in love at first sight, a burning desire he had never felt before. He swore he would have her, and no one else could touch her!

“Black Horn is now ranked eleventh, and Yan Huang has risen to seventh. Any other objections?”

Wen Canglan stood up and said calmly, “I object.”

All eyes turned to the second-ranked student on the Rising Star List. The beautiful spokesperson from the Seven Stars said formally, “Young Master Wen, please state your reason.”

“As you all recall, when the two Polar Secret Realms first opened, we entered the Yang Polar Secret Realm and fought a Tier 5 Magma Ape together. After we finally defeated it, obtaining the Fire Spirit Crystal and a pile of ores, two thieves suddenly appeared and stole our spoils! One took the Fire Spirit Crystal, and the other took the ores.”

“And?”

“Based on my investigation, those two thieves were Yan Zhen and Long Ying from the Yan Huang society! They ambushed us and stole the fruits of our labor! Such a dishonorable society shouldn’t be among the top ten, setting a bad example! While the Inner Academy encourages competition, such underhanded tactics are unacceptable!”

Before all the students present, Wen Canglan made his accusation!

It had been three or four months, and most people had almost forgotten the incident. Reminded by Wen Canglan, they remembered their frustration and glared at Yan Zhen and Long Ying.

Even the leaders of Medicine King and Artifact Spirit looked displeased, as if saying, “You sneaky Yan Zhen, you even tricked us!”

Vice Dean Wen Qingshan immediately spoke up. “Such underhanded tactics are unbecoming of a true cultivator. Our students should be honorable and upright… However, we cannot make a judgment based on a single account. Canglan, do you have any proof that the thieves were from Yan Huang?”

A smirk appeared on Wen Canglan’s lips. He cupped his hands respectfully. “Of course, Vice Dean. Please look at this recording. The thieves were incredibly fast, almost too fast for us to react. They used an extremely profound movement technique, one that leaves a trail of flickering starlight. It’s identical to the technique used by Junior Brother Yan Zhen. I’ve checked, and there’s no such starlight movement technique in the academy’s records. Only Junior Brother Yan Zhen can use it!”

Vice Dean Wen Qingshan nodded. “Movement techniques are indeed rare, and the Inner Academy doesn’t possess any starlight-based techniques. It does seem like it was them… Student Yan Zhen, what do you have to say for yourself?”

The grandfather and grandson, working together, put Yan Zhen on trial before the entire Inner Academy!

Half of the top ten societies had already been informed by Wen Canglan and now spoke up, demanding an explanation from Yan Zhen.

The members of Seven Stars, Transformation, Artifact Spirit, and Medicine King also frowned.

Ling Fei, who hated being tricked, had almost forgotten the incident, but now, hearing Wen Canglan’s words, his anger flared. “You, Yan Zhen, give us an explanation! Was it you?!”

Yan Zhen, who had been casually eating and feeding Long Ying sunflower seeds, said, slightly annoyed by their accusations, “It was me. So what? You were the ones fighting the Tier 5 Magma Ape, but you also set up a perimeter, preventing other societies from participating, intending to keep the Fire Spirit Crystal and the other treasures within the top ten societies. If you can play dirty, why can’t I? So I took action, and I succeeded. Any problem with that? You, a group of Mystic Generals, couldn’t even protect your loot and let a Mystic Master steal it. Aren’t you embarrassed to even bring it up?”

The students were speechless.

They had fought the Tier 5 Magma Ape and gained nothing, while Yan Zhen, who didn’t participate, stole the spoils. Naturally, they felt he was being unfair, but they hadn’t considered that their own actions were also unfair.

Preventing other societies from participating and then claiming only those who fought could share the rewards was also a form of robbery.

After all, the Tier 5 Magma Ape wasn’t some invincible monster.

Silence fell over the banquet hall. Someone weakly retorted, “…But you didn’t have to take everything. You could have at least left us something.”

Yan Zhen scoffed. “Are we close? Leave you something? If I had asked for a share, would you have given me anything? Huh?”

The student shrunk back, pouting and falling silent.

Yan Zhen snorted coldly. “Enough with the pointless talk. I took the treasure, and I’ve already forged it into a sword. If you want it, you can come and take it. I’m always available for a challenge!”