Li Wuyi was the one who was happiest, to see Lyu Liang back. During these hundred years, Liu Wuyi had strongly believed that his legendary third brother was safe. And he also promised the people that Lyu Liang would bring a huge surprise, when he showed up again.
Everyone knew that Li Wuyi was an optimist, so no one took his promises seriously. But they hadn't expected that he was right about this —Lyu Liang did stun them greatly when he reappeared.
Dozens of years ago, Xu Mubai also came by with some forces from the Wufang Territory. After all, the Wufang Territory was at peace now, and he also wanted to fight along with his two brothers.
Lyu Liang could decline others' invitations, but for his two brothers', he would undoubtedly accept joyfully. The feast was as big as it could get, and Zhu Yan came as he said he would. Eating and chatting, they had fun for three days and nights. During that period, Yang Ying and Wen Ying joined them, together with Liu Jiahao, Liu Jiawen, and Zheng Xuan, which added some eye catching colors to the joyous feast.
Four days after Lyu Liang's return, the founding father of Sword Character came to look for him. Lyu Liang left his brothers and followed him to a simple, s.p.a.cious cave residence.
When Lyu Liang was wondering why they could not talk at the main palace, the founding father said, "Liang, this is my cave residence. There's an urgent matter that I think I'd better let you know, as soon as possible."
When he heard what he had to say, Lyu Liang was stunned. Then, the founding father went on, "Six days later, there'll be an Immortals' Contest, which is held by the Heavenly Alliance, every five thousand years. Although it is during wartime, the rules have not changed. The contest is divided into two parts—the intelligence test and the combat test. The five contestants who get the highest scores will be promoted to the Heaven Realm directly. But what's more intriguing is that, the top three will also obtain a chance to enter the Gate of the Heaven Realm, which is precisely what the cultivators want!"
Lyu Liang found out what the contest was about in no time—in a word, it was like a selection event. However, he did not have any interest in being promoted directly to the Heaven Realm.
"You mean that I can also partic.i.p.ate in the contest?" Lyu Liang asked, although he wasn't interested.
There were too many things for Lyu Liang to worry about, like how Zhu Yu was getting on in the other relic, how Lyu Xinyun felt now, and whether he could turn the tide of war, with the vessel.
The founding father nodded and said with a smile, "Yes. Actually, you've missed the deadline to sign up. A month ago, the list of partic.i.p.ants was submitted to the branch of Heavenly Alliance in the Chaotic World. So in principle, you're already disqualified. But you still have a chance. I hope that you can join!"
Lyu Liang was stunned, and then he said in confusion, "Master, I don't want to trouble you. And you know that I'm not an ambitious man. I have too many magic treasures and opportunities now, so... "
The founding father waved his hand and said softly, "Take it easy. Listen to me, and then you can decide by yourself. As I have said, the biggest prize here, is the opportunity to enter the Gate of the Heaven Realm. Behind it is the Treasure House of the headquarters of the Heavenly Alliance, where there are various Cultivation Methods, magic treasures, and artifacts, and most of them are un.o.btainable in the Mortal World! Do you have any interest now?"
Lyu Liang had a thought which ignited his excitement instantly, then, he said in a trembling voice, "I-is there..."
"The Eternal Heaven Fire is also in it!" The founding father, who knew his disciple so well, told him frankly.
"Count me in! Please help me sign up if it is convenient!" Thinking of Shangguan Ying, Lyu Liang couldn't stay calm anymore. There was only one idea in his mind—he must partic.i.p.ate in this contest!
Zhu Yu once said that he knew where the Eternal Heaven Fire was, but he would help Lyu Liang to get it only after he had taken his revenge. Although Lyu Liang didn't know the details, he thought that it must be very tricky to get it. Now, there was an easier chance, and he wouldn't let go of the opportunity!
Smiling slightly, the founding father gestured for him to calm down and went on, "Don't be in such a hurry. I called you here just for this. If I add your name onto the list directly, considering your fame, most people will agree. But still, some petty guys may try to blackmail you with it. If you can make a contribution before the contest, then you can shut all the people's mouths."
Lyu Liang's eyes lit up, as he understood the founding father's intention at once. He nodded and replied, "Master, don't worry! I received an immense opportunity from the civilization remains. Tomorrow, I will go to the enemy's camp by myself, and make a great contribution!"
Lyu Liang was very confident, but the founding father was scared by his words. He rose hastily and grasped Lyu Liang's arm as he said, "Ah, my kid! Two days later, we'll fight with the Nether Big World, all you need to do then, is to kill two enemies. I'm not asking you to make a great contribution! I know that you can get through the enemy's Bounded Domain with ease, but there are many powerful figures and cannons in their camp. How could you even think of such an idea?"
Hearing his words, Lyu Liang scratched his head and smiled sheepishly. But internally, he had already come up with a comprehensive plan.
He said this, because he was indeed able to do it. According to his plan, he would sneak into the enemy's camp and destroy all the cannons, using the power of the Core Crystal. Then, he would use the Dreamy Crystal Vessel to make his escape. Although the plan might not be perfect, he believed that it would keep him from being harmed.
But the founding father didn't know about that, so it was reasonable for him to be so nervous. After all, even Huangfu Gang wouldn't be so crazy to break into the enemy's camp, alone. Even if Lyu Liang was more powerful than him, his strength was still limited, which wouldn't enable him to get through the ordeal.
After thinking for a while, Lyu Liang told the founding father about the vessel. Although he didn't show it, the founding father, who knew Lyu Liang well, was convinced and had a surprised and joyful look on his face.
After a brief discussion, they decided to take action, after two days. And they had only one aim—to destroy all the enemy's cannons.
If Lyu Liang succeeded, then his contribution would be greater than Huangfu Gang's, who killed 100 enemies at the Peak of Almighty Immortal alone! At that time, apart from partic.i.p.ating in the contest, he would probably be promoted to the Heaven Realm directly!
"Oh yes, I have to tell you more about the contest so that you can prepare for it." After drawing up the tactical plan with Lyu Liang, the founding father talked about the contest again. After all, this was their ultimate aim. "The partic.i.p.ants in our Chaotic World are from all the five clans, and our enemies, those of the Devil Realm, will also partic.i.p.ate in it. But no one should take them as enemies, in the contest."
Lyu Liang was stunned, but he understood, after thinking over it for a while. After all, this was an event for the entire world; it had nothing to do with clans or wars.
The founding father went on, "Some elites from the enemy's camp will also be joining the same contest in the Nether Big World, so we don't need to worry that wars will go on during this period. We can focus on the contest. The contest here will be supervised by the emissaries from the headquarters of the Heavenly Alliance, to avoid any cheating."
After learning that, Lyu Liang asked the question he was most concerned about, "Master, what are the rules for choosing the prizes after entering the Gate of the Heaven Realm?" He believed that there must be many restrictions inside.
The founding father nodded and said softly, "There are indeed rules. The first prizes are a Cultivation Method, a magic treasure, and an artifact. The second prizes are a magic treasure and an artifact. And the third prize is only an artifact."
After confirming that there was no level restriction for choosing all these things, Lyu Liang was totally dazzled by such immense temptations from the Gate of the Heaven Realm!
"Oh yes, I have a list of the partic.i.p.ants here. Have a look. There are some people that you know." A scroll appeared in the founding father's hand, showing a list of names after it was unfolded.
With only one glance, through his Divine Sense, Lyu Liang had a stern look on his face. There were indeed some people that he knew, and not only one. However, each of them was powerful and difficult to deal with. It seemed that he had to put in more effort if he wanted to enter the Gate of the Heaven Realm!
The Eternal Heaven Fire was an artifact, so he could obtain it as long as he won third place. But looking at these familiar names, Lyu Liang wasn't as confident as he was at the start, and he began to calm himself down, slowly.
Zhu Yan, Xu Mubai, Yang Ying, Wen Ying, Huangfu Gang, Feng Xiu, Duan Xiaofang... They were his brothers, his friends, or powerful geniuses. Anyway, none of them were easy to deal with.
Among them, one name caught Lyu Liang's attention, and then, subconsciously, he was furious. That was the anger from the blood of the Xuanli Clan, one of the Original Sins that had caused the clan to vanish in the Devil Realm! The name was "Anye Tianlong!"
At the same time, in a grand residence, Huangfu Gang was going through the same list joyfully, talking to the Gray Fog beside him, from time to time.
"Fog Devil, this is such an interesting contest! This is my chance! Are you willing to go through the mysterious glory with me?" Huangfu Gang had an expectant look on his face.
The Gray Fog's obscure voice became somewhat excited, "I've decided to give my life to you!"
Hearing that, Huangfu Gang slapped the table and said with a laugh, "All right! Then I'll make this contest the first step towards my glory!"
"But, Childe, please allow me to something. Your brother's name is also in the list..." The gray fog seemed to have thought of something and did not go on.
Suddenly, Huangfu Gang's eyes became sharp, and a stern look appeared on his face. Then, he said in a low voice, "Humph! This bast*rd may have come to defeat me! Come, come! I'll make this his burial place! That way, I'll comfort my poor mum a little!"