Chapter 426: After the Champion

The Dragon Gate Plaza was heavily guarded by the Divine Guards, and they would slay down anyone who intruded. This was now a forbidden ground, and it would only be opened on the Dragon Gate Competition. At the center of the plaza was where everyone’s attention was drawn to, the Dragon Gate Stage.

The Dragon Gate Stage was where one could transform into a dragon by getting into the top eight to become one of the titled figures. The stage was filled with an aged aura, and there were a total of nine stands, with eight stands surrounding one. The one on the center was floating on the ground enveloped by a golden veil. Only the king could stand here.

The eight other stages were where the eight figures would be determined, and the one on the center would determine the champion. The champion would also become the king among the Great Qin Empire’s younger generation. This stage represented both honor and dream, and the king would be born here.

There was a throne placed at the center of the spectator platform that belonged to the Great Qin Empire’s monarch. But the throne looked as if it was competing against the king stage. If Qin Yu was the one who ultimately stood there, it would reflect on the throne to shine further.

But if anyone else remained the last person standing there, this meant that the force behind him would be standing against the royal family’s authority.

When dawn shone down and expelled the winter’s coldness, the entire capital became heated. The plaza was surrounded by people. Not only were there citizens from the Great Qin Empire, but sects’ disciples and wandering cultivators from other territories were also here.

There were only three days left until the Dragon Gate Competition. Many cultivators who couldn’t obtain the qualification to participate could only watch the battle. There were also many inns around the plaza prepared for spectators.

In an inn, the inn was filled with people because the Dragon Gate Competition was the grandest occasion in the Great Qin Empire.

“I heard that this Dragon Gate Competition will be the most intense one over the past century.”

“Yeah, too much weird stuff took place this year. First, there was Lin Yun, and now, we have Bai Lixuan who achieved the Saint Physique. The other sects also have other geniuses, and this has never happened in the previous Dragon Gate Competitions.”

“Yeah, there are too many geniuses this time. Although everyone says that the seven titled figures are still confident about this Dragon Gate Competition, no one knows if there’s a darkhorse.”

“It’s mainly because of the Demonlotus Realm. The various sects’ disciples all received their encounters in the realms, and they’ve been in seclusion after they returned. Who knows if any of them will shine on the competition.”

“Hehe, I’m actually more curious if Lin Yun will show up. His Highness’ face was green the other day when Lin Yun stopped the wedding. I bet His Highness has never received such a humiliation before in his life.”

“Lin Yun might be able to challenge the titled figures if he didn’t cripple a profound vein. After all, the potential he displayed was too terrifying.”

“Yeah, it’s really a pity. But even so, he shouldn’t have appeared in the wedding and revealed all his trump cards. Even if he couldn’t fight with a titled figure, he still has a high chance of obtaining the quota.”

“I would leave if I’m Lin Yun. Let Qin Yu die of frustration of not being able to take revenge.”

The moment someone mentioned Lin Yun, they naturally discussed the bet in the Myriad Treasure Pavilion. The Myriad Treasure Pavilion have also become famous through this Dragon Gate Competition by introducing the Newly Risen Ranking and Titled Ranking.

Although the rankings were somewhat biased, it was still generally fair. If it wasn’t for the Newly Risen Ranking, it wouldn’t be possible for them to monopolize most of the bets for this Dragon Gate Competition because the ranking also represented their powerful intelligence.

When the sun set down, the Sword Firmament Pavilion became bleak as disciples made their way to the capital. They would naturally not be left out for this event.

After all, they wouldn't be able to make it for the Dragon Gate Competition’s opening if they didn’t move out. Some anxious disciples even left much earlier. But even until today, Lin Yun was still nowhere seen that made many people disappointed.

Many feel that he might be giving up on this Dragon Gate Competition. They might be disappointed, but it aws also understandable. After all, they might also make the same choice if they were in Lin Yun’s shoes.

The Locket Mountain were all gathered together, and everyone showed concern on their faces aside from Xin Yan.

“Xin Yan, are we still waiting for junio brother?” Chen Xuanjun asked. It has been three days, and Lin Yun was still nowhere seen.

“Could it be that junior brother went to the core of the Extermination Mountain Range? I heard that it was the territory for Violet Palace Realm demonic beasts, and there were even forbidden grounds. Every year, many disciples will die there…” Some said in a concerned tone.

“What are you talking about?” Xin Yan glared at the group as she sighed inwardly. There wasn’t one time she couldn’t be rest assured with Lin Yun.

“Senior Sister, do you think if Big Brother Lin will head to the capital directly from the Extermination Mountain RAnge? After all, time is precious to him,” said Li Wuyou.

“Let’s hope so. Let’s not wait for him and get going now,” smile Xin Yan as she rubbed Li Wuyou’s head. But before they left, Xin Yan turned back to look at the Extermination Mountain Range. She was really worried that Lin Yun might miss the time.

Meanwhile, a lone figure stood on a cliff as he looked at the setting sun in the core of the Extermination Mountain Range. He was naturally Lin Yun, and he has been standing here since he made a breakthrough in the Dracophant Battle Physique.

He had been looking at the sun rising and setting for the past seven days, and he gradually saw something different about it. The sun might be moving slowly in his eyes, but it was actually traveling millions and millions of miles every second.

The Seven Profound Steps derived from Divine Sunchasing Art, and it was impossible for humans to chase after the sun. So it didn’t mean chasing after it literally, but becoming the sun.

Since people managed to create the Divine Sunchasing Art in ancient times, this meant that there must be something special about it. After all, it made no sense for someone to chase after the sun blindly.

Lin Yun’s eyes lit up as he gradually calmed down, and he closed his eyes.

One night passed, and Lin Yun suddenly opened his eyes when the first glimpse of darn arrived. When he turned around and took a step forth, he looked back to see another him standing in the place where he was previously.

When his clone basked in the sun, it suddenly glowed brightly, which seemed to form into a painting. With a smile, Lin Yun stepped forth, and he poked on the painting.

The painting suddenly shattered, and his clone turned into a lump of flames soaring into the sky. At this moment, his Seven Profound Steps reached the Manifestation Stage.

The rising flame was like a sun in the sky, and many cultivators who were training in the mountain range looked at the direction of the sun with disbelief, “How is this possible…?”

Many intelligent demonic beasts were terrified as they had no idea what was happening, and this instantly caused an uproar in the mountain range.

Lin Yun narrowed his eyes into slits, and he balled his fists together with a ball of fire blazing deep in his heart. Three years was too long, and he didn’t want to wait. He had a reason to attend this Dragon GAte Competition, and he was going after the champion!