C29 – Azure Sky Realm and Hidden Dragon Sect

Liu Xingchang raised an eyebrow and inquired, “Isn’t this the Azure Sky Realm?”

Patriarch Hu responded with a smile, “This is certainly not the Azure Sky Realm itself. We are still quite a distance from the Azure Sky Realm. This area is merely a part of it.”

Liu Xingchang grasped the meaning behind Patriarch Hu’s words.

Indeed, both the Great Pine Kingdom and Cloud Ascending City fell under the Azure Sky Realm’s jurisdiction and lay within its expansive boundaries. Yet, they weren’t truly within the heart of the Azure Sky Realm.

The situation was akin to Cloud Ascending City, which managed numerous small towns and villages in its vicinity. These communities, while under the city’s governance, were not actually inside the city limits. Hence, the townsfolk, despite being residents of Cloud Ascending City, still referred to going there as “entering the city.”

In the grand scheme of the Azure Sky Realm, Cloud Ascending City and the Great Pine Kingdom were like small towns on the outskirts of a much larger city.

The Azure Sky Realm consisted of innumerable small nations, cities, and private domains, covering an immense area that seemed limitless. Ordinary people could spend their entire lives without ever traversing its full expanse. Even for a cultivator family like the Linghu Clan, reaching the outermost boundaries of the Azure Sky Realm was a formidable challenge.

Countless creatures were born and perished within the Azure Sky Realm, and numerous powers rose to prominence and then faded into oblivion.

For the entities and beings within the Azure Sky Realm, the most bustling and alluring place was, without question, its central region.

Only the heart of the Azure Sky Realm could be considered its true essence. Entities like Cloud Ascending City and the Great Pine Kingdom were simply within its sphere of influence, tucked away in their own corners, unable to access either the realm’s outer limits or its vibrant center.

Undoubtedly, from the perspective of the central Azure Sky Realm, Cloud Ascending City and the Great Pine Kingdom were no different from any rural village or small town.

Liu Xingchang aspired to ascend to greater heights, to grow in strength, and to stand out among his peers. Venturing to the central region of the Azure Sky Realm was an essential step in his journey, much like villagers moving to towns and townsfolk advancing to cities.

Patriarch Hu sighed, “The sad truth is that both Cloud Ascending City and the Great Pine Kingdom, along with many other local forces, seldom see disciples succeed in the selection. Cloud Ascending City, in particular, has yet to have anyone pass the Hidden Dragon Sect’s selection, which is quite an embarrassing predicament.”

“Has anyone from the Great Pine Kingdom ever passed?” Liu Xingchang asked.

After a moment’s reflection, Patriarch Hu responded, “In the case of the Great Pine Kingdom... Mr. Lan did pass the Dragon Saliva Sect’s selection in his youth, becoming an in-name disciple. This drew the attention of both the Hidden Dragon Sect and the Lunar Sect, leading them to offer the Great Pine Kingdom five Sea Selection spots each. Mr. Lan’s success made him a hero throughout the kingdom. Regrettably, his talents were only sufficient for him to be an in-name disciple; he never became an official disciple of the Dragon Saliva Sect. Years later, he returned to his homeland to live in luxury. Despite this, he remains the strongest in the Great Pine Kingdom and bears the esteemed title of Protector of the Nation.”

Liu Xingchang inquired, “Has no one from the Great Pine Kingdom passed since then?”

Patriarch Hu shook his head, “No one. The selection trials attract geniuses from across the Azure Sky Realm. Not only do the outer regions send their talents, but the central region’s prodigies participate as well... How can the offspring of ordinary forces from the outskirts compete with those raised in the central region or those heirs bolstered by their family’s wealth? The mighty powers of the central region cast a wide net in the hopes of finding a diamond in the rough. Besides, with the vastness of the Azure Sky Realm’s periphery, even the slimmest chance of a dark horse emerging means a significant number when everyone is gathered, doesn’t it?”

Upon hearing this, a spark of determination ignited within Liu Xingchang.

It’s no wonder the emperor discarded our old friendship to curry favor with the Dragon Saliva Sect, disregarding the dignity of a young man like me. The disparity between the Great Pine Kingdom and the Dragon Saliva Sect is indeed vast. But if you show no kindness, expect none in return. As a son of the Great Pine Kingdom, I am determined to represent Cloud Ascending City in the competition. And once I’ve joined the Hidden Dragon Sect, I trust you won’t be filled with regret!

With this thought, Liu Xingchang suddenly asked Patriarch Hu, “Are you implying that you’re offering me a chance to audition for the Hidden Dragon Sect?”

Patriarch Hu replied, “Indeed. I secured the spot originally reserved for the Liu Family’s disciples from the City Lord, giving the Linghu Clan two spots. One is for you, as a gesture to repay a debt of gratitude, and the other... frankly, is because I hope you will look after Hu Gewan on the journey and lend her your support. I would be deeply appreciative.”

It was clear that the Linghu Clan’s two spots were designated for Liu Xingchang and Hu Gewan.

Click this and direct to read????????

Click to visit????????

OR download the app and search the book name directly????