C36

Early morning, in the Great Clarity Palace.

At this moment, in the northwest corner of the Great Clarity Palace, the thousand-meter wide training field was already filled with the hubbub of people.

The Martial Arts Practice Field was surrounded by a ten-meter-tall, grayish-black wall. On the west side of the training field, there were more than twenty thousand spectators!

The vermilion entrance was set up at the south side of the training field. Wave after wave of people entered through the gate. Under the guidance of the beautiful palace maids, they sat in the empty seats to the west.

Under normal circumstances, the Martial Arts Practice Grounds was used by the elite soldiers of the Ming Dynasty to practice martial arts. However, the people here today were the civil and military officials of the Ming Dynasty, Wang Qinghui, as well as the well-known and influential Great Clans of the Ming Dynasty.

The reason was simple. Today was the day of the annual competition between the younger generation of the Great Ming Empire!

The empires' martial competition was an extremely high level competition in the Great Ming Empire. It represented the strongest combat strength of the younger generation of the Great Ming Empire. At the same time, it also represented the potential for the Great Ming Empire's future development.

Even though everyone knew about the empires' martial arts competition, there were only a handful of people who were able to spectate. Being invited to the empires' competition was the supreme glory of these thirty thousand people.

At the east side of the huge training field, there was a ten-meter-wide, five-meter-thick war drum. The gray surface of the drum was made from the skin of a rank 9 beast, the Raging Rhino.

Around the gray drum's surface, there was a circle of white lines that looked grand and simple. If one looked carefully, there was a stream of light moving up and down on it.

The first test of today's competition was to let the young martial artists fight the battle drums without using any martial skills. The white lines would change color according to the strength of the attack, and finally, from the more than one thousand young geniuses participating in the competition, the strongest eighty people would be selected and would enter the next round of the competition.

Strength was the purest manifestation of an outstanding martial artist's potential. The first battle in this empire competition was a heavy beating on the battle drum. It was simple and brutal!

The judges of the competition this time around were nine Omnipotent Experts.

There were nine people seated at the front of the spectator seats on the west side of the Martial Arts Practice Grounds. On the left side, the Minister of Public Affairs, the Minister of Revenue, the Minister of Rites, the Minister of War, the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Industry had all gathered!

On the right were three black robed elders who were sitting in a luxurious position. They were the people who had the highest authority in the kingdom.

It had to be known that regardless of whether it was the Six Division's Elders or the Imperial Guards, they all held supreme authority within the dynasty. It had to be known that regardless of whether it was the Six Division's Elders or the Imperial Guards, they held supreme authority within the dynasty.

Aside from these nine mysterious figures, there were also various powers and clans in the spectator stands. The higher their position was, the higher their position was.

At the front row of seats, the three Patriarchs of the Liu Family, Lin Family, and Song Family were already seated. Behind them were many Patriarchs, stewards, and juniors.

Among these juniors, those with superior talent and qualifications were already eager to give it a try.

However, the complexions of the three clan masters were not very good because in front of them, there was still a large area of empty space. However, they did not have the qualifications to sit there.

Because that was the seat of the Ye Family!

"What's so special about the Ye family?"

A junior from the Lin Family, who had the qualifications to participate in the tournament, felt aggrieved when he saw that the Ye Family still had not arrived and was putting on an act. He then coldly complained.

When the elder heard this, he frowned and said in a low voice: "Haoran, don't speak nonsense. The Ye Family now is no longer the Ye Family of the past. We cannot afford to offend them!"

Of course, they could not afford to offend the Ye Family. Ye Lingyun, who was sitting together with the other five officials, was the head of the Great Ming Dynasty's Ministry of Justice. He was the head of the Ye Family's younger brother!

This was because Ye Lingyun had already surpassed the Ye family in terms of power. However, her daughter, Ye Xi, had also risen to the top like a phoenix, surpassing all the other prodigies from the Four Great Clans.

Furthermore, Ye Xi was even engaged to the strongest person in the Great Ming Empire, the Ninth Prince. Her status would be expanded once again, and in the future, her cultivation resources would be even richer.

Because of this, the three Patriarchs were furious, but they did not express it.

Right now, they definitely could not form any sort of feud with the Ye Clan. On the contrary, they would have to fawn over them.

Lin Haoran naturally knew the meaning behind the old man's words, but he didn't believe the rumors he had heard. He was still unconvinced as he said: "Could it be that even Brother Zedong cannot compare to that woman?"

The old man shook his head in disappointment.

Lin Haoran no longer said anything, but it could be seen that he was not convinced at all. He only knew that it was useless to say anything more, thus he chose to keep silent.

"Quick, look."

Just at this moment, someone pointed towards the southern gate and saw a group of people in purplish black robes slowly walking towards the spectator stands. It was the high-ranking members of the World Merchant Guild.

The middle-aged man in the lead had a black goatee, and he returned the greeting with a refined smile. Finally, he sat in front of the spectator's seats.

Although the Under Heaven Guild was a merchant that sold martial arts products, in reality, it was because there were countless strong people in the company that they were able to spread throughout the entire Great Ming Empire and dominate everything in their own right. Therefore, the influence of the company definitely could not be underestimated.

Following which, a few other powers also came over. However, the next group of powers attracted the gazes of the vast majority of the crowd.

He saw that the group of people wore the same black tight clothing, and the only person in the lead was a woman. She wore a gorgeous fiery-red qipao, which was especially eye-catching in the crowd.

Her delicate arms were like lotus roots, and her snow-white long legs were also exposed. Although she covered her mouth and nose with a red bandage, just by looking at her long eyelashes and long narrow eyes, one could tell that she was extremely flirtatious and flirtatious.

This woman was the master of the Underground Imperial City, Ji Hongling!

Legend has it that because her appearance was too beautiful, she never easily displayed her unparalleled beauty in front of the crowd. But because of this, more and more people started to admire her.

After seeing such a charming Ji Hongling, their eyes couldn't help but widen. Although they had already heard of the beauty of the Underground Imperial City's City Lord, when they saw it with their own eyes, they still couldn't help but be fascinated by it.

However, not long after Ji Hongling led the underlings of the Underground King City to sit down, the next group of people entering the gates attracted everyone's attention!

This group of people were all wearing blue and blue embroidered suits. The leader of the group was a middle-aged man with a resolute expression as he strode in with large strides. Beside him was another woman.

Her facial features were exquisite, and her face was pretty. Her black hair lightly fell against her waist.

She did not intentionally reveal her identity and merely walked forward in a curvy line. However, her body gave off a cold and noble aura. She was clearly wearing the same cyan and blue tight clothes as the others, but she inadvertently became the most conspicuous one!

Moreover, everyone could still feel a natural momentum coming from her, as if her spirit and her body were one!

The person who came was the rising star of the Great Ming Dynasty, the prized daughter of heaven, Ye Xi.

Just a week ago, she had broken through to the eighth level of the Transcending Mortality Stage, the Origin Returning Stage!

"Hiss …" I never thought that this Ye Xi would be so dazzling. The moment she appeared, she enchanted all of us. " Some of the disciples sighed.

"Nonsense, you think? My Ye Xi is not only beautiful, she even reached the eighth level of the Transcending Mortality Stage a few days ago! How many times have you seen a sixteen year old Origin Convergence Stage cultivator?

Someone said proudly, "My Ye Xi has a special physique and possesses the Wind Spirit Body. Her body's agility is much greater than an ordinary person's, and she is a sword genius, so her Wind Spirit Body's agility allows her to display sword aura in an instant. Her speed is as fast as formless, and her strength is terrifying to the extreme.

The Wind Spirit Body was a special type of physique, and Ye Xi was born with this kind of outstanding physique.

Hearing that person's analysis, the other person looked at Ye Xi's beautiful figure and helplessly smacked his lips, "So, Goddess, you don't have to be so strong, okay?" Give me a chance to catch up with you and pursue you! "

"Scram. If you want to daydream, then do it. Don't block my line of sight." The person behind him directly pushed the man in front of him away. After which, he began to admire the enchanting figure in the arena in a relaxed and relaxed manner.

When the Ye Family sat down, all of the spectators had already arrived.

Only after that did everyone turn their gazes towards the high platform to the north, waiting for Duke Ming's arrival!

Thirty-four black and gold wooden chairs were placed at the side of the high platform. Thirty-four different beautiful and delicate consort were sitting on them, quietly waiting for the arrival of Duke Ming. And Yang Xuerong was sitting right there!

Due to the Pure Gold Blood Lingzhi, the lung disease that Yang Xuerong had suffered from for many years had been completely cured. She also came out from the torture of suffering, but at this moment, even though her face was smeared with rouge, she was still unable to hide the dimness in her eyes.

Two months ago, Ming Yu had gone missing without a reason in the Great Ming Dynasty. Yang Xuerong searched everywhere in the palace, but she couldn't even find Ming Yu's shadow.

She desperately wanted to report this to the imperial court. Even though Duke Ming was in closed door cultivation, she still painfully knelt outside the Hall of Wonder for a day and a night, begging for Duke Ming to show himself, but what she received was still a merciless expulsion.

Yang Xuerong's mood was already extremely unstable to begin with, but now, when she saw the ten thousand people watching below the stage, saw the lively young men and women, and recalled that Mingyu was their age, she disappeared without a reason …

The depressed feelings in his heart surged to the surface once again!

With a 'shua' sound, Yang Xuerong's tears flowed uncontrollably. She lowered her head and choked with sobs. Due to her heartache and excitement, she subconsciously clenched her hands in front of her legs, her nails digging into her flesh but she was completely oblivious.

Although Yang Xuerong tried her best to hide her sorry state, she was still discovered by the sharp eyed princesses beside her.

They had also heard about Yang Xuerong's matter. Some of them had nothing to do with themselves and stood aloof from others, but a few of them could not bear it any longer and were prepared to step forward to console her.

"Don't worry about her."

Li Fei, who was dressed beautifully, sat to the side and said coldly: "A son that can't make the slightest bit of climate change, I get angry just by looking at it. If it's lost, it's lost. What's there to cry about? Yang Xuerong, don't you see the occasion today? You're crying and crying, do you still have the appearance of a wangfei! "

When these words were spoken, all the other princesses who wanted to step forward and comfort her fell silent.

They knew that Yang Fei had offended Li Fei long ago, and that she stood on the queen's side. With the queen's backing, it could be said that Yang Fei had been dealt with miserably over the years.

Originally, this already made them feel sympathy, but who would have thought that just two months ago, Yang Xuerong's child was also lost.

As a mother, they could completely understand Yang Xuerong's feelings at the moment. However, Yang Xuerong's son couldn't even become a martial artist, and no one cared about him even after he disappeared. What a tragedy.

Feeling the pitying gazes from the surroundings, Yang Xuerong felt even more sad and helpless. Even so, no one would care about her anymore.

Right at that moment, a wind blew past. Immediately after, an extremely powerful aura came pressing down on the entire martial arts practice field.

Everyone raised their heads to look, only to see a figure flying over from the top of the city wall, landing on the platform.

It was a man wearing a golden dragon robe. Although he was fifty-four years old this year, his short hair was black and shiny. There was not a single strand of white in his eyes.

He merely put his hands behind his back and stood on the tall stage. He did not give off any aura, but he seemed to become the focus of the entire crowd, the center of thirty thousand people.

Duke Ming, Ming Chen Yuan!

Everyone in the west wing stood up. With a "Hua" sound, they all kneeled on one knee. A loud and clear sound resounded throughout the entire training field.

"We pay our respects to Duke Ming. He is a hero of the Ming Kingdom, born into the world. He will rule the world once and for all!"

"Rise." Ming Chenyuan waved his hand and sat on the dragon throne made entirely of gold at the center of the platform, looking down at everything below.

"Thank you, your majesty!" Everyone stood up and sat back down. In their hearts, Duke Ming was a god-like existence. Whether it was his words or his actions, they were all extremely respectful.

The other thirty-four princesses stood up at the same time and returned to their seats.

"Hmm?"

With Ming Chenyuan's cultivation, he only took a glance at the crying Yang Xuerong in an instant. When everyone saw her like this, they thought it was because he did something that caused her to cry. Thus, they frowned and asked, "What are you crying for?"

To Ming Chenyuan, this face was somewhat unfamiliar, but if one looked carefully, it seemed that there really was such a wangfei in their memories.

"..." "No, no."

Yang Xuerong hurriedly wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes. Looking once again at Ming Chenyuan's resolute face, Yang Xuerong could not help but be somewhat moved. This was her husband!

However, she knew that the distance between her and Ming Chenyuan was getting further and further apart. Ming Chenyuan was the king of a dynasty and was the ruler of the world.

She could not cry, because she could not leave any bad impression in Ming Chenyuan's heart. When the competition was over, she would pray for Ming Chenyuan to retrieve Ming Yu.

Although Yang Xuerong knew that this hope was very slim, if she didn't use this attitude of trying her best to numb her, how could she endure the pain of losing her son!

"Pay attention to your appearance." Ming Chenyuan frowned and said.

"..." "Yes." Yang Xuerong lowered her head and answered.

Ming Chenyuan turned around and no longer looked at Yang Xuerong, but spoke to the west side of the audience. His voice was clearly not loud, but it clearly spread throughout the entire training grounds and reached everyone's ears:

"The empires' martial arts competition has already lasted for fifteen years. Generations of martial artists have appeared. I hope that this year's empires' martial arts competition can still bring me a pleasant surprise. As for the rules and contents of the dynasties' martial arts competition, the Military Department's President, Mu Lang."

"This humble subject is here." A middle-aged man at the front of the audience stood up and bowed his head as he replied.

"You are in charge of everything."

"Yes sir!"

Mu Lang, as the head of the Military Department, was mainly in charge of managing the army. In the past, he was the one who presided over the military competitions of the previous dynasties.

Mu Lang cleared his throat and stood up: "The competition is divided into three rounds, the top eight will receive a throat sealing reward, and the first place will be rewarded with three hundred Origin Gathering Pills, a Level 8 Mysterious Weapon, a set of Golden Armor, and a high grade Spirit Level martial skill!"

"Hua …"

Hearing this reward, everyone sighed. They never thought that the prize for the first place competition in the empire would be so bountiful. The value of these things were definitely no less than ten million inkstones, and might even surpass it!

Mu Lang raised his hand to indicate for everyone to quiet down before continuing, "Everyone, please listen to me. I believe that many of you have come to spectate this year's competition.

Pointing to the huge battle drum placed on the east side of the training field, Mu Lang continued, "This battle drum is made from the skin of a Raging Rhino. Pointing to the huge battle drum placed on the east side of the training field, Mu Lang continued saying," This battle drum is made from the skin of a Raging Rhino.

"But today, we will use beating drums as the first competition, and according to the strength of the drums, the sounds of the drums will become louder, and the patterns around the drums will change color from shallow to deep. Amongst the thousand or so participants selected, we will select the eighty with the best result and enter the second round."

After Mu Lang finished his speech, discussions broke out among the audience.

The rules of the first round were quite complicated, but this year's round was quite simple. Many complicated steps were omitted.

"Silence."

Mu Lang's voice rang out once again, "Due to the limited time, I shall announce the official start of the competition between the Great Ming Empire and the sixteenth empire!"

"In one year, after a thorough investigation and a comprehensive evaluation, we selected 1025 juniors under the age of 18 from the list of participants. Then, those that I call out, stand behind me."

Among these 30,000 people, there were many powerful forces. Since they were invited here, it meant that some of their younger generation had been selected as candidates!

"Liu Family, Liu Songming, step forward …"

Mu Lang took out a book and read it out loud. Immediately after, the people who read out his name all stood beside him in a line under the gazes of tens of thousands of people.

Mu Lang's reading speed was very fast, but in the time it took for two incense sticks to burn, all one thousand two hundred and twenty-five people were counted. These people were all under eighteen years old and were all young experts that people in the Great Ming Empire called geniuses.

At this moment, the young men and women who were selected were in high spirits as they puffed up their chests. Being able to participate in the empire martial competition was in itself a form of high recognition!

As expected, Ye Xi was chosen, but she wasn't very excited. Instead, she felt that it was only right.

Just like Ye Xi, those who were confident enough to enter the top 80 complained. The first round of the assessment would likely take place in the afternoon, wasting their time.

"Next, we will recommend fifty-seven people from the royal family."

At Mu Lang's command, 57 more people walked out from the audience seats and joined the group.

In the end, Mu Lang respectfully looked to the side of the high platform. Because Duke Ming's children were waiting here, they were princes and princesses that would naturally be kept until the very end.

"The First Prince of the Great Ming Dynasty, Ming Cheng, after you."

"The second prince of the Great Ming Dynasty, Ming Dong, please."

Like this, Mu Lang first read out the prince's name, and then a prince walked up from the edge of the field with his head held high, joining the line. As long as it was a prince who hadn't reached the age of 18, they would all be called out.

When Mu Lang finished chanting the name of the Sixteenth Prince and saw him join the team, a helpless smile appeared on his face.

"The seventeenth prince of the Great Ming Dynasty, Ming Yu, please."

His voice echoed throughout the entire training field, but no one walked out. A hint of disdain appeared in Ye Xi's eyes. Today, Ming Yu's escape caused the air that Ye Xi had suffered in front of the Falling Flower Hall to dissipate.

'Impotence is impotence. Even if you are sharp-tongued, you still won't be able to gain any face for yourself. '

"The seventeenth prince of the Great Ming Dynasty, Ming Yu, please."

When Yang Xuerong, who was standing at the side of the stage, heard the name of her son, her entire body began to tremble. Originally, if Mingyu was hiding at home, it wouldn't matter even if she lost face, but now, her child had clearly disappeared!

Hearing the two words "Ming Yu", the other princes and princesses couldn't help but shake their heads and chuckle. That good-for-nothing, where did he hide himself this year? Fine, he was trash who didn't even have the qualifications for martial cultivation, so this wasn't a place he should come to.

According to the rules, only princes and princesses had the right to participate in the dynasties competition. Only then would Mu Lang repeat the rules, but in reality, it was just a symbolic repetition.

"Seventeenth prince of the Great Ming Empire, Ming …"

"Stop reciting it..." Stop reciting it... I beg you... "Okay …" Yang Xuerong finally could not take it anymore as her entire body had collapsed!

The two times there was no response, Yang Xuerong's last shred of hope was completely extinguished. She knew that Mingyu would never come back. Her hope to live, her motivation to live, would all disappear along with Mingyu's disappearance.

Yu'er, don't be sad. Tonight, Mother … I just came down to keep you company...

Yang Xuerong's tears fell like rain, but this desperate look in Li Fei's eyes was enough to make her happy!

When the crowd saw Yang Xuerong's appearance, they couldn't help but shake their heads. That Mingyu was a coward, he was trash, and he even caused trouble for his mother, causing the entire Ming Dynasty to lose face.

Mu Lang could no longer bear to watch. He said, "Because the designated contestant was unable to participate in the competition. I declare that the seventeenth prince of the Great Ming Empire, Ming Yu …"

"Who says I won't participate?"

A loud and clear voice came from outside the scarlet door, interrupting Mu Lang's words and echoing throughout the entire training field.

In the next moment, everyone turned to look at the gate.

The sound of footsteps could be heard from outside the door as the sounds of approaching footsteps could be heard. Following which, the scarlet door was kicked open with a bang. The silhouette of a youth appeared in front of everyone's eyes!