Chapter 454: Entering the Doubles Competition?

Chapter 454: Entering the Doubles Competition?

Big Cat said in surprise, "This is to observe the tacit understanding between different races and how well they’re working together, right?"

"Yes," the phoenix demon said. "The only time we can gather so many first- and second-tier bloodline powerhouses is during the Ancestral Court Elite Tournament, so the Ancestral Court has now decided to use this new competition format. In the individual competition, only the top three receive rewards, while in the doubles competition the top ten will receive rewards, and the rewards are even more generous."

Big Cat turned to look at Tang San. Tang San said, " How about you let Little Cat participate?"

Big Cat shook his head and said, "She can't! She doesn't have a noble title, so she doesn't meet the requirements. How about..." As he spoke, a hint of a smile appeared in his eyes.

"Me?" Tang San was momentarily stunned. He had no plans to participate in the competition, especially since the issues with the team battle had just been resolved. He still hoped to stay low-key for a while and keep things steady.

Big Cat nodded. "Yes! If we team up, wouldn't the doubles championship be easily in our grasp?"

The two phoenix demons were stunned. One hurriedly said, "Wait a minute, wait a minute. This one should be a human noble, right? Only nobles can enter the Ancestral Court, and humans are no exception."

"That's right," Big Cat answered for Tang San.

"Humans probably can't participate. Their bloodline doesn't meet the requirements. Even being a noble won't help," the phoenix demon quickly added.

"Even a first-tier bloodline?" Big Cat asked in confusion, but it was too late when Tang San wanted to stop him.

The phoenix demon looked at him in shock. "There are humans with a first-tier bloodline?"

Big Cat glanced at Tang San again, realizing he had misspoken.

Tang San said helplessly, "What are the rewards for the doubles competition?"

"You're nobody if you don't draw others’ envy. Come on, just join! You have the Sword Saint Demon Emperor's token, which makes you one of the Sword Saint Palace's people, right? So what if you're human? With a Demon Emperor backing you, what’s there to fear?" Looking at the Sword Saint token in Tang San’s hand, Big Cat’s eyes were filled with envy. After all, he too carried the title of Sword Saint, but there was no comparison between his title and that of the Sword Saint Demon Emperor! Seeing Tang San’s Sword Saint token, how could he not feel utterly jealous? If he had the chance, he would also go to the Sword Saint Palace to cultivate.

Listening to Big Cat’s words and observing the expressions of the two staff members, Tang San suddenly realized something—he had underestimated the value of an emperor’s token.

An emperor’s token represented far more than just a simple token of acknowledgement; it showed actual recognition from an emperor. And with that recognition came genuine protection. Even though he was human, with an emperor's backing, his race was no longer a problem; emperors cared little about that.

The rewards of the Elite Competition were too tempting.

"In that case, I’ll give it a try. In the individual competition, I’ll clear the way for you."

That last part was meant for Big Cat. It would carry even greater significance if Big Cat could win the individual competition. As for the doubles competition, Big Cat could take the lead and Tang San could assist, keeping a low profile without revealing too much of his strength.

Thinking of this, a faint smile appeared on Tang San’s lips. "Let's take the test, then."

Returning to the back hall, Tang San approached the massive stone tablet and let a drop of his blood fall. As the blood dropped, he intentionally activated the Lion-Tiger bloodline imprint within him, making his bloodline lean more toward the Lion-Tiger.

As the blood fell, white light surged, and the light on the crystal pillar slowly began to rise.

Watching the speed at which the light ascended, the two Peacock Demons were momentarily stunned, and Big Cat furrowed his brow. Not because it was too fast but because it was too slow.

Compared to Big Cat’s earlier test, the speed at which the light rose for Tang San was significantly slower—it only passed 30 centimeters after three full seconds. Normally, the speed of the ascent was proportional to the strength of the bloodline. Such slow progress typically signified failure!

Tang San was curious about how far his bloodline would go while deliberately using the Lion-Tiger bloodline. Judging by the speed, was his bloodline not strong enough? Could it be that he didn't even reach the second tier? That shouldn't be possible—he could use the Lion-Tiger Golden Astral and it was every bit as powerful as Big Cat’s! Or perhaps the test didn’t recognize it due to his human bloodline?

While he was thinking, the light on the crystal pillar slowly climbed past 60 centimeters. It was slow, but its speed didn’t diminish and stayed relatively stable.

It continued to rise—90 centimeters, 1.2 meters, 1.5 meters—slowly yet steadily.