Dong!
Dong!
As nine continuous bell tolls resounded, a brilliant golden light instantly illuminated all seven peaks of the Azure Hall.
The seven golden lights intertwined, converging into a single, larger golden light that rapidly spread outwards in all directions.
As the golden light dispersed, the main peak of the Azure Hall gradually became clearer. It was evident that the Azure Hall's main peak had now removed numerous formations and restored its original appearance.
On the summit of the main peak, an immense plaza had risen, and seven distinct areas appeared instantaneously.
Following this, countless spiritual lights ignited on each peak, and figures shimmered as they rushed towards the now fully revealed summit of the Azure Hall's main peak. At this moment, disciples from each peak were heading towards the summit on their own.
"Fifth Junior Brother, today is the Seven Sages and Ten Virtuous Ranked Challenge Grand Event. Let's go join the excitement," Song Wuwen called out from the seventh peak as he saw Li Xuan emerge from a pavilion. Su Yueze and the others beside him also flickered with spiritual light, looking towards Li Xuan.
"That's exactly what I was thinking," Li Xuan replied. He looked up, nodded slightly, and then, following Su Yueze and the other four, he too shot towards the Azure Hall's main peak.
"I never imagined the Azure Hall had so many disciples." As he took his seat, Li Xuan gazed at the figures in the other six major areas, utterly astonished.
Aside from the seventh peak, which had a smaller number of disciples, the disciples from the other six peaks each numbered around thirty thousand. Furthermore, the aura emanating from each individual was remarkably strong, with strength increasing significantly for those closer to the front.
The figures ranked at the forefront were almost all shrouded in a veil of light.
It seemed these powerful beings disliked being observed. From the intermittent auras Li Xuan could sense, the strength of these individuals was at least at the peak of the Shore Realm.
In addition to this, at the collective forefront of the seven major areas stood seventeen tall seats. These seventeen seats were arranged with seven in the front and ten behind. Currently, sixteen vague figures were already seated upon these seventeen seats.
Clearly, these sixteen individuals were the Six Sages and Ten Virtuous from the previous session.
Seeing these beings, Li Xuan inwardly marveled at the Azure Hall's formidable foundation. These disciples alone, he suspected, were enough to sweep across the entire Azure Continent.
"Fifth Junior Brother, those individuals are the Hundred Renowned Virtuous Disciples. Hmph, they're all so secretive, I don't know what they're so superior about. However, those sixteen fellows in front are indeed quite formidable," Song Wuwen, seated beside Li Xuan, said as he noticed the shock in Li Xuan's eyes, offering an explanation.
Li Xuan let out a wry smile. To attain the status of a Hundred Renowned Virtuous Disciple among over a hundred thousand disciples of the Azure Hall was sufficient proof of one's talent and potential. Moreover, without considerable strength, how could one possibly secure a spot among the top hundred?
As for the auras emanating from the sixteen individuals at the front, Li Xuan had an illusion that they were comparable to those of the elders on the other peaks. As for Li Xuan and his four martial brothers, their cultivation levels had been elevated because the Seven Treasures Hall had recognized Luo Kang.
However, in terms of actual strength, they were undoubtedly lagging. Otherwise, they would not have been allowed to participate in this Seven Sages and Ten Virtuous event as newly appointed elders.
"Fourth Senior Brother, do we on the seventh peak not have any among the Seven Sages and Ten Virtuous, or the Hundred Renowned Virtuous Disciples?" Li Xuan pondered for a moment and then asked Song Wuwen.
After all, with Su Yueze and the other four's strength, while they might not reach the level of Seven Sages and Ten Virtuous, securing the status of Hundred Renowned Virtuous Disciple should not be too difficult.
"The four of us don't particularly enjoy conflict, so we only managed to obtain the status of Hundred Renowned Virtuous Disciples. Hmm, the Eldest Senior Brother ranked ninety-first, the Second Senior Brother ninety-third, and the Third Senior Brother ninety-sixth. As for me, I ranked ninety-ninth," Song Wuwen replied.
His calm demeanor suggested he didn't feel much pride in being a Hundred Renowned Virtuous Disciple.
Li Xuan nodded slightly. It was no wonder his Fourth Senior Brother Song Wuwen showed some disdain towards those Hundred Renowned Virtuous Disciples who seemed to have halos around them. Li Xuan also knew that if Eldest Senior Brother Su Yueze and the other three fought with all their might, their rankings could have entered the top fifty.
"Fourth Senior Brother, what is the procedure for this Seven Sages and Ten Virtuous Grand Event?" Li Xuan asked again after some thought.
Song Wuwen chuckled, "Fifth Junior Brother, don't be in such a hurry. A presiding elder will explain it to you later. Hmm, one point you need to pay attention to is the ranking matches that will begin tomorrow. Within these matches, there is no distinction between disciples belonging to different peaks."
"Furthermore, even if one is killed within the matches, there will be no repercussions. Of course, if one chooses to surrender, they can directly withdraw, but that would be considered forfeiting the subsequent challenges."
"Mm, I understand. But why does it only start tomorrow?" Li Xuan suddenly realized.
So, the first event was a free-for-all among all the disciples. At the same time, Li Xuan was inwardly shocked. With so many disciples fighting together, wouldn't there be countless casualties? Li Xuan didn't inquire further about this. Perhaps there would be a detailed explanation later.
"Because there is a grand ceremony to be held today. Hmm, it's actually been like this for every session. Whenever the Azure Hall holds its Seven Sages and Ten Virtuous Grand Event, forces from the four major regions come to observe. Over time, this has evolved into a Grand Ceremony of Four Directions' Worship. You'll see it soon." Song Wuwen patiently explained again.
"So that's how it is." Li Xuan felt a sense of anticipation.
Dong!
Just then, another bell tolled from the main peak, and a figure descended through the air.
Spiritual light flickered around him, his sleeves billowing without wind. Simply standing in mid-air, all the discussions in the venue ceased.
"My name is Duan Yazi, and I am the host of this Seven Sages and Ten Virtuous Grand Event. Next, I invite the lords of the four major forces to take their seats." As Duan Yazi finished speaking, he waved his hand.
Instantly, rows of pavilions and terraces rose from the other side of the plaza, floating in mid-air. Following this, congratulatory voices erupted one after another.
"The Eastern Imperial Palace from the Eastern Region has come to congratulate."
"The Azure Fiend Palace from the Southern Region has come to congratulate."
"..."
As the congratulatory cheers subsided, figures began to descend into the newly formed pavilions and terraces for the preliminary selection.
Observing these figures, Li Xuan took a deep breath and then slowly closed his eyes.
The coming events would be a tough battle.