No matter how dangerous Xie Baoshu’s current state was, how stubborn Chao Yu was, how angry Bo Zhao was...

Even if Jiang Wang had caught some people’s attention in the midst of learning martial arts...

Still, the majority of the people’s gazes were fixed on Zhongxuan Zun.

Just moments ago, he had accomplished the feat of fighting three opponents alone, truly proving that he was the foremost among the young generation of the Outer Building of Qi Country, the most qualified to represent Qi Country at the Yellow River Gathering.

He still held a scroll in his hand, clearly having been reading just before he had been urgently summoned by Emperor Qi.

He had arrived in such a hurry, yet so splendidly.

The man, dressed in flowing white robes and standing alone in the center of the square, today truly outshone everyone in Linzi!

And it was not until this moment that astute individuals realized.

From the beginning to the end, Zhongxuan Zun had not moved the left hand that was held behind his back.

His left hand had always been holding the scroll.

He had faced three opponents with just one hand...

And had emerged victorious!

Although it still didn’t compare to the legendary feat of the old man from Tianfu, who had brutally killed three powerful members from the Outer Building while in the Inner Mansion Realm, it was, by today’s standards, enough to be distinguished as unmatched in Linzi!

With such a display, who could say the word "no"?

If such a person couldn’t go to the Yellow River Gathering, then who else would be worthy?

The Emperor of Da Qi, seated in a place of honor, instructed Han Ling, "Everyone on the field today is a prodigy of Great Qi. Have someone watch over them, letting the Imperial Physician provide careful treatment and take any needed medications without concern for the cost." 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

This instruction was given to Han Ling, but clearly meant for all to hear.

Han Ling bowed deeply, flashed a look, and subordinates eunuchs carried out the order.

Only then did the Emperor turn his gaze to the square, "Zhongxuan Fenghua, you have lived up to your name!"

Zhongxuan Zun bowed out of respect, replying, "Your Majesty honors me too highly."

Emperor of Da Qi gave him a few more glances, his tone light with amusement, "What book does my subject read?"

It was an inconsequential question, but precisely because it was so inconsequential, it clearly conveyed the Emperor’s satisfaction.

"Replying to Your Majesty," said Zhongxuan Zun with an uncommon hint of discomfort amidst his casual demeanor; the hand held behind him shifted slightly, "Uh, just a leisure book."

Jiang Wang had already seen the details of the book through the Red Mirror.

Earlier, he was unclear about its content, but now, hearing Zhongxuan Zun call it a leisure book, he could guess.

The name of the book was "Thousand Beauties of All Countries."

Beneath the official title, there was a subtitle that read "The Secret History of Martial Emperor."

It seemed likely that a character was miswritten; the book was probably about the stories of the Martial Emperor of Qi fighting with the prodigies from various countries...

Certainly a leisure book. Yet, broadening one’s knowledge and experiencing the styles of prodigies from various nations was beneficial.

If there were also records and commentary on battles, it could be a book of great value.

He could consider buying a copy later.

The Emperor of Da Qi did not inquire further, simply saying, "Grant a seat."

Two eunuchs carried a grand chair adorned with red silk to the edge of the square, near the direction of The Imperial Ancestral Temple, directly facing the Cinnabar Steps.

Placing it here signified the future of Qi Country. It was also to let the ancestral spirits witness the nation’s prodigy.

Zhongxuan Zun bowed slightly, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Then, with a graceful turn, he walked to the chair and sat down with an effortless pose.

Today, in this grand ceremonial gathering, besides the Jiang Royal Family, only a few elders over a hundred years old had the privilege to sit.

This naturally was an honor.

The glory that should be approached with sincere fear and trepidation.

Yet when Zhongxuan Zun sat down, it was as natural as sitting down to eat at his own dining table.

So natural that it seemed... today he rightfully had a seat.

After Zhongxuan Zun was seated, a eunuch walked to the edge of the square but didn’t move forward, instead, he simply pressed his hand against the ground.

Cracks mended, stones expanded, bloodstains vanished...

The heavily damaged square quickly reverted to its original state. The whole process was devoid of any smoke or fire, showcasing a control ability that was exquisite to the extreme.

The man withdrew his hand, and now, there were no traces of battle left.

Grand Qi’s Prime Minister Jiang Rumo then declared, "The ceremony continues!"

Such an announcement was supposed to be the duty of the Ritual Officer, yet it was not surprising that Jiang Rumo undertook it.

This State Minister was always low-key and gentle, and his governing style was as mild as water. Among the historical Prime Ministers of Great Qi Country, he was known for his relatively weak control over the Political Affairs Hall. However, his reputation was very good in the court and among the public.

Moreover, today, as he presided over the selection of Qi’s prodigy, it was indeed a responsible act for him as the State Minister.

As Jiang Rumo’s words ended, Lei Zhanqian, Jiang Wang, and Cui Zhu looked at each other, each harboring their thoughts.

The rules of the martial competition had long been announced: the three competitors would each fight two matches, so who came forward to fight and whom they fought first were matters of strategy—especially when their strengths were similar.

In cases like Zhongxuan Zun, with overwhelming strength, one could just fight all three, naturally exempt from such considerations.

Recalling the dazzling display from Zhongxuan Zun a moment ago, Jiang Wang took a deep breath, his thoughts spinning rapidly.

I want to fight all three!

No, there are only two opponents...

Even if winning two-on-one were overwhelming victories, it was impossible to surpass the impact made by Zhongxuan Zun. After all, there were only three competitors in the Inner Mansion realm, and they couldn’t just add another competitor on the spot.

Alright, since I can’t surpass him, there’s no need to reveal too much. Let’s take them on one by one...

Having made up his mind, Jiang Wang didn’t wait for Jiang Rumo to randomly choose someone. He stepped forward, "Brother Lei, please enlighten me!"

Even with recovery time, in a three-person martial contest like this, the first two to compete were definitely at a disadvantage.

It was like back in the time at Fenglin City’s tri-city debating, where Jiang Wang had taken advantage of the situation, easily seizing victory.

Today, however, he was full of confidence and did not care about such things.

This change was the result of countless days and nights spent without waste.

Choosing Lei Zhanqian first, of course, was because he found him quite disagreeable, not wanting to give him any advantage.

Lei Zhanqian held his breath in frustration.

Though he cursed inwardly, his demeanor remained courteous on the surface.

With a laugh, he stepped forward, "Then allow me to teach you a lesson!"

Times had changed; with the Three Mansions at the perfect stage and the Nine Heavens Thunder Decree progressing further, he was highly confident about this battle. The only displeasing thing was that it was Jiang Wang who had spoken first.

This meant... today, Jiang Wang was more confident than he!

As for Cui Zhu, who came from the Prisoner Electric Army, his expression remained stern, revealing nothing of whether he was pleased or not. He merely stood silently at the edge of the square, giving enough space to the two contestants.

On the high platform of esteemed seats, Jiang Wuhua appeared to be mending relationships, and watching the two on the square, he smiled, "I must observe closely now. The Jiang Qingyang who is honored with a hero’s name by Wuoyu must have an extraordinary performance!"

Jiang Wuyou had not yet said anything.

But Jiang Wuji was the first to laugh, "I believe he won’t disappoint Imperial Brother."

"Oh?" Jiang Wuhua asked, "Evil also thinks highly of this person?"

Sniffing the wine in his cup, Jiang Wuji smiled, "Of all today’s events, I look forward most to Jiang Qingyang."

Indeed, they all might admire Jiang Wang, but at this moment, the implication was naturally the opposite—showing little confidence in Lei Zhanqian.

The Emperor’s special favor to the Eleventh Prince made all these brothers and sisters feel a sense of crises.

Silently leaning on his knees, Jiang Wuqi just smiled, saying nothing.