Many well-informed figures harbored grievances toward Yang Kai at this point. Had he not suddenly inserted himself into the proceedings, the Dao Discussion Assembly wouldn't have drawn any additional Sixth-Order Open Heavens.
As things stood, none of them expected to claim the championship anymore. All they hoped was that their rankings wouldn't be too dismal—enough to avoid bringing shame to their respective Sects.
After another stretch of time, no one else was led over. It seemed all participants had assembled.
Qing Kui leaned in and whispered something to Xu Linggong, who gave a faint nod before speaking aloud. "Since everyone's here, let's begin."
Su Yingxue, standing behind him, heard the words and immediately stepped forward. She raised a slender hand, and hundreds of streaks of light erupted into being, streaking across the vast plaza.
Moments later, every participant discovered a pale golden bracelet materializing before them. No one could tell what material it was forged from, but it emanated a faint spiritual fluctuation.
Su Yingxue's expression was cool and aloof. She parted her lips lightly. "All participants, please wear this bracelet on your wrist. It is of paramount importance—the key to determining your rankings in the Dao Discussion Assembly. Do not lose it, damage it, or remove it without authorization. Doing so will be considered a voluntary withdrawal."
Curious, everyone studied the pale golden bracelet before them, turning it this way and that, but couldn't discern anything notable about it. Still, since Yin-Yang Heaven had made these arrangements, there was nothing to do but comply.
It took only a short while for everyone to don their bracelets. What surprised them was that the moment a bracelet was placed on the wrist, it immediately transformed into a circular brand, seared into the skin.
Yang Kai silently probed it with his senses for a moment but found nothing unusual—no discomfort of any kind. As for what the bracelet was actually for, he had not the faintest idea.
He turned to look at Lu Jing, who slowly shook his head, indicating he was equally in the dark.
Yang Kai could only let it go. Yin-Yang Heaven would surely provide an explanation soon enough.
Once everyone had donned their bracelets, Xu Linggong rose to his feet at a leisurely pace. The imposing aura of a Seventh-Order Open Heavens cultivator unfurled around him, his expression naturally commanding even without anger. He spoke: "Our Yin-Yang Heaven has stood tall across these Three Thousand Worlds for countless ages, with a heritage stretching back to time immemorial. Today, I seek a husband for my little disciple and am gratified to see so many outstanding young prodigies gathered here. I look forward to all of you performing well and achieving results that satisfy your respective Sects."
His voice was not loud, but carried by the force of a Seventh-Order Open Heavens, it reached every ear with perfect clarity—as though he were speaking right beside each person.
"The venue for this Dao Discussion Assembly is the World behind you."
Many faces shifted, showing expressions of unsurprised understanding.
In truth, upon first seeing that World, numerous cultivators had already guessed as much. If the Dao Discussion Assembly weren't being held there, why else would they have been led to this place?
Yang Kai noticed that Lu Jing's face had gone slightly pale, wearing a look of wariness—as though that World harbored some kind of threat.
"That World is called the Sin Star," Xu Linggong continued. "It is where our Yin-Yang Heaven exiles its criminals. Among its inhabitants are Yin-Yang Heaven Disciples who committed grave errors, as well as the most vicious and irredeemable criminals captured from the outside world. Every being there bears the weight of sin—every one of them deserves death!"
"So it really is the Sin Star!" Lu Jing murmured softly.
Yang Kai glanced at him, realizing he must know something about this Sin Star. But now wasn't the time to pry—he would have to wait until Xu Linggong finished speaking before making any plans.
"The Sin Star has always served as a training ground for our Yin-Yang Heaven Disciples. What you must do is venture deep into the Sin Star and slay those who deserve death. The bracelets you were just given will record your performance. Ultimately, the rankings will be determined by the scores recorded on those bracelets!"
As his words fell, a ripple of commotion stirred through the once-silent plaza. Many cultivators couldn't hide their delight.
This was especially true of the numerous Fifth-Order Open Heavens. They had assumed this Dao Discussion Assembly would be nothing more than going through the motions—after all, with over a dozen Sixth-Order Open Heavens present, they stood no chance competing head-on.
But if the Assembly was going to be conducted this way, they could avoid direct confrontation with Sixth-Order cultivators altogether. As long as they achieved a high enough score on the Sin Star, the championship wasn't necessarily out of reach.
Xu Linggong watched the restless murmuring below with cold eyes. After a long moment, he flashed a grin. "How the bracelets record your performance—you'll find out in due course. And here's one more piece of news: every sinner on the Sin Star has already been notified. If they kill enough participants, they will regain their freedom. So this isn't just about you hunting them down—they will be hunting you with everything they have. After all, it's been many years since any of them tasted freedom."
The restless plaza fell deathly silent.
One of the higher-order Open Heavens cultivators frowned. "Brother Xu, why were we not informed of this beforehand?" If this was truly the case, then every participant in the Dao Discussion Assembly would be putting their life on the line. After all, the Sin Star harbored numerous Sixth-Order Open Heavens among its prisoners. If one ran into them by chance, even a Sixth-Order from one of the great Cave Heavens and Paradises might not have the means to escape.
The other higher-order Open Heavens all turned their gazes toward Xu Linggong. Clearly, this was the first they were hearing of it as well.
Xu Linggong slapped his forehead. "Oh? Did I not mention that? No matter—you know now, and it's not too late!"
"Brother Xu, was this your own idea, or Yin-Yang Heaven's?" one of the higher-order Open Heavens demanded.
Xu Linggong shot him a sidelong glance. "I am in charge of the Dao Discussion Assembly. What I say goes. If anyone is worried about their Sect's Disciples, they may withdraw now. I, Xu, will not stop them."
Withdraw? Like hell anyone would. At this point, who could bring themselves to back out? Doing so would only invite contempt from the others, and their Sects would be humiliated.
They had originally believed this Dao Discussion Assembly was simply Yin-Yang Heaven offering an explanation under the joint pressure of the great Cave Heavens and Paradises. But now it was clear—they had all been played by that old fox Xu Linggong.