Crossing the vast expanse of ocean,
He had not yet passed through the city gates when he heard independent cultivators everywhere discussing the upcoming Ancient Jade Grand Assembly.
Jiang Chen listened casually and managed to pick up some information.
"So
After entering the city gates, Jiang Chen was secretly amazed. Was it the Blue Mist Island Domain's prestige that was so great, or the Ancient Jade Grand Assembly itself?
Jiang Chen guessed it was more likely the latter. Otherwise, even if the ten great divine kingdoms were invited, they would not necessarily all bother to attend.
"If all the major powers from the ten great divine kingdoms are coming, could the Yan family also be here?" Jiang Chen's heart stirred. If the Yan family came, would Huang'er come as well?
In truth, Jiang Chen still held a certain hope. By all logic, Huang'er would not attend. Yet deep in his heart, he had a strange feeling — a sense that Huang'er might not truly stay away.
"If Huang'er hears the name Jiang Huang and learns of the bounty from the Duowen Divine Kingdom, perhaps she will pay attention to that detail?"
When Jiang Chen had used the name "Jiang Huang," it had carried a deeper meaning. He could not expose his identity, yet he could still leave a certain hint.
Jiang Chen was firmly convinced that as long as Huang'er heard that name and learned of the bounty, even if she could not be absolutely certain it was him, she would at least keep her guard up.
That kind of tacit understanding — Huang'er would certainly have it.
"It seems this Ancient Jade Grand Assembly might actually be interesting."
With this thought in mind, Jiang Chen did not go out of his way to gather more information. Instead, he headed toward the inn where he had previously stayed. Hua Ming was still waiting for him there.
Several months had passed — he wondered how much Hua Ming's cultivation had progressed?
Hua Ming had been living very quietly these past months, never forgetting Jiang Chen's admonitions and diligently tempering his state of mind. It had to be said, the results were quite remarkable.
When Jiang Chen saw Hua Ming again, the boyish immaturity on his face had visibly faded. The slickness and flightiness of youth had also diminished considerably.
While he could not yet be called composed, there was clearly a more mature bearing about him now. Yet the youthful vitality and sharpness he possessed had only become more pronounced.
"Master, you've finally returned!" Hua Ming was overjoyed when he saw Jiang Chen. For this entire period, he had been hoping and praying for his master's return.
The day had finally come.
"Hua Ming, it seems you haven't forgotten my instructions during this time. Well done — your state of mind has improved greatly, and your martial cultivation hasn't fallen behind either. Very good. In my estimation, with a few more years to consolidate, you can fully make up for your late start in cultivation. You might even pull ahead of those who started before you. Whether you can achieve that depends on how far your state of mind can advance."
Jiang Chen had no doubts whatsoever about Hua Ming's martial talent. What he worried about most was Hua Ming's state of mind. If that could not be transformed, then no amount of talent would matter.
Moreover, Hua Ming's martial cultivation had started somewhat late.
Now it seemed that Hua Ming clearly cherished this opportunity to change his destiny and had not taken it lightly.
"Master, your kindness to your disciple is like being reborn. Naturally, I must heed your commands. Oh, by the way, Master — I've heard that registration for the Ancient Jade Grand Assembly is about to close! You came to Miracle City specifically for this Grand Assembly, right? If you don't register soon, there won't be any spots left!"
"Oh? When does registration end?"
"In three or four more days," Hua Ming said anxiously. "If you hadn't come back soon, I was planning to register on your behalf."
"Haha, three or four days — no need to rush. Have you heard any other news these past few days?"
"I've heard that major powers from all ten great divine kingdoms have already arrived at Miracle City. But they're staying in very secluded locations. They don't show themselves, so ordinary people can't see them."
"Any other news?" Jiang Chen asked.
"All the news is related to the Ancient Jade Grand Assembly. Apparently, the Blue Mist Island Domain is taking this Grand Assembly extremely seriously — the scale is said to be the largest in nearly three thousand years. It's also supposed to be a way to show proper hospitality to the guests from the ten great divine kingdoms. Word is that if the Blue Mist Island Domain can use this opportunity to satisfy the ten great divine kingdoms, then in the years to come, the ten great divine kingdoms might elevate the Blue Mist Island Domain and nominate it as the eleventh divine kingdom!"
"Hehe, that's probably just a rumor that's been distorted along the way." Jiang Chen didn't put much stock in this news.
The Blue Mist Island Domain might be more powerful than the Huichun Island Domain, but expecting a single Ancient Jade Grand Assembly to win the ten great divine kingdoms' support and secure a nomination as the eleventh divine kingdom? That was somewhat exaggerated.
If divine kingdom status were that easy to obtain, it wouldn't be called a divine kingdom.
Each of the ten great divine kingdoms had weathered all manner of trials throughout history, and each possessed formidable foundations. The Blue Mist Island Domain was clearly a tier below — or more.
Perhaps this was simply a smokescreen the Blue Mist Island Domain had released on its own, to build momentum.
In that case, even if the eleventh divine kingdom nomination never came, they would still be able to dominate the surrounding island regions.
Of course, Jiang Chen wasn't particularly concerned with any of this. What he cared about more was Huang'er. He wanted to know whether she had arrived.
However, the ten great divine kingdoms were all esteemed guests, and finding out where they were staying was nearly impossible.
Still, Jiang Chen decided he would wander around and try his luck.
"Hua Ming, I intend to participate in this Ancient Jade Grand Assembly. What are the registration requirements?"
"The requirements vary. Each of the ten great divine kingdoms' major powers gets several free slots. Other island factions also have a certain number of free slots, determined entirely by their strength. As for independent cultivators, they need to pay a deposit and handling fees to register. They also have to pass certain trials, and I believe there's an age restriction as well."