The Young Master Rankings tournament had concluded, and the Glazed King Pagoda Tournament—spanning several months—had now completed the vast majority of its events.
The next step was to reward the victors.
The top thirty-six from the Alchemy Pagoda competition would be granted entry to cultivate within the Pill Pagoda. The top thirty-six from the Martial Pagoda competition would be granted entry to cultivate within the Main Pagoda. Meanwhile, those on the Genius Rankings could enter the Martial Pagoda to cultivate.
The Glazed King Pagoda comprised three pagodas in total. Besides the Main Pagoda, there were two auxiliary pagodas: the Martial Pagoda and the Pill Pagoda.
All things considered, the martial arts prodigies enjoyed the greater advantage. Those ranked on the Young Master Rankings could enter the Main Pagoda, and even the Geniuses who failed to qualify for the Main Pagoda could still enter the Martial Pagoda.
The rewards and opportunities within the Martial Pagoda were not quite on par with those of the Main Pagoda, but they were still incredibly attractive—especially so for the geniuses on the Genius Rankings. After all, these three pagodas opened to the outside only once every sixty years.
The available slots were laughably scarce. Out of countless martial artists, only two or three hundred were selected to represent the entirety of Glazed King City—an honor of the highest order.
Of course, before the three pagodas opened, the Glazed King Pagoda Tournament still required a series of ceremonies and formalities.
Such a rare and grand occasion demanded ritual. Without ceremony, something would inevitably be lacking.
At this moment, all Seven Great Emperors had made their appearance.
Before the Glazed King Pagoda, on the enormous plaza, at least three hundred thousand people had gathered.
All the prodigies who had distinguished themselves were given a position in the central area of the plaza, there to receive the inspection and encouragement of the Seven Great Emperors.
Beyond the Seven Great Emperors and their respective lineages, the Twenty-Eight Great Houses and several powerful noble clans all had seats of honor on the platform as well.
The ceremony, in addition to the commendations, would also include certain rewards. Of course, compared to the privilege of cultivating within the Glazed King Pagoda, these rewards were merely symbolic. But even symbolic gestures represented glory, and no one would refuse such honor.
The Peacock Emperor wore a magnificent five-colored robe, his spirit high and his bearing majestic. The imperial aura about him showcased his status as the foremost figure of Glazed King City in full measure.
Everyone held their breath, waiting for the Peacock Emperor to speak.
The Peacock Emperor smiled at ease and said: "Glazed King City has upheld a tradition since ancient times. The Glazed King Pagoda Tournament is our city's grandest festival, its most spectacular celebration. This time, a new generation of young talent has risen to prominence. I must say, this has been a remarkably successful tournament. The quality of this generation's prodigies is exceptional. The spectacle we have witnessed is rarely seen in the past thousand years. Not only has there been an abundance of genius in the alchemical arts, but the martial arts side has been equally rich with talent. What makes it even more remarkable is that the Young Master Rankings this time produced two dark horses, breaking the longstanding stagnation of those rankings. At this moment, I have an announcement to make."
At this point, the Peacock Emperor paused deliberately.
Instantly, every sound at the venue froze. The surroundings fell into absolute silence. Every pair of eyes burned with intensity as they fixed upon the Peacock Emperor.
An announcement?
Could it be that the matter of King Zhen's placement would finally receive a clear resolution? Was the question of establishing King Zhen as Young Master about to be settled once and for all?
Everyone gazed at the Peacock Emperor with eager anticipation.
Among the Seven Great Emperors, reactions varied—some were surprised, some appeared thoughtful, some seemed to have long expected this, and others frowned in silence.
Each response was different from the last.
The Peacock Emperor, however, paid no heed to the reactions of the other emperors. He simply smiled and said: "I believe everyone has been troubled by this rumor for some time. Here and now, I make this formal announcement. On behalf of Peacock Sacred Mountain, I designate Alchemist Zhen as the Young Master of Peacock Sacred Mountain—the first-in-line successor. From this day forward, the question of succession to Peacock Sacred Mountain is settled."
These words struck every ear like the tolling of a great bell, reverberating in every heart.
Young Master of Peacock Sacred Mountain!
In the next instant, thunderous applause erupted across the entire venue, accompanied by cheers like a rising tide.
"Young Master Zhen! Young Master Zhen!"
Countless martial artists shouted at the top of their lungs, their voices ringing with unrestrained jubilation. They were overjoyed—overjoyed for King Zhen, for his well-deserved triumph, and thrilled by the Peacock Emperor's wise and decisive proclamation.
Though this had been arranged beforehand, when
Jiang Chen rose from his seat and cupped his fists toward the crowd surrounding the plaza. Over these many days, the entirety of Glazed King City had given him its fullest support, affording him the highest treatment imaginable.
Nearly every one of his battles had been accompanied by their encouragement, their applause.
While this displeased his opponents, for Jiang Chen it was undoubtedly the greatest honor. If he had not truly won the people's love and admiration, how could they have supported him so wholeheartedly, time and again, without regard for cost or consequence?
In that moment, Jiang Chen's emotions surged as he felt the weight settling upon his shoulders. The greater the privilege, the heavier the responsibility. He understood that truth full well.