Sheng Lan Academy.
An elder with completely white hair and beard was looking at the graceful and moving
"Xiao Ning'er, are you certain you wish to enter the Celestial Illusion Sanctuary?" Ye Sheng asked with a slight frown. "Do you understand that entering the Celestial Illusion Sanctuary carries a degree of danger? Throughout our Sheng Lan Academy's history, several students who entered the Sanctuary encountered significant problems with their Soul Sea."
"Principal, am I qualified to enter the Celestial Illusion Sanctuary?" Xiao Ning'er looked up at Ye Sheng and asked, a flicker of determination in her eyes.
"Of course, your talent is certainly sufficient. Before reaching the Silver rank, entering the Celestial Illusion Sanctuary offers immense benefits!" Ye Sheng nodded. It had been many years since he had seen a student with such outstanding talent.
"I am determined to enter the Celestial Illusion Sanctuary!" Xiao Ning'er nodded firmly, her eyes holding an unprecedented resolve.
"What about your father? Does he also agree to your decision?"
"Yes!" Xiao Ning'er nodded again. In truth, she had come without telling her family.
"Very well. Since that's the case, I will grant your wish!" Ye Sheng nodded, and together with several instructors beside him, he led Xiao Ning'er toward a magnificent building at the rear of Sheng Lan Academy.
The instructors of Sheng Lan Academy exchanged glances. Honestly, they admired Xiao Ning'er's courage. She actually had the guts to venture into the Celestial Illusion Sanctuary. The Sanctuary was an extremely mysterious place; only the most exceptional geniuses of Sheng Lan Academy could enter. Among those who did, many encountered issues with their Soul Power, some emerged having gained nothing, and only a rare few successfully passed through the Celestial Illusion Sanctuary. Of course, anyone who did pass ultimately received an incredibly powerful inheritance and became a top-tier powerhouse, at least a Black Gold Demon Spirit Master, and one,
The Celestial Illusion Sanctuary was a legend. Once someone passed its trial, that individual would become the renowned genius of the entire
The City of Radiance was able to stand tall amidst the threat of Demon Beasts largely due to the emergence of countless geniuses. It was the rise of these talents that guaranteed the city's security, which is why the City of Radiance's protection of its geniuses was so comprehensive and thorough.
Guided by Ye Sheng and the others, Xiao Ning'er walked toward the distant, magnificent building. She lowered her head, a thoughtful look flickering in her eyes, wondering how
"I will constantly strive to keep up with your footsteps, to fight by your side, and one day, you will notice me!" Xiao Ning'er murmured to herself, a faint blush of color appearing on her cheeks. Her mind wandered to the moments when she first met Nie Li. Unconsciously, his figure had become impossible to erase from her heart.
So much of Xiao Ning'er's effort was driven by the desire to gain Nie Li's attention.
Xiao Ning'er lifted her head and strode forward.
Several days later, at the North Martial Arena of the City of Radiance.
The North Martial Arena was a vast expanse of several thousand square meters, surrounded by towering grandstands capable of hosting tens of thousands of spectators. Competitive martial arts matches were frequently held here. Given the martial culture of the City of Radiance, many residents came to watch, and many placed bets on the various fights.
At this moment, people from various families had taken their seats throughout the arena. The members of the Tian Hen Family were seated in a corner in the northern section, surprisingly not far from the location of the Sacred Family.
In the past, no one would have paid any attention to the declining Tian Hen Family.
But now, no family could afford to ignore them.
What made people envious and jealous was that Elder
Figures like Yang Xin and the Alchemist Association elders were people they would desperately try to curry favor with in normal times, yet those figures might not even deign to give them a proper look. Yet toward these members of the Tian Hen Family, Yang Xin's attitude was exceptionally polite.
"Young Brother Nie Li, that pot of yours nearly got Big Sister Yang killed. How do you plan to make amends to me?" Yang Xin glanced at Nie Li with a charming smile. In truth, the situation hadn't been that serious. The assassins that day had been quickly dealt with by the guards beside her, posing no real danger. But in front of Nie Li, she deliberately exaggerated the severity.
Nie Li understood perfectly well what Yang Xin was thinking, but he still smiled faintly. "For this matter, I owe Sister Yang a favor."
"That's more like it!" Yang Xin beamed and stretched her slender, graceful waist slightly. "Why hasn't this 'genius battle' started yet? I'm getting a bit bored. Will my Nie Li brother be competing too? Then Big Sister will definitely have to place a bet on you!"
From afar, the young disciples of the other families saw Yang Xin's voluptuous figure and enchanting charm, their eyes wide open and fixed on her. When she stretched, outlining her amazing curves and full bust, they couldn't help but swallow hard. Some even began to entertain improper thoughts in their minds.
Although Yang Xin was breathtakingly beautiful, considering her status, not a single person lacking in judgment dared to approach and strike up a conversation. Were they joking? This was a super-powerful figure who could dictate the fate of an entire family with a single word? Who would dare be reckless?
Yang Xin seemed accustomed to those fervent gazes, ignoring them entirely, her eyes occasionally resting on Nie Li.
Just as Nie Li and Yang Xin were chatting, several people from the Sacred Family approached. Leading them was
"Elder Yang, long time no see. I didn't expect Elder Yang to also be interested in the genius battles between the families?" Shen Ming smiled, a hint of wariness flickering in his eyes. He hadn't anticipated that the Tian Hen Family would be capable enough to summon not only an elder of the Alchemist Association but three of them as well.
Although the Sacred Family held the prestigious status of being one of the three peak families, they still held deep wariness toward a massive super-power like the Alchemist Association. Setting other matters aside, the Sacred Family purchased vast quantities of various pills from the Association annually. If the Association were to reduce their allocation, the Sacred Family would find itself in considerable difficulty.
"I have no interest in this so-called genius battle. I'm just here to watch my Nie Li brother. I might even place a few bets. I hear the Sacred Family is hosting this year?" Yang Xin replied with a smile.
Nie Li brother? Shen Ming's gaze swept over Nie Li's face as he privately speculated about the nature of the relationship between Nie Li and Yang Xin.
"That's right, this year our Sacred Family is indeed hosting. Would Elder Yang like to join in the fun as well?" Shen Ming's expression stiffened slightly. Who didn't know that the Alchemist Association was practically overflowing with wealth these days? Even the Sacred Family couldn't casually afford to match their stakes.
"Oh, I'm just playing around casually. I'll only place bets on my Nie Li brother alone. Overseer Shen needn't worry. Haha!" Yang Xin replied with a faint smile.
Nie Li's gaze shifted to Shen Ming, then landed on
"Ha ha, Young Master Shen, long time no see!" Nie Li completely disregarded Shen Fei's venomous glare and gave a hearty laugh, as if he were entirely unaware of any past grievances between them.