Chapter 204

A lake stretching nearly a hundred li, surrounded by rolling mountains that formed a natural barrier.

The lake already held many islands, some large, some small.

Like stars fallen here.

Like pearls dropped onto a jade plate.

The scenery was truly excellent.

The Xu family had settled at the very center of Dongminghu, where the islands were most densely packed.

At this moment, numerous luxurious long boats sailed toward them.

The Xuan Sect had long announced the opening of the Dragon潜 War to the world.

So many people had come to witness the spectacle and see what kind of strength the young elites on the Dragon潜 List truly possessed.

Once the Dragon潜 War began, the disciples on the Dragon潜 List could only remain where they were and were forbidden to leave for a short time.

This was a rule established by the Four Great Powers.

Of course, the Dragon潜 War referred only to this large-scale event; ordinary individual challenges did not count.

The Dragon潜 War could not be opened at will.

Many conditions had to be met.

The Xu family.

Their territory consisted of thirty-nine islands.

Now it was already packed with people.

Some were from their own clan, but most were outsiders.

All were waiting for disciples of the Xuan Sect to come and issue challenges.

"The Xuan Sect holds a grudge—they just lost six disciples a few months ago, and now they're rushing back for revenge."

Someone said.

"Yes, usually it takes two or three years of silence before it's reopened."

Someone replied.

"You don't understand—the latest gossip, haven't you heard?"

"What gossip? Tell us quickly."

Everyone immediately fell silent, urging him on.

"I heard that the Xuan Sect and the Yan Yang Valley both want to be promoted to Rank One."

As soon as the words were spoken.

A chorus of sharp intakes of breath rose and fell.

Every eye was filled with shock.

Promoted to Rank One... this was a world-shaking event!

In Lingzhou, the Four Great Powers stood as the strongest, yet in rank, they were only Rank Two.

To be promoted to Rank One was no small feat.

Forget the Earth List and Heaven List.

At least one-third of the hundred names on the Dragon潜 List must be held!

That was merely the minimum standard.

"No wonder the Dragon潜 War is being opened so frequently!"

Someone exclaimed excitedly, "But whoever succeeds, Lingzhou will finally possess a Rank One Sect—and no longer be weaker than other continents!"

For people like them, who won or lost didn't matter.

Only the final significance differed.

Compared to the noisy bustle outside.

Inside the Xu family, it was remarkably quiet.

In a spacious hall.

Sat four people.

Xu family patriarch Xu Mingyang and his eldest son Xu You.

The other two were not from the Xu family.

But they held equally lofty status.

Cui Feiting, lord of Zhan Yue Shanzhuang, and his son Cui Qian.

"It's all because of the Xuan Sect—we can only ask Brother Cui to stay longer in our Dongminghu..."

Xu Mingyang said with a smile.

"Don't mention it—it's fine here. Saves me the trouble of returning to Shanzhuang to set up a fighting platform for the Xuan Sect."

Cui Feiting picked up the tea beside him, took a small sip, and seemed unconcerned.

Zhan Yue Shanzhuang's situation was much like the Xu family's—they were forces within the Yan Yang Valley's territory and naturally loyal to it.

His son Cui Qian was the same.

Not long ago, he defeated a disciple of the Xuan Sect and now ranked thirty-eighth on the Dragon潜 List.

This ranking was very high.

Clearly, Cui Qian's strength far surpassed Xu You's.

Both had youthful faces.

Around twenty-four or twenty-five years old.

In their sect, they were close fellow disciples.

In fact, the two families have had a good relationship for a hundred years, and it has continued to this day.

"This Xuan Sect actually wants to be promoted to Rank One—what a ridiculous notion. Although the Upper Sect Yan Yang Valley is a recent rise, its foundation is now profound and far from inferior to the Xuan Sect, even surpassing it."

Xu Mingyang let out a light laugh, laced with contempt. "The Xuan Sect's current actions are nothing but futile efforts."

"Indeed, the future of Lingzhou is destined to belong to the Upper Sect."

Cui Feiting nodded, setting down his teacup. "Although the Xuan Sect has a long history and is said to have once interacted with the Central Continent, that is ancient history—the sun has set; it is time to end."

0.3 "The Central Continent, huh."

Xu Mingyang's gaze flickered slightly.

That was the sacred ground of martial cultivation in everyone's heart.

"By now, the Xuan Sect's disciples should be arriving one by one."

Pulling his thoughts back, Cui Feiting looked at his son, Cui Qian. "Do you have confidence?"

"Father, are you really underestimating me that much?"

Cui Qian shook his head, a faint smile on his lips. "Those scraps and leftovers from the Xuan Sect? No matter how many come, I'll defeat them all."

"Hahaha, good!"

Cui Feiting laughed heartily. "If we hold firm in this Dragon Submersion Battle, we'll have done great service to the Upper Sect—and when we're promoted, there'll be no shortage of rewards for us!"

His words fell silent.

Outside the hall, a voice rang out.

"Lord, the Xuan Sect's disciples have arrived!"