Chapter 123: The Grand Competition Officially Begins

Therefore, Hou Tu and Xuan Ming Zu Wu were so surprised, because the true strength of the Human Race far exceeded their expectations.

Although the Human Race's strength has not yet been comparable to the two clans of the Wu and the Lich, its power in the Vast Wilderness World is certainly not to be underestimated.

Hou Tu and Xuan Ming Zu Wu's gazes gradually focused on Zhou Yi; they knew well Zhou Yi's identity and his importance to the Human Race.

As the common sovereign of humanity, the Human Race's current achievements are inseparably linked to Zhou Yi's efforts.

Although the Wu Clan has always been the ruler of the Vast Wilderness World, witnessing the Human Race's development this time truly opened their eyes. Apart from a slight edge in strength, the Wu Clan seems unable to match the Human Race in other aspects.

Among the Human Race, Hou Tu and Xuan Ming saw many unprecedented novelties, all the result of Zhou Yi's years of hard work.

He firmly believes that the Human Race's progress should not be limited to the increase of power, but should also encompass weaving, architecture, even the creation of writing, to improve the people's quality of life.

Furthermore, Zhou Yi is devoted to cultivating the Human Race's spiritual belief, considering it one of the key factors for civilization's continued development.

Under Zhou Yi's leadership, over several centuries the Human Race not only broke through in strength but also created a splendid culture.

During their tour of the Human Race, the two Ancestor Shamans were most attracted by the exquisitely designed garments.

These clothes were crafted by Zhou Yi, ranging from ordinary garments to highly functional magical robes.

Xuan Ming Zu Wu, seeing this, was instantly smitten and unabashedly selected dozens of exquisite magical robes from Zhou Yi.

In contrast, Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman was more restrained, yet also chose a few splendid magical robes.

As the saying goes, "Clothes make the man," after the two Ancestor Shamans donned the new outfits, even Zhou Yi couldn't help but be impressed.

Xuan Ming Zu Wu wore a pink magical robe, appearing playful and cute; Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman wore a bright yellow robe, her hair knot towering, features delicate, temperament outstanding, like a Celestial Maiden of the Nine Heavens descending to the mortal world.

"Hahaha! Hou Tu sister, look, this fool is stunned; but sister, you're truly beautiful, I also like you a lot," the lively Xuan Ming Zu Wu teased after seeing Zhou Yi's reaction.

However, once she opened her mouth, Xuan Ming Zu Wu's playful side was laid bare, completely shattering her previously unrivaled beauty‑girl image. This left Zhou Yi feeling quite helpless.

What an outstanding woman! Unfortunately, she happens to have a loquacious mouth.

Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman gave a slight smile, noticing Zhou Yi's absent‑minded gaze, a faint blush unintentionally spreading across her face.

"The two Ancestor Shamans have arrived at the perfect time; today is the opening day of our Talents Competition, welcome both to come and watch," Zhou Yi quickly returned to his normal demeanor, only able to sigh that the two Ancestor Shamans' presence truly dazzles anyone, drawing all attention.

"That's great, Hou Tu sister, let's go see together; I'm eager to know just how powerful the Human Race's geniuses are," Xuan Ming Zu Wu said excitedly.

"Then it's more respectful to obey," Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman replied gently.

Today, the entire Human Race is immersed in a festival‑like atmosphere, flags fluttering, every face radiating anticipation and excitement, gathering at the heartland of the Human Race.

After several centuries of vigorous development, the Human Race now numbers hundreds of millions, and such a massive gathering creates an extraordinarily spectacular scene.

Zhou Yi had long arranged for Sui Huang and others to prepare, using spatial transmutation spells to create an extremely spacious venue. Though so many gathered here, it showed no crowding at all, avoiding any risk of trampling.

Moreover, Zhou Yi specifically instructed Sui Huang and the others to set up countless magical mirrors, through which one could clearly see the situation of each arena of the Talents Competition.

Even those without cultivation can, via these huge mirrors, understand the live conditions of battles everywhere.

For this Talents Competition, Zhou Yi placed extreme importance on it, having prepared for a hundred years to ensure everything proceeds smoothly.

The meticulous preparations by Sui Huang and the others did not disappoint Zhou Yi; all arrangements are ready, guaranteeing the smooth conduct of the grand contest.

As the moment approached, following Sui Huang's signal, Zhou Yi stepped forward and instantly appeared above the Nine Heavens.

He did not conceal his power; the Quasi‑Emperor Ninefold Heavens realm was fully released, Saint Body Great Completion, and five phenomena manifested.

In an instant, a massive force erupted from Zhou Yi's body, soaring into the clouds, displayed unmistakably before everyone.

Chaos Azure Lotus, Golden Bitter Sea, Celestial King Ascending the Nine Heavens, Yin‑Yang Life‑Death Diagram, and Splendid Rivers and Mountains—five great phenomena appeared simultaneously.

At this moment, Zhou Yi seemed to sit as the Heavenly Emperor atop the Ninefold Heavens, his boundless momentum shaking countless Human souls.

Feeling Zhou Yi's ocean‑deep, unimaginably strong power, all of the Human Race involuntarily knelt and shouted in unison, "Hail the Human Ancestor!"

The sound rang like thunder, even shattering the clouds above the Nine Heavens. Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman again showed a surprised expression, though she doubted Zhou Yi's power not at all, after all he had once defeated the Zhurong Ancestor Shaman.

What surprised Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman was the special sentiment the Human Race showed toward Zhou Yi. She observed that the many mortals' gazes toward Zhou Yi were filled with admiration.

In fact, Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman was unaware that almost all of the Human Race's current achievements were owed to Zhou Yi's efforts.

It was he who elevated the Human Race to the status of four Great Luo Golden Immortals, improved ordinary people's living conditions, and spread the Zhetian Imperial Method throughout Human Society.

Although few have truly seen Zhou Yi, his contributions have already been mythically praised in people's hearts.

In the hearts of the people, without Zhou Yi there would be no prosperous scene of the Human Race today, so deep reverence for Zhou Yi fills them.

Now, Zhou Yi unreservedly displayed before everyone his power far surpassing that of the four Great Luo Golden Immortals, causing those Human Race members who sensed his aura to admire him even to the point of blind worship.

This explains why Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman found the phenomenon astonishing; within the Wu Clan, although there is reverence for Ancestor Shamans, it has never reached such fervor.

When Hou Tu and Xuan Ming the two Ancestor Shamans were shocked, they also realized Zhou Yi's prestige among the Human Race was far greater than they had imagined.

Staring at that figure full of power and confidence, Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman's eyes glimmered with an unusual light, wondering what kind of being could earn such reverence from billions of mortals.

"Today is an important day for our Human Race; countless young talents gather together, and will showcase their brilliance before all eyes.

I firmly believe our Human Race's talents will not be inferior to anyone, and will surely display themselves with heroic bearing, tenacious spirit, and great power.

On the arena stage the true merit will be seen; let us together witness how outstanding our youth truly are.

Now, I announce, the inaugural Human Race Talents Competition officially begins," Zhou Yi declared loudly.