Chapter 40: Grand Contest of the Vast Azure Heaven and Ten Thousand Domains

"Quick, look! It's... it's the one from the Shura Divine Hall!"

"Hiss! It's really him! The forbidden heir of this generation of the Shura Divine Hall—Duan Xiuluo!"

"He has emerged from seclusion? It is said that not long ago he went to the Heavenly Pride contest on the Dao God Lord Road, achieving dazzling results and soaring to fame!"

"That Dao God Lord Road gathers countless monsters from the Zhutian Wanjie! To stand out from it, Lord Duan's strength is truly unfathomable!"

"He is, without doubt, the top among the young generation of the Shura Sky Domain! No one can match him!"

"Around the starry sky, countless Dark Cultivators from all quarters were moved, casting looks of awe, envy, and admiration, while voices of discussion rose and fell."

"The name Duan Xiuluo, within the Asura Sky Domain and even beyond, wields unimaginable influence."

"On the war chariot, Duan Xiuluo stood with his hands behind his back, eyes sharp, seemingly ready to lead the troupe somewhere."

"Yet at that moment, his gaze unintentionally swept the distant starry sky and landed on the Black Robe Figure hovering aloft, looking toward him."

"His movement suddenly froze; the usual cold sternness and authority vanished, replaced by a huge shock and disbelief, as if he had seen someone who could never appear!"

"And Ye Wuque, the instant he saw the young man's face clearly, also showed a hint of surprise in his eyes, then his mouth slowly curved into a faint smile."

"No other reason: this illustrious, noble heir of the Shura Divine Hall, he actually knows!"

"It turned out to be that mysterious and powerful Heavenly Pride he once fought side by side with on the Dao God Lord Road, Duan Xiuluo!"

"Back then on the Dao God Lord Road, Duan Xiuluo performed exceptionally, keeping his strength hidden, yet was generous and righteous, getting along well with Ye Wuque; the two once teamed up against foes, forging a bond of life."

"But Ye Wuque never imagined this fellow's astonishing background: he is the heir of the dominant force of the Vast Azure Heaven—one of the Nine Heavens—and the Shura Sky Domain!"

"The concealment is far deeper than ordinary."

"Just as Ye Wuque chuckled inwardly, the Shura Divine Hall's troupe had already advanced ahead."

"The guards ahead, seeing someone hovering and blocking the path, instantly furrowed their brows and shouted sternly, 'Who is ahead? Move aside quickly!'"

"The voice thundered like a storm, bearing unquestionable authority."

"Many nearby Dark Cultivators shook their heads, thinking the Black Robe youth utterly disregarded protocol, daring to block the Asura Divine Hall's procession, especially the chariot of Lord Duan Xiuluo—purely courting trouble."

"However, just as several guards prepared to advance and drive him away—"

"Hold on!"

"On the war chariot, Duan Xiuluo's voice, tinged with urgency and delight, suddenly rang out, halting the guards' actions."

"The next moment, under the stunned gazes of all onlookers, the lofty, dignified Shura heir stepped down from the chariot, instantly appearing before the Black Robe youth, his face beaming with an unabashed radiant smile, even punching the youth's shoulder and laughing:"

"\"Brother Ye?! It's really you! Ha ha! How did you come here? You entered my territory and didn't even send me a message beforehand? I could have prepared a welcome feast and shown proper hospitality! \""

"His tone was warm, his smile sincere, with no trace of the previous cold sternness; he seemed as if meeting a long‑lost close friend."

"\"Since we part ways on the Dao God Lord Road, I've often thought of you, Brother Ye! Your invincible aura that sweeps all directions and defeats Heavenly Pride is truly awe‑inspiring and unforgettable! \""

"Ye Wuque also gave a slight smile and returned a punch, saying:"

"\"Brother Duan, you flatter me. I happened upon this place by chance, just feeling the vast aura of the Shura Divine Hall, musing, and unexpectedly met the master. Your status as a Shura heir was a secret that gave me a hard time back then. \""

"\"Ha ha, I'm ashamed, ashamed. The circumstances then were special; it wasn't intentional concealment, Brother Ye, don't blame me! \""

"Duan Xiuluo laughed heartily, unfazed by the countless jaws‑dropping gazes around, warmly clasping Ye Wuque's shoulder, \"Come on, come on! Since you're here, you must come into my hall for a seat! Let me show you the hospitality of my Asura Divine Hall! \""

"Having said that, he ignored the waiting troupe, grabbed Ye Wuque, and they turned into two streaks of light, soaring straight into the towering, vast Shura Divine Hall under countless stunned gazes."

"This scene plunged the surroundings of the starry sky into complete Dead Silence."

"Everyone stared at each other, their faces full of absurdity and shock."

"That Black Robe youth... who exactly is he?"

"How could he make the lofty, supremely noble Lord Duan Xiuluo treat him so?"

"Even... slinging arms, calling each other brothers?"

"And he even left the important troupe behind, personally ushering him into the hall?"

"\"I... I didn't see wrong, did I? Lord Duan... \""

"\"What is that person's background? He seems deeply connected with Lord Duan! \""

"No matter how the outside world trembles, Ye Wuque and Duan Xiuluo are utterly indifferent."

"Upon entering the Shura Divine Hall, Ye Wuque further felt its profound foundation."

"Inside, the Space was vast, containing numerous worlds; the spiritual energy was so dense it seemed unbreakable, with powerful Dark Cultivators patrolling everywhere, ancient formation runes flickering faintly, emitting a heart‑stirring vibration."

"As the heir, Duan Xiuluo's status was lofty; as he proceeded, every disciple and Elder who saw him bowed respectfully, while casting curious and reverent glances at Ye Wuque, whom he personally accompanied."

"Duan Xiuluo personally invited Ye Wuque into his exclusive, ultra‑luxurious palace, ordering the finest spirit tea and celestial fruit to be served warmly."

"Because of Duan Xiuluo, the entire Asura Divine Hall treated Ye Wuque with great friendliness and regard."

"Soon after, a deep, abyss‑like, overwhelmingly domineering aura descended, and a middle‑aged man clad in dark‑gold divine robes, bearing a face somewhat resembling Duan Xiuluo's and exuding unspoken authority, appeared."

"It was the current master of the Asura Divine Hall, Duan Xiuluo's father—Duan Wutian!"

"He is a figure whose aura is unfathomable, having certainly entered the Immortal Realm and even higher tiers—a Titan!"

"His attitude toward Ye Wuque was quite friendly, his words full of praise, urging the young man to interact more, then he departed."

"The master appearing in person is already a high honor."

"Inside the palace, fragrant tea wafted."

"Ye Wuque set down his teacup, his gaze deep, looking at the smiling Duan Xiuluo opposite, and got straight to the point:"

"\"Brother Duan, the Shura Divine Hall's generosity is beyond gratitude. Yet, both of us are straightforward; I sense you have other matters, and I delayed you just now. If there's anything you need my help with, feel free to say. As long as I'm able, I will never refuse. \""

"He indeed has a rapport with Duan Xiuluo; the latter's disposition suits him, and with the Asura Divine Hall's goodwill, if he can help, he naturally wishes to forge this benevolent bond."

"Hearing this, Duan Xiuluo's smile tightened slightly, then turned into a wry grin as he shook his head and sighed:"

"\"Indeed, nothing can hide from your eyes, Brother Ye. To be honest, I just left the house intending to make the final preparations for that matter... \""

"His expression grew solemn as he looked at Ye Wuque:"

"\"Actually, it's not just me; nowadays, across the Vast Azure Heaven, tens of thousands of the top young elites of the powerful heavens are probably all scrambling to prepare for this! \""

"\"This is a... supreme event that will soon sweep across the entire Vast Azure Heaven! \""

It attracted an unknown number of reclusive ancient Daoist lineage heirs, as well as the invincible hero whose fame shakes all corners!

Its scale is enormous, the competition fierce, the opportunities abundant, far beyond imagination! It can be called a grand event not seen in hundreds of thousands of years!

Ye Wuque heard that, raised his eyebrows slightly, and found his interest piqued.

It can make the young Heavenly Pride of the whole Vast Sky restless, and even someone of Duan Xiuluo's stature and strength treat it with such solemnity; this grand event is clearly no ordinary affair.

"Oh? What kind of grand event could be so attractive?"

Duan Xiuluo inhaled deeply, his eyes blazing, and slowly uttered a few words as heavy as a thousand pounds:

"Vast Dark Heaven… Ten Thousand Realms Grand Competition!"