Chapter 137
by post_apiChapter 137: Confrontation and Killing Intent
Yang Lingrui sat quietly nearby, waiting for He Shenglai to finish flipping through the books.
“Eighth level of Gathering Qi. You’ve done better than anticipated. Your disguise technique is also passable.”
As the He Family’s heir, He Shenglai owned many rare treasures, so he immediately saw through Yang Lingrui’s disguise.
“This humble one’s achievements are only possible due to the dynasty’s and Lord He’s support,” Yang Lingrui replied.
He Shenglai nodded in approval, tucking the books into his sleeve before handing Yang Lingrui a roster.
“Too many have come. Only those at Perfected Gathering Qi may enter the imperial palace directly. The rest must compete for thirty observation seats. This list contains every participant’s name, cultivation level, and background.”
“Understood. My gratitude, Lord He.”
“The selection will be held at the royal martial academy. Return here tomorrow at noon to accompany me.”
He Shenglai locked eyes with him. “The dynasty has high hopes for the Yang Family. The competition for the new noble family slots is fierce. Do not waste this chance.”
Yang Lingrui rose and bowed. “This one will not disappoint you, Lord.”
That night, Yang Lingrui studied the roster.
All 124 participants were late-stage Gathering Qi cultivators, many with familiar names.
Zi He ranked third:
*Exterminate Evil Division, Slaying the Guardian Zi He. Peak Ninth Level. External manifestation techniques, pupil techniques.*
Second place: Xia Lihang from the royal martial academy. Peak Ninth Level. Dragon Elephant Power Technique, Spiritual Manipulation method.
First place: Chu Hao of Daoyuanshan. Peak Ninth Level. Fire and wood paths, Spiritual Manipulation method.
Feng Lingyue of the Feng family sat fifth.
Among the top eight, only Zi He lacked the Spiritual Manipulation method. His third-place ranking despite this flaw revealed his monstrous combat strength.
Li Qingwan held fifteenth place, above many Ninth Level cultivators.
*Way of Chess Dragon-Slaying Technique. Who knew Young Miss Li’s delicate appearance hid such deadly skills?* Yang Lingrui mused.
His own name appeared fortieth—mid-tier among Eighth Level cultivators. The entry mentioned his Wind technique but omitted his mastery of The Mayfly Illusion Technique.
Only thirty would advance to Chongtian Palace’s Gathering Qi to Condensing Essence observation. Battling Ninth Level rivals was inevitable, yet Yang Lingrui remained calm. Such competition suited this occasion.
The dynasty’s selection method, however, remained unclear.
The next day, Yang Lingrui arrived at Wangtian Tower half an hour early. By noon, cultivators streamed out, all heading toward the royal martial academy.
Yang Lingrui stood quietly nearby, hands clasped behind his back. Soon appeared a figure that remained etched in his memory.
Su Lingyun reclined lazily on a jade bed, carried by four attendants.
These attendants were martial cultivators who had reached the perfect realm of tenth-level Gathering Qi – capable of leading minor sects elsewhere. Here, they merely served as palanquin bearers.
"Wait. Stop."
The woman on the jade bed suddenly raised her hand and sat upright, activating her spiritual technique. Her gaze immediately fixed on Yang Lingrui.
"Go wait there."
After issuing the soft command, she leaped through the air to land before him.
"Lingrui! You came too! How’s your home been?"
Her eyes shone with false warmth that might fool bystanders into believing their closeness.
Yang Lingrui discreetly retreated half-step while bowing. "Young cultivator greets Young Mistress Su."
"Since when have we grown so formal?"
Su Lingyun reached for his arm, but froze when a Willow Leaf landed on his shoulder.
The woman chuckled awkwardly, turning toward Wangtian Tower. "Young Lord He! We’re simply old friends catching up!"
He Shenglai emerged with hands behind his back, four black-clad guards trailing him.
"Numerous children vanished near Jingyun Peak these past years. Any explanations?"
Su Lingyun feigned shock. "How dreadful! I knew nothing of this! You have my gratitude for informing me – I’ll investigate thoroughly!"
Yang Lingrui recalled the stone-carrying boy from the ceremonial gathering’s illusion array. The liar clearly knew everything.
He Shenglai stepped closer until they stood face-to-face. "You know I’ve long wanted to kill you."
"Likewise!" Su Lingyun smiled sweetly.
Two Condensing Essence cultivators materialized beside them as killing intent flooded the area. "Chongtian City prohibits conflicts."
The tension broke. He Shenglai departed with Yang Lingrui, ignoring Su Lingyun’s theatrical farewell wave.
Once they’d left, the woman summoned a twelfth-level Su Family guard. "Whoever kills Yang Lingrui during the trials gets guaranteed advancement to Condensing Essence stage."
The guard vanished into the crowd within moments.