Chapter 391

Chapter 391: The Great Competition of the Two Realms

Five years later.

Elite disciples from various immortal sects gathered above the Sihai Sea. Though all below the Nascent Soul Stage, these were the brightest talents of their sects – individuals who’d topped both theoretical studies and practical applications in Immortal classrooms.

They came for the Great Competition of the Two Realms. Despite You You’s assurance of this being a friendly match to be selected through normal Immortal Sect Competition standards, the sects took extraordinary measures. Having never visited another world, they conducted multiple selection rounds and even organized a special Immortal Sect Competition to choose their best representatives.

Though initially skeptical about another world’s existence – an idea too fantastical without visual proof – lower realm cultivators gradually accepted the truth through messaging talismans and female immortals from the Celestial Realm who ascended to the Immortal Realm. These accounts from teaching immortals eventually convinced the sects to treat this competition with utmost seriousness.

"Sect Master You," called the celestial maidens leading each sect after headcounts, turning to the central figure. "All sects are present. We may depart."

You You nodded and faced the endless sea. With a simple wave, space rippled like disturbed water. The ocean vista dissolved, revealing mountains, rivers, and floating peaks through parting veils – as though unsealing a massive Secret Realm. A new continent emerged, radiating familiar-yet-alien spiritual energy.

Disciples from both sides gaped in mutual shock. The Jingling Institute contingent stared at the sudden ocean and armada of Spirit Ships, while Immortal Blessing Continent visitors marveled at the materialized land.

For the Celestial Realm, information about the Immortal Realm remained scarce beyond five-year-old messages from the former Jingling Institute head and You You’s communications. Most nations had prioritized internal rankings over inter-realm affairs until this reality-shattering moment.

"Jingling Institute Head Xiang Xuanqi welcomes the sect masters." The composed leader’s voice carried across Spirit Ships. "Might I inquire which is Sect Master You?"

"Your efforts are appreciated, Head Xiang." You You flew over via sword control, recognizing her five-year communication partner.

"You honor us." Xiang Xuanqi’s subtle exhale betrayed relieved confirmation. "Our guests must be weary from travel. Please follow us to rest before tomorrow’s competition."

With brief acknowledgments, the celestial maidens watched as Jingling Institute’s Spirit Ships activated towing formations. The northern edge journey proved short, the Institute’s transformed visage soon visible.

Gone was the constant protective mountain formation. Though spiritual light pillars still crowned floating peaks, reckless energy expenditure had ceased. New five-element cycle formations now managed resources wisely – the dragon-summoning arrays removed since no Long Clan remained to answer.

The central floating peak particularly impressed. Once barren exterior hiding complex formations, it now hosted grand halls around a main square vast enough for all Spirit Ships.

After settling disciples at assigned peaks, Xiang Xuanqi led leaders to the main hall where a dozen female rulers awaited. Mutual scrutiny commenced instantly.

Celestial maidens noted with alarm that most opposing cultivators reached God Transformation Stage, the weakest being peak Nascent Soul experts. Conversely, the rulers grew perplexed – these sect masters mostly dwelled at Nascent Soul level (some barely past forming theirs), yet commanded respect? The accompanying men proved even more shocking – God Transformation Stage males who actually practiced cultivation!

Within minutes, both sides accumulated enough bewildered questions to fill ten thousand scrolls.