Chapter 541: Pageantry for the Scions of the Rich!

Yun Xiao's spirit swayed and stumbled, his inebriation painfully apparent. It wasn't intentional; his spirit was swelling like it had ingested a potent tonic, experiencing explosive growth.

Yun Xiao hastily retracted it back into his Dantian, and asked Blue Star for more Heavenly Dao Sariras, swallowing them together.

"The Third Dao Tribulation is 80% about the growth of the spirit, and only 20% about the growth of the Dao Heart. With enough Origin Orbs and Heavenly Dao Sariras, my growth could even surpass the Second Dao Tribulation."

The Second Dao Tribulation relied solely on the Dao Heart, and posed some real challenges.

To say that the Third Dao Tribulation could be quicker than the second was honestly unbelievable.

Yet, Yun Xiao made it a reality. After consuming the super tonic for his spirit, his breakthroughs faced no bounds. Under the influence of the Tri Heaven Sariras, he quickly advanced through two stages.

"Late True Immortal Realm!" With Yun Xiao's current ability to fight beyond his level, this breakthrough could propel his combat prowess into the latter stages of the Essence Manifestation Realm!

"This power is nearing that of some Arbiter Commanders."

Of course, not the level of seasoned Rank 8 Arbiter Commanders like Liu Mumu.

In the Celestial Court, position and power were closely linked, though not always precisely matched.

For instance, some reclusive experts might possess the combat prowess of Rank 1 or Rank 2 Heavenly Immortals of the Celestial Court, yet hold no official title.

Yun Xiao stood up, taking a deep breath. "The growth of my spirit is now sufficient to reach the Essence Manifestation Realm; I just need a few more Tri Heaven Sariras to break through to it in one go."

Regrettably, the True Immortal Jade Mine was depleted. It wasn't that Yun Xiao was low on resources, but that the cost of the Origin Orb and Tri Heaven Sariras had been too great. That was especially true for the former which had allowed Yun Xiao's spirit to break through to a whole new realm.

"Just got a huge load of money and blew it all in one go, nothing left... What a thrilling feeling!" Yun Xiao sighed.

This was the excitement of the path of immortality!

Though still poor, Yun Xiao's strength was rapidly growing.

"There are still over 1,000 True Immortal Jades left from the haul you got from Lu Changfeng and the others—bring them here!" Blue Star said, curling his lip.

"This is my stake for officially entering the Essence Manifestation Realm, try not to skim too much off the top," Yun Xiao replied.

"Sure thing, sure thing," Blue Star chuckled, his smile revealing more than it concealed.

Who could say how much they had skimmed off already! Don't ask, because it was sure to be a huge amount!

Yun Xiao waited as the small black beast slowly processed and produced more Tri Heaven Sariras, all the while he consolidated his Late True Immortal Realm cultivation.

By the time Yun Xiao felt stable, evening had descended.

Another hour and the cloak of night would fall again.

"Even if I've broken through, my Sword Aura and Runes are still capped, and I'm too broke for new Sword Rings... I need to learn some celestial techniques to diversify my arsenal," Yun Xiao thought as he stood up.

So far, all his skills were derivations of the mundane world's doctrines and techniques, having reached their zenith. Yet, he hadn't even glimpsed the celestial techniques of Immortal cultivation.

Except for that brief moment he emulated Lu Changfeng's Typhoon Piercer, which seemed rich in content and sparked his creativity. But where to acquire such celestial techniques?

Yun Xiao pushed open the door of his cultivation room, stepping into a corridor swallowed by the twilight's glow.

Standing in the glow was a tall woman clad in Arbiter armor, her form edged in gold, blending seamlessly with the dusk.

"Master, you've returned?" Yun Xiao approached.

"I've just requested a transfer from the Judicial Immortal. The Arbiter forces, including Lu Changfeng's pavilion, will be under my temporary supervision," Liu Mumu turned, her tone serious. "From now on, you'll only answer to me."

"Are you that worried I'll continue to cause trouble?" Yun Xiao half-joked.

"..." Liu Mumu shot him a look but said nothing.

"What about Sangju City?" Yun Xiao asked.

"They're still investigating, chasing the murderer," Liu Mumu replied.

"I'm just worried that by tonight, they might all end up hung at the city gates," Yun Xiao said.

"Are you telling ghost stories now? My brother is still there," Liu Mumu said dryly.

"Just a joke, Master," Yun Xiao smiled.

"Not funny." Liu Mumu pursed her lips. "I'm here to tell you, from now on, report everything you do to me."

"Alright," Yun Xiao nodded, then quickly added, "Master, I want to head to the Celestial Technique Hall now."

"What are you going there for?" Liu Mumu inquired.

"I just checked, and my trip to Sangju City earned me no merits, not enough to exchange for good celestial techniques. I'll have to try my luck at the Celestial Technique Hall," Yun Xiao explained.

"The celestial techniques housed in the Celestial Technique Hall are so lowly they aren't even graded—truth be told, they're the unwanted refuse that no one else would bother with. Anything of even modest worth is tightly controlled by the Skyruler Immortal Manor." Liu Mumu glanced at him with a tinge of apology. "The Liu Family's celestial techniques have strict rules against dissemination. So, I'm sorry. Though you call me master, there's not much I can teach you."

"An Arbiter master teaches the celestial laws and the ways of the world, not the lineage of cultivation, so no need for apologies, Master." Yun Xiao shook his head with a smile, then added, "But I still need to visit the Celestial Technique Hall."

"You're scavenging through trash?" Liu Mumu raised her eyebrows in disbelief.

"Can't help it, I'm broke," Yun Xiao paused, "Who knows? Maybe I'll find gold in the garbage."

"Yes, yes, every brainless protagonist in those wild tales finds an ancient divine artifact with its own sage grandfather at some roadside stall. Go on, dig like those shallow newbloods." Liu Mumu laughed sarcastically.

"..." Yun Xiao only smiled in response.

Worried he might wander off, and not wanting others to make things difficult for him, Liu Mumu personally escorted him to the Celestial Technique Hall.

Yun Xiao entered and emerged within a quarter of an hour.

"So, what did you freeload?" Liu Mumu asked.

"Not a hair," Yun Xiao admitted, embarrassed.

"A waste of time!" Liu Mumu looked outside and noted that it was already dark.

"Go back to your cultivation room and have a quiet night," she suggested.

"Master, there's still one very important thing I haven't done," Yun Xiao said earnestly.

"What now?" Liu Mumu looked exasperated; the boy always had something up his sleeve!

Yun Xiao explained, "I heard that come dawn, the Skyruler Immortal Manor in Sky Soaring City will select five Arbiters under 30 years old to go to the Thunder Department. Registration is tonight."

Liu Mumu paused, then said, "You're really considering joining the tournament?"

"Yes." Yun Xiao nodded seriously.

"I know you're capable, but honestly, this isn't the place for you." Liu Mumu shook her head.

"Why not?" Yun Xiao asked, puzzled.

"The Immortal Tournament in the Celestial Court is fundamentally a showcase, a venue for the divine families to evaluate their youths—it's performative in nature. Those who attend are the progeny of high ranking Immortals, typically young fighters with their elders watching and chatting merrily on the sidelines... Even as a daughter of a Rank 6 Judicial Immortal, I seldom get the chance to participate," Liu Mumu said, clearly annoyed.

"So, the essence of this affair leans more towards social standing than combat prowess?" Yun Xiao inquired.

It was a simple concept, akin to the scions of lords and ministers in the Cloud Nation competing in martial displays—primarily those young heirs gaining experience at the grassroots level.

"Exactly." Liu Mumu nodded.

"Master, are you saying that our Sky Soaring City's five spots are already predetermined?" Yun Xiao asked.

"Yes," Liu Mumu nodded, essentially confirming it.

"That doesn't seem quite right, does it? Choosing Arbiters based on high birth rather than merit. What if they perform poorly? Wouldn't that be embarrassing?" Yun Xiao shook his head.

"What kind of fantasy are you living in where the true masters are hidden among the common folk?" Liu Mumu glared at him. "Their parents are at least Rank 6 Celestial Officers, with exceptional bloodlines and talents, nurtured from a rich pool of resources since they were three years old. By almost 30 years old, they've far surpassed their peers."

After a pause, she continued, "To tell you the truth, these five competing Arbiters are indeed the strongest. Not only are they powerful and talented, but they've also amassed significant achievements. All under 30 years old, they've reached the rank of Rank 8 Arbiter Commanders, equal to my own rank... So tell me, do you still think this is collusion? This is just the reality."

"Five Arbiter Commanders?" Yun Xiao hadn't expected his competitors to be of such high caliber. He thought Lu Changfeng was decent in Sky Soaring City, but clearly, he was a notch below these five.

"Don't waste your time on things that aren't meant for you," Liu Mumu said, preparing to leave.

"But Master, Sun Xiaoqi said anyone meeting the age criteria could register. There's still an internal selection tomorrow morning," Yun Xiao protested.

"It's just a formality." Liu Mumu pointed outside. "As for the registration, check the board outside and see how many have signed up."

"Just those five?" Yun Xiao asked.

"Isn't that obvious? Everyone knows their place. The great Celestial Officers of Sky Soaring City have already decided on the five who will bring them glory. If their children perform well, it reflects well on them... Who would be so foolish as to make trouble just before departure? Even if someone did defeat those five, do you think their parents would be pleased?" Liu Mumu countered.

"There shouldn't be such fools," Yun Xiao said.

"Exactly." Liu Mumu put a hand on his shoulder, speaking earnestly, "I'm begging you, please keep to yourself, just stay in your cultivation room, alright?"

"Alright!" Yun Xiao nodded.

"Go then." Liu Mumu relaxed a bit, seeing his compliant attitude.

She had hurried back also to make him give up the notion.

"See you tomorrow, Master." Yun Xiao waved goodbye and headed towards his cultivation room.

Near the cultivation room, he took a detour towards the entrance of the Skyruler Immortal Manor.

Just as expected, at the entrance, the board proudly displayed five names written in elegant calligraphy, each labeled as Arbiter Commanders—Rank 8 Celestial Officers!

Without another word, Yun Xiao added the name

Lu Yao

to the board. Instantly, his rank appeared on the board—Rank 9 Arbiter Initiate!

After writing, Yun Xiao landed on the ground, satisfied with his handiwork, ready to leave.

Just then, a crisp and melodious female voice called out from behind him, "Hey little punk, who do you think you are signing up there!?"