Chapter 160: Change

Ying Yu's suggestion not to set up reinforcements did not receive unanimous agreement. However, Wan Qingshan of the Tianyuan Dynasty remarked, "I actually think this is a decent method."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of more than half of those present subtly changed.

Ying Yu was merely from the Blackbird Kingdom, so his stance could be brushed aside with no problem.

But Wan Qingshan... represented the Tianyuan Royal Family.

The people seated exchanged looks.

After a while, Prince Su Mai, concerned about the safety of the Sixth Princess and Li Pin, said, "Wasn't the proposal to exclude reinforcements rejected before the committee finalized the rules? The competition has already started, so why bring up this old issue now?"

"I understand what everyone is thinking, but..." Wan Qingshan chuckled, "it is exactly as you suspect. If we hadn't approved this proposal, you might not have sent out your top young talents.

"For example, Yan Hongtu, I heard about his reputation three years ago, but he did not participate in the competition back then. This led other factions to believe that our Tianyuan Federation's World's Top Martial Competition was declining with each session."

"That's not the case." Zhang Songbai quickly interjected. "Hongtu was in a critical period of refining his martial arts system and couldn't spare the time to compete... Moreover, with the allure of the legendary astral equipment His Excellency is endorsing this season, no one would miss this grand event."

While the World's Top Martial Competition could bring supreme honor and access to top-tier cultivation resources, it still had limited appeal.

Reputation? Honor? For top talents from countries like Blackbird, Central Dynasty, and Xiya, these held little attraction. They were already exceptional geniuses, the darlings of fortune, showered with adoration and acclaim, and had access to every resource imaginable.

Additionally, unlike Taibai, which needed to rely on top ten, or even top three rankings in the martial competition to prove its martial prowess, their national power was already second only to the Tianyuan Dynasty.

In this situation, attracting these top talents to the World's Top Martial Competition was not an easy task.

At this moment, Ying Yu spoke again. "What is the true meaning of being a martial artist? It's to scout perilous regions! Normally, scouting is done in small teams. However, this competition does not allow for cooperation, which is clearly unreasonable!

"I suggest we adopt the model of scouting perilous regions for martial artists but replace the scouting with hunting ferocious beasts. For the rest, let's make it a complete simulation."

Zhang Songbai could see that Ying Yu and Wan Qingshan were echoing each other.

However, he found it difficult to refute and could only say, "There are reinforcements even during scouting missions. If someone winds up in trouble, as long as it's not a sure-death situation and there is hope for survival, a team will be sent from the rear to provide rescue—"

"So, we might as well allow participants to conduct rescue operations for each other," Ying Yu said.

An elder joined into the conversation here. "Rescue? How is that possible? Every participant is a competitor. It's already a blessing if they don't sabotage each other, let alone be so kind as to offer rescue. Also, if teaming up is allowed, it could result in some individuals scoring significantly higher if a group subdues a ferocious beast and one person kills it?"

"That will depend on the moral standards of those martial artists," Wan Qingshan said calmly. "In real situations, such things can happen. The only thing we can do is, once we discover any issues or receive evidence from other team members, disqualify those involved and have the participants monitor and report on each other."

Zhang Songbai and Qiao Feiyu, the Xiya Republic representative, remained silent.

"There is something you might not know." Wan Qingshan continued indifferently. "Just the day before yesterday, a small team that ventured deep into the Degenerate Temple finally uncovered the true cause of the biological mutations in the temple. A bishop has appeared within the temple."

Zhang Songbai, Qiao Feiyu, Su Mai, and the others were taken aback simultaneously.

"A bishop!?"

After a moment, Zhang Songbai asked incredulously, "You mean a bishop!? Like in our own religious system?"

"Yes," Wan Qingshan confirmed. "From the initial division of roles and establishment of hierarchies to now... it has even developed a complete hierarchy of positions. What does this mean?"

Wan Qingshan swept the people seated with his eyes one by one. "The evolution of these Demonic Creatures is happening much faster than we imagined."

"But... how is this possible...!" Zhang Songbai murmured. "How could they perfect their social structure so quickly?"

"It could be that they are learning from us humans," Wan Qingshan suggested. "Or... bathing beneath the starlight not only helped them evolve toward the perfect form of the Astral God, but also allowed them to spontaneously grasp and receive some unknown information."

"Unknown information..." Zhang Songbai thought further ahead. "The Degenerate Temple is not the highest-level perilous region! The highest-level perilous region within the Tianyuan border is the territory defended by the Demon-Sealing Fortress group!

"If the Degenerate Temple has already developed a range of professions and classes like warriors, guards, archers, captains, commanders, and bishops, then the Demon Sealing Fortress group...."

"Although detailed information has not been gathered yet, the possibility is high," Wan Qingshan said, glancing at him. "Now you understand why the higher-ups are willing to offer legendary equipment as a reward?"

The others exchanged looks of concern. "This..."

𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"Many countries have the habit of preserving their heritage, but I want to tell you that now is not the time for that! All resources and treasures must be used to their fullest, to quickly strengthen our human race."

Wan Qingshan looked toward the direction of the Tianyuan Imperial Palace. "I don't know when the ultimate battle for Gaia's dominance between us and the demonic creatures will come. Sixty years? Thirty years? Or ten years? But... we must start now, be prepared at all times, and anticipate the backlash from all the species and races against our dominance!"

Zhang Songbai and the others were silent for a good ten seconds.

This heavy and oppressive atmosphere persisted for a while until Qiao Feiyu finally broke the silence. "The recent summit meeting...."

"That was to discuss this matter," Wan Qingshan confirmed. "It is a significant issue, and the leaders of all countries are reluctant to act hastily. Therefore, we can only test it out in the martial arts world first. If we fully utilize resources to train, can we achieve a surge in high-level martial artists?

"However, there are concerns that this might lead to martial artists becoming reliant on external aids, which could ruin the martial arts system and waste the potential of talented individuals. This is why the last meeting did reach a definitive conclusion."

He stood up and slowly scanned the attendees. "But I think it's worth a try. Even if mistakes occur with the martial arts community, the supplement to the Astral Cultivator world, we can correct them in time without causing irreversible damage."

Clearly, this was not his personal decision, but rather a decision made by a few. Whether it involved the loss of resources or martial arts talent, it remained within a controllable range. For this reason, it was only now, with the start of the World's Top Martial Competition, that he officially announced it.

"The Hall Master of Dragon Gate Hall, Ran Dongsheng, shares my view. I spoke with him this morning. We decided that, with our own resources combined with his approval, there will be four Dragon Prince spots available for the intermediate category."

Zhang Songbai's heart skipped a beat. "Four!?"

Dragon Gate Hall was an institution in the Central Dynasty almost on par with the Guardian Hall Headquarter. It was a level above the headquarters' Astral Hall.

The Hall Master's influence was enough to be on par with the vice warden of the headquarters. He was a genuine Master Astral Cultivator, a Master-level Astral Cultivator, and he supported Wan Qingshan's statement....

"Commissioner Qingshan, is it true? Four Dragon Princes, with each having the right to use legendary astral equipment?"

Wan Qingshan nodded. "Of course. Among the four Dragon Prince spots, three of the four will go to the top three of the intermediate category, while the remaining one will be awarded based on overall potential."

This revelation stirred everyone's interest simultaneously.

From just one or two spots to four... It's worth taking a chance.

People of their status knew well that nothing in the world was perfect. To seize all the benefits without taking any risks was either deception or a dream.

Su Mai was the first to respond. "Alright."

When it came to potential, he was very confident in Li Pin.

Upon learning of Hall Master Ran Dongsheng's intentions, Zhang Songbai also chose not to insist. "Then let's do as you say."

"I've agreed as well. Fortune favors the bold. The path of a martial artist demands a resolve to fight against the heavens themselves!"

Others began to speak up. With the addition of those already aligned with Wan Qingshan, like Ying Yu, very quickly, more than half had agreed. The remaining individuals, though worried about their own contestants, could only wish them good luck at this point.

With the discussion concluded, the atmosphere became more relaxed. While the major factions behind the World's Top Martial Competition appeared to be there to discuss participants, their main purpose was actually to exchange intelligence. It was like holding a small gathering under the guise of an international event.

***

In the Shadow Forest.

Li Pin had just pulled out his sword from the corpse of a gorilla-like creature about three meters tall, covered in yellow fur. This was a Yeti. Despite its dense fur suggesting it should live in icy regions, it was active in the jungle, which led to its name.

Thirty points.

At this moment, his wristwatch vibrated slightly and displayed a message: Due to severe interference, the distress signal may experience delays or be difficult to receive. Competitors are allowed to form teams locally.

The message included several prohibitions, such as points would not be awarded based on the contribution value of hunting ferocious beasts and would be evenly distributed among team members. Participants were also prohibited from fighting each other.

Li Pin was somewhat surprised. "Interference?"

Had the organizers not conducted a thorough survey of the competition area beforehand?

But he dismissed the thought. For him, it made no difference.

"Be it the Demonic Cat or the Snowman, most have qi and blood around fifty to sixty, with only a few exceptions. But I need more to feel challenged, to experience the same level of pressure as when I faced Lin Yuzhi, where I had to ignite my mental spirit to its absolute limit!"

Li Pin's eyes fixed on the edge of the competition area.

It's time for something big.