Chapter 423 Provocation Continues

News had already spread out before the empress’ birthday banquet.

Experts from the Ancient Wasteland Domain were said to attend the banquet, and those whom they took notice of would be brought to the Ancient Wasteland Domain for cultivation!

Ancient Wasteland Domain!

Many cultivators in the world might not have heard of the place.

However, descendants of noble families knew very well that it was a vast world with Daoist traditions and was filled with unimaginable cultivation resources.

If they were able to cultivate there, they could rise to the sky and leap through the dragon gate!

Therefore, many genius talents attended the banquet for the opportunity to enter the Ancient Wasteland Domain, such as the Marquis of Rising Sky, Yuchi Ze, Song Yi, Chi Cangfeng, Bai Lingxi and Yun Fushen…

The empress had already left the throne with the reason that she had to welcome some friends.

Everyone was certain that the guests were experts from the Ancient Wasteland Domain given that the empress had to personally greet them!

Therefore, Chief Steward Peng’s announcement that the empress would offer rewards for the geniuses of the younger generation sparked an intense reaction.

The so-called rewards were to motivate all the young talents to perform well in the duels!

As long as they performed good enough, they wouldn’t only receive a reward from the empress but also a favor from the experts of the Ancient Wasteland Domain!

That was the most attractive reward.

Many youngsters’ eyes suddenly blazed with fighting spirit and eagerness to get into action.

“Everyone must have guessed the significance of the duel, but I still have to remind you all.” Chief Steward Peng’s deep voice echoed through the hall. “Her Majesty and others will watch over everything.” Chief Steward Peng assumed a solemn expression. “This is a rare opportunity. Everyone, come with me!”

He strode out of the central imperial palace.

All the guests in the hall got up and walked out in a line.

……

A tremendous martial arts arena had been built on the square outside of the central imperial palace without anyone knowing, and a terrifyingly tremendous rune array had enveloped the area to prevent it from being destroyed.

The arena surprised all the influential and powerful figures. The duels being held at Her Majesty’s birthday banquet aren't simple.

Otherwise, why else would a martial arts arena be set up in front of the central imperial palace?

“It seems that the rumors are true. The experts from the Ancient Wasteland Domain must have come to participate in Her Majesty’s birthday banquet to select disciples. Anyone whom they take notice of would receive a great opportunity!”

Many people’s gazes altered subtly as they guessed something.

They repeatedly reminded their children to seize the great opportunity!

If their children were chosen to cultivate in the Ancient Wasteland Domain, they would bring unimaginable benefits to their families!

They knew well about the background of the Ancient Wasteland Domain and understood that it wasn’t just a simple sacred cultivation land.

The terrifying Daoist sects there had a huge influence on the Ziyao Empire!

If the descendants of their clans were able to be selected to cultivate in the Ancient Wasteland Domain, the empire would attach great importance to their clans!

That tempted many people.

The duel had a different significance for the younger and older generation. The younger generation wanted to train in the Ancient Wasteland Domain, but the older generations only cared about the benefits it would bring to their clan if their descendants were chosen.

On the other hand, Lin Xun’s thinking was much simpler. He didn’t intend to participate as he knew he couldn’t leave the empire even if he was selected.

He had to watch over Mind Cleansing Peak, and he had the important responsibility of helping the Lin Clan rise. How could he leave everything behind and train in another world?

However, he did hope to learn some information about the Omega Sword Sect from the experts of the Ancient Wasteland Domain.

Liu Qingyan went over and asked Lin Xun softly, “Will you take part?”

“It depends,” Lin Xun said after a thought.

Many geniuses and talents who had made a name for themselves in the empire were present. He wanted to see how strong the so-called heaven prides were before he considered whether to take part in the duels.

“No matter what, I believe that you can seize this opportunity.” Liu Qingyan smiled.

Lin Xun blushed at her compliment. It was a delightful feeling to be thought highly of by a beautiful woman

“Lin Xun!”

Suddenly, an arrogant voice rang behind him.

Not far away, Chi Cangfeng swept a cold glance over Lin Xun. His face was fierce and full of malice.

“Get ready, I will kill you first!”

Chi Cangfeng’s voice was ice-cold, and he looked ruthless like a sharp sword.

He turned around and walked away.

Lin Xun frowned. I didn’t get revenge from him, but he actively came to create trouble again. He’s so arrogant.

“Is there animosity between you two?”

Worry clouded Liu Qingyan’s clear eyes.

Chi Cangfeng was an abnormal young man who possessed the bloodline of Golden Sea Violet Lotus. His name had already been known throughout the Forbidden City at the age of fourteen.

The fact that he had achieved second place in the national examination was enough to prove his strength.

“Yes. He tried to kill me when I first arrived at the Forbidden City, but he failed. I never thought he would come to find me again.”

Lin Xun explained and then he asked, “Can you kill people in this duel?”

Liu Qingyan was at first taken aback by his question, then she shook her head and said, “Definitely not, this is the birthday banquet of the empress. How can someone die on this special day?”

“So, that kid is just spurting nonsense when he said he will kill me,” Lin Xun said with a chuckle.

“Don’t worry too much. If he challenges you, he will also be severely wounded.”

Lin Xun nodded with a smile.

Liu Qingyan was unaware that Lin Xun was disappointed to learn that he couldn’t kill in the duel. If possible, he wouldn’t mind killing Chi Cangfeng in the palace!

“Lin Xun.”

Suddenly, another voice sounded. It was gentle and very feminine. Who else would it be besides the Marquis of Rising Sky Zhao Jingyin? Dressed in a blood-red robe, he looked bewitchingly pretty!

“Will you dare to have a duel with me later?”

His gaze was aggressive. “If I win, you have to serve me for ten years and give Liu Qingyan to me.”

“You...” Liu Qingyan never expected him to use her as a wager. Her pretty face turned cold as ice, but her eyes blazed with anger.

He went too far!

Not only Liu Qingyan, but the other cultivators also gasped out loud. They felt that the Marquis of Rising Sky was too arrogant and daring.

However, anyone who knew about the Marquis of Rising Sky would know that he had a violent and fearless temper. After all, he had been expelled from the Forbidden City because he had slaughtered dozens of cultivators for a woman. How would that not spark an outrage?

“Miss Qingyan, ignore that idiot.”

Lin Xun said indifferently, “You want to fight against me? Fine, but we have to change the wager.”

The Marquis of Rising Sky wasn’t the least bit angry after being called an idiot. Instead, a bewitching and sinister smile spread across his face. “Oh, let’s hear it.”

“It’s very simple. If I win, you have to kneel and apologize to Miss Qingyan and swear to not get revenge forever,” Lin Xun said unwaveringly.

Some cultivators’ expressions dramatically changed. He not only called the Marquis of Rising Sky an idiot, but he also told him to kneel and apologize if he lost. Lin Xun has guts!

Lin Xun’s actions impressed many women nearby. Look, he dared to challenge the Marquis of Rising Sky for Liu Qingyan. He’s a real man!

Liu Qingyan was also moved. She stared intently at Lin Xun like it was the first time she had met the handsome young man standing in front of her.

But then, she couldn’t help feeling worried. He’s so silly. It’s not worth confronting someone like the Marquis of Rising Sky just to stand up for me!

“Deal!”

Blood-colored sparks shot out from Marquis of Rising Sky’s eyes like lightning as they opened and closed. He accepted the bet without any hesitation like he wasn’t the slightest worried that he would lose.

He suddenly asked, “Then, what if you lose?”

“It’s also very simple. Don’t you want me to serve you for ten years? I will do that if you win!”

Everyone nearby trembled inwardly. The stakes are too huge!

Who in the empire doesn’t know that Lin Xun is the young rune grandmaster who invoked the phenomenon cries of the nine dragons? In addition, he also helped the empress repair the Sword of Apocalypse.

His terrifying mastery in the art of runes made many experienced senior rune grandmasters in the Forbidden City look inferior. The bet is such a good deal for the Marquis of Rising Sky!

“Lin Xun…” Liu Qingyan cried out anxiously.

“Trust me, it will be fine.”

Lin Xun smiled brightly.

“Haha, good.”

The Marquis of Rising Sky laughed, seeming satisfied. “It’s a pity that you’re not gutsy enough. You could have proposed a more satisfying bet. If I were you, I would wager my life. That would be a real bet!”

“In my opinion, your life is worthless and not worth betting on. The battle between you and I is like a broken earthen pot colliding with fine porcelain.”

Lin Xun grinned.