Reaching the pinnacle from Doupo

Chapter 558 The Main Competition Venue, The Discussion of Merging Pavilions

"The last one, the curtain falls... What does this mean?"

The voice emanating from the blue light and shadow left everyone completely bewildered, yet its power made it impossible for anyone to ignore.

However, their questions are destined to remain unanswered!

The old apothecary glanced around, nodded, and laughed loudly according to the pre-arranged "script": "My friend is right, but this decisive arena is too small. How about we work together to create a space suitable for the final battle?"

"Good idea, let's begin!" Lin Yuan, his figure hidden in the blue light, smiled slightly and said loudly.

After saying this, the two exchanged a glance, and simultaneously raised their hands, gathering spatial power and releasing it, blasting it towards the still-undissipated spatial void.

Upon contact, the cavity, which was several meters in size, trembled slightly.

As Lin Yuan and Yao Lao continued to inject their power, the void began to shrink inward, while the hazy, otherworldly realm within it became increasingly solid.

After a period of time, the void in space stopped shrinking.

At this moment, the cavity shrank to only about a foot in size; and its color changed from pitch black to pale silver.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Lin Yuan and Yao Lao changed their hand seals, and the ten-foot-wide void trembled violently before erupting with a deafening roar, releasing a dazzling silver light. Mysterious and vast spatial ripples spread out, sweeping across the entire summit of Thunder Mountain.

The space around the ripples experienced extremely violent fluctuations, actually creating a chaotic space.

A Dou Sheng (Battle Saint) level expert possesses the ability to create other realms.

A half-saint possesses the essence of a saint. Although he cannot achieve the perfection of a fighting saint, he can easily create a chaotic space as a place for sparring and battle.

Opening up chaotic spaces for sparring and battles is also a common practice among Saint Realm experts.

After all, the Dou Sheng level is the pinnacle of the Dou Qi Continent today, truly possessing earth-shattering power. Once they actually clash, the terrain of large areas will be changed as a result.

Chaotic space is unstable and will quickly dissipate if not maintained, making it quite useful as a place for sparring and battles.

The reason why Lin Yuan and Yao Lao are constructing the Chaos Space this time is to publicly demonstrate the ability of a saint to open up space, to solidify the existence, strength, and friendship between the 'Ancient Flame Saint' and Yao Chen, making it the foundation of the Anti-Soul Hall organization and exerting a certain deterrent force.

According to Lin Yuan's plan, after the 'Ancient Flame Saint' makes his appearance, this identity will serve as a public alias for the Pill Tower Holy Realm, and will be used when necessary.

Of course, there was another consideration: to conceal the fact that Feng Qing'er had reverted to her ancestral form.

When Feng Qing'er fights Xiao Yan, she will definitely use her trump cards. If the battlefield is outside, with many people watching, someone might be knowledgeable and recognize her as the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix.

However, it is not the time to reveal the matter of the ancient Heavenly Phoenix.

By placing the battlefield in the cleared space, the risks of exposure can be completely avoided—within his capabilities, Lin Yuan does not tend to rely on luck!
"Contestants, follow me, Your Majesty!"

The old man stood at the entrance of the spatial passage, glanced at the people below, and said indifferently, "If you perform well in this main competition, I will reward you handsomely."

After saying that, he moved and took the lead in rushing into the chaotic space.

Lin Yuan glanced at Feng Qing'er, then moved swiftly and rushed into the spatial passage, leaving only an unquestionable voice echoing across Thunder Mountain: "The four Venerables of the Four Directions Pavilion, come with me... I have something to tell you."

Upon hearing this, Venerable Feng did not hesitate at all. He cupped his hands to Venerable San Du, then transformed into a streak of azure light and flew out, instantly entering the spatial passage.

Xiao Yan and Mu Qingluan exchanged a glance, then took to the air and gave chase.

Seeing this, the three Venerables exchanged a glance, then quickly called out to their respective disciples and led them into that chaotic space.

They have no right to disobey the orders of the two demigods!

"Even if I can't win the championship, it's still good to see it!" Nalan Yanran gritted her teeth, touched the ground with her toes, and soared into the air, flying into the spatial passage with the last two main contestants.

After the powerful figures rushed into the space, the mountain range, which had been freed from suppression, immediately stirred, with countless eyes fixed on the chaotic space with burning passion.

"To actually meet two sages, this trip was truly worthwhile!"

"As expected, the legends are true. Battle Saint level experts possess extraordinary abilities, capable of creating separate dimensions independent of the continent, where many powerful forces reside. Those two who can create a chaotic space are probably not far from reaching the Battle Saint realm..."

"Speaking of which, I can understand why the Medicine Saint is here, but who is that Ancient Flame Saint? I have never heard of that name before."

"What's so strange about that? The Dou Qi Continent is full of hidden talents, and there are countless reclusive experts!"

"Rumor has it that the Medicine Saint is extremely popular and has a wide circle of friends, including some reclusive Saint-level experts... What's so surprising about that?"

"However, what did that 'Ancient Flame Saint' mean by 'the last one'?"

"Let's not talk about that now. The players have gone to another dimension, so we can't see the match anymore. What should we do next? Go and watch it?"

"Are you courting death? Those two saints didn't summon us in!"

Most of the people present were seeing the Holy Realm for the first time, and once they were freed from their constraints, they couldn't wait to start discussing it.

Above the sky, as soon as Nalan Yanran's body touched the distorted space, a strange energy suddenly surged out from the void and immediately merged into her body, allowing her to recover to her peak state in just a few breaths after expending a lot of power.

Immediately, a strange suction force suddenly erupted from the point of contact, causing the space to distort even more, and directly swallowed her up.

The sudden suction caused Nalan Yanran's vision to blur.

A moment later, when her vision returned, she was surprised to find herself in a vast, empty, and strange space that exuded a desolate atmosphere.

Not far ahead, the familiar young man stood alone, his expression somewhat subtle.

"Is this arrangement a deliberate choice by Teacher... no, by Lin Yuan's twisted sense of humor?" Meeting the woman's gaze, Xiao Yan's eyes flashed with a hint of helplessness as he smiled wryly, "Long time no see, Nalan Yanran. It seems we are destined to be opponents in this round!"

"In that case, let's have a long-awaited battle!" Nalan Yanran smiled and said, "It's been several years since we last met. Let me see how far apart we are..."

Even if she was no match for him, she did not intend to admit defeat outright.

As soon as she finished speaking, Nalan Yanran drew her longsword with a clang, the blade pointing directly at Xiao Yan, her beautiful eyes filled with curiosity and fighting spirit.

"The gap between us?" Xiao Yan touched his nose, his voice softening with a hint of amusement. "Then you need to be careful. The difference in strength between us now... might be even greater than you think!"

Before he finished speaking, a thought flashed through his mind, and the aura of a peak Dou Zong surged forth from his body, causing the space to tremble. Similar scenes also occurred in four other spaces.

Lin Yuan had no interest in watching each of the four battles, which were merely battles between Dou Zong, so he simply had all four take place at once.

At the same time, the chaotic space rippled and gradually became somewhat transparent. Through the transparent space, everyone could see the four scenes within the chaotic space.

Looking at the scene reflected in the sky, the people below were also deeply moved.

"I can see it! I can see it!!"

"It can be like this? The methods of the Saint are truly miraculous. This is good... It would be a real pity if we couldn't see the main competition in the strongest Four Directions Pavilion Tournament."

"Judging from this, the battle groups have already been divided... Are all four battles taking place simultaneously?"

In each of the four scenes, there was a group of main contestants: Chen Yan versus Nalan Yanran; Feng Qing'er versus Tang Ying; Mu Qingluan versus Xu Qiming (a random Dou Zong); and Wang Chen versus Zhao Lin (a random Quasi-Dou Zong).

In a sudden moment, an ancient bell rang out from the stone pagoda in Dengfeng, Leishan, and then pierced through the spatial barrier, resounding throughout the vast chaotic space.

As if receiving a signal, dazzling battle auras simultaneously erupted in all four visible scenes for the spectators...

The Four Directions Pavilion Tournament, main competition begins!
In a corner of the chaotic space, several figures stood.

A massive silver light screen, suspended in mid-air, ripples like water gently echoed across it, reflecting the scene of the four groups of contestants locked in fierce combat.

Amidst the fierce battle of the eight, a decision destined to shake the Central Plains was finally being finalized.

"Whether you accept the merger or face death and the destruction of your clan... the three of you, choose!"

Lin Yuan's gaze fell from mid-air onto the Sword Venerable, Thunder Venerable, and Yellow Spring Venerable, and his indifferent voice rang in their ears.

"Old friend, please don't do this!" Yao Lao stepped forward, standing between the three Venerables and Lin Yuan. His aged voice carried a hint of helplessness: "You have lived in seclusion for a long time. I am very happy that you are willing to come out of the mountains to help me. But I hope you can be more gentle in your actions."

“I know you want to strengthen our side as soon as possible, but the merger is entirely voluntary. Using force to coerce others... I don’t like this approach.”

"After all, if we really acted that way, how would we be any different from the Soul Palace?"

"My old friend, your style of doing things is too mild..." Lin Yuan said with feigned helplessness, "Alright, since you've personally asked, then let's do as you say!"

"Hehe, thank you for your understanding, old friend!" Yao Lao smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, then turned to the three pavilion masters and said gently, "The three of you, as I just said, the merging of pavilions is entirely voluntary, and I will not force you. I hope you will consider it carefully... As for the time limit..."

After a brief pause, he glanced at the silver light screen and said thoughtfully, "Before the Four Directions Pavilion Conference concludes, I hope you can make a decision and inform me."

Upon hearing this, the three pavilion masters exchanged a glance, their eyes revealing the same bitterness.

They absolutely cannot afford to offend two demigods!
The Medicine Saint is upright in his conduct and his character is widely praised in Zhongzhou; however, the Ancient Flame Saint is clearly a domineering person, and if one goes against his will, the consequences are completely unknown.

"You two sages, there's no need to wait until the competition is over, I've already made my decision!"

Concealing the feigned bitterness in his eyes, Venerable Lei spoke first while the other two hesitated, "On behalf of the Wind and Thunder Pavilion, I agree to the merger."

Having accepted Lin Yuan's order, he prepared for this day for a year, so naturally he felt no psychological pressure.

Seeing Lei Zun Zhe's decisiveness, Jian Zun Zhe and Huang Quan Zun Zhe were stunned. After regaining their senses, they hurriedly said, "Me too, Wan Jian Ge (Huang Quan Ge) agrees to merge the two pavilions."

Since the situation is beyond our control, we must strive to gain as much advantage as possible. At this point, hesitation means defeat!

"Haha, good!" The old doctor stroked his beard and laughed, his eyes full of satisfaction.

"Since the three of you are so sensible, I will certainly not treat you unfairly. After the four pavilions merge, resources will be allocated equally, and I will also provide the other three pavilions with necessary assistance in terms of cultivation techniques, combat skills, and pills."

"Besides that, I will personally refine some pills for you few to help you raise your strength to a higher level!"

Upon hearing this, the three venerable ones breathed a sigh of relief, and a hint of joy appeared on their faces.

They were initially worried that the Starfall Pavilion would suppress them after the merger, but after hearing what Elder Yao said, their concerns dissipated considerably.

"Thank you, Medicine Saint!" The three Venerables bowed deeply in unison, their attitude extremely respectful.

Compared to the domineering style of the Ancient Flame Saint, the Medicine Saint, who was also a Saint, seemed particularly reassuring at this moment.

"Very good!" Elder Yao nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "Since an agreement has been reached, you may all wait aside and discuss the specifics of the merger with Feng Xian. Many people have gathered in the Fenglei Mountains today; once the main competition concludes, this news will be announced to the world..."

"Concluding with the final Four Directions Pavilion Conference, as a prelude to the merger of the Four Directions Pavilions into one, is quite a good thing!"

Upon hearing this, the three Venerables bowed respectfully in response. After a brief pause, they bowed again to Lin Yuan, who was enveloped in blue light, before retreating to a distance with Venerable Feng to discuss the matter.

As for the outcome of the match, none of them cared anymore.

After the others left, Yao Lao went to Lin Yuan's side and watched the battle on the light screen with him.

"Young Lin, thank you!"

After a moment's thought, the old apothecary said softly, "If you hadn't taken the initiative to play the 'villain' and gotten those three to agree to merge the cabinet... it wouldn't have been so simple."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yuan simply waved his hand casually and said indifferently, "An organization needs to play the good cop and the bad cop."

"The Ancient Flame Saint, this mysterious figure who doesn't reside permanently within the organization, is perfect for playing the villain!"

"Afterwards, with the Ancient Flame Saint as a ruthless 'enforcer' keeping everyone in check from the shadows, those who joined the organization would not dare to betray them easily; and the senior, as the leader, would unite people's hearts through gentle methods and elixirs in the foreground!"

"With two holy realms, one bright and one dark, one strong and one gentle, the Anti-Soul Hall organization is bound to flourish."

"Speaking of which, Venerable Huangquan, you should perhaps investigate this person. There's a good chance he's connected to that side... After all, to be able to establish himself in the western border region where their power is strongest, and even become one of the four renowned pavilions in the Central Plains, it's hard to say he didn't have their support!"

"However, even if he really is from that side, senior, don't rush to get rid of him. You can find a way to make good use of him."

"Oh?" Yao Lao raised an eyebrow, and after a moment's thought, said somewhat uncertainly, "Young Lin, you mean... if Venerable Huang Quan is really from the Soul Palace, then we should keep him alive and let him spread some false information?!"

“Exactly!” Lin Yuan nodded and pondered, “When the organization is not mature, it is not advisable to confront the Soul Palace head-on too early. We can use some tricks to buy time.”

The Yellow Springs Venerable is a pawn of the Soul Palace... Abyss Heaven Venerable can guarantee that!
(End of this chapter)