I gain ten years' worth of cultivation every day, and even geniuses will only see my doorstep!

Having said that, he didn't linger any longer. His figure transformed into a wisp of black smoke and suddenly retreated deep into the Netherworld Palace's camp. The ghostly mist dissipated, as if he had never moved.

The chilling pressure that had enveloped the platform dissipated.

On the Qiankun Platform, all was silent. Countless gazes were focused on Qin Yuan, filled with shock, awe, apprehension, and curiosity. The brief clash of auras just now, though not a physical fight, had completely overturned many people's perceptions of him, revealing a strength and courage that Qin Yuan had displayed. This newly promoted Taiyi prospective Dao Child was no mere figurehead; his true combat power likely placed him firmly among the top geniuses of this generation, perhaps even capable of rivaling veteran peak geniuses like Li Wanhun and Jian Wuming!

Liu Suifeng breathed a long sigh of relief, his gaze towards Qin Yuan changed even more. He patted Qin Yuan's shoulder and whispered, "Junior Brother Qin, well done! However, Li Wanhun is a vengeful and treacherous man. Once we leave the Lesser Universe Realm, we must be extra careful."

Qin Yuan dispersed the spiritual light between his fingers and nodded: "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother Liu. I know what I'm doing."

He sat down cross-legged again, as if nothing had happened. But everyone knew that after this incident, Qin Yuan's name would no longer be associated with just "the champion of the Heavenly Pride Gathering" and "the Taiyi prospective Dao Child," but would also be labeled as "a ruthless person who can confront Li Wanhun head-on."

Soon after, three vast figures reappeared in the sky.

Zhou Qingxuan stood in the center, flanked by an old man in black on his left and a Taoist in white robes on his right. The three Dao-Merging experts swept their gazes across the area below. When they saw Qin Yuan, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Zhou Qingxuan's eyes, and the old man in black and the Taoist in white robes nodded slightly as well.

"The time has come." Zhou Qingxuan spoke, his voice resounding throughout the entire area. "The Lesser Universe Realm is officially closed. Whether you have gained something or lost something, it is all in the hands of fate. Rest for three days, and after three days, return to Qingzhou through your respective sect's teleportation array."

He paused, his voice turning solemn: "There is another matter to announce. The once-in-a-century 'Southern Continent Prodigy Selection' will be held in Tian Shu City, Southern Continent, in ten years. Anyone under one hundred years old with a cultivation level of Nascent Soul can participate representing their respective sects or forces. The top ten will be able to enter the three supreme sects of Southern Continent—'Haotian Sect,' 'Yaochi Holy Land,' and 'Wanfo Temple'—for cultivation. The top one hundred will also receive generous rewards and the qualification to enter other top sects in Southern Continent."

The Selection of Prodigies of Southern Continent!

The three supreme sects!

Upon hearing this, the Qiankun Platform immediately erupted in commotion!

Nanzhou is a super-region that is even more vast, prosperous, and teeming with powerful figures than Qingzhou! Haotian Sect, Yaochi Holy Land, and Wanfo Temple are colossal entities that have stood in Nanzhou for countless millennia and are said to have ancestors at the Mahayana or even Tribulation Transcending stages presiding over them! For cultivators of Qingzhou, being able to enter a major sect in Nanzhou is already a dream come true, let alone these three supreme sects?

This is a chance for a fish to leap over the dragon gate! It's the starting point to truly step onto a vast stage!

All the qualified geniuses gleamed with fervent light in their eyes. Jian Wuming gripped his sword hilt tightly, Lei Dong clenched his fists, and the Mu siblings exchanged a glance, their fighting spirit surging. Even the ghostly mist surrounding Li Wanhun, who had just retreated, rippled slightly. Liu Suifeng, Wu Zhan, Wen Yuan, and the others also breathed heavily.

Qin Yuan's eyes narrowed. Southern Continent…the three supreme sects…this was precisely his next target! The clues obtained from the War God Temple might only be further uncovered in Southern Continent. Moreover, only by entering a higher platform, obtaining more resources and inheritances, could he improve his strength more quickly, cope with potential future crises, and better protect the Xuan Yuan Sect and Lin Qing'er.

"Ten years..." Qin Yuan murmured to himself. Time wasn't abundant, but it was enough for him to make many preparations. At the very least, he needed to break through to the Void Refinement stage within these ten years!

Zhou Qingxuan's voice continued: "The specific rules and details of the selection will be announced at that time. I hope you will prepare well and not waste this opportunity, nor let down the sect's cultivation." His gaze swept over the Taiyi Immortal Sect members again, especially lingering on Qin Yuan, implying expectation.

The three elders said no more, and their figures slowly disappeared.

On the Qiankun Platform, the discussions were as lively as boiling water.

"Southern Selection! Ten Years Later!"

"We absolutely must participate! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

"The Nascent Soul stage is just the threshold; achieving a good ranking is as difficult as ascending to heaven!"

"I've heard that the failure rate in previous selections was extremely high..."

Some were excited, some were worried, and some were eager to get started.

Qin Yuan stopped paying attention to others' discussions, closed his eyes again, and focused on consolidating his cultivation and digesting his insights. He needed to return to the Taiyi Immortal Sect as soon as possible to utilize the sect's resources and fully transform what he had gained from the War God Hall into real strength. At the same time, he also needed to begin preparing for the Southern Continent selection ten years later.

Three days later, the major sects left the Lesser Universe Realm one after another through the teleportation arrays that had been set up in advance.

The teleportation array of the Taiyi Immortal Sect is located in the central area of ​​the Qiankun Platform. Before leaving, Qin Yuan saw Mu Wanqiu nod to him from afar, her lips slightly moving as she transmitted her voice, "Senior Brother Qin, take care. I will keep Junior Sister Qing'er's matter in mind. See you again at the Southern Continent Selection."

Qin Yuan nodded slightly in response.

He felt another cold gaze coming from the direction of the Netherworld Palace; it was Li Wanhun. Qin Yuan seemed oblivious, calmly stepping into the teleportation array of the Taiyi Immortal Sect.

A flash of white light, and the space shifted.

The familiar scenery of the Taiyi Mountains came into view. A rich spiritual energy wafted over, carrying the unique tranquility and order of a sect, a stark contrast to the grim and cruel atmosphere within the War God Temple.

"Welcome back, senior brothers and sisters!" The disciples guarding the teleportation array bowed respectfully.

As the team leader, Liu Suifeng gave a few brief instructions and then told everyone to return to their caves to rest. Three days later, they were to go to the Enforcement Hall to report on their duties and hand over part of their harvest.

Qin Yuan did not return directly to the Bingzi Courtyard in Yaoguang District, but instead went to Qingxuan Peak, where Elder Zhou Qingxuan was located.

At the summit, shrouded in mist, Zhou Qingxuan stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the sea of ​​clouds in front of a simple yet elegant bamboo house.

"Disciple Qin Yuan greets Elder." Qin Yuan stepped forward and bowed.

Zhou Qingxuan turned around, a gentle smile on his face: "No need for formalities. I am already aware of your performance in the Temple of War." His gaze was piercing, as if he could see through Qin Yuan. "The Trial of Strength, the Bloodbath in the Secret Realm, the solo battle against the Void Refinement Battle Soul... you did very well. You did not tarnish the reputation of Taiyi, and you also demonstrated your own prowess."

"Elder, you flatter me. It was just a stroke of luck," Qin Yuan said modestly.

"Luck?" Zhou Qingxuan shook his head. "There is no luck on the path of cultivation. Your success today is the result of your own strength, temperament, and opportunities." He paused, then said seriously, "You don't need to worry too much about the matter of Li Wanhun. The sect has its own rules, and the Netherworld Palace wouldn't dare to openly run wild within my Taiyi Sect. However, you need to be careful about their underhanded methods. You are currently at the height of your power and possess a great treasure, which will inevitably attract envy."

"Disciple understands." Qin Yuan nodded.

"You've also heard about the selection process in Nanzhou," Zhou Qingxuan said. "Ten years is neither a long nor a short time for you. The sect will provide resources and guidance to qualified disciples. As a prospective Dao Child, you should cultivate diligently and strive to stand out in the selection, for the sake of Taiyi and for your own brighter future."

"Yes, disciple will certainly do his best."