Star Martial Soaring Cloud

As soon as he finished speaking, the square, which had more than 100,000 people, fell into complete silence; you could hear a pin drop.

The bustling crowd seemed to be imprisoned by a magic array, and even the rustling sound of the wind blowing through the square's banners became clear and jarring.

What happened at Chengzheng Square today has long transcended the scope of assessment and competition; every single event is a bizarre occurrence that defies common sense.

The two top families, Yun and Ye, joined forces for the first time ever, and it seemed that the matter was settled.

Unexpectedly, the surviving geniuses of Demon Island appeared together, and the five of them side by side could be considered the most terrifying new force in Kyushu.

The most sensational and awe-inspiring moment for everyone present was the stunning appearance of Yan Zixi, the most beautiful woman in Kyushu.

Yan Zixi's name is renowned throughout the land. Her appearance, cultivation, and talent are all among the best in the world. Countless cultivators and scions of noble families regard her as a celestial goddess.

Every time she appears, she inevitably attracts everyone's attention. This time, she stood on the stage in a scarlet veil, her beauty unparalleled, directly pushing the atmosphere of the entire ceremony to an unprecedented peak.

Countless cultivators, scions of noble families, and ordinary people below the stage could not contain their fervor, and whispered confessions and exclamations rose and fell.

Most of the more than 100,000 people who came to the event were there with a casual attitude, just to watch the excitement.

Who doesn't love tales of beautiful women and romantic legends?

What kind of spectacle in the world can compare to the two top families joining forces to confront the prodigies of the sects?

What grand occasion could surpass the moment when the Holy Maiden of Fengyuxuan, under the spotlight of the masses, sheds her aloofness and pride and pours out her sincere feelings?

The brief silence faded, and a deafening roar of celebration erupted, shaking the surrounding buildings and tiles.

On the arena, the loss of composure among the prodigies amplified the absurd yet grand atmosphere to its extreme.

Ling Cheng's eyes widened, his mouth agape enough to fit an egg. The usually carefree and unrestrained man, who loved to stir up trouble, was now frozen in place, as if he had been petrified.

Yuan Kong, who was standing to the side, had half of the Buddhist chant stuck in his throat, making his cheeks swell and his eyes almost pop out.

Even Yan Zixi, who is known as a witch, subconsciously raised her hand to cover her red lips, her eyes sparkling, and she even forgot to blink.

Although the three actively encouraged Su Qinhe to take the initiative to show her affection, they never expected that this aloof saintess would openly confess her feelings and face her heart in front of 100,000 people.

This grand and heartfelt confession had completely exceeded their expectations and understanding.

Standing before thousands of people requires immense courage, and its difficulty is no less than facing a life-or-death battle or a desperate struggle.

What's more, it's about revealing one's true feelings and confessing one's love in public.

Zhou Qian felt as if he were in a dream. Since he met Wang Xiao and traveled with him, he had vaguely guessed that this seemingly casual and carefree brother was not simple, but he never dared to imagine that Wang Xiao's connections and background were so powerful.

With the core prodigies of the four top sects all lending their support, such a lineup is enough to crush all the younger generation in the capital.

This team battle, which initially seemed destined to end in defeat, became meaningless from the moment the five members stepped onto the stage.

Everyone in the audience was in a frenzy, celebrating and marveling, but Wang Xiao stood there, stunned, his mind blank.

He had anticipated the shock and bewilderment of the others after their appearance, but he never imagined that he would be the first to be bewildered.

He slowly raised his eyes, his gaze falling on Su Qinhe.

The young girl wore a pure white fairy dress, untouched by dust, elegant and otherworldly. Her gentle eyes were clear as water, reflecting her own image clearly. Her usually serene cheeks were slightly flushed, like peach blossoms in spring, shy yet open, sincere and passionate.

The moment their eyes met, Wang Xiao felt a surge of restlessness within him. At that moment, his heart seemed to belong to someone else, pounding wildly and erratically.

He couldn't help but recall his master's earnest teachings, each word clear and unforgettable, echoing in his ears.

"Follow your heart's impulses, but be cautious in giving love; anchor yourself with responsibility and commit to commitment."

"Do not rush into love; cherish each other with all your heart; make a promise of love, and spend the rest of your life together."

As a child, I didn't understand its meaning, but now, facing such sincere sentiments, I finally comprehend its weight.

Love is never a fleeting pleasure, but a lifelong responsibility and commitment.

Scenes flashed through my mind: Su Qinhe's veiled face when we first met, her silent companionship on the road, her unwavering support during difficult times, and all the warm moments of getting to know each other.

But what follows is the hidden secrets of Seven Star Mountain, the many mysteries entangled around oneself, the unknown dangers ahead, and the unsolved fate of one's origins.

Wang Xiao composed herself, her earlier surprise vanishing. Her expression became serious and sincere as she said, word by word, "I'm sorry, I can't answer you right now. Could you give me some time?"

The moment the words fell, the entire celebration abruptly stopped, and a new wave of uproar erupted, more intense than ever before, with 100,000 waves of sound colliding, almost overturning the entire Chengzheng Square.

"He's insane! This kid is absolutely insane! The Holy Maiden confessed her love to him, and he actually rejected her?"

"This kid will definitely be punished by heaven!"

"Damn it! Can't he speak properly?! This is a blessing so many people would kill for, and he actually makes them wait!"

"That's the Holy Maiden of Fengyuxuan! A top-tier woman in the Nine Provinces, with unparalleled beauty, temperament, and cultivation. She's taken the initiative to fall for him, so why should he hesitate!"

"I think he sprang from a rock! Heartless and utterly unromantic! I'm going to draw circles and curse him!"

"Who brought yellow paper? Quickly fold a little figure; I want to avenge the Holy Maiden!"

"I've changed my mind! Go, Young Master Ye Xin! Defeat this ungrateful bastard!"

"This is absolutely outrageous! They don't even appreciate such a wonderful match; it's truly despicable!"

……

The audience's emotions were incredibly volatile, a complete reversal that defies description.

Initially, everyone came for Ye Xin and Yun Yi, two young masters from wealthy families, and were full of expectations for the style of aristocratic families, so they naturally leaned towards Ye Xin's team.

When the prodigy from Demon Island made his appearance and the most beautiful woman in Kyushu made a stunning debut, everyone instantly switched sides and became Wang Xiao's supporters, exclaiming that the trip was worthwhile.

Who would have thought the show wasn't over yet?

Even more surprisingly, one can witness the Saintess of Fengyuxuan revealing her true feelings.

Everyone thought that the saintess's confession and the perfect ending to the day would be the perfect conclusion, but Wang Xiao's delayed reply caused the entire audience to turn against him without hesitation. Everyone was indignant and wished they could go on stage themselves and teach this clueless guy a lesson.

But they never considered that it might be precisely what was contained in this answer that made the saintess fall in love.

The moods of the male and female audience members were in stark contrast at this moment.

Most of the men in the audience were pounding their chests and stamping their feet, filled with resentment, feeling that Wang Xiao was clueless about romance and wasting a perfect match.

Most of the women present glanced at Wang Xiao with a different kind of approval in their eyes.

Countless people lose their true selves in the face of fame and beauty, but Wang Xiao, even in the spotlight and at the height of glory, still stays true to himself, faces the weight of love squarely, and is neither perfunctory, frivolous, nor hasty. This composure and restraint are far more precious than a momentary acceptance.

Yan Zixi looked at Wang Xiao, and she could no longer remember how much of a shock this man had given her.

Once is fine, but after so many times, it can only mean that this man is truly extraordinary.

On the stands, Yun Zhi sat upright, staring intently at Wang Xiao in the arena, her curiosity and inquiry growing stronger in her eyes.

In just one day, Wang Xiao brought her too many surprises.

She had seen arrogant and ignorant brutes, proud and arrogant geniuses, and wise men who sought profit and avoided harm, but she had never seen such a contradictory yet insightful person.

"After all that guessing, the crux of the matter is here," Yun Zhi murmured softly, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Indeed, the simplest answers are often the easiest to overlook. Yun Yi is arrogant, and this time he's met his match; he's going to suffer. But it's good, it can dampen his arrogance."

Many people had already predicted the outcome of this competition, and most of the students who passed the assessment did not come to watch.

But Yun Zhi, who had clashed with Wang Xiao once before, still came.

As it turned out, her trip was worthwhile; the twists and turns of this duel far exceeded her expectations.

But what shocked her the most today was Wang Xiao's reply at this moment.

Under the spotlight and in the height of glory, to win the heart of a beautiful woman—what could be more fortunate?

Everyone would choose this option and think this way.

But this man...

On the stage, Su Qinhe quietly looked at Wang Xiao, at his sincere eyes, and at his somewhat hesitant movements.

The next moment, she slightly raised her lips and smiled.

A warm smile.

A radiant smile.

Bright and gentle, clear and clean, it heals the soul, like the first flower to bloom in spring.

"I'm waiting for you."

The three words were spoken softly, yet each one was firm. There was no entanglement, no disappointment, only complete trust and waiting, open and gentle.

Looking at that bright smile, in a hidden corner of the stands, a figure's aura of ferocity surged, the intense anger and killing intent almost solidifying into a tangible form.

Zhao Huaijin clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned purple, his eyes filled with gloom and resentment.

He felt like he had been fooled.

Upon seeing Su Qinhe at Jixia Academy, he sensed something was amiss.

He began secretly collecting information on Xiao He, Ling Cheng, Ye Wuhen, and even Yuan Kong.

But to my utter surprise, it was such an unknown nobody.

Someone who couldn't even pass the entrance exam for Jixia Academy.

A cultivator who still needs the protection of others to establish himself.

What gives him the right?

His answer, in theory, should have been a good thing for him.

But why him?

What right does he have to refuse?

Zhao Huaijin was filled with absurdity and resentment, and even felt a strong sense of regret.

He regretted not being on the field at that moment, and regretted not joining Ye Xin's team.

Otherwise, he would definitely take action himself and crush this arrogant brat to the ground, making him lose face and be as pathetic as a dog in front of everyone!

Just as the atmosphere in the arena was tense and everyone's emotions were turbulent, a gentle and composed figure stepped into the air, his clothes fluttering lightly, and landed silently in the center of the arena. He was dignified and exuded an invisible pressure.

"We concede defeat."

To facilitate today's duel, the arena in Chengzheng Square can be used for aerial combat, but the height must not exceed that of the city tower.

Ye Jingxing's voice was calm and unhurried, yet it resonated clearly throughout the entire square, drowning out all the noise. "Congratulations, young friend Lu Yang. If you have some free time in the future, you are welcome to visit the Ye residence."

On the high platform, the chief examiner, Gong Zheng, bowed slightly and greeted him respectfully: "Patriarch Ye."

Wang Xiao had suspected Ye Jingxing's identity, but he never expected that the gentle and seemingly ordinary scholar in front of him was actually the head of the Ye family, which was truly shocking.

No wonder he has such an extraordinary demeanor, and every gesture he makes exudes the air of someone in a high position.

Ye Jingxing's ascent to the stage after falling into the air, his calm acceptance of everything, and his initiative to admit defeat only made people admire the Ye family's profound heritage even more.

His choice was perfectly reasonable, and many people even thought it was only natural.

Although Ye Xin's team has Yun Yi's support, how can they fight against the five surviving geniuses of the Demon Island?

Admitting defeat is the most dignified outcome.

Only Ye Xin on the arena stood rooted to the spot, a flash of deep anger and resentment passing through his eyes so fast that no one noticed.

He hated this feeling; the frustration and helplessness in his heart were almost consuming him.

"What am I?"

Even if they admit defeat, they can't bring themselves to say it.

Just because he is a member of the Ye family?

People only know that the Ye family is powerful and that he is the pride of the Ye family, but no one knows that he left his hometown at the age of ten and went to the capital as a hostage.

Because his talent was inferior to that of his peers in the clan, he was stripped of his right to be an heir at an early age and lived under the shackles and control of the aristocratic family for many years.

He was like a puppet being carefully manipulated, his every word and action was beyond his control, and even his victory or defeat, honor or disgrace, had to be decided by others.

It has no independent soul whatsoever.

He is unwilling!

He didn't want to be a puppet manipulated by others for the rest of his life, nor did he want to live forever in the shadow of a powerful family!

He wanted to become a person.

A truly real person, someone who can control everything.

Deep-seated ambition and obsession quietly took root and sprouted in his heart, making the gloom in his heart grow heavier and heavier.

Ye Jingxing had already turned around, ready to leave, but a violent, cold shout broke the peaceful atmosphere of the arena.

"Admit defeat? That's your Ye family's business, but my business, Yun Yi's business, isn't over yet."

Yun Yi's black hair danced wildly, and his boundless energy swept across the area like a tsunami, his imposing aura overwhelming the entire scene.

He stared intently at Wang Xiao, his eyes filled with a mixture of murderous intent and arrogance, his long-suppressed anger finally breaking free of its shackles.

He had endured long enough, and in order to make Wang Xiao pay the price, he was willing to lower himself and join Ye Xin's team.

Although Wang Xiao has now entered Jixia Academy and could cause him trouble at any time, Yun Yi doesn't want to wait a moment longer.

"Jixia Academy is the sacred ground of martial arts in the Nine Provinces. We absolutely cannot allow those who are merely opportunistic and have empty titles to infiltrate it!" Yun Yi's voice was like thunder. "Whether one has real skills or not ultimately depends on how strong one is!"

Yun Yi strode out from behind Ye Xin, each step he took was extremely heavy, and the array patterns on the arena flickered slightly, as if telling the weight of the newcomer.

The air around him surged violently, and his iron fists faintly emitted a metallic roar. He was arrogant and domineering, his gaze fixed on Wang Xiao, a cold smile on his lips, full of extreme contempt and arrogance.

"Kid, do you dare to fight me? If you're worried people will say I'm bullying the weak, I can give you a handicap."

P.S.: Some readers have said that I am better at writing fight scenes. However, due to the need to set up the background, I basically did not write any fight scenes in nearly 100,000 words. I wonder if you readers are still satisfied with the reading?