After being jilted by the saintess at the beginning, why is she crying?

The oppressive aura was vast and boundless, as imposing as a mountain, making many low-level cultivators present feel breathless.

Lin Fengmian felt the heart-palpitating pressure and his heart skipped a beat.

How could Yan Tianqing possibly look like someone nearing the end of his life or severely weakened?

He had only ever felt that oppressive aura emanating from the Supreme Elder of the Hehuan Sect.

Given their strength, it's no wonder they were able to sit firmly on the throne of the Great Yan Dynasty and rule over the sects of all directions.

Lin Fengmian secretly put away his contempt and waited with a serious expression.

Yan Tianqing sat upright in the main seat, his gaze sweeping across the entire room, and slowly began to speak:

"Gentlemen."

The sound wasn't loud, but it was as clear as a resounding bell, reaching the ears of everyone present.

"This grand competition of Qingzhou's prodigies is held every five years and is a major event for Qingzhou. I, the King, have personally come out of seclusion to preside over it today. I hope that everyone will show their true skills, display their talent, and demonstrate their abilities."

He paused, his gaze sharp, and continued:

"The rules are the same as in previous years—we'll compete in martial arts, and stop when we've reached a point. But if anyone dares to do anything despicable or shameless on the field, don't blame me for showing no mercy!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a chilling pressure erupted from his body, sweeping across the surrounding area!

All the cultivators present felt a chill run down their spines and secretly clicked their tongues in amazement.

This Emperor of Great Yan is indeed not to be trifled with.

Yan Tianqing withdrew his oppressive aura, changed his tone, and softened his manner:

"Furthermore, all those who achieve outstanding results in this competition will be admitted to the Hall of Worship of the Great Yan Dynasty, enjoying three times the offerings of their respective sects!"

These words immediately caused an uproar in the room!

Triple offerings!

This is no small amount.

The major sects already provide their disciples with substantial offerings; three times that amount would be enough to tempt any cultivator.

What Yan Tianqing said next made everyone present gasp in shock—

"If they are independent cultivators, they can directly join the Great Yan Dynasty, be treated as guest ministers, and be granted titles!"

Quiet.

A deathly silence.

next moment--

"boom!"

The entire venue erupted in cheers!

"Triple the tribute! A guest minister title!"

"My God! Why is the Great Yan Dynasty being so generous this time!"

"No, I must break into the top 100!"

Countless young cultivators' eyes turned red, and they clenched their fists, their fighting spirit soaring.

Even many elders from various sects present were moved, their eyes flashing with a strange light.

This reward far surpasses that of previous years!

Upon hearing this, Lin Fengmian suddenly realized that rogue cultivators could also participate in the competition.

His gaze swept over the eager rogue cultivators around him, and he nodded inwardly.

This move by the Great Yan Dynasty was both a display of its magnanimity and a way to win over talented individuals.

Killing two birds with one stone—a brilliant tactic.

After Yan Tianqing finished speaking, he gave a look to the person behind him.

A young man in brocade robes and with a face as beautiful as jade stepped out from behind him, smiling broadly, and cupped his hands in greeting to those around him.

"Gentlemen, I am Yan Jiuli, the seventh prince of the Great Yan Dynasty."

His voice was clear and bright, and his demeanor was elegant, exuding the composure and nobility unique to royalty.

"Today, I am honored to represent the Great Yan Dynasty and introduce the rules of this Heavenly Pride Competition to you all."

"This competition is divided into two rounds."

"In the first round, you will enter the Great Yan Dynasty's secret realm—the Myriad Demon Secret Realm. Monsters roam freely within this realm, and you must slay them to survive. You will earn points for each monster you slay. The secret realm will be open for three days. After three days, the top one hundred players in terms of points will advance to the second round."

"The second round will be held in ten martial arts arenas set up in the central square. Everyone can challenge the defending champions, and those who can defend their arenas will be the top ten in this competition."

Yan Jiuli paused, his gaze sweeping across the entire room, his smile deepening:

"Furthermore, the top three finishers in this competition will have the opportunity to enter the Imperial Pool!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire room erupted in uproar once again!

"What?! The Imperial Pool?!"

"That's a sacred ground where Foundation Establishment cultivators can directly break through the Core Formation barrier!"

"It is said that entering the Imperial Pool for cultivation offers an extremely high probability of forming a Golden Core! This opportunity far surpasses that of previous years!"

"My God! The Great Yan Dynasty has really gone all out this time!"

Exclamations of surprise rose and fell, and all the cultivators present were deeply moved.

Even many elders from various sects showed expressions of shock.

Huangji Pool!

That is the national treasure of the Great Yan Dynasty. It is said that during the reign of each Great Yan emperor, only a handful of people could enter it to cultivate.

Those who can enter the Imperial Pool are all exceptionally talented individuals, and their cultivation levels increase significantly after they emerge, making their future limitless.

The fact that such an opportunity is being offered as a reward in this competition demonstrates the importance the Great Yan Dynasty places on this grand competition of prodigies.

Upon hearing this, a fiery glint flashed in Lin Fengmian's eyes.

Huangji Pool...

If one can enter and cultivate there, one's chances of breaking through to the Core Formation stage will increase significantly!

He clenched his fists secretly, his heart filled with fighting spirit.

After the murmurs subsided, Yan Jiuli continued his introduction:

"The Myriad Demon Realm was created by the first emperor of the Great Yan Dynasty using extraordinary means to refine an ancient small world. Within the realm, demonic beasts roam freely, with the highest reaching the third rank."

"Third-tier demonic beasts are equivalent to Core Formation stage cultivators. If you encounter one, do not act recklessly; prioritize your safety."

"Furthermore, due to its antiquity, the space within this secret realm is unstable and contains numerous spatial rifts. You must exercise extreme caution when traversing this area, as the consequences of accidentally entering a rift would be unimaginable."

He paused, his expression becoming more serious:

"Upon entering the secret realm, you will each receive a specially crafted jade tube, which will record the points earned from slaying monsters. If you encounter danger, you can crush the jade tube, and a teleportation force will send you out of the secret realm."

"but--"

He changed the subject, his gaze sharpening:

"Competition is allowed within the secret realm. The points on the jade slip can be transferred!"

Upon hearing this, the cultivators present reacted with varying expressions.

Allowing competition means that killing and robbing are permitted in the secret realm!

This is both an opportunity and a danger.

Lin Fengmian understood.

In this secret realm, one must guard against not only monsters, but also people.

Murder for treasure, transfer of points – these rules clearly encourage fighting.

Whoever comes out alive is the winner.

Yan Jiuli continued:

"The results of the first round of this competition will directly affect the resource allocation of each sect over the next three years. Based on the total points obtained by each sect in the first round, the Great Yan Dynasty will redistribute the proportions of resources such as spirit fields, spirit lands, and spirit stone mines."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the elders from the various sects changed drastically!

Resource allocation is crucial to the rise and fall of a sect.

If you don't perform well in the first round, you won't even have the chance to sit at the table and share the cake; you'll only be able to pick up scraps from the ground.

How can this be allowed?

In an instant, the elders of the various sects all turned their heads, their gazes fixed intently on their own disciples, their eyes clearly saying—

Fight to the death for me!

The second round is the opportunity to compete for individual honors.