Douluo Continent: Long Live the Spirit Hall

On each of his hands are twelve bead-shaped carvings. The twelve beads signify that the powerful figure represented by this statue has completed the Twelve Transformations of the Heavenly Bead, making him a legendary top existence on the Vast Continent, a god-level powerhouse, equivalent to the Limit Douluo on the Douluo Continent, just one step away from true godhood.

The palace square of the Zhongtian Empire is open to the public. People can be seen coming to the huge statue to worship from time to time. Judging from their devout appearance, there is no doubt that the owner of this statue must have a supreme position in the Zhongtian Empire.

"Shangguan Yulong, doesn't that name sound a bit like Long Aotian? It's so melodramatic, and he's supposed to be the founding emperor of a nation. Is that really appropriate?" Yan listened to the discussions around him and learned a bit about the situation.

Shangguan Yulong, the founding emperor of the Zhongtian Empire, the first palace master of the Haomiao Palace, and also the first powerful figure to develop and occupy Tianzhu Island.

His deeds are still widely known today. The Zhongtian Empire has been established for over two thousand years and is still at its peak. It is foreseeable that it will continue to prosper. It is no doubt that Shangguan Yulong will be remembered for generations to come.

Meanwhile, on the Imperial City Square, a group of staff members were setting up a high platform, seemingly for watching the ceremony. It looked like it could accommodate hundreds of people watching at the same time.

This is the grandstand, reserved for high-ranking officials and important figures of the Zhongtian Empire. The main venue for the Heavenly Pearl Competition, to be held a few days later, is located in the square outside the main gate of this palace, with the arena set up beneath the statue.

The competition platform here is built from a single piece of diamond rock. Diamond rock is very strong, as you can tell by looking at the statue of Shangguan Yulong next to it.

This statue, carved from the finest diamond rock, has endured for tens of thousands of years. Standing before the palace for over two thousand years, it still guards the entire Zhongtian City.

After deciding on his next target, Yan began to wander around the square, paying particular attention to the area near the competition arena, intending to find a good spot to observe later.

Around the competition stage, in addition to the main stage, there are newly built bungalows in the other three directions, which are used by the participating teams from various countries to rest and watch the competition.

This place should be the easiest venue to observe the game up close, but getting into such a place is quite difficult.

Chapter 498 Heavenly Jewel Competition

As the gentle sunlight bathed the earth, crowds began to converge on the city center of Zhongtian City. Today was the opening day of the Heavenly Bead Competition, making the inner city exceptionally lively.

Since last night, the flow of people entering the inner city has been controlled. The Heavenly Bead Competition is open to the public, but there are simply too many residents in the outer city. If they were all allowed to enter, the entire inner city would be completely congested.

Although the official competition for the Dzi Beads Competition will not begin until tomorrow, today's draw ceremony still attracted many viewers.

The triennial Heavenly Bead Competition has been held in Zhongtian City for countless sessions, forming a huge industry chain. Some time ago, the betting odds in the inner city have already started operating.

Now all that's left is to wait for the draw results, and then the win/loss ratios for each match will be announced. Zhongtian Square in front of the Zhongtian Empire's palace is already under martial law. Around the main gate of the palace and the enormous statue, on the massive viewing platform, high-ranking officials of the Zhongtian Empire and important figures from various countries across the continent have already taken their seats, observing the ceremony from above and engaging in lively conversation.

In front of the podium is the competition venue, carved from diamonds. Around the podium, in the newly built bungalows, the teams from various countries have already settled in to rest and prepare for the preliminary rounds.

This Heavenly Jewel Tournament brought together the vast majority of countries from the continent, with a total of twenty-three teams divided into four groups.

Among these many bungalows are four of the largest lounges, prepared for the four seeded teams; hierarchy always exists.

As the sun rose high in the sky, representatives from each country went to draw lots to determine their respective groups. Most of the team representatives seemed a little nervous, except for the four seeded teams with the highest probability of advancing.

All four seeded teams are more or less related to the five holy lands, so they are mostly full of confidence, even arrogant enough not to send team representatives to draw lots, showing a real disregard for others.

Although the Feili Empire's Feili team has failed to break into the top four in recent years, its performance in recent tournaments has been excellent, and the team's location is second only to the rest area of ​​the four seeded teams.

Inside the lounge of the Fei Li team, Ming Hua, who was representing the team in the draw, was clearly in a bad mood. After returning with her brother Ming Yu, she sat down heavily in her seat without saying a word, sulking.

Seeing her little sister so upset, Cai Cai was curious and walked over to ask, "Ming Hua, what's wrong?"

“Sister Cai, you have no idea how infuriating those guys from the Blancpain Empire are. Not a single team member showed up, and they just randomly sent a servant through the draw. They even had the audacity to say that we should all just admit defeat.” Minghua said in a very angry voice, “What’s so great about those guys? They’re just relying on the support of the Valley of Love. If it weren’t for the interference of those five holy lands, those guys would be nothing…” After hearing Minghua’s words, Cai Cai first subconsciously glanced at Mingyu. Mingyu nodded with an icy expression. Even though he was known for his composure, he could not suppress his anger at this moment.

In the eastern part of the vast continent, there are two powerful nations: the Baopao Empire and the Griffino Empire. Both empires are extremely powerful, especially the Baopao Empire, which is backed by the Youqing Valley, the number one valley in the Eastern Region among the five holy lands.

Besides these two great empires, there are other countries in the eastern part of the continent. However, under the oppression of these two great empires, some of the surrounding countries could only abandon their imperial titles and call themselves kingdoms, and had to pay tribute to them. This shows how domineering they were.

The team that the Feli Empire sent this time was not particularly strong and was not expected to be very successful. But even so, they would not be willing to be looked down upon and insulted like this. As one of the five great empires in the second tier of the continent, why should Feli be afraid of Blancpain?

The news brought by Minghua and Mingyu infuriated the members of the Feili team. However, after their anger subsided, they realized that they didn't really have many ways to deal with the Blancpain team.

Although the Feli Empire has no shortage of strong individuals, the five holy lands do have unique advantages in the systematic training of Heavenly Jewel Masters, especially young talents. This is a difference in foundation, which the Feli Empire cannot catch up with for the time being.

"Everyone, please quiet down." Cai Cai spoke up as everyone began discussing the plan. By this time, most people had calmed down and were more receptive to her advice.

"Mingyu, this is going to be a tough battle. I hope that as the captain, you can show the spirit of our Feili team..." After thinking it over, Cai Cai handed over the command to Mingyu. Mingyu is a rising star in the Feili Empire's military. He has been leading a region at a young age. It is actually a bit of a waste to let him lead the team this time.

However, even with Mingyu, a general of exceptional talent, leading the team, Fei Li still had little chance of winning. You can't cook without rice; the individual strength of Fei Li's team was far inferior to their opponents. They could only try to play their best and make their defeat less embarrassing.

Mingyu nodded.

"I understand. I'll devise a strategy next. Even if we lose, we'll show those guys we're not to be trifled with. Our first-round qualifier opponent is the Kingdom of Kashi, who have been paying tribute to Blancpain for years. We must win this battle decisively. I'll personally take to the field and show them no mercy. Since the Blancpain team is so arrogant, we'll wipe out their lackeys first. They think they can bully us like soft persimmons, but they're not afraid of breaking their own teeth..." Ming Yu's words stirred the crowd, and everyone was full of morale, clearly their emotions had been stirred up.

Seeing everyone's high morale, Mingyu nodded inwardly. With the army's morale in hand, they were not without the strength to fight.

At this moment, Cai Cai pointed to the center of the square and said in a deep voice, "The Emperor of the Zhongtian Empire has arrived. The opening ceremony of the Heavenly Pearl Competition is about to begin. Everyone, please come with me!" When the people of the Fei Li Empire saw the grand procession arriving in the center of the square, they said no more and, led by Cai Cai, came to the high platform in front of the square with the other teams from various countries.

On the platform, a middle-aged man of about forty years old stood up and slowly walked to the front of the platform. He was Shangguan Tianxing, the current emperor of the Zhongtian Empire.

Shangguan Tianxing wore a bright yellow dragon robe, a golden crown adorned with dazzling gemstones, and a jade belt with eighteen pieces of snow-white jade.

He wasn't particularly handsome, but he had a rustic air about him. His eyes were deep and intelligent, with a hint of luster, making it impossible to tell his true age.

He glanced around before speaking softly, his voice gentle yet pervasive, like mercury seeping into the ground, ensuring everyone could hear him clearly.

"Greetings, young talents from twenty-four nations! I am Shangguan Tianxing, Emperor of the Zhongtian Empire..."

"Greetings, Your Majesty." Many participants, including the Fei Li team, bowed in unison, with the eight members of the Zhong Tian team from the Zhong Tian Empire kneeling on one knee.

Around Zhongtian Square, hundreds of thousands of onlookers simultaneously knelt down, chanting and shouting.

"Long live! Long live! Long live the emperor!!!" The simultaneous shouts of hundreds of thousands of people were incredibly awe-inspiring. The enormous sound waves soared into the sky, and could probably be heard even on Tianzhu Island thousands of meters away. This was the majesty of a great nation's emperor.

Even though Shangguan Tianxing didn't show the slightest bit of authority, he still became the sole focus and center of attention amidst the backdrop of his hundreds of thousands of subjects.

"Long live the Emperor? The entire Zhongtian Empire has only been around for a little over two thousand years. Where does this talk of longevity come from? Let alone a mere Heavenly King, even if he were a Heavenly Emperor or a Heavenly God, what difference would it make? At most, he would only live for a thousand years. He'd be more like a Heavenly God." Amidst the cheering crowd, Yan looked at Shangguan Tianxing, but there was little solemnity in his eyes.

Shangguan Tianxing's strength was not weak, but compared to him, it was far inferior. Although the Vast Palace of the Zhongtian Empire was not lacking in powerful figures, Yan did not care. He had only sneaked in this time to take a look and see if he could seize an opportunity to enter the Heavenly Pearl Island to investigate.

"I've hardly heard of any of the members of this year's Heavenly Jewel Teams. There are still a few years before the plot unfolds, and there's no point in me waiting any longer. I should start making plans now." After circling around, Yan's gaze fell once again on the front of the Jade Team's lounge. At this moment, Cai Cai was gently comforting Ming Hua. The two beauties standing together were quite a beautiful sight.

“Looking at it this way, there are a few familiar faces in the Fei Li team. Cai Cai is a member of the Fei Li royal family, and the Ming family members are not only big shots in the Fei Li military, but also hold a high position in the Tianxie Sect. We can make plans for them.” Yan’s eyes flickered, and after thinking for a moment, he looked at the chairman’s platform. At this moment, slightly behind the chairman’s platform, a pair of sisters who looked almost exactly the same but had slightly different temperaments sat next to a man who looked somewhat similar to Shangguan Tianxing.

"Shangguan Xue'er and Shangguan Fei'er, what a lovely pair of sisters. It's a pity they're still a bit young, just blossoming into womanhood. They'll be at least three years old." Yan's gaze lingered on the two sisters for a moment. The older sister was aloof and the younger sister was lively. They were indeed quite good, but for the time being, they hadn't fully matured yet, so there was no need to rush them.

"Even Shangguan Tianyue, a Heavenly Emperor-level expert, has personally come out. Could it be that there is something unusual about this year's Heavenly Pearl Competition?" Yan's gaze lingered on the two sisters' father, Shangguan Tianyue, for a moment. Although he quickly looked away this time, Shangguan Tianyue immediately locked onto his location, his eagle eyes flashing with a terrifying light.

"Father, is something the matter?" On the platform, Shangguan Xue'er, who was observing the many teams, suddenly felt the air around her turn cold. She was stunned for a moment before turning to look at her father, Shangguan Tianyue.

"It's nothing! Xue'er, you take your sister back first." Shangguan Tianyue smiled and gestured for his two daughters to leave first, while he himself continued to look around, trying to find the powerful person who was spying on him.

"Yes, Father." On the platform, Shangguan Xue'er didn't understand why her father would suddenly arrange for her and her sister to retreat, but she obediently followed his orders and pulled away her younger sister who was trying to cause trouble.

After her daughter left, Shangguan Tianyue felt slightly relieved and began searching even more diligently for potential bandits. She murmured to herself, "The Heavenly Evil Cult has become increasingly active in recent years. I wonder which team they're hiding in this time. The Heavenly Evil Cult leader is said to be in dire straits and intends to come to my Heavenly Pearl Island to seize treasures. I don't know if this news is true or false, but I certainly can't let it go..."

"Shangguan Xue'er and Shangguan Fei'er are gone. This outwardly relaxed but inwardly tense atmosphere seems like they're on guard against someone, perhaps setting a trap." Yan had been watching the situation on the platform closely. Seeing the two sisters leave and noticing the subtle tensions among the crowd, he already had a plan in mind.

"Looks like I've alerted them unnecessarily. I wonder who they're wary of. But this means it'll be harder for me to contact the Felicity team. I should leave first." Yan noticed the hidden experts examining and probing suspicious faces one by one, and a sense of unease immediately rose in his mind.

Although he wanted to stay and find out more, after weighing the options, he decided to leave first.

Yan's figure jostled through the crowd for a moment, seemingly trying to push his way to the front, but instead caused a small commotion. He was easily pushed away by the crowd and returned to the outer edge, finally disappearing in an inconspicuous corner.

...Late at night, in the courtyard where the Feli team was located, a figure silently fell into the courtyard, and swiftly moved like a ghost to the door of a small building, pushing it open without thinking.

The hall was quiet and deserted, its atmosphere unusually serene under the glow of the palace lanterns. Without much hesitation, the figure strode up the stairs.

Several voices and footsteps came from the corridor ahead, but the ghostly figure seemed to know them and hid in an empty room before they turned the corner. After they passed by, the figure opened the door and continued on its way.

This ghostly figure, with incredible agility, repeatedly evaded the patrol personnel and successfully infiltrated the heavily guarded depths of the small building.

Although the Feli team was not favored to win the championship this year, their safety was of great concern because of Cai Cai, a special member of the royal family. The ambassador of the Feli Empire specially arranged guards to patrol day and night, and the area was heavily guarded.

At this moment, in a room deep inside the small building, under the bright light, a figure was cleaning her delicate body in a bathtub. Cai Cai, who was in her early twenties, was at the most charming age, but at this moment, her face was full of sorrow.

The beauty rose from the bathtub and changed her clothes behind the screen. Under the bright light, her alluring figure was reflected on the screen, but there was no one to appreciate her charm.

Chapter 499 Night Visit to Fei Li

"Ugh!"

The beauty sighed, sat down at the table, poured herself a cup of tea, and secretly planned what would happen next. "In the first round of the qualifiers, my Fei Li team won beautifully, but those people from the Blancpain Empire are still a problem."

Tomorrow's draw is crucial. Hopefully, we won't run into Blancpain so soon. Although we're prepared for defeat, there's a world of difference between being in the top ten and outside the top ten. My Emerald Empire is one of the top seven, after all; we shouldn't be targeted..."

After thinking for a moment, Cai Cai muttered to herself to comfort herself. Suddenly, the candlelight by the window flickered, and her beautiful eyes immediately turned to look around. After looking around with a look of vigilance, she gave a soft shout.

"Who?"

Cai Cai's shout received no response. She paused, then stood up, secretly tightening her sleeves, and said again, "It's Minghua, isn't it? I knew you liked to play around, so I was waiting for you..."

As Cai Cai spoke, she walked to the doorway, checked the latch, and then turned around. Suddenly, she heard a slight noise behind her.

"Bang bang..."

Cai Cai turned around and saw the door, which had been tightly shut just moments before, wide open. She seemed to see a ghostly figure flash by. Before she could think any further, all the lights in the room went out instantly, and then she heard a snap as the door seemed to close again.

This eerie scene sent a chill down Cai Cai's spine. In the darkness, she looked around frantically, feeling extremely unsafe.

Cai Cai finally found the strangest place in the room. The cold moonlight shone into the room through the window cracks, and in the corner reflected by the dappled moonlight, there seemed to be a dark human figure sitting on the guest chair.

Who are you?

Although she couldn't see it, she could feel a pair of eyes scrutinizing her, so her first instinct was to shout angrily in an attempt to take control.

"Don't be nervous, I mean no harm. I came here tonight to help you solve your problem."

A faint voice sounded in her ear. Cai Cai felt that the voice seemed somewhat familiar, but she couldn't quite remember it for a moment.

"Oh! You're here to help me solve a problem? What problem? I don't quite understand what you're saying."

As Cai Cai spoke, she moved her feet silently, her eyes fixed on the figure in the lake, trying to see clearly what it was doing.

"Don't move."

The voice from before rang out again beside Cai Cai, this time even closer. She was certain that the person had suddenly appeared beside her, and she was immediately startled.

Yes~

Cai Cai was very alert. She immediately moved to the side to shout, but before she could finish shouting, she felt her wrist being grabbed. Her strength was immediately reduced by more than half, and she no longer had the ability to shout.

Cai Cai was taken aback. With a flick of her left hand, something resembling a rope struck the target. She then launched a close-range attack, using a wisp of wind from below, while her left hand, still holding the rope, gripped a dagger and prepared to stab the man in the abdomen.

However, she still underestimated the attacker. The other party remained calm in the face of danger, and simply flicked his hand, first drawing the colorful wrist pulse with his fingertips, and then gave a slight jerk.

Cai Cai suddenly felt a tingling sensation all over her body, her delicate body went limp and she lost all strength. She dropped the dagger in her hand and was pulled into the arms of the person who came.

Without hesitation, the man reached out and grabbed Cai Cai, pinning her against the chair before she could resist.

"You~"

Cai Cai let out a soft snort, only to find her limbs tightly bound, rendering her unable to move. To make matters worse, her voluptuous figure was being poked by something despicable—clearly the other party's other thieving hand.

Cai Cai was furious, and Yan, who had secretly infiltrated, was also somewhat embarrassed. He wasn't someone who hadn't tasted meat before, and he could clearly distinguish the softness of the flesh. Who would have thought that he could be poked here so easily? He could swear on his conscience that it was absolutely not intentional.