The capital of the Tang Empire, with a population in the millions, had never been as lively as it was today.
Three months after Emperor Li Shimin, the sage ruler, dealt with his elder brother and younger brother, two of the most renowned sword masters in history, Shangguan Lingyun, the master of Canglang Palace, and Yu Qingluan, the leader of Azure Luan Palace, agreed to meet at the Golden Throne and take residence in the Tang Imperial Offering Pavilion.
As soon as this news spread, it created a sensation and drew worldwide attention!
From the day the news circulated through the martial world, waves of extraordinary individuals flocked to the capital in a matter of just one or two months, as if they were attending a fair.
According to the latest statistics in Ye Kai's hands, there were already over eight thousand skilled individuals within the capital!
However, looking at the confidential report in his hand, he couldn't help but smile. His brother, the emperor, had spies who were quite impressive; they managed to gather detailed information about most people, including their names, ages, and affiliations.
Of course, Ye Kai also believed that the actual number of visitors was far beyond what was reported!
Moreover, how could the historically recorded Eternal Emperor not be wary of his younger brother? Perhaps this report had already been edited down.
Or maybe he was being overly cautious. Even now, Li Shimin showed no signs of killing intent; every time they met, he wore an expression full of guilt, helplessness, and regret.
It had been three months.
Having been in this world for three months now, Ye Kai had gained a general understanding of its development.
In particular, he had acquired a rough grasp of the powerful individuals in this world.
The Great Tang occupied one of the nine provinces and spanned tens of thousands of miles. Upon hearing this for the first time, Ye Kai couldn't help but be astonished that a single country could cover such an extensive area.
This is not just a square kilometer; it is a vast expanse centered around the Great Tang Imperial Capital, with a radius of two hundred seventy thousand miles!
Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine.
Such a large area is far greater than the entire Earth, and this is merely one empire. Surrounding this empire are several equally large empires, along with countless kingdoms and principalities that are magnitudes greater.
In this world, aside from the villages, towns, cities, and main cities where humans gather, most of the wilderness is teeming with all kinds of monsters and demons.
Even the smallest villages, with their limited populations, possess a Dragon's Vein Stake that gathers dragon energy, wards off evil, and suppresses all Evil Cultivators.
At the same time, it also restricts the power output of those skilled individuals.
For instance, the last encounter with the Vixen Nine-Tailed Fox and the White-Clad Scholar Wang Lun was such an example. If they could unleash their full combat power, it would likely take just one strike to turn everything within hundreds of meters into dust.
Interestingly, the power system in this world is quite fantastical, divided into Buddhism, Daoism, Demonic Cultivation, and Monsters—it's all very intriguing.
Cultivation consists of four major realms and twelve stages.
The specific divisions are quite simple: Refining Essence into Qi (Foundation Establishment), Refining Qi into Spirit (Heartfelt Stage, Golden Core Stage, Nascent Soul Stage), Refining Spirit to Void (Separation Stage, Distraction Stage, Fusion Stage), and Refining Void and Merging with Dao (Void Stage, Great Ascension Stage, Transcend Tribulation Stage).
Now, he had fully restored his cultivation and had reached the Great Perfection of Refining Essence into Qi. He was on the verge of breaking through to the Heart-Moving Stage of Refining Qi into Spirit—something he had never anticipated.
While the specially crafted elixirs were certainly powerful, more importantly, as his cultivation improved and with the diminishing external support from that presence in his mind that had laid down seals, noticeable changes were occurring.
Although it was not very obvious, Ye Kai felt it very clearly. Just a barely perceptible trace of being melted had allowed him to break through the three major stages in one go, which was truly terrifying.
This made him secretly feel a sense of dread; fortunately, he had escaped quickly. Otherwise, his fate would likely have been tragic.
Moreover, after experimentation, he found that no matter which top-tier martial arts he mastered, they all exhibited even more terrifying effects here.
Furthermore, the Earth Spirit Energy in this world was incredibly abundant. Whether it was the Dao techniques that had long been optimized or various runes he had already mastered, he could utilize them with ease.
For example, right now, he blew on the freshly drawn Yellow Paper Talisman and casually tossed it out. With a puff, a wisp of blue smoke dispersed, revealing a humanoid golden-armored puppet.
Although it could not exert much effect in the imperial capital, the actual utility of this Puppet Rune was significant. He had tested it outside the Falling Sunset Mountain, and each Puppet Rune possessed capabilities comparable to someone at the seventh level of Qi Refinement.
He had experimented with the Paper Steel Talisman, Beast Mimic Rune, Puppet Rune, Rapid Rune, and Demon-Breaking Talisman. After trying out the Holy Rune and Demon-Breaking Light as well, he was astonished to find that these runes produced such terrifying effects in this world.
With a casual swipe, dozens of paper talismans on the table instantly vanished. He then smiled lightly as he walked out of the study.
Because his beloved wife, Jade Consort, was gracefully approaching.
…
On September 14th.
Before the arrival of two senior masters from the Refinement of Spirit and Return to Void Realm at the Fusion Stage, there were still several waves of people pouring in.
Among the many factions present, there were at least three to four hundred well-known figures, including numerous leaders of major sects and several prominent heads of powerful forces.
In addition, there were around fifty leaders from mid-tier forces, and characters like the Grand Commander would not be left behind. Moreover, at least fifty renowned experts such as the Bald Giant and the Great Demon had also arrived!
These Buddhas and demons did not immediately clash as one might expect; in fact, some were even close friends. This particular aspect opened Ye Kai's eyes, making him sigh inwardly—truly, in a vast forest, one can find all kinds of people!
Sitting in the Celestial Pavilion, Ye Kai observed a group of familiar war gods. The first old fox of the Tang Dynasty, Changsun Wuji, was constantly chatting away while Cheng the Old Demon rolled up his sleeves and glared with wide eyes, looking ready to confront Changsun Wuji.
War God Li Jing and War God Qin Qiong stood calmly in place, their eyes half-opened, leaving everyone wondering what they were thinking.
Meanwhile, Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling were casually whispering to each other.
Seeing this scene, Ye Kai couldn't help but chuckle softly, frequently raising his wine cup and savoring his drink.
Cheng Yaojin felt that there were too many experts in the imperial capital, which could easily lead to chaos. He suggested immediately dispatching troops to maintain order and even forcibly driving away those from the Demonic Path.
However, Changsun Wuji believed that such measures were unnecessary. After all, with twelve Dragon's Vein Stakes in place, no one would dare to act recklessly. Even if someone broke the rules, the Black Armored Army would ensure that nothing significant could happen.
The well-trained Black Armored Army consisted of individuals who had at least reached the mid-stage of Refining Essence into Qi, also known as the Enlightenment Stage. They had already broken free from earthly constraints.
Having attained enlightenment meant they possessed a different understanding of all things in the world. There is a saying: "Mountains are not mountains; waters are not waters."
The Black Armored Army was also skilled in battle formations; even if they encountered Golden Core experts, those adversaries would find it difficult to gain any advantage.
If a certain general were to join forces with the Black Armored Army to form a formation, then even those at the Golden Core Stage, or even the Powerful Beings at the Nascent Soul Refining Spirit Stage, would have a chance to compete.
Moreover, if it were the top-tier unparalleled generals in the army, then defeating a Powerful Being at the Refining Spirit Stage would not be impossible.
Thus, it is not without reason that Changsun Wuji, the old fox, has made such a claim.
Furthermore, who among those cultivating their skills would want to miss this opportunity to elevate two individuals at the Fusion Stage to the status of Imperial Offer?
It is indeed an opportunity.
Because within half a month after the elevation of the Offers, there will be an Arena Tournament. As long as one is under thirty years old, they can compete on stage for a chance to earn a ranking and receive rewards from the Tang Dynasty.
At the same time, they will also receive guidance from the Hall of Offerings for seven days.
Of course, only the top twenty will have this opportunity, and most of it will be one-on-one guidance.
Moreover, there have been recent rumors that Shangguan Lingyun, the master of Canglang Palace, is preparing to take in disciples!
Who could possibly give up such an opportunity?
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