The Strongest Mythical Emperor
Chapter 124 Martial Arts Competition

Chapter 124: Chapter 124 Martial Arts Competition

"Since Qin Jun said he will break through our Canglan Kingdom after the Hidden Dragon Martial Arts Competition, let’s make sure he never returns!"

Zhu Yishi’s eyes flickered with ruthless intent, causing the eyes of the other civilian and military officials to light up.

Indeed, why should they be so panicked? The Hidden Dragon Martial Arts Competition isn’t that simple. Many geniuses of shocking potential have fallen during it. Although Qin Jun is imposing in both nations, he can’t cause much of a stir at the Hidden Dragon Martial Arts Competition.

Emperor Canglan also seemed interested and then sat back in his dragon chair to ponder.

Feeling increasingly confident about the idea, he then instructed, "Who will handle this matter?"

Zhu Yishi continued, "We can rely on Su Liejie, who also plans to participate in the Hidden Dragon Martial Arts Competition."

Su Liejie?

A general in the court couldn’t help but stand up and say, "Su Liejie has already been frightened by Qin Jun. Even the Four Heroes of Canglan have said they dare not oppose Qin Jun."

The Four Heroes of Canglan!

A hint of coldness flashed in Emperor Canglan’s eyes. The Four Heroes of Canglan lacked a powerful background yet still dared to refuse recruitment by the court, which greatly annoyed Emperor Canglan. If it weren’t for their high prestige among the people, he would have eliminated them long ago.

"Let Shi’er take care of this matter. Go and do it."

Emperor Canglan looked at Zhu Yishi with a meaningful tone.

Zhu Yishi’s heart sank. He had no choice but to brace himself and agree. If he handled this matter well, he would be one step closer to the throne. If he failed, it would surely shake his position and even provide other princes with an opportunity.

"Court dismissed!"

Emperor Canglan stood up and waved his hand to depart. Because of Qin Jun, he was no longer in the mood to continue the morning court session, and naturally, the other civilian and military officials dared not object. They were eager for it to end.

...

"What? The Twin Hammer General under your son’s command has killed Song Lang and even destroyed Cliff Pass?"

In the Qianyue Kingdom’s royal palace, unlike Emperor Canglan’s fury, the Qian Emperor was thrilled, and the civilian and military officials in the court were also excitedly buzzing with discussion.

"It’s true. His Highness King Yue even boasted that he will break through the Canglan Kingdom right after the Hidden Dragon Martial Arts Competition!"

The messenger exclaimed excitedly, his face full of admiration.

Such words could only be said by Emperor Taizu. Even Nan Meng wouldn’t dare to make such a bold claim.

"Good, good, good! Worthy of being my son!" the Qian Emperor applauded joyously.

The chief steward Shen Yan followed with a chuckle, "His Highness King Yue is a dragon among men. He is destined to make a name for himself in the Hidden Dragon Martial Arts Competition."

Every time the Hidden Dragon Martial Arts Competition takes place, the surrounding countries of the Nanzhuo Dynasty discuss the prominent figures within. Even if their own kingdom lacks geniuses, it doesn’t hinder their discussions about those supreme talents, just as ordinary people talk about celebrities.

If young cultivators become famous, their popularity certainly exceeds that of the established masters, because their potential for growth is greater.

"Alright, let’s move on to the next matter. Put Canglan Kingdom’s issue aside; my son is accompanied by a supreme powerhouse and doesn’t need the court’s assistance." The Qian Emperor waved his hand and laughed, but deep down, he was puzzled. Where on earth did this boy attract so many strong supporters from? It was shocking enough with Guan Yu and Daji, and now he’s brought in another powerhouse comparable to Guan Yu.

Could it be that he truly joined some mysterious power?

...

Just as the Canglan Kingdom and the Qianyue Kingdom were abuzz over Qin Jun, he and his companions had already ventured deep into the wilderness.

That afternoon, Qin Jun followed behind the team practicing his spear skills as he moved forward, with Li Yuanba beside him giving pointers. Despite his limited intelligence, this foolish boy, having battled through many fields, always managed to identify deficiencies in Qin Jun’s spear techniques, which proved immensely beneficial.

"His Highness is truly diligent."

Jia Xun didn’t sit inside the carriage; instead, he walked at the front and sighed, while the Blood Saber King, Ye Xuan, and the other four nodded subconsciously.

Even the likes of Ye Xuan and the others felt embarrassed to practice with their swords and sabers while following the team, firstly for fear of their skills being learned by others, and secondly out of fear of ridicule, lacking the necessary boldness.

But Qin Jun was different; after all, his spear techniques were casually taught by Guan Yu, and were merely ordinary at best. It didn’t matter if others learned them.

"Half a day’s more travel, and we’ll be at the border of the Nanzhuo Dynasty," the captain of the guard announced, sparking anticipation amongst them all. After nearly a month of travel, they were finally approaching their destination.

"I wonder how difficult the Hidden Dragon Martial Arts Competition’s assessment will be," Qin Yun emerged from the carriage and asked nervously. Although he was a royal prince of his kingdom, in the Hidden Dragon Martial Arts Competition, such status counted for little.

Because not only did the Kingdom’s talents participate in the Hidden Dragon Martial Arts Competition, but many prodigies from the Nanzhuo Dynasty as well.

The talents journeying from the kingdoms were either rich or noble; common folk couldn’t possibly traverse mountains, wade through waters, or cross the beast-ridden wilderness.

"To break into the top thousand of the Hidden Dragon Martial Arts Competition, one must at least reach the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm," Ye Xuan said with a smile, shocking Qin Yun.

"There are quite a few at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm even among the last on the Power Ranking. Is the Hidden Dragon Martial Arts Competition even tougher than the Power Ranking?" Qin Yun asked in confusion. Zhuo Junjie was at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm, ranked at the bottom of the Power Ranking, which targeted the entire Southern Domain. The participants of the Hidden Dragon Martial Arts Competition were from kingdoms near the Nanzhuo Dynasty, a scale not comparable to the Southern Domain.

Yang Lan covered her mouth and laughed, "You’re a prince and yet you say this. The Hidden Dragon Martial Arts Competition restricts participants to be under a hundred years old. Of course, the younger one is, the more likely they’re favored by the various sects, whereas the Power Ranking targets those under fifty. What a fifty-year gap signifies, I need not explain, right?"

A ninety-nine-year-old at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm and a thirty-year-old at the same peak are worlds apart; factions would undoubtedly choose the latter.

Those under fifty at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm are certainly far fewer than those between fifty and a hundred years old at that peak.

Furthermore, cultivators from minor factions or who are independent, upon reaching the Golden Elixir Realm, invariably seek to join larger factions, as they find it hard to continue progressing without sufficient resources.

Qin Yun realized this, then scratched his head and laughed, "It seems I’m really just going to be there to make up the numbers."

To make up the numbers?

Ye Xuan and the others looked at each other, puzzled. They were clueless because Qin Jun always disparaged Qin Yun, telling him he was merely there to make up the numbers, a phrase which this fellow had picked up.

"Look over there, there’s another group of cultivators heading towards the Nanzhuo Dynasty’s border," Murong Xuan suddenly pointed to the north and spoke. Everyone glanced over and saw indeed a team, with a formidable aura amongst them that was alarming.

"There are more over there!"

Zong Yan pointed to another direction and exclaimed. If they could view from above, they would see not just two teams but several others also heading towards the border of the Nanzhuo Dynasty, advancing in a fan formation, each keeping to themselves, wary of each other.

"The Hidden Dragon Martial Arts Competition, held once every three years, has seen many kingdoms rise from such an opportunity, while others have lost a wealth of talent because of it," Jia Xun mused as he gazed into the horizon. If either Qin Jun or Qin Yun could catch the attention of a major sect, other kingdoms would have to weigh their options. If one were to rise, it would surely affect their own kingdoms.

Kingdoms might be vast, but they are minuscule compared to dynasties. It’s said that within the Nanzhuo Dynasty, the disciples of each of the Seven Major Sects numbered over a million, equivalent to a small-sized kingdom.

And even the least of the disciples of the Seven Major Sects, when placed within a kingdom, would be considered geniuses and powerhouses.

The chasm between dynasties and kingdoms, in terms of both the quantity and quality of cultivators, is an insurmountable rift.