With a single move, Jiang Li repelled Li Guanming and Zhang Daoyi and even elicited admiration from Daoist Wen Xu, who declared it hard to find an equal among fifth-rank adversaries. It seemed Jiang Li's combat qualification was all but certain.

However, the Liangzhou Governor still had reservations. Under Jiang's watchful gaze, he kept a calm facade, but inside he harbored considerable hostility toward him.

The elder glanced at Zhang Daoyi, then thought for a moment and turned his gaze to Yun Jiuye.

Actually, Zhang Daoyi was not completely without means to deal with Jiang. If he used the Five Vile Qi, the arrays would become ineffective, but even with his strength in close combat, he was still no match for Jiang Li.

Thus, the Liangzhou Governor attempted to pin his hopes on Yun Jiuye.

However, Yun Jiuye immediately said, "I deeply admire Jiang's strength. As his brother, I can say without doubt that he is the one to fight."

His words were earnest, without a trace of dissatisfaction. He also blocked Jiang Li from forcing a confrontation, causing a slight tinge of regret in Jiang's heart.

Yun Jiuye was intent on biding his time, acting like a shrinking turtle, avoiding any clash with Jiang Li, and not even contemplating testing Jiang's strength. Because, in testing Jiang Li, he would also expose his own capabilities.

"In that case, Jiang Li will be our champion," declared Tianxuan, slapping the table and then addressing Jiang, "Disciple, from now on stay close to your master to prevent any petty mischief."

The Great Venerable craftily suggested an underhanded strategy, but with Tianxuan's protection, Jiang Li would be safe from harm unless a third-grade power intervened. The price, however, was that Jiang Li needed to be constantly by Tianxuan's side, never leaving his presence.

Thinking it over, Jiang Li felt that the Great Venerable's schemes might bring danger, but in reality, they provided him with the opportunity to spend more time with his master.

Could it be that the Great Venerable was actually Feng Manlou?

After deciding on the fifth-rank for battle, it was time to select the fourth-rank. There were two candidates: first was King Shu, who practiced the Yellow Dragon Transformation from the "Form Tomb," rich in Earth True Qi and possessing the Divine Skill of Nine Heavens Breath Soil, capable of overcoming the Water Monkey Wuzhiqi.

Second, naturally, was Tianxuan.

In theory, a victory was certain if Tianxuan took action, but it was up for question whether the Great Venerable referee would permit a third grade power to enter a fourth-rank fight.

"Let the Imperial Uncle take up this fight," proposed Tianxuan, "Whether the Great Venerable agrees to my entering the fray or not, we must not push the opposition too hard, especially the Taiping Sect. They have no way out, and whether they win or lose, they will make one desperate attempt. We need time."

This time was, of course, needed to muster troops and prepare against the Taiping Sect.

Even if three victories were secured, the Taiping Sect would not simply roll over, and so time was of the essence.

The Great Venerable seemed to discern this too, hence he provided a rather generous allowance of time. By making not only the court side uncomfortable but also the opposite party, he truly deserved his reputation as a troublemaker.

As irked as both parties were with the Great Venerable's interference, since he had stepped in, they had no choice but to follow his directives, or this relentless individual might unleash who knows what.

And all this was because the Great Venerable had lost any form of restraint.

Had the Emperor been around, with the force of an entire nation, his vast presence would have rendered the Great Venerable's Cosmic Light Divine Ability entirely ineffective. In theory, the Emperor should have been a constraint on the Great Venerable. Unfortunately, the Emperor had alienated his own supporters and was then despicably ambushed by the Great Venerable...

Theoretically immune to the Cosmic Light Divine Ability, the Emperor fell victim due to his weakened and dying state, thus removing the check on the Great Venerable.

After some consideration, everyone felt Tianxuan's words made sense, and it was decided that King Shu would fight at the fourth rank.

As for the third rank...

Currently, it appeared only Tianxuan could participate, but if truly necessary, it might even be possible to muster a Heavenly Monarch or a Daoist Lord, two of the strongest powers.

That was, assuming the Heavenly Monarch wouldn't secretly interfere, and the Great Venerable referee wouldn't step into the fray.

The matter of the third rank was uncertain, so it was temporarily set aside.

Afterward, Tianxuan swiftly led her entourage away, showing no intention of staying in the Prince Manor.

Although King Shu was also a contender, since it seemed he now had ties with the Kunxu Immortal Palace—and it was rumored that Princess Shu was linked to the Immortal Palace—none from the Dinghu Sect were willing to share a roof with the enemy.

Not directly confronting King Shu was already taking the big picture into account.

One could even say that if not for Tianxuan's protection of Jiang Li, she would have taken matters into her own hands to investigate secretly.

King Shu, too, did not insist on detaining them, clearly sharing the same considerations.

With farewells exchanged, both parties departed.

As Tianxuan and her group were about to leave the Prince Manor, a voice from behind called out, "Fellow Daoist, please stay."

Upon hearing this, everyone silently accelerated their pace, even the composed Tianxuan.

This call of "Fellow Daoist, please stay" carried too much power; even a third grade might hesitate to hear more. According to the Sect's annals, an ancestor from the Yuxu Temple was involved in an incident related to a third-grade death and the Dao fruit of Shen Gongbao.

"Ah, wait up, wait up, I haven't used any Divine Skills, wait for me please," called Daoist Shen Hou from the rear, hastening his steps and calling repeatedly, yet failing to make anyone stop.

Finally, it was Shen Hou's disciple-nephew Li Guanming who caught up to the front, causing the group to pause, although Daoist Shen Hou himself had to stay back without approaching.

"Esteemed predecessors," Li Guanming approached and bowed, then presented a letter, saying, "This is a letter my uncle received on the way to visit the Prince Manor; it contains information relevant to your Sect. My uncle has a message for the elders—to prioritize the greater situation."

After speaking, Li Guanming stepped aside to clear the way.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.