Chapter 2229: Chapter 2233: Contest for the Arena
"Ahem!"
Zhang Yubo stood beside Princess Chang and coughed lightly, attracting everyone’s attention.
Even though he had been humiliated by Hu Yiqiu earlier, the appearance of Princess Chang managed to restore some of his dignity. Being associated with Princess Chang, someone with clearly unusual relations, people from various forces would no longer think he was weak.
After all, it’s Princess Chang!
Composing himself slightly, Zhang Yubo spoke loudly, "Everyone, my apologies for the earlier incident, let us formally commence the banquet now."
The crowd gathered themselves, though surprised by the recent developments, Princess Chang’s appearance indeed helped Zhang Yubo regain some face and made everyone wary of Hu Yiqiu. Many began wondering about the relationship between Princess Chang and Hu Yiqiu.
Next to the high platform, a group of dazzling women presented trays of exquisite pastries and spirit fruits onto the tables in front of everyone, marking the official start of the Mingqian Banquet!
"Is this... spirit fruit?"
Jiang Chen looked at the fruit on the table before him, speaking with surprise, "The Domain Lord certainly has a lavish hand."
He glanced at the tables on the two platforms above and secretly clicked his tongue.
On Jiang Chen’s level, they were served Grade Two spirit fruits, Ju Yuan Fruits. Ju Yuan Fruits contain no Great Dao attributes but are the main ingredient of Grade Two elixir Ju Ling Pill, which is used for quickly restoring spiritual power. The Ju Yuan Fruit has similar benefits, only slightly less potent.
On the second level platform, Grade Four spirit fruits Hui Ling Fruits are served, another kind of spirit fruit for restoring spiritual power, with effects tens of times stronger than Ju Yuan Fruit, perfectly suited for Virtual Refinement Realm cultivators.
On the third platform, Grade Six spirit fruits Wen Dao Fruits are laid out, a fruit that enhances Great Dao perception, allowing Unity Realm Stage experts to improve their mastery of their dao slightly, which although not extremely impactful, is immensely valuable. At their level, even a small improvement signifies an advancement in battle power.
Zhang Yubo is indeed generous; the Mingqian Banquet lives up to its reputation as Mingqian Realm’s foremost grand event!
"The Domain Lord’s extravagance is indeed impressive, but this spirit fruit is actually the least notable reward at the Mingqian Banquet."
A young man next to Jiang Chen laughed lightly, "Within the Mingqian Banquet, three opportunities exist; the lowest being these spirit fruits, the second opportunity allows those who perform outstandingly but are unaffiliated to choose to join any top force except Changlin Academy, as the Academy is distinct in nature from other sects and cannot be entered at will."
"As for the third."
The young man paused, eyes shimmering with anticipation, "The first of each realm gains the opportunity to enter the Domain Lord’s Mansion’s Archive Pavilion, choosing any cultivation technique or combat skill, which truly is the most enticing part!"
"Choose any?"
Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow, a quirky look in his eyes.
Choose any, wouldn’t that mean over several events, the best items in the Domain Lord’s Mansion’s Archive Pavilion would get picked clean?
"Of course, there’s a condition. Each cultivation technique or combat skill in the Archive Pavilion is shielded by a spiritual defense barrier, only those who can break it themselves can take the technique. Once chosen, regardless of whether it can be taken, no second choice is allowed!"
The young man chuckled as he explained.
"Thank you."
Jiang Chen nodded, thanking the young man. Then he clasped his fists respectfully, "Changlin Academy’s Jiang Chen, may I have your name?"
"Lin Ming from the Lin Family."
The young man smiled, returning the gesture.
"Brother Lin is the Young Family Head of the Lin Family."
Beside them, Yun Tao spoke softly, cupping his fist towards Lin Ming.
Lin Ming smiled courteously in return.
Jiang Chen looked towards Yun Tao, slightly puzzled.
"Mingqian Realm’s Six Major Forces are: Domain Lord’s Mansion, Changlin Academy, Lin Family, Qingyun Sect, Cheng Family, and Wind Demon Sect. The one who attacked you earlier is Cheng Jianlin, Family Head of the Cheng Family, and the person in conflict with the Dean was Zhang Qingyuan, Sect Master of Wind Demon Sect. You need to be cautious with these two forces; they seem to have you in their sights."
Yun Tao introduced in a low voice.
Jiang Chen was slightly taken aback, turning to look at where Cheng Family and Wind Demon Sect’s Divine Infant Realm cultivators stood, noting their hostile glares.
"To block the soldiers, use the generals; to cover the water, use the earth."
Jiang Chen spoke calmly.
"Good!"
"I hadn’t expected Pang Guang from Canghai Trade Alliance to be so powerful!"
Cheering erupted from the crowd.
On the stage, a fight had started, and leading was Pang Guang from Canghai Trade Alliance. His opponent was a grim-faced young man.
"By the way, isn’t Canghai Trade Alliance among the Six Major Forces?"
Jiang Chen looked at Yun Tao in confusion.
Yun Tao whispered, "Canghai Trade Alliance’s strength within the Mingqian Realm isn’t high, the lightest being its branch president, Pang Dahai at the early stage of Integration Path. It’s not considered top-tier, but no one dares underestimate Canghai Trade Alliance."
"It seems like Canghai Trade Alliance is reclaiming the affront from Hei Mo’s recent auction misconduct."
Nearby, Fire Phoenix spoke softly.
Jiang Chen was slightly surprised, glancing at the young man facing Pang Guang on stage, "That’s someone from the Black Wind Fortress?"
"Yes."
Fire Phoenix nodded lightly, "Black Wind Fortress infuriated Canghai Trade Alliance with their acts at the auction. While they can’t eradicate them, they can surely teach them a lesson!"
Bam!
No sooner had Fire Phoenix spoken, a thud resounded, with the grim young man being knocked off the stage by Pang Guang.
"This round goes to Pang Guang, president of Canghai Trade Alliance!"
An old man standing by the stage announced, none other than Li Zhang, the Domain Lord’s mansion steward who once tried to close Mingyuan City’s teleportation array, obstructing Hu Yiqiu and others from rescuing Jiang Chen.
"Isn’t there another Divine Infant Realm early-stage guy from Black Wind Fortress? Come down now!"
Pang Guang stood at the center stage, coldly looking at where Black Wind Fortress’s Divine Infant Realm cultivators were.
On the top platform, Hei Mo stared at Pang Guang with a grim expression, his gaze icy.
"Canghai Trade Alliance seems deliberately targeting Black Wind Fortress!"
"Haven’t you heard? At the auction a few days ago, Hei Mo exerted Great Dao pressure at Canghai Trade Alliance’s auction, thwarted by the alliance’s Great Elder!"
"Exerting Great Dao pressure at their auction? That’s outright provoking Canghai Trade Alliance. Hei Mo is audacious beyond belief!"
"Humph, Black Wind Fortress’ bunch is increasingly unruly. Hopefully, someone will eventually stand up to eliminate them!"
"Difficult! Even the Domain Lord wasn’t able to deal with Black Wind Fortress. Without dismantling their base, there’s no eliminating this malignant force!"
Whispers broke out among the nearby cultivators.
Swish!
The remaining Divine Infant Realm early-stage cultivator from Black Wind Fortress flashed up onto the stage.
With Li Zhang’s signal to commence, Pang Guang wasted no words, promptly launching a ferocious attack.
