Chapter 1181: When Stars Shine

Xu Xiangqian's mood was complex.

Jiang Wang repeated the peak state "Ren" character sword three times, without the slightest deviation, without a single decrease in momentum, and finally won the decisive battle without any dispute.

He seized the Inner Palace champion title, which was perhaps the most significant in the history of the Yellow River Meet... or at least in the top three.

As the other "pride" of Mount Ganma's twin prides, he was proud to be associated with this, and naturally, he should cheer for it.

He had already taken a deep breath...

But that fat man merely swayed his body and leaped backward.

Before he could even open his mouth, his ears were almost deafened by the ensuing roar!

Truly shameless, to do such a thing, actually using the 'Heaven and Earth Manifestation' to shout!

And shouting so simply, so uninspired!

Mediocre and shallow, without self-awareness!

How could it match the prestige of Mount Ganma's twin prides?

In fact, being as talented as he was, he had already prepared slogans for Jiang Wang's victory.

So he opened his mouth, still trying to say something...

But was immediately drowned in the overwhelming cheers.

Throughout the entire Stage of the World, Jiang Wang's name was being shouted everywhere!

Thanking him for offering battle after battle of such brilliance!

Thanking him for inheriting the will of the human race's ancient sages, displaying martial prowess on the River-Watching Platform, and showing the River Dragon Lord what a human race heavenly pride is, with his unquestionable strength.

From the transcendent spiritual battle with Xiang Bei beyond the Inner Palace realm, to the earth-shattering battle between the Sword Immortal Jiang Wang and the King of Hell Qin Zhizhen, and finally, in the flow of reversed time, defeating Huang Sheli three times with one sword to seize the championship.

Each battle was substantial, each a top-tier martial demonstration.

His talent, his will, his innate ability, his strength, were truly deserving of the title "Number One in the World!"

The cheers rose and fell, lingering for a long time.

Just at this moment, Cao Jie directly rose from his seat, held a rolled banner in both hands, and walked step by step towards the Stage of the World, holding it high.

"Jiang Wang!" he shouted loudly, "Unfurl our Great Qi banner!"

The tide-like cheers from all directions receded like a tide.

Jiang Wang stood alone on the Stage of the World, accepting the gaze of all eyes.

The weight of a million eyes rested upon him.

Eyes of envy, jealousy, adoration, longing...

From this day on, he must also get used to it, for he was already the true "Number One Inner Palace in the World!"

He was the strongest Inner Palace realm cultivator among the hundreds of countries and countless heavenly prides in the present world.

He was the most brilliant star in the vast night sky!

When the stars twinkled, he was the most dazzling!

He quietly watched Cao Jie approach, watching that rolled purple banner slowly draw closer.

Cao Jie, the commander of the Great Qi Spring Death Army, a True Monarch of the present age, personally brought forth the banner.

He should know the significance of this banner!

Since the Great Qi Kingdom established its dominance, how many heavenly prides fought to the death on the platform, how many heroes died with their eyes closed in regret, and this was the first championship title!

It wasn't that the Qi Kingdom wasn't strong, it wasn't that the Qi Kingdom's heavenly prides weren't strong, and even less so that the Qi Kingdom's heavenly prides cherished their lives.

It was simply that when heavenly prides gathered, everyone had a reason to contend for the championship, and everyone was a top-tier heavenly pride selected from millions. The difference between life and death, victory and defeat, was sometimes only a moment. It wasn't that hard work guaranteed victory, nor that fighting with all your might meant you would reach the end.

Contending for the championship sometimes required a little luck.

The Qi Kingdom's luck at the Yellow River Meet truly wasn't good enough. As strong as Chongxuan Zun, whose Heavenly Palace was considered invincible, he still encountered Dou Zhao in this session and missed the championship.

Jiang Wang also faced consecutive encounters with Xiang Bei, Qin Zhizhen, and Huang Sheli, a truly deadly draw.

Many Qi people had actually given up hope.

His ability to grow stronger the more he fought, becoming stronger the more he fought, overpowering peerless heavenly prides and claiming the championship with force, was particularly inspiring.

Cao Jie drew closer, and that roll of purple also drew closer.

Jiang Wang extended his hands, his expression solemn, and said, "Jiang Wang accepts the banner!"

He received the banner, feeling its weight, as if it weighed a thousand jin!

After handing over the banner, Cao Jie immediately turned around.

Even a high-ranking and powerful figure like him would not compete for glory with the champion of the Yellow River Meet at this time.

After stepping down from the martial stage, Cao Jie bowed to Yu Xi and said, "I trouble True Monarch Yu!"

Yu Xi's expression was also solemn, and he nodded slightly in response.

Then he gestured towards the martial stage.

Right in front of Jiang Wang, streaks of clear light condensed into steps, the clear light steps extending infinitely towards the high sky, as if connected all the way to the end of the firmament.

The Steps of Heaven were before him.

Jiang Wang held the banner in his hands, stepped onto these clear light steps, and walked upward step by step.

He walked faster and faster, higher and higher, stepping onto the high sky, gradually becoming only a black dot in the eyes of the people.

And the six sides enclosed by the Pillars of the Six Harmonies had quietly transformed into flowing light curtain walls, no longer a corner of the dragon robes of the six supreme beings.

Jiang Wang walked higher and higher, moving farther away from those eager gazes, and also far from the cheers.

Looking around, he could see nothing but the Pillars of the Six Harmonies connecting heaven and earth and the six flowing light curtain walls.

Only the clear light steps beneath his feet, the purple banner in his hand, and the Chang Xiang Si at his waist.

The higher he walked, the more lonely he became.

Rumble!

Rumble!

He seemed to hear the roar of the long river.

But listening closely, it was silent again.

Presently, it was as if someone was loudly proclaiming something, but he could not hear it clearly.

Gradually, these sounds also disappeared.

He walked upward, walked upward, walked upward in solitude.

Like a person walking in a long night, striving to chisel out the first ray of light.

The first person to ascend the peak of a high mountain gave birth to humanity's first ideal.

"Who are you?"

Suddenly a voice asked this.

This voice was ancient, vast, as if it had flowed through endless years, and yet as if it encompassed everything in the present world.

It was close at his ear, yet far away in the sky.

"Jiang Wang!" Jiang Wang replied loudly.

The voice asked again, "What do you desire to do?"

Jiang Wang said, "Having claimed the championship, I ascend to heaven to unfurl the banner!"

"Exquisite!"

A sigh, no longer heard.

Jiang Wang raised his eyes again and found that he had reached the end of the clear light steps. Before him was a circular flag platform.

It looked...

Very much like a greatly reduced River-Watching Platform.

The circular hole left in the center was also surrounded by six pillars.

Jiang Wang stood the banner in his hand upright, inserted the flagstaff into the circular hole in the flag platform, held the banner with his right hand, and unfurled it high!

That purple, supreme and precious banner, thus fluttered high in the sky.

A purple divine dragon soared proudly upon the flag. Its scales and claws were all revealed, its eyes held divine light, and its dragon head and tail formed a circular ring.

In the center of the circular ring surrounded by this purple divine dragon was a brilliant light-purple star, supreme and noble, illuminating the world.

This was the Ziwei Zhongtian Taishang Flag, representing the Great Qi Dynasty!

The moment the Ziwei Zhongtian Taishang Flag fluttered on the flag platform.

Within the Stage of the World, people could also see the image of the Ziwei Zhongtian Taishang Flag appearing on the curtain wall where the Qi Son of Heaven's dharma idol stood.

The entire area enclosed by the Pillars of the Six Harmonies, the six curtain walls, were originally empty, with only faint flowing light. Only this side, the East Qi side, was now filled with the banner representing the Great Qi Dynasty.

This was a great honor!

All the Qi people present stood up and saluted this curtain wall.

Cao Jie loudly said, "How magnificent, our Great Qi!"

All the Qi people shouted in unison, "Magnificent Great Qi!"

And at the end of the heavenly steps, Jiang Wang, who had erected the Ziwei Zhongtian Taishang Flag, saw a point of light descend from an ethereal and unknowable place, and imprint itself on his brow.

What was this?

Before he could ponder, the next moment, he had returned to the Stage of the World.

At that moment, the heavenly steps had disappeared, and there was silence all around.

The Ziwei Zhongtian Taishang Flag, representing the Great Qi Dynasty, fluttered on the River-Watching Platform!

Jiang Wang looked in the direction of the Qi people and smiled, "Fortunately, I did not fail in my mission!"

What greeted him was the lingering cheers of the Qi people.

Among the myriad nations of the world, countless heavenly prides, over the past ten years, only three have claimed the championship title.

This session only produced two!

The Qi Kingdom had already claimed one!

Glory and radiance, a feat hard to replicate in this world!

In the history books of the Qi Kingdom, such a record would also be written: In the fifty-fifth year of the Yuanfeng era of the Great Qi, on the twelfth day of the seventh month. The Great Qi Qingyang Town Marquis Jiang Wang claimed the championship in the Inner Palace realm on the River-Watching Platform and unfurled the banner for the nation!

Regardless of how the Qi people felt, or how the champion felt.

Each had their own glory.

Yu Xi, as the host of the Yellow River Meet, at this time declared, "The champion of the Inner Palace realm has been determined. Let us wait for tomorrow, and continue the gathering of heavenly prides! Everyone, please..."

"True Monarch Yu, please allow me a moment to report!"

A voice suddenly fell.

On the stage, Jiang Wang suddenly turned around!

This voice was like a sharp sword cutting across the sky, cleaving heaven and earth, and severing hearts.

It was too sharp.

It easily cut through the emotions of the people who were still boiling with excitement over the determination of the champion.

It coldly and emotionlessly pierced into everyone's ears.

And for Jiang Wang, this voice was too familiar!

How many times had it roared in his memories!

How many times had it echoed in his ears!

Everyone followed the sound and looked, only to see

From the northeast entrance, a young white-clothed man walked in.

His eyebrows, eyes, nose, lips, and even his long hair, all gave off a feeling of extreme sharpness.

And his eyes were gentle, indifferent, yet innocent!

Such a contradictory and complex feeling made it hard to believe it came from the same pair of eyes.

But this person walked in like this, and said to True Monarch Yu Xi, "Why tomorrow?"

What did this mean?

People were astonished beyond measure.

This situation, this momentum, these words, made them faintly guess something, but no one dared to be certain!

That was too absurd, too unbelievable!

"Li Yi!" The Golden Crown Priest Namoda, his face revealing surprise, spoke for the first time today from the pastoral country's preparation seat, "You are actually Taiyu?"

Li Yi, who cultivated emotion to the extreme in sword and dao, representing the highest achievement of dao swords in the present world, how could Namoda not know of him?

Dao sword techniques had long replaced the flying sword techniques that had been brilliant for an era, but by now, dao sword techniques had also gradually declined, becoming a niche practice. This was also the evolution of cultivation history. And Li Yi, at one time, was considered the only possibility for dao sword techniques to rise to glory again.

His person and his sword were incredibly sharp, and he had many brilliant deeds.

Even the venerable Golden Crown Priest Namoda had encountered him on the road, and although they had not fought, he already knew of him.

But Li Yi clearly came from a small country that had been extinguished, when did he become a Jing Kingdom person?

"That's right!"

Li Yi did not speak, but from the Jing Kingdom's preparation seat, the Shence Army commander Xian Nankui had already stood up, his face red and filled with righteous indignation: "Li Yi of the Jing Kingdom, Daoist name Taiyu True Monarch! Five days ago, he was conferred his title at Mount Daluo!"

Being conferred a title at Mount Daluo, Li Yi's origins were no longer in doubt.

He had originally traveled the world alone, seemingly a True Monarch of the present age without any sect or faction. Now it seemed, he was a hidden piece placed by the Jing Kingdom throughout the world.

The Jing Kingdom had consecutively forfeited the Outer Building and Inner Palace matches, and their heavenly pride representative under thirty had not yet appeared. Throughout the entire Yellow River Meet, the Jing Kingdom people, who usually held their heads high, remained silent. From beginning to end, Xian Nankui sat alone in the preparation seat, isolated and without any sense of presence.

But the moment he spoke, he astonished the world!

Fully demonstrating the Jing Kingdom's powerful and overbearing nature!

A True Monarch!

A True Monarch conferred a title at Mount Daluo!

He was actually the heavenly pride representing the Jing Kingdom in the unrestricted match for those under thirty at the Yellow River Meet!!!

What did this mean?!

Xian Nankui looked around and suddenly smiled, "Li Yi was born in the year 3890 of the Dao calendar. If the True Monarchs don't believe it, they can discern his age by blood!"

In fact, the news reached him very late, and at that time, the shock was ineffable. But now, to throw out this feeling of shock... it was quite exhilarating.

A True Monarch of the present age could naturally discern age at a glance, but Li Yi himself was also a True Monarch and would not allow anyone to discern his age. Offering a drop of blood, however, was no problem and was sufficient to verify the truth.

But no one asked for blood discernment.

Because the six supreme beings were still present, and the River Dragon Lord was also in attendance. If Li Yi's age was false, it would be impossible to conceal it.

But what was this concept?

A True Monarch of the present age under thirty, this had already directly broken the record of cultivation history!

He was the youngest True Monarch in recorded history!

Jiang Wang stood on the stage and had already heard people exclaim, "This is the first cultivator in history to achieve True Monarch status before the age of thirty!"

Some people were completely unable to believe it: "Only twenty-nine years old! How is that possible!?"

And Jiang Wang's heart held only one thought:

Perhaps not just that!

He would never forget the battle he had "overheard" at the Huanzhen Temple.

That battle truly opened his eyes to the vastness of the extraordinary world.

It was precisely by inheriting the meridian-opening pill and moon key left by Zuo Guanglie that he stepped into the extraordinary world and began a new life.

But having come this far, looking back at Zuo Guanglie, he still felt that he was a dazzling heavenly pride.

The championship he claimed today, Zuo Guanglie had already achieved at the age of fifteen!

The longer he cultivated, the more he understood Zuo Guanglie's genius and power.

He still hadn't mastered the single technique of "Burning City of Flame Flowers."

And being able to cut off Zuo Guanglie's head...

Perhaps at that time, Li Yi had already ascended to the Void Realization realm!

In other words, Li Yi did not achieve Void Realization at the age of twenty-nine, but at the latest, at the age of twenty-seven, he had already become a True Monarch of the present age!

Compared to this, the Jing Kingdom's Zhao Xuanyang and Chunyu Gui were indeed insignificant.

In contrast, the other heavenly prides in the unrestricted match under thirty...

They could not be compared!

In an era where achieving Divine Realm before the age of thirty was considered a peerless heavenly pride.

Li Yi, at the same age, achieved Void Realization!

Cao Jie, who was still standing below the martial stage, narrowed his eyes.

Five days ago?

This point in time...

The great battle behind the Door of Ten Thousand Demons had just ended not long ago.

One could even say accurately, it was the day after the Jing Kingdom's Inner Palace realm heavenly pride died in battle!

In other words, the Jing Kingdom, after their Inner Palace realm heavenly pride died in battle, immediately activated Li Yi, this hidden piece. Only to ensure the championship title of the strongest heavenly pride!

A True Monarch of the present age, indeed, could achieve this.

However...

A True Monarch of the present age, so young, so terrifying, and who had created history, had been hiding his identity and traveling the world alone all this time. His ambition must be far-reaching.

Is the Jing Kingdom truly getting enough value by revealing him now?

Perhaps it's not just this, perhaps there are reasons beyond the Yellow River Meet...

Cao Jie smiled and remained silent.

Whether the Jing Kingdom got enough value or not, the Qi Kingdom had already gotten enough!

The only two championship titles in this session were shared by Jiang Wang and the youngest True Monarch in history...

The Qi and Jing Kingdoms could be considered to have equally shared the spoils!

At this very moment.

Xian Nankui had finished his introduction, and True Monarch Taiyu, Li Yi, continued to walk forward.

"You said... why tomorrow, what does that mean?"

Yu Xi looked at Li Yi and asked in a confirming tone.

Li Yi said calmly, "My time is precious, and I don't want to waste it on these people. I hope to settle this matter today, in this match."

His voice was too calm, which made it appear even sharper.

People were too stunned to speak.

Many were secretly observing the expressions of the other unrestricted match heavenly prides.

Ji Zhaonan was expressionless, and the snowy light of the Shaohua Spear on his knee flowed.

Murong Longqie's eyes were cold and solemn, and the unintentional killing intent he exuded subtly distorted the surrounding space.

Ye Lan'er's lips curved into a smile, but there was no smile in her eyes.

Huang Budong finally stopped staring blankly, only looking down at his right hand, bending his fingers one by one and then raising them one by one. It seemed he was counting something, but no one knew what he was counting.

The face of the Present World Divine Envoy Cang Ming was still hidden in his cloak, but he had changed from sitting cross-legged to sitting upright. His five fingers pointed upwards, his thumb slightly bent. This was the gesture of pilgrimage to the Cangtu Divine Temple...

Besides the heavenly prides of these five dominant nations, the other two who had obtained spots in the unrestricted match main event also displayed different reactions.

Zhang Xun of the Dan Kingdom had a resolute expression and remained calm.

Chen Siwu of the Song Kingdom, who had attained the Dao through five archery techniques, lightly adjusted his Confucian cap.

And Li Yi completely ignored these so-called strongest heavenly prides under thirty. He continued to walk straight forward and finally reached the foot of the martial stage, looking up at Jiang Wang.

Jiang Wang, still standing alone on the stage, looked down at him.

Cao Jie quietly watched. He was not worried that the opponent would dare to attack Jiang Wang without reason on the River-Watching Platform. But even if there was any verbal or momentum-based pressure, he would definitely not agree to it.

"Your name is Jiang Wang, right?" Li Yi asked.

There was no hint of confrontation in his tone.

Jiang Wang simply replied with one word: "Yes."

"This is the second time we've met." Li Yi said lightly, "My sword trembled just now because of you."

He was merely stating a fact, without any special meaning.

But those who heard this couldn't help but be surprised.

The youngest True Monarch of the present age, and the Number One Inner Palace in the world, were they actually acquainted? It sounded like there was a history between them. And... he just said his sword trembled because of Jiang Wang, who was in the Inner Palace realm?

This statement, for many people, was undoubtedly a great honor.

Jiang Wang's gaze was calm and steady, without joy or sorrow, he simply pressed his sword and said, "Long time no see."

To be precise, this was the first time he had seen Li Yi's face.

But Li Yi's voice had echoed in his memory countless times.

He could never forget that sharp edge.

Undoubtedly, the name this person represented was the most profound peak in his memory so far. This person was the goal he was striving to catch up to on his long path.

When he achieved the extraordinary realm, what he thought was that one day, he would be the same as Li Yi!

Li Yi had no intention of engaging in pleasantries, or rather, he simply didn't understand what pleasantries were. He continued, "I look forward to the third time we meet, when you can tell me why my sword trembled."

Jiang Wang said "long time no see," but it had only been two years.

The first time they met, this was a dying beggar waiting for death. He neither allowed him to live nor took his life, letting nature take its course.

The second time they met, this person was already the number one Inner Palace in the world, and a full-strength sword strike caused his Dao sword to tremble with it.

So he said, he looked forward to the third time they met.

But at least for now, this number one Inner Palace in the world was not qualified to give him the answer.

Jiang Wang still stood with a straight back, neither humble nor arrogant, and said, "I also look forward to the third time we meet, when I can give you the answer."

Many people probably thought Li Yi was being polite, and Jiang Wang was too arrogant after winning the championship.

But Li Yi never said polite words, and Jiang Wang truly believed in himself.

Only the two of them knew where and when their first "meeting" took place.

Li Yi smiled.

This smile was like an innocent child who had received the desired answer.

But it quickly faded.

Because it dissipated so resolutely. This fleeting smile, beyond innocence, also held a touch of indifference.

This was an innocent and emotionless person.

He bent his index finger and pointed at this martial stage.

"Your battle is over, now it's my turn to go on stage, how about it?"

This was a question.

Jiang Wang smiled: "Okay."

So he walked down the martial stage.

One white-clothed, one cyan-robed.

The two passed each other, one above and one below.

It was as if a kind of ritual was being handed over.

But many people also knew in their hearts...

One champion had stepped down, and one champion was ascending the stage.

Now, Li Yi, clothed in white, stood on the Stage of the World, receiving gazes from all directions.

There were quite a few people present who liked to wear white clothes and wore them well.

For example, the Pavilion Master of Lingxiao Pavilion, Ye Lingxiao, was free and unconventional, handsome and extraordinary, with a hint of celestial aura.

Ji Zhaonan, the master of the Shaohua Spear, was very much in line with the image of the white horse and silver spear, white-robed young general often appearing in storytellers' tales, truly possessing unparalleled charm.

The peerless talent Chongxuan Zun, who had overshadowed his peers, was different, graceful like a noble young master from a turbulent world, with extraordinary charm.

And when Li Yi wore white clothes, the feeling he gave was "simple."

That kind of simplicity without any impurities.

He was so sharp, so purely sharp.

Just standing on the martial stage already wounded countless gazes.

Yu Xi, still standing below the stage, said lightly, "The Yellow River Meet has its own rules. If the other participating heavenly prides agree, this Seat will also acknowledge it. If even one person disagrees, Taiyu, you will have to come back tomorrow."

Even though everyone knew that with the arrival of Li Yi, who had ascended to the Void Realization realm, the unrestricted match for those under thirty at the Yellow River Meet had lost its suspense.

No matter how peerless the heavenly pride, the gap between the Divine Realm and the Void Realization realm could not be overcome.

But the Yellow River Meet still had its own rules, which needed to be respected.

Of course, if all participants agreed not to waste time and start the championship contention today, that would be another matter. Just like Jiang Wang voluntarily gave up his time for recuperation, he was free to do so.

"They will agree. Because now is the only chance."

This youngest True Monarch of the present world said calmly on the stage, "If we fight today, whoever can take one sword strike from me, I will abandon the championship title!"

True Monarch Taiyu, Li Yi, offered his condition.

One sword strike!

People were too stunned to speak.

But it didn't stop there.

Li Yi on the martial stage, with his indifferent, almost gentle eyes, looked around.

It seemed he was finally starting to look at his opponents at this moment, but his eyes clearly saw no one.

"Who comes first?"

He asked, "Or, all of you together!"

He simply treated all the heroes of the world like grass!

But people couldn't help but think. Although the gap between Divine Realm and Void Realization was difficult to overcome, if the seven strongest heavenly prides under thirty could join forces... it might not be impossible to win!

Ji Zhaonan, with his white clothes and frost spear, was the first to stand up.

He stood in front of the Qi Kingdom's preparation seat, looking at Li Yi on the martial stage with his starlike cold eyes: "To bully the few with the many is beneath me. To fight a Void Realization with the Divine Realm is something I cannot do. In today's battle, my strength is inferior, so I forfeit the match. But Li Yi."

The Shaohua Spear in his hand instantly shifted its light: "You have insulted me to the extreme today! When I ascend to the Void Realization realm in the future, I will continue this battle!!"

A shout fell like a spear's cry.

A life-and-death appointment for a future day was sealed.

At that time, there would be no True Monarch protecting lives!

He carried the Shaohua Spear and left his seat directly.

Li Yi glanced at that proud and solitary figure, but did not speak.

The second person to stand up and declare his stance was Murong Longqie of the Jing Kingdom.

"If there is something to be done on the battlefield, a thousand armies and ten thousand horses are no constraint. On the martial stage, even if there is nothing that can be done, it should be between two people deciding life and death."

He looked at Li Yi coldly: "The championship is yours. But on the path of cultivation, being ahead or behind temporarily is unavoidable. On the path of life and death, you and I are the same. We have a long future ahead of us!"

After saying that, he also turned around.

It was not until this moment that Jiang Wang, who had already walked to Cao Jie's side below the martial stage, began to understand something.

Was Ji Zhaonan afraid of death?

Was Ji Zhaonan afraid of losing face?

Neither.

He stood on the River-Watching Platform, representing the Qi Kingdom in the Yellow River Meet, but his first consideration was the interests of the Qi Kingdom.

Therefore, he left the appointment for another day and was the first to withdraw from the match.

Just like Murong Longqie at this moment.

It had always been said that the Yellow River Meet was another form of war. The martial stage was also a battlefield.

But Murong Longqie emphasized at this moment that the battlefield was the battlefield and the martial stage was the martial stage, in order to erase the impression of "the Jing Kingdom's power壓倒天下 (pressing down on the world)."

No matter what, surrounding and attacking Li Yi on the stage could not happen.

With so many heavenly prides present, if they were to actually surround and attack Li Yi on the stage.

It would be tantamount to the world围攻景国 (surrounding and attacking the Jing Kingdom).

The Jing Kingdom would be victorious even in defeat, and if they won, their prestige would be unrivaled!

And Murong Longqie also chose to forfeit, and told the world that Li Yi's strength was Li Yi's strength, merely taking a step ahead on the path of cultivation. This time, the Jing Kingdom had merely contended for a championship title, which was not essentially different from the Qi Kingdom's championship.

Li Yi, or rather, the Jing Kingdom represented by Li Yi, was creating a situation where they could crush the world.

And Ji Zhaonan and Murong Longqie refused!

"Alas." Chu Kingdom's Ye Lan'er sighed, her sigh almost breaking the hearts of those who heard it.

She gracefully stood up: "Ye Lan'er is deeply indebted to the Emperor's grace, so there is nothing more to say. Since the Jing Kingdom has claimed the championship with Taiyu, I shall withdraw from my seat!"

She also turned and left.

Huang Budong finally finished counting his fingers, stared blankly for a moment, and then said foolishly, "I have no hope of survival."

His entire being seemed even more aged, and he rose listlessly and departed.

As for Cang Ming, known as the Present World Divine Envoy, he withdrew his pilgrimage gesture and left without a word.

Golden Crown Priest Namoda announced on his behalf: "In this battle, the pastoral country forfeits. The Jing Kingdom forfeited two matches consecutively, and we will forfeit one match, which is considered a compromise!"

His expression was sacred, and his tone was magnanimous.

This even earned the admiration of Chongxuan Sheng, who had already withdrawn from his Dharma Manifestation.

He thought to himself, although his thick skin was not inferior, his courage was not as great. How could he dare to put on such a shameless display at the Yellow River Meet? One could only say that the divine light of the Cangtu God was indeed powerful!

Look at what Namoda said, it sounded as if the pastoral country was much stronger than the Jing Kingdom.

Yet the Jing Kingdom side could not easily refute him, although the nature was different. Although the Jing Kingdom had forfeited two matches consecutively, it was precisely to accumulate momentum for this moment, to overwhelm the world in one match...

But if you were to really argue about it, two matches are indeed more than one...

The five dominant nations conceded the championship title of the unrestricted match with cupped hands.

Although it was true that Li Yi's Void Realization cultivation was crushing and invincible among those under thirty, there was also the implication of "we're not playing with you."

Regarding this, Li Yi remained silent.

With the dominant nation's heavenly prides leaving consecutively, the idea of a siege naturally became impossible.

Chen Siwu of the Song Kingdom sat upright and solemnly.

His prior adjustment of his cap indicated he was prepared to die.

But after the heavenly prides of the major dominant nations left one after another, a smile appeared on his face, and he said gracefully, "True Monarch Taiyu naturally deserves the championship. I am completely convinced, and I shall observe the ceremony from below the stage and congratulate you on this glorious moment!"

This was also an admission of defeat.

Now only Zhang Xun of the Dan Kingdom remained.

He could be said to be the least anticipated heavenly pride in the unrestricted match, and he had struggled to win to enter the main competition.

But precisely he had battle intent in his eyes.

According to what Li Yi had said before.

At this moment, if he could take one sword strike from him... the Dan Kingdom would claim the championship!

The other dominant nations, of course, disdained to compete for the championship in this manner, and those few peerless heavenly prides would not possibly go on stage with the goal of withstanding one sword strike.

But for the Dan Kingdom... the temptation was too great!

It was almost a step of leaping over the dragon gate!

Zhang Xun gritted his teeth...

"Zhang Xun!" Fei Nanhua, the Prime Minister of the Dan Kingdom, looked at him and shook his head.

Zhang Xun remained silent for a long time, and the battle intent in his eyes finally receded.

Fei Nanhua turned his head to look at the martial stage: "Before the age of thirty, he is already in the Void Realization realm. True Monarch Taiyu deserves this championship title without question! Our Dan Kingdom's heavenly pride also chooses to concede."

If Jiang Wang created the record for the fastest victory in the history of the Yellow River Meet.

Then True Monarch Taiyu, Li Yi, not only broke this record, but also created the record for the fastest championship in history.

He came alone in a white robe, and the heavenly prides of the nations avoided him!

Compared to the Divine Realm, the Void Realization realm was indeed a crushing and insurmountable gap.

The six supreme beings did not voice their opinions, and no one else present was qualified to speak. Yu Xi looked around and then said, "The championship title of the unrestricted match is claimed by Li Yi of the Jing Kingdom!"

The people of the Jing Kingdom, who had been suppressed for several days, naturally cheered.

True Monarch Taiyu emerged, crushing the entire field, claiming the championship without even drawing his sword.

This deed would undoubtedly be inscribed in history, and the people of the Jing Kingdom would be proud of it.

Only Li Yi himself, standing on the martial stage at this moment, remained calm. There was almost no emotion in his eyes, as if all this had nothing to do with him.

He stood in the center of the present world, yet seemed to be outside of it.

Jiang Wang, standing below the stage, suddenly remembered at this moment the faint, small sound of "bang" that he had heard Li Yi utter after Gongyang Bai, Mo Jingyu, and others had left at the Huanzhen Temple.

He felt his loneliness.

Xian Nankui coughed, and then said, "Li Yi! Unfurl the banner for our Great Jing!"

Just like Cao Jie before him, he held a banner in both hands and walked step by step to the front of the stage.

Li Yi still did not speak, he took the banner with one hand, and directly flicked it towards the sky, as if throwing a javelin towards the firmament!

This banner flew far away in an instant, and there was no need for the heavenly steps at all.

And in a moment, people saw the curtain wall in the northeast direction, where the Jing Emperor's dharma idol stood, instantly imprinted with the image of a banner.

It was a black dragon and a white dragon, their tails intertwined, their bodies coiled, their heads facing different directions, together forming a swirl.

This was the Qiankun Roaming Dragon Flag!

Amidst the cheers of the Jing Kingdom people, Li Yi soared into the sky and disappeared directly into the distant high firmament.

At that time, the dharma idols of the six supreme beings had all disappeared, and the River Dragon Lord who had been watching the matches was also gone.

People were still cheering, regretting, and making noise...

The Yellow River Meet had ended!

Jiang Wang stood below the stage, still thinking about Li Yi, about the agreement to meet a third time...

Suddenly, a group of people surged towards him.

The smiling faces of Chongxuan Sheng, Li Longchuan, Yan Fu, Xu Xiangqian... everyone.

"Remember? Remember Jiang Wang? Remember what I told you?"

Chongxuan Sheng was rarely so excited, his chubby face flushed red, this blushing color seemed to have also dyed his eyes: "You will make everyone look at you, you will become the pride of the Qi Kingdom... You did it! You did it!"

Xu Xiangqian's forehead shone brightly, he laughed heartily: "Today, we, the twin prides of Mount Ganma, are famous throughout the world!"

Yan Fu smiled warmly: "Before coming, I had already reserved all the restaurants in Fengcheng, setting up a three-day continuous feast, without restricting anyone from sitting at the table, to celebrate your victory. The journey has been arduous, but now that the championship is claimed, it's time to rest for a few days. Wherever you go, let's drink to our hearts' content!"

Zhao Wuyan lightly pressed Zishu's shoulder, Zishu lowered his head and held it in for a long time, finally looking up at Jiang Wang: "You're really amazing!"

Some were celebrating, some were weeping, some were cheering, and some were leaving in dejection.

In the retreating pastoral country team, Heliun Yunyun smiled and asked, "Aren't you going to say something?"

Zhao Rucheng withdrew his gaze and smiled, shaking his head: "He has many good friends, and many good prospects, he will never be unhappy again!"

"Zhao Rucheng!"

Suddenly he heard such a shout.

So he turned his head to look.

He saw Jiang Wang in the crowd, standing on tiptoe, looking at him from afar, his hands cupped like a trumpet, and asked loudly, "Who is the brother?"

Zhao Rucheng's face was still pale from his injuries, but he smiled brilliantly, cupped his hands in front of his mouth as well, and shouted loudly, "You are!"

Jiang Wang asked loudly, "Who am I?"

Zhao Rucheng shouted repeatedly, "Brother Jiang Three! Brother Jiang Three!! Brother Jiang Three!!!"

Neither of them approached, they just shouted to each other across the crowd like this.

It seemed quite childish...

But this kind of childishness can probably only be possessed in one's youth.

Beside Zhao Rucheng was the pastoral country princess Heliun Yunyun, and next to her was a veiled nun wearing a cloak.

There were too many gazes directed at him, and Jiang Wang couldn't distinguish them one by one.

He simply smiled and nodded at them, which counted as greeting them.

Heliun Yunyun returned a very gentle smile, and the nun seemed to freeze for a moment, then also nodded at him.

Jiang Wang made a gesture to Zhao Rucheng, signaling that he would see him tomorrow. This type of gesture was also one of the things they had messed around with in Maplewood City. Zhao Rucheng always had some childish and boring ideas. And they always laughed at his childishness while accompanying him in being childish...

Zhao Rucheng raised his hand to wave, and then left with Heliun Yunyun and the others.

Within the vast Stage of the World, the sea of people dispersed into many streams. Having come from all directions, they now dispersed to all directions.

Jiang Wang turned his head and just happened to see a familiar figure outside the crowd.

He patted Chongxuan Sheng's shoulder: "Asheng, you take everyone back to Qi Street to drink and celebrate. I'll be there after I say hello to a friend."

Chongxuan Sheng knew that he had a younger sister in the Cloud Kingdom, and had already calmed down his excited expression, smilingly greeting the others to leave first.

And Jiang Wang walked out of the crowd and went to Ye Qingyu, who was wearing a light veil over her face.

He looked around: "Hmm, where's True Monarch Ye?"

Ye Qingyu's eyes, clear as a quiet stream, looked at him and simply said, "Let's shake hands too."

"Huh?"

Jiang Wang was a little confused, but still obediently extended his hand.

Ye Qingyu gently held his hand, her eyes smiling: "Congratulations, Number One in the World."

End of this volume.

The Hard Journey has finally reached its end!

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