The piercing whistle cut through the air, sharp and jarring. All those present, possessing formidable physiques, couldn't help but turn their heads, wondering who dared to be so audacious in the sacred grounds of White Spirit Mountain.

Under the gaze of the crowd, a black speck rapidly expanded from the distant periphery of the mountains, hurtling closer. With their sharp eyesight, everyone immediately recognized it as a majestic palace, perhaps a thousand zhang in size, emanating a ferocious aura.

Bai Tian’s brow furrowed, a cold glint flashing deep within his eyes as he subtly clenched his fist.

This towering palace suddenly moored itself above the summit of White Spirit Mountain. Before it could fully stabilize, a figure clad in black instantly flew out from within. Their long, black hair whipped wildly against the wind, their eyes chillingly desolate, like a colossal pagoda, crashing down onto the center of the battle platform, instantly becoming the focal point for everyone present.

"Hmm?"

"Demigod?"

The many God-Emperor powerhouses in the VIP seating showed expressions of surprise and doubt. Given the majesty emanating from the palace just moments before, it should have been at least a Dao Artifact level, yet only a junior Demigod emerged.

This figure in black was, naturally, Ye Chen!

As Ye Chen landed on the battlefield, he felt dozens of gazes fixed upon him, causing every hair on his body to stand on end. It was as if he were being stared down by dozens of man-eating tigers. If he hadn't suppressed it with all his might, his body might have begun to tremble involuntarily right then and there.

He didn't have time to look around much, however, before his gaze was captured by the figure on the nearby battle stage—a figure so pure and ethereal, resembling a single white lotus.

One look, and the entire world fell silent.

There was only the figure he longed for day and night, standing there, her silk hair and robes fluttering in the gentle breeze, ethereal as an immortal. She was exactly as he remembered, only now imbued with a touch of noble elegance, her temperament even more breathtakingly beautiful, mesmerizing the soul and making self-control impossible.

Simultaneously, Bai Yijun, clad in white, saw Ye Chen. Her heart jolted instantly; she felt the blood in her entire body surge upward, rushing to her chest. The longing in her heart burst forth like a breaking dam, slowly tracing down from the corners of her eyes, leaving them blurred with tears.

This transformation did not escape the notice of the youth in the purple robes. His usually elegant and gentle expression immediately soured, a frigid light sparking in his eyes. He turned his head, staring coldly at the figure in black, clenching his fist tightly.

At this moment, the entire audience watched this mysterious man who had suddenly appeared. He said nothing, offering no greeting or salute even to the highly respected Bai Tian, completely ignoring him. He simply stood transfixed in the void, gazing devotedly at the white figure nearby, which caused widespread astonishment.

"Hmph!" A cold snort suddenly erupted, shaking the heavens and causing everyone present to startle, as if struck by a heavy hammer, jolting them awake. They saw Bai Tian standing with one hand behind his back, a hint of displeasure crossing his face; this cold snort had clearly issued from him.

The formidable God-Emperors in the VIP section felt a sudden chill. Though it was just a snort, based on their experience, they perceived the sheer power Bai Tian possessed, a hint of apprehension flickering in their eyes.

Ye Chen felt a massive shock in his chest. If his physical body had not reached the level of a peak Divine Spirit, that single cold snort might have been enough to end his life. He snapped back to attention, turned his head to look around, and saw many young disciples standing near the battle stage, all wearing the uniform of the Bai family. Beside them, seated in the VIP area, were twenty to thirty powerful figures, each one radiating an aura surpassing even that of his master, King Tianwu, whom he had met previously.

And standing before this gathering, before the steps of the magnificent main hall, was a towering figure—a middle-aged man whose face was sharply chiseled, his eyebrows like blades, and his eyes deep and inscrutable. Just standing there, he exuded a vast, overwhelming presence.

With Ye Chen’s insight, he immediately deduced that this middle-aged man was likely Bai Yijun's father, the patriarch of the Bai family, one of the Nine Ancient Great Clans!

He composed himself, bowed slightly, and clasped his hands: "Junior Ye Chen pays his respects to Uncle. I beg your forgiveness for my prior rudeness." The words were delivered neither subserviently nor arrogantly, yet carried a firm confidence, earning silent nods of approval from many powerful figures. An ordinary person, merely standing under the scrutiny of dozens of God-Emperor experts, would already be mentally flustered, let alone speaking with such composure.

Bai Tian’s expression remained impassive. He observed Ye Chen for a moment before asking, "Why have you forced your way in here?"

Ye Chen knew Bai Tian was already angered. He immediately clasped his hands again: "Junior has come to participate in the Young Hero Contest. I reported to Elder Han at the foot of the mountain and received permission to enter. On the way here, I was anxious not to miss the time, which caused the disturbance just now. I beg Uncle's forgiveness."

Bai Tian nodded slightly, his expression calm. "The Genius Battle is already concluded. My young daughter has been promised to Young Master Feng of the Wind God Hall. I will convey her gratitude for your kind intentions."

"Uncle!" Ye Chen suddenly spoke, staring directly at Bai Tian, his voice grave: "Please allow me to fight. If I am defeated, I will take my own life on the spot!"

Hearing his words, everyone present froze in astonishment.

It must be remembered that those present were all peerless geniuses cultivated by various transcendent powers; each one a rare sight once in a million years. Even a dazzling genius like Feng Wuji would not dare utter such a bold vow without having tested the skills of those present!

For a moment, a subtle excitement stirred in everyone's hearts as they speculated on the strength of this mysterious young man.

Bai Tian frowned deeply. "Who is your master? Have him come out to meet me!"

Upon hearing this, everyone knew his anger was roused, and they understood that when Bai Tian spoke, his words carried immense weight; once a decision was made, it was difficult for others to sway it. Pleading now would be equivalent to directly contradicting his wishes.

Ye Chen lowered his gaze slightly. "Junior's master did not come..."

Before the words were finished, an earth-shattering surge of energy swept over from the distance, arriving instantly at Ye Chen's location. It was a magnificent figure, nearly ten feet tall, handsome in appearance. Facing the assembled heroes of the world, he let out a booming laugh, extended a hand, and placed it on Ye Chen's shoulder, saying heartily, "Little apprentice, your master has arrived!"

Ye Chen hadn't registered the figure suddenly appearing beside him until he felt a broad, sturdy hand on his shoulder, followed immediately by this familiar voice. His heart shook, and he abruptly turned his head, seeing the smile of King Tianwu fill his vision. In that instant, emotion surged in his chest, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "Master!"

King Tianwu offered him a slight smile. "Little apprentice, well done for your courage!" Saying this, he raised his head to look at Bai Tian standing before the majestic palace, his expression subtly sobering. He smiled faintly: "Patriarch Bai, I am but a vassal lord from the Blazing God Empire, not famous, but I wish to request one thing of Patriarch Bai: please grant my little apprentice an opportunity to fight!"

Hearing this, the entire audience turned their heads to look at Bai Tian.

Bai Tian’s expression darkened slightly. "What I, Bai Tian, have decided needs no further discussion. Today, out of respect for the heroes gathered, I will not press the matter with you. You and your little apprentice must leave White Spirit Mountain now, or do not blame me for being discourteous!"

The twenty to thirty God-Emperor experts in the VIP section exchanged wry smiles, realizing that an ordinary God-Emperor held little weight in the eyes of a powerhouse like Bai Tian.

Moreover, the more powerful one's cultivation, the less constrained they often were by mere etiquette. Had it been an ordinary person, even if conflict were intended, it would have been done secretly; one would not subject a visiting guest to outright slaughter in public.

King Tianwu’s heart tightened, and his expression slowly grew solemn, determination shining in his eyes. He spoke gravely: "Patriarch Bai, I know your power is extraordinary. I, King Tianwu, stand here before the heroes of the world, begging you to grant my little apprentice one chance to fight. If he loses, I willingly surrender the universe I have cultivated throughout my life to you!"

Everyone present was deeply moved.

Are you insane!

A God-Emperor was willing to surrender the universe he cultivated for a single chance to fight—this was tantamount to suicide!

Once stripped of his cultivated universe, a God-Emperor’s life force would rapidly deplete, leading to certain demise!

And yet, at this moment, King Tianwu was willing to wager his own life for Ye Chen's single opportunity to fight!

Everyone watched the master and apprentice pair, somewhat stunned, as if watching two madmen!

Ye Chen’s blood boiled. He stared blankly at Master King Tianwu, his heart momentarily choked, unable to stop himself from saying, "Master, you..."

King Tianwu waved his hand, lowered his head, and managed a smile. "Little apprentice, your master has faith in you!"

Ye Chen’s chest heaved. Overwhelmed with emotion, he silently clenched his fist, vowing inwardly, The kindness of Master King Tianwu cannot be repaid in this life. If I survive, I will willingly serve him like an ox or a horse!

Hearing King Tianwu’s words, Bai Tian’s brow furrowed slowly. He had not expected King Tianwu to be so audacious, willing to stake his very life on his apprentice’s success or failure. For a God-Emperor, this was almost unimaginable!

Just then, on the battle platform, the slender youth in purple suddenly spoke. His expression was cold. Facing Bai Tian, he clasped his hands and said firmly, "Father-in-law, since these two lunatics seek death, please grant their request. Let your humble son-in-law meet this man and see what manner of person he is!"

Bai Tian glanced at him, pondering briefly. If he rejected the proposal now, he would offend not only Ye Chen and his master but also the many geniuses gathered today. If rumors spread, outsiders would say he was shielding these geniuses. Following Feng Wuji’s lead, he nodded slightly: "Since you say so, work hard."

A look of joy crossed Feng Wuji’s face. He quickly replied, "Thank you, Father-in-law, for granting my wish!" Saying this, he turned toward Ye Chen and his master, sneering coldly, "Just a wild brat who dares to speak so presumptuously, treating all the geniuses gathered here as nothing. I shall teach you a lesson on behalf of your master!"

King Tianwu frowned, his tone detached. "You are not qualified to stand in for me!"

Feng Wuji momentarily choked, then snorted coldly. Suddenly, an aged voice interjected from nearby: "Then may I stand in for you?"

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