Chapter 758 - 486: The Second Cloud Fighting Tournament! (Double-Length)

Chapter 758: Chapter 486: The Second Cloud Fighting Tournament! (Double-Length)

Thus, even though he felt that Song Changming was truly extraordinarily gifted, it was still early for him to surpass this subordinate.

Unfortunately, he had tried to win over Song Changming.

But Prince Cui had already bestowed upon Song Changming the title of Grand Marshal, second only to one, commanding tens of thousands, treating Song Changming exceedingly well.

This made it exceedingly difficult for him to turn Song Changming against Prince Cui, and there was still no outcome to date.

Sipping on Spirit Wine and listening to melody, surrounded by spiritual resonance, Song Changming felt as if he ascended to the Immortal Palace, thoroughly enjoying it.

No wonder Emperor Yun was willing to remain in this Cloud Palace year after year.

"Younger Brother Song, I heard you’ve entered the Grandmaster Realm now; I wonder how much stronger you’ve grown since years past."

Suddenly, a voice reached his ears, and Song Changming looked to see Situ Ming smiling at him.

Clearly, the recent voice transmission was from him.

Just as he remembered Situ Ming, his performance that year also left a profound impression on Situ Ming.

Not only Situ Ming, but many present were more or less attentive to Song Changming’s arrival.

It was just Situ Ming who first transmitted a greeting to him.

"Brother Situ, why don’t we spar again this year?" Song Changming replied.

"That’s exactly what I had in mind," Situ Ming laughed.

Twenty years or more are nothing for Martial Artists, especially not long for Grandmaster Powerhouses.

These years, the only one who could challenge him in physical combat was Song Changming!

So upon seeing Song Changming this time, he was quite pleased, hoping for another match.

Beside him, Huaqing Pool also cast his gaze upon Song Changming but quickly shifted it to Bai Qing, who had defeated him last time.

While Bai Qing was drinking by himself, not caring much about his surroundings.

This was somewhat similar to Song Changming, as Emperor Yun had yet to arrive, he too indulged freely, allowing himself enjoyment.

As the Spiritual Food entered his stomach, it was swiftly refined by the Witch Refining Technique, transformed into pure Spiritual Power, circulating through his body, making him utterly comfortable.

"Please, bring more here." Song Changming finished his Spirit Wine and smiled warmly at the nearby maid.

"Yes, my lord." The maid blushed, unsure if she was embarrassed to be looked at by Song Changming or merely intrigued by his carefree indulgence.

After all, among such many great figures present, only a few dared to let loose and enjoy themselves freely.

Just then, Prince Cui suddenly turned to him, speaking seriously.

"Changming, news has come from Hu Tomb, the demons in Nine Netherworld are stirring; the entrance to the Celestial Ruins might open soon!"

Song Changming’s heart stirred; last night he speculated this much himself, and now Prince Cui’s words seemed to confirm his suspicions.

Cui Bai Dao is at the extreme south of Yun Province, closest to the Nine Netherworld, so Prince Cui receiving this message first is understandable.

"Should we do something?" Song Changming asked.

"Report to His Majesty; if the Celestial Ruins entrance is indeed opening, it’s serious, and we can’t do much about it." Prince Cui said slowly.

He knows that the Demons of the Nine Netherworld are not benevolent, even as strong as he is, he couldn’t stop the opening of the Celestial Ruins entrance, nor the Demons’ invasion.

Simply put, he can deal with a small Xuwei Demon Race but cannot handle the entire Demon Race of the Nine Netherworld.

"Perhaps His Majesty predicted this event long ago, and we need not inform him." Prince Cui added in conclusion.

As the Hour approached, accompanied by the close minister’s loud announcement, Emperor Yun entered, everyone saluted and welcomed until Emperor Yun ascended the throne.

"This Imperial Banquet is held ahead of schedule because the Celestial Ruins are increasingly unstable; it might open any day now." Emperor Yun spoke, revealing the reason for advancing the Imperial Banquet.

Upon hearing these words, Prince Cui and Song Changming were not very surprised.

But other kings who came from afar were somewhat perplexed.

Like the Imperial Banquet, the Celestial Ruins rarely become unstable.

But since an entrance appeared in the Nine Netherworld, the Celestial Ruins seemed to have become somewhat unstable.

"Your Majesty, the Demon Race invading the Celestial Ruins poses a great threat; I believe we should increase the quota so more strongmen of our Human Race can enter to oppose the Demon Race." said a minister, rising to give advice.

"Hmm." Emperor Yun glanced at the close minister beside him.

The close minister understood and took two steps forward, saying, "This Cloud Fighting, by His Majesty’s special permission, allocates five additional quotas to enter the Celestial Ruins, and thirty additional quotas will be chosen by kings and ministers after the banquet."

"His Majesty is wise!" The minister immediately sat back down.

Everyone understood that it was clear Emperor Yun had planned this, intending to send more able people to prevent the Demon Race from monopolizing the Celestial Ruins.

"Five extra quotas plus the original fixed one, meaning six people can seize this opportunity during this Cloud Fighting..." Song Changming mused.

This number is quite substantial.

This also rekindled hope in many who originally intended to withdraw from the competition.

"How about giving it a try this time," Prince Xia transmitted to Hong Zhen behind him.

Though Hong Zhen’s cultivation among the Grandmaster Powerhouses had little competitiveness, he had Grandmaster Level strength; if lucky, he might secure a quota.

Hong Zhen nodded; previously only at the Innate Perfection Realm, he had no thoughts, but having now reached Grandmaster Cultivation, he did intend to try.

From morning to afternoon, then afternoon to twilight.

This Imperial Banquet proceeded step by step according to schedule, similar to the one Song Changming attended last time.

Prince Cui was especially commended for his realm’s rapid development, further elevating his status among the kings.

According to Prince Cui, it was all the results of accumulating resources over time.

After the schedule and discussions, it came to the Cloud Fighting.

This Cloud Fighting differed from the past, removing the paired battles and platform dueling mode.

Emperor Yun, from the throne, waved his hand, and six Hook Jades representing Celestial Ruins entrance tickets transformed into streaks of light, integrating into the Yunhai outside the hall.

This was directly the contest for Celestial Ruins quotas!

"All who wish may go; as the sun sets and the last glint disappears, the holders of the six Hook Jades can enter the Celestial Ruins."

With Emperor Yun’s command, many kings’ entourage looked around at each other, quickly striding out of the hall, diving into the Yunhai to search for the hidden Hook Jades.

Afterward, the remaining entourage eagerly moved, fearing delays might risk others seizing the opportunity to claim the Celestial Ruins entrance tickets.

"Changming," Prince Cui looked at Song Changming behind him, still asking the maid for wine.

"Great King, don’t worry, there’s plenty of time before the sun sets." Song Changming remained unhurried, emptying his cup of Spirit Wine.

This Spirit Wine, exclusive to the Cloud Palace, couldn’t be tasted outside.

Song Changming was keen not to waste the opportunity to freely enjoy such drinks, feeling this wine surpasses many celestial spiritual treasures.

At this moment, Emperor Yun glanced over from the throne, eyes landing on Song Changming surrounded by wine and spiritual resonance, and commented.

"If you secure a Hook Jade, I shall gift you a thousand catties of Spirit Wine."

With the emperor’s speech, the hall’s attendees were stunned, then turned their gaze to Song Changming.

To the kings and Imperial City’s ministers, a thousand catties of Spirit Wine might be inconsequential.

Yet Emperor Yun’s sudden attention was thought-provoking, hard not to contemplate.

Does Song Changming possess anything special?

Indeed he does.

Song Changming emerged spectacularly in the last Cloud Fighting, astonishing everyone.

Though there are many young and exceptional Martial Tao talents in the Imperial Capital, none had received such special favor from Emperor Yun.

With just one word from Emperor Yun, Song Changming became a standout existence among the younger generation.

Even Huaqing Pool, Situ Ming, and Bai Qing, who had not yet left the scene, couldn’t help but cast another look at Song Changming.

But Song Changming didn’t overly ponder it, assuming Emperor Yun merely heard his conversation with Prince Cui and casually spoke.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Knowing he couldn’t continue idling, Song Changming rose, saluted, and walked calmly towards the hall exit.

...