"As you wish!"
Lu Qingxue wore a moon-white sword robe. A longsword wreathed in lightning hung at her waist, and purple arcs of electricity subtly danced around her body.
The fierce sword intent inherent to her Innate Sword Bone was so piercing that one could feel its biting chill even from a distance.
Xu Deling charged into the first prodigy arena, enveloped in pale golden phoenix flames. Gripping the Six Flames Fan, she swung it fiercely at Lu Qingxue.
Clang!
The longsword at Lu Qingxue's waist unsheathed itself, flying into her right hand. With a light flick, a ten-foot-long beam of sword light wrapped in purple lightning slashed toward the roaring fire phoenix.
The fire phoenix was cleanly cleaved in half, and the sword light continued its trajectory toward Xu Deling.
Xu Deling seemed to have anticipated this. She swayed out of the way ahead of time, dodging the strike. Forming a hand seal, the severed fire phoenix merged back together and continued its dive toward Lu Qingxue.
Lu Qingxue shifted her sword stance. The longsword transformed into streaks of lightning shadows, piercing the fire phoenix like a torrential downpour.
Xu Deling closed the distance rapidly. Silver light flared between her brows once more as a massive surge of divine sense materialized into a silver hammer, striking directly toward Lu Qingxue's sea of consciousness.
Lu Qingxue's offensive prowess was unparalleled, and her soul and divine sense were certainly no weak points, given the full backing and cultivation of the Azure Cloud Sect.
However, much like Wufeng, she had yet to encounter an opportunity to undergo a true metamorphosis in that aspect.
Still, having witnessed Xu Deling use this very technique against Wufeng, she was prepared.
After bearing the strike, she did not lose consciousness.
"Again!"
Xu Deling unleashed the attack once more.
This Golden Core level divine sense secret method was incredibly taxing; Xu Deling could only use it three times in quick succession.
In the end, Lu Qingxue's soul could not withstand the second silver hammer of divine sense. Her consciousness faltered for a fraction of a second, and Xu Deling seized the opening.
Spiritual power surged wildly around her as the Six Flames Fan swept viciously at Lu Qingxue.
Crash!
Flames carried by a fierce gale slammed into the pale azure light screen that automatically materialized around Lu Qingxue. The barrier shattered, and just like Wufeng before her, she was blasted entirely out of the first arena.
Xu Deling gasped for breath, but her eyes shone with dazzling brilliance!
"Little Martial Aunt is mighty!"
"Phoenix Heavenly Maiden, the number one prodigy!"
Countless cheers erupted.
Right at that moment.
The prodigy monument rose once more, locking the first prodigy arena.
[Battling against all odds to seize the crown, truly the number one prodigy!]
The expressions of the Nascent Soul cultivators shifted slightly. Although the title of the first prodigy did not fall into the hands of the five top-tier sects, it at least did not go to someone from the Blackwater Region.
"Daoist Friend Yan Longzi, congratulations. Your Heavenly Foundry Sect has truly produced an extraordinary prodigy this time."
"Congratulations, Daoist Friend Yan Longzi!"
"Daoist Friend Yan Longzi, this disciple of yours is truly exceptional!"
Yan Longzi laughed heartily. "You flatter me, Daoist Friends. My disciple is still quite green. It is a pity I have only taught her for a few months.
If I had guided her for a few years and taught her suitable combat techniques, these past two battles would not have been so arduous."
The Nascent Soul cultivators twitched their mouths.
Praising his disciple while patting himself on the back!
What a high-level boast.
"Only taught her for a few months?" Xuan Zhen asked in surprise.
"Unpolished jade is naturally formed, there is no need to carve it excessively!"
Yan Longzi stroked his beard and looked at him calmly. "Could it be that a disciple like your sect's Lu Qingxue was slowly molded and taught from scratch?"
"That is true. Diligence is certainly important, but a person blessed with innate aptitude who is also disciplined and hardworking does not need heavy-handed teaching. A little guidance is more than enough."
Many people secretly nodded, sighing in admiration. "Those with innate aptitude can still be chased after, but peak geniuses like the Phoenix Heavenly Maiden and the Azure Cloud Sword Immortal, who possess absolute talent and unwavering discipline, leave others unable to even glimpse their backs."
"This Daoist Friend speaks the absolute truth!"
'Innate aptitude? My Deling never possessed any overwhelming talent, just a pair of Innate Spirit Eyes that were passable.
But at least my guidance and cultivation of her were not in vain.'
Xu Chuan mused inwardly, the corners of his mouth lifting so high that absolutely nothing could suppress his grin.
A smile graced Xu Mingxian's face.
Xu Deyue and Ye Fan exchanged a glance, unspeakable excitement shining in their eyes.
"Our Xu Family has produced the number one prodigy of two domains!"
True Lord Green Wood was also in disbelief, his gaze flickering rapidly.
A lowly Foundation Establishment clan had actually birthed such a peerless prodigy!
"The future of the Xu Family is immeasurable!"
"If they continue to progress smoothly, perhaps in a few centuries, another top-tier Nascent Soul power like the Profound Moon Sect will emerge!"
"Perhaps this is the turning point needed to stand against the Greedy Wolf Sect."
"However, what exactly is the Xu Family's true origin? I have only heard rumors that they descend from an annihilated Golden Core aristocratic family with the surname Xu.
There are indeed Xu families in the other prefectures of the Northwest, but none of them have been wiped out.
Could it be they aren't from the Northwest at all, but a family from another region?"
The Southern Heaven Region was incredibly vast. The Northwest Region alone was too massive to investigate thoroughly in a short amount of time.
Outside the first prodigy arena.
Lu Qingxue and Wufeng exchanged a look, and without prior agreement, both charged into the second prodigy arena.
A collision between the Sword Dao and the Saber Dao.
Heaven-shaking sword qi and domineering saber aura saturated the entire platform. The clash was even more intense than their respective battles against Xu Deling.
These two, however, were truly evenly matched.
All of their foundations and trump cards were neck and neck.
Not long after their battle commenced, a victor emerged on the third arena.
Luo Yu proved to be slightly superior, defeating his opponent. The Blackwater Region prodigy temporarily retreated to the fourth arena to recover.
Seeing this, Lin Qingfeng smiled faintly and dashed into the fourth arena. "It seems I have picked up another bargain. I wonder if this Daoist Friend could yield their spot."
Naturally, the Blackwater Region prodigy would not concede so easily.
The pride of a prodigy knew no regional borders.
After a fierce battle, the Blackwater Region prodigy was defeated once more, dropping back to the fifth prodigy arena.
Zhang Xuanzhi felt a sudden urge to make a move.
However, there was a genuine gap in strength between him and the opponent. He had made a breakthrough after the Northwest qualifiers, comprehending an introductory divine ability to the eighty-percent level.
He just had not expected this iteration of the Prodigy Grand Assembly to be filled with such terrifying monsters.
The other four top-tier sects all fielded prodigies who had mastered their introductory divine abilities to ninety percent. One or two even possessed special bloodlines, leaving him feeling deeply inadequate.
This was compounded by the sudden arrival of the Blackwater Region prodigies.
'Forget it. My demon-suppressing secret method can only be used a few times. Ninth place in this assembly is already quite good. The top eight are all monsters who have comprehended their introductory divine abilities to ninety percent.
After all, I only reached the eighty-percent mark recently.'
The final thirty percent of an introductory divine ability was exponentially harder to comprehend. The disparity in combat prowess between each level was akin to the gap between the Mid Foundation Establishment and Late Foundation Establishment stages.
Over at the second arena.
Lu Qingxue and Wufeng fought bitterly, with Lu Qingxue ultimately clinching a narrow victory.
Wufeng voluntarily stepped down from the second arena. After a period of recuperation, he entered the third arena. In the end, despite giving it his all, Luo Yu suffered a regrettable defeat.
The gap between them was not massive.
However, Luo Yu did not immediately charge into the fourth arena. Instead, he adjusted his breathing and mediated for an hour before battling Lin Qingfeng, who currently occupied the fourth arena.
He successfully forced Lin Qingfeng to retreat.
Lin Qingfeng then defeated the Blackwater Region prodigy who previously held fifth place.
On the sixth arena, Jin Chan claimed victory, overwhelming his opponent.
The Blackwater Region prodigies who had initially held the fifth and sixth spots now occupied the seventh and eighth prodigy arenas.
After that, there were no more challenges or changes among the top eight.
The masters of the lower-ranked arenas shifted occasionally, but the changes were minor.
Soon, the dust settled completely.
The Earthly Fiend arenas also gradually saw an end to the fighting. Only the very last few positions were still being fiercely contested.
Two hours later.
Everything was finalized.
"Daoist Friend Tyrant Blade, the results are clear. For the Heavenly Dipper arenas, our Southern Heaven Region secured twenty-two seats, while your Blackwater Region claimed fourteen. For the Earthly Fiend arenas, our Southern Heaven Region secured forty seats, and your Blackwater Region claimed thirty-two."
"Hmph, I underestimated the Southern Heaven Region," Tyrant Blade said coldly. "But this is merely an arena spar. It cannot be considered a true life-and-death struggle.
In another twenty years or so, the once-in-five-centuries clash between our two domains will begin.
I wonder how many of these Foundation Establishment prodigies will survive."
"That is not something you need to worry about. Are you not leaving yet?"
"I will leave when this is truly over. There is no rush."
Qing Feng understood that the man wanted to see if anyone would obtain an opportunity from the Prodigy Roll, now that nine Ancient Prodigy Tokens had been integrated into it.
Judging by how the prodigy monument had risen on its own earlier, there was indeed a fair chance.
All the arena masters sat cross-legged on their respective platforms, waiting quietly.
Two hours later.
A prodigy monument rose from the center of every prodigy arena.
"It is finally coming to an end," someone remarked.
Gazing at those who were about to carve their names onto the monuments, the eliminated prodigies revealed expressions of deep envy.
What a pity.
Every cultivator only ever had one chance in their lifetime to participate in the Prodigy Grand Assembly.
The glorious youth that belonged to them had drawn to a close.
Xuan Zhen stroked his beard and smiled faintly. His voice echoed across the entire square, spreading as far into the horizon as possible.
"Prodigies, leave your marks on the monuments. Your names will then appear on the Prodigy Roll. You may use your real names or your titles.
In the ancient era, the Prodigy Roll would project itself across every region.
It allowed all immortal cultivators to spread the names of the geniuses inscribed upon it.
Though it no longer possesses such a divine ability, those with destiny may still enter the Prodigy Grotto-heaven and obtain ancient fortune.
Now, leave your names!"
Using their fingers as brushes and their mana as ink, the victors began to write.
Xu Deling wrote down the two words, "Feng Ling".
Xu Mingxian used his real name.
Xu Deyue maintained her title, "Cold Moon".
After a moment of thought, Ye Fan also carved his real name, "Ye Fan".
The ghosts of the past were long dead. From now on, he would only ever be known as Ye Fan.
Just as everyone assumed the assembly had come to a complete end...
The monuments belonging to Xu Deling, Lu Qingxue, Wufeng, and Ye Fan suddenly emitted a faint glow. A split second later, the light flashed, and their figures vanished entirely.
"What is this?" The spectators were bewildered.
However, the Nascent Soul cultivators were ecstatic. They rushed into the square en masse.
"They actually got in!"
"Xuan Zhen, let us pool our strength to activate the Prodigy Roll and see if we can forcibly pry open the Prodigy Grotto-heaven!"
A wide smile broke out on Qing Feng's face. His agreement to let the Blackwater Region cultivators join the assembly had not been in vain after all!
With a flicker of movement, he landed on the ground.
Raising his hand, a tyrannical surge of mana poured into the Prodigy Roll, causing it to vibrate with a constant hum.
Seeing this, the other Nascent Soul cultivators quickly followed suit.
"Daoist Friend Qing Feng, everyone present gets a share!"
Tyrant Blade burst into laughter and joined the fray alongside the five Mid-Stage Nascent Soul cultivators from the Blackwater Region.
The onlookers all gulped.
Someone whispered, "Rumor has it that the Prodigy Grotto-heaven hides countless opportunities, all placed there by the great factions of the Southern Heaven Region and the supreme experts of the ancient era.
This is undeniably the greatest fortune in our Southern Heaven Region!"
"If the grotto-heaven is opened this time, I wonder if we might be able to get a slice of the pie," another person chimed in.
"Do you really think those Nascent Soul powers would let you in?" an old rogue cultivator retorted disdainfully.
"Not necessarily. Perhaps, like certain secret realms, it only allows cultivators below the Golden Core stage to enter. After all, this is the Prodigy Roll."
"Ignorance is truly terrifying. The Prodigy Roll is an ancient artifact. Do you even know the scale of the Prodigy Grand Assembly during the ancient era?
Only those at the Golden Core stage and above were qualified to be called prodigies.
The struggles of the Foundation Establishment stage were merely considered battles between hidden dragons."
Time trickled by.
The Prodigy Roll continued to vibrate, but no matter how much mana the dozen or so Nascent Soul cultivators poured into it, they could not sense the location of the grotto-heaven.
Let alone force it to manifest.
"Senior Brother Qing Jun, please lend us your strength!"
"And to all the Daoist Friends watching the show, are you just going to stand there and stare?"
Soon after.
One cultivator after another revealed themselves, stepping straight out of the void.
"Daoist Friend Qing Feng, with so many of you, is it still not enough?"
"Daoist Friend Profound Moon, this is the Ancient Prodigy Roll. If it were truly that simple, why would I have called you all out?"
"Fair enough."
The one who spoke was none other than the founder of the Profound Moon Sect, titled Ancestor of Profound Moon, whose real name was Zhang Fan.
Within the crowd.
Seeing the old man, Xu Chuan murmured in his heart, 'It really is him!'
Sensing the gaze, Zhang Fan immediately locked onto Xu Chuan and turned to give him a subtle smile.
"Ah! The Ancestor of Profound Moon smiled at me. Could it be he wants to take me as his disciple?"
"Why are you daydreaming in broad daylight, Daoist Friend?"
Zhang Fan then shifted his gaze to the other four. The Clear Void Sect, the Feather Transformation Sect, and the Thunder Sound Temple each had a Grand Cultivator present. The final figure was the paramount authority of the Azure Cloud Sect, Qing Jun.
Shortly after the Blackwater Region's Grand Cultivators arrived with nine Ancient Prodigy Tokens, the news had been relayed back to all the top-tier sects.
They all had a premonition, and thus, they had come.
However, they had not shown themselves, hiding within the sky instead. Only divine sense at the level of a Grand Cultivator could detect their presence.
The five Grand Cultivators exchanged glances and immediately began channeling their mana into the Prodigy Roll.
After a short while.
Xu Deling and the other three reappeared on their prodigy arenas.
"They are back."
"All four prodigies have returned."
Right at that moment.
The Prodigy Roll suddenly burst with ten thousand rays of golden radiance. It rocketed into the sky, hovering directly above the prodigy arenas.
A group of Nascent Soul cultivators closely chased after it.
Roar!
A heaven-shaking dragon roar suddenly exploded from the Prodigy Roll, the shockwave causing the world itself to tremble.
The Foundation Establishment cultivators below were severely rattled, their qi and blood churning chaotically.
Immediately following that, a golden dragon phantom tore its way out of the roll. Its serpentine body stretched for several thousand feet, and its five claws were as sharp as blades. Its scales gleamed with resplendent golden light as it coiled high in the air, seemingly blotting out the entire sky.
"What is that?"
Even the Nascent Soul cultivators were filled with sheer terror upon laying eyes on it. The rest were so frightened they completely forgot to breathe.
The pressure radiating from the golden dragon vastly exceeded that of a typical Late-Stage Nascent Soul expert. It even carried a trace of the majestic heavenly might belonging to an ancient divine beast, inspiring reverence even in the hearts of the gathered Grand Cultivators.
The five-clawed golden dragon swept its enormous, vertical golden pupils over everyone present. Suddenly, it spoke. "So loud! All this buzzing has completely ruined my nap..."
Barely had it finished its sentence.
Another bizarre transformation occurred!
The towering five-clawed golden dragon suddenly flashed with light, its massive form shrinking rapidly.
In the blink of an eye, the multi-thousand-foot dragon transformed into a toddler barely two feet tall.
The toddler wore a red bellyband embroidered with golden dragons and auspicious clouds. His hair was tied into three skyward braids, and his soft, pale little feet were bare, save for a gilded anklet on his right ankle. On each of his wrists was a silver bracelet. He looked absolutely adorable, like a finely carved jade doll, yet he was impatiently rubbing his ears.
Placing his hands on his hips, the toddler swept his gaze across the surrounding Nascent Soul cultivators and spoke with the exasperated tone of an elder. "You bunch of old farts, do you all have nothing better to do?!
Do you really think a ragged bunch of nobodies like you can forcibly pry open the Prodigy Grotto-heaven?"
Qing Jun bowed respectfully with cupped hands. "Senior, could you be the artifact spirit of the Prodigy Roll?"
"You have a pretty good eye, old man. I am indeed the Great Prodigy."
"May I ask, Senior, since we cannot forcefully open it, is there any other way to obtain its opportunities?" Zhang Fan asked.
"The fortunes within the Prodigy Roll belong solely to prodigies. Only prodigies may enter to seek out these serendipitous encounters, and whether they can take them away depends entirely on their destiny.
Those in the Foundation Establishment stage simply have too frail a providence. Next time, hold an assembly for the Golden Core and Nascent Soul stages so I can enjoy the show.
Although you are all old fogeys, the Prodigy Roll isn't at its peak strength right now either, so I suppose the age limits could be raised.
For the Golden Core stage, let's bump it up to three hundred years old. For the Nascent Soul stage, five hundred years old."
"This is already me being incredibly generous, so do not reach for a yard after taking an inch." The toddler puffed his cheeks, pretending to be angry. He actually looked quite adorable.
However, the group of Nascent Soul cultivators did not dare show the slightest disrespect. They cupped their hands in unison. "We shall follow Senior's orders."
"Oh, right! To open the Golden Core prodigy arenas, you need to gather at least half of the Ancient Prodigy Tokens. For the Nascent Soul arenas, you'll need eighty-one tokens or more.
Otherwise, even if you host the assembly, you won't be able to obtain the opportunities within.
Also, if any of you try to force open the seals again and disturb my sleep, you die!"
In an instant, the toddler transformed back into the five-clawed golden dragon and dived back into the Prodigy Roll.
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, while Qing Jun summoned the Prodigy Roll into his hands.
The Grand Cultivator of the Feather Transformation Sect spoke up. "Daoist Friend Qing Jun, the Prodigy Grand Assembly has concluded. Your Azure Cloud Sect is not the victor of this iteration."
"But the victor is still a prodigy from our southern region. It stands to reason that my Azure Cloud Sect should temporarily safeguard it. Wouldn't you agree, Daoist Friend Yan Longzi?"
Yan Longzi's mouth twitched.
'You big shots can decide this yourselves. Why involve me?'
"Senior Qing Jun speaks reason."
"This violates our previous agreement," the Grand Cultivator of the Clear Void Sect argued. "Why not let the number one prodigy of this assembly decide?"
Earlier, after Xu Deling and the others returned, the prodigy arenas had begun breaking apart into motes of light and fading into the air.
All the prodigies had landed in the square.
The Grand Cultivators turned their gazes to Xu Deling.
Xu Deling felt the same immense pressure her second master, Yan Longzi, had felt. Pausing for a moment, she cupped her hands. "Seniors, perhaps you could add a new clause to your agreement.
If someone secures the title of first prodigy, but they or their backing faction lack the power to safeguard the Prodigy Roll, they may hand it over to the top-tier sect in their respective region. That sect will hold it in custody and host the next Prodigy Grand Assembly."
"The young girl makes sense," Zhang Fan agreed. "If there isn't an agreement, just add one. Why be so rigid?"
The Grand Cultivators of the five top-tier sects looked at one another and nodded in agreement.
Zhang Fan then looked toward Tyrant Blade. "Next, we should handle this Daoist Friend from the Blackwater Region."
"What? Turning hostile so soon?" Tyrant Blade sneered. "The only reason the artifact spirit of the Prodigy Roll awoke this time was thanks to the nine Ancient Prodigy Tokens our Blackwater Region brought.
Furthermore, do not forget that opening the Golden Core Prodigy Grand Assembly requires another eighteen Ancient Prodigy Tokens. Are you certain your Southern Heaven Region can gather that many in just a hundred and twenty years?
It would be better to cooperate for mutual benefit.
Now that things have reached this stage, my Blackwater Region will definitely be involved in all future Prodigy Grand Assemblies.
Otherwise, if the Grand Cultivators of the Blackwater Region decide to stir up trouble, we won't go easy on you."
Sword intent surged furiously in Qing Jun's eyes, practically bursting out. "Are you threatening us?" he asked coldly.
"Our two domains are enemies to begin with. Threatening you is nothing unusual."
"In the past, your Prodigy Grand Assembly was just child's play, so the Blackwater Region didn't bother interfering. But from now on, the ancient fortunes of the Prodigy Grotto-heaven are at stake.
Even if I wash my hands of this, the others won't ignore it.
Do you really plan to have all your Grand Cultivators guarding the border between our domains every time you host the assembly?"
Hearing this, the Grand Cultivators furrowed their brows.
Zhang Fan spoke up, "Having our respective prodigies fight for the opportunities is fair enough, but this requires detailed negotiation. Have the Blackwater Region send an older, more qualified fellow to discuss the terms."
"Daoist Friend Profound Moon, you are actually younger than I am."
"Exactly. That is why in talks between our two domains, I am merely a secondary figure." Zhang Fan smiled faintly.
"I understand," Tyrant Blade replied after a moment of silence.
Qing Feng interjected, "What did your disciple obtain inside? Take it out and let us have a look."
"Daoist Friend Qing Feng, this is rather tasteless. Are you planning to rob a junior of his fortune?"
"The negotiations between our two domains have not concluded. These fortunes belong to the Southern Heaven Region. If a junior from our side obtains them, so be it. But right now, you aren't taking anything away."
"Good, good, good." Tyrant Blade sneered coldly. "Wufeng, did you hear that? What opportunity did you obtain this time?"
Given the circumstances, Wufeng naturally dared not hide anything, nor could he.
He patted his storage pouch. A streak of black light flew out and hovered in mid-air.
The black light swirled for a few breaths before slowly receding, revealing the true form of a broken blade.
The blade was pitch-black. Forged from an unknown material, the weapon gave off a cold, matte sheen. Faint, dark red patterns flowed across its surface like congealing blood, radiating a chilling, murderous intent.
The pommel had a unique design—a tiger head relief. The tiger's eyes seemed to have once held gemstones or spirit crystals, but they were now empty hollows.
The blade was long and narrow, cleanly snapped in two, with a faint bloody gleam lingering at the broken edge.
The moment it appeared, it unleashed a wildly domineering saber aura.
"What a fine blade!"
"A pity it is broken!"
Tyrant Blade's eyes lit up, but a moment later, he sighed inwardly, feeling a pang of regret.
Qing Feng remarked calmly, "It must have once been an incredibly powerful top-tier magic treasure. Sadly, it is broken and missing its most crucial inlaid core.
Now, it only retains the sheer durability of a top-tier magic treasure. Its baleful saber aura is highly unusual. If wielded by an expert in the Saber Dao, it can exhibit the power of a mid-grade magic treasure."
Tyrant Blade sneered, "This is my disciple's fortune. If you want it, feel free to take it."
Would the five top-tier sects truly lack mid-grade magic treasures?
Furthermore, the Southern Heaven Region had its own premier artifact refining sect, capable of forging even top-tier magic treasures. In their eyes, this broken weapon was hardly a useful prize.
Typically, for prodigies like Lu Qingxue and Luo Yu who were advancing to the Golden Core stage, their sects would hunt down the perfect materials to forge their natal magic treasures.
Given their immense potential to eventually reach the Nascent Soul stage, forging a true natal magic treasure was undoubtedly the better path.
"Since it isn't an item of great importance, you may take it with you."
"Daoist Friend, you truly are generous," Tyrant Blade mocked with cold mockery and burning satire. "Wufeng, put it away."
"Yes, Master."
"Gentlemen, I will be taking my leave now. Let us go!"
He deployed his grotto-heaven magic treasure once more, drawing all the Blackwater Region cultivators inside. With a flick of his sleeve robe, he transformed into a black streak of light and instantly vanished into the distance.
"Qingxue, what did you all obtain?" Qing Feng asked.
Yan Longzi stepped forward protectively. "Senior Qing Feng, these are their personal fortunes. Looking is fine, but if you intend to steal them, our Heavenly Foundry Sect will not agree."
"Daoist Friend Yan Longzi, you worry too much. The various sects have an agreement. For seven years before and three years after the Prodigy Grand Assembly, none of the participating prodigies shall be targeted."
Zhang Fan chuckled. "The price of violating that pact is not small. Besides, a mere Foundation Establishment fortune isn't enough to tempt a Grand Cultivator."
"Grand Elder, this disciple obtained a piece of ten-thousand-year lightning-struck wood."
Qing Feng nodded slightly. "Excellent. It will serve perfectly as one of the candidate materials for your natal magic treasure after you advance to the Golden Core stage."
"What about you two little ones?"
"Nine drops of Golden Body Liquid, and a divine ability manual called 'Battle of the Eight Directions'," Ye Fan replied.
The crowd found this perfectly reasonable. After all, Ye Fan's realm was still quite low. Although he had earned the realm's recognition, it was unlikely he would receive too massive of a fortune.
Following that, everyone turned to look at Xu Deling.
"A spirit bird's feather. Its aura feels somewhat similar to a Flame Phoenix."
Yan Longzi stroked his beard and smiled. "Not bad at all. It is likely a feather from an ancient great demon possessing the Flame Phoenix bloodline. It is a fantastic artifact forging material. In your hands, it will prove incredibly useful."
The Nascent Soul Grand Cultivators did not force the young ones to take out their prizes for inspection.
After all, these were the prodigies of the Southern Heaven Region. They could not be treated the same way as those from the Blackwater Region.
Furthermore, they believed none of the youngsters would dare lie to their faces.
At this moment.
Qing Jun suddenly spoke up, "It is rare for all of us to gather here in Azure Cloud City. Why don't we retire to my grotto-residence for a short rest?"
The others pondered the offer and none declined.
Six streaks of rainbow light flew rapidly toward the Azure Cloud Sect's mountain gate in the east.
With the Grand Cultivators gone, everyone felt a tremendous weight lift off their shoulders. They all let out long sighs of relief.
Xuan Zhen swept his gaze over the various factions. "This iteration of the Prodigy Grand Assembly has drawn to a successful close. Next comes the distribution of rewards.
Although there were a few unexpected events, the prodigies of the Southern Heaven Region listed on the Prodigy Roll will still receive the items prepared by our five great factions."
Half an hour later.
Xuan Zhen announced, "Daoist Friends, those who are interested may stay in Azure Cloud City for a few more days. The rest of us will be returning to our sect now."
Xuan Zhen led the disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect back to their headquarters.
The Clear Void Sect, Feather Transformation Sect, Thunder Sound Temple, and Profound Moon Sect naturally decided to wait for their respective Grand Cultivators to return together.
As for the remaining groups, some stayed behind temporarily, while others headed to the teleportation square to return to their respective territories.
True Lord Green Wood smiled and congratulated Xu Chuan. "Clan Head Xu, your Xu Family is about to become famous."
Beside him, Xi Tianqing looked at Xu Mingxian, Xu Deyue, and Ye Fan, sighing inwardly. Less than two years ago, they had been far beneath him. Now, incredibly, all three had surpassed him.
Xu Chuan replied, "Senior Green Wood, please do not tease me. I am currently nursing a massive headache. Because our Xu Family accidentally produced a few geniuses, others might assume we possess some massive fortune."
'This Clan Head Xu is quite perceptive, though his modesty is a bit excessive,' Xi Tianqing thought to himself. 'If they were disciples of our Heavenly Azure Sect, or even hailed from a Golden Core aristocratic family, there wouldn't be much of a problem.
But they just had to come from a Foundation Establishment clan.'
True Lord Green Wood reassured him, "Don't worry. For the next three years, no one will dare plot against you. Furthermore, given their foundations, one of them should form their Golden Core within that timeframe.
Even if they don't, the Xu Family has won immense glory for our Heavenly Azure Prefecture. The Heavenly Azure Sect will definitely protect you."
Xi Tianqing paused slightly.
"Forming a Golden Core is hardly that easy. By all accounts, your sect's Prodigy Xi will be the first to reach the Golden Core stage," Xu Chuan said with a faint smile.
'That makes sense. I admit my combat prowess is slightly inferior to theirs, but my comprehension of divine abilities surpasses theirs. Even if my attempt at the Divine Ability Golden Core Path fails, my Xi Family has other Golden Core Formation Opportunities,'
Xi Tianqing silently mused to himself once more.
True Lord Green Wood didn't press the issue further. "By the way, Clan Head Xu, when do you plan to head back? I can wait and return together with you."
Xu Chuan blinked in surprise. "I still have some private matters to attend to here. It will likely take a day or two."
"Perfect. I also need to stay here for another three days. Our Heavenly Azure Prefecture forces will all return to Profound Moon City in three days. Does anyone object?"
"We wouldn't dare," the others hastily cupped their hands.
Xu Chuan cupped his hands in gratitude to True Lord Green Wood. "Thank you, Senior."
"We have matters to attend to, so we will be taking our leave first."
"Please do."
After Xu Chuan's group departed, Xi Tianqing asked in confusion, "Elder Green Wood, why are you being so polite to the Xu Family? And why purposely wait to travel back with them?"
"Because they are a variable." True Lord Green Wood sighed softly. "Tianqing, the Greedy Wolf Sect is eyeing our Heavenly Azure Prefecture like a tiger watching its prey. Their ambition to swallow us whole is already painfully obvious."
"I understand that, but why is the Xu Family a variable?"
True Lord Green Wood gave him a meaningful look. "You really need to leave the sect and travel more. Go ask Yan Kuangtu who exactly Xu Deling is."
Feeling somewhat perplexed, Xi Tianqing actually ran over and asked.
Yan Kuangtu's eyes widened in disbelief. "Daoist Friend Xi, you actually don't know?"
"Well, it makes sense. The Xu Family is only a Foundation Establishment clan, so naturally, they wouldn't catch much of your attention."
"Daoist Friend Yan, just tell me straight. Stop beating around the bush."
"Xu Deling, a core member of the Xu Family and a disciple of Perfected Person Fire Cloud. She is a renowned top-tier master smith throughout the entire Heavenly Azure Prefecture, famously known as 'Grandmaster Ling'.
The dharma tools she refines are incredibly difficult to obtain.
She is extremely low-profile. I only caught a fleeting glimpse of her back at the 'Cloud Lake Gathering' hosted by the Azure Moon Immortal Fairy."
"Being a top-tier blacksmith isn't exactly a groundbreaking status."
"The title of 'Grandmaster Ling' indeed isn't too rare, but she has acquired another identity."
Pausing for a moment, Yan Kuangtu let out a long breath. "She is the 'Phoenix Heavenly Maiden' of the Heavenly Foundry Sect, the direct disciple of a Nascent Soul expert, and the current number one prodigy of the Southern Heaven Region—Fairy 'Feng Ling'!"
"How is that possible?"
"How could that be?"
"What qualifications does the Xu Family have to produce such a figure?"
Xi Tianqing fired off three questions in a row, clearly showcasing the absolute shock in his heart.
"The affairs of the world are never set in stone. Even some Nascent Soul Grand Cultivators rose from the absolute bottom, rather than being pampered prodigies cultivated by major sects.
However, back when I first saw Fairy Feng Ling, she was stunning, but far from her current level. She must have received a massive opportunity after joining the Heavenly Foundry Sect.
It is as if her entire being underwent nirvana and obtained a new life. Just meeting her gaze gives off a tremendous sense of pressure."
"No wonder."
Xi Tianqing walked away in a daze, suddenly understanding everything.
'Given the Heavenly Azure Sect's current situation, the only way to make the Greedy Wolf Sect hesitate is to bring in a new Nascent Soul power. And Xu Deling just seized the title of the Southern Heaven Region's number one prodigy.
This proves just how heavily the Heavenly Foundry Sect values her.
But... would the Heavenly Foundry Sect even be willing to intervene?'
Meanwhile.
Azure Cloud City, Heavenly Foundry Sect station.
Xu Chuan and his group were currently meeting with Xu Deling, True Lord Fierce Sun, and Yan Longzi.
"Second Master, you lost this time! Everyone from our Xu Family made it onto the Prodigy Roll, and we are all Heavenly Dipper prodigies!"
"You little brat." Yan Longzi tapped her forehead, chuckling. "Fine, fine. Considering your stellar performance this time, your master will be generous. I will grant the Xu Family two Tier 2 spirit veins.
Just tell me what elemental attributes you want, and they are yours."