C13 Tang Family Competition

"Who might this be?" Qin Hai's gaze landed on Tang Ling as she approached with a graceful air. A spark of interest flickered in his eyes as he turned to Tang Jing.

"This is Tang Ling, a disciple of the Tang family," he said, then addressed her directly, "Tang Ling, come and pay your respects to Young Master Qin."

Joy sparkled in Tang Ling's eyes as she stepped forward and curtsied, saying, "Ling'er is honored to meet Young Master Qin!"

Qin Hai's identity had become common knowledge in Holy Mountain Town over the past few days. As a descendant of a prominent figure from the Galaxy Sect, his favor was highly sought after...

Greed glinted in Tang Ling's eyes. In comparison to Qin Hai, Tang Yuan and Tang Hsing paled into insignificance!

"I must seize this opportunity," Tang Ling thought to herself, her smile growing warmer as she diligently attended to Qin Hai.

With the competition drawing near, the Tang family's disciples had gathered, and the notable figures of Holy Mountain Town had already made their appearances.

"The Tang family is quite the hub of activity today!" A sultry voice rang out, prompting the crowd to clear a path.

Menng Ya arrived, clad in a fiery red gown. If Tang Ling exuded an aura of freshness, then Menng Ya was a vibrant flame, a red rose in full, fiery bloom.

"Hehe, Miss Menng Ya, the esteemed manager of the Treasure Pavilion, your presence truly graces the Tang family with distinction," the great elder, Tang Yu, and Tang Jing said, welcoming her with beaming smiles.

Legend had it that the Treasure Pavilion's origins were deep and mysterious. Even setting aside such tales, the Treasure Pavilion was a formidable entity in Holy Mountain Town.

The Tang family had business interactions with the Treasure Pavilion, but Menng Ya, the Pavilion's manager, had never before visited the Tang family.

Indeed, there were few powers in Holy Mountain Town that could prompt a personal visit from Menng Ya!

"Could it be on account of Xing?" Tang Zong pondered. The pill he had purchased from Ding Qishui must have come to Menng Ya's attention, prompting her visit to offer congratulations.

With this thought, Tang Zong's smile widened. He was brimming with expectation for the day's events. If Tang Hsing managed to defeat Tang Yuan at the trial platform, the elders would have no choice but to support Tang Zong's ascension as the head of the Tang family.

"Miss Menng Ya, we meet again," Qin Hai said, his eyes lighting up as he stepped forward to greet her.

Behind him, Tang Ling's smile gradually stiffened. Despite her striking beauty, she couldn't help but feel overshadowed by Menng Ya's presence.

As she noticed the attention that once was hers now fixated on Menng Ya, a flicker of resentment passed through Tang Ling's eyes.

"Why isn't Young Master Tang here?" Menng Ya inquired, her gaze sweeping over the Tang family disciples with a hint of curiosity.

"I bet he's too scared of being thrown off the trial platform again to show his face!" whispered one of the Tang family disciples.

"He's nothing but a worthless figurehead. Why bother mentioning him, Miss Menng Ya?" Zhou Changming commented dismissively.

"The time is nearly upon us, and Tang Yuan has yet to show. Lacking even the courage to fight, he doesn't deserve to be the young master of the Tang family!"

"Elders, please strip Tang Yuan of his title as young master!"

The crowd buzzed with similar sentiments, while Tang Zong and his son looked on with smirks, certain that Tang Yuan's downfall was inevitable.

"The time has not yet come; what's with all this commotion?" a booming voice called out. Tang Hu, flanked by the disciples of the Martial Arts Hall, made his way forward.

Tang Zong's expression soured at the sight of Tang Hu. With Tang Hu's Core Formation Stage strength, he was a formidable figure within the Tang family, second only to the great elder, Tang Yu.

"Third brother, what brings you here?" Tang Zong asked coldly, recalling how Tang Hu had once stepped in to save Tang Yuan.

"I am part of the Tang family. Why shouldn't I be present for such an important event?" Tang Hu replied coolly, sparing Tang Zong a glance.

With a cold huff, Tang Zong dropped the conversation, and both men took their seats.

"There's half an incense stick's worth of time before the Grand Competition begins. If Tang Yuan fails to appear, he will forfeit his place and be ranked last," the great elder announced, pausing for effect. "At that point, he will be stripped of his position as the young master."

As time ticked away, half an incense stick's duration had swiftly passed, and Tang Hu's face betrayed a flicker of concern.

"The Tang family really disappoints with their lack of courage to compete," Zhou Changming commented, shaking his head with a detached air.

"What does my courage have to do with you?" retorted a voice as Tang Yuan approached with measured steps.

The previous day's use of the Imperial Fire had drained him, and even after taking a Spirit Recovery Pill, Tang Yuan had collapsed into sleep. When he awoke, it was nearly time for the event, but thankfully, he made it just in time.

"The Tang family competition shall now commence!" declared the great elder, sparking excitement among the crowd.

Tang Yuan gave Menng Ya a nod before taking a seat.

The family's first test was to assess cultivation levels, the prime method for gauging one's talent. Last year, Tang Yuan's status as a prodigy was undisputed in Holy Mountain Town, with his cultivation at the Spirit Containing Stage Level Five Heaven.

Now, due to a plot against him, he had fallen from grace, seen as worthless by all.

Over the past three months, Tang Yuan had endured various taunts, yet none had affected him. After all, does a dragon soaring through the heavens concern itself with an ant's words?

A stone tablet for testing was brought forth. Participants simply had to place their hand upon it and channel their Spiritual Force to reveal their cultivation level.

"Come forward when I call your name," instructed Elder Tang Jing.

Tang Kui was first, stepping up and placing his hand on the tablet, which emitted a bright glow.

"Spirit Containing Stage Level Six Heaven!"

"He's advanced from Level Five to Level Six Heaven in just one year. In another five, he might reach the Spirit Sea Stage!"

"Tang Kui's talent is quite impressive!"

A smile graced Tang Jing's face. The first contestant had already brought such a pleasant surprise to the Tang family, and he eagerly anticipated the others.

"Tang Yuan, we were equals a year ago. Now, do you dare to accept my challenge?" Tang Kui, fresh from his test, didn't return to his seat but instead stood pointing at Tang Yuan, his challenge ringing out.

All eyes turned to Tang Yuan once again. A year prior, he had achieved Level Five Heaven, but due to Tang Zong's suppression, Tang Yuan hadn't received any cultivation resources since Tang Xiu's disappearance. What level could Tang Yuan have possibly reached by now?

Tang Kui waited for a response, but when none came, he scoffed and returned to his seat.

Then came the second, the third... each person showing improvement.

"Next up, Tang Ling!" Tang Jing glanced at Tang Ling and announced.

With a smile, Tang Ling extended her hand, and a beam of light burst forth.

"Spirit Containing Stage Level Seven Heaven!" Joy spread across Tang Jing's face. Tang Ling was destined to be one of the Tang family's future elites!

"Now, Tang Hsing!"

Tang Hsing stepped forward deliberately, pressing his hand against the stone tablet. Instantly, a burst of silver light revealed bold silver characters!

"Spirit Sea Stage Level One Heaven! Tang Hsing has actually entered the Spirit Sea Stage!"

Excitement erupted among the crowd on the trial platform.

"Finally, Tang Yuan!" After some effort to quiet the animated crowd, Tang Jing called out the last name.

"Tang Yuan, let's see what you've got to challenge me!" Tang Hsing watched with a frosty gaze as Tang Yuan made his way to the stage.