C29 Azure Sky Realm and Hidden Dragon Sect

Liu Xingchang raised an eyebrow and inquired, "Isn't this the Azure Sky Realm?"

Patriarch Hu responded with a smile, "This is certainly not the Azure Sky Realm itself. We are still quite a distance from the Azure Sky Realm. This area is merely a part of it."

Liu Xingchang grasped the meaning behind Patriarch Hu's words.

Indeed, both the Great Pine Kingdom and Cloud Ascending City fell under the Azure Sky Realm's jurisdiction and lay within its expansive boundaries. Yet, they weren't truly within the heart of the Azure Sky Realm.

The situation was akin to Cloud Ascending City, which managed numerous small towns and villages in its vicinity. These communities, while under the city's governance, were not actually inside the city limits. Hence, the townsfolk, despite being residents of Cloud Ascending City, still referred to going there as "entering the city."

In the grand scheme of the Azure Sky Realm, Cloud Ascending City and the Great Pine Kingdom were like small towns on the outskirts of a much larger city.

The Azure Sky Realm consisted of innumerable small nations, cities, and private domains, covering an immense area that seemed limitless. Ordinary people could spend their entire lives without ever traversing its full expanse. Even for a cultivator family like the Linghu Clan, reaching the outermost boundaries of the Azure Sky Realm was a formidable challenge.

Countless creatures were born and perished within the Azure Sky Realm, and numerous powers rose to prominence and then faded into oblivion.

For the entities and beings within the Azure Sky Realm, the most bustling and alluring place was, without question, its central region.

Only the heart of the Azure Sky Realm could be considered its true essence. Entities like Cloud Ascending City and the Great Pine Kingdom were simply within its sphere of influence, tucked away in their own corners, unable to access either the realm's outer limits or its vibrant center.

Undoubtedly, from the perspective of the central Azure Sky Realm, Cloud Ascending City and the Great Pine Kingdom were no different from any rural village or small town.

Liu Xingchang aspired to ascend to greater heights, to grow in strength, and to stand out among his peers. Venturing to the central region of the Azure Sky Realm was an essential step in his journey, much like villagers moving to towns and townsfolk advancing to cities.

Liu Xingchang left the Great Pine Kingdom with the intention of seeking out a broader, more bustling, and perilous world to hone his skills.

His eyes sparkling with interest, Liu Xingchang said, "Patriarch Hu, could you provide me with a map of the Azure Sky Realm? After hearing you speak of it, I'm quite eager to explore the Azure Sky Realm for myself!"

Patriarch Hu shook his head and replied, "Young Friend Chen, while the Azure Sky Realm is indeed full of opportunities, it's nothing like the secluded cities and states we know. The more flourishing the area, the fiercer the competition and the greater the danger. Venturing recklessly into the heart of the Azure Sky Realm could make you easy prey. The likelihood of falling victim to murder and robbery there is significantly high."

Liu Xingchang assured him, "Patriarch Hu, rest assured, I'll be cautious."

Patriarch Hu smiled and clarified, "Young Friend Chen, you've misunderstood me. I'm not trying to discourage you from going to the Azure Sky Realm; rather, I have a better strategy to help you gain entry."

Liu Xingchang, taken aback, inquired, "Oh? What makes you say that?"

With a knowing smile, Patriarch Hu explained, "The world is immense, and geniuses abound. Throughout history, numerous independent cultivators have emerged as if by miracle, becoming dark horses that capture the world's attention and achieve great feats—so great that they surpass even those scions of noble families who have been lavished with resources for cultivation. For this reason, many major powers at the center of the Azure Sky Realm seek to recruit talent from the expansive areas beyond their borders, much like the prominent families in Cloud Ascending City who scout and nurture children with a gift for cultivation from nearby towns and villages."

Liu Xingchang, intrigued, remarked, "Has the Azure Sky Realm extended an olive branch to Cloud Ascending City?"

Patriarch Hu confirmed with a smile, "Indeed, a formidable force at the heart of the Azure Sky Realm, known as the Hidden Dragon Sect, has offered Cloud Ascending City five spots in their Sea Selection. Those who pass the selection will have the chance to join the Hidden Dragon Sect and become disciples."

Liu Xingchang was taken aback and inquired, "Does the Great Pine Kingdom, neighboring Cloud Ascending City, have any spots for the Sea Selection?"

Patriarch Hu replied, "The Great Pine Kingdom's overall strength surpasses that of our Cloud Ascending City. As such, they are allocated five spots for the Hidden Dragon Sect's Sea Selection annually, as well as five for the Dragon Saliva Sect, and another five for the Lunar Sect. Each of these sects is a formidable power within the Azure Sky Realm, with immense strength."

"For peripheral forces like ours, having disciples join these prestigious sects can significantly elevate our status. Other major forces will take notice, recognizing our ability to cultivate talent, and may grant us some Sea Selection spots. Whether it's Cloud Ascending City or the Great Pine Kingdom, anyone who passes the selection and joins a major sect becomes a celebrated hero, bringing honor to their home. Unfortunately..."

"What's the pity?" Liu Xingchang pressed.

Patriarch Hu sighed, "The sad truth is that both Cloud Ascending City and the Great Pine Kingdom, along with many other local forces, seldom see disciples succeed in the selection. Cloud Ascending City, in particular, has yet to have anyone pass the Hidden Dragon Sect's selection, which is quite an embarrassing predicament."

"Has anyone from the Great Pine Kingdom ever passed?" Liu Xingchang asked.

After a moment's reflection, Patriarch Hu responded, "In the case of the Great Pine Kingdom... Mr. Lan did pass the Dragon Saliva Sect's selection in his youth, becoming an in-name disciple. This drew the attention of both the Hidden Dragon Sect and the Lunar Sect, leading them to offer the Great Pine Kingdom five Sea Selection spots each. Mr. Lan's success made him a hero throughout the kingdom. Regrettably, his talents were only sufficient for him to be an in-name disciple; he never became an official disciple of the Dragon Saliva Sect. Years later, he returned to his homeland to live in luxury. Despite this, he remains the strongest in the Great Pine Kingdom and bears the esteemed title of Protector of the Nation."

Liu Xingchang inquired, "Has no one from the Great Pine Kingdom passed since then?"

Patriarch Hu shook his head, "No one. The selection trials attract geniuses from across the Azure Sky Realm. Not only do the outer regions send their talents, but the central region's prodigies participate as well... How can the offspring of ordinary forces from the outskirts compete with those raised in the central region or those heirs bolstered by their family's wealth? The mighty powers of the central region cast a wide net in the hopes of finding a diamond in the rough. Besides, with the vastness of the Azure Sky Realm's periphery, even the slimmest chance of a dark horse emerging means a significant number when everyone is gathered, doesn't it?"

Upon hearing this, a spark of determination ignited within Liu Xingchang.

It's no wonder the emperor discarded our old friendship to curry favor with the Dragon Saliva Sect, disregarding the dignity of a young man like me. The disparity between the Great Pine Kingdom and the Dragon Saliva Sect is indeed vast. But if you show no kindness, expect none in return. As a son of the Great Pine Kingdom, I am determined to represent Cloud Ascending City in the competition. And once I've joined the Hidden Dragon Sect, I trust you won't be filled with regret!

With this thought, Liu Xingchang suddenly asked Patriarch Hu, "Are you implying that you're offering me a chance to audition for the Hidden Dragon Sect?"

Patriarch Hu replied, "Indeed. I secured the spot originally reserved for the Liu Family's disciples from the City Lord, giving the Linghu Clan two spots. One is for you, as a gesture to repay a debt of gratitude, and the other... frankly, is because I hope you will look after Hu Gewan on the journey and lend her your support. I would be deeply appreciative."

It was clear that the Linghu Clan's two spots were designated for Liu Xingchang and Hu Gewan.

​