C47 Yao Di!
"Oh my God, am I seeing things? That's Zhuang Xing. How on earth is he still alive?"
"Right? Azure Sun Mountain is so treacherous that even Bao Houdi perished there. How did he come out unscathed?"
"Am I hallucinating? Pinch me, will you? Ouch! Why did you pinch me so hard? That really hurts."
"You asked me to pinch you, didn't you? Since you're feeling pain, it's not a dream. He's truly returned alive."
"It's unbelievable, utterly unbelievable."
For a moment, all eyes were on Zhuang Xing, their expressions etched with astonishment.
Zhuang Xing offered a slight smile. If these people only knew that he was the one who had killed Bao Houdi, their shock would be immeasurable.
"Is that Zhuang Xing?"
Perched at a window seat on the second floor was a young man. His appearance was unremarkable, but no one considered him ordinary. He was Lo Zhao, the most distinguished young man of the Lo family and one of the three great young masters of Azure Sun City.
As Zhuang Xing made his way up to the second floor, he was met with a barrage of stunned stares. The second floor offered the prime vantage point for viewing the surroundings.
Those who made it to the second floor were individuals of notable strength. Yet, amidst them, Zhuang Xing's prowess was unquestioned. Having vanquished Bao Guangsha, a former member of the Four Great Young Masters, if he wasn't qualified to ascend to the second floor, then few in Azure Sun City would be.
"Young Master Zhuang, your reputation precedes you."
No sooner had Zhuang Xing arrived than he was greeted by someone on the second floor. His fame was now on par with that of Yao Di.
"You flatter me."
Zhuang Xing took a moment to survey the area before taking a seat by the window.
It was then that he caught sight of Lo Zhao. He gave him a brief look, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. His instincts told him that Lo Zhao was exceptionally strong, stronger than the rest of the crowd.
As Zhuang Xing's gaze met Lo Zhao's, a silent exchange passed between them. They continued to observe each other, neither uttering a word, as if bound by an unspoken agreement.
After a short while, Zhuang Xing shifted his gaze to the distant horizon, taking in the breathtaking scenery that unfolded before him, a sight that soothed the soul.
"Look, Yao Di has arrived as well."
An unexpected voice drew everyone's attention to the entrance of Cloud Moon Tower, where a young man in purple attire was making his way inside.
"His presence is incredibly strong, far surpassing that of the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Seven Heaven. It looks like he's truly advanced to the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Eight Heaven."
"He's so young and has already reached the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Eight Heaven; his potential is boundless."
"From what we've seen in past Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competitions, those at the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Eight Heaven almost always make it into the top hundred. The Yao family is set for a meteoric rise this time."
"Indeed. With over a month left until the Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition, if he can advance further to the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Nine Heaven, or even reach the peak of Level Nine Heaven, then making it into the top fifty, thirty, or even twenty is within reach."
"It's been two years since anyone from Azure Sun City has broken through to the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Nine Heaven, five years since anyone's made the top thirty, and ten years since anyone's made the top twenty. It's quite disheartening when you think about it."
"When will Azure Sun City produce a Peerless Talent who can at least break into the top ten? Those in the top ten are truly formidable."
"Top ten? Forget about it. Our Azure Sun City simply doesn't have what it takes to produce such a Peerless Talent. If we were talking about a place like Celestial Light City, then maybe."
"Celestial Light City is the premier city in our South County. If their geniuses can't crack the top ten, then there's no hope for anyone else."
"Exactly."
Amidst the envious and admiring looks, Yao Di ascended to the second floor. After surveying the room, his eyes landed on Lo Zhao and he declared, "Lo Zhao, I'm about to overtake you."
Lo Zhao simply shrugged and responded coolly, "You're only ahead for the moment."
Geniuses possess an indomitable spirit; they never want to be outdone by others.
Yao Di burst into laughter. He had now advanced to the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Eight Heaven, placing him leagues ahead of his peers in Azure Sun City. Looking across the entire city, there was no one who could challenge him.
"My ambitions extend far beyond the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Eight Heaven. I aim for the Spirit Sea Stage, and even a spot in the top ten of the Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition."
Upon hearing his words, everyone was astounded. The Spirit Sea Stage and the top ten of the Hidden Dragon Ranking were achievements they all aspired to. Yet, they knew their own limits all too well; such dreams were mere pipe dreams for them, utterly unattainable.
"The top ten of the Hidden Dragon Ranking? Aren't you being a bit overconfident?" Lo Zhao said, dousing the excitement with his blunt skepticism.
Yao Di's face darkened. Lo Zhao clearly didn't appreciate the gravity of his words, brazenly insulting him in public. It was time to teach him a lesson and make clear the stature Yao Di now held.
The era when the Four Great Young Masters stood as equals in Azure Sun City was long gone. Yao Di was the unrivaled genius, both now and in the future.
A sharp and commanding aura began to emanate from him.
The crowd gasped, taken aback by the sheer intensity of a Spirit Wheel Stage Level Eight Heaven's presence. Even without fully unleashing his power, Yao Di had already made them feel overwhelmed and oppressed.
Lo Zhao, unwilling to be overshadowed, unleashed his own formidable aura, his eyes blazing with fierce battle will.
He was aware that Yao Di, having reached the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Eight Heaven, was looking for someone to cement his authority. But Lo Zhao was unafraid. If a battle was what it took, then so be it.
The onlookers' anticipation grew as they watched the two Top Talents of Azure Sun City. With their profound cultivation and exceptional abilities, a clash between them promised to be nothing short of extraordinary.
Yet, just when everyone expected a grand showdown, Yao Di unexpectedly shifted his focus.
"Come over here and meet your end."
Yao Di bellowed, his sword aimed directly at Zhuang Xing.
The crowd was taken aback. They hadn't anticipated that Yao Di would bypass a duel with Lo Zhao and instead target Zhuang Xing first.
Zhuang Xing turned to face him, casting a dismissive glance. "Trash," he said with contempt.
At those words, Yao Di flew into a rage and demanded, "What did you just say?"
The rest of the onlookers were equally astounded. Yao Di was Azure Sun City's top prodigy and a formidable practitioner at the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Eight Heaven. To be called trash was beyond belief.
Zhuang Xing let out a cold laugh. "I called you trash, and that's giving you too much credit. You're not even worth that much."
Enraged, Yao Di felt deeply insulted. He was determined to shred this insolent young man to pieces.
"Kid, prepare to die."