C6 Challenge on the Stage!(1)

"Qian, has everyone in the Royal Capital been notified?" Ye Wujian, the silver-haired patriarch of the Ye family, glanced towards the Bai Mansion's entrance and spoke with a hint of indifference.

"Rest assured, Grandfather. Someone has already been dispatched from the Royal Capital," Ye Qian, standing by his side, reassured him without opening her eyes, giving a gentle nod.

Ye Wujian nodded with satisfaction. "Good. It's almost time. Get yourself ready."

"Understood."

Ye Qian nodded, aware of the admiring gazes from the crowd around her. A small smile played at the corner of her mouth as she slowly opened her eyes, which sparkled with both contempt and pride.

"This battle will not only elevate my status but also marks a prime opportunity for the Ye family's ascent. Despite being hailed as the top prodigy of Lo City, my reputation is yet unearned. This duel will prove my worth and draw the Royal Capital's attention! The Ye family will utterly defeat the Bai family, and the dominion of Lo City will shift because of me!" she murmured, fixating on the grand entrance of the Bai Mansion.

Suddenly, a guard hurried over and whispered urgently into Ye Wujian's ear.

Upon hearing the message, Ye Wujian's eyes snapped open wider, and he commanded, "Make haste with the preparations! We must not be negligent!"

"Yes, sir."

The guard nodded and quickly withdrew.

Before long, a surge of hurried footsteps approached. The onlookers turned to see the outer crowd parting as a regal carriage drawn by a snow-white unicorn advanced towards them. The carriage bore a Qilin emblem, flanked by a procession of young men and women dressed in purple robes, each adorned with the Qilin symbol.

"The Qilin Seal? Are these individuals from Holy Dao College?" Recognizing the insignia, knowledgeable voices in the crowd exclaimed in surprise.

The carriage came to a halt before the arena, and from it emerged a middle-aged man with a small tuft of beard. His eyes were piercing and his demeanor authoritative. As he appeared, he exuded a commanding presence that seemed to sway the entire scene.

"Is that the esteemed teacher from the Holy Academy, Shangxian Shi?"

A voice called out once more.

"An Elder? One of the Holy Academy's twenty-four Elders? In the vast Holy Academy, home to tens of thousands, there are only twenty-four Elders, each a master of unique skills and of extraordinary status. Who would have thought that Ye Qian could actually draw an Elder here?"

The Ye family members quickly stepped forward to greet the arrival. Ye Wujian was visibly thrilled, perhaps not even he anticipated the descent of an Elder. He bowed respectfully and exclaimed, "The arrival of Elder Shanglong graces Lo City with great honor! Had we known the Elder was coming, we would have prepared a proper welcome."

"Master Ye flatters me. I was merely passing through and heard there was an exciting event to witness, so I decided to stop by. Please, carry on with the competition; my presence should not cause any delay," Shanglong replied with a casual air, his gaze sweeping the crowd before settling on Ye Qian.

Ye Wujian caught the subtle glance and understood its significance, yet he chose not to comment, instead offering a warm invitation, "Elder Shanglong, please, take a seat of honor!"

Ye Qian's smile was gentle, but her eyes betrayed an undeniable pride. The Holy Dao College had come for her, and they had dispatched none other than Elder Shanglong himself!

Such an honor was without equal!

Before long, the guards hurried back with news.

"Patriarch, the delegates from the Royal Capital's Three Talents Academy have entered the city!"

"Patriarch, representatives from the Stellar Pavilion have arrived!"

"Patriarch, envoys from the Qin Hai Sect have come to pay their respects."

One after another, the guards delivered their reports, and Ye Wujian's smile grew even broader.

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Ensure they are all well attended to; we must not show any neglect!"

"Yes, Patriarch!"

Numerous renowned factions had sent their envoys, making for an exceptionally vibrant scene.

In that moment, it became clear to all why Ye Qian had so abruptly thrown down the gauntlet to the Bai family. Her aim wasn't merely to avenge Bai Ye's insult; she sought to make her mark and draw the gaze of mighty warriors from all corners!

Possessing the Twin Heavenly Souls, she had used the Bai family as a stepping stone to vault into the heavens!

Ye Qian, accompanied by Ye Hu, gracefully met with representatives from various factions. Her poise and unflappable demeanor shone through, showcasing not only her exceptional talent but also the elegance of a true lady.

The representatives looked on with admiration, their gazes toward her burning with intensity.

In that moment, Ye Qian was radiant, as if the stars themselves were hers for the taking...

"The Bai family has arrived!"

Suddenly, someone called out, drawing all eyes to the entrance of the Bai Mansion.

A procession in white brocade emerged, led by none other than Bai Qingshan.

This confrontation was not just Ye Qian's bid for fame in the Royal Capital; it was a showdown between the Ye and Bai families!

With his hands clasped behind his back and a stoic expression, Bai Qingshan stepped forward, followed by the Bai family's pillars of strength.

"Bai Qingshan, you've finally shown yourself."

A glint of ice flashed in Ye Wujian's eyes.

The arrival of the Bai family, particularly noted talents like Bai Mu and Bai Lin, set the crowd abuzz with whispers.

Bai Yeh, too, made his way to the front of the arena, unnoticed by all, Ye Qian included.

"So many spectators. Ye Qian truly lives up to her reputation as Lo City's top prodigy, and with the Twin Heavenly Souls, her fame is widespread. Just setting up a challenge draws such a crowd," Bai Yeh mused to himself, scanning the surroundings.

Clang!

The resounding peal of a bell echoed across Lo City.

"It's time!"

The Ye family's cry rang out.

The crowd's anticipation peaked as they turned their attention to the arena.

From the Ye family's side, Ye Qian soared into the arena with the grace of a celestial being, taking her place at the center with eyes closed, serenely awaiting the challenge.

Countless pairs of eyes were transfixed on her.

Ye Hu surveyed the crowd and rose to speak, "For a century, the Bai and Ye families have thrived side by side in Lo City, maintaining a close bond. Today, my daughter Ye Qian, whose skills have greatly advanced, seeks to exchange martial insights with the Bai family's finest. Likewise, any hero of Lo City who believes in their prowess is welcome to step forward and challenge her. I assure you, she will turn no one away. Should anyone prevail, I, Ye Hu, hereby declare that I will give my daughter's hand in marriage to the victor!"

As her voice echoed away, gasps of astonishment rose from the crowd.

Insanity!

Was she aiming to crush the entire city beneath her feet? Or maybe, she was flaunting her might to the sect members who had gathered!

Bai Yeh was caught off guard, too. Ye Qian's confidence was astounding.

In the moment following Ye Hu's last word, a formidable surge of soul power erupted from Ye Qian, wrapping her in flames, making the whole stage seem to quake.

Those who had been restless below the stage were suddenly petrified.

Fifth Rank!

Ye Qian had actually ascended to the fifth rank of the Soul Force Realm!

The area around the stage erupted into chaos!

Bai Mo, Bai Lin, and the rest who were poised to ascend the stage halted, staring at the spectacle in disbelief.

"What in the world is happening? When did Ye Qian reach the fifth rank?" Bai Qingshan's eyes bulged, his lips quivering.

Already in possession of the Twin Heavenly Souls, Ye Qian now wielded the soul power of the fifth rank... She was virtually unbeatable!

"No wonder Ye Qian had the audacity to make such a claim." From the back of the crowd, Bai Yeh's attention shifted to Bai Mo and Bai Lin, who had turned ashen, clearly cowed by the display.

Once fear took hold, they had already been defeated.