Sharply Opposed, Neither Giving Way to Each Other

Sharply opposed, Neither Giving Way to Each Other...

The Sacred Royal Medallion, an ancient relic bestowed by the Royal Sacred Sect, served as a token to recruit exceptional talents from across the world.

Clutching this medallion meant you were an external disciple of the Royal Sacred Sect, entitled to special privileges. You could bypass the tests of the nine great sects and directly attempt the Royal Sacred Sect's own rigorous examination. Success meant ascending to the rank of a true disciple, with all the perks and prestige it entailed.

The Royal Sacred Sect's test was renowned for its strict fairness. Esteemed members of the sect judged it, and no one dared to tamper with or cheat in any way. This was how the Royal Sacred Sect maintained its unassailable supremacy across generations.

The Royal Sacred Sect reigned supreme in the vast expanse known as the Royal Sacred Region, encompassing Grand Shang, Grand Xia, and Grand Zhou. Through unwavering effort and high standards, they'd built their empire. They demanded the best, as the world's finest naturally gathered around them, along with the nine great sects. Their prosperity was inevitable. Without a continuous infusion of fresh talent, even the mightiest power would wither with time.

The significance of the Sacred Royal Medallion couldn't be overstated. Even if Qin Wentian hadn't come to participate in the day's event, with the medallion alone, he could stroll up to any of the nine great sects and request to take their test. This was also how the Grand Shang Empire attracted geniuses from Grand Xia. In the past, some from Grand Xia had been lured to Grand Shang.

Most of Grand Xia might not grasp the medallion's value, but those from Grand Shang were well aware. Representatives of the nine great sects, just shy of the Royal Sacred Sect's power, were present at the event. When Qin Wentian revealed the Sacred Royal Medallion, even Jun Yu had to back down, unwilling to risk challenging him.

Whether Qin Wentian had stolen the medallion or not, the fact remained that it now rested in his grip, signifying his superiority over its previous owner. In the presence of so many witnesses, Jun Yu couldn't openly disregard the Sacred Royal Medallion's authority. This wasn't Grand Xia, where one could flout its power.

Sacred Royal Medallions were scarce in Grand Xia. Even the seven remaining grand clans received only three every century. Previously held by the Royal Xia Clan, these medallions were distributed by the Emperor of Grand Xia. This had been one of the main triggers for the nine grand clans' rebellion. After Grand Xia's fall, the influence of the Royal Sacred Sect in Grand Shang expanded. Over the course of millennia, their strength had eclipsed even Grand Xia at its zenith.

Jun Yu's gaze bore into Qin Wentian, his anger palpable in the winds ruffling his hair. He burned to vanquish the young man who'd humiliated him back in Grand Xia. As a lofty Celestial Phenomenon Ascendant and a personal disciple of a Royal Sacred Sect elder, suffering a disadvantage at the hands of a junior had wounded his pride deeply.

The Xuan King's Manor denizens were taken aback, utterly unprepared for Jun Yu's grudge against Qin Wentian. An expert among them exclaimed, "Jun Yu, this brat is excessively arrogant. Who is he?"

"Nothing more than a failure from Grand Xia, Qin Wentian," Jun Yu replied, his eyes blazing as if his fury could incinerate Qin Wentian on the spot. "I never expected him to escape to Grand Shang."

"Absurd!" Qin Wentian retorted, his spear aimed at Jun Yu. "As a Royal Sacred Sect disciple, you sought to flaunt your prestige upon returning to Grand Xia, yet you fled from a single sword strike of mine. Everyone in Grand Xia knows this, and yet you dare show your face here, boasting. Jun Yu, you've utterly sullied the Royal Sacred Sect's reputation."

The crowd fell into stunned silence, digesting this shocking revelation. Jun Yu, a Celestial Phenomenon Realm powerhouse and a true disciple of the Royal Sacred Sect, had fled from Qin Wentian? If this claim held any truth, it would indeed be a grave humiliation for the Royal Sacred Sect. Yet, many couldn't help but doubt Qin Wentian's words. Not due to skepticism about his talent but because his current cultivation level was undeniably too low to challenge an Ascendant's power.

Nonetheless, Jun Yu's increasingly unsightly expression lent credibility to Qin Wentian's words, convincing many that his claim might hold some truth.

"Even with the Sacred Royal Medallion, you have yet to officially become a true disciple. How dare you show me disrespect?" Jun Yu's aura surged, pressing down on Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian displayed no trace of fear, his long spear remaining unwaveringly pointed at Jun Yu as he scoffed, "What a farce. You started cultivating tens of years before me, yet if we were of the same generation, Jun Yu wouldn't even be a name anyone remembers. When I break through to Celestial Phenomenon in the future, you'll be nothing more than an ant underfoot, to be crushed without a second thought."

The Pill Emperor Hall had already become Qin Wentian's enemy, and he harbored plans to one day return and reclaim the demon sword, erasing the sect from existence. Aware of this, Jun Yu sought every chance to eliminate him, but Qin Wentian felt no fear in this standoff.

"Daring to show such disrespect to your elders. I, Jun Yu, won't kill you today. But I'll teach you a lesson you won't soon forget," Jun Yu coldly retorted. His palms erupted with blazing heat, conjuring a fiery orb that hurtled toward Qin Wentian.

In the gap between them, a dazzling light burst forth, its scorching intensity sending shockwaves through the crowd. A disciple of the Royal Sacred Sect was indeed domineering; even if Qin Wentian survived, he'd be gravely injured. The attack's ferocity was overwhelming.

In the nick of time, a rainbow streaked across the sky, its towering sword aura engulfing the entire battle stage and disrupting Jun Yu's blazing attack.

Jun Yu's expression turned sharp, his gaze locking onto the source of the sword attack from the Battle Sword Sect.

Spectators gasped in astonishment as the Battle Sword Sect intervened and thwarted Jun Yu's assault.

Despite differing philosophies, the nine great sects belonged to the Royal Sacred Sect, warranting at least some respect for its disciples. The Battle Sword Sect's interference was a bold move, and they had offended Jun Yu, who, as a disciple of an elder, held a certain status even within the sect. Offending someone of his stature wasn't taken lightly.

Nonetheless, the Battle Sword Sect displayed no hesitation, slashing out without remorse and forcefully disrupting Jun Yu's attack.

"Our Battle Sword Sect came to the Xuan King City for the disciple recruitment event, not to witness your grandstanding against a Heavenly Dipper junior. Step down," Lin Shuai's voice cut through the tension, sharp and uncompromising.

Jun Yu scowled, directing an ugly glare at Lin Shuai. "This is my affair and none of your concern. How dare you obstruct me?"

Lin Shuai nonchalantly placed his hands behind his back, drawing his sword with a twinkling sound that echoed through the air. The blade emitted an icy, intimidating light.

Jun Yu's expression turned frosty at the sight. "The nine great sects are indeed part of the Royal Sacred Sect, but let me reiterate—I won't tolerate anyone disrupting this disciple recruitment selection. Remember, as long as no one dies, the sect won't pursue any disputes among us." Lin Shuai's voice remained sharp and unyielding, his threat undisguised, sending Jun Yu into a trembling rage as he prepared to launch an attack.

"Senior Jun Yu," a voice resonated from the royal clan's area, catching everyone's attention. It was Shang Tong, the young man with golden eyes.

Jun Yu immediately recognized Shang Tong, having encountered him during his visit to the royal clan of Grand Shang. Shang Tong's talent was extraordinary; he had received a Sacred Royal Medallion at a very young age and had been directly initiated into the Royal Sacred Sect without the need for testing. He was destined to become an influential figure in the sect.

"Eye King, what can I do for you?" Jun Yu politely greeted Shang Tong.

"Since today marks the disciple recruitment selection event of the nine great sects, please allow me to resolve this matter," Shang Tong replied, his golden eyes gleaming with determination. Jun Yu glanced at the experts surrounding Shang Tong and grasped the young man's intention—he wanted to assist in defeating Qin Wentian, adhering to the rules.

"Since the Eye King himself has intervened, I will refrain from punishing this young man today," Jun Yu acknowledged, turning his gaze once more to Qin Wentian. "I am eager to see how you'll leave this place alive."

The powers from Xuan King City rejoiced at this development. With the Eye King's assistance, Qin Wentian's survival seemed nearly impossible.

Qin Wentian, in turn, observed Shang Tong. It was Shang Tong who had exposed his use of a disguise art when he attempted to kill Shang Qi. Shang Tong's golden eyes seemingly saw through everything.

Now, Shang Tong was looking directly at him, his golden eyes radiating an air of unparalleled arrogance.

Yet, Qin Wentian was no different. His countenance was as sharp as a sword, his eyes ablaze with determination. Their gazes clashed in mid-air, a silent battle of dominance taking place.

"You've got character," Shang Tong remarked with a cold smile. Jun Yu had arrived by his side, and almost instantly, a person vacated their seat to offer it to Jun Yu.

Qin Wentian paid little heed to the commotion. Instead, he turned his attention to the representatives of the nine great sects and inquired with a polite smile, "I wonder if the nine great sects are still interested in recruiting me, Qin?"

His question prompted everyone to cast their gazes upon the representatives of the nine great sects. If any sect dared to extend an offer to Qin Wentian now, it meant they were willing to challenge Jun Yu, Shang Tong, and the powerful Royal Clan of Grand Shang supporting them. Was Qin Wentian worth such a confrontation? The representatives pondered the situation carefully.

No one immediately responded, except for an expert from the Great Earth Sect who chuckled, "Our Great Earth Sect still welcomes you."

"Thank you," Qin Wentian replied while keeping a watchful eye on the Great Earth Sect. He sensed that something was amiss. Over the past decade of his cultivation journey, he had matured significantly and was no longer as naive as before.

Lin Shuai of the Battle Sword Sect spoke up, offering a rare expression of their sect's attitude. Although they hadn't formally invited Qin Wentian to join them earlier, they had intervened to protect him from Jun Yu. Now, they made a solemn promise.

"Upon passing our test, you will become a member of the Battle Sword Sect, and no one will dare to bully you. However, if you decide to leave today, I guarantee that no one will stop you either," Lin Shuai declared quietly. The Battle Sword Sect's actions spoke louder than words, earning them admiration from many onlookers.

"Thank you, Senior, but I am in no hurry," Qin Wentian replied, nodding at the Battle Sword Sect. Among the nine great sects, he felt the most favorable disposition toward the Battle Sword Sect. Lin Shuai's promise, made in front of everyone, demonstrated their commitment to their word and upheld the sect's reputation.

As Qin Wentian stood with his long spear at the center of the battle stage, closing his eyes, several young men from Shang Tong's group approached the formation pathway. An eerie glint shone in the eyes of the Xuan King's Manor expert. Qin Wentian, it seemed, was destined to meet his end today.

Among this group were the brightest stars of the Grand Shang Empire's young generation. They were handpicked by the Royal Shang Clan, destined to become future members of the Royal Sacred Sect. Their journey was set to blaze a trail of greatness for the elite of the royal clan, a mission passed down through generations.