NOVPUBQi Shan shook his head and said:
"Before I believed in it, but this time it's different. The stakes are too high; it's already clear, there are only five passages' rights of development. The officials will keep at least two for themselves, leaving three. How are so many forces going to divide that up?"
"You're not really counting on the Qin Family, are you? Although they have jointly developed two passages with the Federation officials, they have no intention of giving up the remaining three."
"Dragon Tiger Dojo is cooperating with them, aren't you afraid of being completely devoured? After all, we are all from the same dojo lineage, we have not been as close as brothers in the past, but we've had our fair share of mutually beneficial dealings. Do you trust us or them?"
Long Qingyang scoffed and said, "They are all a bunch of bastards, I don't trust any of them, only tangible benefits."
Qi Shan was so irritated by these words that he gritted his teeth and said, "You old scoundrel, the older you get, the more shameless you become! Do you believe that we will cooperate with the Heavenly God Dojo instead? Shen Wuyi, that bastard, said they still have an ace up their sleeve!"
Long Qingyang's family has a True Dragon, sitting securely and looking composed, he said, "Their trump card, do you think you can guess what it is? Can it be comparable to our family's Innate Formless Dao Body?"
This old rascal was impervious to persuasion. Qi Shan had no choice; he looked at the others and passed the opportunity to speak on.
Another man, younger than the rest, whose generation was relatively the youngest in the room but whose strength was no less than anyone else, came from the Heavenly Sword Dojo, known as Ninth Sword.
At this moment, he said soothingly:
"Lord Long, this time's seed selection competition will not be a ring match but a survival battle, and you are well aware of the reason."
Long Qingyang snorted coldly and did not speak.
The reason requires no guesses; it's well-known that most forces are aware that they have no chance of winning a ring match.
Only by pushing the officials to choose a survival battle, where alliances are made and many fight against the strong, is there a possibility of victory.
When the Federation linked this time's seeding spots with the rights of development, the nature of the issue changed.
It's no longer a contest of the younger generation but a struggle between major forces.
The rights of development at stake could very well determine the future structure of the Federation.
In the face of such transitional tides of the era, taking a small step ahead now could mean a big step in the future! 𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙥𝒖𝒃.𝒄𝒐𝒎
If it were a ring match, Long Qingyang felt that Ji Jingqiu had at least an eighty percent chance of securing a spot.
But in a survival battle, a melee, Ji Jingqiu without any help, cornered and besieged, that would be problematic.
Just like that Zhang... what was his name... Zhang Sandao?
That kid's talent and flair were actually excellent, he could have ranked at least top five among his peers at the time, but in the end, he didn't make the list, due to the particular nature of the survival battle.
Most importantly, this time the core descendants of the Six Great Families will also participate.
They say that to meet the changes, these families did not hesitate to use their ancestral reserves, and even nurtured several young martial artists who have attained the Innate Taoist Body!
Ninth Sword continued, "If nothing unexpected occurs, this survival battle will take place in the Po Suo Half-plane, serving both as a selection and as an opportunity for the younger generation to progress further."
Long Qingyang was visibly moved and said, "Is the news confirmed? Are we sure it's the Po Suo Half-plane?"
This half-plane had always been the backyard of the Six Great Families, left by Marshal Mu.
Ninth Sword said solemnly, "It's confirmed. This is the result of negotiations between the Federation and the Supreme Grandmaster of the Mu Family, overall, it's for the benefit of the Federation."
"Furthermore, I've heard that the Tiangong Heavy Workshop previously gave the 'Green Master' to Ji. I can decide to gift him a piece of 'Yun Shen Iron' from the Heavenly Sword Dojo, to assist him in enhancing his weapons, reinfusing them with Divine Intent."
"Lord Long, you can see our sincerity. As for the specifics, one or half a percentage, it can all be negotiated down the line. We are all from the dojo lineage, and securing the spots is the top priority."
Long Qingyang's expression mellowed. "It's always Ninth Sword who knows how to deal with people."
Beside him, Qi Shan's mouth twitched; this old scoundrel, twisting words to curse him.
Long Qingyang narrowed his eyes and said, "I've heard that the passage to this Po Suo Half-plane is not solely in the hands of the Mu Family, other Great Universe civilizations also control gateways. I'm not sure if that's true or false."
Ninth Sword spoke in a lower voice, "It's true. In previous years, the Mu Family would also invite some genius martial artists to explore together. One of our Heavenly Sword Dojo predecessors was luckily selected, and he mentioned in his autobiography that he encountered members of other Human-like Alliances there."
"Which race group?" Not only was Long Qingyang curious this time, Qi Shan and the others also showed keen interest.
The Great Universe is vast and boundless, and the territory occupied by the Federation is but a small part.
It is said that in order to divide the schools of thought, several alliances were specifically formed in the early years, one of which is the Human-like Alliance, also a faction where the Federation, Luofeng, Holy Hall, and other civilizations belong.
"It's very similar to the elves described in ancient texts." Ninth Sword spoke somewhat awkwardly, "The autobiography says they're exquisitely elegant, with excellent figures, and their strength should not be underestimated."
Exquisitely elegant, exquisitely elegant...
Everyone fell silent for a moment.
Qi Shan suddenly said in a low voice, "It is said that some races in the Great Universe are related to what lies opposite the Nine States, but it's uncertain whether it is true or not."
Long Qingyang neither agreed nor disagreed, "We'll know in the future. That's all for today, I'll take my leave first."
"Where are you in such a hurry to get to?" Qi Shan asked in surprise.
Long Qingyang, with hands behind his back, replied, "I'm going to see the True Dragon of my Dragon Tiger Dojo."
"By the way, have you heard about the protest from Luofeng Ancient Country?" Qi Shan rubbed his temple and suddenly reminded, "Be careful, you never know if they might join with certain outlaws from the Federation in desperation."
Long Qingyang slightly nodded, signaling his awareness.
He was already informed of this matter; since the end of the exchange competition, the Luofeng Ancient Country believes that the Federation has been secretly researching secret weapons targeting them and has issued a serious protest.
The Federation also conducted an investigation into this issue, which involved the Guardian God.
Regrettably, the response from the Divine Monarch was—miracles that cannot be replicated.
Such a pity.
...
...
One week later.
"Up until now, there have been more than a hundred people who have come to issue a challenge, and although many are just stirring the waters, the old-hand Bright Moon has also put out a hand. Among them, Marquis Mo has always been touted as a hot favorite of Arrogant Sun, but unexpectedly stopped at three moves, which is just outrageous!"
"As of today, the value of Zhang Buzhou is still rising, winning wildly!"
"It feels like not to mention bringing out his full strength, no one can even make him get serious."
"You're wrong, he's very serious about making everyone stop at three moves, whether it be Group Stars or Bright Moon, or even Martial Artists who can't be counted as either; he treats everyone without discrimination."
"You guys actually say this guy is modest and polite, deliberately holding back, why do I feel like he's outrageously arrogant..."
"Alas, everyone mocks Zhang Sandao, yet everyone is Zhang Sandao!"
...
...
Inside Yang Yan Martial Arts Hall.
The arrival of Long Qingyang caused quite a stir in this small Martial Arts Hall.
After meeting with Yang Yao and others, giving some advice, Long Qingyang beckoned, signaling Ji Jingqiu to follow.
Once in the room, Ji Jingqiu busied himself with pouring tea for the Ancestor Master, and Long Qingyang did not stop him, but instead smiled.
While pouring the tea, Ji Jingqiu also forthrightly presented what he called a "surprise."
After listening to the "surprise" from Ji Jingqiu's mouth.
Long Qingyang's hand, grasping the teacup, froze in mid-air and did not move for a long time.
When he finally snapped back to reality, he subconsciously sipped the tea, only to find it tasteless.
He put down the teacup, his mind racing with myriad thoughts.
What to do, he suddenly didn't want to play with Qi Shan and the others anymore.
Long Qingyang looked at Ji Jingqiu seriously and asked, "What are your thoughts? To participate in the seed battle, or to enter the Gate early for exploration?"
