The skies between the Imperial Domain and the territory of the Blood Heaven Sect were calm, yet beneath that calm was a storm that had lasted for days two figures crossed the heavens from opposite directions one wore a golden imperial robe, his presence carrying the dignity of an emperor. Every step he took seemed to represent the will of countless subjects.
The other wore a simple black robe, his aura restrained but heavy like an ancient mountain. He was the master of the Blood Heaven Sect, a man whose words could shake an entire sect as the two reached the center of the two domains, they stopped.
Neither bowed neither showed weakness.
The emperor looked at the sect master calmly.
"The spirit vein was discovered by my people, yet your disciples claim it belongs to your sect."
The Blood Heaven Sect Master narrowed his eyes.
"And your imperial daughter claims it belongs to the Imperial Ancestors, yet neither side has produced proof , su tairen where your imperial ancestors even cultivators a thousand years ago did cultivation not start from you and you alone "
The emperor looked at the sect master of the blood heaven sect with an irritated expression everything he said was true and he could not deny it
A moment of silence followed the clouds beneath them scattered from the pressure of their gazes finally, the emperor sighed.
"If we continue like this, our two powers will only waste time fighting over a treasure that has yet to even be used."
The sect master crossed his arms.
"Then what do you propose?"
The emperor looked into the distance.
"A competition."
The sect master raised an eyebrow.
"A competition?"
"Let the younger generation decide the outcome,"
The emperor said.
"The disciples of both sides will compete. The winner will gain the right to manage the spirit vein."
The sect master remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"That would only turn the spirit vein into a prize between our two powers."
The emperor replied
" let's make it bigger invite the four major sects from the eastern continent, the western nations has always been arrogant so they won't even come here if given an invitation so let's not send one to them "
The sect master looked toward the endless sky.
"Are you planning to make this a competition where everyone has a share?"
The emperor smiled faintly.
"You know me well."
The sect master shook his head.
"If every great power joins, the matter will become far larger than the original conflict."
the emperor replied. "Exactly"
The sect master looked at him.
"You want to turn a dispute between us into an event that shakes the entire continent."
The emperor's smile grew the sect master stared at him before letting out a small laugh.
"You truly are an emperor. Even a conflict becomes an opportunity to gather the world."
The emperor turned his gaze away.
"Then do you agree?"
After a long pause, the Blood Heaven Sect Master nodded.
"Fine. We will open the competition but the reason cannot be the spirit vein."
The emperor looked at him
" Are you afraid that if everyone knows the prize, every faction will come with greed in their hearts. They will not seek victory, they will only seek the treasure."
The sect master nodded
"Announce it as a ranking competition between the younger generation. Let the world believe it is about honor, reputation, and proving their strength."
The emperor smiled.
"The true purpose will remain hidden the winner will earn the right to the spirit vein,"
the sect master said.
The two stood in the middle of the heavens, no longer enemies at that moment a new event was born a competition that would attract countless geniuses a competition that would shake the central plains.
And behind the name of rankings, behind the glory and fame was a treasure capable of changing the future of every faction that participated.
The Blood Heaven Sect Master returned alone across the skies, the imperial aura faded behind him like a receding tide, but the weight of the agreement still lingered in his mind when he descended into the Blood Heaven Sect, the entire mountain range seemed to recognize his return.
Black flags fluttered blood-red runes lit up faintly along the protective formations.
Inner disciples straightened instinctively, and even elders who were in closed-door cultivation opened their eyes in faint shock.
Something had changed.
The sect master did not go to his palace.
He went straight to the Blood Heaven Hall.
Inside, all his core disciples were already gathered among them was Zhou Yu, sitting quietly with a( book or a cylindric disk all same) in hand, as if the world outside had nothing to do with him the moment the sect master entered, the hall fell silent.
Even Zhou Yu raised his eyes slightly the sect master's gaze swept across them all.
"I have returned from meeting the Emperor."
No one spoke the weight of that sentence alone was enough to make even the proudest disciple straighten then he continued.
"A competition has been born."
A ripple passed through the hall a competition between the sect and the empire? Or something bigger? Xiao xue finally couldn't hold back.
"Master… what kind of competition?"
The sect master's expression remained calm.
"Because of the spirit vein you discovered."
Instantly, the hall stiffened the air grew heavy even the flickering candle flames seemed to pause zhou Yu slowly closed his book so it was that matter the sect master continued.
"The Empire and our Blood Heaven Sect have agreed. Neither side will openly fight over the spirit vein."
He paused slightly.
"Instead… the younger generation will decide everything through a ranking competition."
A murmur spread through the disciples rankings competition the strongest of the younger generation this meant glory… resources… and the chance to represent the sect in front of the entire continent but Zhou Yu's eyes narrowed slightly he did not look excited only observant.
The sect master's gaze sharpened.
"This is not a simple contest the Emperor has agreed to open it to multiple factions. Meaning geniuses from across the Eastern Continent will participate."
That sentence struck like thunder he stood up immediately the sect master smiled faintly this was what he wanted and Zhou yu how would he compare this time to the genius of the eastern continent.