Whoooosh—!
The skies parted as a massive flying ship cruised above the clouds.
The Bai Clan insignia shone proudly on its sails, drawing eyes from every direction.
Below, the sprawling capital city of the Desolate Heaven Empire stretched out endlessly.
From majestic pagodas to bustling marketplaces, sect outposts to clan-owned manors—it was a melting pot of power, wealth, and ambition.
But today, all eyes were drawn to the sky.
"The Bai Clan’s airship?"
"Such grandeur! Could it be an elder?"
"Aren’t they early? The public selection of participants isn’t even finished yet."
...
Gasps echoed from civilians and cultivators alike.
Even Soul Formation cultivators stepped aside in midair, giving respectful space as the ship passed overhead.
Normally, people wouldn’t care much even if a Major Clan or Sect arrived—after all, this was the capital, where the strongest and most powerful cultivators gathered year-round, especially during events like this.
But the Bai Clan was different. Hailed as the strongest clan, their reputation was not to be taken lightly.
Who didn’t know of their feat—defending against the other two top clans and even inflicting critical damage in return?
Bai Tianheng didn’t miss the opportunity while Bai Zihan was in seclusion.
Taking advantage of the growing distrust toward the Li-Zhao Alliance, he successfully pulled many neutral forces to the Bai Clan’s side.
The Bai Clan also expanded aggressively, taking over numerous markets and territories.
And with the upgrade to their cultivation techniques, the clan’s overall strength was rising rapidly—so much so that it could be seen with the naked eye.
Most now believed that the Bai Clan was truly the number one clan in the Desolate Heaven Empire.
Even the most arrogant cultivators gave way when they saw the Bai Clan’s insignia.
Inside the ship, Bai Zihan stood near the prow, hands clasped behind his back as the capital came into view.
For the past few days, he had been reading intelligence gathered by Kong Zhanghong and Fang Jinyan—conveniently summarized by Kong Zhanghong himself.
Of course, whenever Bai Zihan showed interest in a particular matter, Kong would provide the full details.
First of all, the selection of participants for the Dragon and Phoenix petition by Major Sect and Clan was mostly pleted including the Heaven Sword Sect and the Bai Clan.
As expected, his sister was obviously participating—but as a disciple of the Heaven Sword Sect, not under the Bai Clan’s banner. Not that it really mattered.
Secondly, Chu Ziyan had also been selected by the Heaven Sword Sect.
Bai Zihan thought that was for the best, since the Chu Clan hadn’t really planned to select her this year, wanting to send their older clan member.
As for the Bai Clan, they too had already pleted their selection process.
Naturally, Bai Zihan was called upon and encouraged by the elders, given that he was one of the strongest—if not the strongest—cultivators under twenty-five in not only the Bai Clan but also the Desolate Heaven Empire.
But of course, Bai Zihan declined, stating plainly that he had no interest.
This decision disappointed many in the Bai Clan, including his father, as they had hoped for one of their own to win.
Still, they weren’t too disheartened. After all, they had Bai Xueqing—who remained one of the most talented cultivators in the Empire.
Then came information of who might win a spot in the main Dragon and Phoenix petition through the public selection.
Although most believed it was meaningless—since the real contenders of the main event would be from major clans or sects—the event remained hyped.
After all, it only occurred once every three years.
Many names were thrown around, most of which Bai Zihan hadn’t even heard before.
But of course, there was one he recognized.
Nie Fengzhuo!
With all the noise he’d made after emerging from seclusion, it wouldn’t feel right if his name wasn’t on the list of top contenders for public qualification.
Kong Zhanghong stood quietly beside him, speaking only when needed or addressed.
"Young Master, we’ll be arriving shortly. I’ve already arranged a top-tier suite at the Imperial Moon Pavilion."
Bai Zihan raised an eyebrow slightly.
"The Imperial Jade Pavilion?"
"It’s the finest guest residence in the capital," Kong said, chest puffed slightly.
"Even sect elders have to book months in advance. During the Dragon and Phoenix petition, it’s nearly impossible to reserve a single room."
He smirked faintly.
"But the moment they heard it was for Young Master, the manager personally came out and offered the top floor."
Bai Zihan merely nodded. To him, such luxury meant little—he had long grown used to it.
As the ship slowly descended, brilliant light formations deactivated in sequence, and a soft spiritual ripple spread out as it docked atop the pavilion’s private landing platform.
Below, a group of graceful attendants and managerial staff stood in neat rows, already waiting.
"Wele, Young Master Bai!"
Their voices rang out in unison as they bowed deeply.
A red carpet of spiritual silk unrolled toward the main entrance as Bai Zihan stepped off the ship.
The manager of the Imperial Jade Pavilion—a Nascent Soul cultivator—hurried forward with cupped fists and a bowed head.
"This one is honored to wele the Bai Clan’s esteemed Young Master. Please forgive our humble preparations—had we known earlier, we would’ve hosted a banquet worthy of your presence."
Bai Zihan nodded slightly, his expression calm—neither arrogant nor overly kind.
"Take us to the suite," Kong Zhanghong ordered.
Kong carried a hint of arrogance in his tone.
On any other day, people like this manager would’ve treated him like dirt. But now, with Bai Zihan by his side, the same man behaved like a meek dog.
"Yes, yes! Right this way!"
Soon, they were ushered into the grandest floor of the pavilion—a private level with panoramic spirit-glass windows overlooking the capital, filled with Qi-gathering formations, secluded cultivation alcoves, and jade floors that resonated with spiritual Qi.
Everything was perfect.
Kong Zhanghong walked a step behind Bai Zihan as they entered the suite.
The moment the doors shut, the servant girls quietly and efficiently dispersed—leaving behind nothing but silence and the faint hum of spirit-gathering formations at work.
"Young Master," Kong Zhanghong finally spoke, cupping his fists slightly, "would you like to rest first... or shall we head directly to the Dragon and Phoenix Selection Grounds?"
Bai Zihan casually glanced out the wide spirit-glass window.
The bustling capital stretched beneath them—clouds parting to reveal the majestic Central Martial Arena in the distance, already surrounded by crowds and formation barriers.
"Is Nie Fengzhuo participating today?"
Kong Zhanghong nodded firmly.
"Yes. Just before we landed, I received word that he had drawn a match number for today’s selection round. His group is expected to enter the arena by midday."
Bai Zihan’s eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained posed.
"Then we’re going."
"Right now?"
Kong Zhanghong asked, already turning to prepare.
"If he’s stepping onto the stage, I want to see it with my own eyes."
Bai Zihan turned from the window, his voice low and calm.
"Let’s see if he’s truly Heaven’s Chosen... or just another candle waiting to be snuffed out."
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