"Junior Brother Meng, those two are the top prodigies of Martial Arts Peak," Lan Chan remarked, walking over and pointing with his gaze.
Meng Changqing snapped back to reality and followed Lan Chan's gaze. Behind Shangguan Zhi stood two young men, around twenty-four or twenty-five, each carrying a long knife and standing tall with proud expressions.
Their eyes sparkled with brilliance.
During this period, Meng Changqing had naturally learned about the prodigies of the various branches of the sect, as well as young strongmen from other forces. Lin Xiaotian ranked sixth on the Hidden Dragon Ranking, at the ninth level of the Dao Creation Realm. Guo Quan ranked fifteenth, at the sixth level of the Dao Creation Realm. Lan Chan, beside him, was eleventh on the Hidden Dragon Ranking, while Mo Xiaoyu was fourth.
The top thirty on the Hidden Dragon Ranking represented the elite among those in the Dao Creation Realm, all possessing martial intent. The higher the rank, the more it indicated possession of additional advantages, such as talent, physique, or bloodline.
"They're all strong," Meng Changqing nodded slightly, sensing the impressive auras of the two.
Gradually, more groups arrived: Medicine King Peak, Purple Nourishment Peak, and Formation Peak, each led by their respective Peak Masters.
"Senior Brother Meng!" Shi Yao excitedly waved at Meng Changqing, with Shi Guang following suit.
The two had grown even larger, towering at ten meters high. Anyone standing before them seemed insignificant. Each step they took caused the ground to tremble.
"Junior Brothers," Meng Changqing smiled.
The two brothers had also broken through to the Dao Creation Realm, though their auras suggested recent breakthroughs that were still unstable.
Meng Changqing wasn't surprised by their progress. Given their formidable battle power, missing out on the Three Sects Martial Arts Tournament was unthinkable. The sect would have done everything to ensure their breakthrough.
Though they currently only possessed bloodline power and hadn't yet grasped martial intent, they could still handle most typical prodigies.
Meng Changqing examined their status panels:
【Cultivation: First Stage Dao Creation Realm】
【Root Bone: Third Grade】
【Comprehension: Average】
【Bloodline: Stone Human】
【Bloodline Skills: Armor of the King, Stone King Roar】
【Cultivation Techniques and Martial Arts: "Royal Star Manual, Volume 1: Star Transformation" (Mastery)】
"New bloodline skill, Stone King Roar? It seems like a sonic martial skill," Meng Changqing mused. "And their cultivation progress is astonishingly fast, achieving mastery already."
He wasn't entirely shocked.
After all, Purple Nourishment Peak was focusing its resources on them, likely providing treasures like marrow stones. The Stone Human bloodline, a top-tier body refinement bloodline, would naturally advance rapidly with such a manual.
"Impressive," Meng Changqing smiled, pleased with his friends' progress.
This would be an excellent opportunity to strengthen their bonds.
During his time in Spirit Hall, Mo Shukuang didn't only teach sword techniques but also mentioned the absolute techniques of other branches and forces like Flame Sun Valley.
Meng Changqing had thus gained significant knowledge of the "Royal Star Manual." The manual comprised three volumes, with the first, "Star Transformation," being a high-level earth technique, almost heavenly. By absorbing star power and integrating it into the body, one could cultivate an extremely powerful star body.
Stars were incredibly resilient, offering formidable defense. Once the star body was achieved, true essence within would transform into even stronger star essence, making one's punches as devastating as falling stars.
Given this, the Shi brothers were now a force to be reckoned with. Even prodigies who had grasped martial intent wouldn't stand a chance against them without additional trump cards.
Disciples rarely met due to their rigorous training, so now they chatted amiably. The Peak Masters did the same.
Suddenly, a deep voice cut through the chatter.
"Such commotion in front of the Sect Master's Hall, what decorum is this?"
Everyone's expressions changed, and they immediately fell silent. The Shi brothers, who had just started approaching Meng Changqing, quickly retreated, behaving as docile as rabbits. Meng Changqing looked up to see several figures descending. The leader wore a black robe, had a square face, and radiated intense authority, making it hard to meet his gaze directly. This was the Peak Master of the Punishment Peak, the sect's Grand Elder, second only to the Headmaster.
The Grand Elder was a feared figure in the sect, known for establishing and strictly enforcing numerous severe rules. Violators were punished mercilessly according to the sect's regulations, without exception, even for the Headmaster.
"Greetings, Grand Elder," everyone respectfully intoned. The Peak Masters addressed him as 'Second Senior Brother,' indicating their seniority.
Meng Changqing felt a gaze linger on him briefly. This had happened each time a Peak Master arrived, making him wonder why he was being scrutinized so closely. Although his talent was 'remarkable,' it shouldn't warrant this level of attention.
"Let's go inside. The Headmaster should be ready," the Grand Elder said, leading the way. The group followed him into the Sect Master's Hall. The ground was mirror-like, creating the sensation of walking on water, rippling with each step, fascinating Shi Yao who began to jump around until his master, the old Peak Master, shot him a stern look.
"Greetings, Peak Masters and fellow disciples," someone in the hall greeted them, already seated in meditation.
"Nephew Han's aura is increasingly full. It seems it's almost impossible to suppress it any longer. Break through after the Three Sects Martial Arts Tournament," remarked the Peak Master of Formation Peak.
"Yes, that's my plan," Han Luoyu replied. "Please wait a moment. The Headmaster will be here soon."
"So this is Tai Xuan Sect's top disciple," Meng Changqing thought.
Han Luoyu, the Headmaster's sole direct disciple, had never lost a fight since his debut, eventually becoming first on the Hidden Dragon Ranking.
Meng Changqing activated his Observation Eye, revealing Han Luoyu's details:
【Cultivation: Ninth Stage Dao Creation Realm】
Attribute Information:
【Root Bone: First Grade】
【Comprehension: Excellent】
【Talent: Overlord Meridians】