In the time before the start of the Main Hall’s examination, Xiao Ye had been immersed in arduous cultivation.
Finally, he left the city of Marquis Kuang and found a secluded spot where he continued his training in earnest.
Now, just before participating in the Main Hall’s examination, his cultivation had broken through to the late stage of King Martial Level 4.
If he counted all of his trump cards and merged three kinds of King Martial Power, he was confident in his ability to defeat warriors at the late stage of King Martial Level 5 and even the early stages of King Martial Level 6.
Of course, these were just Xiao Ye’s speculations. His true strength could only truly be known through confrontation with others.
"The feeling after a breakthrough in cultivation is indeed exhilarating!"
Xiao Ye let out a long howl, his black hair whipping about wildly, as he relished in the joy in his heart. He sped through the heavens above, flying swiftly towards the Taiyi Palace with a power that seemed to override the Eight Desolates.
"No one in the Taiyi Palace could have imagined that in just a little over a year, my cultivation would have improved so much!" A radiant brilliance burst forth from Xiao Ye’s eyes, his whole body filled with an imposing aura.
The him now, compared to when he had left the Holy Palace to gain experience outside, was worlds apart; a complete and utter transformation had taken place.
The most important reason, besides his extremely diligent cultivation, was thanks to the fully liquefied Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi in Chaoyang Valley.
"After participating in the Holy Palace’s Main Hall examination this time, I will go back to Chaoyang Valley to seclude myself for cultivation, striving to break through to the Emperor Martial Realm as soon as possible!" Xiao Ye made his decision.
His goal was to stand rightfully beside Bing Ya at the suitor selection conference held by the Ice and Snow Palace a few years later, sweeping away all competitors.
Even if the competitor were an Emperor’s son, he would not give way!
At this moment, a resolute glow showed on Ye Xiao’s face.
The Taiyi Palace had experienced a rebuild after the surprise attack from strong opponents at the last Holy Banquet at the Ultimate Palace and was now sprawling with magnificent and grand buildings, much more majestic than the previous Palace.
A faint mist lingered, resembling an Immortal Realm, revealing from every aspect the deep foundation and imposing aura of a top Sect from beneath the Four Great Emperor Domains.
At this time, within the Taiyi Palace, the mellifluous sound of a bell suddenly echoed, spreading to every corner of the Holy Palace.
Instantly, all the disciples began to stir with excitement.
They understood very well that this bell signal marked the beginning of the Main Hall’s examination!
Although this examination was open only to disciples of the Heavenly Hall, disciples from other Sub-Halls could watch as spectators.
Such an opportunity was believed to be one no one would miss.
From the areas where the three Sub-Halls were located, a large number of disciples flew out, both new and old disciples bore excited expressions as they headed toward the location of the examination.
Based on the requirements set by the Holy Palace Master, the examination was to be held on a spacious plaza within the Palace.
At this time, the Ten Law Enforcement Elders of the Main Hall as well as those of the Heavenly Hall were already present at the scene, serving as judges for the examination. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ noveⅼfire.net
As for the Palace Master of the Holy Palace, he would also descend to watch the battle.
After all, the selected Devilish Disciples from the Main Hall represented the peak standard of the Taiyi Palace’s disciples, and not even the Holy Palace Master would take it lightly.
As time passed, more and more disciples arrived at the scene.
Looking around, the plaza was paved with special blue stone slabs, gleaming brightly and arranged impressively in rows, with many peculiar items placed on the plaza, which were tools for the examination.
Around the plaza, there were also many gilt chairs arranged, and sitting on these chairs were the Law Enforcement Elders of the Heavenly Hall and its other elders.
The disciples of the Heavenly Hall who had come to watch or participate in the examination could only stand aside.
At this point, the venue was crowded with people, a sea of excited, chattering disciples everywhere.
"It’s said that each Main Hall examination only selects two of the most outstanding disciples from the Heavenly Hall."
"There must be at least ten thousand disciples in the Heavenly Hall. To pick only two out of ten thousand, the pass rate is too low."
"That’s right, so those who can enter the Main Hall and become one of the Devilish Disciples are not weak by any means."
"So who do you think will be the two disciples to successfully enter the Main Hall this time?"
"I think Xiao Ye will definitely pass. Our Holy Palace Master values him so highly, and his talent is impressive. He is bound to get through and become one of the new Devilish Disciples." As soon as this topic came up, a young disciple excitedly spoke up.
He was a disciple from the Yellow Hall, who once had some interaction with Xiao Ye.
As Xiao Ye’s fame rose within the Palace, he also deeply admired him and took Xiao Ye as his target to chase.
As soon as the young disciple finished speaking, there was immediate agreement among the crowd.
"Heh, Xiao Ye? That might not necessarily be the case." Just at this time, a mocking laugh suddenly echoed around the venue.
A youth in a green robe, carrying a longsword on his back, slowly walked over, a cold smile hanging on his face.
His eyes were as sharp as the sword, piercingly incisive, as if they could easily penetrate one’s heart, making people dare not make eye contact.
"Junior Brother Xiao Ye indeed has great talent, but after all, he has been in our Heavenly Hall for too short a time. Cultivation cannot be improved overnight, so one of the two slots for the Main Hall might not necessarily include him," the youth said with a sneer.
"It is said that he is one of the most outstanding disciples of the Heavenly Hall, possessing not only a Royal Artifact but has also reached the late stage of King Martial Level 5, making him one of the popular candidates to pass the Main Hall examination this time." Someone in the crowd immediately recognized the youth.
The disciple who previously admired Xiao Ye was taken aback and eventually bowed his head, not daring to speak.
"Heh, he’s just a disciple who was fortunate enough to catch the eye of our Palace Master and now dares to compete with me for this opportunity? I’ve been preparing for this day for a long time, and no one is going to compete with me!"
"This time, I must enter the Main Hall!" Fang Jie walked into the center, stood erect and crossed his hands behind his back.
As time went on, more and more disciples from the Heavenly Hall arrived, forming a dense mass.
Each of them was full of spirit and high in battle intent.
Surely, there was not a single Heavenly Hall disciple who did not wish to enter the Main Hall; they were all ready for this day.
Just then, a tremendous Emperor’s Suppression suddenly swept over, making all the present disciples feel heavy, immobilized, as if bearing the weight of a mountain.
The elders who had been sitting also rose to their feet one after another.
The Palace Master of the Taiyi Holy Palace had arrived, and the examination was about to begin!