Chapter 465 - 339: All Stars Surround the Moon (Part 2)

Chapter 465: Chapter 339: All Stars Surround the Moon (Part 2)

’The change to number one on the Celestial Slaughter List is strange,’ Zhu Zhengping mused with a soft chuckle. He was surprised, but not angry.

After all, he had already obtained the thing he valued most. As for the prize for first place... While Zhu Zhengping felt a pang of regret that it hadn’t gone to one of his own disciples, it was hardly a catastrophe. Given the Profound Yin Sect’s immense resources, it was an acceptable loss.

As Zhu Zhengping was lost in thought, the figures of Qiu Xing, Yama, and He Bicheng materialized. The moment they touched the ground, they drew gasps from the crowd and became the center of attention.

"Is that... the Profound Yin Sect’s three prodigies?"

"Qiu Xing, Yama, and He Bicheng. Those three nearly swept the top three spots in the Celestial Slaughter Secret Realm. If not for Yu Changsheng’s sudden emergence, they would have stolen the show."

"Even so, this shows the Profound Yin Sect’s profound depth. Of the disciples who made the top ten, the Purple Rainbow Sect and the Seven Stars Sect each have one, yet the Profound Yin Sect has three—and they’re all near the top..."

"The Profound Yin Sect really can’t be underestimated. They might keep a low profile, but their strength is plain to see. The title of the number one sect on the Martial Continent... is no empty boast."

......

Hearing the murmurs from the surrounding crowd, Zhu Zhengping’s expression softened, and his mood brightened considerably.

’There was an upset for first place, but this result isn’t so bad. We’ve made our name.’

Zhu Zhengping mused, his gaze drifting over to Qiu Xing and the other two.

As the light of their teleportation faded, the three disciples from the Profound Yin Sect stood stunned for a moment before coming to their senses. They exchanged a look, their eyes filled with complex emotions, but said nothing.

Qiu Xing’s eyes burned with indignation and frustration. Yama’s were filled with resentment and fury. He Bicheng, on the other hand, simply looked dejected.

This scene did not escape Zhu Zhengping’s notice, and it left him slightly puzzled.

’It seems Qiu Xing suffered a setback. Well, having first place snatched away at the last second, of course he’d be resentful. As for Yama, with Yu Changsheng’s rise, he wasn’t able to kill him. It looks like he still holds a grudge.’

’But why does Cheng’Er look that way? Did something happen to him?’

Observing their expressions, Zhu Zhengping’s heart lurched. He had a bad feeling about this.

Just then, the three disciples flew to Zhu Zhengping’s side. They bowed in unison, their fists cupped respectfully, and one of them spoke in a low voice:

"Peak Master... I have failed to live up to your expectations. I did not win first place. I await your punishment."

"It’s nothing," Zhu Zhengping said with a wave of his hand. He looked at the three and was about to say more, but just then, the crimson vortex above swirled, and another pillar of blood-red light descended.

This pillar of light was different from the others. It was at least ten times wider, a magnificent sight that naturally drew every eye. The figure concealed within possessed an extraordinary aura.

"This is..."

Zhu Zhengping trailed off, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the pillar.

"Yu Changsheng?! It’s him!"

"He’s here! The winner of the Celestial Slaughter Secret Realm has arrived! I never paid him any mind before, but now I have to get a good look. What kind of prodigy could crush all the competition like that?"

"The Wanxiang Sect has kept a low profile for so many years. To think they’d produce someone like this... How unexpected."

The pillar of light faded, revealing a figure that drew a collective gasp from the crowd. It was none other than Yu Changsheng.

Before the Secret Realm, Yu Changsheng had drawn some notice, but no one had truly cared. In this moment, however, everything was different. Every single gaze was locked on him. He was the center of the universe.

The disciples and Elders from all the sects narrowed their eyes, their gazes a mixture of scrutiny, curiosity, admiration, and other complex emotions.

Qiu Xing, Yama, and He Bicheng froze. Seeing the brilliant figure of Yu Changsheng, their eyes dimmed in unison, their expressions twisting into masks of extreme complexity.

"Yu Changsheng..."

A bright glint flashed in the eyes of Lu Ruikai and Ruan Hao. In an instant, they were by Yu Changsheng’s side, holding him steady. A look of concern on their faces, Lu Ruikai smiled and asked:

"You’re out! Are you alright? You weren’t hurt during your time in the Secret Realm, were you?"

As he spoke, he produced several bottles of elixirs, all while carefully inspecting Yu Changsheng’s condition. The surprise in his eyes was unmistakable.

"Thank you for your concern, Sect Leader, Ancestor. I am unharmed and have gained much."

Yu Changsheng replied, cupping his fist and bowing slightly.

"Hahaha."

Ruan Hao stroked his beard and roared with laughter. He steadied Yu Changsheng, looking him up and down with an expression of pure, unadulterated admiration. He nodded at the young disciple and beamed.

"Our Wanxiang Sect has produced a truly fine sapling! Good, good child. When we return, the sect will have a handsome reward for you. Whatever you need, do not hesitate to ask."

Yu Changsheng paused for a moment before nodding. "Thank you, Ancestor."

"Mm." Ruan Hao nodded and shot a casual glance toward Zhu Zhengping. Seeing no reaction, he shook his head with a small smile and guided Yu Changsheng back toward the Wanxiang Sect’s designated area.

Though it was only a short walk, countless eyes were fixed on Yu Changsheng. Yet his expression remained placid, revealing nothing. He carried himself with a calm dignity, neither servile nor arrogant.

"Changsheng, it’s good to have you back."

When the other disciples of the Wanxiang Sect saw Yu Changsheng, an involuntary look of respect appeared on their faces. They bowed their heads in deference, including Lin Wang and Ling Tianyi, who also offered a slight bow.

Zhang Tianwen and the others smiled, walking up to pat him on the shoulder, their faces full of concern.

"I’m fine," Yu Changsheng responded with a smile, though his gaze seemed distant. He ignored the stares from the other sects and spoke quietly with Zhang Tianwen and his friends. "The Celestial Slaughter Secret Realm is finally over."

Yu Changsheng was the last person to be teleported back. With his arrival, the crimson vortex in the sky slowly shrank until it finally closed and vanished without a trace.

Zhu Zhengping retracted his gaze from Yu Changsheng. His body slowly ascended into the air, and with a complex expression on his face, he began to speak, his voice ringing out across the plaza.

"After half a month in the Secret Realm, I trust that the disciples of every sect have had a fruitful journey. The Celestial Slaughter Secret Realm is now officially closed. It is time for me to announce the names of the top ten participants."

As his voice faded, the plaza fell silent. All eyes turned to Zhu Zhengping, awaiting his next words.

Zhu Zhengping took a soft breath, shaking his head to clear away distracting thoughts. With a wave of his sleeve, a massive, blood-red screen of light materialized in the air—the Celestial Slaughter List. At the same time, he projected his voice with Divine Thought, ensuring everyone could hear:

"First place, Wanxiang Sect..."

Zhu Zhengping paused, his gaze landing on Yu Changsheng.

"Yu Changsheng!"

After a brief pause, Zhu Zhengping continued, rattling off the remaining names in quick succession. It seemed he had no desire for Yu Changsheng to steal any more of the spotlight.

"Second place, Profound Yin Sect, Qiu Xing." 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ

"Third place, Profound Yin Sect, Yama."

"Fourth place, Profound Yin Sect, He Bicheng."

Zhu Zhengping read these three names a little more slowly.

"Fifth place, Purple Rainbow Sect, Wen Hanhai."

"Sixth place, Seven Stars Sect, Qian Chengren."

"Seventh place: Cang Lei Sect, Wang Haiyang."

"Eighth place: Tyrant Emperor Sect, Chen Hong."

"Ninth place: No-Mind Sect, Yang Hao."

"Tenth place: Red Fire Sect, Shen Guo."

...

Zhu Zhengping’s voice came to an abrupt halt after he announced the tenth name. As each name was called, the focus of the crowd shifted to its owner. Because of the deaths of Wuya and Chen Haolan, one disciple from the No-Mind Sect and one from the Red Fire Sect had managed to slip into the top ten.

Undoubtedly, however, the most dazzling figure was still Yu Changsheng.

No one had expected someone from the Wanxiang Sect to take the top spot—not even the members of the Wanxiang Sect themselves.

"Now, I invite our top ten prodigies to come forward and receive their rewards."

Zhu Zhengping lived up to his station as a leader from a great sect. Whatever he was truly feeling, he put on a smile and spoke gently.

One by one, figures flew out from their respective sect encampments, landing before Zhu Zhengping in order of their rank.

Yu Changsheng did the same. He stood at the very center of the ten, like the moon surrounded by stars. At this moment, no matter what the other nine were thinking or feeling, their brilliance was utterly eclipsed by his.

"You... are impressive," Zhu Zhengping said softly, looking at Yu Changsheng. "The future of our Martial Continent rests on the shoulders of your generation."