Chapter 1001: Sensation

Originally, Meng Zhang didn't hold much hope for Han Yao's confrontation against the Demonic Cultivation of the Dali Dynasty.

Because the Dali Dynasty had deep ties with the Demonic Cultivation, the latter had a deeply rooted influence both within and outside the imperial court.

However, it seems that Han Yao's influence is much greater than expected.

As Meng Zhang was contemplating, a black-robed old man, surrounded by a group of people, flew to the other side of the viewing platform, opposite Han Yao, in a grand manner.

Without the need for an introduction from Sun Sheng beside him, Meng Zhang could guess this person's identity.

The old man was tall, his hair and beard were all white, and his face was so wrinkled that the lines almost merged together.

Although he appeared aged and feeble, he exuded an air of self-dignity. There was an indescribable sharpness emitting from him continuously.

Based on the intelligence Meng Zhang had, he guessed that this person was none other than the renowned Swordlord of the Dali Dynasty, Ouyang Jian.

Ouyang Jian could be described as the towering tree of the Dali Dynasty, a veteran of three dynasties who had served the court for over two thousand years.

He held high prestige both inside and outside the court, with numerous followers.

He not only possessed profound qualifications and seniority, but his strength also ranked among the forefront of cultivators in the Dali Dynasty.

As soon as Ouyang Jian appeared on the viewing platform, cultivators from all walks of life gestured towards him from a distance. Many who considered themselves qualified went to pay their respects.

Suddenly, the crowd that had surrounded Han Yao became noticeably sparse.

In this match, as per tradition, the Imperial Guards were responsible for sending arbitrators.

Both sides of the conflict were Primordial Spirit realm cultivators, and significant figures at that. The Imperial Guards took this matter seriously, dispatching three Primordial Spirit True Monarchs as arbitrators to prevent any unexpected incidents.

After Ouyang Jian arrived, not to mention others, even the Imperial Guards' side, including the two Primordial Spirit True Monarchs serving as arbitrators, went to greet and pay their respects to him.

Without mentioning anything else, the scene alone showcased Ouyang Jian's immense authority.

Having offended such a figure, Meng Zhang was sure to encounter substantial troubles in the future.

Sun Sheng, who had been standing behind Meng Zhang, clearly became uneasy upon seeing Ouyang Jian's arrival. However, fortunately, despite his apprehension, he did not immediately abandon Meng Zhang and flee.

After Ouyang Jian took his seat, he didn't even spare a glance at Meng Zhang in the field, but instead, cast a glance at Han Yao across from him.In terms of status, he was an esteemed lord of the Dali Dynasty, while Han Yao was merely a District Magistrate of the Grand Court.

In terms of Cultivation Base, he had achieved the Primordial Spirit realm long before Han Yao was even born.

Even now, both being cultivators at the Primordial Spirit late stage, he believed his Cultivation Base and combat experience far surpassed the other.

The two were political rivals with irreconcilable differences. Ouyang Jian wore an expression of disdain toward Han Yao, as if he hadn't even noticed him.

Similarly, Han Yao disregarded Ouyang Jian's presence, continuing to converse in low tones with the cultivators around him.

The relationship between Ouyang Jian and Han Yao had deteriorated to such an extent that they didn't even bother with basic pleasantries.

Today's competition was likely no longer a contest of youthful rivalry.

Ouyang Huajin had proactively confronted Meng Zhang due to rumors, and as a related party to those rumors, the Gu Yue Family was inevitably drawn into the matter.

After exchanging pleasantries with the cultivators who came to pay their respects, Ouyang Jian went straight to the point.

"Today, the younger generation is the main focus. We old folks shouldn't meddle too much and hinder their affairs."

Upon hearing Ouyang Jian's words, everyone sensibly left, taking their seats.

Ouyang Huajin didn't say much either. He simply stepped forward from behind Ouyang Jian, performed a grand gesture of courtesy towards him, then flew to the center of the arena. He made a beckoning gesture towards Meng Zhang.

The three Primordial Spirit True Monarchs who were acting as arbitrators began to fulfill their duties.

They stood in a triangular formation, enclosing the arena.

Meng Zhang left Sun Sheng behind and flew to the opposite side of Ouyang Huajin, facing him across the empty space.

The eldest among the arbitrators began to loudly announce the relevant matters.

The general idea was that this competition adhered to the laws of the Dali Dynasty. Both parties were participating voluntarily, regardless of life or death.

Under their supervision, they could ensure the fairness of the competition.

...The person there rambled on for a while, and after the announcement, the procedure was finally completed.

With a final loud shout of "begin," the competition officially started.

During the moments just before, Meng Zhang wasn't idle. He had been observing his opponent all along.

Ouyang Huajin's face was serious, devoid of any casual or arrogant expressions.

He seemed like a tightly drawn bow, ready to be released at any moment.

Meng Zhang had a faint feeling that the Ouyang Huajin standing before him today seemed a bit off.

In Meng Zhang's keen perception, the person was still the same, yet something seemed to be missing.

Right, Ouyang Huajin seemed to have lost much of his vitality.

Not only was he devoid of the arrogance and recklessness seen that day, but he had become remarkably subdued, like a pool of stagnant water.

Ouyang Huajin in this state hardly resembled a young genius with remarkable origins and a promising future. Instead, he seemed like a dying elder, resigned and disheartened.

If not for using his keen Divine Sense and Deception Breaking Eye to confirm, Meng Zhang would have doubted whether the Ouyang Huajin in front of him was a different person.

In just a few days, he seemed to have transformed completely, like a completely different individual. Was there something mysterious about this change?

Meng Zhang appeared outwardly composed but secretly reinforced his guard.

On the way here, Sun Sheng had informed Meng Zhang.

Many people were interested in today's competition, to the extent that some even organized betting pools, setting odds for the outcome of the match.

When Meng Zhang heard about this, he had even jokingly told Sun Sheng to bet on his victory to earn some pocket money.

In his words, Meng Zhang expressed a strong sense of confidence in his victory.

Upon hearing this, Sun Sheng stared at Meng Zhang with a look reserved for fools.

Were those who set up these betting pools really fools? If they dared to venture into this line of business, at the very least, their initiative wasn't in question.

Although Meng Zhang had come from Jiuqu Province and had only recently arrived in the capital city, given the current level of convenience in transportation, determined individuals could easily travel to Jiuqu Province to gather various kinds of information about Meng Zhang.

While some of Meng Zhang's most secretive matters might remain hidden, information about his strength, accomplishments, and other aspects couldn't be concealed from the public.

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