Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 201: Chapter 201: Princess Cai Yunji

Pavilion Master Zhang and Vice Pavilion Master Liu both understood that at this moment, the only one who could possibly create a miracle was Ye Qingchen.

Although Ye Qingchen had only recently been promoted to a third-grade alchemist, the idea of him advancing to a fourth-grade alchemist was undoubtedly an impossible dream.

However, Ye Qingchen’s efforts were clear for both of them to see.

Moreover, Ye Qingchen’s Alchemical Talent had never disappointed them.

But neither Pavilion Master Zhang nor Vice Pavilion Master Liu said anything like, ”You must work hard,” to Ye Qingchen. Such words would only subject him to pressure he shouldn’t have to bear at his young age.

Yet even though they didn’t say it, Ye Qingchen understood the heavy weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

Afterward, Pavilion Master Zhang went over some important details for the Grand Alchemy Competition, then said no more. Vice Pavilion Master Liu also had nothing to add.

”Vice Pavilion Master Liu, the appointed hour is almost here. We should be going,” Pavilion Master Zhang said with another sigh, standing up and walking toward the lounge exit.

The elite alchemists from the Qingyun Sect then followed Vice Pavilion Master Liu out.

By now, the venue for the Grand Alchemy Competition was already a sea of people, with every seat filled.

As a grand event in the Northern Desolate Country, every Grand Alchemy Competition drew extraordinary attention. Moreover, this time the royal family of the Northern Desolate Country had spared no expense, attracting even more distinguished figures of the Alchemy Dao to participate. Naturally, the crowd of spectators was larger than ever.

The spectator seats were divided into four sections. Those closest to the competition platform were reserved for the royal family and nobility of the Northern Desolate Country. Behind the royal section, three other large sections were arranged in a row.

In the middle were the high officials and nobles of the Northern Desolate Country. To the left were the various sects and clans, there to cheer on their disciples. The right side was more of a mix, including the heads of major merchant associations, regional officials and gentry, and even some renowned loose cultivators.

In front of the spectator seats was a platform specially constructed for the Grand Alchemy Competition.

The platform was a vast 10,000 square meters, spacious enough to accommodate several hundred, even a thousand participants simultaneously with room to spare.

To either side of the platform were the rest areas built for the contestants from the various sects and factions.

Pavilion Master Zhang led the group from the Qingyun Sect to their allocated area, where Elder Wuji and Li Zongrui were already waiting. After exchanging pleasantries, everyone took their seats.

Ye Qingchen’s gaze swept over the sea of people in the stands before turning to the rest areas of the various sects. His expression was calm, but he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of excitement in his heart.

After all, Ye Qingchen was only seventeen or eighteen years old, and this was his first time participating in such a grand and solemn competition. It would be impossible for him not to be nervous. However, given Ye Qingchen’s temperament, he was able to keep his composure.

In the spectator stands, the buzz of conversation was unceasing as everyone cheered for the contestants they supported. Some had even unfurled banners with phrases like, ”Such-and-such disciple from such-and-such sect will definitely win the championship!”

Compared to the boisterous support groups of other sects, the Qingyun Sect, the foremost sect of the Northern Desolate Country, looked quite pathetic by comparison.

In truth, the Qingyun Sect’s entire support group consisted of only Elder Wuji and Li Zongrui. Although Li Zongrui was cheering for his sect with all his might, their presence seemed insignificant amidst the sea of people.

The appointed hour arrived. At the center of the platform stood a large bronze bell. Eight stout men worked together to swing the clapper, and the deep toll of the bell rang out nine times, bringing a hush over the bustling venue.

Following that, a young maiden in a yellow dress, flanked by a retinue of palace maids, walked toward the center of the platform.

The maiden in yellow was exceptionally delicate and pretty, yet her refined features held a noble air that kept others at a distance.

She moved with graceful steps, radiating dignity without losing the vibrant liveliness unique to a young girl.

The moment she appeared, a wave of exclamations erupted from the stands.

”Princess Yun Ji! It’s actually Princess Yun Ji herself!”

”I can’t believe this Grand Alchemy Competition is being personally hosted by Princess Yun Ji. It seems the royal family places great importance on this event!”

”Exactly! Princess Yun Ji is one of the Emperor’s most beloved daughters. He usually never lets her make public appearances. I can’t believe he’d let her host this competition!”

In contrast to the fervent discussions in the spectator seats, the Qingyun Sect’s rest area was much more composed.

Pavilion Master Zhang and Vice Pavilion Master Liu had already been summoned by the Emperor in person, so they knew a fair bit about the competition’s proceedings and had already briefed the participating disciples from the Qingyun Sect.

The only one likely unaware was Ye Qingchen. But given his temperament, he paid little attention to the so-called princess. No matter how noble her status, what does that have to do with me?

”I never imagined Princess Cai Yunji would be such a heavenly beauty.”

Next to Ye Qingchen, Li Zongrui was staring at Princess Cai Yunji with an infatuated expression.

Ye Qingchen curled his lip and disdainfully uttered two words, ”Love-struck fool.”

In Ye Qingchen’s eyes, no woman, no matter how beautiful, could compare to his Xiao Xiao.

”What did you say, Ye Qingchen! Do you have no aesthetic sense at all? Don’t you think Princess Cai Yunji is beautiful?” Li Zongrui bellowed, so incensed by the remark that he stamped his foot.

Ye Qingchen, however, remained indifferent and casually remarked, ”What does her beauty have to do with me? Besides, what does it have to do with you?”

Li Zongrui was left speechless, unable to think of a retort. He could only turn his head away in a huff. ”Hmph! Twisting my words! Utterly unreasonable!”

Seeing the two bickering again, Elder Wuji shook his head helplessly. He decided to change the subject. ”Pavilion Master Zhang,” he began, ”I heard that for this Grand Alchemy Competition, His Majesty the Emperor will personally be in attendance?”

As he had intended, Ye Qingchen and Li Zongrui stopped their bickering, their attention drawn to Pavilion Master Zhang.

Pavilion Master Zhang nodded and replied, ”That is correct. His Majesty the Emperor will personally attend to signify the importance he places on this Grand Alchemy Competition.”

Just as Pavilion Master Zhang finished speaking, a sharp, high-pitched voice cried out, ”The Emperor has arrived!”

As the announcement echoed, everyone in the spectator seats rose and knelt on either side of the aisle, respectfully welcoming His Majesty the Emperor.

The members of the Qingyun Sect, however, merely stood and gave a cupped-fist salute in the direction of the Emperor’s arrival.

In this world where strength was revered, possessing enough power meant one did not have to kneel before the emperor. There were even those whose power surpassed the imperial throne.

”Ye Qingchen, you’d better remember this: the current emperor of the Northern Desolate Country is named Cai Wentao. Don’t embarrass the Qingyun Sect by being ignorant if someone asks you,” Li Zongrui said peevishly. It was unclear whether he was showing off his knowledge or offering a genuine reminder.