Ancient Fiend Dragon Emperor

Chapter 826: Chapter 825: Issuing Passes

Amid the crowd’s discussions, the fifty forces that received the Fifth-Level Passes all appeared visibly excited and respectfully said, ”Thank you, Dragon Martial Intent!”

The Shadow of the True Dragon seemed oblivious to their words as its dragon claw waved again, this time producing twenty beams of light.

These beams of light were also golden cards, falling into the hands of twenty forces. Four distinct Pattern Marks were etched onto them.

They were Fourth-Level Passes!

Seeing the distribution of these passes, the crowd grew even more exhilarated.

Without a doubt, the closer it came to the final stages, the more thrilling it became, as what type of pass each sect received would entirely depend on the Dragon Martial Intent’s judgment.

Take the Phoenix Sect, for example. Despite earning the First Place across three trials, if the Dragon Martial Intent chose to bestow it a Second-Level Pass or a Third-Level Pass, the Phoenix Sect would have no choice but to begrudgingly accept its misfortune.

At this moment, most people were fixated on which passes the Top Ten Super Sects would receive.

This time, due to the dark horse that was the Phoenix Sect, the rankings of the Top Ten Super Sects were less than favorable.

But rankings weren’t everything. What the Dragon Martial Intent valued were the contributions each sect made to the Dragon Martial Continent, as well as their potential moving forward.

If they still managed to attain the High-Level Passes, it would confirm that their contributions to the Dragon Martial Continent were indeed significant, and that their foundation remained terrifyingly formidable.

Foundation also equated to potential.

The seventy forces who obtained Fourth-Level and Fifth-Level Passes received only cursory attention from the crowd, as they didn’t stir much concern.

It was the passes from the Third Level onward that truly captured everyone’s interest.

A short moment later, the Shadow of the True Dragon distributed another batch of passes, this time twenty Third-Level Passes.

The sects awarded Third-Level Passes included the Nine Heavens Tower, the Cloud Sea Trading House, various major families, and others.

Noteworthy was the Yun Family. Although Su Han presented three hundred Sage’s Skulls during the first trial, allowing the Yun Family to tie for third with the Ye Family, its lack of achievements in the subsequent two trials still netted it a Third-Level Pass.

That was already quite commendable, as the Second-Level and First-Level Passes would typically be reserved for the top ten forces.

What surprised many was that among the recipients of the Third-Level Passes was the Dragon Martial Trading House.

The Dragon Martial Trading House ranked within the top six. Whether due to luck or capability, it was undeniably a top-six force. Many people assumed it would receive at least a Second-Level Pass, but unexpectedly, it only obtained a Third-Level Pass.

Perhaps even the Dragon Martial Trading House itself hadn’t anticipated this. So when it received the Third-Level Pass, its members did not display any elation but instead wore deeply displeased expressions. Nonetheless, despite their displeasure, they still had to give a respectful acknowledgment: ”Thank you, Dragon Martial Intent.”

Alongside the recipients of Third-Level Passes were the Guu Family, the Ye Family, and the Chang’an Mountain Gate, all of which had been in the top thirteen at some point.

Furthermore, even super sects such as the Jade Void Palace and the Sword Immortal Tomb surprisingly earned Third-Level Passes.

The faces of Yuan Ling and Moo Qinghai darkened to the utmost degree—it was utterly unprecedented in past sect competitions.

Yet they were well aware of the reasons. This particular sect competition, due to the influence of the Phoenix Sect, caused the Sword Immortal Tomb and the Jade Void Palace to perform poorly right from the start.

”I want to see for myself what kind of pass you’ll get!”

Yuan Ling glared intensely at Su Han, his gaze flickering with murderous intent. ”Don’t blame me for being ruthless; it’s your own fault for flaunting yourself too much. After I kill you and take your pass, it’s a win-win for me!”

Although Moo Qinghai didn’t speak, his expression betrayed thoughts seemingly identical to Yuan Ling’s.

By this juncture, ninety passes had been distributed, and the most thrilling moment was about to arrive.

The later the passes were distributed, the higher their level—this much was certain.

Among the forces ranked within the top 100 that still hadn’t received a pass, only ten remained.

These ten forces were: the Phoenix Sect, the One Slash Palace, the Demon Domain, the Holy Spirit Palace, the Sect of the Battle God, the Sect of Peace, the Divine Transformation Pavilion, Giant Island, the Immortal Dao Court, and... the Xuanyuan Clan.

Though the Xuanyuan Clan ranked in the top six, as one of the Thirteen Families, it still hadn’t received a pass by now, drawing endless attention.

Many speculated that the Xuanyuan Clan might receive a Third-Level Pass and that one of the sects like the Jade Void Palace or the Sword Immortal Tomb would emerge instead.

Equally captivating was the Phoenix Sect.

”The Xuanyuan Clan has endured through time, and with the passing years, people have likely already forgotten their origins.”

”The distribution of passes by the Dragon Martial Intent is said to factor in potential and contributions to the Dragon Martial Continent. Speaking of contributions, the Xuanyuan Clan hasn’t done much to speak of. Could it be due to... their potential? Just how immense must their potential be to overshadow both the Jade Void Palace and the Sword Immortal Tomb?”

”Were it not for the pass distribution, we might have entirely overlooked the Xuanyuan Clan—the most mysterious and ancient lineage. It seems we shouldn’t underestimate them.”

”I predict the Phoenix Sect will receive a Second-Level Pass.”

”I think so too. If it’s truly based on potential and contributions, what’s a sect that’s arisen in less than ten years possibly contributed? As for potential... haha, that’s even less convincing. Foundation is also a form of potential, and does the Phoenix Sect’s foundation surpass that of the Sword Immortal Tomb or the Jade Void Palace?”

”If they’ve made it this far without receiving a pass, it’s probably thanks to being first across the three trials. In the upcoming rankings, the Phoenix Sect won’t surpass any of the other forces. A Second-Level Pass is likely their limit.”

...

Numerous gazes turned to the Phoenix Sect.

Su Han remained calm and collected, standing with his hands clasped behind his back. His white robes brushed the ground, and his jet-black hair swayed in the breeze. His refined and tranquil demeanor tugged at the heartstrings of countless young women once again.

Nangong Yu often cast fleeting glances toward Su Han. Her cheeks flushed with each glance, yet she couldn’t help but look again.

Beside her, Nangong Chenfeng chuckled softly but refrained from teasing her.

As time passed, the Dragon Martial Intent finally began the distribution of Second-Level Passes.

Seven in total, each floating in the void and momentarily pausing before descending upon the respective forces under the crowd’s heart-pounding, electrified gazes.

When the identities of the seven forces were revealed, the crowd’s eyes involuntarily widened!