At the age of eight, he impersonated the orphan of a military officer and went to the martial world.

Chapter 99 Young Master Jin Yuan?! You...you want to participate in the Qingyun Ranking competition?

Zhang Yuan nodded.

For example, Li Jinyuan, whom he met, impressed him with his Confucian and Taoist talents.

A talented young man from Fengming County who was accompanying them couldn't help but interject, introducing several top contenders on the Qingyun Ranking that they had heard about.

"Xu Shiyu, the young master of the Xu family in the north of the city, is at the late stage of the Innate Realm, a half-step Grandmaster! His Mountain-Breaking Fist is incomparably fierce and powerful. It is said that he once shattered a thousand-pound bluestone with three punches. His strength rivals that of a Grandmaster!"

Half-step Grandmaster, that's roughly the level of cultivation Zheng Chaoyang has.

Zheng Chaoyang once told Zhang Yuan that his strength was top-notch in Fengming County, but it was not enough outside of Fengming County.

At the time, Zhang Yuan thought Zheng Chaoyang was being modest, but now he realizes he was just telling the truth.

"Gu Xuance, the young master of the Gu family in the south of the city, is even more extraordinary—a half-step Grandmaster! His family's heirloom, the 'Shadow-Splitting Sword,' is as fast as lightning, its sword light splitting into multiple segments, making it impossible to defend against. He is a strong contender for the top spot on the martial arts ranking!"

"And then there's Qian Mobai, the young master of the Qian family in the west of the city, a master of both Confucianism and martial arts! Not only has his martial arts reached the mid-stage of the Innate Realm, but his Confucian and Taoist literary skills are also profound. His calligraphy, described as 'iron strokes and silver hooks,' contains the power to ward off evil. He possesses both literary and martial talents!"

Someone nearby added.

"Don't forget the Jade-Faced Asura, Miss Zhou Qingyao! Though a woman, she is the direct descendant of the reclusive sect, Cold Moon Palace. Her mastery of the Ice Soul Cold Light Sword is unparalleled, and she possesses peak innate cultivation. It is said that she once single-handedly slew the ferocious beast, the Crimson Mane Demon Wolf, which wreaked havoc in the region!"

"And then there's Zheng Baichuan, the young master of the Zheng family. His family's array formations are exquisite. Although his own cultivation is at the mid-stage of the Innate Realm, it's said he can already set up the Nine Palaces Locking Yuan Array to trap and kill those at the late-stage of the Innate Realm." He's an extremely formidable opponent!

"In addition, Wang Chongshan of the Wang family and Sun Hao of the Sun family are also experts in the mid-to-late stages of the Innate Realm, each with their own unique skills."

The sheer volume of names and stories weighed heavily on the hearts of the people of Fengming County.

Behind each name lies a distinguished family background, astonishing talent, and formidable strength.

Chen Zijing glanced around at his dejected companions, his gaze finally settling on Zhang Yuan, who stood quietly to the side. With a mix of helplessness and consolation, he said, "Alas, it seems we'll have little to show for our trip to the prefectural city."

"Young Master Qingyang, you are still young. Consider this your visit as an opportunity to broaden your horizons and increase your knowledge. With your talent and rate of progress, you will surely have a place on the Azure Cloud Ranking next time you come!"

Hearing this, everyone nodded, even though they knew it was meant to comfort them.

In their view, eight-year-old Zhang Yuan could only "open his eyes" to the extraordinary talents of the city.

As Zhang Yuan listened to the crowd's discussions and the resounding names mentioned, his expression remained calm. He simply nodded slightly and said nothing more.

The top floor of Lanyue Tower in Luyang Prefecture.

Carved beams and painted rafters, brightly lit.

A literary gathering that brings together renowned Confucian and Taoist masters and young elites from the city is in full swing.

The sounds of string and wind instruments lingered, and the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. The atmosphere seemed harmonious and joyful, but undercurrents were surging beneath the surface.

The topic naturally revolved around the upcoming competition for the Qingyun Ranking.

"In this year's Qingyun Ranking, the title of literary champion belongs to none other than my nephew Mo Bai," an elderly man with white hair and beard said with a smile, stroking his beard.

He was Dr. Zhou, a highly respected scholar from the prefectural school, and his gaze fell upon Qian Mobai, who sat at the head of the table and possessed a refined and scholarly air.

"Young Master Mo Bai is proficient in both Confucianism and martial arts, possessing refined literary talent and a masterful hand that wields powerful, vigorous strokes of calligraphy, imbued with the power to ward off evil. He is truly a shining example of Confucianism in Luyang Prefecture. He is sure to achieve great success in this trial."

Qian Mobai, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, smiled modestly upon hearing this and cupped his hands, saying, "Dr. Zhou, you flatter me. How could I, with my meager skills, dare to claim to be the best?"

"As for Brother Sun Hao, he comes from a family with a long tradition of learning and has a profound understanding of the subtle meanings of the Spring and Autumn Annals. I have recently heard that his literary skills have also improved. He should be a strong contender for the top spot."

His gaze shifted to a young man with a square face and sharp eyes sitting to the side.

Sun Hao, the leading figure of the Sun family in this generation of Confucianism and Taoism, put down his teacup upon hearing this, a slight smile playing on his lips, carrying a hint of barely perceptible arrogance: "Brother Mo Bai, you are too modest. As we both know, the debate between Confucianism and Taoism is not about words. True understanding is revealed through the manifestation of literary talent and the transmission of meaning through poetry and books. The test will tell."

The implication is that he was prepared and full of confidence.

Another great scholar, Chen, who had served as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy and retired, chuckled and said, "Both of you are outstanding individuals, and your mutual humility is truly a blessing to Luyang. In my opinion, the literary champion this time will be either Mo Bai or Sun Hao."

"When two strong forces clash, a fierce battle is inevitable, which will surely inspire literary brilliance and add a glorious chapter to our family's history!"

Upon hearing this, everyone at the table echoed his sentiments.

Qian Mobai and Sun Hao exchanged a glance. Although they still had smiles on their faces, sparks flew deep in their eyes, and an invisible tension filled the air.

Both of them believed they were fully prepared and were just waiting to make a name for themselves in the Qingyun Ranking Trial. Now that they were in the spotlight, it was both a pressure and a motivation.

Just as everyone was enjoying themselves and focusing on Qian Mobai and Sun Hao, and everyone thought the literary landscape was settled, a clear and calm voice, yet seemingly carrying a strange penetrating power, gently rang out from the entrance of the gathering: "The position of literary leader, I, Li, will take it."

The sound wasn't loud, but it was like throwing a huge rock into a calm lake!

In an instant, the entire hall fell silent!

The music stopped, and the laughter ceased.

Everyone, including Qian Mobai, Sun Hao, Dr. Zhou, Chen Xueshi, and all the young talents present,

The city's renowned scholars all turned around in astonishment, looking in the direction of the sound.

Who is so arrogant?

How dare they spout such nonsense in front of Qian and Sun, two chosen ones of heaven, and in front of all the Confucian and Taoist masters in the city?!

"Who dares to be so rude!"

"Insolence! Where did this madman come from!"

"Outrageous! How dare they—"

Shouts, questions, and gasps of shock rang out instantly, and everyone's faces were filled with shock, anger, and disbelief.

However, when their gazes finally focused on the speaker, all the sounds seemed to be caught in an invisible hand and came to an abrupt halt!

The entire top floor of Lanyue Tower was shrouded in a deathly silence.

At the entrance, a man dressed in a worn blue robe, with a slender build and an ordinary face but with eyes as clear as an ancient well, stood quietly.

He casually tucked a scroll into his arm, his demeanor aloof and detached, seemingly out of place amidst the surrounding luxury, yet possessing an undeniable quiet strength.

"Jin—Young Master Jin Yuan?!"

"Li Jinyuan?!"

""

"Is that Young Master Jin Yuan?!"

After a brief silence came an even greater uproar, filled with shock and disbelief!

Qian Mobai abruptly stood up, his humble smile vanishing completely, replaced by incredulous astonishment: "Young Master Jin Yuan?! You—you want to participate in the Azure Cloud Ranking competition?!"

He almost thought he had misheard.

This man, recognized as the foremost figure among the younger generation of Confucian scholars and Taoists in Luyang Prefecture, is indifferent to fame and fortune and never participates in any competitions for rankings. He is already a legendary figure!