Ten Thousand Sword Masters

In the sky, the strange phenomenon dissipated, the bright stars dimmed, and the world was abuzz with discussion.

Inside the landscape painting, Jiang Xianxian, Xiao Ye, Fan Ju, and all the other contestants were looking towards Zhong Yang.

Originally, within the Mountain and River Map, the participants were invisible to each other and existed in independent spaces. However, the illusory dragon that Zhong Yang conjured seemed to break through the limitations of space and appeared before everyone, along with Zhong Yang himself.

Jiang Xianxian had mixed feelings. Logically speaking, Zhong Yang had tricked her in the first round, and he was also the murderer of Yang Wei and Chen Kun. She should hate and despise such a person.

But now, for some reason, Jiang Xianxian genuinely hopes that Zhong Yang can complete the blood transfusion in the real world.

"If only this phantom dragon were real."

Xiao Ye and Fan Ju both looked at Zhong Yang with grave expressions. Zhong Yang's ability to meditate on the Void Dragon and undergo blood transfusion meant that he had a high chance of surpassing their rankings.

At the same time, they also have great respect for Zhong Yang, a competitor they can respect.

Hao Yun calmed himself down and sighed inwardly, "Zhong Yang is truly a man of great fortune, able to conjure a phantom dragon within the Landscape Painting. It's a pity, though, that such a phantom dragon doesn't exist in this world."

Jiang Chengzi was puzzled. He couldn't understand why Zhong Yang could meditate on a phantom dragon. "Master, why can Zhong Yang meditate on a phantom dragon? Do phantom dragons even exist in this world?"

"The term 'Xu Long' originates from the book 'Ping Yuan San Ji'. Ping Yuan's life was extremely legendary. He devoted his entire life to creating a completely new path, and he was the first to propose the term 'Xu Long'," Hao Yun said.

"In the third collection of Pingyuan, Xiang'er Collection, there is a description like this: 'When heaven and earth are born, there is a primordial energy that nourishes all things and gives rise to the spiritual platform. The empty is void, and the one with nature is the dragon. The mandate of heaven is forty-nine, and there is one void dragon.' This void dragon is the one that the mandate of heaven has escaped, which has evolved in response to the times. However, no void dragon has been found in the world, so this saying is little known."

Jiang Chengzi looked like he understood but not quite, but he knew from Hao Yun's words that this virtual dragon, like the real dragon, had never actually appeared; it was all just something people imagined.

Thinking of this, Jiang Chengzi felt a deep sense of pity for Zhong Yang.

Without a complete overhaul, Zhong Yang may still be able to wield considerable influence within his own circle, but his overall impact will be limited.

Zhong Yang calmed his excited emotions. He was incredibly grateful to Bai Shejun in his heart, and at the same time, he strongly hoped that Bai Shejun could eventually become one with the snake and become a true dragon.

He took a deep breath. He knew that no one in the Five Grains Cult believed he could complete the blood transfusion. Now, he was going to prove them wrong. He wanted to be number one, and he wanted to see Hao Yun's expression when he became number one.

He put on the Blood Exchange Glove, which was conjured from the Mountain and River Map, on his left hand, while the other side of the glove was placed on the left claw of the illusory dragon.

Each finger ring contains a blood-changing silver needle. Zhong Yang only needs to press down hard, and the silver needle will pierce through his finger and the left claw of the illusory dragon. Afterwards, Zhong Yang will follow the blood-changing incantation to circulate his qi and blood throughout his body, and the blood-changing process will begin.

The process is simple, but the pain is unbearable for most people.

"Reporting to the leader, three people have already withdrawn from the selection," Lü Yao reported to Hao Yun.

Hao Yun waved his hand, signaling Lü Yao to send someone to sneak the three of them down the mountain. This was something he had expected; in every selection process, several people would drop out at the blood transfusion stage.

Being born with unique qualities doesn't mean you'll become exceptionally outstanding. Every person who achieves ultimate success does so through sheer luck.

Seeing Zhong Yang put on the gloves, Jiang Chengzi's heart sank. He was worried that Zhong Yang would back down at this moment. He believed that if Zhong Yang could complete the blood transfusion within the Mountain and River Map, then his request to Hao Yun to allow Zhong Yang to stay in the Five Grains Divine Sect for a year, or even longer, might be granted.

"Haha, Xiao Ye has already started the blood transfusion. If Zhong Yang hasn't started yet, I'm afraid he can't bear the pain of the blood transfusion." Seeing that Zhong Yang hadn't started the blood transfusion yet, the young man in black robes finally felt happy.

Lu Yao glanced at the young man in black robes with a hint of disdain. "Hasn't Zhong Yang created enough miracles along the way? I believe in him."

The young man in black robes snorted coldly, "That Zhong Yang~", and was about to say something sarcastic to Zhong Yang.

"Cao Tianqi, can you be quiet?" Tan Yuan was unusually angry, interrupting the black-robed youth, Cao Tianqi, from speaking.

Cao Tianqi's expression was displeased, and he remained silent. If it weren't for Tan Yuan's good looks, and his reprimand of him by any of his senior brothers or sisters, he would never have let it go so easily.

Zhong Yang took a deep breath, and with a forceful pull, the silver needle pierced his finger. Waves of pain washed over him, but Zhong Yang gritted his teeth and persevered.

His blood surged, rushing towards his fingers. The illusory dragon's blood began to enter his body through the silver needles. As the blood mingled and entered his body, Zhong Yang roared, his body trembling, large beads of sweat dripping down, his veins bulging, and he was in excruciating pain.

The blood transfusion takes place in the illusory space of the landscape painting. Everything is illusory, only consciousness is real, which means that some people may give up the blood transfusion halfway through.

In the real world, blood transfusions are meticulously prepared beforehand, and abandoning the procedure midway is strictly prohibited; otherwise, the blood will become mixed, and the patient will die on the spot.

In the Phantom Realm, the body is nonexistent, and there is no threat of death. Many people often cannot bear the pain and give up the test.

"Reporting to the Sect Leader, five people have withdrawn from the selection." Lü Yao reported to Hao Yun. Five people withdrew from the selection one after another, which reminded Lü Yao of when he entered the Mountain and River Map to undergo blood transfusion, and he almost gave up. He was the eldest son of a concubine. If he failed the selection of the Five Grains Divine Sect, he would be demoted to a stable boy when he returned home, and thus live a miserable life. This made him unleash an amazing will and complete the blood transfusion.

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Lu Yao hoped that Zhong Yang could successfully undergo the blood transfusion. Now, Zhong Yang's image in his mind was almost perfect, and he did not want Zhong Yang to fail the blood transfusion and ruin this perfection.

Time passed slowly, and a total of fifteen people withdrew from the selection process.

This number was unprecedented; in previous selections, more than ten people had ever withdrawn. This made Lü Yao extremely nervous, his forehead covered in sweat. He was in charge of this selection, and he had personally tested the preliminary rounds; the results were what presented these aptitudes to the sect leader.

Lu Yao secretly thought he was unlucky. Not only did the sect leader personally watch the selection, but more than a dozen people withdrew from the selection, leaving him with the impression of being poorly organized in front of the sect leader.

At this moment, he hoped even more strongly that Zhong Yang could complete the blood transfusion. Zhong Yang was someone he had allowed to enter the final selection through special connections, and his performance in the first two rounds was astonishing, even alarming the sect leader. Although his zodiac sign was dragon, if he could complete the blood transfusion within the Mountain and River Map, it would demonstrate Zhong Yang's comprehensive qualities and prove that he, Lü Yao, did have an eye for talent.

Cao Tianqi looked nervously at Zhong Yang and then at Xiao Ye. His ominous premonition grew stronger, and he became increasingly agitated.

Suddenly, his eyes widened, he pointed in Zhongyang's direction, and spat out a mouthful of blood, "How is this possible!"

Zhong Yang has completed his transformation and left the world of Shanhetu.

Although his face was pale and his body swayed slightly, as if a gust of wind could blow him over.

But the sunlight shone on him, elongating his shadow. He walked step by step, each step leaving a mark in the hearts of Lü Yao and the others.

Lu Yao was somewhat dazed. As Zhong Yang slowly approached, he had the feeling that Zhong Yang was walking on the sun. It was as if everything in the world was beneath Zhong Yang's feet.

Tan Yuan was mesmerized, staring intently at Zhong Yang. She felt that Zhong Yang at this moment was the ancient victor. The blazing sunlight was his cloak, the endless void his armor, and the earth and mountains his weapons. Every step he took was like wielding a spear, sweeping away thousands of troops and shattering stars.

"Disciple Zhong Yang has completed the blood transfusion."

Zhong Yang's voice was soft, yet it struck Hao Yun's chest like a heavy iron weight.

The Five Grains God Cult is the first to have its members born in the Year of the Dragon undergo a complete blood transfusion since its founding.

Hao Yun and Cao Tianqi bet that Jiang Xianxian would win, but now, Hao Yun desperately hopes that Xiao Ye will be the second to complete the blood transfusion.

He was now at a loss for what to do. Zhong Yang was definitely in the top three, and if Xiao Ye wasn't the second to complete the blood transfusion, then Zhong Yang would be number one!

He couldn't imagine how many people would laugh at the Five Grains God Sect if word got out that someone born in the Year of the Dragon had become the number one candidate in the selection process.

Now, Hao Yun is getting impatient. Zhong Yang is definitely in the top three, which means he has passed the Five Grains God Sect selection. So, should the Five Grains God Sect accept him or not?

Taking him as a disciple, given that Zhong Yang's zodiac sign is Dragon, means he will never be able to complete the blood transfusion, which would be a waste of resources and the price is too high.

They won't accept him, but Zhong Yang is ranked in the top three, why won't they accept him? Just because his zodiac sign is dragon? But the Five Grains God Cult doesn't have a clear rule that people born in the year of the dragon can't join!

At that moment, Jiang Xianxian stepped out of the Landscape Painting and delivered the final blow to Hao Yun!

Jiang Xianxian was the second to complete the blood transfusion, which also means that Zhong Yang became the number one in this Five Grains Cult selection!

Hao Yun closed his eyes and took a deep breath. As the leader of a sect, he could not lose his composure.

Hao Yun is the leader and cannot lose his composure; however, Cao Tianqi has already gone mad.

He grinned foolishly, feeling utterly aggrieved. He felt as if fate was playing a cruel joke on him, and that Lü Yao and the others had set a trap for him. Who would believe that someone born in the Year of the Dragon would become the top disciple selected by the Five Grains Divine Sect?

"Haha, who believes that? Who believes that? It's all fake. You're all joking with me." Cao Tianqi said, and suddenly, his body trembled, and a stream of blood spilled from the corner of his mouth.

One after another, the disciples who had completed the blood transfusion walked out of the Mountain and River Map. They all saw the illusory dragon that Zhong Yang had conjured in meditation, and now they saw Zhong Yang standing in the first position, knowing that Zhong Yang was the first to complete the blood transfusion.

In previous years, this time of year was the most lively, with everyone calculating their rankings and discussing the matter.

Now, the crowd is silent, all eyes are on Zhong Yang, who stands there, his shadow stretched long in the sunlight.

The feeling of "looking up to a towering mountain" is shared by all the candidates, including Jiang Xianxian.

Jiang Xianxian stood behind Zhong Yang. She forgot to calculate the scores and the rankings. In her mind, she kept recalling the memories of Zhong Yang and her time together during her time in the Five Grains Cult.

Zhong Yang was right in front of her, but she found that she had to look up at him with all her might.

"May I ask, Master, what is my ranking?"

The voice was not loud, but extremely calm. However, the question seemed to echo throughout the entire Five Grains Cult.

Hao Yun's expression was complicated, and he remained silent for a long time.

Zhong Yang just stared at Hao Yun, wanting to see how Hao Yun, who looked down on him, would handle the current situation, whether he would accept him or not.

Hao Yun calmed down, realizing that he needed to deal with the situation immediately. The longer he delayed, the greater the damage to the prestige of the Five Grains God Cult would be.

"You are number one," Hao Yun said.

Upon hearing Hao Yun's words, everyone gasped. Although they had vaguely guessed that Zhong Yang would ultimately rank first, hearing Hao Yun say it at this moment was still quite shocking.

clap clap!

A round of applause erupted, led by Xiao Ye, and the applause quickly grew louder.

Zhong Yang turned around and gave everyone a hearty laugh.

Wow~

Cheers erupted, and the long-silent crowd burst into thunderous applause. At this moment, they were all Zhong Yang's supporters; it seemed as if they themselves had won first place, not Zhong Yang.

Jiang Chengzi smiled with satisfaction. Of all the selections he had witnessed, none had ever received such thunderous applause and cheers when the winner was announced. Zhong Yang, with his willpower and ability, had conquered everyone.

Hao Yun's feelings were complicated, and he sighed inwardly. If Zhong Yang's zodiac sign were not the dragon, but some other zodiac sign, then today would have been an absolutely perfect day.

At this moment, Cao Tianqi, who had finally calmed down, suddenly coughed up blood when he heard Hao Yun say "You are number one." He swayed and was quickly supported by Lü Yao.

"Zhong Yang, come with me," Hao Yun said to Zhong Yang.

Zhong Yang knew that this was about whether or not to accept him.

Hao Yun led Zhong Yang into a side hall, sat down at a table, and then gestured for Zhong Yang to sit down as well.

"You're very good; you have an extraordinary will," Hao Yun praised Zhong Yang.

Zhong Yang knew that Hao Yun was still unwilling to accept him as a disciple of the Five Grains Divine Sect. If Zhong Yang had sincerely come to participate in the selection and won first place, but the Five Grains Divine Sect did not accept him, he would be furious.

But he came to the Five Grains Cult only to bring Jiang Xianxian back.

Hao Yun praised Zhong Yang for a while, then fell silent, unsure of what to say. Zhong Yang sneered inwardly.

"Master, I know that my zodiac sign is Dragon, which makes me unable to undergo the blood transfusion. Joining the Five Grains God Cult would be a waste of my time."

Upon hearing Zhong Yang's words, Hao Yun's eyes lit up. He was unwilling to accept Zhong Yang as his student, but since Zhong Yang was the number one, he couldn't bring himself to refuse. Now, Zhong Yang's words made him overjoyed.

"I can choose not to join the Five Grains Cult, but I have one condition."

Without hesitation, Hao Yun asked, "What are the conditions?"

"I'm sorry, Master, but Jiang Hua and I are from the same place. I know Jiang Hua's parents. They don't want Jiang Hua to join the Five Grains God Cult; they want him to take over their business in the future. Jiang Hua also came to participate in the selection without his parents' knowledge, so I was entrusted by his parents to bring Jiang Hua back."

Zhong Yang just calculated that Jiang Xianxian was the second to come out after him, and she got 40 points. Adding her previous score, Jiang Xianxian actually jumped to fourth place.

If Zhong Yang withdraws from the selection process, then Jiang Xianxian will be in third place.

Upon hearing Zhong Yang's words, Hao Yun waved his hand and checked the rankings. He found that Jiang Xianxian was ranked fourth. He was somewhat conflicted because with Zhong Yang's withdrawal, Jiang Xianxian would be third, thus passing the selection. Jiang Xianxian was a disciple he had high hopes for.

Seeing Hao Yun hesitate, Zhong Yang said, "This is my only condition. If the sect leader does not agree, I'm afraid..."

Zhong Yang didn't continue. Hao Yun, being a smart man, understood the implication. After all, the Five Grains Divine Sect didn't explicitly state that those born in the Year of the Dragon couldn't join. If Zhong Yang ranked first but wasn't selected, the Five Grains Divine Sect would only be ridiculed by the world. Therefore, Zhong Yang's voluntary withdrawal and Hao Yun's agreement to his conditions were beneficial to both parties.

"Alright, filial piety comes first in everything. Since Jiang Hua's parents don't allow him to participate in the selection, my sect naturally won't accept him," Hao Yun said.

Zhong Yang was overjoyed.

Lü Yao has already announced the rankings: Zhong Yang is first, Xiao Ye is second, and Fan Ju is third.

The others sighed, but also congratulated the three.

Just then, Hao Yun suddenly spoke up: "Because of an unexpected incident, Zhong Yang is unable to join my sect and has therefore withdrawn from this selection."

As soon as Hao Yun spoke, the crowd erupted in uproar and began to discuss among themselves.

"What happened? Why did Zhong Yang quit?"

"Something came up unexpectedly? What could possibly come up unexpectedly?"

In fact, everyone vaguely guessed that it might be because Zhong Yang's zodiac sign was the dragon, making it impossible for him to undergo a blood transfusion, which is why the Five Grains Divine Sect was unwilling to accept him as a member.

Everyone could guess, but dared not say it; they were all making veiled accusations. However, Jiang Xianxian was fearless and stepped forward.

"May I ask, Master, what unexpected event happened to Zhong Yang? He came to participate in the selection, won first place, and was about to join the Five Grains God Cult, but at this time, an unexpected event occurred, preventing him from joining. What kind of unexpected event could have occurred that couldn't wait until he completed the procedures for joining the Five Grains God Cult before dealing with it?"

Jiang Xianxian directly questioned Hao Yun, and her words ignited the crowd, who stopped hiding their opinions and started discussing it openly.

"With such talent as Zhong Yang, is it simply because his zodiac sign is Dragon that the Five Grains Divine Sect won't accept him?"

"Zhong Yang is undeniably number one, why wouldn't the Five Grains Cult accept him?"

I like the Ten Thousand Swords Master.