The Martial Saint Started from Scavenging

Ye Sheng then learned more about the specific details of this imperial examination through the jade slip.

The ceremony was divided into three sessions, each taking place over three days.

The first round: alchemy. The second round: magical combat. The third round: beast taming.

The three competitions will be contested by three outstanding disciples from each of the two sects, with the final outcome determined by a best-of-three format. The rules for each competition are quite detailed: alchemy will be a contest of pill quality and speed, combat will be a pure martial arts duel, and beast taming will be a contest of the ability to tame and control spirit beasts.

The list of disciples representing the Qingyun Sword Sect in the battle had already been drawn up, and it was said that it was personally selected by the sect leader, True Person Xuanyang.

The alchemy competition was to be contested by Liu Qing, a genius in alchemy from the inner sect. This was expected, as Liu Qing's alchemy skills were indeed unmatched among the younger generation.

The duel will be fought by Yang Zhao, the sect leader's eldest disciple. As the sect leader's personal disciple, Yang Zhao's cultivation has already reached the late Golden Core stage, and his strength is unfathomable. It is the popular choice for him to fight.

As for the final Beast Taming match, the one who went into battle was none other than Shi Meng, an inner disciple personally taught by Zhou Tong, the peak master of Beast Taming Peak.

It is said that this person is not well-known within the sect, but he was chosen as a representative to fight, so he must have unique skills in the art of beast taming.

"Yang Zhao... Liu Qing..."

Ye Sheng looked at the two familiar names, his expression becoming somewhat complicated.

He had known Liu Qing for a long time, and she had even helped him a few times, so he owed her a favor.

Although Yang Zhao always appeared gentle and kind with a warm smile, Ye Sheng always felt that he was unfathomable and could not see through his true thoughts.

As for Shi Meng, he had never heard of him, but since he was a disciple of the Beast Taming Peak and was fighting at this critical juncture, he was probably closely related to Zhou Tong.

Ye Sheng reviewed the information in the jade slip again, and a plan began to form in his mind.

He knew that the upcoming competition would be far more complex than it appeared on the surface.

This is not just a contest between two sects, but also a covert power struggle between three factions within the sect.

Yang Zhao represents the sword path, Liu Qing represents the alchemy path, and Shi Meng represents the beast taming path. The three sides are on the same stage, ostensibly all bringing glory to their sects, but secretly they probably each have their own plans.

As for Ye Sheng himself, although he was just a guest elder and seemed to have nothing to do with this matter, he might not be able to remain unscathed.

Moreover, he had already planned to take Shen Qingqiu's advice and use the opportunity to investigate some clues again.

Just then, a light footstep sound came from outside the door. The footsteps were very light, but Ye Sheng could hear them clearly with his current keen senses.

The footsteps approached from afar and stopped at the door, followed by a cautious knock.

Ye Sheng raised an eyebrow, put away the jade slip, got up, walked to the door, and opened it. Standing outside was a sect disciple whose face looked somewhat familiar.

Upon closer inspection, Ye Sheng recognized him as one of the disciples who had been drugged by Su Wan with a mind-controlling powder in the Enforcement Hall.

At this moment, the disciple bowed respectfully to Ye Sheng with a hint of flattery.

"Elder Ye, there is a letter for you."

As he spoke, he took out a letter sealed with sealing wax from his pocket, and handed it over respectfully with both hands, not daring to raise his head.

Ye Sheng took the letter; it felt slightly heavy in his hand. The envelope was made of fine cloud-patterned paper, and the sealing wax had a mark he had never seen before.

He glanced at the envelope; it was unsigned, with only the words "To Mr. Ye" written in delicate handwriting, clearly the work of a woman.

He waved his hand, signaling the disciple to step back. The disciple, feeling as if he had been granted a pardon, bowed again and quickly left.

Ye Sheng closed the door, returned to the window, and muttered to himself: Why is someone sending me a message again?

He was puzzled and opened the letter again.

He pulled out the letter inside, unfolded it, and saw only a few lines of delicate small characters, with clear and powerful handwriting.

"Yun Zhonghe has returned to the sect and seems to be making unusual moves. There will definitely be changes on Beast Taming Peak on the day of the Grand Competition. Please be extra careful."

"Also, I have found some clues about your brother. I will tell you in person after the competition. — Su Wan"

It was a letter from Su Wan.

Ye Sheng looked at the contents of the letter, his heart skipped a beat, and his pupils contracted slightly.

Yun Zhonghe is back? And there's going to be some change at Beast Taming Peak? Will this change be related to my younger brother? What clues has Su Wan found? And how did she know all this?

Countless questions flooded his mind, making Ye Sheng's emotions unsettled.

Then he went to the candlestick and held the letter up to the candlelight.

The flames licked at the letter, causing it to quickly curl, turn black, and finally turn into a handful of ashes, which fell to the bottom of the candlestick.

Ye Sheng looked at the ashes, his eyes becoming incredibly deep, and a hint of unease crept in.

It seems he has no choice but to attend this sect competition. Not only to witness a grand contest among cultivators, but also to see the true nature of Beast Taming Peak and to obtain concrete clues about Ye Kai from Su Wan.

Since Su Wan brought it up herself, it means she did find out something, but with the competition approaching and too many people around, it's not convenient to tell her now.

Ye Sheng could understand this caution.

Three days later, the sect competition arrived as scheduled.

Before dawn, the entire Qingyun Sword Sect awoke from its slumber, immersed in a solemn yet tense atmosphere.

From the main peak, Tianjian Peak, to the outer sect's training ground, everywhere was decorated with lanterns and colorful banners. The flags of various colors fluttered in the mountain wind, embroidered with the sword emblem of the Qingyun Sword Sect, shining brightly in the morning light.

Countless sect disciples rose early from their respective caves and pavilions, changed into brand-new sect attire, and gathered in twos and threes on the white jade square leading to the main peak.

They all looked solemn, walked hurriedly, yet their eyes held an undisguised excitement and anticipation.

This is not only a top-level competition between the two sects, but also an excellent opportunity for ordinary disciples like them to witness the brilliance of the sect's top geniuses.

Some people even prepared photo stones, intending to record this grand event so they could show it off to others later.

Ye Sheng also got up early and changed into the black brocade robe specially made by the sect for guest elders. The brocade robe was made of extremely fine material, top-grade cloud brocade, which was smooth and soft to the touch, yet tough and durable.

The cloud pattern emblem of the Qingyun Sword Sect was embroidered in gold thread on the collar and cuffs of his clothes. The cloud pattern was exquisitely embroidered and lifelike, and it had a faint golden light flowing under the light, which made him look even more aloof and heroic.

Just in case, Ye Sheng wrapped the Black Ridge Knife tightly with a strip of cloth, wrapping it round and round until only the hilt was exposed.

Then, with the knife behind his back and the hilt extending diagonally out from his shoulder, it could be drawn at any moment.

After everything was ready, he took a deep breath and pushed open the door to go out.

At the courtyard gate, a beautiful figure was already waiting there; it was Lin Qingxue.

Although she was not a disciple of the Qingyun Sword Sect, relying on the Lin family's status and position in Qingyun City, it would be quite easy for her to come to the Qingyun Sword Sect if she wanted to.

Hearing the door open, Lin Qingxue turned around and met Ye Sheng's gaze.

Ye Sheng was slightly taken aback. Lin Qingxue was also dressed in a formal outfit today, which was completely different from her usual simple and elegant attire.

She wore a light purple long dress, the hem of which was embroidered with an exquisite pattern of butterflies among flowers in various colors. The butterflies were lifelike, and the petals were layered. With her movements, the butterflies seemed to come alive and dance gracefully on the hem of her dress.

Her long hair was tied up high in a cloud-like bun, adorned with a dazzling phoenix hairpin. The phoenix held a thumb-sized ruby ​​in its beak, which shimmered brilliantly with the changing light.

A pair of bright moon earrings adorned her earlobes, accentuating her long neck and snow-white skin. Her face, lightly made up, was adorned with exquisitely painted eyebrows and lips like a touch of rouge, making her look radiant and captivating, exuding an air of nobility—a stark contrast to the gentle and playful Miss Lin of the past.

"You look very different today."

When Lin Qingxue saw Ye Sheng, a hint of surprise flashed in her beautiful eyes, and then she lowered her eyes somewhat embarrassed.

This was the first time she had ever seen Ye Sheng dressed so formally. The black brocade robe he wore made his innate coldness and sharpness impossible to conceal.

He stood there quietly, exuding an imposing aura that commanded respect.

"Why are you at the Qingyun Sword Sect again?"

Ye Sheng smiled faintly, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before shifting away.

Lin Qingxue's pretty face flushed slightly as she turned and walked ahead, saying, "Just wanted to join in the fun? Let's go, don't keep everyone waiting."

Her voice was softer than usual, and her steps were a little faster, as if she were trying to hide something.

The two walked side by side along the cobblestone path toward the main peak square.

The morning sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting dappled shadows on the two people and casting long shadows on the ground, sometimes intersecting and sometimes separating.