King of Ten Thousand Years

The Martial Arts Arena.

Luo Tian casually found a spot and sat down.

Gathered here were all the Mu Family disciples under fifty, as well as geniuses from outside the family.

In terms of numbers, it surpassed the competition for the Cloud Pool slots.

The Grand Elder and a few other high-ranking members sat together in a tall pavilion in the distance, chatting idly as if they were detached from the proceedings.

For this gathering, the higher-ups were only supervising. Unless a major incident occurred, they would not interfere in any matter.

The Grand Elder, a red-faced elder, and other high-ranking members looked at Mu Yunshi with some surprise.

Logically speaking, Mu Yunshi knew that the Mu Family disciples were ostracizing Luo Tian. There was no need for him to come to this kind of gathering, nor for Luo Tian to attend; it would have been more comfortable for them both to stay away.

’This guy never shows up for nothing. Something fishy is definitely going on!’

The red-faced elder speculated internally.

’What kind of scheme are this cunning master and disciple pair plotting?’

Just then, a tall, elderly figure suddenly appeared in the pavilion.

”Patriarch!”

The high-ranking members all bowed slightly.

”How were their gains in the Cloud Pool this time?” Patriarch Mu Qianshi asked.

”They all did very well,” the Grand Elder said.

”Good. The performances at today’s gathering will be included in the evaluation criteria for the Tai Yuan Sect’s auditing slots.”

The Patriarch’s tone left no room for doubt.

The Tai Yuan Sect’s auditing slots were extremely precious; the entire Mu Family only had three.

Every single slot was fought for tooth and nail.

Including today’s performance in the evaluation criteria was perfectly normal, and none of the high-ranking members objected.

’Fortunately, I already instructed Mu Ze beforehand!’

The Grand Elder thought to himself.

The red-faced elder also nodded slightly, having made preparations long ago.

But suddenly, several of the high-ranking Elders turned to look at Mu Yunshi.

He had shown up here, and Luo Tian was obediently attending the gathering. Could it be that...

”I’m aware of Luo Tian’s performance in the competition for the Cloud Pool slots a while back. Brother Yunshi also recommended his disciple,” the Patriarch spoke up.

’Just as I thought!’

The expressions of the other high-ranking members darkened, and they shot fierce glares at Mu Yunshi.

Mu Yunshi feigned ignorance, acting as if he didn’t see them.

”If Luo Tian’s performance today is good... he has a chance of getting a slot.”

The Patriarch said slowly.

He couldn’t decide on the Tai Yuan Sect auditing slots by himself. The higher-ups would find out sooner or later, so he might as well say it directly to give them a heads-up.

”Patriarch, this is against the rules! Luo Tian is an outsider. How can he obtain one of the Mu Family’s auditing slots!”

The red-faced elder objected strongly.

”Am I not a member of the Mu Family? Luo Tian is my disciple. How does that make him an outsider?” Mu Yunshi immediately retorted.

The other Elders also joined the argument.

”Enough arguing! Luo Tian does not bear the Mu surname, after all. If he wants to obtain a Tai Yuan Sect auditing slot, the requirements for him will be higher. Everything will be judged based on results!”

The Patriarch shouted coldly.

The other high-ranking members were inwardly resentful but didn’t dare say more.

”Grand Elder, the Patriarch is clearly acting on old sentiment and helping Mu Yunshi!” the red-faced elder sent a sound transmission.

As long as the Grand Elder was willing to take the lead, they would dare to unite and oppose the Patriarch.

”Don’t be hasty. Even if the Patriarch wants to help them, he still has to follow the rules. He can’t go too far!”

The Grand Elder remained impassive.

All the Mu Family disciples and many geniuses from outside were present at this gathering. It would be very difficult for Luo Tian to stand out and perform exceptionally well.

If Luo Tian’s performance was mediocre and the Patriarch continued to tell blatant lies in his favor, then the Grand Elder would have a better chance to severely damage the Patriarch’s standing. At the same time, Luo Tian wouldn’t get the slot either—it would be killing two birds with one stone.

...

Back in the Martial Arts Arena.

Before the gathering began, Jiya’Er ran over and sat down next to Luo Tian.

”Brother Luo, don’t take the matter with the Cloud Pool too hard.”

Jiya’Er comforted Luo Tian.

Anyone targeted like that by the Mu Family disciples would feel hurt and miserable.

Jiya’Er was worried that Luo Tian, angry and holding a grudge, might do something rash.

”You should be saying that to Mu Ze.”

Luo Tian said calmly.

During his Cultivation in the Cloud Pool, apart from the initial conflict, he had been completely immersed in his training and was not affected at all.

It was Mu Ze and his three companions whose cultivation efficiency had plummeted, forcing them to flee in disgrace.

Hearing this, Jiya’Er thought Luo Tian was furious and held a deep grudge against Mu Ze, and she grew worried.

The gathering had already begun.

The many geniuses present were mingling and chatting.

But for the most part, it was the geniuses from outside who flocked around the Mu Family disciples.

The few Mu Family disciples who had cultivated in the Cloud Pool were especially admired, like the moon surrounded by stars.

Among them, Mu Ze had the largest crowd around him.

Luo Tian, on the other hand, was the disciple of a Celestial Level master of the Mu Family and had also entered the Primordial Pool, yet very few people came to talk to him.

It was as if Luo Tian was being isolated.

’How am I supposed to perform well under these circumstances?’ Luo Tian was a bit worried.

Just then, two Mu Family disciples walked to the center of the Martial Arts Arena, looking like they were about to spar.

”Please enlighten me!”

After the brief pleasantry, they instantly made their moves, sending waves of energy sweeping in all directions.

It was clear that the two usually had conflicts and couldn’t stand each other, as their moves were fierce and ruthless.

Disciples with lower Cultivation watched the match between these two at the Earth Element Realm Third Layer, learning from it.

Soon, a winner was decided between the two.

One of them, a tall man, defeated his opponent in fifty moves, a proud look on his face.

”Thank you for the match!”

The tall man looked pleased with himself. He then said to the crowd, ”Pardon my poor display. If anyone noticed any issues with the match just now, please feel free to point them out.”

The main purpose of the gathering was to combine exchange and sparring for mutual learning and improvement.

Every fight was followed by a discussion.

However, if one was unlearned and made inappropriate comments, they would only end up embarrassing themselves.

Soon, a disciple offered his opinion: ”That Swordsmanship technique just now was extremely clever, seizing the enemy’s opening...”

”Not bad!”

Mu Ze suddenly spoke, drawing everyone’s attention. He said nonchalantly, ”However, in the Bamboo Cloud Sword Technique you cultivate, there is a clear lack of coordination between the moves, especially in your thirtieth and thirty-fifth exchanges...”

”Brother Mu Ze is right. I have only just cultivated this Swordsmanship to the Small Success Realm.”

”For Brother Mu Ze to see the flaws in my Swordsmanship at a glance is truly admirable. This little brother has learned a great deal!”

The tall man showered him with praise, then cupped his fists and bowed.

”Not only is Mu Ze exceptionally talented, but he’s also diligent and studious. His understanding of Martial Arts is profound, and he has a discerning eye!”

”If I could get his guidance, my strength would definitely improve.”

Many people present were very envious.

Luo Tian’s eyes lit up as well.

’Guiding others... that seems like a pretty good idea. I can make a good impression without offending anyone!’

”Let me say a few words.”

Luo Tian spoke up.

”You? What a joke. You think you’re worthy of guiding me?”

The tall man’s face was full of contempt.

A country bumpkin from a minor world actually dared to lecture him on his Cultivation and Martial Skill.

”Hahaha, at this gathering, everyone has the right to speak. Since Luo Tian wants to say something, let him speak.”

Mu Ze laughed heartily.

Giving guidance relies on experience in Martial Arts, which is closely related to time and worldly knowledge.

Luo Tian was young and had lived in a low-level minor world. What kind of knowledge could he possibly have?

Once Luo Tian opened his mouth, he was bound to make a fool of himself, exposing his own ignorance and losing face.

”Go ahead and speak!”

The tall man understood Mu Ze’s intention.

”Your Swordsmanship Realm is indeed on the low side, you’re not proficient enough, and your application of the moves is superficial. If you could master the Swordsmanship completely, thirty moves would be enough to defeat your opponent.”

”Specifically, you need to spend more time practicing the Third Technique and Fifth Technique of the Bamboo Cloud Sword Technique...”

Luo Tian spoke slowly, with the air of a Martial Arts master.

Everyone around was waiting to see Luo Tian make a joke of himself, to see what foolish things he would say.

But the result left them utterly astonished.

Luo Tian’s explanation was quite detailed, and as they followed his train of thought, they realized he was right.

The tall man himself was especially stunned. His eyes narrowed as a storm raged in his mind.

What Luo Tian had said was actually completely correct!

”This...”

Everyone was shocked, and some of the Mu Family disciples were especially astonished.

Mu Ze, Mu Jinyuan, and the others found it particularly hard to believe that these words had come from Luo Tian’s mouth.

Comparing Luo Tian’s words with Mu Ze’s guidance, it was obvious that Luo Tian’s explanation was more detailed and complete.

Luo Tian smiled faintly.

’With the help of the Celestial Book, these are all minor issues, and the cost is very low. At this rate, I can definitely fulfill Master’s instructions for this gathering.’

”Luo Tian, I was the one who spoke up to help you just now!”

Mu Ze suddenly spoke, his voice sharp and scolding. ”But how could you plagiarize my points, embellish them, and pass them off as your own?”

He looked deeply hurt and disappointed, as if his kind deed had been repaid with a viper’s bite, like the farmer in the fable.

When the crowd thought about it for a moment, they realized that what Luo Tian had said was indeed somewhat similar to Mu Ze’s earlier comments.

”Brother Mu Ze is right! Luo Tian, you’re too shameless!”

”If you have no real knowledge, you shouldn’t try to show off. You’re just embarrassing yourself.”

The man in the white hat and the woman who had provoked Luo Tian back in the Cloud Pool jeered at him.

And so, the crowd’s shock turned to mockery and disdain.

They found it hard to believe that Luo Tian could have come up with those words himself. It had to be plagiarism.