Martial Universe

Within the mountain range that the Desolate Hall was located in, there was anespecially vast and tall mountain peak. This mountain peak pierced through theclouds, which tumbles and twists around it, giving it an out-of-world feeling.

This mountain peak was the location of the Desolate Hall’s main hall. It couldbe counted as the head of the various halls within the Desolate Hall. Themonthly competition was also held on this mountaintop.

The monthly competition was the most customary event held within Dao Sect andthe four halls. This goal of this customary event was to observe the trainingprogress of the disciples and use this event to stimulate their disciple’sdesire to train, which would increase the overall strength of the halls.

Furthermore, in every monthly competition, there will be a few branchdisciples who will be promoted to become full-fledged disciples due to theirstellar performance. Therefore, even though this competition was held everymonth, this day was still the most lively day every month. That was becausethis was the only day whereby those branch disciples had the chance to bepromoted to the main hall.

Within the Desolate Hall, the number of branch disciples ranges in the tens ofthousands. As for the full-fledged disciples, there were three thousand of themand there were three hundred direct disciples.

This could be said to be a humongous lineup. Within a day, there will be anoverwhelming majority of them gathered here. Thus, the commotion caused by suchan event would naturally not be trivial.

At the highest spot on the mountain peak, stood a quiet and large ancient hallthat pierced through the clouds. A majestic aura was being emitted from it.Meanwhile, its yellowish colour was the mark left behind by time, demonstratingthat it had withstood the test of time.

In front of this great hall was an extremely vast green stadium, which gaveoff a strong feeling of stratification and order. At this moment, it wasalready packed densely with mountains of people.

Although the vast stadium was filled with countless individuals, there was nota single scuffle. Over ten thousand disciples sat quietly in the stadium. Thesolemn air that filled the atmosphere even caused fluctuations in thesurrounding natural Yuan Power.

Near the centre of the stadium was where the full-fledged disciples sat. A fewof the branch disciples were looking at them. Brimming within their eyes wereenvy and admiration. The purpose of their hard work was for the dream to oneday become a full-fledged disciple of the Desolate Hall.

Looking further beyond to the centre of the stadium, there was a series oftall erected platforms. Seated on them, were a few hundred people dressed inyellow clothes. Every one of them was emitting wave after wave of frighteningYuan Power fluctuations.

Those were the direct disciples, the true elite of the Desolate Hall.

If the gazes of the branch disciples were filled with envy and admiration, thegazes directed towards the direct disciples were also filled with a trace ofrespect. All of them were clearly aware that becoming a direct disciple, was amark of power and strength.

However, what caught the eye of most people in the stadium, was not the directdisciples. Instead, it was the four wide and tall platforms situated at thecenter of the stadium. On those four platforms, sat four different people.

Their status and position were higher than any disciple in the Desolate Hall.Their status and position was something that anyone would know of, and therewas no one who would doubt their capabilities. That was because the four ofthem were the four senior direct disciples of the Desolate Hall. In otherwords, they were the most outstanding existences amongst all the disciples inthe Desolate Hall!

On the opposite side of the stadium, was a stone table and a row of stonechairs. Seated there was Chen Zhen, Wu Dao and a few other protectors of theDesolate Hall. They were currently observing the scene before them.

“According to the information that we received, there are hundreds of branchdisciples this time around that have the qualifications to become full-fledgeddisciples,” announced Wu Dao as his gaze swept across the whole stadium.

After hearing that statement, Chen Zhen faintly nodded his head. This numberwas much better than the statistics from the past few months. It seems likethose little fellows at the bottom had trained quite hard this past couple ofmonths.

“Lin Dong still hasn’t appeared?” asked Chen Zhen suddenly.

“Yes.” replied Wu Dao as he continued speaking while smiling: “ He should bein a critical phase of his training. Senior brother Mo is quite interested inhim and he should be keeping a close eye on him.

“If he can’t make it on time, postpone the challenge match for one month astraining is more important,” said Chen Zhen while smiling. He did not wish forLin Dong to appear now. Based on Lin Dong’s talent, his chances of victory evenagainst Jiang Hao would increase quite a bit if he was to train for one moremonth.

“News has already spread and even some branch disciples have heard about LinDong. They all want to witness the superhuman genius that dared to challengeone of the four senior direct disciples after entering the Desolate Hall forless than a month…” said Wu Dao helplessly.

“Furthermore, based on Lin Dong’s character, I’m afraid that he will neverback down.”

“His character…is truly similar to senior brother Zhou Tong. Else, he wouldnot have charged up to Yuan Gate alone. After thinking about it, I believe thateven Lord Sect master would have protected him if he stayed in Dao Sect. But…Yuan Gate, that damned thing!” vented Chen Zhen before deeply sighing. When hementioned this incident, even a person of his status could not help but curse.

Wu Dao turned solemn and his face turned quite gloomy. One could tell howbitter he was about Zhou Tong and the Yuan Gate incident.

“That’s enough, let’s not talk about it. Let’s wait awhile longer…”

After Chen Zhen saw the expression on Wu Dao’s face, he secretly shook hishead. If senior Zhou Tong was still around now, based on his past results,there was a good chance that he could rival those old codgers in the sect.Regretfully, the sect master of Yuan Gate personally took action, and perhaps,he detected the threat that Zhou Tong would become in the future, should he begiven enough time to grow….

While Chen Zhen and Wu Dao were conversing, a slight commotion had appearedbecause of the delay in the monthly competition.

On top of a stone platform, Jiang Hao was casually observing the mountainousamount of people in the stadium. Promptly, he furrowed his eyebrows. It isrumoured that Lin Dong had submerged himself in the martial arts hall for fivedays already. Was he planning to use that as an excuse to avoid today’s match?

“Haha, senior brother Jiang Hao. Look’s like the challenge match today mighthave fizzled out…” Fang Yun grinned when he saw this sight. He stretched hisback casually before teasing Jiang Hao.

“If that is the case, his previous showcase of arrogance is truly a joke…”replied Jiang Hao calmly and casually.

“Lin Dong has just entered our Desolate Hall. Even if you defeat him, it wouldnot be anything glamorous. Furthermore, he is our junior brother.” said PangTong while frowning. He was the one with the greatest qualifications amongstthe four senior direct disciples.

“I didn’t mean to cause trouble for him. However, there are times whenrespecting a senior brother is still required right? If this doesn’t happen, inthe future, members of our Desolate Hall will be mocked by those from the otherhalls for not knowing how to respect one’s seniors.” replied Jiang Hao aftercurling his lip.

“It is alright to let him suffer a little to restrain his arrogantdisposition. However, you have to remember that senior uncle Chen Zhen and theothers highly value Lin Dong,” added Song Zhou while smiling.

“I will exercise discretion. Since he was able to endure the Pill River HeadImmersion for so long, even I have to respect him for that. However, he isstill considered as a new disciple and he needs to know the rules. Since youguys are unwilling to take action, it’s down to me.” said Jiang Hao casually.

Song Zhou smiled once again and only nodded his head without saying anythingelse. However, the unexpected delay had added an extra tinge of anticipation.Song Zhou was curious to see what kind of incredible performance that juniorbrother, who had rushed up with an irresistible force since his entry intoDesolate Hall, would have against one of the four senior direct disciples,Jiang Hao…

Would he be beaten till his arrogant spirit was replaced with despair or wouldhe perform another miracle once again?

As all the disciples quietly awaited, time slowly passed. However, thecommotion in the stadium was gradually getting more intense as time passed.

Seeing this, both Chen Zhen and Wu Dao frowned. However, they did not preventthis. Instead, their eyes irresistibly moved towards the mountain peak wherethe martial arts hall was situated.

“It’s time…but why hasn’t that fellow Lin Dong appeared…”

At a corner within the location of the direct disciples, Mo Ling and theothers were getting slightly worried. Their gazes continuously scanned alldirections. They clearly knew that news regarding the match between Lin Dongand Jiang Hao had spread far and wide during these few days. If Lin Dong didnot show up, he might become the target for ridicule and mockery.

“Lin Dong went to the martial arts hall and is most likely delayed because heis learning a new martial art.”

Liu Bai said solemnly. He looked towards the crowd helplessly and said: “Justwait a while longer. Panicking would not solve the problem. Furthermore, it maybe a good thing to postpone this fight. After all, Lin Dong’s opponent is oneof the four senior direct disciples…”

From the way he phrased his words, it was obvious that he was not favouringLin Dong’s odds for this challenge match. Although he had quite a lot ofconfidence in Lin Dong, regardless, Jiang Hao was not someone that Tong Chuancould be compared with…

After hearing his words, the group could only nod their heads and suppress theanxiety in their hearts, as they eagerly waited for the arrival of Lin Dong.

The burning sun above the sky started to reach the midpoint position. Seeingthis, Chen Zhen and Wu Dao could only helplessly shake their heads. Seems likeLin Dong was truly engrossed in his training.

“Let the other disciples begin first…”

Chen Zhen waved his hand before a protector of the Desolate Hall slowly walkedout. His eyes swept across the entire stadium before he proceeded to announcethe start of the monthly competition. Upon seeing his appearance andannouncement, a disappointed hiss could be heard ringing across the entirestadium.

Swoosh!

However, just as this disappointed hiss started to decline, the sound of airshattering suddenly resounded out from the sky far away. A familiar aura couldbe felt spreading out from there.

“Has he finally arrived… He did not disappoint me in the end…”

Jiang Hao raised his head and looked towards a distant spot in the sky. Achuckle appeared on his face.