The greatest saint of all time!

Chapter 35 Beginner's Competition

"Congratulations, Your Excellency! Congratulations, Your Excellency!"

His trusted confidant immediately began to flatter him.

"Now that our Lin family has gained another Soul Platform expert, even the royal family will have to be wary!"

Lin Ruofu suppressed his smile, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes.

"Now that Po Jun has broken through, there are some things that should be put on the agenda."

"Lu Xuan!"

"If this child is not eliminated, he will surely become a great threat."

"Today, he has not only gained the Emperor's favor, but even the Ziyang Sect... looks up to him with great favor."

"If he really joins the Ziyang Sect and has the sect's protection, it will be extremely difficult to touch him again."

Lin Ruofu took a deep breath, his voice becoming extremely cold.

He simply did not believe that Lu Xuan would not avenge his mother and the Xiao family.

"Pass down the order."

"After Po Jun stabilizes his realm, make preparations."

"That good-for-nothing now has a gold medal and the emperor is secretly watching him, so open assassination is definitely out of the question."

"In three days, it will be the Ziyang Sect's disciple-acceptance ceremony."

"According to past practice, all participants in the ceremony need to go to a special trial mountain range for preliminary screening."

"And that place is a lawless zone."

"When the time comes, have Po Jun lead men to ambush them, and make sure to kill them with one blow."

As he spoke, a murderous glint flashed in Lin Ruofu's eyes.

He wanted to use Lu Xuan's blood to test the newly forged knife and see if it was truly effective.

At the same time, this head should also be used to tell the world that the Lin family is now unshakeable.

……

Meanwhile, at the Prince Xiaoyao's Mansion.

Although the Prince's mansion was still in its dilapidated state, the atmosphere tonight was exceptionally different.

Several large red lanterns were hung high, illuminating the entire courtyard.

Lin Wan'er had already prepared a table of exquisite food and wine, and was now looking longingly towards the courtyard gate.

Although Shen Qiansan was sitting, the constant tapping of his fingers on the table betrayed his inner turmoil.

Today's birthday banquet in the palace is fraught with unpredictable events.

Although he had confidence in His Highness's methods, he was, after all, facing the Emperor and Lin Ruofu, shrewd and calculating individuals. It would be a lie to say he wasn't worried.

"Squeak!"

The heavy courtyard gate was pushed open.

Upon seeing Lu Xuan's familiar figure step in, the two immediately stood up and quickly went to greet him.

"Your Highness! You're finally back!"

Lin Wan'er's voice was choked with sobs as she looked Lu Xuan up and down. Seeing that he was all grown up and had a full beard, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Shen Qiansan's gaze was intense as he lowered his voice and asked:

"Your Highness, what is the situation in the palace?"

Lu Xuan casually took off his cloak and handed it to Lin Wan'er.

"all the best."

"Father likes it very much."

As he spoke, he took out the gleaming gold medal bestowed by the emperor from his pocket and casually tossed it onto the table.

"Not only did he reward them with ten thousand taels of gold, but he also gave them this plaque."

"Seeing this sign is like seeing the Emperor himself. From now on, we can come and go as we please in and out of this imperial palace."

Upon seeing the gold medal, Shen Qiansan's pupils contracted sharply, followed by wild joy!

"Seeing this sign is like the Emperor himself being there?!"

"This is an immense favor! Even the crown prince doesn't have such privileges!"

"Your Highness's move not only dealt a severe blow to the Lin family and the Crown Prince, but also earned you a place in His Majesty's heart!"

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!"

Shen Qiansan was so excited that his face was flushed, and he bowed deeply to Lu Xuan.

"Congratulations, Your Highness! Congratulations!"

Although Lin Wan'er didn't understand the intricacies of court politics, she was genuinely happy to see her prince being favored. Her face flushed, and she quickly poured Lu Xuan a full cup of wine.

"Your Highness is wise and mighty; those villains must be furious!"

Lu Xuan smiled, took the wine glass, and drank it all in one gulp. Then his expression turned slightly serious.

"Besides the reward from Father, there is one more thing."

"Elder Chi Huo of the Ziyang Sect has invited me to attend the sect's disciple-acceptance ceremony in three days."

Upon hearing this, Shen Qiansan's expression immediately became serious.

"Excellent! This is the true overlord behind the Great Yan Dynasty!"

"If Your Highness can join the Ziyang Sect, you will not only have an extra layer of protection, but also the opportunity to transcend this secular imperial power and step into a wider world!"

"only……"

Shen Qiansan frowned slightly, as if he had thought of something.

Lu Xuan asked, "Just what?"

Shen Qiansan pondered for a moment, then slowly said:

"However, the entrance trial of the Ziyang Sect has always been known for its strictness."

"Although I haven't experienced it myself, I've heard some rumors over the years."

"It is said that the trial is divided into three stages."

"The first challenge is called the Heavenly Ladder, which tests a martial artist's mentality and perseverance."

"There are a total of 999 steps on the stone steps. No matter what level of martial artist you are, the pressure will increase with each step you take, and it is still corresponding to your level."

"Therefore, regardless of one's level of attainment, only those with great perseverance can reach the summit."

"The second level is called the Demon Hunting Forest, which is a mountain range that the Ziyang Sect has specially enclosed within the territory of the Great Yan Dynasty."

"All participants need to survive inside for three days and must hunt down a certain number of monsters to earn points, in accordance with the rules."

"Most importantly, in this trial, in addition to facing monsters, you also have to be wary of other trial participants."

"As for the third test, it is to go to the Ziyang Sect to test one's talent and spiritual roots."

"Of course, only those who pass the first two stages are qualified to participate in the third stage."

At this point, Shen Qiansan looked troubled.

"Your Highness's strength is indeed formidable now, but this trial ground is full of variables, especially the Demon Hunting Forest."

"The terrain is complex and fraught with danger."

"The Lin family and the Crown Prince will definitely send people to secretly plot against Your Highness."

The more Shen Qiansan talked, the more worried he became.

Lu Xuan remained noncommittal on this matter.

"Ha, if they don't come, this trial will become quite boring."

"But you're right, knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle."

"You've only heard about the specific details and unspoken rules of this trial from others; we still need to find someone who truly knows the stuff to ask."

Upon hearing Lu Xuan's words, Shen Qiansan's eyes suddenly lit up.

"Does Your Highness mean... to go find Pavilion Master Su?"

"good!"

Lu Xuan immediately stood up.

"Su Qinghuan is, after all, an inner disciple of the Ziyang Sect. Even though she has been sent out for many years, she must know the sect's rules better than anyone else."

……

Half an hour later.

The top floor of Baicao Pavilion was brightly lit.

Su Qinghuan was engrossed in a mountain of account books. Although she was tired, her beautiful eyes were bright.

This auction not only made her a fortune, but also brought her fame to its peak.

Just then, a light footstep sounded.

Su Qinghuan looked up abruptly, and when she saw who it was, she quickly put down her pen and hurried to meet them.

"Master! Elder Shen!"

"What brings you two here so late?"

"Let's see if our Master Su is counting money until his hands are sore."

Lu Xuan made a rare joke.

Su Qinghuan blushed slightly and covered her mouth with a soft laugh.

"Master is too kind; it's all thanks to you."

"After deducting costs and Baicaoge's cut, the proceeds from this auction totaled four million eight hundred thousand taels."

"Qinghuan is ready and can be taken at any time."