Apart from these people, the number of Saint families that came to the Divine Capital today is not just nine, but a total of forty to fifty. Among them, there are also many young talents whom Ling Chen has never met or even known about.

Among these people, Ling Chen saw many familiar faces, such as Sima Linyuan, the president of the Green Mountain Association, and Tang Yutong of the Tang family. However, the others obviously did not know that he had arrived here.

"Your lady friend is here too."

Suddenly, Ling Xue spoke up.

Ling Chen also looked up, only to see that a group of figures wearing Yin-Yang Robes had appeared in the distance. As soon as they arrived at the square, a wave of heated gazes focused on the forefront of the figures. There, a beautiful figure in red, as stunning as fire, with an enchanting face and extraordinary temperament, appeared like an exiled immortal, and it was none other than Liu Mengru.

"Forget it. I only met Miss Liu once. How could she be considered a lady friend?"

Ling Chen looked at Liu Mengru, who had appeared, and couldn’t help but touch his nose. When she appeared, he noticed that most of the outstanding disciples of the various Saint families he had been focusing on earlier cast their gazes over, with undisguised admiration in their eyes. It seemed that Liu Mengru was truly popular among the younger generation.

While the square’s atmosphere was heated due to Liu Mengru’s appearance, suddenly, a massive uproar arose among the crowd again. Within sight, the crowd seemed to explode, as a large group of figures suddenly surged out from within the Imperial Palace.

"The imperial family’s people."

When this large group of figures appeared, Ling Chen’s gaze was immediately directed at the forefront of the royal family members. There, three figures stood tall, an imposing aura slowly unfurling, causing many to subtly change expressions.

Second Prince Li Tailong, Fourth Prince Li Yifeng, and Crown Prince Peerless Sword.

As the three strongest young experts of the royal family, they finally made their appearance at this moment.

All three exuded a strong aura, especially Peerless Sword, standing there, repelling all the surrounding momentum. In the mid-air around him, a dense sword of intent condensed, emanating an aura as sharp as a Divine Weapon.

When Ling Chen’s gaze met the three of them, Li Tailong also snorted coldly. Not only him, but beside him, Li Yifeng, holding a folding fan, also had a touch of coldness on his elegant face.

Regarding the attitude of these three princes, Ling Chen was already mentally prepared. Last time, he made Li Tailong and the other three princes look foolish, causing the royal family to lose face. The other party must really loathe him.

Ling Chen glanced over at the other major Saint families, and aside from Liu Mengru, the expressions of those geniuses from the other families were slightly unnatural upon seeing Peerless Sword. Even Ling Yuxuan, usually arrogant and conceited, had a wary look flash in his eyes, showing his evident apprehension.

"Is everyone finally here?"

Ling Chen saw that the talents from the Nine Great Families had basically all appeared around this square, whether he knew them or not, almost all had shown up.

Boom!

At this moment, a sudden loud noise erupted, followed by one thunderous roar after another. It was the sound of ceremonial cannon, and then under the gaze of ten thousand people, an Emperor’s Carriage slowly emerged from the palace.

The carriage was drawn by two exotic beasts that seemed like dragons but not quite, and like lizards yet not. These two exotic beasts were covered in dragon scales, featuring dragon characteristics, clearly possessing an ancient exotic bloodline of the Dragon Clan.

The carriage appeared to be crafted from crystal, jade, and various precious metals. It was also inlaid with numerous unnamed gemstones, making the whole carriage look like a divine object, descending from the heavens, wreathed in celestial aura.

Everyone, including Saints of Ling Lie’s caliber, wore a look of reverence when their gaze fell on that carriage.

"Who is seated in the carriage?"

Witnessing such an astonishing formation, Ling Chen asked in surprise.

"Under heaven, there is only one person who can sit atop the Double Dragon Emperor’s Carriage."

Ling Xue gazed at the carriage with a face full of reverence as well.

"Empress Yunyao."

A name flashed in Ling Chen’s mind. The only one in the world who could enjoy such an honorable treatment was none other than the high and mighty Empress.

This Empress Yunyao was a legendary figure across the Nine Provinces Land. As a woman, she controlled the vast Central Dynasty, ruling over billions of people. Ling Chen did not expect that the Empress Yunyao would actually appear at today’s Heavenly Sword Tournament.

In sight, the curtains of the carriage were lifted, and a woman seemingly in her twenties emerged from the carriage. Her true appearance was yet unseen. She gracefully stepped out with a pair of snow-white jade feet, her figure light and tall, leaving her enchanting legs exposed to the air, attracting countless gazes.

The woman wore a golden gown, appearing incredibly regal and magnificent. However, the only regret was that her true appearance couldn’t be seen. Though she didn’t deliberately conceal it, her face was shrouded in a mist-like veil. Without sufficient strength, it was impossible to see her face.

Though the Empress’s face was unclear, one could guess that she must be a beauty of unparalleled charm.

A court eunuch had long since knelt before the carriage, holding the Empress Yunyao’s jade hand to assist her down from the carriage.

"Greetings to the Empress!"

All at once, everyone in the square bowed in salute to Empress Yunyao.

"You may rise."

Empress Yunyao’s voice sounded very young. As soon as she spoke, it immediately enveloped the entire square. Although the voice wasn’t loud, everyone heard it clearly.

After everyone had straightened up, Empress Yunyao suddenly waved her hand, and a vast amount of True Qi surged forth, condensing in mid-air to form a throne after rapid compression.

Once the throne stabilized, it remained suspended in mid-air. Empress Yunyao’s figure moved, and she sat upon the throne, overlooking the entire square.

A supreme and powerful pressure lingered in everyone’s heart.

Seeing this, Ling Chen was astonished. To stabilize True Qi to such an extent, forming an unwavering throne, Empress Yunyao’s strength was truly terrifying.

In this situation, the massive square was pin-drop silent, as directed by Empress Yunyao, an elder of the royal family appeared in the center of the square, and then a clear, bright voice resonated through the square.

"The Heavenly Sword Tournament has been a fine tradition since the founding of the dynasty. The purpose of the tournament is to allow the young generation of the dynasty to exchange martial arts, thereby selecting outstanding talent as the future pillars of the dynasty."

"As per tradition, everyone who enters the top ten in the Heavenly Sword Tournament will receive generous rewards from the dynasty. As for the champion of the tournament, not only will they be recorded in history and obtain supreme glory, but they will also receive a personal audience with the Empress and be awarded a unique treasure!"

"Now, I announce that this edition of the Heavenly Sword Tournament is officially open!"