Xiao Ye had become synonymous with mystery and power in the West State, his prominence unmatched for a time.

The question of whether Xiao Ye could claim the top position on the West State True Dragon List had stirred widespread discussion, drawing unprecedented attention.

Unfortunately, the genius ranked first on the True Dragon List did not appear due to these rumors to compete with Xiao Ye, remaining elusive.

Naturally, during the dialogue between Xiao Ye and the Four Great Talents, some onlookers learned that Xiao Ye had not received the True Martial Baptism and possessed the True Martial Physique.

When this news spread, it shook the West State once more, leaving countless martial artists astonished.

The True Martial Baptism is the supreme ceremony across the continent, almost a taboo subject, especially in the West State. Every genius who makes it onto the True Dragon List possesses the True Martial Physique, don’t they?

However, Xiao Ye, without undergoing the True Martial Baptism, possessed the strength to dominate the four sides. How terrifying is that? This is comparable to Tie Xue of the East State.

After this news broke, Xiao Ye’s fame grew even greater, and many martial artists in the West State changed their perspectives, thinking Xiao Ye was even more terrifying than the top-ranked genius on the True Dragon List.

Xiao Ye truly was the heavenly pride ranked first on the True Dragon List.

However, some martial artists still doubted, believing Xiao Ye must have already possessed the True Martial Physique but was reluctant to admit it, seeking to attract greater fame instead.

One Tie Xue is already terrifying enough; if another emerges, how will the younger generation of the continent survive?

After all, only the forces holding the quota for the True Martial Baptism and Xiao Ye himself know whether he received the baptism.

Xiao Ye couldn’t care less about these rumors in the West State and continued his secluded cultivation.

His cultivation had just broken through and needed stabilization, and the confrontation with geniuses possessing the True Martial Physique on the True Dragon List had left a significant impact on him. Perhaps through this, he could enhance his strength once again.

As for whether the forces to which the Four Great Talents belonged would retaliate like the Heavenly Blade Clan, he didn’t care at all. If they angered him, he’d simply unleash the half-step Emperor’s body and dominate the four sides.

Soon enough, the fleeing Heavenly Blade Clan Elder respectfully returned, offering six stalks of Dual-Polarity Ganoderma, lowering his stance.

Yun Qintian had been slain; the Heavenly Blade Clan needed to rescue Yun Wei to continue standing tall in the West State.

Xiao Ye also kept his promise, refraining from further action, accepting the Dual-Polarity Ganoderma, and allowing the Witch Demon Clan and Thunder Sect to release Yun Wei.

Apart from the Heavenly Blade Clan, four major forces soon arrived collectively to visit Barre City.

These four forces, all dominant powers in the West State, controlled numerous cultivation resources and cities. They represented the Four Great Talents ranked second to fifth on the True Dragon List, three of which were more terrifying than the Heavenly Blade Clan.

Their attitude was equally respectful, even polite to the Thunder Sect and Witch Demon Clan, and they amicably discussed the ransom conditions, swiftly acting upon them.

The Thunder Sect and Witch Demon Clan were not surprised by their attitude.

After all, the powerful figure beside Xiao Ye was truly terrifying, and even if these four forces were mightier than the Heavenly Blade Clan, their strength was still limited.

In just a few days, as expected, the four forces delivered substantial quantities of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures.

The Thunder Sect and Heavenly Blade Clan, in accordance with the agreement, released the Four Great Talents.

"From now on... I’ll never come to Barre City again."

The Four Great Talents, leaving in disarray, looked back at Barre City from afar, recalling that invincible young man, and their hearts filled with unease.

Perhaps other martial artists in the West State still doubted, but having confronted Xiao Ye, they could confirm Xiao Ye indeed did not possess the True Martial Physique.

Such a peerless genius was far beyond their reach.

The Thunder Sect and Witch Demon Clan returned to their previous states, collecting Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures for Xiao Ye.

With Xiao Ye presiding in the West State, the Thunder Sect and Witch Demon Clan gained great prominence, attaining a prestigious standing in the West State. These two great powers then freely engaged with various forces, exchanging Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures.

Simultaneously, Xiao Ye also instructed these two powers to collect maps of the Four Great States and gather information about the True Martial Baptism to prepare for the East State journey.

In the blink of an eye, a month passed.

In Barre City.

"The time is almost here; I should head to the East State. The list my master gave me included twenty-three kinds of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, and I have collected eighteen of them; only five are missing."

"With as many as twenty stalks of Dual-Polarity Ganoderma alone, they are enough for my upcoming cultivation, allowing my Domineering Body and cultivation to improve significantly." Xiao Ye opened his eyes, a slight smile appearing on his face.

One has to admit, in the ancient era, the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi was abundant, and Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures were far more plentiful than in later generations. In such a short time, gathering eighteen kinds greatly exceeded his expectations.

As for the remaining five kinds, they are extremely difficult to find and won’t be located easily for some time.

"There’s less than a year remaining before the East State’s True Martial Baptism starts, hopefully, the Jade Talisman can allow me to stay here a bit longer."

Xiao Ye took out the Jade Talisman, gazing at the cracks covering a quarter of its surface, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.

If he departs now, he would certainly make it to the East State in time for the opening of the True Martial Baptism, but he feared the time he could linger in the ancient era would be insufficient.

In coming to the ancient era, aside from collecting Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, what truly enticed him was undoubtedly the True Martial Physique.

Moreover, the East State had the Iron Blood Emperor in his youth!

This is the number one youth of the entire continent, a peerless genius without the True Martial Physique but radiating unmatched charm. If he reaches Central State yet cannot confront the youthful Iron Blood Emperor, it would indeed be a regret.

"Rumor has it, in the ancient era on the True Spirit Continent, martial arts were most prevalent in the East State, where the geniuses are more numerous and stronger, certainly producing talents beyond the boundaries of the Invincible Title Emperor."

"Comparatively, indeed, nothing in the West State is worth my attachment."

Xiao Ye rose and flew out of the residence.

"Lord Xiao Ye, are you leaving for the East State?"

The Witch Demon Clan Leader and Thunder Sect Leader arrived upon hearing the news, expressions stunned and their hearts full of reluctance.

During this period, their collection of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures for Xiao Ye yielded combat techniques and cultivation techniques.

"Your strengths are already commendable, but on the entire continent, it’s still nothing. Cultivate well." Xiao Ye remarked, extracting four combat techniques from his Space Ring and handing them to the two leaders.

He and these two individuals were simply not from the same era; he could do only so much for them.

After that, Xiao Ye gracefully left Barre City, embarking on the journey to the East State.

"You... are Xiao Ye?"

"Judging by your appearance, are you heading to participate in the True Martial Baptism? I’d advise you... not to go!"

Just after flying a little distance out of Barre City, a figure came stepping through the air, blocking Xiao Ye’s path.