Invincible Soul Emperor-Chapter 282: Seeing Xiao Xiao Again

Early the next morning, Li Qingfeng led a group of the Qingyun Sect’s experts to the venue for the sect advancement competition.

Along the way, Li Qingfeng explained the process and rules of the previous competitions to Ye Qingchen. The Qingyun Sect had participated several times before but had never successfully advanced. This fact surprised Ye Qingchen. After all, in terms of overall strength, the Qingyun Sect was the strongest sect in the Northern Desolate Country. Aside from lacking a Martial King Realm expert, it was not much different from the two-star sect, Dragon Tiger Mountain. Yet even so, their repeated failures highlighted the immense difficulty of the sect advancement competition.

Furthermore, previous competitions were mostly hosted by six or seven-star sects. It was unexpected that this time, it would be personally hosted by the nine-star sect, the Wuji Immortal Palace. The thought of the Wuji Immortal Palace unavoidably brought the fragile figure of Xiao Xiao to Ye Qingchen’s mind.

I wonder how Xiao Xiao is doing now? With her Ten-star Vermilion Bird Holy Soul, she must be an exceptionally rare talent even in a nine-star sect. She’s certain to receive special training, and her strength must have progressed by leaps and bounds.

A smile unconsciously touched Ye Qingchen’s lips as he mused to himself.

Venerable Heize saw Ye Qingchen’s expression and, understanding what was on his mind, shook his head with a smile. After all, Xiao Xiao had lived in the Qingyun Sect for three months, and aside from Ye Qingchen, she had spent the most time with Heize. Moreover, the fact that she had become a disciple of the Wuji Immortal Palace was no secret.

Heize patted Ye Qingchen’s shoulder and said, "This sect advancement competition is being hosted by the Wuji Immortal Palace. Perhaps you’ll have a chance to see Xiao Xiao."

Although they were words of comfort, Ye Qingchen still felt a warmth in his heart. He smiled and replied, "Venerable, if Xiao Xiao’s strength has left me far behind, wouldn’t that be a bit embarrassing?"

Hearing this, Li Qingfeng, who was beside Venerable Heize, laughed heartily. "Qingchen, your progress is plain for all to see. In my opinion, even if Xiao Xiao is training in a nine-star sect, she won’t necessarily be that much stronger than you. You mustn’t belittle yourself!"

Ye Qingchen nodded with a smile. Though he said nothing, he knew in his heart that Xiao Xiao’s Ten-star Vermilion Bird Holy Soul had been activated. The Wuji Immortal Palace had traveled thousands of miles to the Northern Desolate Country just to recruit her, which meant they must have a deep understanding of the Vermilion Bird Holy Soul.

Xiao Xiao’s accomplishments will surely surpass my own!

But Ye Qingchen would not disparage himself either. He possessed both a Seven-star Willow Wood Martial Soul and the Dual Pupil Martial Soul. With such a solid foundation, his future achievements were bound to be great. He had already decided that when he went to the competition venue, even if he couldn’t see Xiao Xiao, he would find a way to ask about her.

That little girl has been by my side since she was small. After being away for so long, I wonder if she’s lonely or if she’s having trouble adjusting. Does she miss me as much as I miss her?

After traveling for more than ten days, the group finally arrived at the venue for the sect advancement competition. The site was said to have been personally selected and its construction overseen by the Wuji Immortal Palace. It spanned a vast area and was incredibly magnificent, giving off a powerful and imposing aura even from a distance. Upon drawing closer, the extraordinary nature of the venue became even more palpable.

Outside the venue, the Spiritual Energy was so dense it felt almost tangible, shimmering in the air and evoking the feeling of an immortal realm on Earth.

The main entrance was just as grandiose. It was personally guarded by two experts of the Martial Spirit Realm, who were responsible for verifying identities. This shocked Ye Qingchen once again. In a one-star sect, Martial Spirit Realm experts were already considered elders or esteemed figures, but here they were merely gatekeepers. Moreover, these two masters appeared to be only in their twenties or thirties. To reach the Martial Spirit Realm at such an age almost guaranteed their future ascension to the Martial King Realm.

After Li Qingfeng presented their Identity Token, the two Martial Spirit Realm masters allowed them to pass, reminding the members of the Qingyun Sect to be mindful of the venue’s rules.

According to their plan, after entering the venue, the group was to report to the Wuji Immortal Palace to register and draw a number to determine their order in the competition.

"Father, there are so many experts here," Li Zongrui said, following behind Li Qingfeng. Seeing the powerful cultivators bustling about—most of whom were at least in the Martial Spirit Realm—he spoke with a hint of envy.

Li Qingfeng had brought Li Zongrui along precisely to teach him that there is always someone better out there. Witnessing the experts from various sects and factions was meant to ignite his passion and motivation for cultivation. Hearing Li Zongrui’s remark, Li Qingfeng seized the opportunity to earnestly lecture him. Elder Wuji joined in, also lecturing tirelessly. The two of them occasionally used Ye Qingchen as an example to inspire Li Zongrui, who grew increasingly annoyed. But, daring not to complain, he could only keep nodding in agreement.

Li Zongrui had completely abandoned any notion of competing with Ye Qingchen. When they first met, Li Zongrui was a third-level Grand Martial Master, while Ye Qingchen was merely a fifth-level Martial Artist. Now, although Li Zongrui had advanced to become a fifth-level Grand Martial Master, Ye Qingchen had already ascended to the third level of the Martial Spirit Realm.

This chasm made the usually proud Li Zongrui resort to telling himself, Comparisons only lead to frustration.

Upon entering the venue, Ye Qingchen immediately began scanning the crowd, searching for any sign of Xiao Xiao. However, he was destined for disappointment. Although the venue was bustling with people, he saw neither Xiao Xiao nor any other disciples from the Wuji Immortal Palace.

But Ye Qingchen soon came to terms with it. As a nine-star sect, the Wuji Immortal Palace will undoubtedly make a grand entrance. Why would they show up so early?

He shook his head and gave up the search. He figured the people from the Wuji Immortal Palace would only appear once the sect advancement competition officially began.

At that moment, Li Qingfeng and Elder Wuji ceased their lecture to Li Zongrui and led the group toward the tallest hall in the venue. That was the reception area set up by the Wuji Immortal Palace, responsible for registering the participating sects and having them draw lots to determine their order. Although disciples of the Wuji Immortal Palace would be present here, their status was likely not very high, so Ye Qingchen didn’t expect to learn anything about Xiao Xiao from them.

Just as they neared the great hall, a familiar and joyous voice reached them, making Ye Qingchen’s heart stir.

"Young Master, you really came?" 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Ye Qingchen turned his head and saw Xiao Xiao in a red dress. Her sparkling eyes blinked, and her long, curved eyelashes trembled with excitement as she looked at him. When Xiao Xiao saw him turn around, she was finally certain that she was seeing the young master she had longed for day and night.

Overcome with excitement, Xiao Xiao ran toward Ye Qingchen, her heart filled with unspeakable joy. Then, under the astonished gazes of everyone present, she cast aside all bashfulness and threw herself directly into his embrace!

I’ve missed my Young Master so, so much! I’ve dreamed of this moment countless times! Right now, I don’t care about anyone else’s stares or thoughts!