Chapter 142: Deliberations

Ye Jiuyao nodded toward Cang Sangsang, stepped out of the cave dwelling, and fixed his gaze on the illuminated locations in the distance.

"Sangsang, tell me, how many of those places do you think I could clear?"

"Hmm... do you really want me to say?"

"Go ahead."

Watching Cang Sangsang’s expression, Ye Jiuyao knew these places were likely not simple, yet he still felt he had some measure of his own ability.

"Young Master, those places... you couldn't clear any of them."

Ye Jiuyao was speechless: "..."

That was harsh. How could that be? He had finally reached the Sage Realm, so why was everything becoming increasingly difficult as he ascended?

"Young Master, Sangsang senses that you are in a bad mood. Is it because of these places?"

"..."

Ye Jiuyao’s face went pale with exasperation. How did he end up with such a person—no, such an artifact spirit? He felt utterly defeated; the artifact spirit was simply too naive.

"It’s nothing..."

"Actually, Young Master, you could try. Once you stabilize your cultivation, after all, these are quite simple. I feel like you could pass them in one go, even if they are very powerful..."

"..."

This kind of comfort was worse than silence; it was too insulting.

Ye Jiuyao waved his hand and exited the Canglang Map, leaving Cang Sangsang looking perplexed, wondering what she had done wrong.

Back in reality, Ye Jiuyao let out a long sigh and stepped out of his cave dwelling.

"I wonder if they’ve returned yet?"

He muttered to himself, then quickly flew out of the cave toward the main hall.

At this moment, not only were Yu Xiu, Cao Zheng, and others present, but several familiar faces from the other three regional sects were also there. They were already deep in discussion.

The sound of Ye Jiuyao’s footsteps drew everyone’s attention, and under their gaze, he walked forward.

"Oh, what a coincidence. Everyone is here. Is the Grand Competition over?"

Ye Jiuyao asked with a smile, as if inquiring about mundane matters. Upon seeing him, White-Browed immediately put on a grin.

"Hahaha... you’ve arrived, my good disciple. Tell us, what happened?"

Ye Jiuyao: "..."

Why weren't they talking about what had just occurred? Was this old man White-Browed a fake? Ye Jiuyao felt completely at a loss for words.

"Since you're here, sit down and let’s discuss this together," Cao Zheng said, glancing at Ye Jiuyao before gesturing for him to join.

Ye Jiuyao didn't stand on ceremony; he walked over and sat down, his expression shifting as he listened.

"I shall explain," Cao Zheng said. "This incident was caused by a Great Demon, which destroyed a third of the Southern Region’s Qianye Sect. With the Sect Master away, the three of us have decided to take charge."

"We are grateful to the representatives from the other three regions for coming to the Southern Region. It happens to be the time for the decennial Thousand Sect Grand Competition, so we can travel there together."

Cao Zheng was clear, and Ye Jiuyao understood perfectly.

"Has that Great Demon truly been suppressed?"

"Yes."

The representatives from the other three regions remained somewhat uneasy. When they arrived earlier, the sight of the devastated Qianye Sect had left them profoundly shocked.

"So, old man Cao, what is your grand idea?"

"I intend to have Ye Jiuyao participate in the Championship Battle. You all know how expensive the registration is, and of the entire Qianye Sect, our branch is the poorest!"

"Therefore..."

Cao Zheng didn't finish, instead looking toward the elders of the three regions.

The elders fell silent. Ye Jiuyao’s strength was formidable—so much so that they couldn't even gauge his limits. The Championship Battle was the most significant event for the Qianye Sect.

If Cao Zheng’s guess was correct, the Sect Master would likely return soon to make this announcement. After all, ten years had passed since the last competition, and the next one was only two or three months away. That was why Cao Zheng brought it up now.

Ye Jiuyao, however, was bewildered. Instead of discussing the destruction caused by the "big sand sculpture" (the demon), they had shifted to some "Championship Battle." He felt as if he had lost his memory, unable to connect the pieces.

"Wait... I don't know anything about this. Weren't we supposed to discuss the big sand sculpture?" Ye Jiuyao interrupted.

"Haha... I forgot to tell you. We could have killed that thing if we used the grand formation, but we didn't have the token to activate it..."

"That Great Demon was at least at the peak of the Sage Realm. As for why you were able to suppress it, it must have been because of that strange flame of yours. Also, since old man White-Browed heard some rumors just now, we changed the topic," Cao Zheng explained patiently.

Finally, it clicked for Ye Jiuyao.

Cao Zheng continued, "The Thousand Sect Grand Competition is essentially a tournament for all the Qianye Sect branches below the Regional level. The winner gets to compete against the Regional Qianye Sect, and the prizes are incredibly generous."

It was like a province with many villages; suddenly, the town holds a competition and invites all the villages to participate. Because there were so many, they had to compete for the top three spots to qualify for the final registration. Naturally, there was a registration fee involved.

The Southern Region’s Qianye Sect couldn't afford it alone, so they wanted to join forces with the other three regions to sponsor Ye Jiuyao. The logic was simple.

"Fine, we agree. But how will the rewards be distributed?"

"Give them all to him. What if we combine our four regions? Let’s forge a peerless genius, help our four sects advance, and perhaps become masters of a region or even go higher!"

Having witnessed Ye Jiuyao’s talent, Cao Zheng’s inner fervor could no longer be contained, leading him to propose this wild idea.

"Hmm... we cannot decide this until the Sect Master returns."

"Very well, there is no rush. I will await your news."

Cao Zheng pondered for a moment before speaking again.

"How will this competition be conducted? Won't you tell me? Are you just going to sell me out like this?" Ye Jiuyao felt a bit disgruntled but, remembering the earlier events, swallowed his annoyance and asked.

"You will know in time. From now on, our four regions will do everything to help you break through and cultivate. As long as you reach the top three in the Championship Battle, you will earn the chance to challenge the Regional Qianye Sect."

"They will send their strongest. Every generation of Regional Master appoints a 'Regional Heir,' and this heir is the strongest of the younger generation!" Cao Zheng said, looking at Ye Jiuyao.

"Understood. That’s fine."

Ye Jiuyao nodded. After some further discussion, the representatives from the three regions departed in haste, clearly attaching great importance to the matter.