Chapter 560: Chapter 203: Lei Yan King’s Imperial Decree

“At present, the twenty available slots are taken by Gu Tiancheng, Xiao Ji Wu, Jia Yongheng, Huang Futing, Shiyin, Shi Qin, Zhuge Chunqiu, Zhuge Jiayue, Zhou Yan, Jiang Yu, Jiang Hao, Jiang Wannian, Lei Yanshan, Lin Jiuyou, He Qingfeng, Yun Li, Chen Guangqi, Feng Yanran, Fu Qingyao, and Qian Xi.”

“These geniuses have all been selected based on their performance in prior trials, and although some did not participate in our Southern Mansion’s competition, they have already secured top positions in other mansions, hardly inferior to the top three ranks of our own.”

“As for the betrothal gifts, in order to test who is most sincere and devoted to our Yaochi Saintess, we will assess the gifts that represent everyone’s sincerity and affection.”

The Yaochi Saint explained.

“Sincerity and affection? By judging through objects, how can one determine that?”

The saint from Tianji Mountain inquired.

His words represented the thoughts of the other saints.

The Yaochi Saint stood up and explained with a smile, “I will naturally explain this matter and strive to make the analysis rational and well-founded to ensure everyone finds it fair.”

With the Yaochi Saint saying so, Zhou Yan felt somewhat relieved and nodded inwardly.

In the hall were not just one saint, but over twenty of them. An obvious dismissal would likely become a joke. The Yaochi Saint, a man who cared about his reputation, would certainly not be able to brush it off easily.

“Of course, the amount of the betrothal gifts, their preciousness, and the sincerity they represent will all be subject to detailed judgment. Then, the chosen suitor’s gift will be accepted, and the rest will be returned, not kept for personal gains.”

“Afterward, if even the saints have no objections, then that person should become the husband of the Saintess.”

Having finished, the Yaochi Saint saw many cultivators in the venue begin to discuss among themselves.

“All right, now, you may present your betrothal gifts in accordance with the ranking we just announced.”

The Yaochi Saint said calmly.

Subsequently, a ring of light appeared in the great hall, like a dazzling stage, engulfing the twenty individuals qualified for the marriage proposal.

Bathed in the light, Gu Tiancheng, Xiao Ji Wu, Jia Yongheng, and others stepped out one after another.

Each person then presented their betrothal gifts.

Gu Tiancheng was the first to present his gift, which immediately elicited gasps of astonishment – it was an abundance of Thunderflame Soul Crystals and a Holy Artifact, a giant axe.

“This is the Thunderflame Soul Crystal, and this axe is a Holy Artifact modeled after the Ancient Divine Artifact ‘Sky-opening Axe’, possessing strength comparable to that of a divine being,” Gu Tiancheng explained softly.

Then, he stood proudly to one side.

“This item is the Tai Chu Soul Stone. I won’t elaborate on its effects, but it is a top-grade core soul stone capable of refining Divine Artifacts.”

Xiao Ji Wu said softly.

He then added, “Moreover, I am offering half of all the resources from the Holy Land’s Secret Realm that I hail from!”

The words of Xiao Ji Wu sent ripples through the crowd.

His betrothal gift was heavy and substantial!

With these two setting the bar, the other cultivators were somewhat taken aback.

“This is the Star Soul I acquired from the Outer Ancient Star, which possesses the Heavenly Intent Fortune of a planet and can be integrated and refined to create a second body or greatly enhance the soul. This item’s value can be compared to a High Grade Saint Artifact, but I pledge it on the person of Zhou Yanxuan. That is to say, I present this marriage proposal on behalf of Zhou Yanxuan,” Jia Yongheng revealed his item, shocking the crowd, before suddenly asserting.

This scene instantly attracted everyone’s attention.

The eyes of the Yaochi Saint flickered, apparently pondering something.

At that moment, Huang Futing stepped forward.

She was the adorable girl in purple who had been with Huang FuZhan and Huangfu Jing.

Touching her chin thoughtfully, she then produced a purple longsword brimming with ‘Vast Qi’, remarking, “This sword is imbued with vast qi, comparable to amalgamating Fate, Heavenly Mechanism, and Origin Energy. Consider it a tribute to Zhou Yanxuan. Our Huangfu Family will also back him.”

After Huang Futing spoke out, whispers spread through the venue.

Because only four individuals had come forward, and already two were pledging on behalf of Zhou Yan.

Following that, Shiyin, Shi Qin, and others also presented their items. The items they brought were all exceptional and at least as valuable as High Grade Saint Artifacts.

Zhuge Jiayue and Zhuge Chunqiu then made their offers, with items just as remarkable and unsurprisingly pledged for Zhou Yan as well.

The situation almost took a one-sided turn.

It was now Zhou Yan’s turn.

Zhou Yan, pondering deeply, produced a drop of Thunder Flame Soul Liquid, and three High Grade Saint Artifacts as well.

He had retained an extra drop of the Thunder Flame Soul Liquid for Gu Xi’s recovery, while the three High Grade Saint Artifacts were among the ten finest in the Yuan Ci Secret Realm, having been restored by Wan Jian Tian and others.

For the Saintess and to save face, Zhou Yan gritted his teeth and brought them forward.

The appearance of these treasures immediately silenced the venue.

Although the previous items could all be comparable to Saint Artifacts or even High Grade Saint Artifacts, they were only just that – comparable, but not genuinely on par.

Zhou Yan had now brought out three great Saint Artifacts, all of which were High Grade, which was indeed shocking.

At this point, even the Yugaochi Saint, who might have had objections, couldn’t help but feel his heart race, swayed to some degree.

But he didn’t show it; instead, he watched the treasures these geniuses took out, ready to decide at the end depending on the situation.

After all, Ji Wu, Gu Tiancheng, Lei Yanshan, Lin Jiuyou, and Crane Lifting Rune were top talents from other mansions, with Saints behind them that were also very extraordinary.

Under such circumstances, the Yaochi Saint was indeed somewhat optimistic about the resources Zhou Yan had brought out, but she wanted to see what the others had to offer as well.

The subsequent marriage proposals were all stunning, but in comparison to what Zhou Yan had offered, the highest value was only equivalent and none surpassed, save for one person.

This person was Lin Jiuyou.

He had not brought out a marriage gift until after everyone else had done so, and then he acted.

And when he acted, he brought out just one elixir—a golden elixir engraved with Tai Chu Runes.

This elixir was placed within an ordinary jade bottle, giving off an unremarkable luster.

Yet, anyone who saw this elixir would be irresistibly drawn to it.

At this moment, Zhou Yan felt somewhat uneasy. This unease was not solely because of the elixir or Lin Jiuyou’s appearance but a general sense of foreboding.

It seemed as though an inexplicable and ominous danger was about to descend.

…

“This is a Holy Origin Divine Pill, a Divine-grade Elixir, right?”

The Yaochi Saint excitedly asked.

“Correct.”

Lin Jiuyou proudly replied, then provocatively glanced at Zhou Yan and said, “How could ordinary people be worthy of the Holy Daughter? Naturally, only the top talents, and the top forces can compete. Ji Wu? Zhou Yan? Zhuge Chunqiu? Although not bad, they all fall short by a margin.”

With these words, Lin Jiuyou directly offended several major forces.

After he had spoken, two other Saints appeared in the Secret Realm hall with a Void Body who had just appeared suddenly.

These two were a young couple, both handsome and beautiful, yet very unfamiliar.

No one recognized them, not even the Saints. But the Void Body that accompanied them—everyone recognized him. It was the Thunder Origin Sword God’s Void Body.

The Thunder Origin Sword God’s Void Body came here?

All Saints felt a surge of surprise in their hearts.

“Thunder Origin Sword God, I didn’t expect to see you here,”

the Yaochi Saint said respectfully, with reverence in his voice.

The Thunder Origin Sword God’s Void Body slightly waved his hand, saying, “I have some past connections with these two, they’ve grasped the Divine Tao and are half a step into the Divine Level, possessing the qualification to become ‘Seeds.’ That is why I have appeared.”

The Thunder Origin Sword God spoke calmly.

Then he added, “As for the matter of marriage…”

He seemed somewhat hesitant but continued, “Just handle it as you see fit. It’s best to conclude it quickly, without further delay.”

The Thunder Origin Sword God’s Void Body appeared to be anxious yet did not explain why, simply urging the marriage matter to be quickly resolved.

This statement caused Zhou Yan’s heart to sink sharply, his eyelids trembling uncontrollably.

“What’s going on? Is a major change about to occur? What exactly is happening?”

Zhou Yan was filled with turmoil and doubt.

Just then, the Yaochi Saint respectfully said, “If that’s the case, then let’s follow the words of the Thunder Origin Sword God. Now, without a doubt, the marriage gift from Lin Jiuyou is the most precious, correct?”

“Indeed.”

The Evil King was the first to acknowledge.

And the other Saints, even though many were displeased with the situation, had to admit that a Divine Level elixir indeed surpassed everything else.

“Since there is no suspense, then I announce that the Holy Daughter will be bestowed to Lin Jiuyou—”

“Hold on—”

Suddenly, another voice descended, and then the Netherworld Life and Death Bridge appeared amidst Heaven and Earth. Through the bridge, the five Great Saints—Wan Jian Tian, Jiu Que, Xiong Ba, Zhou Lingyao, Lee Xinyu—along with Hou Yan, Hou Ting, and other powerful Realm beings, all arrived.

Hou Chen was also there, winking at Zhou Yan.

“The Lei Yan King’s Imperial Decree is here.”

Wan Jian Tian suddenly waved his hand and released a golden Token: “This Decree is mighty enough to slay any strong being below the Nine Revolutions Sword God, shatter the Void, and even pierce through the Universe. This treasure can be offered as a marriage gift for the Holy Daughter!”

After Wan Jian Tian spoke, the five individuals then respectfully saluted Zhou Yan, saying, “We pay our respects to Lei Yan Saint Master.”

This scene shocked everyone present.

Even the Thunder Origin Sword God furrowed his brows, not daring to act rashly, as the Lei Yan King’s Token had astonished everyone.

“Haha—hahahaha, very well, it appears there really is no suspense,”

the Yaochi Saint laughed jubilantly, then respectfully said, “I didn’t expect the Lei Yan King to give Yaochi Sacred Land such face by leaving this Decree. It’s a blessing for the Holy Daughter and a fortune for our Yaochi Sacred Land. My fellows, and the two Saint guests, surely everyone has no objections now, right?”

The Yaochi Saint was thrilled. Upon seeing the Decree, he no longer made things difficult for Zhou Yan, instead, he highly encouraged Zhou Yan to join with the Holy Daughter.

This change took everyone by surprise, but quickly, as if they all realized something, their gazes turned to the Imperial Decree, and no more voices of doubt were heard.