Tangyu arrived at the Third Layer, and indeed saw that the square was filled with thousands of people, a sea of people bustling about. Apparently, the grand competition among disciples was about to begin.

This time, the Jiuzhou Immortal Sect's grand competition among disciples was quite ceremonious, with disciples from the First Layer to the Third Layer all participating. Therefore, the number of people was very large, numbering in the thousands or even tens of thousands.

Tangyu's arrival immediately attracted attention. A flurry of voices discussing him spread over, with many people whispering to each other. The incident over at the Yanshan Sect, although somewhat remote, had some rumors that had reached the ears of Jiuzhou Immortal Sect's disciples after so many days. Of course, regarding these rumors, many were skeptical, hence the lively discussions.

Tangyu walked straight towards the camp of the Inner Sect disciples, where Zhuang Qian, Holy Sun, and Xing Tian came up to him. Zhuang Qian smirked and said, "Brother Tangyu, I thought you wouldn't participate in the grand competition among disciples. If you didn't come, it would be less interesting, missing quite a lot of excitement. Although this grand competition is more of a solo performance for you, Brother Tangyu, you might disdain it. But we are curious about how big of a storm you can stir up."

"Haha, such a perfect opportunity to gain fame. If Brother Tangyu doesn't come, we would not agree," Holy Sun laughed.

Tangyu smirked, glancing around and spotting many familiar faces. Pan Chenyu, Gumu Can, Ye Ren, Yan Huohuo, Liang Fengqi, and others. In the Outer Sect disciples' camp, Wang Qiutian and others also directed their gazes towards him. Tangyu nodded and smiled at them, greeting them first.

The grand competition among disciples had not started yet, as only the disciples had arrived, and the Elders had not appeared yet.

"I wonder if that Hua Wuliang guy will come back." Zhuang Qian suddenly said.

Tangyu smirked, "That crafty guy, I don't think he'll miss this chance to show off. During the disciples' selection, he certainly made quite a scene. This time, I bet he'll turn up. Look, there he is," Tangyu pointed out. Sure enough, Hua Wuliang approached with three women accompanying him, drawing envious looks. What man wouldn't love to have beautiful women constantly by their side?

Indeed, Hua Wuliang had such a charm with women.

"Hey, Brother Tangyu, Brother Zhuang Qian, Brother Holy Sun, long time no see. It's great to see you all. Wow, after over half a year, you all look so radiant. It seems your strengths have improved a lot. I feel a lot of pressure now. Gosh, I should have known better and not come back for this grand competition among disciples. If I don't secure a good position, it would be terribly embarrassing," Hua Wuliang said with a wry grin.

Zhuang Qian and Holy Sun didn't believe Hua Wuliang's words. Zhuang Qian scoffed a bit, "Who believes your nonsense? Last time you acted all humble and ended up in the top five, right? This time, you're aiming for the top five again, aren't you?"

Hua Wuliang quickly shook his head, "Brother Zhuang Qian, don't overestimate me. Last time was an accident. This time, I'm mentally prepared; I just want to avoid being in the bottom five."

Tangyu scrutinized Hua Wuliang. Although Hua Wuliang's strength and aura seemed restrained, Tangyu still saw through it, realizing Hua Wuliang had reached the Ninth Layer of the Mystic Law Realm. He could also sense a very strong aura. Surprising indeed, Hua Wuliang's strength had grown to such an extent in just over half a year. Such progress intrigued Tangyu. It seemed Hua Wuliang had encountered some fortuitous opportunities during this time.

Hua Wuliang, with a harmless smile on his face, looked at Tangyu. From his slightly peculiar smile, Tangyu seemed to glean some information.

"This time, I've heard the rewards for the grand competition among disciples are very generous. Also, I've heard the Sect Master Immortal and Holy Maiden will personally oversee it. Whether that's true, I don't know. In previous grand competitions among disciples, the Sect Master Immortal and the Holy Maiden rarely participated. It shows how important this one is. I've heard the first prize this time comes with at least a hundred merit points as a reward," Zhuang Qian commented.

Holy Sun nodded, "I've heard those rumors too. I think they might be true. The interest from the top can be seen from last time's disciples' selection. It's normal to have a grand event this time."

"Here they come!"

Someone said, and all eyes turned towards the spot where figures descended from above. It was a group of Elders, each exuding an air of immortality, with white hair and youthful appearances. The Elders who presided over the last disciples' selection were among them. More so, there were many Elders whom neither Tangyu nor the others had met before. In total, there were over twenty of them. Each person exuded an immensely powerful aura.

Tangyu sensed that each one was at least at the Sixth Layer of the Golden Core Realm. Furthermore, a few white-haired old men with an air of immortality emitted vast auras that made Tangyu feel they might be the Great Power of the Zifu Realm. If such powerful figures didn't restrain their aura, many people would likely be immobilized by it.

Flame True Monarch also descended with a few disciples, with Zi Cang and Gumu Can following right behind. Flame True Monarch arrived with two disciples, including Yan Huohuo and an older disciple. The dominant aura emanating from him indicated he was not to be trifled with, definitely a formidable character.

Aside from the new disciples, many of the old disciples have arrived as well. Among the crowd, Tangyu also spotted exemplary figures like Fu Sang, whose presence could be considered on par with the Golden Core Realm Elders. With their strength, they indeed have reached such a level.

Tangyu looked towards Fu Sang, and Fu Sang responded with a friendly nod and smile towards Tangyu. Receiving a friendly smile from someone like Fu Sang amazed many people, and another wave of heated discussions arose.

Fu Sang, it is said, has reached the Ninth Layer of the Golden Core Realm early on, and rumors even suggest his power rivals the Zifu Realm, having even defeated a Zifu. Of course, these are just rumors, and whether they are true is unknown. Nonetheless, Fu Sang's strength among the Jiuzhou Immortal Sect disciples is undeniably strong. Top twenty, for sure. He might even rank in the top ten; although, that's just a possibility.

After all, there are several disciples acknowledged as Zifu Realm.

Take Zhou Tianzi, for instance—he is rumored to have reached the Ninth Layer of the Zifu Realm, an unparalleled state. The leaders of the Sacred Dragon Party and Myriad Laws Faction are definitely Great Powers of the Zifu Realm. Their status in the Jiuzhou Immortal Sect surpasses many Elders, and they can represent the Jiuzhou Immortal Sect externally.

"I've heard the Heavenly King Faction is trying to recruit Tangyu, seems like it's true. I wonder if Tangyu has joined the Heavenly King Faction. To become a Jiuzhou Immortal Sect disciple in less than a year and be actively recruited by the Heavenly King Faction, Tangyu is probably the first, right?"

"Definitely the first, an unparalleled Evil Demon. The Heavenly King Faction—I'm sure Tangyu has agreed. An invitation from Heavenly King Faction can't be refused."

"I don't know what kind of Evil Demon this guy reincarnated from to reach such terrifying heights. In this disciple competition, I wonder how he will perform. Recently, there have been many rumors about him, true or false, I'm unsure. If they are all true, then it's unimaginably frightening."

"Impossible, how can they all be true? Rumors, you know, they change completely as they spread. I absolutely wouldn't believe such things. No matter how much of an Evil Demon he is, reaching that level is impossible."

Listening to the discussions in the crowd, Tangyu remained calm and indifferent; there was no need for him to pay attention, just pretending he hadn't heard.

Zhuang Qian nudged Tangyu and said, "Tangyu, is it true that the Heavenly King Faction wants to recruit you?"

Tangyu smirked and replied, "Yes, but—I declined."

"What the—"

Zhuang Qian and the others suddenly felt a bit shocked, and Hua Wuliang looked at Tangyu with a face full of grievance, "Tangyu, are you deliberately trying to shock us? The Heavenly King Faction actively recruits you, yet you refuse. That's bold, really bold, I'm completely floored by you. You have so much character, I like it."

Holy Sun clicked his tongue and shook his head, "It's rare to find someone who dares to refuse recruitment from the Heavenly King Faction. Tangyu, you're really impressive, my admiration is boundless. That said, everyone has their own aspirations. What Tangyu did, there's nothing wrong with it. People may not understand it now, but looking back later, it might be seen as a wise decision."

Tangyu smiled; Holy Sun's words resonated deeply with him: "Being inferior to others is something I never enjoy. No matter how powerful the Heavenly King Faction is, there's no need to rely on it. The path is ours to tread; how far we go on the path of seeking immortality is our own business. External help will never be of much assistance. Being bound by others is something I really dislike. Moreover, we could form our own faction in the future; why be subordinate to the Heavenly King Faction?"

Tangyu's words also made Zhuang Qian and the others' eyes light up, their expressions stirred.

"Haha, exactly! I've had this thought for a while, but it's hard for one alone to make an impact. Haha, it seems Tangyu had the same idea. I think we can totally work on this. With our current strength combined, we should try it little by little. Initially, we won't compete with the Sacred Dragon Party; step by step, we'll reach vitality one day," Hua Wuliang immediately grinned and put his arm around Tangyu's shoulder.

Zhuang Qian and Holy Sun also nodded in agreement. Given their current strength, they are indeed somewhat weak. But it doesn't matter, there's an Evil Demon, Tangyu. With him, it can be supported entirely. Once Tangyu reaches the Zifu Realm, we can absolutely establish a faction comparable to the Sacred Dragon Party.

Of course, these are just their intentions for the time being, and they haven't started handling these matters yet.

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