Chapter 26: Five Regions Alliance (Part 7)

Instructor Liu Qingwan steeled herself to greet them, a polite smile on her face, but she was secretly fretting inside: "There weren't enough seats to begin with, and now with this whole new group, how am I supposed to arrange them?"

After the brief exchange of pleasantries, the etiquette Disciple walked onto the stage awkwardly, looking around, but could not find a place to guide the crowd from Danxiang Valley.

An embarrassed expression appeared on their faces; they were clearly in a dilemma.

Just as the atmosphere turned delicate, Lin Chen's slender little hand quietly manipulated the nano cube.

In an instant, a pink staircase extended from beneath everyone's feet as the brilliant nano units rapidly assembled into shape.

The second tier of seating was constructed in a very short time; the stairs were exquisite and spacious, thoughtfully equipped with soft lighting and sunshades.

Bathed in a pink glow, the entire venue was instantly transformed.

The people from Danxiang Valley all revealed expressions of surprise, and even Instructor Liu Qingwan couldn't help but widen her eyes.

"Lin Chen, this method of yours…" Instructor Liu Qingwan's tone held an extra touch of undisguised admiration.

Lin Chen smiled sweetly, speaking in a soft yet confident manner: "It's a small matter, Senior Sister Liu Qingwan, so you don't need to worry."

The Valley Master of Danxiang Valley let her gaze linger on Lin Chen for a moment, the corners of her mouth curling up slightly: "She is indeed a clever girl."

The Disciples below the stage whispered to each other:

"The second tier of seats was set up so quickly, how was that done?"

"Spirit energy, obviously!" one Disciple replied, only to be flicked on the forehead immediately after.

"Idiot! That was built beforehand and hidden with spirit energy. Who would be stupid enough to use spirit energy for this!" Mo Chen scolded.

"Senior Brother is right." Everyone echoed.

To the side, Ye Youming of the Nether Ghost Realm narrowed her eyes, staring at Lin Chen's back, and laughed: "Lin Chen, you are even more interesting than I thought."

As personnel from all factions arrived, Instructor Liu Qingwan calmly walked to the center of the venue, holding a Jade Slip with gold-threaded edges in her hand.

She cleared her throat, and her gentle voice spread throughout the entire venue:

"Fellow Daoists, we have gathered here today to collectively select the most suitable members for the investigation squad to carry out the mission."

She paused slightly, her gaze sweeping over the direction of the Disciples from the Five Regions, and continued:

"Next, each of the Five Regions will select one representative Disciple. These representative Disciples will accept challenges from the other Disciples."

"Finally, the five winners will form the investigation squad, and a captain will be selected in the subsequent competition."

Low murmurs immediately erupted below the stage; the Disciples from various Sects were both excited and nervous.

After all, this was not just a competition of honor, but a test of strength.

Instructor Liu Qingwan continued to add: "The rules for the challenge are as follows—each representative Disciple will accept challenges from Disciples of their own Sect."

"If a representative Disciple wins two consecutive matches, they will automatically advance; if they lose, the challenger will take their place as the representative."

The crowd below was in an uproar.

On the side of Danxiang Valley, a woman with a graceful figure stepped out, her features as beautiful as a painting, clear and moving.

"Master, I am willing to serve as the representative." It was none other than the Chief Disciple of Danxiang Valley—Yao Qingya.

It should have been Dan Xiner, but she went to the Cliff of Starry Sea three years ago and remained in the Upper Realm.

On the side of the Nether Ghost Realm, Supreme Mingye wore a cold sneer, casually pointing at Ye Youming beside him: "You go, don't disappoint me."

Ye Youming raised her head, a bewitching smile appearing on her stunningly beautiful face.

She stood up, her stride exuding a cold elegance, with shadows seemingly swirling behind her. She bowed slightly to Supreme Mingye: "This Disciple will certainly not fail your expectations."

When she ascended the stage, her gaze was cold and sharp, her aura imposing, causing the surrounding Disciples to involuntarily lower their heads to avoid her eyes.

The Disciples of the Xuanyin Second Sect turned their heads to look at a woman as pure as snow.

Mu Xueyan wore a silver-white dress, appearing as if she were sculpted from frost and snow.

She walked out of her seat, her figure as light as a falling snowflake, her temperament ethereal, her voice soft yet clear:

"Xuanyin Second Sect, Mu Xueyan, willing to enter the battle."

On the side of the Qin Sect, everyone gathered their gaze on Lin Chen.

Instructor Liu Qingwan asked gently: "Lin Chen, are you willing to fight for the Sect?"

Lin Chen was slightly taken aback, then revealed a sweet smile, but gently shook her head: "I have to be responsible for the defensive works, so I won't participate."

Sect Master Qi Meng felt her heart tighten upon hearing this: My silly sister, you don't even look—Lin Fan has already been arranged into the Son of Heaven position, about to be snatched away, and you're still not anxious.

"Ahem, Lin Chen, you should go. Leave the guarding matters to me; with me here, what is there for you to worry about?"

"Th-then alright."

She wore a moon-white dress and walked lightly out of her seat, the silver-edged ribbon at her waist swaying gently with her steps, appearing agile and elegant.

Although a bit nervous, she held her head high and chest out, her smile carrying a hint of innocence and confidence.

The representative Disciples of the Five Regions ascended the stage one after another.

Western Region – Danxiang Valley, Yao Qingya.

Eastern Region – Xuanyin Second Sect, Mu Xueyan.

Northern Region – Mingying Hall, Ye Youming.

Southern Region – Qin Sect, Lin Chen.

Central Region – Tianji Pavilion, Lin Fan is expected to appear, though it's unclear what that special entry list is for.

"The Five Regions Representative Disciple Challenge Match now officially begins!"

Instructor Liu Qingwan stood at the center of the music stage, announcing crisply:

"The rules are as follows: Each representative Disciple must win two consecutive matches to advance directly."

"If they fail during this process, the right to challenge will be handed over to other Disciples of their Sect."

Just at this moment, a figure walked out of the crowd; it was the Core Disciple of the Eastern Region's Xuanyin Second Sect—Left Sword Envoy Yun Che.

He had a handsome face, and his eyes revealed a hint of stubbornness and complex emotions.

He walked to the front of the stage, his gaze fixed on Instructor Liu Qingwan: "Instructor, I want to challenge Yao Qingya of Danxiang Valley!"

This sentence caused an uproar below the stage. The Disciples of the Western Region's Danxiang Valley whispered their dissatisfaction, while the Eastern Region Disciples looked confused.

A hint of displeasure flashed across Instructor Liu Qingwan's face, but she patiently explained: "Yun Che, as a Disciple of the Xuanyin Second Sect, you can only challenge the representative Disciple of your own Sect, Mu Xueyan; you cannot challenge Yao Qingya."

Yun Che frowned slightly; Mu Xueyan was the beloved in his heart, how could he challenge her?

"I…" Yun Che clenched his fists tightly, his eyes full of struggle and unwillingness. Finally, he said in a low voice, "I understand."

Instructor Liu Qingwan saw his hesitation and comforted him softly: "There is no need to worry too much. If Xue Yan is defeated, you can challenge the representative Disciples of other Sects through the resurrection match to fight for a chance to participate."

Yun Che nodded and returned to his original position, but he still couldn't help but look up towards Mu Xueyan's direction from time to time, his eyes filled with deep affection and helplessness.

He didn't want Xue Yan to take risks, yet he didn't want to meet her on the battlefield; he truly was a deeply affectionate man.

The Disciples below the stage whispered and discussed among themselves. Someone complained in a low voice:

"Since there is a resurrection match for challenges, why risk challenging the Sect's representative Disciple now? We are all fellow Disciples; what if we damage our harmony?"

On the other side, another Disciple analyzed: "But the resurrection match only gives a chance after the Sect fails; if one waits until then to enter the field, wouldn't they have to face the strongest of other Sects? Entering now at least gives a chance to hone oneself."

Just as the murmurs below the stage grew louder, on the side of the Southern Region, the Thunder Empress quietly transmitted a message to Chief Disciple Lei Ji beside her: "Lei Ji, go up and challenge Lin Chen."

Chief Disciple Lei Ji was stunned for a moment, then showed a troubled expression, hurriedly transmitting back: "Master, that is Junior Sister Lin Chen; how can I make a move against her?"

"Foolish!" the Thunder Empress scolded coldly, her eyes carrying a hint of severity, "If you can't even beat her, what right do you have to compete with the Geniuses of other Sects? The resurrection match is just a joke; the true honor is now. For the main peak status of Leiyin Palace, you must go."

Chief Disciple Lei Ji lowered her head, gritted her teeth, her voice revealing a hint of reluctance: "Alright, Master… I understand."