Chapter Sixty-Five: The Arrival of the Artistic Troupe

By the time Ye Yan and Feng Shayan hurried back to the tournament grounds, the drawing of lots had yet to begin.

However, there were clearly more people present than before, and the atmosphere was noticeably livelier.

“Have you heard? The two brothers from the Zhuge family are participating this time—the descendants of the Martial Marquis. They might be the most promising contenders for the championship.”

“I still think Master Lingyu has a higher chance of winning. After all, he’s the direct disciple of the Grand Celestial Master. But who knows? This year’s Heavenly Gathering has drawn such a wide audience, and the experts are a diverse bunch.”

“That’s true. I heard Hong Bin from the Sect of the Fire Virtue is competing as well. That guy is really formidable.”

“And then there’s Zhang Chulan, descendant of the Source of Qi Flow. He didn’t even enter the arena before boasting loudly that he’d challenge all the top fighters. Seems he’s quite the tough customer.”

As he walked past a small group, Ye Yan overheard their conversation about the tournament’s participants.

Among those mentioned were Zhang Lingyu, Zhang Chulan, and Zhuge Qing—popular contenders, either with profound backgrounds or ancient lineages.

All of them were young masters of the new generation.

Feng Shayan, hearing their words, curled her lip dismissively. “So-called favorites for the championship, and they didn’t even mention you or Feng Baobao. Some favorites they are.”

Ye Yan shrugged without replying.

From the moment he stepped into the arena, Ye Yan’s identity was that of the Grand Summoner “Ye Liangchen.”

It was best to act with caution.

The two of them made their way through the bustling crowd and soon spotted Zhang Chulan, Feng Xingtong, and several others gathered in a corner.

At that moment, they were huddled together, chatting quietly.

“Brother-in-law, Sis, you’re back?” Feng Xingtong was a sharp-witted one; even as she chatted, she kept her eyes roaming, and immediately spotted Ye Yan in his peculiar attire amid the crowd.

“Mm.” Feng Shayan nodded, and together with Ye Yan, approached their little group.

Such a “beauty and the beast” pairing attracted plenty of curious glances along the way.

They had barely joined up with the main group and exchanged just a few words when, from a raised platform, several figures slowly ascended. The Grand Celestial Master’s gentle, hearty laughter followed: “Young people truly are brimming with vitality.”

“Look, it’s the Grand Celestial Master—and several of the Ten Elders as well.”

With his appearance, a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd.

As the leader of Mount Longhu, the Grand Celestial Master naturally stood at center stage, gazing down upon the assorted beings below. At his side, Feng Zhenghao and Lu Jin were arranged in order of seniority.

Among the figures was also an old Daoist with crimson eyes, seated in a wheelchair.

“My friends, thank you for your patience. Besides the customary rites, the Heavenly Gathering has always been a chance for us practitioners of Qi to exchange and learn from one another. I understand your eagerness. So—since everyone is eager to test their skills, let us begin.”

With these simple words, the much-anticipated Heavenly Gathering, already the talk of the extraordinary world, officially drew back its curtain.

A few young Daoists carried in a wooden table upon which sat a large red box, filled tightly with slips of paper—the order of matches.

“Will the participants please come forward one by one and draw your numbers from the box.”

At the call, the crowd—previously scattered—quickly formed a line.

With such order, the slips soon found their way into each competitor’s hands.

“Everyone, you can see the characters written on your slip.”

“Due to limited space, the Heavenly Stems indicate the order in which you’ll enter the arena.”

“There are four slips for each animal. Those who draw the same animal will compete together; only one of the four will advance to the next round.”

“Jia, Azure Dragon.”

“To think the Heavenly Gathering’s opening match would be the very first round. I’m actually looking forward to it.”

Glancing at the words on his slip, Ye Yan casually crumpled it and stuffed it into his pocket.

“I’m in the first match. I’ll head over now.”

He greeted those around him in passing, pressed down his mask, and made his way into the arena.

Because of the large number of competitors, the grounds were divided into several distinct sections.

Ye Yan’s match was in the southeast corner, where the number of spectators was relatively sparse; with so many matches happening at once, the crowd was scattered.

“Jia, Azure Dragon Field.”

“Liu Xiang—versus Jin Yu—versus Huang Bo—versus the Grand Summoner ‘Ye Liangchen.’”

When Ye Yan entered, the other three were already in position.

As the middle-aged Daoist acting as referee announced the names of the four participants, the match began.

Ye Yan’s three opponents were: Jin Yu, a young Buddhist acolyte; Liu Xiang, clad in tight black leather and wielding a slender whip; and Huang Bo, dressed in loose hip-hop clothes but with bulging muscles.

Each wore a different expression, but from the moment Ye Yan stepped in, all three instinctively fixed their eyes on him, a hint of wariness in their gaze.

“Grand Summoner Ye Liangchen?”

“That name alone sounds formidable.”

“And that flashy getup—no matter how you look at it, there’s an air of mystery and menace.”

“How about we eliminate him first?”

“Agreed.”

A glance was all it took for the three to reach a tacit understanding.

Liu Xiang snapped her whip and struck first at Ye Yan. Huang Bo followed immediately, lunging forward, his powerful fist crashing through the air.

Jin Yu, off to the side, was suddenly enveloped in a golden glow, as though cloaked in a protective aura.

“How interesting…”

Facing the combined assault, Ye Yan smiled faintly. With a few deft sidesteps, he nimbly dodged all their attacks.

“If you want a brawl, I’ll gladly join you.”

Seizing the moment as he widened the gap, Ye Yan swiftly raised his hand.

Three streaks of azure light shot from his sleeve, hitting the ground and transforming into dolls, each striking a dramatic pose.

“Warrior of Pure Love, Old Horse Five.”

“Super-sized Psyduck, Lu Dashan.”

“Garlic-Headed Turtle King, Mo Liza.”

“We are the Candy… ahem, the Art Troupe.”

Liu Xiang: …

Jin Yu: …

Huang Bo: …

The sudden appearance of these cross-dressed mascots and the abrupt change in style left the three dumbfounded.

Even the middle-aged Daoist in charge of judging the match couldn’t help but twitch at the corner of his mouth.

Brother, did you walk onto the wrong stage?

This is the Heavenly Gathering, not an anime convention.

With these flamboyant antics, you’ve come to the wrong place.

And even if it were a cosplay expo, at least find some professional actors.

Just look at these guys—what are they supposed to be?

That horse-faced one—yes, you—wearing a minotaur outfit and calling yourself a Warrior of Pure Love? Did you think you could just bluff your way through?

Don’t even think about it…