Shen Shan sighed. “Tang Yan may seem easygoing, but he’s got a backbone of his own. Getting him to willingly join the Artifact Pavilion isn’t likely. Better to keep this a gentleman’s bond for now. Once he reaches the Northern Spirit Realm and sees the gap with true geniuses, inviting him then might have a higher chance.”

“Will he really come to the Northern Spirit Realm?” Shen He asked.

“A golden dragon doesn’t stay in a pond. Tingxiang’s too small to hold Tang Yan. Let’s head home,” Shen Shan replied. Standing at the corridor’s edge, he let out an odd whistle toward Purple Heart Lake.

A dark shape swooped from the sky—a massive flying spirit beast.

Its wings stretched nearly three meters each, spanning seven meters with its body included. Dusk had settled, and with the area secured, no one noticed.

Grabbing Shen He, Shen Shan leapt onto the bird. It spread its wings, carrying them swiftly westward.

Also by Purple Heart Lake, in a loft, four distinct young men sat around a table, drinking.

The Eastern Domain’s Four Young Masters.

This time, though, their usual lively banter was absent, replaced by a faint gloom.

“We thought the top five was ours for the taking. Didn’t expect this twist,” Fang Xuan broke the silence.

Two of the Four Young Masters falling in the ten-to-five round was unthinkable.

“Wan Fei hitting fourth-rank Mysterious Stage with such dominant techniques—Song Ze’s loss wasn’t unjust,” Du Shu sighed, then shifted gears. “But Cheng Gong’s fight was beyond prediction. How’d it feel facing Tang Yan today?”

Cheng Gong’s face darkened. Being publicly slapped by Tang Yan could haunt him forever.

Recalling the clash, curiosity stirred. “That kid’s strength isn’t much—third-rank Mysterious Stage—but he’s uncanny. Every time I attacked, right at the critical moment, my head spun, and my true energy faltered.”

The four often stayed in touch and trusted each other on big matters. Cheng Gong’s words jolted the others—something that weird?

No wonder Cheng Gong had seemed off. There was more to it.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“Cheng Gong, specifics—what happened?” Fang Xuan pressed.

“Can’t say exactly. Just this strange force messing with my mind,” Cheng Gong shook his head.

Tang Yan had wielded the Soul-Refining Flame too fast and discreetly for him to catch.

“Could someone have interfered?” Du Shu’s eyes narrowed.

The idea lit up the group. If true, Tang Yan had cheated.

“Tomorrow, Du Shu and I will face that kid. We’ll test him closely. If there’s cheating, we’ll call it out. Cloud City could be implicated—barred from future competitions,” Fang Xuan said with a cold smirk.

“Agreed,” Du Shu nodded.

“This time, the top five are me, Du Shu, Wan Fei, and Cloud City’s two. Lin Dongxue’s not that strong—decent combat skills, but no edge against us. She’ll drop out. Wan Fei’s tricky—if you face her, Du Shu, use quick strikes. Don’t let her chain techniques,” Fang Xuan paused, curiosity creasing his brow. “I’ve analyzed Tang Yan. He hides his strength—first fight, just first-rank Mysterious Stage.

“Against Cheng Gong, he showed peak third-rank power. His combat ability’s unreal—moves and techniques shift seamlessly. If we meet him, we need speed and overwhelming force.

“Crush him like thunder!”

…

Back at his courtyard, night had fallen. Tang Yan didn’t rush inside. Standing in the yard, he pondered Momentum’s wonders.

That tangible aura—threadlike, mystical—captivated him. He studied it deep into the night before taking a pill to meditate.

The next morning, after washing up, he headed to Lin Xiao’s courtyard.

The trio ate breakfast and arrived at the plaza together.

As the final day, the crowd swelled beyond previous days.

Squeezing to the front, they settled in to wait.

When the plaza’s bronze bell tolled, excitement flashed in every eye. The ranking battle of the Eastern Domain’s five—no, three—cities had begun.

“Ladies and gentlemen, today’s the decisive day of the Eastern Domain Competition. The champion—and the title of the Eastern Domain’s top young talent—will emerge. Which city will claim it? Let’s find out,” Fang Wentian announced. “Past champions have always received rewards, and this year’s prize is no exception—quite generous, in fact.”

“Lord Fang, what’s the reward?” an eager voice cut in.

“Since you’re all curious, I won’t keep you in suspense. The champion gets a Spirit Storage Ring!” Fang Wentian revealed with a grin.

*Hiss—* Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Tang Yan’s heart leapt.

On this continent, “Spirit Storage” meant stashing objects in a spatial pocket. *A storage treasure for the champion?*

Seeing the plaza erupt, Fang Wentian beamed, pressing his hands down. “You all know a Spirit Storage Ring’s value. Now, let’s see who claims it. The competition—begins!”

The red-robed elder stepped up, bowing to the crowd. “Five remain. This box holds numbers one to three. Whoever draws three goes straight to the final! Contestants, draw your lots!”

Tang Yan’s mind raced. This “lottery” could be rigged. Fang Xuan was the likely pick for three.

He *needed* that ring. With it, he could carry his pill cauldron anywhere—no more worrying about running dry.

*I’ve got to win it!* he resolved.

After the draw, as expected, Fang Xuan got three.

“Lucky break—forgive my fortune,” Fang Xuan said with a mild smile.

Lin Dongxue and Tang Yan both drew one. Tang Yan’s gut chilled. In competitions like this, same-city matchups were rare unless numbers forced it.

“I surrender!” Lin Dongxue’s clear voice rang out the moment she stepped onstage.

“What?” Her swift concession stunned the crowd, leaving them blinking.