The reward for the second place was considerably less impressive, with no comparison to the first place.
It was merely a Heavenly rank top-grade weapon along with a pill that could aid in comprehending the rules of martial arts.
Ning Youci was not lacking in these items.
However, out of respect for the Profound Sky Holy Land's reputation, she accepted them.
By the time Cui Jiang's turn came, only one pill remained.
The remaining contestants received various rewards that were neither particularly good nor bad.
After all the rewards were distributed, Hou Qinglin nodded and said in a deep voice.
"This Five Domains Grand Competition has concluded. Everyone, please depart!"
With that, he vanished without further delay.
As the host of this Five Domains Grand Competition, the Profound Sky Holy Land not only failed to secure any rankings but also lost their Holy Son within its confines.
It was an utter disgrace to the Profound Sky Holy Land's name.
He felt too embarrassed to linger.
He was keenly aware of how many people were eagerly waiting to mock him.
Meanwhile, upon seeing Hou Qinglin depart, Li Yan turned and gave Xu Chuan a deep look before also turning away.
He needed to report the news to the Profound Sky Holy Lord immediately.
This was because he suspected that Xu Chuan had a high probability of obtaining the fortuitous encounter that would allow him to break through to the Emperor Venerable realm.
In that case, they would have to scheme and figure out how to obtain this fortuitous encounter from Xu Chuan without anyone noticing, and then eliminate him!
The boisterous atmosphere did not dissipate with the end of the Five Domains Grand Competition.
Instead, it intensified.
Countless gazes were fixed upon Xu Chuan and his companions.
Like venomous snakes, they waited for an opportune moment to strike.
To deliver a fatal blow at the most suitable time.
"You Ci, you should leave first. I'll return to you later!"
Xu Chuan said to Ning Youci beside him.
The journey back was fraught with peril. For Ning Youci's safety, it would be best for her to return separately with the Great Wei Dynasty's entourage.
Those people were targeting him, and they likely wouldn't trouble Ning Youci.
"Alright."
"Senior Brother Xu, I will await your arrival in the capital!"
"You must return safely!"
Hearing Xu Chuan's words, Ning Youci nodded obediently.
She understood Xu Chuan's intentions.
The items Xu Chuan possessed were destined to attract covetous eyes.
Her presence beside Xu Chuan would not only be of little help but could even become a burden.
This was something she was unwilling to see.
Therefore, she agreed to Xu Chuan's suggestion without hesitation.
She was already content with not being a hindrance to Xu Chuan.
"Don't worry, they are nothing more than common pests to me, posing no threat!"
"Don't you know my strength?"
Xu Chuan said with a smile.
He showed no concern for the imminent danger.
This was a testament to his extreme confidence in his own abilities.
"When I return to the Eastern Domain, I will come to propose marriage and give you a proper explanation!"
Xu Chuan made a promise to Ning Youci.
"Yes, Senior Brother Xu, I believe you!"
Ning Youci nodded heavily, a radiant smile of happiness gracing her face.
Then, under everyone's gaze, she kissed Xu Chuan directly.
After the kiss, she returned to her own team with a flushed face.
She then watched Xu Chuan as he reluctantly departed.
Feeling the warmth lingering on his lips, Xu Chuan was momentarily stunned.
Had he just been kissed?
He supposed so.
He hadn't reacted in time.
Cui Jiang, who was standing nearby, also wore a surprised expression, as if witnessing something extraordinary.
Xu Chuan, having regained his senses, shot Cui Jiang a glare.
The latter then composed himself.
"Elder Gu Zhen, let's prepare to leave as well!"
"The return journey will not be easy. Everyone, please be prepared!"
Xu Chuan said in a deep voice, giving them a heads-up.
He couldn't guarantee how many people would be enticed by that wisp of chaotic primal chaos.
But the number would certainly be significant!
He believed that by now, many people had already laid ambushes along their route, waiting for him to walk into their trap.
A fierce battle was inevitable!
"Yes, Your Highness!"
"We will ensure Your Highness's safety. Please rest assured!"
Gu Zhen understood the gravity of the situation and his expression was very solemn.
If they could successfully return to the Taiyi Holy Land this time, no one would be able to stop the Taiyi Holy Land's rise to power!
Therefore, even if it meant death, he would absolutely ensure Xu Chuan's safety and allow him to return to the Taiyi Holy Land smoothly!
"Let's go!"
Xu Chuan gave the order, and the warship immediately set sail.
It instantly broke through the void and appeared in the sky.
Following their previous route, they headed back.
And not long after Xu Chuan and his group entered the void.
In various parts of the Central Domain, numerous forces dispatched their top disciples into the void, preparing to ambush Xu Chuan within it!
The entire void was already swarming with informants.
Every move of Xu Chuan and his group escaped their watchful eyes!
...
Deep within the Profound Sky Holy Land, inside a grand hall.
Li Yan and Hou Qinglin stood respectfully, their heads bowed, daring not to make a sound.
In front of them, a middle-aged man sat on a majestic chair, his eyes closed, his head resting on his hand.
Around him, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged and ebbed, fluctuating with the changes in his aura.
A powerful pressure permeated the entire hall, isolating it as if it were a separate world.
And he was the king of this world!
Anyone before him could only submit!
After a long while, he finally opened his eyes.
His gaze swept over the two in front of him, making them feel as if they were sitting on pins and needles, filled with apprehension.
"Tell me, what exactly happened?"
He spoke in a deep voice, his tone filled with an undeniable authority.
He was the current Holy Lord of the Profound Sky Holy Land, Long An.
If Xu Chuan were present, he would have noticed that Long An's cultivation was infinitely close to the First-Order Emperor Venerable realm, only needing a wisp of chaotic primal chaos to break through successfully.
Furthermore, he had carved out his own unique inner world.
It could be said that Long An was one of the most powerful individuals on the entire Profound Sky Continent.
Upon hearing Long An's voice, Li Yan and Hou Qinglin finally raised their heads.
Li Yan, after much deliberation, finally spoke with trepidation, "Reporting to the Holy Lord, Jiang Ming is dead..."
Despite his arrogance outside, in front of Long An, he possessed no dignity as a Half-Emperor realm expert.
"Hm?"
"What a waste, to be dead."
Upon hearing the news, Long An's eyelids flickered, and he cursed.
As if, in his eyes, the death of a Holy Son was a trivial matter.
"Anything else?"
He continued to ask.
If it were merely the death of a Holy Son, Li Yan and Hou Qinglin would never dare to disturb him.
Long An was well aware of this.
"Holy Lord, the fortuitous encounter for breaking through to the Emperor Venerable realm has likely been obtained by Xu Chuan!"
Li Yan did not dare to conceal anything and spoke truthfully.
"What?"
"Are you certain?"
Upon hearing this news, Long An instantly shed his lethargic demeanor and sat up straight.
A golden light shot from his eyes, fixing intently on Li Yan, demanding a definitive answer.