Time flies, and soon it was time for the Southern Region Immortal Martial Arts Competition.
Thirty miles outside the capital of the Great Liang Dynasty, at the royal palace, twelve arenas were set up where thousands of cultivators would compete to enter the top sixty-four.
There have been many complaints about the changes to the rules of the Southern Region Grand Competition, but there's nothing we can do. The right to interpret everything belongs to the public review panel, so if you're not happy, you don't have to come.
The Confucian Sage Sect holds an extremely transcendent and ethereal position in the Southern Region; who would dare to defy it? Moreover, joining the Confucian Sage Sect is like having one's ancestors burning incense at their graves, destined for brilliance and glory.
Therefore, the cultivators from all walks of life could only suppress their dissatisfaction and focus all their attention on the upcoming competition.
On the public trial platform, twelve judges were already in place, and members of Hundred Flowers Valley, who specialize in collecting front-page news, were also present to witness this sacred moment.
"Fellow cultivators, greetings. This is the preliminary round venue of the Southern Region Grand Competition. I am Huo Xiaoran, a regular visitor to your event."
A young woman dressed in an elegant silk shirt enthusiastically explained the scene in front of a photo stone, creating a modern news art atmosphere.
"There is still an hour before the start of the competition. All the contestants are already in place. It is clear that everyone attaches great importance to this Immortal Martial Arts Competition. Let us randomly interview a few contestants and ask them what they think of the competition."
Huo Xiaoran moved lightly among the cultivators, searching for a suitable interview subject.
Hundred Flowers Valley is a very special group in the Immortal Martial Continent.
It has no outstanding talents or remarkable backgrounds among its disciples.
However, the disciples of Hundred Flowers Valley can freely move between the righteous and evil factions without restraint, and they can be found all over the Nine Realms.
Because Hundred Flowers Valley is actually a place that collects all sorts of strange tales and anecdotes from the martial arts world, compiles them into content, prints them, and finally distributes them throughout the Nine Realms.
Ultimately, it's a media organization that lacks official recognition but is more official than the government itself.
In fact, Shen Zhao had dealt with Hundred Flowers Valley in his previous life. In order to promote the image of Yu Xiyan, who had just ascended the throne as a cold and aloof empress, he spared no expense and sent her to the "hot search headlines" section 27 times a year, making her famous throughout the Immortal Martial Continent.
Ironically, after gaining fame, Yu Xiyan, full of pride, finished her interview with Hundred Flowers Valley, and the first thing she did was go back and give Shen Zhao, who was waiting for praise, a good scolding.
They would criticize him for resorting to these low-class and unorthodox methods, and call him a petty commoner with no ambition. In short, they would utterly refute Shen Zhao's arguments.
But then he turns around and dons the Emperor's New Clothes, beaming with pride as he accepts a new front-page interview from Hundred Flowers Valley, seemingly enjoying it immensely.
A short while later, Huo Xiaoran spotted a cultivator sharpening a sword in the crowd and immediately went to greet him.
"Fellow Daoist, what brings you here?"
Upon hearing this, the swordsman immediately stopped sharpening his sword, looked up with an expression as if he were looking at someone mentally challenged, and stared intently at Huo Xiaoran.
Huo Xiaoran gave an awkward smile, immediately changed the subject, and continued to ask, "What is your mindset when you participate in this competition?"
"What mindset do you need? Just do it."
The swordsman's answer surprised Huo Xiaoran, who then smiled and said, "It seems this fellow Daoist has a peaceful mindset. I wish him excellent results in the competition. Now let's go visit the next contestant."
Huo Xiaoran looked around and her eyes lit up when she saw a familiar face. She immediately went to greet him.
"Young Master Zhou, it's been a long time. I didn't expect you to participate in this Immortal Martial Arts Competition as well?"
"Miss Huo, you're too kind. I never expected to see you here."
"Young Master Zhou, I've heard that Young Master Gan, your rival, is also participating in this competition. I've long heard that the two of you are equally brilliant. May I ask if you will seek revenge during the competition?"
"Miss Huo is overthinking it. Although Gan Shisan and I are competitors, we respect each other in private and are not as irreconcilable as the rumors suggest."
"Is that so? That's wonderful! So, what kind of achievement does Young Master Zhou intend to attain in this competition?"
"Kill Gan Shisan first!"
"..."
Huo Xiaoran was speechless for a moment. Seeing Zhou Maoyuan's serious expression, she could only make up an excuse to leave.
After interviewing several contestants without getting the desired results, Huo Xiaoran decided to interview members of the public trial panel.
Just then, Shen Zhao was playing chess with Liang Hao with an air of nonchalance, so I strolled over to visit him.
"May I ask if you are a member of the public trial team? And a handsome young man at that?"
This is the first time I've met you. May I ask your surname?
Shen Zhao tossed aside the chess piece, turned and waved at the image-recording stone, saying with practiced ease, "Hello everyone, I am a judge and referee for this Southern Region Grand Competition."
Elder Shen Zhao from the Court of Justice is honored to meet everyone on this important day.
I hope everyone can join me in following the South China Regional Competition, cheering for your favorite contestants and giving them our best!
As he spoke, he made a fist gesture.
Huo Xiaoran breathed a sigh of relief. She had finally met a serious person, and the effect was immediately good. So she immediately moved on to the next question.
"Elder Shen, may I ask what your expectations and instructions are for this Southern Region Grand Competition?"
"I hope everyone can have a fair and just competition environment, which is a fantastic opportunity for our athletes to change their destiny."
As members of the public judging panel, we have our own code of conduct to ensure the smooth running of the Immortal Martial Arts Competition.
"Yes, Elder Shen is right. However, as everyone knows, there are many public trial groups in the martial arts world that claim to be fair and impartial but secretly accept bribes, making the competition extremely unfair."
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