“The Nine Nights Holy Lands has indeed already taken action, with their Grand Elder leading a team. They set off for the Star River God-Dynasty a step earlier than us,” the Grand Elder of Martial Heaven Sacred Ground said.

“The Nine Nights Immortal Sovereign is their business, there is no need for us to rush,” the elder sitting at the top replied. “When the time comes, let a few of the young disciples go and temper themselves. With the Star River God-Dynasty involved, whoever goes will only get scraps.”

“Who is the Nine Nights Immortal Sovereign?” Xu Zimo turned to Xia Wanqing and asked.

“It is said that our Martial Heaven Sacred Ground and the Nine Nights Holy Lands used to be great sects. Our ancestor, the Martial Heaven Great Emperor, and their ancestor, the Nine Nights Immortal Sovereign, were both famous figures,” Xia Wanqing whispered. “So this time, since the Mystic Realm involves the Nine Nights Immortal Sovereign, they are so anxious. And now that both of our sects have already declined, everyone is searching for their ancestors. Hoping that the ancestors will return and restore the sect to glory.”

“Then where did your ancestor go?” Xu Zimo asked.

“Who knows, rumor has it they went to higher heavens and never came back.”

Just as the two were whispering, the elder at the top called out, “Wanqing.”

Xia Wanqing quickly stepped forward.

“Now let’s talk about your matter,” the elder said.

His gaze swept across everyone present, then he continued, “As you all know, it is time for me to step down. The selection of a new Young Sacred Lord is urgent. I have said before, if Wanqing resolves the matter of her husband, then she will be named the Young Sacred Lord. What do you all think?”

“I have no objection,” the Grand Elder said with a smile. “Only, since he is Wanqing’s husband, we must test whether he is worthy of her.”

“I agree with the Grand Elder,” the Second Elder also stepped forward. He said, “How can a mediocre man deserve Wanqing’s identity?”

The crowd below began to talk all at once, like a storm of voices.

It instantly became chaotic, everyone voicing their own opinions.

Even the elder at the top probably did not expect such a strong reaction.

“Quiet,” the elder tapped the armrest of his chair, coughing a few times.

Everyone immediately quieted down.

“Wanqing, what is your opinion?” the elder asked.

“Thank you to all the elders for your care and concern,” Xia Wanqing looked around and smiled lightly. “A test is certain, but since he is my husband, who will accompany me for life, naturally my opinion should matter the most, shouldn’t it?”

“That is inappropriate,” the Grand Elder shook his head. “If you were just an ordinary disciple, we would not interfere with your marriage. But since you are to become the Young Sacred Lord, then for the sake of our Martial Heaven Sacred Ground, it cannot be taken lightly.”

“That’s right, ever since our ancestor the Martial Heaven Emperor founded this sect, and since the ancestor still walks the world, we must manage the sect well,” the Seventh Elder also stood up and said. “If one day the ancestor returns from his wanderings, and the sect is gone, what would he think?”

“How do you propose to test him?” the elder at the top asked.

“Through competition, of course. We will set three trials. If he passes them, then we will acknowledge his identity,” the Grand Elder said.

It was clear that they had already planned this in advance.

“I don’t agree,” Xia Wanqing said.

“Let’s hear what the three trials are first,” the elder at the top said.

“The first trial is beast taming. In the back mountains of our Martial Heaven Sacred Ground, we raise a group of demonic beasts. Let him compete with Mo Du. Within a quarter of an hour, whoever tames more wins,” the Grand Elder said.

“That’s not fair, Mo Du has lived in the Beast Taming Hall all year round, compared to my husband it is much easier for him,” Xia Wanqing quickly protested.

“If he cannot even defeat Mo Du, then why should he become the husband of our Young Sacred Lord?” the Grand Elder said coldly, giving Xia Wanqing no chance to rebut.

He continued, “The second trial is combat. He will fight against Li Xiaoyuan, one match to determine victory. As for the third trial, let him choose for himself, so that no one can say we are bullying him. Out of the three trials, if he wins two, then he passes. Is that not fair?”

“Fair?” Xia Wanqing sneered.

Li Xiaoyuan was the number one among Martial Heaven Sacred Ground’s younger generation, ranked within the top hundred of the Star River God-Dynasty’s Hero Ranking. Not to mention Xu Zimo, not a single one of the younger generation of Martial Heaven Sacred Ground could be his opponent.

“Grandfather, look at them, they are deliberately trying to bully me,” Xia Wanqing turned to the elder at the top and said.

Everyone else also turned to look at the elder. They knew that the final decision lay in his hands.

“The first trial can proceed. As for the second, replace Li Xiaoyuan with Zhuo Bufan,” the elder said calmly.

He turned to Xu Zimo and asked, “What about the third trial? You may decide.”

“Isn’t it best two out of three? Let’s not choose a third trial for now,” Xu Zimo said with a smile.

“If I lose the first two, then there’s no point in competing further.”

“At least you have some self-awareness,” someone nearby sneered.

“Very well, prepare yourself then. When shall the trials be held?” the elder asked.

“This afternoon,” Xu Zimo replied.

“Grand Elder, you make the arrangements,” the elder waved his hand. “If there’s nothing else, let’s adjourn.”

Xia Wanqing still wanted to say something, but seeing the situation, she angrily left.

……

After everyone dispersed, several Martial Heaven Sacred Ground elders gathered together.

“The Grand Elder is truly far-sighted, this leaves that girl with no way out,” the Second Elder laughed. “Once we defeat her, we can smoothly let Xiaoyuan succeed as Young Sacred Lord.”

“The Sacred Lord is already old, it is time for him to retire,” the Grand Elder said calmly, looking at the sky. “Have we figured out that boy’s background?”

“No, it is as if he appeared out of thin air,” the Seventh Elder shook his head. “But in such a short time, Xia Wanqing cannot find help. And judging by her expression earlier, it seems even she lacks confidence.”

“That boy dares to meddle in these waters, I’ll make sure he doesn’t even pass the first trial,” the Grand Elder said coldly. “When taming the beasts, I will provoke them. If an accident occurs, and he dies under the claws of the beasts, everything will be settled once and for all.”

The elders exchanged glances and laughed.

……

“Why are you so angry?” On the way back, Xu Zimo looked at Xia Wanqing and asked.

“Things are already critical, yet you act as though you don’t care,” Xia Wanqing said. “What now? I thought Grandfather would side with me, but I didn’t expect him to agree.”

“Your grandfather has his own considerations,” Xu Zimo smiled. “What else can we do? Soldiers block the enemy, water stops the flood.” He yawned, “I’m a bit sleepy, I’ll go take a nap.”

“You’ll be the death of me,” Xia Wanqing said, staring at Xu Zimo.

“What? So eager to marry me already?” Xu Zimo teased.

They returned to the courtyard.