「Three days later.」

At the Shangguan Family estate, the scorching sun blazed overhead. A high platform had been erected in a spacious clearing, and a solemn-faced crowd milled about, vaguely separated into three distinct sections.

They were none other than the Three Great Noble Families: Shangguan, Ouyang, and Mu!

At that moment, Shangguan Bei, Patriarch of the Shangguan Family, walked onto the high platform. After sweeping his gaze across the crowd with a smile, he laughed and said, "Everyone, it is my Shangguan Family’s turn to host the summit of the three families. I am deeply honored. Let me first thank you all..."

After some pleasantries, Shangguan Bei announced, "Last night, after discussing with the Elders, we decided that this year’s contest for control of the hundred cities will follow the traditions of the past. The ownership of the three main cities will remain unchanged. As for the rest, the Three Great Noble Families will each send their disciples to compete on this stage. The winner shall claim a city..."

"Now, let the competition begin!!"

An elder then walked onto the high platform and took out a scroll.

"The first city is Qingzong City! Will those who wish to contend for it please step onto the stage!"

As soon as the words fell, two young men leaped out from the direction of the Shangguan and Ouyang Families. The Mu Family, however, made no move. Qingzong City was too far from the Mu Family’s main city and was situated on the border of the Ouyang and Shangguan territories. Thus, the Mu Family had no interest in this city and simply let the other two families fight over it.

"Begin," the elder said, then retreated a good distance away.

The two cupped their fists to each other in a salute, then began their bout.

Both were Martial Artists of the Celestial Essence Realm and considered rare geniuses in their respective families. Fists and feet flew, and for a time, they were evenly matched. Ultimately, the Martial Artist from the Shangguan Family gained a slight edge by relying on the Great Trend and won the victory.

"Qingzong City goes to the Shangguan Family!"

An Elder from the Ouyang Family let out a cold snort, his expression darkening. Shangguan Bei, in contrast, was all smiles, his mood visibly improved.

Next came the contests for one city after another.

Time passed, and dusk approached. By now, the division of power over the hundred cities was mostly decided, with only a few important cities remaining...

"The ninety-fourth city... Cloud Sea City!!"

Cloud Sea City was a crucial trade route. Many merchant guilds passed through it to enter the Celestial Dragon Sea Region, and its profits were more than ten times that of other cities!

It was a prize the Three Great Noble Families were all determined to claim!

As the words fell, three young men shot into the sky with a WHOOSH. This was the battle of the Extraordinary Martial Artists from the younger generation of the Three Great Noble Families. High in the sky, flashes of fire and Blade Qi crisscrossed, and the clash of weapons sounded like rolling thunder. The immense shockwaves stirred the very clouds.

"Brother Ouyang achieved the Extraordinary Realm several years ago. He was the first of the younger generation among the Three Great Noble Families to do so. I think he has the best chance of winning."

"Hmph, so what if he was the first? My Brother Shangguan was the youngest among the Three Great Noble Families to reach the Extraordinary Realm. He’s the strongest!"

"So what? When it comes to Mysteries, my Brother Mu’s Fire Rain Mysteries are a cut above regular Mysteries. He’s sure to win this contest!"

"No, the Shangguan Family will be victorious!"

"Just you wait and see. The Mu Family is the strongest."

The battle of the Extraordinary Martial Artists was still raging, but the disciples of the great families were already arguing amongst themselves. At this, Shangguan Bei and the other leaders frowned, unable to watch any longer.

"All of you, shut up!"

"All this bickering! Where’s your decorum?!"

"Just watch quietly."

The battle of the Extraordinary Martial Artists lasted for almost half an hour. Before long, the three landed gently on the ground. The Extraordinary Martial Artist from the Shangguan Family smiled at the other two and said, "I was fortunate to win."

At these words, the expressions of the Elders from the other two Great Noble Families turned grim, while Shangguan Bei beamed. "Cloud Sea City now belongs to my Shangguan Family."

"There are still a few cities left. Let’s continue."

"That’s right. And Qinglong City is certainly no less valuable than Cloud Sea City."

The competition between the Three Great Noble Families continued heatedly as night gradually fell. At that moment, a young man in white slowly emerged from the twilight.

The sound of footsteps, TAP TAP TAP, echoed through the silent night with a peculiar rhythm. A smile played on Qin Ya’s lips as the white-robed figure arrived before the Shangguan Family estate.

’Heh. Shangguan Family, Ouyang Family, Mu Family... I’m here!’

Qin Ya murmured softly, the cold glint in his eyes growing more intense. The two Martial Artists guarding the estate’s main gate suddenly felt as if an unnatural wind had swept over them. A chill seeped into their flesh and pierced their bones, making them instinctively pull their clothes tighter.

One of them walked up to Qin Ya and said, "Who are you? Why are you loitering at the Shangguan Family’s gate? Don’t you know that today is the day of the three-family summit?"

"I know," Qin Ya nodded.

"If you know, then hurry up and leave!" the guard said, his brow furrowing.

"No, I can’t leave," Qin Ya replied with a faint smile.

"You’re here to cause trouble!!" The guard’s expression darkened, and the other guards quickly surrounded them, looking at Qin Ya as if he were an idiot.

’Idiot. Doesn’t he know where he is?’

’This is the Shangguan Family estate, yet he actually dares to come here and cause trouble.’

"Seize him."

The order was given, and the guards surged forward. But a slight smile touched Qin Ya’s lips as a gale erupted from his body, howling in all directions. In an instant, the guards, whose Cultivation was only at the Earth Element Realm, were all thrown back.

"Heh, but I’ve come bearing a gift,"

Qin Ya said with a faint smile. He strode right past the guards groaning on the ground and walked brazenly into the Shangguan Family estate. By now, the competition between the Three Great Noble Families had concluded, and the division of power over the hundred cities was settled.

Shangguan Bei was all smiles, having clearly gained significant benefits from this year’s division of the hundred cities. The leaders of the other two Noble Families, however, did not look pleased.

Compared to past years, the territory they controlled had shrunk by one city, swallowed by the Shangguan Family. Every time they saw Shangguan Bei’s smile, they felt a knot of anger tighten in their chests.

"Heh, it seems Patriarch Shangguan is in a good mood."

At that moment, a voice carrying a hint of a smile drifted in. Everyone looked over and saw a young man in white walking slowly toward them. Behind him, a large number of guards and family disciples lay on the ground, unconscious.

This young man had treated the Shangguan Family’s defenses as if they were nothing!

This young man had managed to walk in here without anyone raising an alarm.

This was undoubtedly a vicious slap in the face to the Shangguan Family.

Seeing Qin Ya, Shangguan Bei’s cheerful mood instantly evaporated. His face became as dark as a thundercloud, and a surging killing intent boiled within him, impossible to contain. "It’s you," he snarled. "Qin Ya! What are you doing here?!"

Before Qin Ya could speak, a large man standing next to Shangguan Bei suddenly stepped forward. He snorted coldly, his eyes filled with killing intent, and said in a frigid voice, "Brat, you were lucky to escape with your life in the Celestial Dragon Sea Region. I can’t believe you actually dare to show your face here in Lieyang City!"

Glancing at the large man, the smile on Qin Ya’s lips became even more pronounced.

"The Second Elder of the Shangguan Family, Shangguan Ze Yun. Also one of the six Celestial Humans who tried to steal my Spiritual Artifact and kill me in the Celestial Dragon Sea Region that day."

"That’s right. I’ve heard you’ve been causing quite a stir in Lieyang City recently."

"Heh, just some minor trifles," Qin Ya said with an indifferent smile.

Then, he looked at Shangguan Bei and said, "Patriarch Shangguan, don’t be angry just yet. I’ve come today to give you a grand gift. Please, accept it with a smile."