Chapter 876 The Battle of the Talents Resumes
Chapter 876: Chapter 876: The Battle of the Talents Resumes Chapter 876: Chapter 876: The Battle of the Talents Resumes North Town Hall had fallen into the hands of Fang Lin.
Wu Zhong became a puppet Hall Master, and even though he sat on the throne of the Hall Master, he had no real power and was at the mercy of Fang Lin, not daring to show the slightest disobedience or defiance.
And with Feng and Yao’s allegiance to Fang Lin, the higher-ups of North Town Hall also stood firmly with Fang Lin.
As for others, Fang Lin adopted very strong measures, directly feeding poison pills to some of the Alchemy Tao families’ Pill Refiners.
Of course, Fang Lin was also aware that such rule could not last long; if the pressure was too great, it might cause a significant impact.
Therefore, Fang Lin also doled out benefits to those who stood by him, letting everyone in North Town Hall know that following him would bring many advantages.
Giving a carrot after wielding the stick often proved to be the most effective approach.
Add to that the assistance of Elder Miao and both Feng and Yao from the side, and North Town Hall was safely secured by Fang Lin without much danger.
However, this was only the first step, and governing it from there on would require a lot of thought.
But that was not something for Fang Lin to consider; he had many other things to do, and he couldn’t possibly focus his energy on this matter, so naturally, he left it to Elder Miao to manage on his behalf.
The most pitiable person was undoubtedly Wu Zhong, who had come to take over the position of Hall Master in high spirits.
He arrived eagerly to assume the position of Hall Master, thinking his future was bright, only to end up in such a plight.
If Wu Zhong were to choose, he would rather not be the damned Hall Master than be poisoned and controlled by others—the feeling of being manipulated was simply unbearable.
The situation at North Town Hall was unknown to the outside world, particularly the Ling Family who still thought Wu Zhong had successfully taken over as Hall Master and were secretly thrilled about it.
The Ling Family naturally didn’t know that the Wu Zhong they went to great lengths to install had already been sidelined and had become Fang Lin’s puppet.
If the Ling Family knew this, they would surely be livid.
Tiankui Pavilion was located on a cloud-piercing peak, surrounded by mist and clouds, with a beautiful landscape that could be considered a fairyland on earth.
This was the place where Elder Tiankui pursued a life of quiet cultivation.
At this moment, in Tiankui Pavilion, Ye Mengxian was holding a Jade Slip, a smile of satisfaction and pride on his face.
“What brings you such joy?” sitting in front of Ye Mengxian was an elderly man with white hair and beard, seemingly aged yet spirited, with the complexion of eternal youth. Merely sitting there casually, he exuded an aura as if all worldly matters were under his control.
This elderly man with the appearance of eternal youth was Elder Tiankui.
Each of the Eight Great Elders of the Pill Alliance was a remarkable figure, any one of them could make the entire Nine Countries tremble thrice over.
Even the royal families of the Upper Three Countries would not dare show any disrespect towards the Eight Great Elders.
This Elder Tiankui was also the grandfather of Ye Mengxian.
“There is news from North Town Hall; that young man Fang Lin has told me he has completely taken control,” Ye Mengxian said.
Upon hearing this, Elder Tiankui showed no expression and asked, “How did he take control of North Town Hall?”
Ye Mengxian then conveyed all he knew about the situation to Elder Tiankui without any omission.
“Clever tactics, but the downsides are also quite numerous, once the affairs of North Town Hall are leaked, this young man may encounter even greater trouble,” Elder Tiankui nodded and said.
Ye Mengxian’s delicate brows were slightly furrowed, “The matter of North Town Hall cannot be kept secret for too long. Eventually, the Ling Family will learn of the true situation, and by then, Fang Lin will indeed fall into even greater trouble.”
Speaking of this, Ye Mengxian looked towards Elder Tiankui.
“You girl, are you asking me to help your disciple?” Elder Tiankui knew Ye Mengxian’s intentions immediately and said with a smile.
Ye Mengxian spoke with a note of grievance, “If it weren’t for the matter concerning you, Grandfather, I wouldn’t have stepped down from the position of Hall Master so hurriedly. How could North Town Hall have encountered such an issue? It is only right and fair that you should lend a hand.”
Elder Tiankui shook his head helplessly, “Alright, this old man will help the lad. However, I do hope that he is truly as outstanding as you say, so he does not let down our expectations.”
Ye Mengxian spoke very earnestly, “Fang Lin will certainly shine brilliantly in the upcoming Nine Countries Talent Competition. His abilities in Alchemy Tao will astonish the Pill Alliance.”
“If it is really as you say, then I truly look forward to it,” said Elder Tiankui.
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Suddenly one day, a majestic voice, like thunder, resounded throughout the land of the Nine Countries.
“The second phase of the Nine Countries Talent Competition begins tomorrow!”
It was the voice of the Qin Emperor, filled with supreme authority and momentum. Ordinary people could not hear the voice of the Qin Emperor at all; only those who practiced cultivation could hear it.
All martial artists were deeply stirred. Though it had been anticipated, the suddenness of the second phase of the Nine Countries Talent Competition was unexpected.
In a moment, the Nine Countries were stirred and boiled with excitement once more.
Everyone knew that the second phase of the Nine Countries Talent Competition would be even more intense than the first.
The reason was simple: the first phase of the Talent Competition had been a mix of dragons and fishes—some powerful and some weak, and some merely filling the ranks.
By the second phase, however, those who had merely been making up the numbers had been eliminated. The remaining ten thousand people were all martial arts talents from various regions of the Nine Countries, each more formidable than the last.
To stand out among these ten thousand would be unimaginably difficult; without solid strength, one could only become a stepping stone for others.
This second phase of the Talent Competition would also last a month, and after one month, only martial artists ranked within the top five thousand would advance to the next phase of the competition.
And once they entered the next phase, they would go to the Upper Three Countries, where they would engage in true battle, not within isolated spaces.
It could be said that the first and second phases were but a selection of the true strong.
“Is it finally starting again?” In the chambers of North Town Hall, Fang Lin sat cross-legged in cultivation, his eyes sparkling with excitement and spirit.
It was only by fighting the strong that one could become stronger.
The next day, in various places across the Nine Countries, projections of the isolated spaces reappeared and the long-quiet Talent Leaderboard bloomed with light once more.
Above the top ten, it was still blurred, obscured by golden light, making it impossible to see who these figures were.
“Begin!” With a roar from the Qin Emperor, the second phase of the Nine Countries Talent Competition was declared open.
In no time, many martial artists entered the isolated spaces.
Fang Lin was no different. His body flickered with light, and the next moment, he stepped into the isolated space.
He had been to this place many times, unfazed by the experience. Across from him, a figure also quietly emerged.