Chapter 314 - Solemn Promise

By this point, the crowd below the ring had already erupted into a frenzy, and chaos ran rampant.

The moment Woo Lejia sat down cross-legged like the prior two Yang Grade powerhouses, the spectators immediately leaped to their feet.

After all, although they were all Yang Grade powerhouses, the difference between the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Class was like heaven and earth. Even if those who were in Class Three or Four had advanced a class, they would still remain in the Yang Grade, which would only result in a marginal increase in strength. However, if a Class Five powerhouse were to break through…

It would result in the birth of a Supreme Grand Ancestor!

In the face of a Supreme Grand Ancestor, what could a Yang Grade Powerhouse even do?

As such, the crowd’s excitement had reached a crescendo once they saw Woo Lejia sitting down.

Even though Woo Lejia had shown no signs of breaking through yet, the crowd below was already heatedly discussing among themselves.

Naturally, those who were at high cultivation levels, especially those who were also at the Fifth Class of the Yang Grade, had acted reserved at Woo Lejia’s actions. Nevertheless, even though their lips were sealed, from the fiery passion of their eyes that were fixated on the ring, their true thoughts were as clear as day.

Despite that, just like everyone else, they hesitated, as they were also waiting for Woo Lejia’s results.

As a result, a tense atmosphere engulfed the entire complex.

Although there were some empty rings at the scene, no one decided to use them. All squabbles, be it big or small, were immediately suppressed once they arrived at the scene.

For some strange reason, everyone had unanimously taken a truce once they came.

Compared to Woo Lejia’s results, every other fight was of little consequence.

Although a majority of the people present were unable to discern Woo Lejia’s progress, this did little to impede their interest in Woo Lejia’s results.

Wu Hanning and Zuoqiu Hongyuan remained silent as well. Just like the others, they were intrigued by the situation and were willing to witness it to the end.

Usually, the advancement of a Yang Grade powerhouse into the Extreme Grade was something that took ages to achieve. This notion was ingrained heavily into the minds of the masses, and as such, no one had ever thought to go against it.

Nevertheless, at that moment, everyone’s heart seemed to be in sync.

Suddenly, the top-ranked powerhouses perked up. Their eyes were fixed on Woo Lejia, and a glint of disbelief could be seen.

They had sensed it!

The overwhelming and terrifying aura that was radiating from Woo Lejia’s body!

****

Within the imperial palace, five elderly men in lavish clothing were gathered together.

Each of them were the imperial family’s Supreme Great Ancestors, and if any one of them were to appear within the capital, pandemonium would ensue.

Despite that, a solemn expression hung on their faces at that moment.

The strongest faction within the capital was without a doubt, the imperial family, and as such, they had a wide-reaching information network. News of Wu Haohan’s loss and his sudden advancement had reached their ears, and because of it, the supreme ancestors had gathered together. Had it been the birth of any ordinary Class Five Yang Grade powerhouse, the imperial family’s Supreme Great Ancestors would not even bat their eyes.

However, the fact that the Royal Family’s secret technique, the simulated spiritual attack had been learned and applied with even more potency by someone else had greatly perturbed the imperial family’s powerhouses.

After all, even among the five Supreme Great Ancestors there, not all of them had mastered this technique; and even for those who had successfully cultivated it, none of them could achieve Ou Yangming’s results. Although none of them had borne witness to Ou Yangming’s feats themselves, from the way their sources had described the situation, they immediately realized that Ou Yangming’s mastery of the technique was even stronger than the countless powerhouses that existed throughout the imperial family’s history.

Perhaps, there were only a handful of people with talents in this particular area that could go against him.

At that moment, the Supreme Great Ancestors were awaiting Woo Lejia’s results.

If Woo Lejia were to truly ascend into the Supreme Great Ancestor rank, Ou Yangming’s position would no doubt shoot up, and surpass a large portion of the existing Supreme Great Ancestors.

After all, with Ou Yangming at the lead, heavens knew how many more Supreme Great Ancestors would emerge among the masses.

Suddenly, all five of them directed their gaze towards the entrance.

A person frantically ran in at a breakneck speed.

The man had a wild but joyful look on his face. He looked as if he was too excited to remain calm.

The five elders glanced at one another. Although the man had yet to speak, his expression had already contained all the information that they needed.

Back in a large mansion within the southern part of the capital, He Hanyang could be seen resting with his eyes slightly shut. However, in truth, the excitement that was welling within him was reaching a crescendo.

Ever since he had heard the news of Ou Yangming’s simulated spiritual attack causing Wu Haohan’s rank to increase, he immediately ordered his subordinates to investigate the matter, and ever since then, he had remained rooted to his spot.

The only thing that had prompted him from his inaction was when he heard of Woo Lejia sitting cross-legged in preparation for his breakthrough.

Unsu

He Hanyang had already harbored ill feelings towards Ou Yangming during his trip to the capital. Originally, he had even planned to slash him down during the journey. Nevertheless, his roadblock had proven unsuccessful, and like a slimy fish, Ou Yangming had slithered his way out of his trap without anyone noticing. By the time he had finally arrived at the capital, he learned that Ou Yangming had already made a name for himself, and he had even made friends with some powerful blacksmiths.

At that point, regardless of his powerful position as the He family’s Supreme Great Ancestor, he was no longer able to do as he pleased with Ou Yangming without any valid reason.

He Hanyang was looking up at the sky at that time. While he quietly processed the news regarding Woo Lejia, a realization dawned upon him.

He had lost his opportunity to get rid of Ou Yangming. After all, if he were to lay a finger on Ou Yangming, He Hanyang would incite the wrath of various powerful forces. Even with the backing of the He family, taking on all of these forces at once was something that was beyond their abilities.

He continued staring into the sky, and a sense of loss befell upon him.

Out of nowhere, a person sprinted towards him. He was none other than the He family’s Class Five Yang Grade martial artist, He Yicheng.

He Hanyang’s ears twitched, but he did not lower his head. After all, the rhythm of his familiar footsteps alone had told him all he needed to know.

He heaved a long sigh and could already tell from that day onwards that Ou Yangming was destined to become the most prominent person among the Humans.

****

Back in the ring, Woo Lejia’s robes were fluttering as a powerful aura gradually surged forth from his body.

At that point, even the most average of martial artists could sense the unusual aura enveloping the field, let alone the Yang Grade powerhouses.

The conversations under the ring instantly died down, and all that remained were fervent gazes at the ring. They dared not bat their eyes, as everyone innately understood that the ensuing event would only happen once in a blue moon.

They were about to witness the birth of a Supreme Great Ancestor.

Each Supreme Grand Ancestor represented the strongest, and fittest fighters amongst the Humans.

Usually, when Class Five Yang Grade powerhouses attempt to ascend into the Extreme Grade, they would do it in a safe spot, with the protection of several martial artists of the same grade, or better yet, with Supreme Great Ancestors.

As such, it was not something that any regular person could have spectated. Nevertheless, Woo Lejia had provided them with the opportunity to do so, and the spectators below the stage had felt so blessed that it took all their willpower not to shout out with joy. After all, for most of them, the scene that was unfolding would be the highlight of their lives. Ou Yangming gradually shifted backward. He was approaching the edge of the ring.

In truth, had this not been a ring match, Ou Yangming would have descended the ring to avoid the spotlight long ago.

After all, he was the catalyst for change, and although the spectators’ eyes were on Woo Lejia, the same could also be said for Ou Yangming, and worse still, their gazes were even more fervent. Whether or not Woo Lejia would break through into the Extreme Rank would depend on his efforts and his efforts alone.

However, that did not apply to Ou Yangming.

Should one take the chance to court Ou Yangming’s goodwill and spar with him, the challenger might benefit from the experience.

This was a prospect that left many Yang Grade powerhouses glaring wolfishly at Ou Yangming, and it was enough to make the average martial artists consider it as well. Naturally, as there was only one Ou Yangming, it was hard to tell who exactly would benefit. However, so long as he continued to occupy the ring, or as long as he survived, the others would gain the same opportunity as well.

“Rumble…”

A powerful gust of wind erupted from Woo Lejia’s body. His eyes were suddenly wide open, and a blazing intensity could be seen within.

He had a soul-snaring piercing gaze, one that was as sharp as a blade, and gave people goosebumps.

His overwhelming aura extended in all directions, and it had an intimidating effect on those who were caught within it.

This was a feat that no ordinary Yang Grade martial artist could achieve. It was, without a doubt, the power that belonged to a Supreme Great Ancestor.

Ou Yangming shuddered slightly, but he soon returned to normal. Although he might not have seen the most number of Supreme Great Ancestors among the people present, when it came to life-or-death situations involving these ancestors, Ou Yangming was no stranger.

After all, he had already come across Class Five Great Ancestor powerhouses and experienced their terrifying aura first-hand. As such, the fledgling Supreme Great Ancestor before him did little to unnerve him.

Moreover, with his immense mental power, ordinary auras did not affect him.

Thus, his only response was a twitch of his lips, and nothing more. Meanwhile, as if it was even possible, the crowd under the ring had gotten even more silent than before. A new emotion could be found within their gaze towards Woo Lejia, fearful awe.

Although the difference between a Supreme Great Ancestor and a Fifth Class Yang Grade powerhouse was only a single stage, their difference in status was like heaven and earth in the eyes of the people.

Woo Lejia heaved a long sigh, one that was so long that it could last until the end of time.

By the time he had finished sighing, a series of bone cracks could be heard, and it looked as if he had grown by a few inches.

He lifted his head and turned towards Ou Yangming who was standing at the corner of the ring. With his fists wrapped together, he took a deep bow and declared, “I greatly appreciate your help, Brother Ou! From this moment onwards, your wish is my command! I’ll walk through the flames of hell, the rockiest of mountains, and the widest of oceans just to fulfill your request!”