Emperor Ning stood up and began his speech shortly after their arrival.
"My Ning Family welcomes you all to this year's Tournament of Rising Stars, where those below the age of 27 may participate, regardless of your background or affiliation!"
"Before I reveal the reward, allow me to explain the rules for this tournament first."
"First and foremost, each of you will be assigned an opponent who matches your age. As the tournament progresses and there are fewer participants, the age disparity will naturally widen."
"There is a protection formation around this arena, so you do not have to worry about accidentally being killed. However, your opponents may still forfeit. Once they forfeit, you are prohibited from attacking. If you damage your opponent after they forfeit, you will also be disqualified."
"Martial techniques that directly damage the soul are also strictly forbidden. If caught, you could be punished with death."
Several rules later, Emperor Ning revealed the rewards.
"The winner of this year's tournament will be given an Innate Miracle Pill."
The onlookers and the participants gasped in shock after hearing the reward. An Innate Miracle Pill could boost one's innate talents greatly and could turn an ordinary cultivator into a talented one. However, they are incredibly rare and priceless due to the exceedingly rare materials required to concoct them.
Afterward, Emperor Ning said, "Before we begin the tournament, I would like to take a moment to introduce an esteemed guest to you all today. This is Senior Xiao, an envoy from the upper heavens."
"An envoy from the upper heavens…?" Kelan muttered to himself.
"Would you like to share a few words before we begin the tournament, Senior Xiao?" Emperor Ning asked him.
Yuan pondered for a moment before responding with a question, "Do you mind if I make this year's tournament a little more exciting?"
"Oh? What do you have in mind?" Emperor Ning's eyes flickered, his interest piqued.
"If you would allow me, I would like to give the top participants an opportunity to fight me. If they can defeat me, I'll give them a separate reward."
"T-that's… but with your cultivation…" Emperor Ning hesitated to let someone as powerful as Yuan participate in a tournament meant for the younger generation.
Yuan chuckled and said, "You probably won't believe me, but I actually qualify to participate in this tournament."
"What?! You're that young?!" Emperor Ning's eyes widened with shock. He'd sensed Yuan's presence before, and it was absolutely terrifying. It was not something someone so young should have.
'For this young man to be this talented… he's most likely from the Ninth Heaven!' Emperor Ning swallowed nervously.
"Don't worry, I won't go too hard on them, and I'll put several restrictions upon myself," Yuan assured him.
Emperor Ning pondered for a moment before nodding, "Alright, let's do it. It sounds entertaining, too."
After receiving Emperor Ning's approval, Yuan stepped forward and spoke in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear. Naturally, he disguised his voice so Kelan and the others couldn't recognize him.
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