C543 Woo Zhengyang's News

As the young man from the Sea Heart Martial Palace appeared, news about Woo Zhengyang spread quickly, stirring excitement among the three Martial Mansions. Every move Zhengyang made captivated countless people.

The news he brought was straightforward. First, Woo Zhengyang was alive and well, and he was incredibly audacious, having taken over nine small huts along the way. Second, there was no conflict between Yu Wenqing of the Heavenly Mirror Pavilion and Woo Zhengyang; in fact, they seemed to be traveling together. Third, at the end of the journey, there was a magnificent palace made of seawater, but no one could find a way inside. Lastly, the seawater was rising, or perhaps the palace was sinking. He happened to be in the area when the water receded, allowing him to escape.

Though the information was limited, it was enough to excite the Azure Sun Martial Mansion, leave the Moon Light Martial Mansion conflicted, and leave the Sea Heart Martial Palace bewildered. All three Mansions wanted to recruit Woo Zhengyang or acquire his martial arts skills. However, they couldn't ignore the presence of the Heavenly Mirror Pavilion. If the Pavilion intervened, the three Mansions would have no chance.

For days, Young Master Yuanye of the Heavenly Mirror Pavilion had remained in his ivory tower, seemingly unaware of the events outside. This was typical of the Pavilion's approach—they came and went as they pleased, indifferent to the struggles of the three Martial Mansions.

At this point, the three Martial Mansions shared a common hope: that Young Master Yuanye would remain indifferent to the mundane affairs of the outer sect.

While the outside world was in turmoil, Woo Zhengyang and his companions in the Ocean World were still at a loss within the ocean palace. The seawater continued to rise.

Standing on the palace walls, they watched as the water, resembling a vertical wall, slowly advanced. It was a fascinating sight, as if the ocean had become upright, yet the water didn't spill over but crept forward bit by bit.

However, they had no time to marvel at this phenomenon, as they realized the water's advance—or the palace's sinking—was accelerating. Initially, it was almost imperceptible, but now it was visibly noticeable.

At this rate, it wouldn't be long before they had no ground to stand on and would ultimately be swallowed by the sea...

"Let's search again! Pair up to ensure we miss nothing," Yu Wenqing suggested once more.

No one objected. Although Woo Zhengyang had a feeling they wouldn't find an entrance no matter how hard they looked, he didn't want to dampen their spirits.

"Fong Zhiyuan, you and your team take one side and spiral upward. Woo Zhengyang and I are faster, so we'll handle the front and back," Yu Wenqing instructed again.

Six people were involved, with two each from the Sea Heart Martial Palace and the Azure Sun Martial Mansion. Yu Wenqing's arrangement was quite appropriate, and the four quickly set off.

"Let's go too!" Woo Zhengyang urged when the four had disappeared from sight, noticing Yu Wenqing hadn't moved.

"Go? Do you really think it's necessary to search?" Yu Wenqing replied with a peculiar smile, looking at Woo Zhengyang.

"What? Do you know what to do?" Woo Zhengyang asked, surprised. From Situ Jingxiang, Woo Zhengyang had learned that the people from the Heavenly Mirror Pavilion had a better understanding of the Hundred Flower World than the three Martial Mansions. So, hearing Yu Wenqing's words, Woo Zhengyang's first thought was that he knew something.

"Pretty much! In a trial ground, there can't be no way out for no reason. If such a situation occurs without any hints, there's only one possibility..." Yu Wenqing paused, then chuckled, "Too many people!"

"Too many people?"

"Exactly. In the Hundred Flower World, many trial grounds have a limit on the number of participants. However, there's no indication of this. Only when the number reaches the threshold will a new portal appear. That's likely the situation we're facing now."

After hearing Yu Wenqing's explanation, Woo Zhengyang laughed too, looking at Yu Wenqing. "So... are you planning to make the first move against me?"

Yu Wenqing's words and his prior arrangements clearly had a deeper meaning. He was ready to act.

"I was initially unsure whether to recommend you to the Heavenly Mirror Pavilion or to uncover your secrets myself. But you've been too bold, taking all nine treasures from the Dragon Palace. Well, this makes you worthy of my attention!"

As Yu Wenqing spoke, a golden spear appeared in his hand, radiating a brilliant light that seemed to cast a golden hue over everything around it.

"This spear is called the Golden Armor! It's a top-tier spiritual weapon that I don't use lightly. However, you're quite mysterious, so I need to be cautious!" Yu Wenqing continued, channeling his energy, making the spear glow even brighter. The sea water dozens of yards away shimmered with a golden tint.

Simultaneously, a tangible golden light spread from the spear, enveloping Yu Wenqing and transforming into a suit of golden armor.

When Woo Zhengyang heard the name of the spear, he was puzzled, but now he understood its origin. It wasn't just a spear!

The name Golden Armor was fitting. Once donned, Yu Wenqing, who previously seemed unremarkable, suddenly exuded an imposing and majestic presence.

"You certainly think highly of me!" Woo Zhengyang chuckled.

"I hope your worth matches the effort I'm putting in. Draw your sword!" Yu Wenqing said, swinging the spear, its tip aimed straight at Woo Zhengyang.

Woo Zhengyang showed no intention of drawing his sword. He continued calmly, "Do you really think you have me cornered?"

"In our earlier speed contest, I wasn't even trying my hardest, so you can't escape. This place isn't that big—where could you possibly run? Of course, if you're thinking of going down with the ship and diving into the sea, I'd have to admit defeat. But I don't think you'll do that."

"Is that so?" Woo Zhengyang replied noncommittally.

"Stalling won't help. They won't be back for at least four hours. Besides, I sent them away just in case. Even if they were here, do you think they'd help you?"

"I'm not stalling for time. I just don't see the point in wasting my energy on you."

With that, Woo Zhengyang pulled a willow sword from his Hidden Heaven Bag and rose into the air...

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The first day on the rankings was intense. I thought we were done for, but we shot straight to the top of the new book list! Friends, let's keep this momentum going for a few more days. Thank you all!