Chapter 629 - 254: Chongzhen Temple Nascent Soul Ceremony (4)

Chapter 629: Chapter 254: Chongzhen Temple Nascent Soul Ceremony (4)

The plan was to muddy the once-clear situation as much as possible, complicating matters to create a new opening.

True Monarch Gang Yuan’s mind raced, and suddenly, he had a flash of inspiration.

He spoke up, asking, "However... about those arena rules you just mentioned, He Ming, I need to confirm something."

"If I remember correctly, you said the eight arenas are open for anyone to challenge, is that right?"

Hearing this, He Ming True Monarch paused in thought.

But he had indeed said that, so he nodded. "That is correct. Gang Yuan, do you have a question about the rules?"

’The rules had indeed been passed down from Ancient Times. There was surely no issue with them.’

"Oh, I don’t really have any questions."

But True Monarch Gang Yuan just smiled. "I’m merely a Martial Artist and don’t usually concern myself with these ancient rites. I never imagined the rules from Ancient Times would be so generous."

"Setting up arenas and allowing anyone to issue a challenge."

"It both showcases the sophistication of the sect’s magic and gives the many Loose Cultivators an opportunity to spar and win treasures."

"No wonder your temple has drawn so many Loose Cultivators. It was all for their benefit, I see."

"In that case, allow me to thank your temple for its kindness on behalf of everyone here."

Since the arena battles were unavoidable, his play had to be about who could participate.

To expand the pool of participants from the Seven Great Sects to include the tens of thousands of Loose Cultivators.

At the very least, this would buy them time to reconsider their strategy.

It was then that He Ming True Monarch realized he had miscalculated.

When True Monarch Gang Yuan said "anyone can issue a challenge," he had subconsciously assumed "anyone" meant the guests seated here.

He never expected him to mean *everyone*.

Originally, Chongzhen Temple had invited the Loose Cultivators merely to boost attendance, to create the impression that the temple was immensely popular.

But now, his opponent had turned it against them.

He Ming True Monarch gave True Monarch Gang Yuan a long, meaningful look.

’I can’t believe this coarse-looking Martial Artist is so difficult to handle.’

Right now, he could neither go back on his own words, nor could he openly object to the Loose Cultivators participating.

In the end, he could only nod. "Ahem. Gang Yuan, you are too kind. These are simply the ancient rites. There is no need for thanks."

’Since things have come to this, I’ll just agree. I might as well use this to secure Chongzhen Temple’s reputation for treating Loose Cultivators generously.’

They had already prepared for the possibility that the Five Great Sects would not cooperate.

Thanks to True Monarch Ziyang’s improvisation, the current outcome was already excellent.

It was nothing more than a two or three-day delay; it wouldn’t affect the grand scheme of things.

Once the general course of action was set, the rest was simple.

The arenas on Red Flower Island were already prepared. It was just a matter of a few more contestants now.

They would just add a preliminary tournament to select a group from among the Loose Cultivators.

These were all trivial, insignificant details.

’No one could possibly think a Loose Cultivator could actually defeat a Sect Disciple, could they?’

In the end, the Spiritual Objects would still be won by the disciples Chongzhen Temple had arranged, just as planned.

Then, using the Five Great Sects as a stepping stone, the name of Chongzhen Temple would instantly echo throughout the Compassion Sea.

To prevent any complications that might arise from a delay, the moment He Ming True Monarch and the other True Monarchs finalized the rewards for each arena, he immediately used his Divine Sense to instruct the disciples waiting outside to publicize and organize the preliminaries for the Loose Cultivators.

So, as Xiao Chen finished a hearty meal in the banquet area and was looking for a place to rest, he saw numerous Chongzhen Temple disciples posting brand-new notices everywhere.

He moved closer for a look. The notice announced that a preliminary round would be added to the Nascent Soul Ceremony.

All Loose Cultivators were eligible to register. As long as they were victorious in their matches, they would be rewarded with Spirit Stones.

Achieving a winning streak would earn them even more Spirit Stones and extra Spiritual Objects, along with the right to participate in the subsequent challenge stage.

There, they could cross swords with the disciples of the Major Sects and compete for even greater rewards.

The notice also made a point of listing the grand prizes for holding the eight arenas, using them as a promotional hook.