All around the imperial capital, cultivators stepped forward, confident that they would be able to participate. The line stretched far and wide, with both rogue and sect cultivators wanting to participate. In this tournament, the treasure had become a secondary prize. Currently, there was one other thing at stake, something a thousand times more significant than the treasure.
The title for the brightest genius.
The condition to participate was to be 10 times Yasenia's age. Didn't that mean that Yasenia was confident there was absolutely no one within that age range who would be able to face her?
For all the prideful sons and daughters of heaven, this was a blatant provocation.
Moreover, such statements would go unheeded, thinking the person making them was just an overconfident clown. Yet, one of the strongest beings of the entire Blue Pearl World, the grand Flame Sky Emperor, was willing to sponsor the tournament!
That was like the Emperor saying that he had placed some trust in that "Clown" and gave them credibility.
"Have you heard about that dragon fairy's cultivation?"
"I have. It is said that she is in the Second Level of Transcendence! It is truly ridiculous. How young can someone at that age even be?"
"Right? From what I heard, people reaching the Transcendence Realm at 400 years old are already considered monstrous. Even if she is stupidly talented, she should be at least 600 years old."
"Heh. All of you are forgetting that Lord Flame Sky Emperor is sponsoring this event? I bet that she is 300 years old!"
"Ha! Are you out of your mind? How could there be a 300-year-old Level Two Transcendence Realm cultivator? Unless she has sacrificed her foundation while chugging down celestial medicines to break through forcefully, that's straight up impossible!"
The conversation continued, and finally, the 1,000 stands opened. Each participant's information was private, so unless they wanted to reveal it, no one would know.
The first in line was a 6,400-year-old Level Four Transcendent. He was not a super genius, but he could be counted as relatively talented. Moreover, people noticed that he had no sect robes, making him a rogue or individual cultivator.
"Ho? Not bad at all. For someone without the support of a sect to reach his current level at such an early age, he can be considered a diamond in the rough."
"I agree. Still, he is a bit old. Isn't he overestimating himself? If he gets accepted, that would mean that the dragon goddess is 640 years old or more."
Someone spoke strangely. "Why are the dragon woman's titles becoming more grand each time I hear them?"
Someone retorted with a disdainful look. "Are you blind? Have you seen that exquisitely carved appearance? Lady Yasenia is nothing but a heavenly goddess who decided to visit our mortal realm!"
The person who complained noticed hundreds of people glaring at him and decided to scurry away. 'Crazy, crazy. Why are so many people angry at such a simple question?'
"Failed!"
This shout startled everyone, and they looked again toward the testing location. The man, who had walked confidently, was frozen in place. He revealed his age and cultivation because he seriously believed that this was nothing but a farce. He, who needed over 6000 years, couldn't come to terms with or even admit that someone could reach Yasenia's current level at such a tender age.
So, he stepped forward, thinking that he would dismantle everything.
Sadly, reality was ruthless and slapped him out of his delusions.
The woman in charge of the test looked at him with a frown. "Stand back. There are too many people to test." She even added with a scowl. "A trash over 6000 years old thinks they can challenge Lady Yasenia? Delusional flea! Go to the stands and be prepared to see the true face of a monstrous genius!"
The people selected to oversee the testing site had been informed of Yasenia's age beforehand. To say that their hearts almost collapsed after hearing it for the first time was an understatement. In truth, there were some who had their determination and will broken.
After that, when the information finally sank in, they grew a very prominent emotion within their hearts. Pure and raw admiration.
In their hearts, Yasenia was like a blinding sun, standing firmly at the top of any genius they had heard or seen in the past. Coupled with her looks, it was clear that these people had become the S.L.U.T. (Super Lovable Ultimate Team) 2.0 group.
The woman didn't even glance at the cultivator with a blank expression and shouted. "Next!"
The same happened all around the place. Naturally, to challenge a Level 2 Transcendence Realm Cultivator, only people of certain strength would be willing to participate. Hence, the entirety of the first batch of 1,000 cultivators failed.
Hearing the continuous "Failed" booming around, everyone's face turned white.
"H-How young was the youngest among the first 1,000?"
"I-I heard that the youngest was a Third Level Transcendent at 3,200 years of age."
"...What?"
"...Are you saying that person failed?"
"Doesn't that mean…"
"Yes. Lady Yasenia is younger than 320 years old."
When someone finally vocalized it, everyone took in a sharp breath of air. They were horrified. 'A 300-year-old Second Level Transcendent!? Were they being played with!? Was that even possible!?'
Meanwhile, on one of the best spots to see the tournament, the entire Dragon Clan was gathered and eating snacks. They, who were going to participate as referees and knew Yasenia's age, were looking at everyone mockingly.
Ao Yuelan was constantly snorting and looking down on them. "Are they even worthy of challenging our Little Yasenia? Ha! Look at their faces! It's as if they just saw a ghost!"
Ao Jiuyao smiled awkwardly. "Aunt, please contain yourself a little."
Ao Yuelan raised her eyebrows so high that Ao Jiuyao feared they would jump out. "Control myself!? They are the ones who dare to challenge our Little Yasenia for her treasures! Hmph! As if they can even imagine how monstrous our little girl is!"
The people around them felt their lips twitching. 'When did she become yours, you shameless old woman!?'
Ao Yuelan ignored all gazes and waved at Yasenia in the distance. "Little Yasenia, come here! Aunt Yuelan has prepared some delicious snacks!"
Yasenia blinked and looked over. 'Oh, wasn't she the Seventh Realm dragon who protected me quite a bit?'
She smiled and flew over. "Aunt Yuelan!"
"Good, good, good! Come here, Little Yasenia! You look as beautiful as ever!"
Ao Yuelan's smile widened, and she laughed, her giant mountains bouncing up and down with her laughter. Even Yasenia found herself at a loss when it came to size compared to this dragon woman.
Yasenia chuckled and landed in front of the Dragon Clan. She grabbed the corner of her dress and elegantly bowed. "Hello, elders and fellow cultivators. I am Yasenia Dravory. I will be under your care during the tournament."
All the dragon elders nodded with smiles. At first, when Ao Jiuyao informed them of what Yasenia did, they were a bit resentful. After all, Yasenia had stolen a treasure they had their eyes on.
But after Ao Yuelan returned from speaking with Tatyana and explained everything, their attitudes did a 180. The fact that they held back from straight-up snatching Yasenia into their capital to pamper her to the skies with cultivation treasures was a testament to their self-control!
A dragon woman taller than Yasenia and with dragon-sized curves appeared in front of Yasenia. Yasenia blinked and looked up to see a gentle-looking peerless face. Her aura was also extremely profound, to the point that it made her think of Tatyana.
"Oh my, I heard little Yuelan speak about you. Now that I see you, I like you more and more.'
'L-Little Yuelan!?' Yasenia's back broke into a cold sweat. 'What kind of ancient monster is this woman?'
The woman blinked and smiled mischievously. "Are you thinking of something rude, child?'
Feeling danger, Yasenia showed absolutely no signs outside and denied it with every single fiber of her being. "Of course not. Senior's beauty is like that of a freshly watered rose. This little one would never dare think of something rude."
The woman laughed and hugged Yasenia into her ample bosom. '...I can't breathe.'
"Hahaha. You are so cute, little one. Let me present myself. I am one of the ancestors of the Dragon Clan, Ao Xianlan. I am a little bit strong, but not so much. Call me Aunt Xianlan from now on."
Yasenia raised her head from the abundant soft flesh with difficulty and nodded. "Aunt Xianlan."
Ao Xianlan squealed, smushing Yasenia into her curves once more. Yasenia's tail twitched, showing signs of fighting for survival, while her arms flailed around. 'T-Too tight! I-I am going to die of asphyxiation!'
Tatyana's cough came from behind. "Ahem. Could you loosen up a little bit? Otherwise, she might become the first Transcendence Realm cultivator to die from an overexcited hug.'
Ao Xianlan blinked and looked down. "Oh my, I am sorry. You are so beautiful and cute that I couldn't control myself."
After she released Yasenia, our dragon girl took in a deep breath of fresh air. Looking up at the excessively tall dragon woman, she smiled awkwardly. "That… do not mind, Aunt Xianlan."
Looking at the side, she noticed that all dragons present were frozen stiff, trying their best not to show emotions. This reaction clearly told her that Ao Xianlan was far from being simple.
Tatyana chuckled and spoke. "Don't second-guess. Ao Xianlan is a Fifth Level Star Core Realm Dragon that has managed to tread the Demigod path. She is strong."
"Fifth Level…" Yasenia's eyes widened. That was two levels above Tatyana!
Ao Xianlan chuckled. "No need to be careful around me, child. As I said, I like you lots, even without taking your absurd talent into account." The dragon woman winked. "Don't worry. I will keep an eye out during this tournament and protect you."
Yan Huang appeared as well, and he bowed lightly to Ao Xianlan. "Lady Xianlan."
The Ancestor Dragon smiled. "Oh my, Little Yan, you've become really strong! Good, good. I always thought that you had potential."
Yan Huang was not offended. He was unsure, but he believed that this dragon's age predated the Heavenly Cataclysm. Therefore, he smiled and nodded in appreciation.
As they spoke, the trial continued, but people revealing their age became more and more sporadic. After all, no one wanted to be face-slapped. Therefore, most people just walked forward, believing that they were young enough, only to be kicked back.
Eventually, a different shout spread around the place.
"You passed!"
Almost everyone turned to look, their eyes pinning down on the man with white, feathered wings.