However, just as the thought arose, Ning Qi let out a dumbfounded laugh. He realized that at some point, he had actually started making comparisons like that—maybe it was because Heaven-Man Realm experts had subtly made him feel a sense of threat.
The arrival of Lord Xiaoyao made the atmosphere in the Zhenwu Arena rise to another level.
Especially among some wandering experts, their eyes lit up, and a few attractive women even showed flirtatious looks.
It was said that Lord Xiaoyao had never taken on a disciple, being more enamored with women. But every woman who followed him gained many benefits. For example, the current twin sisters were among the beneficiaries.
The Heaven-Man Ceremony, simply put, was a massive stage for fame and fortune where everyone sought what they needed.
Daoist Longshan and the Zhenwu Sect used it to showcase their foundation and become famous across the world, while others took the chance to build connections, broaden their horizons, and see if they could obtain a sliver of Heaven-Man opportunity.
At this moment.
Lord Xiaoyao and Daoist Longshan had just sat down, but the two suddenly stood up at the same time, exchanged a smile, took a step—and were already outside the arena.
Everyone's gaze shifted in shock.
Then, they saw an old Daoist with crane-like bones and immortal bearing appear from the horizon. He wore a purple robe, held a horsetail whisk, and had white hair and beard. Compared to Daoist Longshan, he exuded even more Daoist elegance.
"Daoist Longshan, this old man is late, please forgive me!"
"Lord Xiaoyao, greetings."
The old Daoist had no airs and spoke with a cheerful smile, but neither Daoist Longshan nor Lord Xiaoyao dared to be the least bit disrespectful.
"Daoist Baihe, you're too kind." Lord Xiaoyao cupped his hands.
"For Daoist Baihe to come here is to acknowledge my Zhenwu Sect as a Daoist sect. I am truly grateful," said Daoist Longshan sincerely.
These words stirred everyone's hearts. Some had already guessed something and were full of amazement.
Luo Wentian saw the confused look on Ning Qi's face and said in a low voice:
"Little Junior Brother, you might not know. Although our Zhenwu Sect is part of the Daoist path, to be ranked among the top Daoist sects in the world, we need backing from a top-tier Daoist power. Daoist Baihe is from Zhenxuan Sect, which ranks fifth in the world."
"Master invited him personally. His lifelong wish is to make our Zhenwu Sect the foremost Daoist sect in the world and restore its former glory."
Ning Qi suddenly understood.
In the past, the Zhenwu Sect didn't even have a single Heaven-Man Realm expert, so striving for ranking was a joke. But now, things were different—Daoist Longshan had stepped into the Heaven-Man Realm, so planning must begin.
However.
With the current foundation of the Zhenwu Sect, let alone being the top Daoist sect, even making the top ten would be tough.
It would take time.
Daoist Baihe landed beside Lord Xiaoyao and Daoist Longshan. The three didn't take their seats but instead looked up toward the mountain. Ning Qi's heart stirred—he sensed it even before the others. ɽ𝘢ΝỌ𐌱ΕŞ
While the crowd was still puzzled.
A group came briskly from the foot of the mountain—there were old, middle-aged, young, and even children among them. Their expressions carried a faint sense of superiority.
At the center was a luxurious sedan chair carried by strong young men. The 'Wang' character on their sleeves had already revealed their identity.
The Wang Clan of Qingzhou.
Everyone gave them strange looks.
After all, the feud between Daoist Longshan and the Wang Clan had already spread throughout the martial world. Though publicly they claimed to have settled the conflict, things clearly weren't so cordial.
Many had assumed, given how long it took the Wang Clan to show up, that they weren't going to attend.
But judging by this scene now, they certainly didn't come in small numbers.
Everyone looked at the sedan chair and had already guessed who was inside.
Daoist Longshan's words confirmed their guess:
"Wang Clan Patriarch, to visit Zhenwu Mountain amidst your busy schedule, Longshan is truly humbled."
He smiled on the surface, but in his heart, he was confused.
By rights, someone as long-lived as the Wang Clan Patriarch wouldn't leave home easily, let alone come in person after having just clashed with Longshan.
Sending a Qi Origin Realm expert would have already been quite respectful.
He didn't expect him to come personally.
A raspy old laugh came from within the sedan chair:
"I promised before I'd attend your Heaven-Man Ceremony. One must keep their word."
As the words fell, a richly dressed elder appeared before the crowd.
He coughed twice from time to time. Compared to the other three Heaven-Man Realm experts, he had a very different air about him—but no one dared to look down on him.
In the previous battle, the miracle of the Wang Clan Patriarch reversing his lifeforce had already spread through the martial world.
Everyone knew that what he feared was Daoist Longshan's potential, not his current strength.
"Wang Clan Patriarch truly keeps his word," said Lord Xiaoyao and Daoist Baihe with a laugh.
The Wang Clan Patriarch looked at the other three Heaven-Man experts, a trace of joy flashing in his eyes.
Lord Xiaoyao and Daoist Baihe both had strong power.
Everyone else was excited.
At this point, three Heaven-Man experts had already arrived, far exceeding expectations.
Originally, many had thought that for someone like Daoist Longshan—a Heaven-Man expert without a deep foundation—only one or two would show up at most.
Now four Heaven-Man experts stood there, exuding unmatched presence, making many people thrilled beyond measure.
But some were puzzled—auspicious hour was near, so why hadn't the four of them taken their seats yet?
"Daoist Longshan, could it be that someone else is coming?" Daoist Baihe asked curiously.
Daoist Longshan smiled mysteriously:
"There's still one more senior."
A look of anticipation appeared in his eyes.
Everyone felt their curiosity spike.
To be called 'senior' by Daoist Longshan in such a setting—this person had to be extraordinary.
Earlier, when Daoist Longshan called the Wang Clan Patriarch 'senior,' it was just out of politeness.
Among Heaven-Man experts, most were of the same generation.
Few truly deserved the title of 'senior.'
The Wang Clan Patriarch's heart gave a sudden jolt—he began to feel excited.
Time passed.
The Golden Crow was nearly at its peak.
Suddenly, a 'moo' echoed across the sky—clear and resonant.
Many people jolted, and even the Heaven-Man experts' expressions showed a trace of respect.
Even Ning Qi's eyes turned serious.
Among the previously arrived Heaven-Man experts—Lord Xiaoyao, Daoist Baihe, Wang Clan Patriarch, and his own Master—there might be some stronger or weaker, but they were roughly in the same realm.
Ning Qi felt he could still handle them, more or less.
But this newcomer hadn't even appeared yet, and the faint pressure alone already made him deeply wary.
All eyes converged toward the end of the line of sight—
A figure riding a green ox slowly appeared.
That clear 'moo' just now had come from the green ox. Its hide was smooth as jade, and its eyes like brown glass—filled with a mix of gentleness and wisdom. Its aura was strong, and at a glance, it was clearly an exotic beast.
Atop the ox was an old man wearing a half-open tunic, eyes closed as if sleeping.
A blade rested behind his back—but it was unsharpened.
The green ox let out another long moo, and the old man slowly opened his eyes.
A flash of confusion passed through his gaze before he noticed the bustling scene atop Zhenwu Mountain.
"So we've arrived… So we've arrived… Good ox, go have fun."
He yawned and chuckled, flipped off the ox's back like an ordinary farmer, as if all those in the Zhenwu Arena were nothing to him.
Yet even the Heaven-Man experts didn't dare show the slightest discontent.
For the old man riding the green ox—was ranked thirty-third on the Great Yan Heaven-Man Ranking.
The Green Ox Bladesman.