Chapter 181: Who is Yuanshi Tianzun?

Chapter 181: Who Is Yuanshi Tianzun?

Ding!

A familiar Spirit Realm prompt chimed beside his ear, and immediately, Zhang Yuanqing heard the instance introduction:

【Spirit Realm map opening, entering Spirit Realm in 30 seconds. The Spirit Realm you are entering this time is "Life and Death Arena," Number: 3371.】

【Difficulty Level: Unknown.】

【Type: Multiplayer (Non-Death).】

【Main Quest: Openly and honorably defeat enemies on the arena, spar and exchange pointers, stop at the point.】

【Note: Non-Spirit Realm items cannot be brought in.】

【No. 3371 Spirit Realm Introduction: This Spirit Realm is the exclusive instance of the "White Tiger Troops" faction, already cleared.】

Zhang Yuanqing reached out and grabbed "Dead Man No. 1" by the shoulder, silently counting the seconds. When he reached thirty, the room's scenery warped like water ripples, and in the next second, he saw the azure sky.

He saw a venue resembling an ancient colosseum. All around, on the opposite side, a dark mass of people pressed in from every direction. Beside him, these official Walkers—he didn't recognize a single one.

They must have been randomly assigned to this position.

In an instant, he felt as though he stood in a bustling stadium, enthusiasm radiating from all four sides. The only difference: this arena was built of stacked stone, archaic and weathered, exactly like an ancient colosseum. And the spectators held neither KT boards nor glow sticks.

Another difference: the scene was deathly quiet. Though the crowd was vast, everyone tacitly maintained silence, gazing down at the armored swordsman standing on the plaza below.

He was a tall, imposing man, his face like crown jade, a short beard framing his jaw—handsome, masculine, and mature all at once.

A precious sword hung at his waist. He stood proudly within the arena.

The host? Quite distinctive... Zhang Yuanqing glanced him over a few times, and inexplicably, a sense of reverence rose in his heart, the cautious wariness of a foot soldier meeting a general.

He immediately identified the man's class—Scout!

As for rank, whether Saint or Lord, he couldn't tell.

At that moment, the armored swordsman spread his palm. White light flared, and an ancient parchment scroll appeared.

He tossed the scroll lightly into the air. With a rustling sound, it unfurled high above, then froze in place.

Zhang Yuanqing narrowed his eyes, trying to make out the scroll's contents. But it was veiled in pure holy light, obscuring whatever was written upon it.

The armored swordsman's voice rang out, echoing across the plaza:

"Everyone, recite after me!

'I swear that I will never, by any means, reveal to anyone the details witnessed during this arena tournament.'"

His voice was resonant and forceful, carrying an authority that brooked no refusal.

Zhang Yuanqing's heart gave a jolt. Involuntarily, beyond his control, he spoke the words:

"I swear that I will never, by any means, reveal to anyone the details witnessed during this arena tournament."

He knew this was a high-level Scout's ability—compelling unconscious obedience.

Countless people spoke the line in unison. Countless voices merged into a rolling torrent, magnificent beyond measure.

The Armored Swordsman continued:

"I, swear, to never reveal the faces of those seen upon the arena stage, in any form, to anyone."

The Crowd: "I, swear, to never reveal the faces of those seen upon the arena stage, in any form, to anyone."

The parchment scroll aloft shuddered with a resonant hum, and pristine holy light rippled outward; in the unseen depths, rules seemed to take root, decreeing that any who broke their oath would suffer severe punishment.

The Armored Swordsman nodded in satisfaction, palm spreading once more; the airborne scroll rolled itself up and drifted lightly back into his grasp.

That item just now—it seemed to be a foreign job-class artifact called a "Knight," its contract-binding ability far too conspicuous... The prohibition on divulging details likely refers to artifact attributes and such... Even appearances are barred from dissemination; the officials have been remarkably thorough...

As Zhang Yuanqing pondered, the Armored Swordsman's voice rang out once more:

"The opening ceremony concludes. In twenty minutes, random matching for today's battle roster begins. Each person has one chance per day to withdraw midway; simply speak the word upon the placard in my hand."

Zhang Yuanqing narrowed his eyes to look; the Armored Swordsman already held high the wooden placard in his hand, upon which the two characters "Return" were carved.

"Return?"

A burly man beside Zhang Yuanqing, having made out the word on the placard, blurted it out subconsciously.

In the next second, he vanished from the spot.

Is this oaf a Pyromancer? Zhang Yuanqing stared, dumbfounded—impetuous, reckless, acting on instinct rather than thought...

Most likely a Pyromancer, through and through.

The Armored Swordsman continued:

"Those who withdraw midway cannot re-enter the arena for the remainder of the day."

Well... Zhang Yuanqing spared a second of sympathy in his heart for that poor brother.

Having spoken, the Armored Swordsman made his way toward a seat in the front row.

Only now did a clamor rise within the silent "Colosseum"; some waved to familiar companions, others shouted names, and the crowd shuffled ceaselessly, rushing toward close friends and lovers.

Ah, so this is free period, seating is open? Zhang Yuanqing rose at once, scanning the surroundings.

At last, he spotted Guan Ya in the distance, off to his left.

Though the venue teemed with handsome men and beautiful women, the Old Driver's figure and looks remained peerless, effortlessly standing out.

Guan Ya was currently beaming, waving toward a certain direction; that blooming smile betrayed the joy in her heart.

Who is she greeting... Zhang Yuanqing followed her gaze; it was a mature beauty in a black tee and light-blue skinny jeans, smoky makeup, silver earrings, features striking and magnificent.

It's the Queen! He breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhang Yuanqing immediately stood, making his way toward the Old Driver.

"Sister Guan Ya!"

"Huh? I was just looking for you, but I spotted the Queen first." Guan Ya's eyes lit up at his approach, delight blooming on her face.

And at that moment, the Queen—who had been waving for ages with no intention of coming over—let her bright eyes shine, abandoning her companions to jog over.

Guan Ya murmured softly:

"I waved for ages, and while the Queen responded with enthusiasm, I could read in her micro-expressions that she didn't want to come over, didn't want to abandon her companions, and figured that as long as she put on a sufficiently warm and happy show when greeting me, she could fob me off."

"The moment you showed up, she came trotting right over."

What are you trying to say with this, express the plastic sisterhood between you women... Zhang Yuanqing roasted silently.

"Hey, Yuanshi, long time no see!"

The Queen halted her steps, standing there pert and pretty, her smile radiant.

"Oh, my Queen, it's been days, you're getting more beautiful by the minute. If you keep this up, I won't be able to help pursuing you." Zhang Yuanqing offered sincere praise.

At the same time, he felt a slight ease in his heart; what he feared most was the Queen shouting "Yuanshi Tianzun."

Then the surrounding crowd would surely gather to gawk.

Besides, "Yuanshi" had too many homophones, making it hard to directly associate with Yuanshi Tianzun.

The Queen smiled charmingly, sitting down beside Zhang Yuanqing with natural grace.

"Who was that guy in armor just now?" Zhang Yuanqing turned his head to look at Guanya on his left.

The Old Siji's gaze was fixed on the distance, her profile beautiful as a celestial maiden, yet cold as frost, as if she hadn't heard him.

Giving me attitude for no reason... Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself.

The Queen on his right spoke up "thoughtfully": "That's your Songhai branch's Elder, hmm, should be. He hosted last year's Arena Tournament too."

She cast her gaze downward, toward the front row seats, and said:

"The front row seats are all occupied by Elder-level figures, but I only recognize the Hongying Elder and Sun Elder from the Taiyi Sect, the Fusheng Elder and Shuiyi Elder from the Sanzhuang Province, and the Dog Elder from Songhai. I know that host Elder, but I don't know his Spirit Realm ID."

As a grassroots cadre, the number of Elders she knew was limited.

Zhang Yuanqing craned his neck to look; the front row held at least twelve Elders, a staggering number, and this was only a portion of those who had come.

A gathering of so many bigwigs happened only once a year; it was truly stirring.

"Are the five League Masters here?" Zhang Yuanqing asked curiously.

The Queen shook her head: "The five League Masters are like dragons—you see the head but not the tail. Not to mention us Transcendent-stage Walkers, even many Stewards have never seen them."

Zhang Yuanqing was a little disappointed, but also felt it was only natural.

Just as they spoke, another delighted voice rang out:

"Yuanshi Gege~"

Clear and crisp, mixed with a coquettish, childish lilt.

Zhang Yuanqing knew who it was without even turning back.

Xie Lingxi's outfit today was very girl-next-door, very pure: white canvas shoes, light-colored narrow-leg jeans, a white tee, her fluffy hair topped with a tech-heavy over-ear headset.

"You came too?" Zhang Yuanqing beckoned with a beaming smile.

But Xie Lingxi didn't come over immediately; her lively eyes rolled, glancing at the bright and stately Queen, and she said in a sweet voice:

"Hello, Sister. Can I sit next to Yuanshi Gege?"

A delicate, pure demeanor that instinctively stirred a desire to protect.

The Queen hesitated a moment, lifting her hips to shift silently outward.

Xie Lingxi said happily, "Thank you, Sister."

Her little bottom squeezed between the two of them, intimately wrapping her arm around Zhang Yuanqing's.

The Queen felt a pang of disappointment; Guan Ya grew even colder, like frost.

"Yuan Shi Gege, I snuck in using my dad's invitation. For a grand occasion like this, only a select few high-status figures from unofficial aristocratic families can attend. My dad has to enter a dungeon soon, so I lucked out."

"Yuan Shi Gege, come to my house for crab when autumn arrives. Our Xie family crab feast rarely hosts outsiders, but my dad specifically requested your presence."

Xie Lingxi chattered on incessantly.

The Queen beside them was startled, scrutinizing the young girl who looked like a high school student.

Is she one of the Xie family?

Come to think of it, she's also from Sanzhuang Province.

"Little miss, are you from the Xie family? Which branch?" the Queen couldn't help but ask.

"Sister, my dad is the Xie family head," Xie Lingxi replied, maintaining her persona of innocent naivety.

The direct line of the Xie family... the Queen was shocked.

The Xie family's eldest daughter, so worshipful and obsessed with the Primordial Heavenly Venerate? She lowered her lashes slightly, falling silent.

Even people from unofficial Spirit Realm aristocratic families attend... Zhang Yuanqing's heart stirred, and he asked:

"Little sister, look around. Is the Zhu family head's sister here? The one who was Chi Yue'an's ex-wife."

Xie Lingxi let out an "Oh," immediately standing up, craning her neck to scan the "vast sea of people" with utmost seriousness.

After a long while, she exclaimed in delighted surprise, "That one, that one! It's her."

Zhang Yuanqing followed her pointing finger, narrowing his eyes, straining to see.

The distance was too great; he couldn't tell who she was pointing at at all.

Hmm, since that woman was once trained by the Demon Lord, she must be exceptionally beautiful. We can question the Demon Lord's character, but never his taste... Guided by instinct, Zhang Yuanqing picked out a target in that sea of humanity.

It was a plump woman in a white dress. Too far to make out features, but her charming, stately aura gave off a distinctly different vibe.

Find a chance to probe her? See her reaction to the Copper Sparrow Tower, to Chi Yue'an? Or just make her acquaintance, get familiar first, and hold off for now...

After a moment's contemplation, Zhang Yuanqing chose the latter. Dealing with the Zhu family's young miss wasn't urgent; he'd have to wait until he advanced to Saint anyway.

He casually averted his gaze.

At this moment, there was still plenty of time in the twenty-minute window. Random matching hadn't begun, but most had already found their companions. The chaotic running about had settled into calm, save for a few still wandering aimlessly.

Zhang Yuanqing heard a hushed, excited conversation between two women not far behind him:

"That one, that one is Young Master Qian, Fu Qingyang. The one in the white suit. Isn't he gorgeous!"

"And there's Young Master Hua. They say he's incredibly gentle, understanding, knows a woman's heart best. Falling in love with him is every woman's dream."

"Ah? I heard he's a playboy, swaps girlfriends like changing clothes."

"You know nothing. True beauty was never about eternity; it's about having once possessed it."

Similar whispers rippled through the crowd; hunting for celebrity figures is a collective instinct.

"That redhead has to be Jiang Ju. Damn it, our eyes met—I swear he looks like he wants to beat me senseless."

"Huh? There's a little redheaded girl next to him. Could that be Jiang Jingwei?"

"Haha, the Earth God is still as spry as ever, vigorous in his old age."

...

"Where's the Ghost King of Fengdu? Point him out to me."

"Psst. Right behind Elder Hongying."

"So that's him. Not exactly handsome, but his aura is crushing. I noticed him the moment I walked in—amidst all those Taiyi disciples, he's the only one you can't help but stare at."

"Then the one beside him must be the Yin Princess? Why the veil? I want to see just how beautiful the Demon Lord's lover is."

"Don't speak the Demon Lord's name. Are you begging for death?"

...

"Is that effeminate man in ancient robes Yin Chi? He's pretty enough, but I prefer my men more masculine."

"Ah, so you like Huo Shi? Feminine pretty boys are the best—they pierce right through me."

...

"Zhao Chenghuang is there. I see him. Handsome and icy. Think he'd turn me down if I asked for an autograph?"

"Zhao Chenghuang carries a noble air. Most Level 3 Night Patrollers have a similar presence, but his is exceptionally dense."

"What a pity I'm terrified of ghosts, or I'd definitely pursue him."

...

"Sun Miaomiao is gorgeous. I love girls with round faces—so sweet, so cute."

"Forget pretty. Her talent is off the charts. Unattainable. Damn it!"

...

"That's Qingsongzi. That's Guhezu. That's Tianxia Guihuo... Where is Yuanshi Tianzun? I can't find him."

"Yuanshi Tianzun is a rookie. Few have laid eyes on him. Dying to see the man who cleared two S-rank Secret Realms."

As a legendary figure, though he ranked low in the Top Twenty, the number of people searching for Yuanshi Tianzun was vast.

Less than three months as a Secret Realm Walker, already Level 3. Since his debut, consecutive S-rank clears, high-difficulty A-ranks, the slaying of the infamous Li Xianzong.

Beneath so many halos, a mere rank of 11 could not suppress the curiosity of Walkers from every branch toward Yuanshi Tianzun.

A shame his debut was too brief; even among the official Walkers of Songhai, many had never seen him in the flesh.

Zhang Yuanqing was also watching the star-level contestants, his focus fixed on the Taiyi Sect's section.

The Night Wanderers of the Taiyi Sect were easy to spot, seated right behind Elder Sun and Elder Hongying, a dark mass of them, dressed in black skirts and black robes, instantly recognizable.

The ones he was primarily watching were Sun Miaomiao, the Yin Princess, and Zhao Chenghuang.

The distance was a bit far; he couldn't make out their features clearly, only vaguely seeing that Sun Miaomiao had a round, soft face, a striking beauty.

The Yin Princess wore a veil, draped in layers of black skirts, her figure and features obscured, yet the outline of her form gave one the feeling—she was utterly alluring.

Zhao Chenghuang had handsome, clear-cut features, arms crossed over his chest, sitting perfectly still, faintly exuding a haughty confidence that looked down on everything.

At that moment, a soft, cloyingly sweet voice interrupted Zhang Yuanqing's gazing.

"You're here too," the woman said.

Zhang Yuanqing turned his head. Beside him stood a blonde, blue-eyed woman who had appeared at some unknown time. She could not be described as merely beautiful; one would have to use words like "vixen," "femme fatale," "bewitching enchantress"—terms carrying a derogatory edge.

A normal beauty is pleasing to the eye, inspiring affection; but Annie—she made one want to tear her clothes off and take her by force.

The three women beside Zhang Yuanqing all frowned, instinctively revealing hostility.

Especially Little Green Tea, who felt the crushing pressure from the other woman in every dimension—that seductive smile, those shameful breasts, that round bottom—all of it a dimensionality reduction strike.

Xie Lingxi couldn't help but clutch Yuan Shi's arm tighter.

She hadn't grown up yet, just a weak, helpless girl who only knew how to ache for her brother.

"Miss Annie?" Zhang Yuanqing smiled.

"Did you receive an invitation from the Five Elements Alliance as well?"

Annie nodded with a smile, her voice soft and sweet. "I came with Mr. Bill. Happened to spot you, so I came over to holler. Forgot to ask for your Spirit Realm ID, didn't know what to call you just now."

Come to think of it, she didn't even know Zhang Yuanqing's real name, only that his mother was named Chen Shu.

Zhang Yuanqing followed her gaze and saw Bill Talentino, a man of deep-set features and mature masculine charm.

This foreign merchant nodded at him.

Zhang Yuanqing returned the nod, withdrew his gaze, and said to Annie with a smile:

"I'm just a nobody, not worth mentioning!"

Annie didn't press further at those words, just wore a faint smile and turned to leave.

Zhang Yuanqing once again turned his eyes toward the gathering ground of the Taiyi Sect disciples, when a sudden voice rang in his ear—Guan Ya's voice:

"That dead girl Jiang Jingwei is coming over."

What?! His heart jumped. He hurriedly looked over, and sure enough, saw Jiang Jingwei hopping and skipping toward him and Guan Ya, her face full of delighted surprise.

Seeing Zhang Yuanqing notice her, Jiang Jingwei waved her arms vigorously and shouted at the top of her lungs:

"Yuan Shi Tian Zun, over here, I'm over here..."

Yuan Shi Tian Zun?! Annie, who had just taken two steps, froze mid-stride.

Yuan Shi Tian Zun?

The official walkers all around, in a crisp, uniform wall, turned as one—their movements impossibly synchronized—to look this way.

...