Chapter 1480: Civil War

After the elder's explanation, everyone took the invitation and examined it closely. Only then did they learn that the Blazing Fire Kingdom had recently discovered a celestial treasure trove, filled with countless rare treasures. Both the royal family and the major sects were eager to claim it for themselves, leading to endless disputes among the powerful factions.

With no resolution in sight, they finally agreed to follow the rules of the martial world: the ownership of the treasure trove would be decided through a competition.

The royal family of the Blazing Fire Kingdom declared that, in the name of fairness, all major sects would have the right to participate in this grand competition. Each sect could send two representatives to compete.

It was said that the competition would begin in two days, right outside the entrance to the treasure trove.

At present, the treasure trove had not fully opened and could only accommodate two people at a time. This ensured that no one could interfere with the competition, making it a naturally fair arena.

Understanding the situation, the group chuckled and began to discuss.

"Where there are people, there will be conflict, and the royal family is no exception."

"This isn't surprising. The world revolves around profit, and the royal family is made up of people. Where there are people, there will be greed!"

"Hmm, the royal family of the Blazing Fire Kingdom is quite shrewd. They claim it's for fairness, allowing everyone to participate, but in doing so, they've subtly won the favor of the major sects. Before the competition even begins, they've already gained a good reputation. Once the sects start fighting and suffering casualties, the royal family can sit back and reap the benefits!"

"This competition is bound to be extremely dangerous!"

"Should we go or not?"

At the end of the discussion, both the toad and the snail turned their gazes toward the black-clad youth and Yi Feng.

The black-clad youth immediately responded with a carefree smile.

"Go! Of course, we'll go!"

"Since there's a celestial treasure trove, I won't miss it! Forget about the royal family and the sects. In front of our New Sword Sect, they can all step aside and cool off!"

His straightforward words filled the toad with determination.

Considering that each sect could send two representatives, everyone turned their attention to Yi Feng, who had the highest cultivation level.

Before they could even ask, Yi Feng nodded in agreement and slowly stood up, looking at the black-clad youth.

"In that case, the two of us will participate in the competition. It'll also be a good opportunity to see the strength of the major sects in the Blazing Fire Kingdom."

With that settled, the black-clad youth put away the royal invitation, and together with Yi Feng, they stepped into the clouds. Although the toad and the snail couldn't participate in the competition, they insisted on following to support the two.

Four streaks of light shot across the sky, causing exclamations of surprise from the sect members.

Soon, they arrived at the foot of the Cang Mountain, north of the imperial capital, where the legendary treasure trove was located.

The area was already bustling with activity. At a glance, there were hundreds of experts present. Not only had representatives from the major sects arrived, but even some second-rate factions had sent people, seemingly hoping to get a share of the spoils.

The foot of the mountain was already occupied by various factions, with undercurrents of tension swirling beneath the surface.

Seeing this scene, Yi Feng and the others weren't the least bit surprised.

They strode forward confidently, paying no attention to the small fry. The former guerrilla squad had now grown into the leaders of a major sect in the imperial capital. The massive figures of the toad and the snail were particularly eye-catching, drawing everyone's attention as soon as they appeared.

The four figures walked steadily through the crowd, exuding an extraordinary aura. Those in front of them quickly stepped aside, and wary glances were cast from both sides.

Yi Feng and his brothers walked side by side, their eyes never straying. Their calm smiles radiated a confidence that was unmatched by anyone else, and their powerful presence forced the surrounding sects to retreat.

Only when they reached the foot of Cang Mountain and saw the leaders of the seven great sects of the imperial capital, along with the crown prince of the Blazing Fire Kingdom, Chu Xiuqian, sitting calmly on long chairs, did Yi Feng stop and offer a symbolic fist salute.

"The New Sword Sect has come to participate in the grand competition!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the eyes of the major figures present turned serious.

The New Sword Sect had been rising in prominence recently, but it was still a newcomer. Yet, Sect Leader Yi Feng stood before the top powers of the Blazing Fire Kingdom without showing the slightest hint of inferiority, causing many to tremble with awe.

Even the leaders of the seven great sects couldn't help but feel a sense of wariness.

One by one, they returned the salute, their expressions varied.

Soon, the competition officially began. Participants registered their names and origins and were assigned to different groups.

Then, in pairs, they entered the eerie glowing barrier at the foot of the mountain. The elimination process was brutal, with each match determining victory or defeat in a single round.

The factions that had come were a mixed bag, and the disparity in strength was naturally vast.

Ordinary sects hoping to take advantage of the chaos were simply delusional. In the face of absolute strength, any such thoughts were futile. The fastest elimination records were constantly being broken, with some participants lasting less than ten breaths before being defeated and fleeing the barrier, leaving in embarrassment.

Some didn't even last three breaths before limping away from Cang Mountain under the stunned gazes of the crowd. The more confident they had been before, the more humiliated they looked after their defeat.

Everyone was shocked by these results, and when they saw the black-clad youth emerging from the treasure trove, many couldn't help but tremble with fear.

"He's... the Grand Protector of the New Sword Sect!"

Whispers of awe spread through the crowd, and countless people etched that figure into their memories, secretly marking him as their strongest opponent.

As the competition progressed, fewer and fewer sects remained.

More and more sects left in disappointment, while some, unwilling to give up, stubbornly stayed at the foot of Cang Mountain, waiting to see who would ultimately claim the treasure trove.

In the end, only the seven great sects of the imperial capital and the New Sword Sect remained.

Strength was the key to determining everything, and this truth would never change, no matter the time or place.

Just as everyone was focusing their attention on the black-clad youth, Yi Feng defeated the leader of the Flying Star Sect in less than ten breaths!

Almost no one had time to react. They only saw the two enter the barrier, and in the next moment, the leader of the Flying Star Sect was sent flying out, with a terrifying sword scar across his chest!

Instantly, the entire arena erupted in an uproar!

"What the hell?!"

"What just happened?!"

"I don't know! I just heard a 'snap,' and then the Flying Star Sect leader was sent flying out!"

Amid the heated discussions, nearly a hundred sect members exchanged bewildered looks.

The Flying Star Sect leader, who had been the center of attention, turned red with embarrassment. Under the shocked gazes of the other sect leaders, he lowered his head and gritted his teeth.

"I... I lost..."

As soon as he spoke, the entire arena was thrown into chaos!

Even the leaders of the other six great sects stood up in shock, and the royal family, who had been calmly watching the spectacle, now wore subtle expressions.

No one had expected that one of the seven great sects of the imperial capital would be eliminated so easily, defeated in less than ten breaths. The strength of Yi Feng, the leader of the New Sword Sect, was truly terrifying!

Coupled with the Grand Protector, the two representatives from the New Sword Sect were both formidable figures!

Damn it...

How could the New Sword Sect have two such monsters?

What were they supposed to do now?

If this continued, wouldn't the treasure trove fall into their hands?

For a moment, all the sects felt a sense of panic, and a foreboding sense of unease settled in their hearts.

As expected, with Yi Feng and the black-clad youth winning match after match, the other six great sects were all eliminated!

By the final match, the two standing before the barrier were none other than Yi Feng and the black-clad youth!

The treasure competition had turned into a civil war?

This was absurd...

Completely absurd!

Why even bother competing? They might as well have handed the treasure trove to the New Sword Sect from the start!

That said, Yi Feng and the black-clad youth were simply too strong. Even though the other sects were filled with resentment, they had no choice but to watch as the two calmly walked toward the treasure trove.

As they watched the two figures, many people's expressions turned dark, and envy burned in their eyes.

Even the crown prince of the Blazing Fire Kingdom lost his earlier composure.

After glaring coldly for a few moments, he suddenly stood up and spoke.

"Wait!"

"According to the agreement among the major sects, the ownership of the treasure trove must be decided through competition. Although you two are from the same sect, you must still compete to determine the winner!"

"Otherwise, who will this treasure trove belong to?!"

Hearing this, the entire arena was stunned.

They understood the crown prince's intentions clearly. He couldn't accept defeat and wanted to see the New Sword Sect fight among themselves, preferably resulting in mutual destruction!

This was a vicious attempt to sow discord!

No matter the bonds between sects or their previous relationships, nothing could compare to the value of this celestial treasure trove. Any sense of loyalty or friendship would crumble under the weight of such immense benefits.

The crown prince and the major sects understood human nature well, but they had severely underestimated Yi Feng and the black-clad youth.

As soon as the crown prince finished speaking, the black-clad youth burst into laughter and spread his hands as he responded.

"Hahaha..."

"You don't need to say anything else. I do love money, but this treasure trove naturally belongs to our sect leader!"

His words left the entire arena in shock!

No one had expected the black-clad youth to be so decisive, willingly giving up such a rare celestial treasure trove!

Wasn't he tempted at all?

This was simply unbelievable!

The crown prince's eyes widened as if he had seen a ghost.

"You! You'd better think carefully!"

"This treasure trove contains a vast amount of celestial materials, worth a fortune! Are you really willing to just give it away?!"

Hearing this, the entire arena turned their attention to the black-clad youth.

But he simply smiled indifferently and, without saying another word, returned to the giant toad's side to wait.

The treasure trove?

Celestial materials?

These worthless things couldn't compare to the bond between brothers!

Besides, it all belonged to the New Sword Sect anyway. What was there to fight over?

Not to mention, I really can't beat Yi Feng...

I don't know how that guy cultivates, but his strength has skyrocketed like a rocket, jumping several levels in just a few months!

The more he thought about it, the more frustrated he became. Waiting around was pointless.

If it weren't for the fear that the other sects might try to harm Yi Feng, he wouldn't even bother staying.

The black-clad youth was starting to feel bored.

His eyes began to wander, looking around at the various sects to see if there were any pretty girls to pass the time.

Seeing his distracted expression, the toad immediately understood and couldn't help but chuckle, pulling out a jar of wine from who-knows-where and handing it to the youth with two fingers.

The black-clad youth took the wine and instantly broke into a carefree smile, as if everything that had just happened no longer mattered. He removed the red cloth seal and began to drink heartily!

Within moments, the three of them were drinking merrily, and the toad and the black-clad youth started playing a drinking game.

"Brothers, cheers! Five fingers!"

"Damn it! We agreed that five fingers don't count! How many times is this now?!"

"Hahaha..."

Their laughter echoed through the arena, leaving the other sects utterly bewildered.

They couldn't understand what was going through these guys' heads.

They didn't care about the immense wealth inside the treasure trove and were instead drinking and having fun like it was nothing. What a bunch of weirdos!

Yi Feng, however, felt completely at ease seeing this scene. A warm sense of comfort washed over him. No matter what challenges lay ahead, as long as these brothers were by his side, he had nothing to fear!

With that, he turned and stepped into the treasure trove.

As Yi Feng entered the shimmering barrier and was about to claim the endless treasures, the other sects watched with envy burning in their eyes. Many began to beat their chests in frustration!