Northern Region Grand Competition

"Have you heard? The Evil Overlord was killed!"

"What? The Evil Overlord was killed? How is that possible? He was a powerhouse in the Divine Ability Realm. After all these years of wicked deeds, how could he suddenly be killed?"

"I’m not sure either. I just heard about it. Half a month ago, someone originally went to challenge the Evil Overlord but happened to catch him in the middle of… well, you know his habits."

"Then that person killed him. Rumor has it he died horribly."

"Damn, this happened half a month ago? How come I never heard a thing?"

"Quite a few people witnessed it. You really didn’t hear?"

"Not a word. Who exactly killed the Evil Overlord?"

"They say… it was a young man."

A young man?

The Evil Overlord’s infamy was well-known. For years, he had committed atrocities without consequence. Yet now, he was slain by a mere youth?

This was a third-stage Divine Ability Realm expert. Even if he was killed, how could a young man possibly accomplish such a feat?

"That sounds ridiculous. A young man? Even the most talented youths in our Northern Domain wouldn’t stand a chance against the Evil Overlord, right?"

"Someone saw it with their own eyes. The killer looked no older than eighteen."

"Really? I don’t believe it!"

"Why would I lie to you?"

"I’ve also heard whispers about this. It might be true. My guess is that the killer is a young master from a major family, sent out to temper himself for the Human Rankings."

"Now that you mention it, it’s not entirely impossible."

"By the way, have you all heard? The Northern Domain Grand Competition is about to begin."

"I’ve heard of it. Seems like it’s also meant to give the younger generation a stage to test their skills, all for the sake of the Human Rankings."

"Do you think that young man will participate in the Northern Domain Grand Competition?"

"If he really could kill a Divine Ability Realm expert, why would he bother?"

"Tch, what do you know? The Northern Domain Grand Competition is just the appetizer. It’s meant to select the most outstanding talents among the younger generation to compete in the Four Domains Martial Assembly!"

The Four Domains Martial Assembly?

Many had heard about the Northern Domain Grand Competition, but the Four Domains Martial Assembly was something entirely unfamiliar.

The crowd turned to the speaker—a young man around twenty years old, handsome and exuding an air of nobility, clearly no ordinary person.

"Esteemed young master, could you enlighten us further about this Four Domains Martial Assembly?"

"Yes, yes! Could you share some details and broaden our horizons?"

The young man seemed to relish the attention, a smug smile playing on his lips as he casually took a seat nearby.

"Since I’m in a good mood today, I’ll indulge you."

His words immediately drew everyone’s focus, and the crowd listened intently.

"The Northern Domain Grand Competition was originally held once every ten years."

"But with the arrival of the Human Rankings, it was moved up. The real reason, however, is that the powerhouses of the Four Domains have organized the Four Domains Martial Assembly."

"The goal is to motivate the younger generation across all four domains to push their limits."

"Even if just one person from our Four Domains makes it onto the Human Rankings, it would be a tremendous honor."

"You all know how the Four Domains have always been looked down upon as backwaters. Those from the Central Heaven Domain don’t even spare us a glance."

"So this is our chance to prove ourselves. Don’t you agree?"

The Four Domains had long been disdained, and its inhabitants were well aware. But what could they do?

They lacked the natural advantages of the Central Heaven Domain, and the gap in strength was immeasurable.

But now, with the Human Rankings descending, if someone could rise to the occasion, it would be a slap in the face to their detractors.

"Young master, if I understand correctly, both the Northern Domain Grand Competition and the Four Domains Martial Assembly are meant to select the most talented and powerful individual?"

"But what happens after they’re chosen?"

"Excellent question!"

"After the selection, the Four Domains will pool all their resources into that one person."

"Do you realize what that means?"

"The entire Four Domains will serve that individual. All the finest treasures, techniques, and opportunities will be bestowed upon them."

"Now do you see just how high the stakes are? The competition will be fiercer than ever."

The crowd was stunned. Such a thing had never happened before.

While the Four Domains didn’t have major conflicts, they had always kept to themselves, each minding their own affairs.

Yet now, they were uniting, and all the powerhouses had agreed to this?

Could the Human Rankings truly hold such allure, enough to make the Four Domains set aside their differences?

"Then where will the Northern Domain Grand Competition be held?"

"Can we go watch the spectacle?"

"Yes, yes! Can we attend? Such a grand event—it’d be a shame to miss it!"

Hearing this, the young man shook his head.

"An event of this caliber isn’t open to just anyone."

"You lot should forget about it. Even if you knew the location, what would you do once you got there?"

"They won’t allow too many spectators to disrupt the competition."

His words drew sighs of disappointment from the crowd. Not being able to witness the event firsthand clearly frustrated them.

"Young master, since you know so much, I assume you’ll be participating in the Northern Domain Grand Competition?"

"Me?"

"No. While I have some skill, I know my limits. Besides, I’m a bit too old to qualify."

"I just enjoy gathering information, so I happen to know a little more than most."

"Well, everyone, I have matters to attend to. I’ll take my leave now."

"Farewell!"

"Young master, take care."

After the young man departed, Chen Yunxuan, who had been sitting quietly in the distance, stood up and followed.

"Young master, wait."

"Where exactly is the Northern Domain Grand Competition being held?"

"And when does it start?"

Once he caught up, Chen Yunxuan cut straight to the chase.

"You?"

"So you plan to participate in the Northern Domain Grand Competition?"

Chen Yunxuan was taken aback. This person knew him?

"You know who I am?"

"Chen Yunxuan of the Chen family. The one who killed the Evil Overlord."

"I know you." The young man nodded.

This surprised Chen Yunxuan. While many might have heard about the Evil Overlord’s death, few knew the specifics—let alone his name and appearance.

How had this young man learned so much?

"Who exactly are you?"

"Did you appear just now and say all those things… for my benefit?" Chen Yunxuan frowned, sensing something off.

"Don’t misunderstand, don’t misunderstand!"

"I’m just someone who enjoys collecting information."

"Something as major as the Evil Overlord’s death naturally piqued my interest."

"See? This is a portrait I drew based on descriptions from people who saw you."

"Then I heard you challenged the Blood Shadow Sect’s leader, so I pieced together your name."

Seeing the sketch of himself in the young man’s hand, Chen Yunxuan’s suspicion lessened slightly.

But could someone really go to such lengths just for the sake of gathering information?

"Just based on personal preference? With no purpose at all?"

"What's your name?" Chen Yunxuan asked.

"Me?"

"I'm called Know-It-All. How's that? Sounds good, right?"

Know-It-All?

Was the name given based on personality, or did the name shape his character?

"Where is the Northern Domain Grand Competition held?" Chen Yunxuan inquired.

"I know! It's in Windchime Valley!"