Gathering at Wind Chime Valley

Windchime Valley earned its name from its resemblance to a wind chime.

But what truly makes Windchime Valley wondrous is that when standing within it, even the slightest breeze produces a melodious chime.

Yet, the moment one steps outside—even by a single pace—no wind, no matter how strong, can conjure the sound of chimes.

Despite its beauty, Windchime Valley is considered a perilous place in the Northern Domain.

Though not vast, it teems with demonic beasts.

While the beasts of the Northern Domain are not overwhelmingly powerful, the region itself lacks formidable cultivators. A single fifth-tier demonic beast could dominate the land unchallenged.

This was why many found it puzzling that Windchime Valley had been chosen as the venue for the upcoming Northern Domain Grand Competition.

The elite disciples of major clans and sects had powerful escorts, but what of the others?

Though the competition was open to all, the location itself imposed an invisible barrier, weeding out the majority before the event even began.

"Brother Chen, since you're also heading to the Northern Domain Grand Competition, why not travel together?"

"The journey would be less lonely with company," Know-It-All suggested with a smile.

Travel together?

Chen Yunxuan glanced at Know-It-All before nodding.

"Very well. Since you call yourself Know-It-All, I assume you're well-informed."

"Tell me, who are the strongest participants in this competition?" Chen Yunxuan asked.

Truthfully, he cared little for the title of champion or the chance to participate in the Four Domains Martial Assembly.

He had no need for the resources the four domains could offer—Chen Yunxuan had already inherited ample cultivation aids from Chen Chang'an.

His sole purpose was battle—constant, relentless combat. Only through battle could he rapidly elevate his strength.

"Brother Chen, you jest. Even Evil Overlord was no match for you. The participants of this competition won't last a single exchange."

"You are truly deserving of the title 'Number One Among the Northern Domain's Younger Generation,'" Know-It-All said with a chuckle.

Number one among the younger generation?

Chen Yunxuan shook his head. That was not his goal. To secure a place on the Human Rankings, he first needed to claim the title of the Northern Domain's strongest—regardless of age.

"I wasn’t referring to the younger generation."

"I meant the older experts at the Divine Ability Realm. How many will attend, and what are their approximate strengths?"

Know-It-All was momentarily stunned before realization dawned. He laughed wryly at his own oversight. Of course—having slain Evil Overlord, Chen Yunxuan would naturally seek stronger opponents.

"From what I’ve gathered, the four great clans and five major sects will all participate."

"However, they’ll likely send elders as escorts. As for their exact strength, I can only speculate."

"Most should be around the fifth to seventh level of the Divine Ability Realm, unlikely to exceed the seventh."

Fifth to seventh level? That should suffice for his training purposes.

"Which way is Windchime Valley?"

"Follow me. I’ll lead the way."

"Good. My thanks."

Windchime Valley

Once a place many dared not approach, the outskirts of Windchime Valley now bustled with people.

"Brother, what should we do? Are we really going in?"

At the valley’s entrance, a young girl hesitated, her confidence wavering as she stared into the depths.

"The Northern Domain Grand Competition is inside. We’ve come this far—we can’t turn back now."

"It’s just… we lack the backing of a powerful faction. No one to escort us."

"Sigh. We’ll have to rely on ourselves."

The young man sighed helplessly. He and his sister had waited outside Windchime Valley for three days, watching as disciples from the four clans and five sects entered under the protection of their elders.

But what of those like them—without influence or connections? They could only linger at the edges, not daring to act rashly.

"They saw us. Why couldn’t they just take us along?"

"They said the competition was open to anyone."

"So why choose a place like this?" the girl grumbled.

"Silly girl, they owe us nothing."

"In the end, we must depend on ourselves."

The young man forced a smile. Though only two years older than his sister, he carried himself with far more maturity.

As the two spoke, three figures approached them.

"Are you two also here for the Northern Domain Grand Competition?" The leader, a handsome youth of about twenty, smiled warmly.

The girl’s eyes brightened at the sight of him. What a striking young master!

Her brother, however, regarded the trio with caution. "That’s right. What business do you have with us?"

"Ha! No need for suspicion. We mean no harm."

"Windchime Valley is treacherous, and none of us are strong enough to venture alone."

"So we’ve decided to gather a group. Safety in numbers, as they say."

"Would you care to join us?"

A team?

The idea appealed to the young man. He’d considered it before but lacked the connections to propose it himself.

Now that the offer was on the table, he saw no reason to refuse.

"That sounds reasonable. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Zhang Wenyuan, nineteen years old, at the fifth level of the True Qi Realm."

"This is my younger sister, Zhang Wenqian. She’s seventeen, at the ninth level of the Condensed Yuan Realm."

The fifth level of the True Qi Realm was acceptable, but the ninth level of the Condensed Yuan Realm? What was she doing here—seeking death?

Zhang Wenyuan noticed their skepticism and explained awkwardly, "It’s her first time traveling. She insisted on coming to broaden her horizons. I couldn’t dissuade her."

"Brother Zhang, that’s reckless."

"Windchime Valley is no place for someone so young and weak. This is madness."

"Exactly. You should’ve talked her out of it."

The other two made no effort to hide their disdain. They clearly saw Zhang Wenqian as dead weight.

Zhang Wenyuan understood their implication, but his sister remained oblivious.

"I’m not afraid! I just wanted to see the world."

"And I’m not a child anymore—I’m seventeen! You don’t need to worry about me," Zhang Wenqian chirped brightly.

"This…"

Before the others could protest further, the leader interceded with a gentle smile.

"It’s fine. We’ll manage with our numbers. She can come along."

"Thank you, young master! You’re so kind!"

Zhang Wenqian beamed at him, clearly smitten by his charm and demeanor.

The leader returned her smile. "I am Wang Keming, twenty-two years old, at the ninth level of the True Qi Realm."

"Time is short before the competition. Shall we set off now?"

"What do you all think?"

"Just the five of us?"

"Having too many people isn't ideal—it could lead to conflicts and make things harder to control."

"Five is just the right number. If necessary, we can always invite lone travelers we encounter after entering."

"Agreed. Let's set off then."

"Move out—to Windchime Valley!"