Son, Put Your Father To The Test (FF)

The conversation between Qin Chuan and Southern King Yang Tu quickly caught the attention of many, causing quite a stir in the background. At first, those who overheard were shocked, but out of respect for the Southern King's dignity, they didn't dare to spread the news openly.

Instead, they discreetly patted the shoulder of the person next to them, signaling them to listen in on what was being discussed. This led to a chain reaction, and soon enough, everyone noticed something unusual happening in that direction.

My goodness!

The Southern King actually addressed Elder Qin Chuan as "Uncle"? This was simply too unbelievable! Qin Chuan looked even younger than the Southern King!

Shock and disbelief spread among the crowd. However, no one said a word; everyone kept up appearances, going about their business as if they hadn't noticed anything unusual.

Those attending this Spring Thunder Conference were not ordinary people. They naturally understood the importance of maintaining proper etiquette. When it came to social graces, they were impeccable.

Nevertheless, through this small incident, many who were previously unfamiliar with Qin Chuan quickly took notice of him.

They all had one thought: This person is extraordinary!

"Announcing the arrival of the Crown Prince!!"

At that moment, a voice akin to a duck's quack rang out, followed by the rumbling sound of thunder in the sky.

"Boom! Boom!"

Everyone looked up to see three majestic white horses, surrounded by crackling lightning, pulling a regal chariot through the air. Their hooves treaded upon the void, emitting intense bursts of lightning that illuminated the entire area.

On the chariot stood a young man wearing a four-clawed golden dragon robe, his hands behind his back as he gazed down at the people below.

To the left of the young man stood an elderly eunuch dressed in a crimson robe, commonly known as a Daoist. To the right was a maid holding a long sword.

Behind them stood three burly middle-aged men, as imposing as mountains, their strength unfathomable.

"I, Liu Qingshan, on behalf of the entire Fenglei Valley, welcome the Crown Prince! This way, please."

The Grand Elder of Fenglei Valley rose into the air and bowed respectfully to the young man on the chariot, speaking politely.

He wasn't bowing to the Crown Prince but to the royal family. After all, in the Jiuyang Kingdom, the royal family was supreme.

"Hmm."

The Crown Prince, Yang Qitian, nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping indifferently over the crowd below before descending with his entourage.

Soon, everyone was led by the high-ranking members of Fenglei Valley to the plaza where the Spring Thunder Fruit Tree stood.

The vast plaza was paved with countless two-meter-long, one-meter-wide stone slabs arranged in concentric circles, forming what looked like layers of concentric rings.

At the center of these rings stood a massive tree with a canopy that spanned over a hundred meters.

The tree was lush green, with many silver-white fruits hanging from its branches. When a breeze passed through, the fruits collided with each other, producing a sound like wind chimes and occasionally emitting flashes of lightning.

This was the Spring Thunder Fruit Tree!

"Elder Qin Chuan, this way, please."

The Fenglei Valley elder who was hosting Qin Chuan led him toward a nearby pavilion, speaking as they walked, "Let the young ones interact on their own. We, the older generation, should merely observe."

"Very well."

Qin Chuan smiled and nodded.

He noticed that not only he but other elders from various sects and families were also being guided to the pavilions surrounding the Spring Thunder Plaza.

These pavilions varied in height and offered scenic views. Some were even built on artificial mountains, providing excellent vantage points.

Meanwhile, the plaza was filled with numerous yellow meditation mats, laid out densely for the young participants.

The talented youths from across the kingdom sat on these mats, forming a circle around the Spring Thunder Fruit Tree.

"Each of you here represents the cream of the crop among the younger generation of the Jiuyang Kingdom. By gathering in Fenglei Valley today, you honor us greatly. I thank you all in advance."

An elder stood beneath the tree, smiling as he spoke. "Therefore, everyone who has come here today will receive a Spring Thunder Fruit."

Wow!

With a wave of his right hand, thousands of silver-white fruits seemed to appear out of thin air, scattering in all directions.

"Clink, clink, clink!"

"Clink, clink, clink!"

As some of the fruits collided mid-air, they produced a crisp and pleasant sound like ceramics clinking together, accompanied by flashes of lightning.

Under the guidance of spiritual energy, these Spring Thunder Fruits landed accurately in front of the participants, hovering in the air.

"Thank you!"

"Thank you, Elder Xu!"

"Fenglei Valley is truly generous."

The crowd expressed their gratitude with smiles and carefully collected the fruits before them, their impression of Fenglei Valley improving considerably.

The elder continued, "Although the Spring Thunder Fruit may not be particularly rare, it is still limited in number. We can only offer one to each of you."

"If you wish to obtain more Spring Thunder Fruits, you will have to compete for them."

After a brief pause, he said, "This competition will have two stages. The first stage is a discussion."

"By 'discussion,' I mean that everyone should feel free to share their insights on the path of martial arts, thus inspiring others. The ten individuals who provide the most inspiration will receive rewards."

"As for how these ten will be selected, I trust that those present are of clear and discerning minds and will not deceive themselves."

"Now... let the discussion begin!"

With that, the elder floated into the air, leaving the Spring Thunder Plaza entirely to the younger generation.

Immediately, the plaza fell silent.

Thousands of young people sat in a circle around the Spring Thunder Tree, exchanging glances but not speaking.

"I'll go first."

Finally, someone stood up and cupped his hands, saying, "My name is Huang Silang, and I have a few humble thoughts to share."

"I believe that the most important aspect of cultivation is cultivating the mind. A strong Dao heart can navigate through the sea of suffering and ultimately reach the pinnacle. For example, the Seven Nights Martial Emperor relied on an unshakable Dao heart..."

He spoke eloquently, but when he finished, there was no applause. In fact, many in the crowd had nearly fallen asleep, and some even scoffed, leaning back in their seats.

Though they might not be familiar with the term "platitudes," they were clearly unimpressed by talk of cultivating the mind. The problem was simple—how exactly should one go about it?

You don't know how either?

Then what was the point of your speech?

However, Huang Silang had at least broken the ice, prompting others to eagerly contribute their views.

Before long, the discussion turned into a debate!

Some barely began before being refuted by the crowd, retreating with flushed faces, while others stood confidently at the center, arguing passionately and inspiring deep thought with their words...

As the debate grew more intense, the previously orderly arrangement began to unravel. People continuously stood up to join the discussion, while others, having lost their arguments, returned to their seats.

Many found their original spots occupied and had to sit elsewhere.

In the end, it was complete chaos, with people moving about and sitting wherever they could find space.

After all, all the meditation mats were the same.

Among those who stood up to share their insights and debate, not all were the most outstanding talents.

The truly confident and proud individuals disdained such displays. They quietly maintained their pride, though they scorned the opinions of others, finding it beneath them to even argue back. They simply watched the proceedings with detached amusement.

For instance, Crown Prince Yang Qitian.

Or Qin Zi.

Or some hidden prodigies...

"Greetings to the Crown Prince, from this humble girl, Liu Rushuang."

At that moment, a young woman in a white dress with a delicate appearance approached the Crown Prince and bowed gracefully.

Yang Qitian looked up and saw the admiration and shyness in the young woman's eyes, instantly losing interest.

He had always disdained women who threw themselves at him. Instead, he was more intrigued by those who ignored him.

Thinking of this, he subconsciously glanced at a girl sitting not far away. She was quietly seated on a meditation mat, attentively listening to the debate, as if trying to absorb all the useful information.

She was diligent, though perhaps a bit dull.

"Hmm?"

Following Yang Qitian's gaze, Liu Rushuang also noticed the girl from the Seven Martial Sect and frowned slightly.