Long Yutian stood beside the Hidden Dragon Bell, his expression steady as his deep voice spread across the entire plaza.

"The rules of the Dragon Bell Trial are straightforward. Each participant must attack the Hidden Dragon Bell. If your attack meets the required standard, the golden dragon coiled around the bell will rise into the air. If it ascends to a height of three meters, you will pass the first trial. During the test, you are permitted to use martial techniques as well as treasure artifacts."

Although the rules sounded simple, everyone present understood how difficult they truly were.

The Hidden Dragon Bell possessed astonishing defensive strength. To even cause it to tremble required the full power of an expert at the first level of the Essence Qi Realm. Even then, such an attack would only be enough to shake the bell slightly. It would not be sufficient to make the golden dragon take flight.

Only an attack comparable to a full-strength strike from a second-level Essence Qi Realm expert could reliably lift the dragon to the required height of three meters.

As for its true limit, the golden dragon could rise up to nine meters.

However, no one in any previous Hidden Dragon Tournament had ever reached that height. Achieving such a result required power on the level of a peak ninth level Essence Qi Realm expert, which was far beyond what most participants could hope to attain.

All competitors in this tournament were under the age of thirty. While reaching the peak of Essence Qi Realm at such an age might exist in more powerful regions like Eastern Martial Domain, within the Southern Martial Domain it was considered nearly impossible.

Although many top geniuses were in the late stages of Essences Qi Realm like Su Fengyan, Li Hao and the others but even they took like months and years of time to level up one level in the Essence Qi Realm.

It was because of this reason that no disciples of any sect in the Southern Martial Domain had a cultivation of peak Essence Qi Realm before the age of 30 even for an occasion as grand as the Hidden Dragon Tournament.

Long Yutian raised his voice once more.

"The examination will now begin. Those ranked within the top one hundred of the Hidden Dragon Ranking may step forward first. Su Fengyan will go first."

Being ranked within the top one hundred did not only grant fame across the Southern Martial Domain. It also came with certain privileges during the tournament, including the right to take the Three Trials ahead of others. Those ranked within the top ten were even regarded as seeded participants, enjoying even greater advantages.

At that moment, a series of light footsteps echoed through the plaza.

The sound was soft, yet it carried an unusual presence. The previously noisy crowd fell silent almost instantly, as though drawn by an invisible force. Countless gazes turned toward the source.

From the seating area of the Boundless Martial Palace, a young man slowly stepped forward.

He wore a robe that seemed to blend the essence of wind and fire. His features were sharp and handsome, and his bearing carried a natural authority that set him apart from others. Despite the attention of millions, his expression remained calm and composed as he advanced step by step toward the Hidden Dragon Bell.

This youth was none other than Su Fengyan, the number one ranked genius of the Hidden Dragon Ranking.

"Su Fengyan, you may begin," Long Yutian said calmly as he stepped aside.

Su Fengyan did not even bother to look directly at the Hidden Dragon Bell. His expression carried a faint trace of disinterest as he spoke.

"This test is rather dull."

As his words faded, he casually flicked his sleeve. The motion appeared light and effortless, like a passing breeze brushing against the bell.

A sharp metallic sound rang out.

Clang.

Despite its simplicity, that single motion contained terrifying power. The Hidden Dragon Bell, which had stood completely still until now, began to tremble violently the moment it was struck. A deep and resonant toll echoed across the plaza.

A powerful surge of golden light spread outward from the surface of the bell.

"Roar!"

The golden dragon coiled around the bell suddenly came to life. It raised its head and released a thunderous roar before shooting into the sky with astonishing speed.

"Eight meters."

"No, it is still rising. Eight point nine meters."

"My heavens. That was only a casual strike, yet it reached eight point nine meters. He has broken the record of every previous Hidden Dragon Tournament."

"He truly deserves his title as the number one on the Hidden Dragon Ranking. This level of strength is beyond belief."

Waves of shocked cries erupted from the crowd as they stared at the soaring dragon in disbelief.

If Su Fengyan had reached such a height with his full strength, it would have been impressive but still within expectations. After all, he was ranked first and recognized as one of the three giants of the younger generation.

However, this result had been achieved with a simple, effortless motion.

That fact alone sent a chill through the hearts of many.

Such a casual strike already carried the power of a peak Essence Qi Realm expert. If he were to attack with his full strength, how terrifying would that power become? Some could not help but wonder if he might already rival a first-level Mortal Core Realm expert.

A collective gasp spread through the plaza.

Elder Fenyan could not help but sigh in admiration.

"This Su Fengyan is truly extraordinary. When I participated in the Hidden Dragon Tournament at his age, even my strongest strike only reached five meters."

Elder Binglie shook his head slightly, his voice filled with emotion.

"These young talents will surpass us sooner than we expect."

Elder Feiyu chuckled lightly.

"The waves of the river always push forward. The ones behind will eventually overtake those ahead. I must admit, I am quite envious that Boundless Martial Palace has gained such a remarkable disciple."

Elder Youhun, who had maintained a cold and rigid demeanor until now, allowed a faint smile to appear on his face.

"You give him too much praise."

At that moment, Long Yutian’s voice once again resounded across the plaza.

"Su Fengyan, you have passed the trial. You may step aside and wait for the next stage."

Su Fengyan inclined his head slightly.

"Understood."

Although he carried himself with arrogance, he clearly understood his limits. Long Yutian was a powerful expert who had reached the third level of the Mortal Core Realm, and even Su Fengyan would not act recklessly in front of such a figure.

Still, deep within his heart, he held firm confidence.

Give him a few years, and he would surpass this man.

With that thought, Su Fengyan turned calmly and walked away.

"Next."

The moment Su Fengyan stepped aside, Long Yutian called out once again, his voice steady and authoritative.

A series of firm footsteps echoed across the plaza.

From the crowd, a young man carrying a long saber walked forward. He appeared to be in his early twenties, and at first glance, there was nothing remarkable about him. His clothing was plain, and his features were ordinary, the kind that would easily be overlooked in a sea of people.

Yet none of the experts present dared to underestimate him.

Beneath that unassuming exterior lay a terrifying sharpness. His presence was restrained, almost invisible, like a peerless divine saber still resting within its sheath. However, everyone could sense that the moment it was drawn, it would unleash a power capable of shaking the entire arena.

This young man was Li Hao, the second-ranked genius on the Hidden Dragon Ranking and one of the three great young giants of the Southern Martial Domain. He was renowned as a top-tier saber intent genius.