As the ten slots were confirmed, martial artists from various forces in the Three Great States departed with a sense of dejection, filled with helplessness.

This year, the True Martial Baptism opened with too many unforeseen events.

The True Martial Baptism arrived early, and the number of slots drastically reduced. Adding to that, the emergence of the Azure Dragon Four Brothers, super geniuses, and the even more astonishing Xiao Ye.

The geniuses from their forces, though carefully selected, paled in comparison to such figures, destined to miss out on the True Martial Baptism.

"Brother Wang, this time we’ve been incredibly lucky. Even geniuses stronger than us have been driven away by those Azure Dragon Brothers."

"Hahaha, indeed. If we hadn’t hidden deep enough, how could we have remained here, let alone obtained a slot for the True Martial Baptism?"

"It seems luck is a kind of strength too!"

"I never dreamed I’d get a slot for the True Martial Baptism; when I gain the True Martial Physique, I’ll surely become famous in the Northern State and bring glory to my family!"

...

On the boundless plain, four youths were talking excitedly with expressions of joy on their faces.

Aside from Xiao Ye and others, they were among the ten geniuses still remaining on the battlefield.

They managed to stay, not by strength, but purely by luck.

Under the clearing sweeps of Xiao Ye and the Azure Dragon Four Brothers of the Northern State, which genius could compete on this plain battlefield? Either they left on their own, or they were killed; of these talents, the four of them were average at best.

But ultimately, they were the ones who remained, how could they not be thrilled?

"All geniuses participating in the True Martial Baptism Contention, come forth!"

At this moment, three elderly figures descended from the sky, their voices booming, enhanced by Emperor Martial Power, spreading far and wide, which invigorated the four youths who hurried to meet them.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Four figures, releasing powerful auras, also arrived in mid-air, each exuding extraordinary charisma with every gesture—these were the Azure Dragon Four Brothers.

Boom!

On the western heavenly dome, golden light spread, and golden Blood Qi surged to the Nine Heavens as a man and a woman flew toward them, causing cold glints to flash in the Azure Dragon Four Brothers’ eyes.

The three elders from East State, who set the rules, discreetly looked at the flying youth.

Xiao Ye had previously entered Xuanyun City alone, and even killed the Invincible Title Emperor Xuanyun Lie of the Xuanyun Clan—a battle they also witnessed.

Xiao Ye’s current strength is indeed astonishing!

"We have received news from above; the evil forces of East State are stirring. Since the ten slots are confirmed, let’s end the contention early."

"If you ten have no objections, quickly prepare to accompany us to East State and join forces with the geniuses there to undertake the True Martial Baptism."

The three elders spoke consecutively.

"Could it be that the Ultimate Palace from the Ancient Era is really going to interfere in the True Martial Baptism?" Xiao Ye furrowed his brow slightly upon hearing.

From the lips of the three elders, he instantly thought of the Ultimate Palace regarding East State’s evil forces.

This contention was premature, and now, with five days remaining, it’s surprisingly coming to an early end, making him feel pressed for time.

However, for him, the earlier he undertakes the True Martial Baptism, the better.

The ten in the field naturally had no objections to the arrangements made by the three elders.

"Then let’s proceed!"

The three elders were evidently urgent, leaving behind a word before rising into the sky together.

"True Martial Baptism..."

The Azure Dragon Four Brothers had eyes ablaze with fervor, glancing at Xiao Ye before following the three elders.

"Brother Xiao, I can’t accompany you to the True Martial Baptism Land. Be cautious, I look forward to your True Martial Physique and your peak duel with Tie Xue."

"Moreover, rest assured, the five types of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures you require from us Pure Yang Alliance have already shown signs in East State. When you return from the True Martial Baptism Land, they will be offered to you!"

Shen Tu brought martial artists from the Pure Yang Alliance to bid farewell, making fists of blessing toward Xiao Ye.

Martial artists from the Pure Yang Alliance also blessed Guo An’an.

This time, their Pure Yang Alliance managed to secure a slot entirely due to Xiao Ye.

"Rest assured, I will not disgrace our Pure Yang Alliance." Guo An’an’s charming face bloomed with a smile, glancing at Xiao Ye beside her, smiling even more brightly.

She is very happy to participate in the True Martial Baptism with Xiao Ye.

"Farewell."

Xiao Ye cupped his hands towards Shen Tu and followed with Guo An’an, sighing inwardly.

The Jade Talisman in his hand was mostly covered with cracks; he’s destined not to linger long in the Ancient Era. This might be farewell forever.

After all, he’s not a man of this era.

The ten geniuses followed the three elders as they flew out of the plain battlefield, towards a vast, boundless and spiritually resonant land that appeared in Xiao Ye’s sight.

Looking afar, treasures glimmer in many places, powerful auras lurk within.

Mountain peaks like Heavenly Swords pierce the heavenly dome, dense forests spread, rivers and lakes surge, occasional majestic buildings are more intricate than those in West State.

This land is grand and magnificent, imposing.

Meanwhile, the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi is more abundant, reaching a terrifying level.

"Is this the East State of the Ancient Era? Far broader than the later times, the martial artists here must be very powerful." Xiao Ye was full of awe at the scenery of East State.

Throughout the journey, there was minimal interaction among the ten geniuses.

The three elders hurried with the ten geniuses, passing through two arrays, and finally arrived at an ancient city half a month later.

This city is entirely fiery red, like a living volcano, standing on the East State land, with scorching heat waves rolling, baking the land until the ground cracks, leaving no plants visible within a ten-mile radius.

Just as they approached the city, Xiao Ye felt many powerful auras within soaring.

Additionally, as they neared, waves of strong Emperor’s Martial Intent swept out soon retracting, as the city’s gates rumbled open the next moment.

"This is Fiery Flame City, where the array inside can send you directly to the True Martial Baptism Land. Our geniuses from East State have already gathered here."

"You’ll accompany us in entering, remember not to speak recklessly, East State is a mixed dragon pool, with many powerful families and sects; should you anger them, not even we can save you."

The three elders explained to the ten geniuses.