The Sun-Devouring Emperor Palace was established by the unparalleled powerhouse known as the Sun-Devouring Emperor. For tens of thousands of years, it has stood tall in the Nine Heavens Realm.
At its peak, it could even be considered one of the most fearsome forces within the human race, intimidating the entire world.
It wasn't until the establishment of the Human Sacred Hall that its influence began to wane. However, even so, its foundation remained terrifying.
The Sun-Devouring Emperor Palace is located on a grand floating island that shines with brilliance, resembling a giant sun suspended thousands of miles high in the sky.
If one looks closely, they would notice countless palaces, pavilions, and grand plazas sprawled across this "sun," creating a majestic and awe-inspiring sight.
On this day, the palace was hosting the selection of the Divine Son, a significant event that filled the entire palace with festivity. Strong cultivators from various sects and families had come to witness the occasion.
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
From the skies, precious beasts pulling magnificent carriages descended, their brilliance and aura breathtaking.
"The Demon Dragon Valley has come to witness the event!"
"The Hall of a Hundred Battles has come to witness the event!"
"The Martial God Mountain has come to witness the event!"
"The Temple of Sorcery has come to witness the event!"
...
Voices filled with authority echoed through the air. The representatives of these top-tier forces were all Martial Emperors, giving great honor to the Sun-Devouring Emperor Palace.
The Sun-Devouring Emperor Palace holds a unique position among the human race.
Its founder, the Sun-Devouring Emperor, was one of the ten great Hall Masters of the Human Sacred Hall. Even though the Sun-Devouring Emperor had been missing for many years, his status was like an immovable monument, impossible to shake.
"Hahaha! Dear friends, despite your busy schedules, you've come to the Sun-Devouring Emperor Palace, bringing radiance to our humble event. I thank you all,"
In the grand plaza, the current palace lord stood tall on the central platform, clasping his hands in thanks to the gathered cultivators.
Although his words were customary, the courtesy was necessary.
"Nonsense."
"A grand event at the Sun-Devouring Emperor Palace is also a grand event for the human race. How could we not attend?"
"The Sun-Devouring Emperor has done a great service to humanity. As cultivators of the human race, we could never forget such kindness."
"We're eagerly awaiting the selection of the Divine Son."
The various powerful figures from top factions laughed as they responded. They all sat in their luxurious carriages, floating half a meter off the ground, contrasting sharply with the other guests standing on the ground. Their elevated position clearly marked their status.
This was the respect given to important figures.
Had they not wanted to avoid overshadowing the event, they would have been hovering high in the sky, seated upon the clouds.
"Proceed with the ceremony—begin the music and pay homage to our ancestors!"
The Sun-Devouring Emperor Palace's lord glanced around before issuing the command with authority.
"Whoooo!"
"Whoooo!"
From the edges of the plaza, enormous horns, each over ten meters long, blared, and numerous female disciples in ceremonial robes began to play majestic music.
At the same time, several massive statues of the Sun-Devouring Emperor standing around the plaza glowed brightly, activating the formations within.
Finally, after a long and elaborate ancestral ceremony, the event shifted to its main focus.
"Summon the candidates for Divine Son!"
An elder dressed in white announced loudly.
Whoosh!
Immediately, footsteps echoed from four different directions, and the crowd parted, creating four paths.
From these paths emerged three extraordinary young men and one striking young woman, each exuding elegance and strength.
"All of them have the potential to become Martial Emperors!"
"As expected of the Sun-Devouring Emperor Palace!"
The spectators marveled at these candidates, who possessed such rare talents—ones that could only be dreamed of. Yet the Sun-Devouring Emperor Palace had four of them.
"You four are the hope of the Sun-Devouring Emperor Palace. However, there can only be one Divine Son. Today, you will display your full strength and compete for this title!"
The palace lord spoke with authority:
"Each of you has an equal chance. As long as there is the slightest glimmer of hope, do not give up. But once you lose, I expect you to accept the result with grace and devote yourself to supporting the Divine Son, so that together, you may bring prosperity to our palace."
The four candidates, filled with determination, clenched their fists, their eyes gleaming with sharp battle intent.
"Yes!!"
The four responded in unison, their voices filled with passion and a spirit of invincibility. None of them believed they were weaker than the others.
"Good. Now, draw lots to determine your opponents. There will be two rounds of battles to decide the final winner."
The palace lord continued solemnly:
"Perhaps you'll draw an opponent whose abilities counter your own and lose in the first round. But don't feel resentful, because luck… is also a form of strength."
"Drawing lots is a clash of fate, and fate is part of what makes a Divine Son. Do you understand?"
"Understood!!"
The four candidates nodded seriously, accepting his words.
"Now, draw your lots. There are four bamboo sticks here, each marked with two pairs of symbols. The two who draw matching symbols will be opponents."
The palace lord revealed a bamboo tube containing four sticks. Only the tips were visible, and the symbols were concealed, with the tube blocking any spiritual sense from detecting them.
The four candidates exchanged confident glances before casually reaching into the tube to draw their lots.
They didn't hesitate, as each believed they were the strongest and would crush any opponent.
Absolute strength meant no weaknesses!
Soon, the results were announced:
"Yang Dingtian versus Zhao Mushen!"
"Yan Shuying versus Yu Longcheng!"
The crowd eagerly awaited the battles as the four candidates prepared to fight.
"Emperor Suppression Technique!"
"Mushen's Nine Strikes!"
"Boom!"
"Divine Sword Tribulation!"
"My Will Manifestation Technique!"
"Boom, boom, boom!"
A series of powerful techniques clashed, shaking the heavens. If not for the protective barrier surrounding the battle stage, the shockwaves would have devastated the area.
Both matches were fierce and intense.
"So strong!"
"These youths are already this powerful at the early-stage Emperor Realm. Truly extraordinary."
"Tsk tsk, no wonder they're from the Sun-Devouring Emperor Palace."
"The Devouring Sun Emperor Art is as domineering as ever. It can devour the sky and transform the sun itself. My wife has always longed to practice this technique, but alas, it's never taught outside the palace."
"Funny you say that, my wife once mentioned it too. Unfortunately, she never got the chance to join the Sun-Devouring Emperor Palace. Such a regret."
The spectators sighed in admiration, their voices filled with awe.
Meanwhile, atop a distant mountain peak overlooking the plaza, two elders in white robes stood side by side, silently watching the battles.
They were the Third and Fourth Elders of the Sun-Devouring Emperor Palace. Normally at odds with each other, they rarely agreed on anything.
After a while, the Third Elder squinted and smiled.
"Fourth Elder, how about we make a bet?"
"How do you want to bet?"
The Fourth Elder glanced at him coldly.
"Let's bet on who will become the Divine Son," the Third Elder suggested with a sly smile.
"Heh, I'm in."
The Fourth Elder sneered:
"I know you've always favored Yu Longcheng, even sneaking into his quarters at night to give him pointers... You think he'll win, don't you? Well, I'll bet that he won't become the Divine Son today."
"Agreed!!"
The Third Elder's lips curled into a knowing smile, as if his plot had succeeded. "What shall we wager?"
"Name it. I'm game," the Fourth Elder replied, his voice icy.
"Very well. Whoever loses will crawl around the plaza holding the other's sock in their mouth."
The Third Elder smiled wickedly.
The Fourth Elder's eyes narrowed sharply. This old scoundrel had clearly come prepared!
If he lost and had to crawl around with a sock in his mouth, he'd be utterly humiliated. He'd never be able to hold his head up again, especially in front of the Third Elder.
But…
It wasn't a guaranteed loss!
With a cold smirk, the Fourth Elder said, "Fine, it's a deal. But remember, while Yu Longcheng may be exceptional, the other three aren't easy opponents either. Don't be too confident—you might just end up shooting yourself in the foot!"
"Hmph. We'll see."
The Third Elder's smile brimmed with confidence, unwavering in the slightest.
He had snuck into Yu Longcheng's room one night, awkwardly yet diligently using a special technique to nourish his bones. From the feel of those bones, he knew just how extraordinary the boy's innate Dao Bone was.
With such a gift, who could challenge him?
"Buzz!"
"Boom!"
At that moment, a dazzling light erupted from the battle stage, accompanied by a loud explosion as one of the combatants was sent flying.
Symbols and runes filled the sky.
"What a blinding light!"
"This aura... this indescribable profundity... Could it be... a natural Dao Bone?!"
"Heavens! He's a natural Dao Physique!"
The crowd gasped in shock, staring in disbelief at the young figure hovering above the stage.
It was none other than the young master of the Yu family—Yu Longcheng!
His chest glowed, and his entire body seemed to be ignited, with runes shining around him like a radiant rain of light.