649 The World-renowned Qingzhou Alliance
“Wait,” Prince Qing Cang interrupted the shadowy figure’s suggestion. Right now, he needed to focus his resources wisely. Why dispatch elites based on one name? To him, a future king title might just be chance.

He returned his attention to the Great You Prodigy Roll.

At 49th was Wang Gang of the Qingzhou Alliance. Recognized as a future king with five patterns affecting his internal organs, he wielded an ancient golden bell spirit item. This bell not only protected him but its chimes could ward off evil and domain powers. Remarkably, he evaded death even when chased by a king.

Again, the Qingzhou Alliance? Prince Qing Cang was intrigued.

He flipped to 48th. It was Xiong Yujie, also from the Qingzhou Alliance. Another future king…

…

Elsewhere, in the Northern Barren State, Qiongqi clan’s castle, the appearance of a third name from the Qingzhou Alliance caused an uproar. The elders exclaimed in surprise and annoyance.

One proposed, “Could the Qingzhou Alliance have fabricated the prodigy roll to gain prominence?”

Voices of doubt about the list’s authenticity rose, but the underlying sentiment was clear: the six royal clans were unbeatable. They’d held sway for millennia.

The Qiongqi clan leader, with a gesture, quieted everyone. “We must investigate. Such a covert and promising group might spell trouble for us if left unchecked.” As he perused further, the listings returned to the familiar names from the six royal clans, which brought some relief.

…

Meanwhile, at the True Path Sect’s camp, elders discussed the rankings.

“This list, whether true or fabricated, shows the six royal clans’ exploitation to maintain dominance,” an old sage stated. “Out of the vast Great You, excluding the enigmatic Qingzhou Alliance, only nine humans made the list.”

A collective sigh filled the air. They recognized their own complacency, having retreated and endured the royal clans’ provocations for far too long.

In the face of their current situation, the elders of the True Path Sect realized they had waited too long. Over the silent years, their power, alongside the strength of the human race, had dwindled almost to the point of no return.

“We were mistaken,” they confessed, their voices heavy with regret.

The elders knew that without a certain individual’s intervention, they might have eventually succumbed to the dominance of the six royal clans. They could’ve become mere pawns, or worse, livestock.

“Now, it’s the time for the younger generation. We should step back,” they decided unanimously.

When they thought of Zhang Youji, the young Dao Child previously deemed worthless, laughter erupted among them.

“His combination of concealment and superior lightning technique is unparalleled,” one remarked.

Another added, “His skill rivals even our sect master’s.”

The sage-like leader, standing aside, smiled in agreement. But as he continued reading the list, his expression shifted. “Yun Qi from the Qingzhou Alliance, 42nd,” he read aloud. Another future king, with over 100,000 followers, his commands were as powerful as a ruler’s decree.

Another one? The group was flabbergasted. “How big is this Qingzhou Alliance?”

The sect master spoke urgently, “Send a message to She Wanshan or better yet, Xiang Mingfeng. They’re from the same sect. I suspect Xiang Mingfeng is with the Qingzhou Alliance.”

The elders were in awe. While only nine from their sect made the list, the mysterious Qingzhou Alliance had already claimed four or possibly five spots. They speculated that Xiang Mingfeng, a target of both the three sects and the six clans, might be among the top 20.

“Forget it. There’s no need to investigate,” the sect master finally declared. “Once this list circulates, the Qingzhou Alliance’s truths will emerge.”

Everyone, their eyes glued to the Great You Prodigy Roll, was keen to see how many more from the Qingzhou Alliance would be named.

And it wasn’t just the True Path Sect. The two other sects, the six revered royal clans, every force in the Great You territory, and every warrior familiar with the prodigy roll eagerly awaited the rankings.

…

In the imperial palace, the young emperor browsed through the prodigy roll handed to him.

At 37th, another member of the Qingzhou Alliance was named: “Xu Tong, a future king known as Black Water River Warrior…”

…

30th

From the Qingzhou Alliance: Hua Yanli.

Future King and known as the Venerable Heavenly Flame, he wields a unique four-colored flame that can consume anything. Once, he even burned a king, emerging unharmed.

Throughout the Great You, many were particularly intrigued by mentions of the Qingzhou Alliance in the Great You Prodigy Roll.

“From the 30th rank, these prodigies can even challenge king-tier powers!” they remarked in awe, glossing over mentions of the six royal clans.

…

21st

From the Qingzhou Alliance: Le Ji’an.

He’s believed to have absorbed an ancient beast, the Ox Ghost, as a guardian spirit item. In a past encounter, he battled a phoenix clan king and extinguished the latter’s phoenix fire.
…

20th

Another from the Qingzhou Alliance.

A future king with one of the finest physiques below king-level. The eight royal clans couldn’t rival him in terms of vitality and stature. It was unique for one person to exhibit such dual prowess.

The murmurs grew louder. “There are as many from the Qingzhou Alliance as from the combined three sects!”

As the names continued, Xiang Mingfeng’s was revealed in 11th place, also from the Qingzhou Alliance. Yet, even with the praises surrounding them, Xiang Mingfeng and his companions remained humble. They recognized they had further heights to achieve.

…

In the spirit world’s third level, specters of the patriarchs from the six royal clans slowly appeared. Despite their fleeting appearances, their powerful presence was palpable.

“Could Xiang Mingfeng be the Qingzhou Alliance’s leader?” asked the phoenix clan’s patriarch.

The white tiger clan leader pondered, “Given the three sects are fighting for him, it seems plausible.”

Regardless of their suspicions, they agreed on one thing: The Qingzhou Alliance now posed a significant threat, potentially surpassing even the three sects.

However, the Nine Supremes clan’s patriarch steered their attention to the 10th rank.

…

10th

Representing the Qingzhou Alliance: Qin Huai.

The alliance’s leader, dubbed the East Qingzhou King and heir to the Qingzhou Emperor. He might have connections to the Sacred Heart Sect.

…

In a secluded realm, Qin Huai saw his description and chuckled. “Such a crude attempt.”

His gaze turned westward, towards the Sacred Heart Sect’s center. Of all the powers, only they seemed to know so much about Qingzhou.