Zhang Xiaoqiang glanced at the newcomer and said, "I knew why so many people were here to watch the competition today. It turns out he's here."
Da Hu and Yang Jie also looked curiously at who the newcomer was.
Yu Daochen smiled faintly. Among the younger generation, only disciples from the three major sects could command such a presence.
The newcomer was none other than Wang Fubao, from the Northeast Spirit Medium sect, one of the three major sects.
Wang Fubao scanned the crowd, his gaze finally settling on Yu Daochen, who was sitting nearby. He then walked over.
Seeing Wang Fubao approaching, Yu Daochen stood up and smiled, "Brother Wang, we meet again."
Wang Fubao nodded and smiled, "Yes, it's been several months since we parted ways in Nanyang Village."
After speaking, Wang Fubao looked at Zhang Xiaoqiang beside him, "Brother Qiang is here too."
Zhang Xiaoqiang nodded, "Brother Wang."
"I didn't expect Brother Yu's strength to advance by leaps and bounds in just a few months. He has already ascended to the Heavenly Rank. I doubt anyone among the younger generation can achieve this," Wang Fubao praised.
Yu Daochen waved his hand, "Brother Wang is too kind. This year's Fengtian Grand Competition's champion will likely be contested between you and those two."
Wang Fubao naturally knew that the "two" Yu Daochen referred to were Wang Ming from Wanfo Temple and the one from Tianshi Mansion.
Wang Fubao sighed and shook his head helplessly, "Alas, I shouldn't have participated. But those old guys upstairs insisted I join, so it's unavoidable."
Yu Daochen nodded without speaking.
Wang Fubao's words were not false. His strength was recognized as among the strongest of the younger generation.
Even some older generation experts might not be able to defeat him. He was already capable of standing on his own. Participating in the Fengtian Grand Competition would indeed be bullying.
Therefore, the top three positions in the Fengtian Grand Competition were already secured by their three major sects.
Other sects could at most contend for a spot in the top four.
Wang Fubao changed the subject and teased, "If Brother Yu also participated in the Fengtian Grand Competition, the championship would likely be yours."
Yu Daochen shook his head helplessly and smiled, "I'll pass. If I participated, those old fogeys would surely call me shameless."
He was now a master on the Heavenly Rank. If he really participated in the Fengtian Grand Competition, people would surely accuse him of lacking respect for elders.
Moreover, his reputation was already significant enough; there was no need to participate in the Fengtian Grand Competition.
After exchanging pleasantries for a few more moments, Wang Fubao bid farewell to Yu Daochen and the others and left.
Watching Wang Fubao's retreating figure, Zhang Xiaoqiang asked curiously, "Master Yu, how strong do you think Wang Fubao is now?"
Yu Daochen shook his head, unsure, "It's hard to say, but at least at the peak of the Earthly Rank."
The Northeast Spirit Medium sect is very special. They mainly rely on inviting spirit mediums to subdue demons and eliminate evil. Therefore, their strength cannot be measured by normal means.
However, there is a saying in the martial world: Wanfo Temple in the south, Tianshi Mansion in the north, and a Spirit Medium in between.
This shows how high the status of Spirit Mediums is in the martial world.
"Peak of the Earthly Rank?"
Zhang Xiaoqiang shook his head and sighed, "It seems if I don't work harder, I'll soon lose face among the younger generation."
"But then again, I haven't been lazy in my cultivation. Why do I feel like my strength is regressing instead of advancing?"
Zhang Xiaoqiang was puzzled. He practiced diligently every day. Although he had his beloved by his side, he hadn't slacked off at all. Why did he feel like the more he cultivated, the weaker he became?
Yu Daochen revealed a mysterious smile, "Do you know why?"
"No?" Zhang Xiaoqiang shook his head, but seeing Yu Daochen's mysterious expression, he asked, "Could it be that you know?"
Yu Daochen coughed dryly, adopting a master-like demeanor, "As the saying goes, 'When there are no women in the heart, cultivation naturally prospers.' Look at Wang Fubao and me, neither of us has a woman. Do you know what this means?"
Zhang Xiaoqiang looked confused, "It means you're both single and unloved."
Yu Daochen inwardly cursed, "Damn it! I'm teaching you cultivation, and you're calling me a lonely dog."
"Women only hinder the progress of us cultivators. Cultivation requires a single-minded focus," Yu Daochen said somewhat annoyed.
Zhang Xiaoqiang gave him a disdainful look, "Come on, you're a single dog, what do you know? It's sour grapes because you can't have it."
Yu Daochen was rendered speechless by Zhang Xiaoqiang's remark, so he turned to Da Hu, who had been silent, and asked, "Brother Da Hu, wouldn't you agree?"
Da Hu looked bewildered, "How did this involve me? I don't know either, after all, I've never dated."
As the two were arguing, they heard the referee below the stands call out, "Please, Yang Jie from the Corpse Retrieval sect and Ma Kun from the Yin Walking sect, proceed to the competition area and await your turn."
Zhang Xiaoqiang turned to Yang Jie, who was preparing to go to the competition, "Xiao Jie, don't be nervous, relax."
Yang Jie nodded, stood up, and looked at Da Hu beside him, "Uncle-Master, I'm going to prepare."
Da Hu nodded and instructed, "Win or lose, just do your best."
Yang Jie nodded and walked towards the competition area.
Watching Yang Jie leave, Zhang Xiaoqiang said, "Xiao Jie, it's probably a long shot for him to win against that guy."
Yu Daochen nodded. It would indeed be difficult for Yang Jie to win against Ma Kun through combat.