Chapter 433: The Heavenly Summit Holy Sanctuary

"This is probably the first large-scale public-funded trip for Rose Temple... As the 'party involved', Rose Temple received a hundred invitation tickets, which not only included seats in the Glory Arena but also covered transportation, accommodations, and all other expenses!

It must be said, the Heavenly Peak Sanctuary is indeed wealthy and generous—just pulling out a single leg hair would be enough to make the Rose folks marvel at its girth. Such a free travel opportunity couldn’t be missed, especially when it’s to cheer for President Wang Feng and the others! From the school leadership, Hawkland and Li Sitan came. There was no other choice—Rose still needed to maintain normal operations, so most leaders and mentors couldn’t leave. These two, one being the necessary official representative and the other facing an empty Runes Division with no students, naturally had the freedom to go. Moreover, the research on the Zeppelin had been stuck at a bottleneck for a long time, so Li Sitan’s trip to the Holy City wasn’t just to observe the final battle but also to conduct research and academic exchanges at the Holy City’s Foundry Headquarters.

As for the Rose disciples, the selection was rigorous. Lin Zhiyuan, Su Yue, Famier, Patu, and others who had always been close to Wang Feng were naturally included without question. The remaining spots were directly awarded as last month’s scholarship rewards.

This was a ten-day, all-expenses-paid pass... As a result, the Rose disciples went all out last month, pushing themselves like mad. For example, the second-year students, whose overall level had just reached Tiger level, managed to catalyze eight new Tiger Peak disciples within a single month...

At this moment, the hundred-plus Rose members were all seated in the front row of the Rose disciples’ section. Dressed in neat Rose uniforms with uniformly tied red headbands reading 'Rose Must Win,' they naturally didn’t need the small red flags handed out by Heavenly Peak. Instead, they brought their own long banners and ribbons, even setting up several large drums at the front. They stood tall and proud, determined to outmatch Heavenly Peak’s home-team cheer squad, which outnumbered them ten to one.

Damn it, so what if we’re fewer in number? Isn’t overcoming the odds with fewer resources exactly how President Wang Feng and the others have been winning all along? We Rose folks are all the same—no matter what we do, we never admit defeat!

The arena was buzzing with noise as Rose disciples streamed in continuously. Su Yue was instructing the bare-chested, pumped-up male drummers about rhythm when a clear voice suddenly rose above the noise: "Sister Su Yue! Sister Famier!"

Su Yue and Famier turned their heads and froze for a moment before both exclaimed in unison: "Little Yin Fu?!"

"Don’t push! Don’t push! I’ll really hit someone if you keep pushing! I mean it!"

Behind Yin Fu, Mo Tong’s arms, thick as horse legs, acted like steel frames, firmly shielding her from the jostling crowd. Mo Tong had half an apple clenched between his teeth, his face flushed red, veins bulging on his forehead... Damn it, even though everyone squeezing around them was weak, even his innate Herculean strength was struggling to hold up. No wonder they say there’s strength in numbers!

After finally managing to escort Yin Fu out of the crowded passage, Su Yue and Famier rushed over in surprise and delight. Many Rose disciples who had already taken their seats noticed Yin Fu and Mo Tong and began greeting them excitedly.

Mo Tong aside, at least little Yin Fu had always been incredibly popular at Rose, with an outstanding reputation. Those like Su Yue and Famier, who were close to Old Wang Squad, were even more familiar with Yin Fu and Mo Tong. However, this was the Rose disciples’ exclusive section, and without a student ID, entry wasn’t allowed. Yet these two had already transferred back to Mandala Academy...

Su Yue excitedly took Yin Fu’s hand: "Little Yin Fu, Mo Tong, how did you two get here?"

The Sanctuary's Light had reported on the Eight Tribes delegation these past few days, but the coverage mostly focused on the leader, Yamaten, with no mention of the Gandharva princess or the Mahoraga prince.

"I came with Sister Jixiangtian."

Su Yue and Famier were stunned: "Princess Jixiangtian? She’s here too? How... How did the media not report this?"

"Our trip is part of the royal itinerary—how could it be casually disclosed in advance?" Mo Tong said with an air of deep knowledge. "Old Black is here too, with his brother, protecting Princess Jixiangtian! Anyway, Her Highness will make a formal appearance at the arena later, so telling you now doesn’t matter!"

"The VIP seats are too stuffy, and we probably wouldn’t be allowed to cheer loudly. Besides, it’s been so long since we’ve seen you all, so I wanted to come sit with you sisters," Yin Fu said with a smile. "Mo Tong and Hei Wukai returned directly to Dragon Moon City, right? Their student IDs were still on them. I borrowed Hei Wukai’s just now—the entrance was too crowded, and the ticket checker only glanced at the cover before letting us in. Sister Su Yue, how has Rose been during this time? Has it changed much?"

Su Yue and Famier finally understood what had happened and laughed. Su Yue held Yin Fu’s hand: "Since you left, Rose has changed so much—so many things happened that you definitely wouldn’t have seen in the newspapers. Sit with me later, and I’ll tell you all about it!"

Just then, an old acquaintance of Mo Tong’s arrived, his booming voice cutting through the surrounding noise from afar: "Mo Tong! Mo Tong! The one from the Eight Tribes! Yeah, you—the one with the biggest chest! Damn it, are you deaf? Your bro who fought alongside you is here, and you’re not even greeting me?"

Someone dares to impersonate my brother? Wait, hold on—what the hell does 'biggest chest' mean? I’m a real man, damn it!

Mo Tong’s eyes widened as he turned sharply, only to see Aota from Ice Spirit. Behind him were Xue Zhiyu, Jina, Tatashi, Dongbuluo, and others, along with a large group wearing Fire God Mountain and Sand City uniforms.

"What brother? What nonsense are you spouting? Who the hell are you?" Mo Tong retorted irritably. "Call me 'Brother Tong' right now, and I might forgive you!"

"Hahaha!" Aota was a straightforward man with immense strength. He pushed through the crowd, slung an arm over Mo Tong’s shoulders, and said, "Ungrateful brat, no respect for your elders! Even if you don’t remember the spicy rabbit skewers I treated you to, at least remember how I blocked so many of Nagaraja’s strikes for you!"

"...Keep your voice down! Didn’t we agree you’d only call me that in private?" Mo Tong coughed awkwardly. He was someone who remembered kindness but had trouble swallowing his pride. Lowering his voice, he grumbled, "Damn it, I never asked you to block those strikes for me! If I had to call everyone who blocked a strike for me 'brother,' I’d be exhausted! Pah! I won’t call you that! Do whatever you want!"

Despite his bluster, he was still embarrassed. Fortunately, he hadn’t spent time with Old Wang for nothing—he’d learned a trick or two. Now was the time to divert the conversation with a reasonable excuse: "Anyway... Yin Fu, Su Yue, Famier, come here! You guys haven’t met, right? Let me properly introduce you!"

He introduced the Ice Spirit group to everyone, while Xue Zhiyu introduced the Fire God Mountain and Sand City members to the Rose folks. They were all lively young people and die-hard fans of Rose. After just a few words, they were already fast friends. Meanwhile, more and more Rose Temple disciples filled the northern seats, shouting things like 'Rose brothers are the best,' 'Go Rose!,' 'Let’s celebrate together after the match,' and 'We’ll take over Blade City's bars!' The like-minded crowd grew, and with Su Yue leading the Rose 'cheer squad' in loud responses and rhythm-setting, the atmosphere was fully ignited. Shouts and songs echoed across the arena, completely matching the imposing, sea of yellow presence of Heavenly Peak’s supporters, who were already singing unified fight songs...

Chopin sat quietly in the back row, wearing a hooded cloak, keeping an extremely low profile. He hadn’t even joined the few Dragon Moon Temple disciples—he had come secretly.

There was no other choice. Recently, high-ranking figures across the League’s factions had received a hush-hush news from the Eight Tribes: Her Highness Princess Jixiangtian would publicly seek a husband, and the King had explicitly stated that political background wouldn’t be considered—everything would be based on his sister’s preferences and feelings."

That is the eldest princess and Saintess of the Eight Tribes! She holds authority over the sacrificial rites, divination, and prophecies of the Eight Tribes and even the entire Blade League. A single word from her could stir the entire League into upheaval. In certain domains, her influence even surpasses royal authority, existing independently beyond the League's system—a transcendent presence akin to the Island Lord of Darkmoon Island! Moreover, this Saintess is the beloved younger sister of that 'King'!

To be honest, this is tremendously exciting. When it comes to matters of love, nothing is certain—regardless of whether status truly matches, what if one were to get lucky and catch Lucky Heaven's eye? No matter what, one must show up and seize the opportunity! Thus, nearly all the major duchies, factions, and even high-ranking figures from the Nine Divine Empire are now itching to act. Any family with an outstanding unmarried heir is practically scrambling to get involved. Xiao Bang's old man is no exception. Upon hearing that Lucky Heaven would attend this final match, Xiao Bang's father practically wanted to dress him up in flamboyant attire and send him over...

With Xiao Bang's personality, how could he not flee and hide? Ha! It's far more comfortable to sit here quietly and watch how his master crushes the historically top-ranked Holy Sanctuary. As for the Saintess... forget the Saintess—even if she were a celestial maiden, he wouldn't care!

Watching the sea of cheers for Rose and hearing the passionate voices... frankly, Xiao Bang genuinely felt happy for his master. During the Dragon City mission, though he didn't know much else, and regardless of his master's motives for hiding as an ordinary disciple in Rose, at the very least, Xiao Bang saw the sincerity his master showed toward the Rose squad members. Now, those individuals had each grown into formidable warriors capable of standing their ground, even challenging the strongest Holy Sanctuary in history. His master must surely be pleased. In contrast, Xiao Bang himself had progressed the slowest, still unable to achieve the final breakthrough.

He had originally hoped to break through to *Ghost Level* and come here to share the good news with his master, but now... this made Xiao Bang feel a pang of guilt, as if he had failed his master's nurturing and trust.

As he was lost in thought, he sighed softly—only to hear another sigh coincidentally from the person beside him.

Amidst the fervor of Rose's supporters, two people sighing in unison was indeed strange. Xiao Bang couldn't help but glance sideways, just as the other person turned to look at him.

Like him, the stranger wore a hooded cloak, obscuring his face in shadow—clearly also deliberately keeping a low profile.

The same concealment, the same choice to sit in the very last row—it was fate.

"Why the sigh, brother?" they asked simultaneously, then paused, amused by their mutual synchronicity. At the same time, as their eyes met, both sensed the other's deliberately suppressed yet still formidable aura, and they couldn't help but chuckle.

"Seeing this lively scene made me reflect on the past," Xiao Bang said with a smile.

"Same here," the other laughed, extending a hand—one with blue skin. "Let me introduce myself. I'm Gule, from Hegvis."

In truth, the moment that hand appeared, no name was needed. Within the Blade League, only the Vis Clan had blue skin, and among the Holy Sanctuary disciples of the Vis Clan, only Gule possessed such sharp eyes and powerful presence.

After the Thunderbolt Path battle, countless versions of "The Untold Story of Gule and Wang Feng" had circulated—some flattering, some critical. But regardless of the versions' authenticity, one fact remained: Gule had publicly declared his allegiance to Rose. Many Rose supporters deeply respected this decision—he was a man who knew how to lose with dignity.

Xiao Bang smiled and shook his hand. "Longyue, Xiao Bang."

Huh? What?

...

The lively entry of numerous Holy Sanctuary disciples certainly energized the arena, but the peak of pre-battle excitement arrived only when the most distinguished guests made their entrance.

Rarely seen figures from the Holy Sanctuary and the Blade League Parliament, the Beastmen Grand Elder setting foot in Holy City territory for the first time, the enigmatic Thousand-Hand Phantom King from Darkmoon Island, the Sea-Dragon Prince and the mermaid princess, the Duchy of Demacia's Grand Duke Canglan from the Nine Divine Empire—each arrival sent waves of cheers through the crowd. The crowd strained for glimpses of these figures, usually only seen in Holy Sanctuary's Light, comparing their real-life appearances to photographs with lively commentary.

Of course, the spotlight wasn't solely on the older generation. Many high-ranking figures from major factions had seemingly coordinated to bring their most outstanding young heirs along.

One elder, paired with one youth—suddenly, this became the standard arrangement among the distinguished guests.

For instance, trailing behind the Beastmen Grand Elder was a tall young man, barely twenty yet exuding extraordinary presence, clad in golden battle attire—likely the seventh prince of the southern beastmen royalty, the valiant Prince Saiban. Then there was the Duchy of Demacia, represented by Duke Atlan and Aaron the Valiant. Normally, either alone would suffice as Demacia's representative—this was a grand event for the Blade League, but not one concerning its foundational stability, hardly warranting such extravagance. Yet both had come, as if deliberately mirroring the 'one elder, one youth' pattern.

Ordinary spectators might overlook this, but sharp-eyed reporters familiar with these factions immediately noted the peculiarity. While elders bringing younger members for networking wasn't unusual, the consistent 'one elder, one youth' pattern—and the youths all being the most outstanding unmarried men of their factions—hinted at some unspoken consensus. There was clearly some greater scheme at work!

The arena buzzed with excitement—some watched the spectacle, while others pondered the deeper implications behind it. Then, as the final trio appeared, the atmosphere reached its zenith.

The man on the left, around twenty-five or twenty-six, wore simple white robes yet radiated noble grace, his warm smile like spring sun thawing winter's snow—this was Saint Luo Yi, the foremost contender to become the next Holy Sanctuary Master.

Even he, notoriously reclusive and low-profile, had come!

Luo Yi's ancestor, Luo Feng, was one of the Eight Sages who followed the Supreme Sage Teacher, regarded alongside another sage, Long Jia, as the Supreme Sage Teacher's right and left hands. After the Supreme Sage Teacher's ascension, Long Jia—the most revered of the Eight Sages—founded the Nine Divine Empire, becoming humanity's eternal Emperor and wise ruler. A century later, as the once-unified empire grew arrogant and oppressive, the aging Luo Feng took over what had initially been the Supreme Sage Teacher's playful project—the Holy Sanctuary—and refined it into the multi-layered institution it was today. Using this as a foundation, he united the continent's races against the Nine Gods' tyranny, ultimately establishing the Blade League...

Without a doubt, one of the most esteemed figures present was the woman in the center—the Eight Tribes' princess, Lucky Heaven!

Her exquisitely balanced mask outlined delicate features. Though not her true face, the refined contours alone hinted at heart-stopping beauty.

The eldest princess of the Eight Tribes, sister to that world-shaking 'Monarch,' and also the Guardian of the Eight Tribes' Divine Altar—the Saintess, future High Priestess of both the Eight Tribes and the League. A single word from her could move heaven and earth, altering the League's course—a figure of truly transcendent status!

Moreover, this future High Priestess, the current Saintess of the Eight Tribes, is surrounded by countless intriguing rumors. For instance, it is said that whoever removes her mask will become her husband; that her beauty is so breathtaking it could make flowers wilt in shame and the bright moon retreat from the sky; and so on... Too many legends and imprints have made Lucky Heaven the most idolized and sought-after celebrity among the youth of the continent, perhaps even more renowned than the Saint beside her.

Yet to the right of these two elite figures stood an even more handsome and tall man, whose noble bearing held its own compared to the other two. His perpetually amiable smile made people instantly like him, especially women—his deep, soul-stirring gaze seemed to possess an irresistible charm.

The Ninth Prince of the Nine Gods Empire—why was he here, and alongside these two?

What a legendary trio!

The trio’s commanding presence instantly silenced the previously clamorous arena, drawing all eyes toward them.

Lucky Heaven’s flawless face behind the mask betrayed no emotion, maintaining only a faint smile.

As if sensing the collective gaze of the crowd—or perhaps having prepared for this moment long ago—Saint Roy smiled slightly and stood at the center of the VIP seats, raising a hand in a gentle wave to all. "Champions of the Holy Sanctuary, may the Holy Light be with you."

A simple phrase, but it detonated like a bomb in the suddenly quiet arena. After a brief silence, the crowd erupted into deafening cheers, igniting the already charged crowd to a fever pitch.

"May the Holy Light be with the Saint!"

"Long live the Saint! Long live the Holy Sanctuary!"

Amid the roaring cheers, the Ninth Prince continued to wear a friendly smile, as if attending a grand celebration among friends. The entire arena had gone wild, and in the midst of this frenzy, the three took their seats. Then, the event’s hosts stepped forward.

Fu Changkong, Headmaster of Zenith Holy Sanctuary, walked alongside Hawkland, Headmaster of Rose Holy Sanctuary, as they stepped onto the central platform.

Frankly, Hawkland’s heart swelled with pride at this moment. He had stood on many grand stages under the spotlight, but those were within the circle of runes. Today, despite the presence of so many distinguished figures from all walks of life, he still stood at the very center.

It was intoxicating—absolutely intoxicating! Being a headmaster was hellishly exhausting... but damn, it felt good!

Fu Changkong smiled and half-bowed, as if deferring to Hawkland to speak first. Though Hawkland’s heart was soaring, he still had enough sense to politely decline the gesture.

Fu Changkong nodded with a smile and stepped to the center of the platform. "Everyone."

His deep voice effortlessly carried across the entire arena, effortlessly subduing the clamor of over fifty thousand spectators.

"First, on behalf of Zenith Holy Sanctuary, I welcome all distinguished guests from various factions..."

Fu Changkong began with a brief opening address.

"Rose Holy Sanctuary has fought through seven consecutive victories to reach this final battlefield. Personally, I hold the highest respect and admiration for them—they are true challengers embodying the spirit of the Holy Sanctuary." As he spoke, Fu Changkong clasped his hands toward Hawkland with apparent courtesy. But before Hawkland could return the pleasantries, Fu Changkong’s domineering side emerged: "But mark my words: after today, the name ‘Rose’ will be erased from the Holy Sanctuary!"

The arena plunged into dead silence, the air growing frosty. The festive atmosphere that had filled the coliseum moments ago suddenly became tense, as if swords were drawn and arrows notched.

"I declare," Fu Changkong said coldly, his smile gone, "the match officially begins!"