Soul Land 5: The Rebirth of Tang San

Chapter 454: Entering the Doubles Competition?

Big Cat said in surprise, "This is to observe the tacit understanding between different races and how well they’re working together, right?"

"Yes," the phoenix demon said. "The only time we can gather so many first- and second-tier bloodline powerhouses is during the Ancestral Court Elite Tournament, so the Ancestral Court has now decided to use this new competition format. In the individual competition, only the top three receive rewards, while in the doubles competition the top ten will receive rewards, and the rewards are even more generous."

Big Cat turned to look at Tang San. Tang San said, " How about you let Little Cat participate?"

Big Cat shook his head and said, "She can't! She doesn't have a noble title, so she doesn't meet the requirements. How about..." As he spoke, a hint of a smile appeared in his eyes.

"Me?" Tang San was momentarily stunned. He had no plans to participate in the competition, especially since the issues with the team battle had just been resolved. He still hoped to stay low-key for a while and keep things steady.

Big Cat nodded. "Yes! If we team up, wouldn't the doubles championship be easily in our grasp?"

The two phoenix demons were stunned. One hurriedly said, "Wait a minute, wait a minute. This one should be a human noble, right? Only nobles can enter the Ancestral Court, and humans are no exception."

"That's right," Big Cat answered for Tang San.

"Humans probably can't participate. Their bloodline doesn't meet the requirements. Even being a noble won't help," the phoenix demon quickly added.

"Even a first-tier bloodline?" Big Cat asked in confusion, but it was too late when Tang San wanted to stop him.

The phoenix demon looked at him in shock. "There are humans with a first-tier bloodline?"

Big Cat glanced at Tang San again, realizing he had misspoken.

Tang San said helplessly, "What are the rewards for the doubles competition?"

The phoenix demon explained, "The reward for first place is very generous. It includes tokens from all the Demon and Nymph Emperors, which means you can join any of their courts and be in their favor anytime. Additionally, each winner receives a divine item that suits them. The first place in the individual competition receives the same reward, but of course, it's only for one person. The rewards for second and third place are slightly less, and the rest get nothing. Meanwhile, the top ten in the doubles competition all receive some measure of reward. The fixed reward is a top-tier rare item, and the top rankers get first pick. As for the number of tokens they get, that depends on how many emperors favor the participants."

Tang San said, "So, the first place prize is a divine item plus all the tokens, while the lower rankings are tokens from favored emperors and the right to choose a rare item. The higher the ranking, the earlier you choose, right?"

"Yes, that's exactly it. But please excuse me for saying this: having a human register for this competition is, well...." The phoenix demon now addressed Tang San respectfully, as Big Cat's earlier words seemed to suggest that Tang San also possessed a first-tier bloodline, which made them take him seriously.

Tang San nodded slightly. To be honest, the rewards tempted him. Between being given a divine item or having the right to choose a rare item, he valued the chance to select a rare item. If something like a Temporal Beacon came up, it would be far stronger than an ordinary divine item! The treasures in the Ancestral Court were truly countless.

"Then how can he participate?" Just as Tang San was ready to give up, Big Cat asked at the worst possible moment.

The phoenix demon replied, "Only with an emperor's sponsorship. If an emperor has acknowledged you, then we naturally have no reason to question your eligibility."

"So troublesome!" Big Cat frowned. He had genuinely hoped to team up with Tang San. After all, he had lost to Tang San in the past, and although he now possessed a first-tier bloodline, his immense respect for Tang San's strength had not changed in the slightest. Big Cat truly believed they could secure a high ranking if they teamed up.

"I do have a token," Tang San said, flipping his wrist. In his palm appeared a small sword-shaped object—the token of the Sword Saint Demon Emperor.

Seeing the token in his hand, the phoenix demons were shocked and immediately reevaluated him.

Earning the recognition of an emperor was no easy task. It was impossible without absolute strength and abilities that aligned with the emperor's expectations. Anyone possessing an emperor’s token was destined to become at least a Demon or Nymph King, potentially even a Great Demon or Great Nymph King in the future!

Although the Sword Saint Demon Emperor wasn’t ranked among the top, his combat power was formidable. Many demons and nymphs climbed the Sword Saint Sacred Mountain, but those who could obtain a token were extremely rare.

For this person to have obtained the Sword Saint Demon Emperor’s token, it was clear that his killing abilities must be extraordinary.

The phoenix demon’s attitude was now even more respectful. "In that case, as long as your bloodline is second-tier or higher, you can participate."

"Do you really want me to compete?" Tang San asked Big Cat helplessly. He was genuinely hesitant.

"You're nobody if you don't draw others’ envy. Come on, just join! You have the Sword Saint Demon Emperor's token, which makes you one of the Sword Saint Palace's people, right? So what if you're human? With a Demon Emperor backing you, what’s there to fear?" Looking at the Sword Saint token in Tang San’s hand, Big Cat’s eyes were filled with envy. After all, he too carried the title of Sword Saint, but there was no comparison between his title and that of the Sword Saint Demon Emperor! Seeing Tang San’s Sword Saint token, how could he not feel utterly jealous? If he had the chance, he would also go to the Sword Saint Palace to cultivate.

Listening to Big Cat’s words and observing the expressions of the two staff members, Tang San suddenly realized something—he had underestimated the value of an emperor’s token.

An emperor’s token represented far more than just a simple token of acknowledgement; it showed actual recognition from an emperor. And with that recognition came genuine protection. Even though he was human, with an emperor's backing, his race was no longer a problem; emperors cared little about that.

The rewards of the Elite Competition were too tempting.

"In that case, I’ll give it a try. In the individual competition, I’ll clear the way for you."

That last part was meant for Big Cat. It would carry even greater significance if Big Cat could win the individual competition. As for the doubles competition, Big Cat could take the lead and Tang San could assist, keeping a low profile without revealing too much of his strength.

Thinking of this, a faint smile appeared on Tang San’s lips. "Let's take the test, then."

Returning to the back hall, Tang San approached the massive stone tablet and let a drop of his blood fall. As the blood dropped, he intentionally activated the Lion-Tiger bloodline imprint within him, making his bloodline lean more toward the Lion-Tiger.

As the blood fell, white light surged, and the light on the crystal pillar slowly began to rise.

Watching the speed at which the light ascended, the two Peacock Demons were momentarily stunned, and Big Cat furrowed his brow. Not because it was too fast but because it was too slow.

Compared to Big Cat’s earlier test, the speed at which the light rose for Tang San was significantly slower—it only passed 30 centimeters after three full seconds. Normally, the speed of the ascent was proportional to the strength of the bloodline. Such slow progress typically signified failure!

Tang San was curious about how far his bloodline would go while deliberately using the Lion-Tiger bloodline. Judging by the speed, was his bloodline not strong enough? Could it be that he didn't even reach the second tier? That shouldn't be possible—he could use the Lion-Tiger Golden Astral and it was every bit as powerful as Big Cat’s! Or perhaps the test didn’t recognize it due to his human bloodline?

While he was thinking, the light on the crystal pillar slowly climbed past 60 centimeters. It was slow, but its speed didn’t diminish and stayed relatively stable.

It continued to rise—90 centimeters, 1.2 meters, 1.5 meters—slowly yet steadily.