Fantasy: After transmigrating, I effortlessly became a god.

Chapter 430 Activating the Highest Ceremony

The Starry Chess Formation Fortress, like a dazzling star, stands proudly at the strategic stronghold from north to center, its importance self-evident. It is a meticulously constructed military marvel, a complex labyrinth that perfectly blends wisdom and ruthlessness, where every step leads to the unknown and death.

Upon entering the fortress, the first thing that catches the eye is a dark and deep passage, like the gaping maw of a colossal beast, silently devouring any creature that dares to step inside. On both sides of the passage, traps and mechanisms are intricately laid out; hidden arrows and rolling stones act as invisible guards, ready to deliver a fatal blow to any intruder. These traps are not randomly placed, but meticulously designed, complementing each other to form a vast and complex defensive network. Even the slightest touch could trigger a chain reaction, leading to a cataclysmic disaster.

Hu Dinghuan walked at the front. He had already arranged for people from the Miannan Empire to make arrangements while he was on the Gale Road, and his task was to stall everyone.

"Brother Hu, it seems you've gone the wrong way." You Haoshen stared at another alley. His mental map indicated that he should go this way, so why was Hu Dinghuan going the other way?

"Brother You, you may not know this, but it's closer this way," Hu Dinghuan said to You Haoshen without batting an eye. "Don't worry, I won't get lost. Every time we go out for training, isn't it me who memorizes the map and knows the directions?"

Li Ming followed behind Zheng Qian without saying a word or showing any particular thoughts, just like Zheng Qian's follower.

There was no way around it; Zheng Qian's seniority was simply too high.

"Zheng Qian, are you confident?" Feng Yingte couldn't help but ask in a low voice. He had seen the people from the Miannan Empire and the Nanyeji Sect leave the group. Just now, the people from the Yinhun Sect had also left the group; their actions were obvious—they were off to cultivate relationships.

"I have a good chance." Zheng Qian was confident of victory. He wouldn't dare say he was sure of winning in other competitions, but he was certain of winning in the Starry Chess Formation mission competition.

"How many points, how many points?" Feng Ying grinned. He didn't really care who the leader of the alliance was; he just felt that if Zheng Qian participated in the competition, he had to win.

“Three points.” Zheng Qian smiled, his smile carrying a hint of amusement and confidence, behind which lay a deeper meaning unknown to others.

"Three points, because this competition is never a game where victory or defeat is determined solely by strength. It tests connections, strategy, and the ability to seize opportunities. And I happen to excel at these." Zheng Qian touched the Wind Whisper Stone in his pocket; he had already obtained the answer to the competition.

"Three points? You're quite modest." Feng Yingte pursed his lips, his tone slightly teasing, but his eyes revealed his approval of Zheng Qian's abilities. He then looked around; those who had broken away from the group had disappeared, clearly using their own methods to accept missions while simultaneously suppressing other forces. Curious, he asked, "So, where do you plan to get the remaining seven points?"

Zheng Qian gently patted Feng Yingte on the shoulder, signaling him to calm down: "The remaining seven points will be taken back from those arrogant guys. Today's contest will not be on the surface."

Zheng Qian's attitude was three parts accepting the mission and seven parts showing off. You Haoshen of the Nan Yeji Sect wanted to become the alliance leader, and that was his simple desire; he didn't harbor much hostility towards Zheng Qian. Hu Dinghuan was different; he not only wanted to be the alliance leader but also looked down on Zheng Qian.

Since you look down on me and think I'm weak, then I'll show you that in the Ghost Wind Rift, I'm truly stronger than you.

Li Ming listened silently, still not speaking, but a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes. He knew Zheng Qian's methods and wisdom, and that he would certainly handle this competition with ease. What he admired most was that Zheng Qian did not back down at all under the pressure from You Haoshen and Hu Dinghuan.

Hu Dinghuan stopped, and the entire team stopped as well.

Ahead stood a majestic tower that inspired awe, with three large characters carved on it with a menacing air: Ce Ling Ge (策令阁). The tower was built of bluestone, and the years had etched mottled marks on it, but they could not conceal the solemn aura that emanated from within.

"Fellow Daoists, to ensure fairness, we will draw lots to determine the order in which we enter to accept tasks. What do you think? This method is fair and impartial, avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring that every Daoist has an equal opportunity to choose a task." Hu Dinghuan was full of confidence. He said that for the sake of fairness, he didn't want to be the first to enter and block all the good tasks.

That would be too fake and ugly.

There are over four hundred geniuses in the Southern Region. They can complete almost any task they are given, which is the power of teamwork.

"No problem." You Haoshen was equally confident. He understood that in this competition, connections and strength were equally important. Although the draw seemed simple, it actually revealed the wisdom and strategy of each faction, a subtle display of interpersonal networks. But no matter what methods were used, in the end, strength would speak for itself, and only by completing the task could true ability be revealed.

In short, at this point, it depends on one's connections and influence.

Li Miaoran smiled gently and said, "I heard that the missions of the Strategy Pavilion are announced in advance, and those who enter earlier can accept missions in advance, which gives them an advantage. But I have no objection; luck is also a kind of power."

Hu Dinghuan looked at Zheng Qian, then at Li Ming: "Does your Tianmai Sect agree?"

Zheng Qian shrugged and said nonchalantly, "It's all the same, but I've been in Youfeng Rift Valley for several days now, so to be fair, I'll be the last one to go in."

Li Ming nodded slightly, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes. He slowly said, "What my master said is the opinion of my Heavenly Vein Sect, and I, Li Ming, naturally have no objection." As he spoke, Li Ming glanced around intentionally or unintentionally, making it clear that Zheng Qian was in charge here.

Seeing this, Hu Dinghuan smiled knowingly, clearly quite satisfied with the arrangement: "Alright, Zheng Qian said he'd go in last, and I won't force him, after all, his seniority is what it is. I'll divide these little sticks into four, the longest one goes in first, and the shortest one goes in last, you choose first."

Hu Dinghuan took a small piece of wood from the disciple behind him, broke it into four pieces, put his hand behind his back, took it out and looked at the group: "You choose first, the last one is mine."

"I abstain." Dongfang Honglei abstained directly, showing no interest in the matter.

Hu Dinghuan casually took out one and handed it to the disciple behind him, saying with a smile, "There are three more."

Li Miaoran raised her hand and took out a small wooden stick. Her voice was as gentle as a spring breeze: "I won't be polite, I'll choose first."

"Hehe, I want this one." You Haoshen laughed disdainfully, then casually picked out one that was shorter than Li Miaoran's.

With a slight narrowing of his eyes, You Haoshen immediately relaxed his brows and said to Li Miaoran, "Miaoran, I am willing to be your strongest support."

Li Miaoran smiled but didn't say anything.

Hu Dinghuan made a vomiting face, raised the small wooden stick in his hand, and said loudly, "You guys who don't understand romance, if you don't know how to speak, then don't speak, otherwise what you say will disgust people, understand? There are three of us, you go in last."

The small wooden stick in Hu Dinghuan's hand was shorter than Li Miaoran's, but it was clearly longer than You Haoshen's. Therefore, the order was: Li Miaoran first, Hu Dinghuan second, You Haoshen third, and Zheng Qian last.

"Fellow disciples, thank you for your courtesy. I'll go in first." Li Miaoran said with a smile as she walked out of the Ce Ling Pavilion.

"Miaoran, don't mess up the seniority, I'm your grandmaster." Zheng Qian suddenly got excited and shouted at Li Miaoran.

Li Miaoran paused, as if she hadn't heard, and walked into the Ce Ling Pavilion. Hu Dinghuan and the others, their eyes blazing with anger, their gazes like sharp blades aimed directly at Zheng Qian; that silent threat was more intense and direct than any words.

"She, Li Miaoran, is the goddess in our hearts, the most dazzling star in this world. You are only at the Dragon Transformation Realm, what right do you have to chase after her brilliance?" Hu Dinghuan was really angry. He was called trash by Zheng Qian in the Plot Tower and dealt with by the mysterious expert, but he was not angry. However, when it came to Li Miaoran, he was really angry.

Seeing this, Zheng Qian chuckled twice and waved his hand, saying, "Just kidding, just kidding, don't take it so seriously. I just thought the atmosphere was a bit tense and wanted to lighten it up."

Hu Dinghuan snorted coldly, clearly not buying Zheng Qian's explanation. He tapped his palm lightly with the small wooden stick in his hand: "Zheng Qian, if you can win this competition today with your true skills, I, Hu Dinghuan, will not only wholeheartedly acknowledge you as the leader of the alliance, but also respect you as a senior of the master generation. As for Junior Sister Miaoran, she is a pure land that we should all look up to, and is by no means something that can be touched by child's play."

Yu Haoshen, standing to the side, also frowned. His tall stature and unfriendly eyes were enough to show his stance. He said in a cold voice, "You are very talented, but please show respect to Miaoran."

Zheng Qian looked at Li Ming and Dongfang Honglei, both of whom had serious expressions.

Zheng Qian understood. Li Miaoran was their ideal woman; they could pursue her, but no disrespectful language was allowed.

The world of simps is truly incomprehensible.

Upon entering the Sky Dome Strategy Pavilion, one is greeted by groups of three to five people. They are all geniuses who have come to accept missions, as well as some brave warriors who have come for training. The arrival of the Soul Guiding Sect instantly silenced the noisy crowd.

"My goodness, what kind of sect is this? It's all beautiful women."

"Yes, especially that woman in front of me. Seeing her gives me a sense of peace and hope."

"Her back view is beautiful too, her graceful figure is so beautiful."

Li Miaoran seemed not to hear, but Ye Lanshuang's eyes flashed with murderous intent. These people disgusted her.

Inside the pavilion, light shimmered, and countless runes, like stars, were embedded in the stone walls and dome, weaving together mysterious patterns and radiating a chilling pressure. Within the towering building, various task issuing stations and resource allocation rooms were arranged in a well-organized manner, along with a large task wall that continuously issued all sorts of tasks.

After Li Miaoran led the disciples of the Soul Guiding Sect to review all the missions, they went to the registration desk at the front desk. There sat a fair-skinned and beautiful girl in a long robe. In front of her was an ancient and heavy book with yellowed pages and slightly worn edges, obviously from frequent reading.

"Have you all come here to receive your missions?" Du Lingwen's ethereal and melodious voice added much vitality to the Ce Ling Pavilion.

Li Miaoran nodded slightly and replied respectfully, "That's right. We are disciples of the Soul Guiding Sect. We hope to contribute to the Strategy Pavilion on this trip, and at the same time, take this opportunity to train ourselves."

Du Lingwen smiled slightly and nodded approvingly. Then she opened the ancient book, lightly tapping a page with her fingertip. Several lines of light appeared on the page, which were brief introductions to several important missions that were about to be released.

"There are several missions here, involving exploring information about the demon race, suppressing the demon race, and rescuing our captured comrades. Each mission has a different level of difficulty and different rewards, so you should consider them carefully."

Li Miaoran did not make a choice immediately, but instead looked at Du Lingwen and said again, "Miss, I am a disciple of the Soul Guiding Sect and would like to take on some better missions."

Du Lingwen blinked and answered seriously, "This notebook contains all the missions. You can accept missions based on your military merit level; different levels accept missions corresponding to different merit levels. I only provided these missions because you are disciples of the sect; otherwise, you could only accept the missions listed on the side."

Li Miaoran instantly understood; this was already an internal mission, meaning that people from their Soul Guiding Sect had already made connections. After carefully reading the detailed descriptions of the three missions, Li Miaoran extended her slender, white fingers.

"Our Soul Guiding Sect has accepted this mission to investigate the demon race. Thank you, young lady."

"No problem, take out your military merit badge, I'll register it." After Du Lingwen carefully registered it, she returned a piece of parchment and Li Miaoran's military merit badge to Li Miaoran.

Li Miaoran accepted the military merit badge, glanced at the parchment, and was overjoyed. This gamble was a sure win. She had noticed as soon as she entered that almost all the missions on the mission wall and in the mission rooms were level one missions; level two missions were snatched up as soon as they appeared. The mission she had chosen, exploring information about the demon race, was the only level three mission available.

After accepting the mission, Li Miaoran sat to the side, while Ye Lanshuang went outside and called out, "Third Prince, my senior sister has accepted the mission."

Hu Dinghuan played with the crystal skull and said with a smile, "Thank you for the reminder, Junior Sister Lanshuang. I'll go in and accept the mission now."

Upon entering the Order Pavilion, Hu Dinghuan first approached Li Miaoran and spoke many kind words to her. Then, he walked around the various mission rooms and finally confidently approached the registration desk: "Miss, I am Hu Dinghuan, the third prince of the Miannan Empire. I would like to take on a better mission."

Du Lingwen blinked and took out an ancient book: "There are a few tasks here. You wouldn't normally be qualified to take them, but your Miannan Empire is powerful enough to complete them."

Hu Dinghuan was overjoyed. This must be inside information! After carefully examining it, Hu Dinghuan handed over his military merit badge, accepted the next task, and sat down next to Li Miaoran, constantly trying to make small talk.

When You Haoshen came in, he also looked around the mission room and the mission wall, and then introduced himself to Du Lingwen: "Miss, I am You Haoshen from the Nan Ye Ji Sect. I would like to take on a better mission."

Du Lingwen blinked and took out an ancient book: "There are a few tasks here. You wouldn't normally be qualified to take them, but your Nan Ye Ji Sect is powerful enough to complete them."

You Haoshen clenched his fist. He was confident he had the game in the bag. Finally, You Haoshen happily selected his task, sat down next to Li Miaoran, and joined Hu Dinghuan's awkward conversation.

"Zheng Qian, it's your turn." Ye Lanshuang walked out, her eyes filled with complex emotions. Just a month ago, they were all prodigies on the same level, but she never expected that Zheng Qian would be able to compete with the seven great geniuses for the position of alliance leader.

Zheng Qian yawned. The speed at which Li Miaoran and the other two made their choices was far too slow. Upon entering the Strategy Pavilion, the first thing Zheng Qian saw was the mission wall, and groups of people were all looking at the beauties of the Soul Guiding Sect, especially Li Miaoran and Ye Lanshuang, who were the focus of their attention.

Du Lingwen was looking down at an ancient book when she saw Zheng Qian come in, and her eyes lit up instantly. She shouted.

"Guardian God of War Zheng Qian has arrived! Initiate the highest ceremony to welcome the God of War!"