Chapter 1796: The Sudden Drumbeat

"Is he kidding? This guy is way too full of himself, trying to compete with Bai Liqingyan for the finale!"

"Ha, he doesn't know his place. Who does he think he is?"

Ye Yuan's request immediately drew a chorus of boos.

The finale represented strength and status. In everyone's eyes, Ye Yuan was just a freeloader; what right did he have to be the finale?

Jiang Xueyan frowned at this and said, "What is this guy trying to do? Is he using this method to fight for a breath of pride? This kid is way too childish, isn't he?"

Bai Liqingyan was also baffled, not knowing what Ye Yuan was up to.

Elder Hong furrowed his brows slightly and said, "You and Qingyan are tied for first. As long as she has no objection, it should be fine."

With that, everyone's gaze turned to Bai Liqingyan.

Just as Jiang Xueyan was about to speak, Bai Liqingyan agreed without hesitation, "No problem. I'll go first!"

Jiang Xueyan stamped her foot in anger, thinking to herself that this girl was too carefree.

Was this the time to be courteous?

Bai Liqingyan stepped forward and ascended into the sky, like a fairy descending to the mortal world, her beauty beyond compare.

The disciples below all showed looks of adoration.

Bai Liqingyan glanced at Ye Yuan with a complex expression, only to find him smiling at her, which startled her.

What was this guy really up to?

This scene, observed by the crowd, stirred up more resentment.

Bai Liqingyan composed herself, her divine essence surging as she suddenly flung a silk ribbon, which shot like lightning toward the Yaoguang Drum.

Dong!

The loudest drumbeat yet resounded.

The shockwave from the Yaoguang Drum spread out with devastating force, leveling trees for miles around.

Seeing such a terrifying display, everyone's expressions changed.

This strength was even above that of Duan Qinghong and the others!

Elder Hong showed an approving look and nodded, "Not bad! Not bad! Bai Liqingyan, upper sixth rank! Passed the assessment!"

Jiang Xueyan's face beamed with a gratified smile. With this, their Yaochi faction had completely suppressed the other two factions.

Moreover, Bai Liqingyan's performance provided strong evidence for her stunning first round!

Now, who would doubt that it wasn't Bai Liqingyan who did it?

Even Duan Qinghong and the others probably wouldn't doubt it anymore, right?

Her gaze then turned to Ye Yuan, and she sneered.

"Foolish guy, did you think you could steal Bai Li's thunder like this? You may have comprehended the laws of space, but your cultivation level is too low! And the Yaoguang Drum has high requirements for cultivation level!"

Despite witnessing Ye Yuan's formidable strength, Jiang Xueyan was not optimistic about him.

As a disciple of the Shadowmoon Sect, she naturally knew the power of the Yaoguang Drum.

The higher one's cultivation level, the deeper their understanding of the Dao, and the louder the drumbeat.

Ye Yuan's attack power might be high, but his cultivation level was too low!

If he struck the Yaoguang Drum with full force, he would only suffer a stronger backlash.

Thus, Bai Liqingyan's first place was already secured.

Ye Yuan's attempt to be the finale was nothing but a display of pathetic male pride.

Bai Liqingyan's performance amazed everyone and made Duan Qinghong and Zhong Hanlin feel ashamed.

They had been pursuing Bai Liqingyan all along, but her potential far surpassed theirs!

Bai Liqingyan cupped her hands to Elder Hong and said, "Thank you, Elder Hong!"

Elder Hong nodded with a smile, "Qingyan is indeed impressive! Upper sixth rank is among the best in all previous assessments. It's a pity you missed breaking through to the seventh rank."

Bai Liqingyan said, "Qingyan will train even harder in the future and live up to the sect's expectations!"

Elder Hong smiled, "Mm, train well! I hope you can secure a place in this Huangling Tournament!"

Bai Liqingyan nodded slightly and descended gracefully.

Jiang Xueyan greeted her with a smile, "Bai Li, you didn't disappoint me!"

But Bai Liqingyan's attitude was somewhat cold, and she said indifferently, "Senior Sister, there's still one person who hasn't performed. Don't be too happy too soon."

Jiang Xueyan, however, dismissed it, "That kid may have talent, but his cultivation level is too low! Even if he's stronger than Duan Qinghong and the others, he can't surpass you!"

Bai Liqingyan shook her head slightly but did not argue.

She felt that Ye Yuan's move was deeply meaningful.

It probably wouldn't be that simple.

Moreover, that Han Yong clearly couldn't surpass Zhao Zhao, yet he broke through to the fifth rank.

And Han Yong was on good terms with Ye Yuan. Could this be just a coincidence?

"Last one, Ye Yuan!"

After much anticipation, it was finally Ye Yuan's turn.

But before he even appeared, there was another round of boos.

Clearly, everyone was contemptuous of his overestimation of himself as the finale.

"This guy has no shame. With such little strength, he dares to grab the finale!"

"Hey, Miss Bai is magnanimous and doesn't bother with him, but this guy just takes advantage."

"At the sixth level of the Divine Lord realm, he might not even be able to sound the drum, yet he dares to take the finale spot."

...

Originally, Bai Liqingyan was seen as a genius on par with Duan Qinghong and Zhong Hanlin.

But now, her status in everyone's eyes had far surpassed those two.

Now, Bai Liqingyan stood out alone.

Coupled with her breathtaking beauty, she had become the goddess in everyone's hearts.

A goddess not to be defiled!

Yet this guy Ye Yuan dared to defile the goddess by taking her finale spot.

Ye Yuan naturally paid no attention to these voices of doubt.

He slowly walked out of the crowd, not flying into the sky.

Then, he simply flicked his hand, sending a gentle breeze toward the Yaoguang Drum.

The motion was as effortless and elegant as dusting off a surface.

But this action left everyone utterly puzzled.

Even Elder Hong's face showed a look of great confusion.

"What is this guy up to now? I have to say, he knows how to steal the spotlight!"

"Did he just strike the drum?"

"There's not a trace of divine essence fluctuation! Did he give up because he knew he'd be exposed?"

...

"Dong!"

Just as the jeers were rising wave after wave, a thunderous drumbeat sounded, drowning out all other sounds.

The entire world was filled with the echo of the Yaoguang Drum.

Everyone present changed color in shock.

This drumbeat was exactly the same as Bai Liqingyan's!

The force plowed the area for miles around once again!

People stared at Ye Yuan with horrified eyes, but even more so, with confusion.

Was this drumbeat really made by Ye Yuan?

But how could such a casual gesture produce such a huge commotion?