"Still no news? Junior Sister hasn't returned yet? Damn it! I shouldn't have left in the first place."
The person with a face full of regret was precisely Luo Nanshan!
The old man gently stroked his beard, a hint of worry also appearing in his eyes.
"Eh? What's wrong with Senior Brother Hua? Why the long face? Don't tell me you're worried about the competition? It's true, your few useless disciples have mediocre abilities, and it'll be difficult to win! This year, we might bring shame to the sect."
The speaker was none other than Peak Master Ding Fengzhu of the Misty Sect, Ding Chunqiu! He was also an ice-attribute cultivator! His demeanor, however, was utterly incongruous, being exceptionally arrogant.
At this moment, all the sect disciples participating in the competition were ready. The crowd present was innumerable, and those who heard these words turned their heads frequently.
For a moment, mockery and disdain were cast upon them.
Hua Qingsu frowned, subtly exuding the aura of a peak Golden Core cultivator, forcing everyone to quickly avert their gaze.
"Hmph! My disciples of Hua Ming Peak do not need your judgment! If Junior Brother Ding enjoys meddling so much, why not deal with the cesspool that the sect hasn't cleaned up in years! I thank you on behalf of the entire sect!"
This remark instantly froze the fake smile on Peak Master Ding’s face, and his expression abruptly turned grim.
"I kindly offer advice, and you are so ungrateful! Hmph! To be frank! If your junior disciple doesn't return, it would be better to give up your competition slot to other disciples to compete!"
This statement was like poking a hornet's nest. Guan Ziyun, who had been silent, exploded! He said angrily.
"What do you mean by this, Uncle-Master Ding? The Sect Master clearly laid down the rules, how can you change them so casually? My junior sister will definitely return on time, so you don't need to worry about it, Uncle-Master Ding!"
Both master and disciple were so stubborn, Peak Master Ding finally darkened his face.
"If that's the case, if she doesn't appear by the last moment of the competition, I will report it to the Sect Master. Damaging the sect's reputation will surely result in severe punishment!"
After speaking, he turned and left. The old man's expression became even more unpleasant.
In the competition between the major sects, their Sect Master allocated a certain number of participation slots to each peak. However, this year, by chance, five disciples of Hua Ming Peak were absent. Luo Nanshan and the other were not offensive cultivators, and forcing them to participate would be embarrassing. Jin Bao'er, rumored to be a rare spirit root, became the focus of everyone's attention.
If she didn't even show up, she would likely be considered to have surrendered without a fight! For a cultivator, that was an absolute disgrace!
Compared to the anxiety and unease of the two, in the Xiao Yun Hall on the other side, Su Xianzhi, who was recuperating from her injuries on the bed, was also not feeling well!
"Master, is there really no way to restore my cultivation? The competition is about to begin, and I want to participate..."
The girl's forlorn voice echoed, accompanied by faint sobs. Lou Yun Xianzun held a spiritual pill, his expression slightly darkened.
"Xianzhi, be good, take your medicine first! I will definitely help you resolve your cultivation temporarily. You can't participate in this year's competition, so when you participate next time, you can win back your glory."
It was rare for Lou Yun Xianzun to speak with such gentleness. Su Xianzhi could only accept it gracefully, suppressing the resentment in her heart, and smiled obediently.
"Mhm, mhm, I'll listen to you, Master!"
Not long after, when she was alone in the room, the girl who had just appeared pure and strong suddenly changed her demeanor. Her eyes were filled with anger and murderous intent. She clenched her fists tightly and gritted her teeth, saying.
"Damn beast! I will tear you to pieces sooner or later!"
Not far from the door, the Xianzun looked at the empty bottle in his hand and heard the fervent killing intent emanating from within, like a vow. His body stiffened...
How could he not know Su Xianzhi's true nature?! But she couldn't be in trouble now! After five hundred years, it was an opportunity he had finally obtained! No one could stop it!
After a moment, he turned and left, leaving behind only a bottle shattered into powder.
Jin Bao'er, for the first time, used sword-riding to fly, traveling at extreme speed. The strong wind buffeting her dispersed her hair. She controlled her spiritual power steadily! All for the sake of returning to the sect as quickly as possible. She figured her master and senior brothers must be very worried about her long absence.
As for Li Qingjiu behind her... arriving a little late was not a problem.
Exhausted and panting, and occasionally falling, Li Qingjiu felt indignant. Why did he have to learn sword-riding, a technique only Golden Core cultivators could use?
Time quickly passed until the start of the competition. The leading elders of the seven major sects sat in their respective seats, surrounding the enormous arena in the center.
Below were numerous participants and spectators! To showcase the strength of cultivators, this competition specifically allowed rogue cultivators and humans to enter and watch.
"The competition officially begins! The first match! Misty Sect disciple Yu Jingcheng versus Beast Taming Sect's Qiu Qi!"
With a loud shout, two figures swiftly flew onto the arena.
Unexpectedly, the first match was a Golden Core stage battle. The audience below was very excited and began placing bets.
A young girl in white ceremonial robes secretly entered the spectator area and headed straight for an inconspicuous chair behind Lou Yun Xianzun.
"Don't be afraid, Master is here."
The girl, wearing a veil, nodded with a smile.
"I heard that Senior Brother Yu's Golden Core was damaged before. If you can't handle it, get down early. What if I go too hard..."
The young man named Qiu Qi's attitude was extremely arrogant, his eyes filled with disdain and haughtiness, drawing the dissatisfaction of many Misty Sect disciples, but also exciting others.
Yu Jingcheng stood against the wind, smiling, seemingly unconcerned.
"Thank you for your concern, Fellow Daoist Qiu. I am much better now! However, you should be careful, Fellow Daoist Qiu. After all, losing to the same person twice is truly unsightly."
This seemingly casual remark instantly changed Qiu Qi's expression! Using the gentlest tone to say the most infuriating words, this was Yu Jingcheng!
This tense confrontation was precisely what all cultivators loved to see!
"Enough talk! Let's begin!"
As soon as the words fell, the two quickly charged towards the center of the arena. The clash of blades and swords produced a piercing sound, and faint sparks of electricity could be seen.
Immediately after, a fiery dragon soared into the sky, charging directly at Yu Jingcheng's face. If it hit, it would likely result in disfigurement!
Yu Jingcheng was not to be outdone. He raised his hand, creating a golden shield. His long sword emitted a golden light, surging forward with formidable spiritual energy.
The two immediately engaged in a fierce battle. The arena flickered with spiritual energy light from time to time. This collision of gold and fire lasted for a long time.
The white-robed girl found it boring. She gently tugged on the man's sleeve in front of her and pouted.
"Master, who do you think will win?"
Such impolite behavior in public was unbearable, but Lou Yun Xianzun endured it. The gentleness on his face flowed like water.
"Don't be mischievous! Yu Jingcheng's cultivation is higher, but unfortunately, his Golden Core was just repaired, and he wasted time by not being able to cultivate these past few months. Now, it's hard to say who will win."
Su Xianzhi paused, suddenly thought of something, and her eyes lit up.
"Master, if Mu Ling Hua can even repair Golden Cores, can my cultivation and dantian be repaired as well!?"
If that were the case, she wouldn't have to re-cultivate!