Within the Gravity Tower's confines at this moment, numerous disciples were seated with their legs crossed, diligently attempting to circulate their Cultivation Techniques.
Some wielded massive hammers, their swings imbued with formidable momentum, while others, burdened by colossal rocks strapped to their backs, engaged in a peculiar hopping gait around the perimeter, resembling frogs.
The instant Xu Zimei and his companions entered, an overwhelming force began to bear down on them from every direction.
For Xu Zimei, this immense pressure merely served to decelerate his movements slightly, presenting no significant impediment.
However, for Lin Ruhu, it felt as though he had been violently struck by a speeding horse-drawn carriage, sending him tumbling to the ground in a heap, struggling for breath.
"Do not attempt to oppose the gravity with your physical strength," Xu Zimei advised from his position beside Lin Ruhu. "Inhale deeply, allow your body to acclimate to this gravitational pull, then release your mind and discern the flow of the gravity. Coalesce your being with it."
Upon hearing Xu Zimei's guidance, Lin Ruhu swiftly closed his eyes and took several profound breaths, gradually adjusting to the conditions.
......
Not long after Xu Zimei commenced his foundational tempering using the gravity, a contingent of disciples converged upon their location.
Leading this group was a young woman who approached Xu Zimei with an air of pronounced arrogance, inquiring, "Xu Zimei, Lin Ruhu, why are you two present here? Have you come to stir up trouble once more?"
Xu Zimei casually appraised the girl; she was none other than Liao Ruyan, the granddaughter of the Great Elder of the True Martial Holy Sect.
"What concern is it of yours?" Xu Zimei responded with deliberate indifference.
"Precisely, always meddling where you shouldn't. Young Master Zimo won't be marrying you in the future anyway," Lin Ruhu chimed in from the side.
A long-standing rivalry persisted between the Great Elder and Deputy Sect Master Xu Qingshan. When the Sect Master had departed years ago, the Great Elder had harbored ambitions of seizing control.
To his profound disappointment, the mantle of leadership ultimately fell to Xu Qingshan, a source of enduring resentment for the Great Elder.
In the intervening years, two distinct factions had naturally emerged within the True Martial Holy Sect.
One was the Youth Faction, spearheaded by Deputy Sect Master Xu Qingshan, and the other was the Elder Faction, presided over by the Great Elder.
......
At this juncture, incensed by Xu Zimei's dismissive remark, Liao Ruyan declared, "Xu Zimei, if you possess the courage, let us engage in a spar."
"Not interested," Xu Zimei interjected with a yawn, waving his hand in a gesture of dismissal. "Go frolic elsewhere; do not interrupt my cultivation."
"If you are afraid, just say so. Concede defeat, and I shall let this matter rest," Liao Ruyan asserted haughtily.
Xu Zimei simply shook his head, a sense of exasperation washing over him. She was truly like an indulged young princess!
Indeed, being the granddaughter of the Great Elder, everyone universally deferred to her; how was this situation any different from his previous existence?
He spoke deliberately, "I am not afraid; it is simply that a challenge typically involves a wager, does it not? Can you present a stake that would pique my interest?"
Liao Ruyan fell silent for a brief interval, then, after some consideration, stated, "Should you emerge victorious, I shall impart a secret to you."
"That will not suffice," Xu Zimei quickly responded, shaking his head. "Who can guarantee the utility of such a secret to me? What if it turns out to be your long-held secret confession of love for me?"
Xu Zimei's audacious statement provoked an eruption of laughter from all the youths present.
"Shameless!" Liao Ruyan, her face flushing crimson, furiously pointed at Xu Zimei and declared, "If you win, I will tell you that a few days ago, the Medicine Path Holy Chicken my grandfather raises hatched two chicks. How does that sound?"
emmmmmm...
With a vein visibly throbbing on his forehead, Xu Zimei murmured, "My interest in your secret has suddenly waned. Perhaps we could select a different wager?"
......
Lin Ruhu, standing nearby, his ears perked at the mention of the "Medicine Path Holy Chicken," his eyes widening with fervent excitement. He licked his lips, his gaze darting about as if deep in contemplation.
The Medicine Path Holy Chicken was an exceedingly rare avian species, spontaneously formed from the essence of heaven and earth, its numbers critically scarce. Even in the wider world, they were regarded as treasures of immeasurable value.
These creatures were exceptional caretakers of Immortal Fields and Spiritual Medicine gardens, capable of enriching the soil, facilitating its aeration, and adeptly controlling pest infestations—practically perfect horticultural assistants.
And among them, the Medicine Path Holy Chicken stood as the absolute pinnacle.
Akin to a monarch amongst paupers, it was still a beggar, yet its caliber far surpassed that of other ostentatious, common breeds.
From its tender infancy, the Medicine Path Holy Chicken had been nurtured with potent Spiritual Medicine. Every morsel of its flesh, every single drop of its blood, pulsed with an abundance of concentrated Spiritual Energy.
Legend had it that a mortal consuming the flesh of the Medicine Path Holy Chicken for the very first time would experience an extension of their lifespan by an entire year.
......
"Then, what wager do you propose?" Liao Ruyan inquired, a hint of hesitation in her voice.
"I've heard that your grandfather's sacred beast, the Dark Heaven Tiger, has recently engaged in a clandestine union with the Reincarnation Celestial Cow, resulting in a litter of cubs," Xu Zimei remarked, a playful smirk gracing his lips.
"And what exactly are you scheming to accomplish?" Liao Ruyan inquired with caution. "My grandfather intends to bestow these younglings as tokens of favor; I would not dare interfere with them."
"I desire two of the Dark Heaven Tiger cubs," Xu Zimei declared without preamble. "Should you disagree, then let this competition be abandoned. There is no need for further proceedings."
Moreover, you have always been your grandfather's most cherished descendant. Securing two Dark Heaven Tiger cubs should not pose an insurmountable obstacle.
In your grandfather's estimation, are you not more precious than a mere pair of cubs?"
"Who stated such a thing?" Liao Ruyan swiftly retorted. "My grandfather dotes on me immensely. I, I... very well, I accept your terms."
"Then it is settled. What form shall our competition take?" Xu Zimei inquired with evident interest.
"A straightforward contest of strength. It is the simplest way to determine victory and defeat," Liao Ruyan replied, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"That is hardly equitable," Lin Ruhu exclaimed from the sidelines. "You have dedicated half a year to body tempering techniques, while Zimo has merely commenced his Qi cultivation journey. How can he possibly contend with your prowess?"
"In that case, what manner of competition do you propose?" Liao Ruyan challenged, her gaze fixed on Lin Ruhu, revealing her small, pointed teeth as she spoke.
"I happen to have a suitable method, if you would permit me to officiate," a resonant voice echoed from the second floor of the Gravity Tower.
Directing their gazes upward, the assembled individuals observed a man descending with effortless grace from the upper echelons.
Adorned in azure robes, the man possessed features of striking resolve, a prominent nose, and his long black hair was impeccably tied atop his head. A jade-hilted longsword rested at his side.
"Greetings, Senior Brother Zhong Xin," Liao Ruyan hurried forward with evident delight upon recognizing the newcomer.
"My dear junior sister, the world beyond these walls is fraught with peril. Endeavor to minimize your associations with those harboring ignoble intentions," Zhong Xin advised with a gentle smile.
Xu Zimei appraised the newly arrived figure. This was none other than the personal disciple of the Great Elder, renowned throughout the martial world as the "Glinting Sword Guest."
The surrounding disciples, upon witnessing Zhong Xin's appearance, hastened to pay their respects. Irrespective of prior acquaintance, each sought to establish a connection with him.
"What is this proposed method of yours?" Xu Zimei inquired coolly.
"There is no need for haste," Zhong Xin responded with an easy smile, gently shaking his head. "Just moments ago, Ruyan pledged to bestow upon you two Dark Heaven Tiger cubs should you emerge victorious."
"But what shall be your stake should you falter? You have yet to declare your wager!"
"If I am defeated, I shall have one request granted by you, provided it falls within my capabilities. Does that arrangement satisfy you?" Xu Zimei countered.
"Very well. Should you lose, I shall not impose an overly burdensome task. Merely imitating the bark of a dog thrice within the confines of the sect will suffice. How does that sound?" Zhong Xin proposed, a light chuckle escaping his lips.