Chapter 297: The Grand Competition! The Direction Ahead
Xuanyin Pavilion.
On the precipitous sword peak stood elegant pavilions with carved beams and painted rafters.
Upon a massive jade platform halfway up the mountain, a group of disciples who had long prepared for the competition were eager to try their skills.
On the jade platform, five wooden chairs were placed before a pavilion. Seated there were the Core Formation Cultivators of Xuanyin Pavilion.
They were the Sect Master Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, and the elders Liu Ruyu, Xu Lingfeng, and Lin Chang’an—four people in total.
The remaining empty seat naturally belonged to Alchemist Wen, who was responsible for the sect’s alchemy.
Although he had not come, the sect still had to prepare a place.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, this is spirit tea brought back from the Star Pole Sea.”
“Then I must savor it properly.”
As the four chatted and laughed, sipping spirit tea and conversing, Lin Chang’an also observed the Xuanyin Pavilion disciples below and could not help nodding secretly.
In recent years, Xuanyin Pavilion had indeed developed well. Especially in the native Yue Country, which was almost entirely under Xuanyin Pavilion’s control. It could be said their rear foundation was solid.
There were numerous Qi Refinement Cultivators below, providing a steady stream of fresh blood. The foundation had already become stable.
This Internal Sect Grand Competition was likely held because the foundation had stabilized, and the sect now intended to strengthen its middle-tier force—the Foundation Establishment Cultivators.
Otherwise, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt would not have gone through such trouble to organize such a grand internal competition.
She had even entrusted his avatar, Alchemist Wen, to refine a large batch of Foundation Establishment Pills over the past two years.
“The Secret Realm Turmoil is also an opportunity. It truly is a rare chance for a large amount of materials to gather—far more opportunities than before.”
Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered. He clearly understood the direction of Xuanyin Pavilion’s development.
Although in the world of cultivation strength was supreme, and Xuanyin Pavilion would benefit more by gaining another Golden Core Cultivator, Golden Core Cultivators were still nurtured from the disciples below.
Only when the foundation was strong could more Golden Core prospects appear.
While Lin Chang’an drank tea and discussed the Dao with the others, the Azure-Horned Ox excitedly played nearby with several green-feathered eagles.
Lin Chang’an naturally noticed this scene and could not help saying curiously:
“I didn’t expect that among the green-feathered eagles raised by the sect, one is already close to a breakthrough.”
Several of the green-feathered eagles were Second-rank, but one of them had a thick and powerful aura, already reaching the level of a Quasi–third-rank Spirit Beast. It likely would soon attempt to break through to the Third Rank.
Hearing Lin Chang’an’s curiosity, Liu Ruyu beside him explained with a smile:
“Elder Lin, this green-feathered eagle was raised by the Sect Master back in Yue Country. The intention was also to cultivate one or two Guardian Spirit Beasts for the sect…”
Since demon beasts generally had longer lifespans than human cultivators, many sects carefully nurtured one or two guardian spirit beasts. This was nothing unusual.
While several Core Formation Elders chatted casually above, the disciples below were also whispering among themselves.
“Quick, look! Is that the Third-rank Spirit Beast Azure-Horned Ox? My heavens!”
“That’s nothing. You didn’t see how imposing this Third-rank great demon was when it first arrived.”
“That’s Martial Uncle Liu!”
Many Xuanyin Pavilion disciples revealed expressions of respect. Especially those who had come together from Yue Country—seeing the sect grow stronger now filled them with pride.
They had witnessed the sect’s rise.
“Senior Brother, who is that disciple standing behind Elder Lin?”
Some newly joined disciples noticed the Sword Attendant standing behind Lin Chang’an. Wearing dark-green combat attire, her cold beauty attracted much attention.
“That one belongs to Elder Lin. You should address her as Martial Uncle.”
“So young to be a Martial Uncle!”
With cold eyes radiating a chilling aura and an expression that kept strangers away, the silent Sword Attendant listened to the discussions below and slowly clenched her fists.
Her originally irritated thoughts quieted slightly. Yet when she heard someone say she belonged to her master, her fists slowly relaxed again.
As more disciples arrived below—some watching the spectacle, some elite disciples of the sect, and especially many Foundation Establishment Cultivators—the atmosphere grew increasingly lively.
Liu Ruyu glanced at the crowd with a smile. Seeing that almost everyone had arrived, she turned and waved toward the platform below.
A white-haired Foundation Establishment Cultivator responsible for presiding over the event stepped forward, his complexion ruddy, and loudly announced:
“The sect competition assembly now begins. All participating disciples must not harm the lives of fellow sect members. Violators will be disqualified…”
As the loud voice echoed through the mountain, Lin Chang’an sitting above showed a trace of appreciation.
By observing the atmosphere among Xuanyin Pavilion disciples, one could already see a great deal.
Compared to sects with extremely strict hierarchies or the brutal demonic path, there was an extra touch of human warmth.
Lin Chang’an could see part of the reason.
Most cultivators from Yue Country, living now in a foreign land, naturally shared deeper bonds with fellow countrymen.
Combined with the sect’s development strategies, it had created the current scene.
“Fellow Daoist Rainbow Skirt, it seems the sect has put in considerable effort these years.”
While disciples competed below, the Core Formation Cultivators above chatted and evaluated the disciples and the sect’s current development.
“It cannot compare to the leisure of Fellow Daoist Lin at Celestial Spring Peak.”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt looked at Lin Chang’an with slight envy.
What she liked most was the tranquil cultivation environment of Celestial Spring Peak.
Drinking tea, discussing the Dao, observing the changes of heaven and earth—without worrying about too many affairs.
Lin Chang’an smiled and shook his head.
Everyone had their own choices.
Below, the low-level cultivators fought with all their strength for the chance to obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill.
At first Lin Chang’an found it somewhat dull.
But watching them grit their teeth and persist despite injuries, fighting desperately for a slim opportunity, he gradually fell silent.
Back when he first entered the world of cultivation, hadn’t he struggled just like this?
The Demon-Hunting Squad had nearly died many times—why?
Wasn’t it all for that faint hope he himself knew was nearly impossible?
“In the blink of an eye, I am now a Core Formation Cultivator sitting on the high platform.”
Scenes flashed through his mind.
Finally Lin Chang’an swept his gaze across the competing disciples below, then looked far beyond the beautiful mountain gate.
Back then he had not even qualified to join the sect and was turned away at the gate.
And outside those gates, how many cultivators struggled their entire lives before growing numb and enduring their days?
Did they not also once harbor lofty ambitions?
“Time passes quickly.”
As memories returned, Lin Chang’an sighed softly. Time truly passed too swiftly.
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt noticed the subtle shift in Lin Chang’an’s aura and seemed to understand something. She smiled lightly and lifted her cup of spirit tea.
After that, Lin Chang’an watched the disciples’ battles with great interest and even occasionally discussed and commented with the others.
During their conversation, Liu Ruyu probed whether he intended to take disciples. Lin Chang’an smiled and shook his head in refusal.
If his path had no hope ahead, he might have considered spreading branches and leaves—taking disciples and cultivating connections for the sake of future generations.
But now, it was far from the time for him to stop walking forward.
Unnecessary ties were not always a good thing.
“I observe that the two female disciples from Celestial Spring Peak under Elder Lin are quite promising. Would Fellow Daoist be willing to part with them?”
Watching the battles below, Liu Ruyu smiled.
Lin Chang’an smiled faintly, while Fairy of Rainbow Skirt lowered her head and continued staring at her spirit tea, occasionally blowing on it as if the tea itself held endless fascination.
This was clearly not about coveting the two female disciples from his spirit peak—it was simply a way to draw closer to him.
After all, he was only a Guest Elder, not a native Xuanyin Pavilion cultivator.
“If they can be favored by Fellow Daoist Liu, that is naturally their fortune.”
Lin Chang’an smiled and nodded.
He might not accept disciples himself, but he could hardly stop others.
Moreover, strengthening relationships was beneficial to him as well, so he had no reason to reject it.
If Liu Ruyu, a Core Formation Cultivator, took them as disciples, their chances of reaching Foundation Establishment in the future would be high.
Although they would become Liu Ruyu’s disciples, they could still continue working under Lin Chang’an. It was also a kind of bond.
Seeing Lin Chang’an agree, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt quietly breathed a sigh of relief. She was not very accustomed to openly using such tactics with acquaintances.
The sect competition that followed broadened Lin Chang’an’s horizons.
He could not help secretly sighing.
This was the foundation of sect cultivators.
Back when he was a Qi Refinement Cultivator, there truly had been a gap between him and the top sect disciples.
The various applications of spells, the control of magical artifacts—these were far beyond what ordinary Drifting Cultivators could match.
Only after experiencing long years of tempering and accumulation could drifting cultivators gradually close that gap.
Lin Chang’an watched the competition with lingering fascination.
Sometimes battles between low-level cultivators also contained valuable lessons.
For instance, when one cultivator’s mana was nearly exhausted, he used mortal martial techniques to overpower his opponent—an impressive display.
There was also coordination with spirit pets.
There was simply too much to learn in the cultivation world.
Finally, the sect competition ended under the setting sun.
The top ten disciples would receive Foundation Establishment Pills, and after achieving Foundation Establishment they could select a Spirit Artifact from the sect.
At the same time, Core Formation Cultivators of the sect would personally choose disciples to accept as students.
This excited many cultivators.
The victorious disciples were ecstatic.
They had finally obtained Foundation Establishment Pills.
Those who lost were filled with unwillingness and disappointment, but could only grit their teeth and accept defeat.
The world of cultivation had always been like this.
…
“Fellow Daoist Lin, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance has established a merchant guild during the Secret Realm Turmoil. It has developed well in the past two years. For the sect, it is also a rare opportunity.”
Inside the main hall.
After the sect competition ended, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt held her spirit tea and finally revealed the true reason for organizing this grand competition.
The Internal Sect Grand Competition selected elite disciples.
Then a large number of Foundation Establishment Pills would be spent to rapidly increase the sect’s strength.
In this way, Xuanyin Pavilion would have more core disciples to execute various missions and seize this opportunity.
“If we do not involve ourselves in the Secret Realm, then this truly is an opportunity—and the fastest way to close the gap with the Four Seas Merchant Guild.”
Lin Chang’an approved of this low-risk approach.
After all, Secret Realms depended heavily on luck.
Sometimes obtaining an opportunity might not be beneficial—it could even bring death.
Liu Ruyu also supported the Sect Master’s decision.
However, Xu Lingfeng frowned and opposed it.
“If heaven grants something and you refuse it, you will suffer the consequences. When the time arrives but you do not act, disaster will follow.”
“Such a Nascent Soul Secret Realm opportunity—how many times can one encounter it in a lifetime?”
“We cultivators already walk a path defying heaven. I do not believe giving up this opportunity is a wise choice.”
Within a sect, some favored stability while others were more aggressive.
Especially after Lin Chang’an succeeded in Core Reforging, Xu Lingfeng seemed to be holding in a surge of determination.
Opportunities were rare—he was not inferior either.
“Senior Sister, perhaps there is even an opportunity for Nascent Soul formation within that secret realm. Should we abandon it as well?”
Seeing Xu Lingfeng’s sharp determination, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt frowned slightly and shook her head.
“Junior Brother, with my current cultivation, even if I obtained such an opportunity, it might not be a blessing. The Long Clan’s example still stands before us.”
“Though we cultivators defy heaven, we must plan carefully and judge the situation—not act recklessly for a moment’s courage.”
Seeing this scene, Lin Chang’an calmly sipped his tea, imitating Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s earlier posture.
He had no intention of interfering in sect affairs.
After discussion among the three, they finally decided that Xu Lingfeng would select several Foundation Establishment Cultivators within the sect who were older and willing to risk everything.
But the number could not exceed fifteen.
Foundation Establishment Cultivators were already the backbone of a sect.
Even Xuanyin Pavilion had fewer than two hundred.
Including those stationed in Yue Country, the sect currently had just over one hundred fifty Foundation Establishment Cultivators.
Losing a tenth at once would certainly be painful.
Inviting Lin Chang’an to join this secret meeting also showed their trust in him.
Lin Chang’an naturally understood this.
After the meeting ended, the victorious disciples of the sect competition entered the hall.
Especially those selected by Core Formation Cultivators as disciples—many looked at them with envy.
“Disciple Mei Ning, Zhou Bingxuan… greet Master!”
“Mm. The seven of you shall temporarily be registered disciples. Once you achieve Foundation Establishment, I will accept you as personal disciples.”
With a calm expression, Liu Ruyu looked at the five women and two men kneeling below and nodding with satisfaction.
These were the first disciples she accepted after reaching Core Formation.
All of them possessed excellent talent in the competition.
Meanwhile, Xu Lingfeng also accepted twelve disciples—both male and female.
Lin Chang’an noticed that most of Xu Lingfeng’s disciples specialized in offensive combat techniques.
He secretly nodded.
It suited Xu Lingfeng’s personality well.
Among the five disciples from Celestial Spring Peak, three had succeeded: Mei Ning, Zhou Bingxuan, and Li Tianmo.
Lin Chang’an was satisfied with this result.
Another female disciple had lost simply due to insufficient strength.
As for Shen Zhuang, his defeat was because he was not skilled in combat. His methods were too rigid and lacked flexibility.
“Still, it is not entirely bad. If Shen Zhuang successfully reaches Foundation Establishment later and switches to a stable earth-attribute cultivation method, he may not be inferior.”
Lin Chang’an shook his head slightly.
After the sect distributed Foundation Establishment Pills and other rewards, Lin Chang’an rode the Azure-Horned Ox away with the Sword Attendant and the two defeated disciples.
Mei Ning and Zhou Bingxuan had become disciples of Core Formation Cultivators.
Although only registered disciples, they would receive guidance and arrangements.
Li Tianmo and the other victorious disciples would receive unified guidance from the sect’s Core Formation Cultivators before entering seclusion to attempt Foundation Establishment.
After all, most participants were already late-stage Qi Refinement Cultivators at the peak.
…
Under the moonlight, the Azure-Horned Ox reluctantly left Xuanyin Pavilion while chewing high-grade spirit fruit.
“Moo!”
Its deep voice echoed.
Lin Chang’an stood on the Ox Head Position, leisurely admiring the moonlit heavens.
Behind him, the Sword Attendant’s gaze never left his elegant back.
At the Ox Tail Position stood the two disciples, their emotions somewhat low.
“In the world of cultivation, a single victory or defeat means little. If you persist in your heart, when you look back one day, you will find that success and failure were merely the path you walked.”
His calm voice echoed into their ears.
The two disciples raised their heads toward Lin Chang’an.
Yet Lin Chang’an merely spoke from momentary reflection.
As for their future, he had no intention of personally guiding them further.
After all, he still had many things to accomplish.
Today had merely been a rare moment of relaxation.
“Xuanyin Pavilion and the Lu Clan both plan to earn spirit stones during this opportunity. I cannot miss it either. A large amount of high-grade materials are flowing in, and even Third-rank High-grade Spirit Liquid occasionally appears…”
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered.
He had not forgotten his Life-bound Spirit Plant.
The second withered leaf still had one-third remaining yellowed.
He needed to accelerate its cultivation so that his second Avatar Technique could unleash its greatest power.
“Next, I must accumulate spirit stones and purchase high-grade spirit liquid.”
Now that his alchemy, talisman crafting, and formation mastery had all reached the Third Rank, this opportunity to earn spirit stones was rare.
Many materials that were normally difficult to obtain had now become relatively easier to acquire.