Information Jade Slip

Twenty days passed in the blink of an eye.

The conflict between the Chen and Luo families was no longer a fresh topic in the Moon Gazing Mountain Range.

After all, cultivators in the Southern Profound Domain were naturally prone to fighting, and life-and-death duels were common occurrences.

However, the two families dueled once every ten years, with the stakes being who could secure a larger share of the Little Bamboo Peak spirit mine's extraction rights.

The stakes were undeniably high, and the duel between the two families consisted of three matches.

These matches involved the late, mid, and early stages of Qi Refining, respectively.

Furthermore, each match had to end in victory or defeat, so the cultivators from both families naturally went all out.

The gap between Qi Refining cultivators of the same realm was not significant, and external items exceeding one's cultivation realm were not permitted in the duels.

Thus, the duels between the Chen and Luo families were genuine, head-on clashes, making for spectacular displays of combat.

For the cultivators in the southern foothills of the Moon Gazing Mountain Range, this was a grand event that occurred once a decade.

Many cultivators had already made their way to Little Bamboo Peak, securing prime viewing spots in advance, eagerly awaiting the start of the duels.

Some came to observe and learn, others to simply enjoy the spectacle, and some to gather intelligence.

Even more had prepared Image Recording Jade Slips beforehand, intending to record the entire process.

These jade slips, depicting all-out, life-and-death combat, sold well in the market and could fetch a considerable amount of Spirit Stones.

To secure the best viewing locations, many cultivators had already gotten into altercations, even resorting to combat.

However, with cultivators from the Azure Profound Sect overseeing the Little Bamboo Peak spirit mine, and out of fear of disturbing the esteemed seniors, these cultivators dared not go too far.

But Chen Heng, one of the main parties involved, paid no mind to the external commotion.

He was entirely immersed in his comprehension of the Lu Qi enhancement.

Although Qi Refining cultivators did not practice bigu (abstinence from grains) and still needed to eat, drink, excrete, and sleep like mortals, he had his old servant, Uncle Fu, guarding the door. Thus, Chen Heng did not need to concern himself with these mundane matters.

However, under the Lu Qi enhancement, his appetite had greatly increased.

The portions of Spirit Rice, Yao Beast meat, and Spirit Cuisine originally provided by the Chen family were no longer sufficient for Chen Heng's needs.

The elder responsible for distributing supplies initially had many complaints about this.

But upon considering that Chen Heng might not even survive the duel, he said nothing further.

He even quietly increased Chen Heng's rations.

Chen Heng remained indifferent to this kindness or goodwill, feeling it was akin to a condemned prisoner being allowed a final hearty meal before execution.

However, his progress in the body-refining technique, the Fiery Eyes Water Ape Transformation, had stalled.

After condensing ten Divine Ape Spirit Marks and achieving a strength of 100,000 jin, he could advance no further.

After all, this technique was incomplete, and there was no subsequent content.

He was helpless about this and could do nothing.

He could only sigh, thinking that this mysterious Profound Mirror was not like the Martial Ancestor's Stone Talisman, capable of deducing and perfecting cultivation techniques.

However, Chen Heng had made a new discovery.

When he was choosing his cultivation techniques, the elder who transmitted the Dharma in the family's Scripture Pavilion had said:

"The path of cultivation lies within one's own heart. If you wish to achieve success in cultivation, do not force yourself to adapt to the technique; instead, seek a technique that suits your body. Never covet strange or unique methods; only that which aligns with your own body is the best course of action."

Chen Heng deeply agreed, which was why he had chosen the Fiery Eyes Water Ape Transformation, the Water Fire Heaven-Reaching Staff Technique, and the Water Fire Defense Scripture.

But now, he realized that these three techniques likely originated from the same source.

Unfortunately, the most crucial cultivation method within these three techniques, the body-refining technique, could only be cultivated up to the mid Qi Refining stage.

If he could cultivate to the peak of Qi Refining, Chen Heng could consider changing his cultivation techniques after reaching Foundation Establishment.

As it was, he had to start planning for this matter as soon as he reached the mid Qi Refining stage.

The path of cultivation truly required wealth, companions, Dharma, and a suitable environment; none could be lacking.

One day.

A streak of light descended from the mountainside of Jade Spring Mountain, landing before the small wooden hut where Chen Heng resided at the foot of the mountain.

Uncle Fu, the old servant guarding the door of the small wooden hut, quickly bowed and stepped forward to greet him, respectfully saying, "This old servant greets the Fourth Elder."

The newcomer waved his hand, signaling Uncle Fu to step forward and ring the bell to summon Chen Heng.

Ding!

A sound like flowing spring water echoed, audible both inside and outside the wooden hut.

The two waited for a moment, but the door of the wooden hut remained shut.

The Fourth Elder's brow furrowed, his expression impatient, and he was about to push the door open himself.

At that moment, Chen Heng, who had heard the bell in his underground quiet room, quickly ceased his cultivation and stood up.

At this moment, the ten Divine Ape Spirit Marks covering his arms, shoulders, chest, and back felt like ten Yao Beasts, brimming with terrifying strength.

However, it was a pity that the cultivation technique was incomplete, and his legs couldn't manifest Divine Ape Spirit Marks.

For him, improving agility and escape abilities was more important.

Chen Heng put on a simple gray robe and walked out of the underground quiet room at a moderate pace. He strolled to the door and opened it.

Just as the person arriving reached out to push the door open.

The cave dwelling he cultivated in was rather simple and located in a remote area, rarely visited. He hadn't set up any profound formations or restrictions.

It truly couldn't stop someone with ill intentions from breaking in.

The visitor's eyes were sinister, their build thin, dressed in black, with nondescript features.

But Chen Heng recognized this person at a glance. It was the Fourth Elder of the Chen family, responsible for external intelligence gathering—Chen Xinshen.

Chen Xinshen wasn't familiar with Chen Heng's past. He only learned of this person's existence in the family during the lottery draw that day.

He casually sized Chen Heng up and down, seeing that his body's radiance was contained and his aura was steady.

He knew that Chen Heng should be a family disciple focused on cultivation, and it was a shame he was forced to participate in the competition.

However, the competition roster had already been finalized and couldn't be changed.

Chen Xinshen's expression softened slightly, and he slowly said, "Chen Heng, the competition roster has already been reported to the Upper Sect and cannot be changed."

Upon hearing this, Chen Heng's brow twitched. He couldn't help but think to himself, This was decided long ago. He's just pretending to be sad.

Chen Xinshen ignored the subtle changes in Chen Heng's expression and continued, "This is the information jade slip for your designated opponent, Luo Yuyan of the Luo family."

"This young lady possesses a high-grade wind spirit root, and the Luo family protects her very tightly. The intelligence gathered by our family isn't much."

"Chen Heng, you're on your own. The lottery was a decision made by the elders. Don't hold any resentment towards the family."

After speaking, Chen Xinshen patted Chen Heng's shoulder and handed him a jade slip.

He then turned and left on his flying artifact, not looking back.

In his opinion, Chen Heng had little hope of defeating Luo Yuyan, the pride of the Luo family.

The best outcome would be to be crippled and barely survive the rest of his life.

The Azure Profound Sect, after all, prided itself on being a righteous sect. In the competition, as long as one completely lost their combat ability, they wouldn't stand by and watch someone openly commit murder.

However, the Chen and Luo families already had various grudges and disputes.

If there was an opportunity to resolve matters with the other party openly, the cultivators of both families naturally wouldn't hold back.

Techniques are ruthless, and in a competition, anything can happen.

Chen Heng tightened his grip on the jade slip in his hand, then shook his head and smiled with relief.

What was there to dwell on with such small favors from the family? It was more important to focus on the upcoming competition.

And so.

He returned to the underground quiet room, sat cross-legged on the simple futon, and placed the information jade slip against his forehead to read the contents.

"Luo Yuyan, possesses a high-grade wind spirit root, cultivates the [Wind Origin Sword Canon], her movements are agile and graceful, her combat ability is sharp, and she once single-handedly killed a mid-stage first-tier Gale Demonic Wolf with her sword..."

Chen Heng frowned deeply. This intelligence was too sparse. Besides her cultivation technique being somewhat special, which the Chen family recognized, there was no information on the spells she mastered, her combat habits, or the artifacts she frequently used.

This Fourth Elder was quite forthright, speaking nothing but the truth.