Grand Competition Director

"Disciple, your studies are quite varied. While you can integrate them all, you tend to overthink during combat.

For the upcoming grand competition, you are only allowed to use three techniques against other disciples... Hmm, when you're close to losing, you can use more techniques. Try your best to win, and don't get injured.

Practicing combat skills is solely for protecting your own Dao fruit. Don't lose sight of the fundamentals; always remember that the Dao is one."

Qingxu Master's admonishments still echoed in his ears.

Li Ping'an was alone in the woods.

He sat cross-legged on the grass, setting up a small spirit gathering formation with nine spirit stones. The immortal treasure long spear lay across his lap, and a faint wisp of Qi drifted from Li Ping'an's mouth and nose, flowing into the spear shaft.

Li Ping'an was refining the spear using the power of his nascent soul, following the refining method taught by his Master.

When a Qi cultivator reaches the Spirit Gathering Realm, their soul condenses into a nascent soul. Only in the Void Refining Realm can they 'transform their spirit,' gradually evolving towards a Nascent Soul.

His Master telling him to only use three techniques in the grand competition undoubtedly added a bit more difficulty to his path.

Li Ping'an naturally understood. His Master wanted him to simplify, to streamline his combat moves as much as possible.

What else could he do?

Compared to his own father, his cultivation speed was truly too slow. To gain more skills, he could only cultivate more techniques.

Li Ping'an hadn't revealed all his combat styles to his Master today; he had hidden some unconventional methods he had figured out himself.

Firstly, these unconventional moves likely wouldn't be useful in the sect's grand competition.

Secondly, it was because... these unconventional moves were primarily characterized by 'not looking like something a righteous path cultivator would use.'

Of course, Li Ping'an did have normal unconventional moves, such as the "Spirit Detonation Art," which could detonate specially made magic artifacts, and its accompanying 'detonating artifact array.' These could largely compensate for Li Ping'an's current low realm and weak magic power. During combat, they only required a small amount of magic power to activate, capable of unleashing powerful spiritual energy instantaneously, temporarily alleviating Li Ping'an's deep-seated fear of insufficient firepower.

The only drawback of this move was that it consumed quite a few spirit stones.

'The benefits I can gain from this grand competition are merely sect rewards. Gaining fame within the sect is of no great use to me. I'll take it as it comes. Reaching the top fifty on the Heaven Ranking counts as a win.'

Huh?

Li Ping'an's spiritual sense suddenly gave him a warning. Someone had quietly approached him, and the person exuded no aura whatsoever!

Just as he was about to flee and call for his Master, he heard his father's voice, suppressed and low, calling out:

"Ping—an—"

"Dad?"

Li Ping'an turned his head towards the corner, his expression full of confusion.

Li Dazhi's upper body was sprawled on a tree branch, his legs still embedded in the tree trunk, and he was gently waving at him.

Good news: Father had actually taken his advice and diligently practiced the Five Elements escape technique.

Bad news: Father was using the Five Elements escape technique in bizarre ways.

Li Ping'an let his long spear float behind him and walked leisurely to the base of the tree, smiling wryly. "Dad, you could have just come openly. Why are you always sneaking around?"

"I was afraid of running into your Master and making things awkward."

Li Dazhi chuckled, his smile lacking a bit of confidence. He deliberately made small talk, "So... how has your cultivation been these past two days?"

Li Ping'an's gaze immediately sharpened. "Dad, didn't you say you were going into closed-door cultivation?"

"This... someone really called me out for work, and I couldn't easily refuse."

Li Dazhi spoke hesitantly.

Li Ping'an sighed inwardly, then smiled. "Dad, did you promise something to someone outside and now you're in a difficult spot?"

"My son understands me best! Ahaha!"

Li Dazhi climbed out of the tree trunk and jumped in front of Li Ping'an, laughing heartily as he punched Li Ping'an's shoulder. Then, he suddenly became serious.

"But you've actually guessed wrong this time.

"I didn't carelessly promise anything to anyone. The Sect Master issued an order and specifically called for me."

Li Ping'an was also a bit confused. "The Sect Master ordered it? Why would the Sect Master suddenly issue an order?"

"This, cough! Standing before you now is!"

Li Dazhi raised his head, puffed out his chest, put his hands behind his back, like a great general on a stage, and after showing off for a while, he calmly transmitted his voice:

"The final disciple of the Myriad Cloud Ancestor, the father of the Myriad Cloud's strongest disciple tomorrow, and the chief director of the Myriad Cloud Sect disciple grand competition!"

What the heck?

Li Ping'an's forehead was covered in question marks.

Li Dazhi sighed and honestly said, "I added the words 'chief director' myself.

"The Sect Master has instructed Marvelous Cloud Hall, Cloud Nurturing Hall, and Affairs Hall to fully assist your father in preparing for this inner disciple grand competition. He also said to try and add some new elements to make it more lively."

Li Ping'an frowned upon hearing this. "Is it possible someone wants to set a trap for us?"

"I did inquire about it," Li Dazhi sighed. "During a meeting of the sect's higher-ups, an elder named Bi suggested that since I am also a newly admitted disciple, I should participate in this grand competition as well."

Li Ping'an's gaze immediately sharpened.

This person harbors ill intentions.

Li Dazhi added, "Fortunately, the Sect Master gave me a hand and changed the competition to participating in this matter."

Li Dazhi glanced around, his voice transmission becoming much more cautious, his accent even heavier:

"We must remember the Sect Master's kindness this time.

"Those few scoundrels, I'll slowly get them back when I'm strong enough to beat them. No need to bother with them now; my strength just isn't there yet.

"The troublesome part of this is that the Sect Master wants me to prepare for this grand competition...

"Ping'an, you know yourself, I messed up even organizing a factory get-together back then. You can count on me for production, absolutely. I was almost an eighth-grade fitter. But these evening parties, get-togethers, sports days, I'm really not good at them!

"My head is buzzing right now, I feel like I'm growing a new brain. I can only ask you to come help your dad out.

"Ping'an, will you be the assistant director?"

"Dad," Li Ping'an said helplessly, "I'm an inner disciple now, and I'm supposed to participate in this competition."

"Participating in the grand competition as a disciple and being the assistant director to help prepare for it, there's no conflict there."

Li Dazhi lightly tapped Li Ping'an's chest with the back of his hand, then transmitted his voice again:

"There are definitely many people who want to see your dad make a fool of himself right now.

"Can you bear to see Dad get pushed around by those old guys?

"Come with me... hmm, let's debate with the elders, give them a little shock from science and society!"

"Dad, since you've already decided, I'll do the work. You let me think about how to do it."

Li Ping'an crossed his arms and paced back and forth, carefully considering in his heart.

His father had asked for his help, and he naturally wouldn't refuse. Father and son are one, sharing honor and disgrace.

The problem now was that they truly didn't have much time to prepare. This grand competition was imminent, and invitations had already been sent to the Myriad Cloud Sect's 'friendly sects.' There were only about six days left.

"Dad, I'll try my best to help you make a plan, but I won't participate in the specific implementation. And let's set some ground rules first."

"No problem!"

"First, Dad, you can't ask for my opinion in front of outsiders. We'll discuss these things behind closed doors. In front of others, I'm just tagging along with you to gain some fame; you're the main one, I'm secondary."

"Deal!"

"Second, no matter what happens, Dad, don't rush. They might try to provoke you, and getting anxious is bad for your Dao heart."

"You underestimate your dad too much," Li Dazhi grinned. "Back when I was working in the factory in our hometown, I had to play the subordinate in front of many elders. What's a few more years of pretending?"

"Dad, those are two different things. Cultivation requires a clear mind. Anyone who wants to damage your Dao heart is an enemy second only to a mortal foe.

"Third... Dad, please don't drink alcohol recently."

Li Ping'an said seriously:

"If this matter is handled poorly, it will affect your future development within the sect.

"But if it's handled well, the rewards will be no less. At the very least... the Sect Master has entrusted you with this important task. If you handle this well, the Sect Master will naturally gain face."

Li Dazhi laughed, "There are priorities. I'm not a hopeless drunkard. I usually drink to quickly build relationships with the Immortals in the sect."

"Then how about this..."

Li Ping'an's expression turned serious, and he transmitted his voice:

"Dad, go to the Affairs Hall first and talk to the outer sect elders you know about this matter.

"You can proactively state that everything will proceed according to past practice and see if anyone tries to cause trouble.

"I'll create a detailed plan, and then you can proceed step by step. It should take about four hours."

Li Dazhi breathed a sigh of relief.

He finally felt a bit more confident.

Li Ping'an added, "Oh, Dad, when you pass by Colorful Cloud Peak, send a message to junior sister Mu, asking her to come here tomorrow morning. I'll teach her some combat routines."

Li Dazhi readily agreed and turned to send a jade slip to Mu Ningning.

This was a major matter for the Li family, and he wouldn't neglect it in the slightest.

After his father left, Li Ping'an returned to his cave abode to pay his respects to his Master and inform her that he would be helping his father organize the sect's grand competition.

"Hmm?"

Qingxu seemed a bit confused:

"Isn't your father a newly ascended Origin Immortal? He's preparing for this grand competition?"

"This," Li Ping'an spread his hands and shrugged, "I don't know why the Sect Master entrusted such an important task to my father."

"You just go and help,"

Qingxu nodded gently.

"If you need someone to move things, you can call me."

Li Ping'an almost burst out laughing. "Master, please don't worry. There are many outer disciples, and many stewards... It's just that I'm afraid I won't be able to prepare for this grand competition wholeheartedly."

"It's alright," Qingxu said earnestly. "If you get eliminated too early, I'll make sure your reward is the same as everyone else's, so you won't be at a disadvantage."

Li Ping'an: ...

He wasn't lacking in resources for cultivation, but since his Master had said so, he couldn't let her lose face.

So, Li Ping'an deliberately put on a happy expression, quickly hid it, and bowed to his Master.

"Thank you, Master! I'll go prepare now."

Qingxu seemed satisfied and continued to ponder the Great Dao by the spring.

Meanwhile, Li Ping'an returned to his room, unrolled a piece of silk, and carefully recalled the two sports meets he had participated in during his university days.

He first created an action outline.

Then, he furiously wrote, outlining the specific process of the sect's grand competition, and meticulously refined it, filling in any gaps.

After his father ascended to immortality, his status within the sect also subtly changed.

For his father, this preparation for the grand competition was also a good opportunity to gain fame.

If his father demonstrated sufficient 'leadership' and 'organizational skills,' he would naturally receive more attention from the Sect Master, and his future would be even brighter.

However, one must be careful not to overdo things and always leave some room for maneuver.

This time, the sect's grand competition only needed to achieve the effect of 'innovation within stability'; there was no need to be overly conspicuous.

Li Ping'an buried himself in writing and drawing, and unconsciously, three to four hours passed.

A communication jade slip flew through the air, hovering outside his cave abode.

Li Ping'an understood immediately. He tidied up the seven or eight scrolls in front of him, briefly finished the content of the jade slip in his hand, changed into a light blue disciple robe, and prepared to head to the main peak.

As soon as he ascended, he saw Wei Yanzi waiting above the clouds.

Li Ping'an smiled. "Steward, weren't you supposed to be taking up your post on the coast of the Eastern Sea?"

"I'll be departing after the sect's grand competition."

Wei Yanzi looked dejected.

"The sect needs people right now... Sigh, it's not as comfortable outside as it is in the mountains, but the elders have made arrangements, so I have to obey."

Wei Yanzi led him forward on his cloud, habitually using telepathic communication.

Li Ping'an briefly inquired about the situations of previous grand competitions, and Wei Yanzi readily shared everything he knew.

Simply put, in previous years, an arena was set up at the foot of the main peak, and newly admitted disciples would compete one by one.

Li Ping'an asked, "How enthusiastic are the participating disciples?"

"Enthusiasm?"

Wei Yanzi was not accustomed to such a term. After carefully considering it, he finally understood and smiled.

"Everyone values this kind of competition quite a bit. After all, it's a chance to gain fame, and the rewards given by the sect are also quite generous."

In that case, the participants' enthusiasm was not an issue.

To make the grand competition more lively, they would need to approach it from other angles.

"Steward, were there many Immortals who watched the grand competition in previous years?"

"Not many, actually."

Wei Yanzi chuckled.

"On the day of the grand competition, basically only the disciples participating were present. Most inner disciples who were past the age limit for participation wouldn't show up. Most of the Immortals present were those working in the six halls."

"This time, precisely because Qingxu was being pursued, many Immortals have come out of seclusion, so the sect wants to use this opportunity to liven things up."

This was roughly what Li Ping'an had expected.

The combat of disciples with lower cultivation levels was indeed not very interesting for Immortals.

The issue of the audience was not difficult to solve; he had already written several solutions in the jade slip.

Midway through their flight, Wei Yanzi seemed hesitant to speak, but eventually, he opened his mouth.

"Ping'an, the situation in the Affairs Hall is a bit unusual right now."

"What do you mean?"

Wei Yanzi looked ahead, his lips moving slightly.

"Originally, the grand competition would proceed according to the old rules. There were only three main tasks: building the arena, setting up the formations, and establishing the regulations. Any inner sect elder could easily oversee it."

"But this time, the Sect Master suddenly tasked Grand Ancestor Dazhi with overseeing the sect's grand competition."

"Grand Ancestor Dazhi initially intended to follow the old rules. When he was discussing with several outer sect elders, some outer sect elders who usually didn't manage affairs suddenly appeared. They half-supported and half-pressured him, putting Grand Ancestor Dazhi in a difficult position."

"Looking at them, if this year's grand competition isn't unprecedented, then Grand Ancestor Dazhi will be considered incompetent and ineffective."

"Tsk, it's infuriating, isn't it?"

Li Ping'an raised an eyebrow slightly and transmitted via spiritual sense, "Steward, when we arrive at the Affairs Hall later, point those elders out to me."

"Okay, I'll go behind them for a bit, then come back behind you."

"Thank you, Steward."

As they spoke, the Affairs Hall of the main peak was already close by.

Upon arriving at the Affairs Hall, Li Ping'an noticed that his father's condition was indeed not good.

His father was sitting in the central area of the hall with over a dozen outer sect elders, while many Immortals watched from the periphery.

Two elders were explaining the structure of the arena formation, and his father looked somewhat dazed.

In short: he was out of it.

Li Ping'an stood with his hands behind his back at the hall entrance, and a few memories from his childhood suddenly surfaced in his mind.

This was his only memory of his childhood:

[A big red banner, a brightly lit bulb hanging high, a simple stage with a long table, a microphone with a cord on the table, and the factory director, who was considered young at the time, with his slicked-back, shiny hair, giving an impassioned production encouragement speech to the employees below.]

"Ping'an, Ping'an?"

Wei Yanzi called out softly beside him. He had already circled around the backs of the four outer sect elders and returned to Li Ping'an's front.

Li Ping'an grabbed Wei Yanzi's arm and whispered a few words to him, then handed him a storage pouch.

Although Wei Yanzi didn't understand, he didn't ask why. He took what Li Ping'an gave him and hurried away with his head down.

A moment later, several outer sect disciples carried seven or eight long tables and quickly arrived at the center of the hall. Under the frowning gaze of the elders, they used the tables to form a 'door' shape and spread a dark red coarse cloth over the tabletops.

Li Dazhi was also bewildered. "What are they doing?"

Wei Yanzi quickly walked over and placed three items in front of Li Dazhi.

A 'tea mug' carved from white jade, a long, standing amplification magic artifact, and a simple recording jade slip.

The tea mug had a blue border painted along its rim, with simple images of Immortals drawn on it. On either side of the image was a small couplet.

The right side read: A Dao heart condenses immortal bones;

The left side read: Wholeheartedly serving the sect;

Horizontal scroll: Be low-key.

Li Dazhi liked the tea mug at first glance. He held it in his left hand, feeling the warmth of the hot tea inside. He looked down and saw a few small, red goji-like berries floating on the tea. He closed his eyes and let out a contented sigh.

He probed the recording jade slip with his spiritual sense and saw the clear, well-defined rules and regulations. A smile appeared on his lips.

"This?"

"Grand-Ancestor Dazhi?"

The outer sect elders were confused.

Li Dazhi looked around and quickly found Li Ping'an standing in the corner.

Father and son made eye contact, and Li Dazhi grinned.

He raised the tea mug and took a sip of the scalding fragrant tea, cleared his throat, pulled the amplification magic artifact closer, leaned forward slightly, and his eyes shone with intensity.

"Good! I'll say a few words!"