Befriending One or Two

Who was just sending me a message?

Judging by the tone, it sounded like someone important. The Daoist resonance of the message was also quite obscure and profound. I figured it must be some Heavenly Immortal Elder from the sect who wanted to befriend my father and was looking for an opening through me.

Li Ping'an bowed his head towards the air, indicating that he had heard the message and would work hard in the future.

Li Ping'an didn't take this message to heart.

It was probably just a small reward from a powerful figure in the sect, not like they would give him a treasure of the Spiritual Treasure level.

Magic treasures greatly enhanced the combat strength of Qi cultivators, and they were divided into detailed grades. From mortal to saint, they were roughly divided into six major tiers:

[Magic Artifact, Magic Treasure, Immortal Treasure, Houtian Spiritual Treasure, Xiantian Spiritual Treasure, Xiantian Supreme Treasure.]

For ordinary Origin Immortals, a few high-grade Immortal Treasures were enough to make a name for themselves.

- The situation of Li Ping'an, who was in the Light Condensation Realm, possessing over ten Immortal Treasures was purely an anomaly and not worth referencing.

Houtian Spiritual Treasures were essentially Immortal Treasures that had developed sentience and possessed immense power, making them the pursuit of most Heavenly Immortals.

In ancient times, Houtian Spiritual Treasures were even rarer than Xiantian Spiritual Treasures. However, with the rise of living beings and the development of cultivation methods, artifact refining techniques also emerged. From ancient times to the present, a large number of Houtian Spiritual Treasures have been born in the world.

Because the definition of Houtian Spiritual Treasures was too broad, any Immortal Treasure that had developed sentience could be included in this category. Therefore, the gap between Houtian Spiritual Treasures was enormous.

Xiantian Spiritual Treasures were mostly born around the time of the creation of heaven and earth. They were inherently rare, and the vast majority were in the hands of various ancient and primordial powerful beings. Any one of them possessed the power to overturn seas and shake the heavens.

As for Xiantian Supreme Treasures, they were even rarer.

It was said that only a few such treasures existed in the world, all in the hands of the six Sect Master-level powerhouses. They rarely appeared in public, and their appearance would surely bring great disaster.

The Immortal Treasures on Li Ping'an were mostly "borrowed" by Li Dazhi from the old Daoist Kongming. There were also a few Immortal Treasures gifted by Elders from the sect. Their preciousness lay in the expensive materials used, and skilled True Immortals and Heavenly Immortals could refine them.

For these Immortal Treasures of his to develop their own sentience, it couldn't be said to be impossible, only that the chances were extremely slim.

Houtian Spiritual Treasures not only had extremely stringent requirements for the materials of the magic treasures but also required meticulous nurturing over a long period...

Li Ping'an calmed his mind and, along with the surrounding disciples, rose to look at the arena.

The Peak Master of Colorful Cloud Peak departed on a cloud. Four Outer Sect Elders, all from Colorful Cloud Peak, jointly ascended the stage. They bowed to all four directions and began to read out the detailed rules for the Earth Ranking battle, explaining what a points match, a group round-robin, and an elimination round were.

When the disciples heard that it wasn't a 'one-match-decides-all' system but rather a ranking based on accumulated points from each match, their confidence soared.

After announcing the rules, the four old women simultaneously made their move, laying down a total of four layers of barriers around the arena. Then, they quietly sat in meditation at the edge of the arena, maintaining the operation of the immortal power barrier.

Li Ping'an secretly thought it was extravagant.

Normally, like Xuyun Peak, they would set up some defensive formations on the arena to prevent the disciples from smashing it;

Colorful Cloud Peak not only set up formations but also deployed four True Immortals to guard them.

This also had an advantage: disciples could fight more freely during combat, and someone would be there to rescue them in case of danger.

Clang!

With two gongs sounding, the combat began.

The first to appear was none other than Mu Ningning, who had previously shone brightly. Her opponent was a disciple from Colorful Cloud Peak in the middle stage of the Void Refining Realm.

This must have been arranged by Colorful Cloud Peak.

Mu Ningning was a disciple of Colorful Cloud Peak and had fought her way up from the Human Ranking. She had left a deep impression on people before, so having her start the match was perfect.

However, Junior Sister Mu had only been a disciple for two years, and her cultivation was only in the Light Condensation Realm, which was too low compared to other Earth Ranking participants. Therefore, they chose a Colorful Cloud Peak disciple as Mu Ningning's opponent.

This way, no matter who won or lost on the arena, Colorful Cloud Peak would be the ultimate winner.

'It's not exactly a rigged game.'

The two female cultivators on stage had already begun their combat, and Li Ping'an observed them carefully.

Mu Ningning immediately summoned her Swallow Escape Stakes. Relying on the advantage of her magic treasure, she engaged in a fierce battle with the Colorful Cloud Peak disciple.

Her opponent had likely watched the Human Ranking battles and had already devised a way to counter the Swallow Escape Stakes. Although she couldn't break Mu Ningning's Swallow Escape Stakes, she steadily defended against Mu Ningning's waves of attacks, in turn consuming Mu Ningning's magic power.

This senior sister also possessed several decent defensive magic treasures, and Mu Ningning's attacks posed no threat to her.

As the years of discipleship increased, while the cultivation of inner disciples continuously improved, their Masters and respective lineages would bestow them with several magic treasures or even immortal treasures for protection.

This was also the main reason why the Earth Ranking was several times more difficult than the Human Ranking.

The situation on the arena entered a brief stalemate.

The combat between the two beautiful female cultivators was a pleasure to behold, and the several thousand spectators did not find it boring.

Mu Ningning's attacks became increasingly urgent. After a while, her internal magic power was difficult to sustain.

The senior sister seized the opportunity and suddenly summoned a bell. With its crisp ringing sound, Mu Ningning's magic power circulation was immediately obstructed, causing her to fall out of her Swallow Escape Stakes and onto the arena.

A long sword was placed at Mu Ningning's neck, but was immediately withdrawn. The senior sister quickly stepped forward and helped Mu Ningning up.

Li Ping'an had expected Mu Ningning to be dejected.

Unexpectedly, Mu Ningning cheerfully shouted, "Senior Sister is so amazing! It's just that my cultivation is too shallow!"

"Junior Sister, you've only been here for a short time. I feel ashamed of my victory. Come here, Senior Sister will help you check your injuries."

The two female cultivators held hands as they left the stage to retrieve their jade tokens nearby.

Li Ping'an frowned as he watched from the side.

No, why didn't he encounter such gentle senior brothers and sisters?

Oh, right, he hasn't lost yet.

In the first match, that senior sister accumulated three points, and Mu Ningning scored zero.

The second group of disciples had already started fighting on stage. This time, it was a mid-stage Void Refining Realm cultivator against a late-stage Void Refining Realm cultivator. The momentum was immense, and the spells were extraordinary. Various spells were unleashed one after another, and several magic treasures were thrown around wildly.

Li Ping'an watched with great enjoyment.

As for the upcoming matches, Li Ping'an wasn't too worried.

Firstly, his cultivation realm was already much higher than Mu Ningning's, and he could even spar with disciples on the Earth Ranking.

Secondly, with this point-based system, he only needed to win four matches to safely enter the next stage of the elimination rounds. Even if he got lucky and won two and drew two, he might still qualify for the elimination rounds.

Among the disciples participating in the Earth Ranking competition, there were only about six or seven late-stage Void Refining Realm cultivators. It was unlikely he would continuously face them.

This was called making reasonable use of the rules.

Although he was the one who set the rules.

"Next match! Human character One-Two versus Earth character Four-Three!"

An Immortal on the stage was already shouting. Li Ping'an, carrying the Cloud Soaring Spear, leaped to the edge of the arena and looked at the senior sister in front of him, whose peak of origin was unknown.

The two bowed to each other and then displayed their divine abilities.

Li Ping'an used a combination of talisman techniques and spear formations, completely suppressing the female cultivator throughout the fight. She couldn't even touch his clothes.

Li Ping'an also had unique research on the continuity of magic power, and he never experienced a shortage of magic power throughout the match.

Even after the female cultivator conceded, Li Ping'an still had more than half of his magic power remaining. After returning to the stands, he took a spiritual pill he had refined himself and meditated for a while, his magic power replenished.

In this manner, Li Ping'an won two rounds in a row, attracting a lot of attention.

Mu Ningning and the third-ranked disciple on the Human Ranking both suffered two consecutive defeats.

After all, the gap in cultivation was too large, and losing was understandable. Someone like Li Ping'an, who kept winning, was indeed a bit abnormal.

In the third round, Li Ping'an encountered the second strongest opponent in this grand competition.

It was a young male cultivator dressed in a white robe. His long hair, tied into a Dao bun, was meticulously styled. He had a handsome face and a tall, slender figure. He carried two immortal treasure long swords on his back, and his eyes were full of the desire to win.

Upon stepping onto the stage, he first cupped his hands towards Li Ping'an and then said loudly:

"I am Gu Qingcheng from Sword Cloud Peak! I have been a disciple for nine years and ten months, and I am now at the eighth stage of Void Refining! I feel quite ashamed to be facing you, fellow Daoist! I will use my full strength to win, as a sign of my respect for you!"

Li Ping'an smiled and nodded.

The Immortals of Sword Cloud Peak were skilled in sword control techniques. He was eager to experience it today.

Clang!

As the gong sounded, the combat began!

Li Ping'an lunged forward in a bow stance, flying low to the ground with an unstoppable momentum!

A point of cold light arrived first, and then the spear shot out like a dragon!

"Well met!"

Gu Qingcheng roared with determination. He rapidly shifted his body to the left, forming sword fingers with both hands and pointing backward. The two immortal swords on his back were simultaneously drawn from their sheaths, their sharp sword cries echoing through the clouds!

In the next instant, the two immortal swords transformed into two celestial cranes and pounced towards Li Ping'an, leaving trails of afterimages in the air.

Li Ping'an flipped backward, and with his left hand, he flicked out a stack of yellow paper talismans.

With a rustling sound, dozens of talismans shot forward like an arrow rain, colliding head-on with the two white cranes. They then exploded into layers of mist.

The two white cranes flapped their wings and charged out of the mist. Li Ping'an dodged into the clouds.

"Illusions are useless against me!"

Gu Qingcheng shouted loudly. His body soared into the sky like a roc spreading its wings. He pointed his right finger at the sky and his left finger at the ground, then drew a circle to merge them!

The mist surged upwards, and within it, the sounds of tigers roaring and dragons crying emerged. Several illusory figures of 'Li Ping'an' formed from the mist leaped up with spears!

Gu Qingcheng rapidly pointed his sword fingers, and the two white cranes, transformed from immortal swords, flapped their wings and flew swiftly, instantly shattering the illusory figures that rushed out of the mist!

Gu Qingcheng opened and closed his hands again. Swords of energy, spewing green sword light, rapidly condensed in front of him and shot out, bombarding all parts of the mist.

"Hahaha! Is this the only power your spear formation has! Come on, come on!"

'Myriad Cloud Sword Dao is truly this sharp.'

Behind Gu Qingcheng, within a wisp of mist lingering in a corner, Li Ping'an's true body squatted quietly.

He was carefully observing Gu Qingcheng's movements, trying to grasp this guy's sword control method.

Gu Qingcheng's sword control technique was very sharp, and those two immortal treasure flying swords were difficult to deal with...

Although his Master had said he could use three or more techniques when he was about to lose; Li Ping'an carefully considered that the probability of him encountering late-stage Void Refining Realm disciples again was not very high. He only needed to qualify for the next stage of the competition, so there was no need to win all six matches.

Therefore, Li Ping'an turned his head and quietly slipped off the stage.

On the stage, Gu Qingcheng continuously activated his sword control technique. The two immortal swords were in the mist, and his trembling hands maintained a semi-closed posture, constantly using his magic power to condense clusters of energy swords, continuing to blast the field.

He still kept shouting:

"Stop hiding! Come out! Hahahaha! Your spear formation is perfectly suppressed by me! Although this is an unfair victory, you should at least come out! I definitely won't hurt you!"

The referee immortal beside them frowned, wanting to remind Gu Qingcheng but unable to interject.

This Sword Cloud Peak disciple talked too much.

Below the stage, Li Ping'an had already retrieved his jade token. He bowed to the old steward and turned to leave.

"Hehehe, interesting."

The Sect Master squinted and smiled, introducing to several sect masters with extraordinary immortal bearing beside him:

"This Light Condensation Realm disciple who just came off the stage is the only son of my junior brother Dazhi. He only started cultivating in the mountain three years ago."

A group of senior experts either stroked their beards and chuckled or nodded their heads.

Li Dazhi, seated behind the Sect Master, maintained his honest smile and said nothing.

Gu Qingcheng continued to provoke the arena for a while longer before finally being swept off the stage by the referee immortal's sleeve.

Unexpectedly, Gu Qingcheng didn't even collect his jade token. He directly jumped off the stage to Li Ping'an and stared at this 'Human Ranking Number One' with a frown.

"Ah, this! If you directly concede, won't it damage your Dao heart?"

Gu Qingcheng frowned and said:

"My energy swords don't have much power. A hit on you would only be a minor injury. Wouldn't you know if you just took one head-on!

"Now look, I've become a bully picking on someone younger.

"What will everyone think of me? I should have just forfeited from the start. You're really something, why did you leave!"

Li Ping'an placed a cushion beside him and said with a smile, "I am a few years older than you, but I started cultivating late. For now, please consider me your elder brother. Please, have a seat."

"Hey, I know about you! Everyone's been talking about it!"

Gu Qingcheng didn't stand on ceremony and sat down with a rather casual posture. He watched the next duel about to begin on the stage and muttered softly:

"A few disciples we know were discussing who would encounter you. We decided to give your father some face and not beat you too badly.

"But speaking of which, you've only been cultivating for three years, how do you know so many things?

"Formations, movement techniques, illusionary immortal arts... Good heavens, I haven't even mastered a single sword control technique myself. My Master gave me nine immortal swords, and I can only control two right now."

Li Ping'an casually replied, "Sword Dao is paramount, other arts are scattered. It's hard to distinguish their quality."

"Sword Dao is paramount. Ah, your way of putting it is quite interesting. The Dao of the Sword, the Way of the Sword..."

Gu Qingcheng blinked, turned to look at Li Ping'an, and saw the knowing smile on Li Ping'an's lips. He couldn't help but lower his head to ponder.

After a short while, Gu Qingcheng directly sat cross-legged and began meditating. A wisp of mist emerged around him.

Soon, an immortal from Sword Cloud Peak descended, bowed to Li Ping'an in thanks, and then set up a barrier around Gu Qingcheng.

Li Ping'an was a little stunned.

He hadn't intentionally guided this person just now!