Gathering Spiritual Elegance in the Clouds, Forget Sorrow Stele Below the Mountain

Yang Junxiong suddenly leaped up from the ground, and then charged towards a person five meters away like a tiger or leopard descending a mountain.

"Bang!" The force of the punch penetrated through his shoulder, shattering his bones.

The opponent screamed in agony as he was thrown into the air, his spear slipping from his grasp.

"Clang!" Yang Junxiong kicked the spear, which spun in the air before landing in Yang Junxiong hand.

Upon seeing the spear held by Yang Junxiong, the others scattered, and the greed in their eyes vanished.

Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse; Yang Junxiong, Ranked Martial Artist, still possesses considerable combat power despite being injured.

Moreover, his vital energy circulated continuously, and his aura quickly recovered to 80-90% of its pre-battle state. From his appearance, his complexion was rosy, as if he was mostly recovered.

"If you want to die, come over here!" Yang Junxiong scanned the surroundings.

"Go, go quickly."

"The person has woken up again."

"Ranked Martial Artist are indeed resilient."

"Hmph, what are you pretending for? You only dare to bully us, but you still lost to Zhao Xing!"

Those who coveted the treasures on Yang Junxiong's body dispersed.

Although he lost to Mountain Cat and Zhao Xing, Yang Junxiong was no match for them either.

After the crowd dispersed, Yang Junxiong groaned and leaned on his spear to steady himself.

He was indeed injured, and quite badly so.

His internal energy was surging wildly, and the Mountain Cat's kick displaced his internal organs.

"All our efforts have been in vain." Yang Junxiong's face was deathly pale, and his eyes were extremely gloomy.

Now that it was the third wave of incense, he didn't try to snatch any more. After resting for a while, he rushed down the mountain.

The place he arrived at was the cliff where Zhao Xing was.

Upon seeing Zhao Xing riding Bamboo Horse across the mountain stream, Yang Junxiong felt extremely angry.

"He really did come here!"

"He stole my Bamboo Horse and then discovered this incredible opportunity."

"However, I still have a chance!"

Yang Junxiong silently hid behind the boulder and began to regulate his breathing.

He still held a sliver of hope that Zhao Xing wouldn't be able to find a way to gather spiritual essence, so that he could try again once the other party gave up.

But his heart started pounding as soon as he sat down.

This intense beating was a sudden Heart's Blood Surge when encountering Lingxiu.

It was stronger than ever before, surpassing all the spiritual insights he had ever received!

"What?! He found it?!"

Yang Junxiong stared wide-eyed at the scene before him in disbelief.

Zhao Xing was seen riding Bamboo Horse, leaping through the mountain stream.

Above the mountain stream, there was a misty cloud, and within the mist, a faint golden hue appeared.

As Zhao Xing moved through the clouds, the faint golden mist was absorbed into his hand as he raised his arm.

"I see. That explains why I felt such a strong sense of reluctance when I left the Mountain Cat's den, as if I had missed a great opportunity."

Zhao Xing raised his arm, Golden Light continuously absorbed it, eventually converging into the 'Stone Cup' in his hand.

"The Luck Golden Cup, so it has this function. If I lose this cup, I really won't be able to collect this spiritual essence."

At this moment, the Stone Cup once again shone brightly, Golden Light.

Yang Junxiong watched this scene with immense resentment.

He was the first to discover the opportunity in this mountain stream.

But at the time, he wasn't sure how much opportunity he could gain from this.

On the first day, I just looked around casually and then left.

After receiving the First Incense that evening, he did not choose the uncertain "High-Grade Spiritual Elegance," but instead chose two Mid-Grade Spiritual Elegance.

As he was the First Incense, the Temple Lord directly told him the location and how to obtain the two Mid-Grade Spiritual Elegance.

This First Incense also allowed him and his Bamboo Horse Zhan Hun to both Ranked Realm.

After the Ranked Realm, Yang Junxiong's sixth sense was greatly enhanced. He came here again, sensed the presence of the spiritual essence, and confirmed that it was an amazing High-Grade Spiritual Elegance!

Having learned the location, and receiving the First Incense on the second night, he then asked for a method to obtain the spiritual essence of that place.

Yang Junxiong was right; it was indeed High-Grade Spiritual Elegance. If one sought Mid-Grade Spiritual Elegance, the First Incense would directly know the location and how to obtain it! However, even though he was the First Incense, he still needed to pass a test to get the answer.

This indirectly proves that the guess was correct.

However, he was a little slow, and only barely passed the test when the First Incense was about to burn out.

When Yang Junxiong arrived at the Mountain Cat's cave, Zhao Xing had already gotten there first and subdued the Mountain Cat. Sensing the Mountain Cat's strength, Yang Junxiong could only wait outside. But by then, Zhao Xing had already taken the most crucial item— the Luck Golden Cup!

Because of Yang Junxiong's First Incense offering, Zhao Xing briefly dropped the Stone Cup. But he eventually picked it up again!

After entering the lair, Yang Junxiong found nothing.

Therefore, on the third night, Yang Junxiong revealed his trump card, ignoring even Gu Feng and Du Jiaojiao, and went straight to Zhao Xing, all for the Stone Cup on Zhao Xing's body.

But to my surprise, we still lost.

"If I had decisively seized this opportunity on the first night... perhaps the outcome would have been different." Yang Junxiong felt somewhat unwilling.

Unfortunately, there are no "what ifs." It was all fate and destiny. Yang Junxiong knew in his heart that this beautiful place was not meant for him.

"Whoa~"

Zhao Xing gathered spiritual essence from the clouds until, after filling a full cup, the golden mist had faded to the point of being barely perceptible.

The Bamboo Horse leaped back to its original position.

"Meow~~ Ha~" The Mountain Cat meowed first, then opened its mouth and yawned.

Cat Lord is almost asleep from waiting!

"Look, you're in such a hurry. If I don't get stronger, how will I find you food in the future?"

"Okay, okay, I was wrong. Here, grandpa, have some candy."

Zhao Xing took out a Heaven Yuan Pear from the Wen Bamboo Box.

"Whoosh~" The Mountain Cat leaped onto the Bamboo Horse and started munching on the Heaven Yuan Pear.

Ta-da-da~

Bamboo Horse walked slowly forward, while Zhao Xing absorbed all the luck.

Previously, Luck Golden Cup was found in the Mountain Cat cave, but it was only half full.

This time, however, it was a whole cup full!

After absorbing this Luck Spiritual Elegance, Zhao Xing's fortune level finally changed.

It changed from Derivation Two to Derivation Three!

"It's really rare to see someone Derivation Three in terms of luck so quickly," Zhao Xing with some emotion.

It's very difficult to improve one's luck level. One may have already reached the Fifth Grade in cultivation, but the luck level is still at the Derivation Three.

If one is in the court, things are a little better; if one is out of the government, even with a cultivation level of three or four, one's fortune is only at the Derivation Three stage.

Especially after the fall of the Dynasty of Fate, the acquisition methods became even more difficult.

"Clang! Clang!"

Suddenly, the sound of bells echoed through the mountains.

All the officials raised their heads, their expressions showing reluctance.

"It's time to go down the mountain." Zhao Xing glanced at the time, knowing that the temple was reminding the officials to descend.

They only have three days and three nights to fight for it.

Regardless of whether there was any gain or loss, everyone had to descend the mountain when the time came.

"This time I've had a very fruitful haul. I wonder if I'll be surprised when I get out. I bet Old Chen and the teacher will be surprised too." Zhao Xing spurred his horse and galloped more than ten meters away in the blink of an eye.

The officials began to descend the mountain, but Lu Qian was anxiously searching for something.

Finally, he found Zong Shichang in a pavilion.

"Zong Shiba, have you seen Zhao Xing?" Lu Qian asked.

"No, what's wrong?" Zong Shichang asked, puzzled. "Did something happen?"

But Lu Qian refused to say anything, and after looking around and not seeing anyone, she left with Du Jiaojiao and Liu Muqing.

"That's weird," Zong Shichang muttered. "I wonder what Zhao Sanjia did to offend her."

At the foot of the mountain, at Earth Altar Plaza.

It was still dark, but many officials and powerful families were already waiting there.

Upon hearing the bells on the mountain, they knew that the officials' ascent of Spirit Mountain was about to end.

Xue Wenzhong looked out from the viewing area with some worry in his eyes.

Seeing this, Chen Shijie comforted him, "Elder Xue, there's no need to worry too much. Although that kid is only at the Gathering Yuan Fourth Level, he's smart. Even if he doesn't gain anything, he'll at least keep his life. Please sit down and have a cup of tea."

Upon hearing this, Xue Wenzhong sat down. He didn't pick up his teacup, but sighed and said, "I'm just afraid he's too clever for his own good. You said that if he doesn't listen to advice and goes up the mountain on the first day..."

Xue Wenzhong could tell that Zhao Xing was indeed arrogant and not one to follow the rules. Although he repeatedly told him to accumulate enough straw figures before going up the mountain, Xue Wenzhong felt uneasy if he didn't see him for a day.

He was terrified of hearing bad news.

Chen Shijie said calmly, "No, I have confidence in him. You just wait and see, maybe this kid can give us a surprise."

"There's no need for surprises, I just want him to return safely."

Since it was the third day, the initial excitement of the Autumn Equinox harvest had subsided, and fewer ordinary people came to visit.

However, Zhao Ruide still brought his wife and children and waited at the foot of the mountain in the dark.

"Father, how much longer until my brother is out?"

Zhao Ruide said, "It will be soon. The bell will ring at 5:00 AM, and we will definitely be down the mountain before 7:00 AM."

When he was young, he also participated in the gathering of spiritual essences, but Zhao Ruide only gathered a Low-Grade Spiritual Elegance before leaving the mountain, though he knew the rules.

When the time comes, the living will be seen, and the dead will be seen.

"Mom, don't sleep anymore, my older brother will be down soon."

"Hmm, Zheng'er, don't make a fuss, let your mother sleep a little longer..." Madam Cai got up very early, but she was still very sleepy. She found a stool in the viewing area and fell asleep again.

In the viewing area, there was a temporary tent. Inside one of the larger tents, a middle-aged man with a bulky build was pacing back and forth.

"Master, please stop shaking me, it's making my heart race." A woman got out of bed, lifting the covers. "Chang'er will be alright."

Zong Yonglong sighed, "How can I be at ease without seeing Chang'er?"

He has been guarding this place for three days.

Zong Yonglong wasn't originally this worried, but unexpectedly, on the very first day, one of the four skilled fighters he had hired to protect died!

So these past few days, Zong Yonglong hasn't slept well at all, always afraid of hearing bad news.

Fortunately, he did not see Zong Shichang's body appear in the next two days, but now that the event is nearing its end, he can't help but feel uneasy.

"It's almost over." Two fishermen, carrying their loads and arriving early, casually glanced at the fish in the buckets. "I wonder which fish will survive, and which will soar to the sky."

"God help us." Another fisherman grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth, and poked at the water in the bucket with his fingers. "I hope these fish will survive so we can sell them for a good price."

"Keep a close eye on them, not just the fish, but also the officers."

"I know, I know."

Qin Feng and his three companions walked listlessly down the mountain path.

Their mountain climbing attempt was a complete waste of time and effort.

Despite having obtained spiritual essence multiple times, it was always stolen from him, and not only that, he also lost some money.

"It's all that damned Zhao Xing's fault!" Qin Feng said bitterly. "If it weren't for him, we might have already broken through."

"And Zhou Gang and Fang Jie, they're despicable too!"

If you never see Lingxiu from beginning to end, that's fine, but it's really frustrating to get her after all the hard work only to have her snatched away.

"Senior Brother Qin, what are you talking about?" The seventh junior brother turned around, somewhat bewildered, and looked at Qin Feng. "What Zhao Xing? Who is Zhao Xing?"

"Yeah, what are you talking about?" The other two also turned around in confusion.

"You..." Qin Feng was about to explain, but he took two more steps forward and, without realizing it, had already crossed the Dao Stone at the foot of the mountain.

"What are you talking about? Did I just say something?" Qin Feng looked somewhat confused.

"You seemed to be talking about Zhao something, and you also mentioned Zhou Gang and Fang Jie."

"Really?" Qin Feng turned around blankly, only to see a swirling mist. "What happened on the mountain?"

After passing the Forget Sorrow Stele, with each step they took, the four of them's memories of the mountain grew weaker and weaker, and everything about the mountain faded away.

After walking a hundred meters away from the Forget Sorrow Stele, I couldn't remember anything at all. I only knew that I had walked around the mountain and found nothing.

Shaking his head, Qin Feng and his companions arrived outside the Earth Altar Plaza, where an official from the Lake City Martial Division was waiting. Seeing that Qin Feng and his group's cultivation levels hadn't changed, the official looked somewhat disappointed, offered a few words of encouragement, and then ignored them.

Qin Feng and his group left the tent and saw Fang Jie and Zhou Gang as soon as they got outside.

"Brother Qin, did you find anything?" Zhou Gang asked Guest Qi.

"Nothing to show for it." Qin Feng forced a smile. "What about Brother Zhou and Brother Fang?"

"It's strange, Brother Zhou and I went down the mountain yesterday for some reason. We didn't get anything, but we ended up with a hundred taels of silver notes," Fang Jie said.

"Hmm? It's strange that the mountain god would give out silver notes." Qin Feng found it odd, but also felt a bit envious.

One hundred taels! That's like striking it rich.

Down the mountain, Zong Shichang, Uncle Cang, Uncle Hu, Yuan Bo, and others emerged from the mist together.

There were quite a few people, about seventeen or eighteen in total.

"Huh? I've broken through!"

"Hahaha, I've reached the Gathering Yuan Seventh Level!"

"Hiss, my secret technique Ten Thousand Layer Mountain, has actually reached the ninth level?"

Three of them cried out in delight, while the others watched with envy.

Only a lucky few manage to make a harvest on the mountain; most people end up with nothing.

"Uncle Cang, you're at the Ninth Order? No, wait, I'm at the Gathering Yuan Seventh Level myself! Hey, where's my money?" Zong Shichang exclaimed, rummaging through his Wen Bamboo Box. "Two thousand taels of silver notes, just like that? Not a penny left?"

Yuan Bo looked around and then at Zong Shichang: "Young Master Zong, you have Gathering Yuan Seventh Level, which is quite an improvement. You also came down the mountain with us, so it seems that the agreement has been fulfilled."

Zong Shichang nodded and said, "Yes, it's done. It exceeded expectations! Thank you all."

The old official cupped his hands to the others and said, "In that case, I will take my leave first. Uncle Cang, Lu Hu, farewell."

Goodbye.

Seeing this, Uncle Cang and Lu Hu also cupped their hands in greeting to Zong Shichang: "Young Master Zong, we're going back to report now."

"Very well, our Zong Family will certainly take your matters to heart." Zong Shichang then bowed to the two men again.

Thank you.

Zong Shichang's descent from the mountain, with its large number of followers and significant progress, immediately attracted attention.

Soon, Gao Linong from the Agricultural Supervisorate and Zong Yonglong appeared before Zong Shichang.

"My son, you've finally come out!" The middle-aged woman immediately rushed over, grabbing Zong Shichang's arm and looking him over from left to right. "Chang'er, are you hurt? Where does it hurt?"

"Mother, I'm perfectly fine." Zong Shichang held his mother's hand.

"Are you hungry? Oh dear, your face is so thin. There's food in the tent, Mommy will go get it for you right away..."

Zong Yonglong frowned and said, "Alright, stop crying. Lord Gao is still here. Go to the tent first... Lord Gao, please excuse my rudeness."

Gao Linong smiled and said, "Madam Zong and Shichang have a deep mother-son bond; how could you possibly laugh at us?"

Zong Yonglong called his son over, "Let Master Gao take a look."

Gao Linong held Zong Shichang's wrist, then congratulated Zong Yonglong, saying, "Congratulations, President Zong, you have Gathering Yuan Seventh Level and are in good health without any hidden injuries."

"Very well." Zong Yonglong finally breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "This is all thanks to Lord Gao's excellent guidance. I will definitely pay a visit to express my gratitude another day."

Gao Linong smiled broadly, "This is my duty, Chairman Zong, you 'Guest Qi."

He then bowed and took his leave, giving the father and son some private space.

"Father, can Wang Dong go down the mountain?" Zong Shichang asked. "I have gained a lot this time. I definitely couldn't have done it alone."

Young Master Zong has a very clear understanding of himself.

"Wang Dong is dead," Zong Yonglong said calmly.

"What?!" Zong Shichang exclaimed in surprise.

"He died on the first day, but don't worry, his family will be taken care of." Zong Yonglong said, "You don't need to worry about this. You should rest and then go to Gao Linong's place to show your face in front of the officials in the county."

"Oh."

More and more officials came down the mountain, and officials from various departments of the Gucheng government were eagerly waiting.

The one laughing the most was Gao Linong.

Because of his two prized students, Zong Shichang jumped from the Gathering Yuan Fourth Level Realm to the Gathering Yuan Seventh Level. Although his magic skills did not improve, it was still a great progress.

As for Li Chengfeng, it was even more exaggerated. He was at the Gathering Yuan Fifth Level before going up the mountain, but after coming down the mountain, he actually reached the Gathering Yuan Ninth Level! Moreover, his magic skills also greatly improved!

In contrast, so far, none of the other Agricultural Official have shown anything particularly impressive.

"Congratulations, Master Gao." Tang Wanchun felt uneasy because his student, Xiao Ze, had made no progress whatsoever.

Wen Nanxing, whom Pang Yuan taught, only broke through from the Gathering Yuan Fourth Level Realm to the Gathering Yuan Seventh Level.

"I don't deserve it, I don't deserve your congratulations. That's their own good fortune, what does it have to do with me?" Gao Linong pretended to be modest, but the corners of his mouth were turned up high.

Feeling smug, he couldn't help but become a little arrogant, and deliberately asked, "Those Grade A in the last assessment should all be out by now, right? I wonder if Zhao Xing from Locust Willow Courtyard has come down the mountain yet?"

"I haven't seen it yet," Pang Yuan replied.

"Could something have gone wrong?"

Chen Shijie ignored the man, but Xue Wenzhong couldn't help but yell, "Shut your stinking mouth!"

"You..." Gao Linong was taken aback and was about to Tang Wanchun stepped in to smooth things over. "Old Xue, why get angry..."

"Shut up too!" Xue Wenzhong stood up, his beard and hair crackling with electricity.

Pang Yuan tactically drank his tea, but when he saw Xue Wenzhong's eyes sweep over him, his movements immediately froze.

Well... I didn't say anything!

However, he still slowly placed his hands on his knees. Given Xue Wenzhong's age and seniority, if he were to slap him, he wouldn't be able to reason with him.

When an honest man gets angry, it's extraordinary. This was the first time they had ever seen Xue Wenzhong get angry; his power was simply astonishing.

For a moment, all the Sub-Ninth Rank Agricultural Official present became as obedient as quails, sitting up straight and not daring to utter another sound.

Just when the atmosphere was at its most oppressive, a sudden exclamation came from outside.

"Someone else is coming out! It's an official from Gucheng!"

"My God, who is that person? How could they have such a huge haul?!"

Chen Shijie's eyes lit up, and he suddenly stood up and rushed out.