Red Affix: Seven Orifices Exquisite

"Second brother, this matter depends entirely on you!"

With a sigh, Laozi found it hard to judge even when Yuanshi Tianzun took the initiative to ask.

After all, no one had expected that Duobao and Guang Chengzi, the Direct Disciples of the Chan and Jie Sects, would choose to concede at this moment, outright abandoning sect honor for personal gain.

This seemed reasonable on the surface, but for two Direct Disciples, it was clearly unacceptable—even unbearable for Yuanshi Tianzun and Sect Master Tongtian.

Especially for Yuanshi Tianzun, who valued face above all.

Guang Chengzi's actions were a direct slap in the face; not killing him outright was already an act of extraordinary leniency. Naturally, he could no longer be allowed to remain a Direct Disciple or serve as the Senior Brother of the Chan Teachings.

"And you, third brother?"

Failing to get a satisfactory answer from Laozi, Yuanshi Tianzun felt some disappointment.

But then, his gaze shifted to Sect Master Tongtian, since the latter was in the same situation. Whether to make this decision outright, he found himself momentarily uncertain.

"I won't directly strip him of his position as a Direct Disciple."

Glancing at Yuanshi Tianzun, Sect Master Tongtian said after a brief pause: "But I will remove his status as the Senior Direct Disciple. After returning, I'll pick a time to reselect a new Senior Direct Disciple."

"Duobao's strength is decent, but compared to Gui Ling and Kong Xuan, he falls far short. So I won't have much of a problem here."

At these words, the corner of Yuanshi Tianzun's mouth twitched.

Though he now looked down on Guang Chengzi, there was no denying that among the Twelve Golden Immortals, Guang Chengzi was indeed the strongest.

Even if Huang Long and Yu Ding had performed well, defeating him would be an immense challenge. Especially if Guang Chengzi later made it into the top three, he would receive an Innate Spirit Treasure as a reward. Among the second-generation disciples, finding someone who could fight and beat him would be truly difficult.

But soon, Yuanshi Tianzun made up his mind, looking toward the arena: "In that case, I'll follow your plan, third brother."

"As for the disciples' strength..."

Pausing here, Yuanshi Tianzun hesitated, then said decisively: "Huang Long is qualified to cultivate the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Technique, and Yu Ding is no exception."

"When the time comes, I'll grant them the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Technique. Once they complete their transition, they should be able to grow strong in a short time and defeat him."

"Boom~"

While the Three Pure Ones were conversing, Li Yun and Yu Ding had already been fighting for some time.

With a low shout, Li Yun struck out with a palm, landing it on Yu Ding's chest.

With a muffled groan, blood seeped from the corner of Yu Ding's mouth, and his Magical Power around him briefly stalled.

After a long moment, Yu Ding came back to his senses, seeming to realize something. He looked up at Li Yun with a complicated expression, then stood up and bowed: "Thank you, Daoist Li Yun, for holding back."

"This match is my loss."

With that, Yu Ding let out a relieved breath, inwardly grateful to Li Yun.

Others might not have noticed, but as the one involved, he had felt that after the first few hundred exchanges, he could no longer hold on—he was barely managing to defend.

But at that point, Li Yun had actively reduced some of his strength, allowing them to fight until now.

In this battle, though he had lost, with Li Yun's help, he had preserved both face and substance, owing Li Yun a favor.

[Defeated Yu Ding. Reward Trait: Seven Orifices Exquisite (Red)]

[Seven Orifices Exquisite (Red): After Equipping, the user can focus on seven tasks simultaneously without interference.]

"Not bad."

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"This trait is highly valuable."

Nodding in satisfaction, Li Yun was very pleased with this reward.

Though he could already multitask to some extent, he couldn't truly do so without interference.

For instance, when controlling the True Dragon Soul, if he tried to use other techniques, it became somewhat awkward—just like his previous Three-in-One method.

But if he could Equip the Seven Orifices Exquisite trait, he could maximize its value. Unfortunately, he had no empty trait slots now. Otherwise, not only this seven-in-one focus, but also the domain traits he had obtained earlier could be Equipped.

"Empty Trait Slot."

"When will I get that reward again?"

Muttering inwardly, Li Yun kept a calm exterior as he cupped his hands in salute: "Martial Brother Yu Ding, you yield."

Then, Li Yun's gaze swept the surroundings, and he spoke: "Does any Martial Brother or Martial Sister from the Chan and Jie Sects wish to offer further instruction?"

As he spoke, Li Yun looked toward Duobao and Guang Chengzi.

Though those two had already conceded, he still coveted the traits on them.

Unfortunately, no one answered his question, and no one responded. Duobao and Guang Chengzi simply turned their heads away, ignoring him entirely.

Seeing this, Li Yun knew the matter was settled.

Though not perfect, he had gained many powerful traits, making this a fruitful endeavor.

With that thought, he had no intention of continuing to fight. Turning toward the Three Pure Ones on the high platform, he bowed: "Master, Two Martial Uncles, does this count as this disciple winning the tournament?"

"Of course!"

Before Laozi could speak, Yuanshi Tianzun said first: "Martial Nephew Li Yun has overpowered the disciples of both sects to claim the top spot. This Seat is extremely pleased and satisfied!"

As he spoke, Yuanshi Tianzun beckoned with his hand, and a mirror appeared in his grasp.

Immediately after, Yuanshi Tianzun tossed it to Li Yun and said, "This object is a High-Grade Innate Spirit Treasure: the Yin Yang Mirror. It is not a reward for this Exchange Meeting, but rather a reward for your performance here."

"Hiss~"

Hearing this, the disciples of the Chan and Jie Sects around them couldn't help but draw in a sharp breath of cold air.

The Twelve Golden Immortals, in particular, now stared with blazing eyes.

None of them had ever imagined that Yuanshi Tianzun would pull such a move—directly gifting a High-Grade Innate Spirit Treasure to Li Yun, and explicitly stating it was not part of the Combat Tournament's rewards.

What did this mean?

It meant that Li Yun would still receive another High-Grade Innate Spirit Treasure later on. This was simply...

"Many thanks, Second Martial Uncle!"

After a moment of stunned silence, Li Yun reached out to accept the Yin Yang Mirror and bowed respectfully.

This treasure was originally supposed to belong to Guang Chengzi; he had never expected Yuanshi Tianzun to bestow it upon him.

What's more, from the latter's words, Li Yun could hear dissatisfaction and a sense of frustration over wasted potential.

Of course, this was not directed at him, but most likely at the treasure's original owner: Guang Chengzi.

Not only that, but he also noticed that aside from his own Master, Laozi, even Sect Master Tongtian's expression was extremely grim.

In an instant, Li Yun's thoughts churned, and he muttered inwardly, "Good heavens!"

"Guang Chengzi and Duobao have overplayed their hand!"

"Their little schemes couldn't fool the Saints, but they've also angered them. I'm afraid..."