The Eve of the Grand Competition

The night before the Inner Sect Grand Competition, the moonlight was bright and the stars glittered brilliantly. Qingyun Peak, however, was ablaze with light, countless rooms glowing as disciples made their final preparations. Some were polishing their Flying Swords, others checking their talismans, and still more sat cross-legged on their beds, seizing the last moments to cultivate, hoping to squeeze out just a little more strength before the competition.

Shen Hao's dwelling, however, was utterly quiet. Unlike the tense bustle of the other disciples, he sat cross-legged on the Jade Bed, not cultivating. Instead, his eyes were half-closed, his mind sinking into his body as he sorted through his recent gains. His cultivation had broken through to Mid Qi Refining Fourth Layer, his Spiritual Energy thick and condensed, far surpassing cultivators of the same rank. The Meridian Tempering Art had been cultivated to perfection, his Meridians gleaming white like jade, increasing his Spiritual Energy circulation speed by thirty percent. The Spirit Devouring Art had broken through to the second layer, allowing him to devour attribute-specific Spiritual Energy, greatly improving his Spiritual Energy refinement efficiency. Flowing Cloud Steps had reached the third stage, "Flowing Cloud Shadow Transformation," making his movement graceful and agile, speed increased by forty percent, and capable of leaving afterimages to confuse opponents.

Beyond that, his storage pouch held five Swiftness Talismans, two Iron Armor Talismans, and one Stealth Talisman, each capable of turning the tide at a critical moment. More importantly, his recent training in the Dense Forest had given him rich practical experience, allowing him to calmly handle attacks from all kinds of spirit beasts.

As he stood now, even against a cultivator at Late Qi Refining Fourth Layer, he had the strength to fight. Even if he encountered an Early Qi Refining Fifth Layer cultivator, he was not without a chance to retaliate.

"Senior Brother Shen, are you asleep?" Just as Shen Hao finished reviewing his own strength and his heart settled into calm, Zhang Shan's voice suddenly came from outside the door, tinged with nervousness and excitement.

Shen Hao rose, walked to the door, and opened it. Zhang Shan stood there holding a food box, a simple smile on his face. Faint steam rose from the box, carrying an enticing aroma. "Senior Brother Shen, tomorrow is the Inner Sect Grand Competition. I knew you might be cultivating, so I specially made some food. Let's eat together, just to relax a bit, so we won't be too tense tomorrow."

Shen Hao smiled and stepped aside, inviting Zhang Shan in. "Thoughtful of you. I happen to be a bit hungry."

Zhang Shan placed the food box on the Stone Table and opened the lid. Inside were several delicate dishes: Spirit Grain Fried Pork, Stewed Spirit Chicken, a plate of Cold Mixed Spirit Vegetables, and beside them, a pot of crystal-clear Spirit Wine. The Spirit Wine gave off a faint, refreshing fragrance that lifted the spirits. "I made all this with ingredients from the sect. The Spirit Wine I saved up spirit stones for a long time to buy. It's not worth much, Senior Brother Shen, please don't mind it." Zhang Shan scratched his head, looking a little embarrassed.

Shen Hao picked up his chopsticks, took a bite of the Spirit Grain Fried Pork, and savored the fresh fragrance as Spiritual Energy spread through his mouth, refreshing his spirit. "The taste is excellent, much better than the sect cafeteria," he praised.

The two sat at the Stone Table, eating and chatting. As the Spirit Wine went down his throat, a warm current flowed into his belly, driving away the fatigue from his body. "Senior Brother Shen, at tomorrow's competition, do you think you can take first place?" Zhang Shan took a sip of the Spirit Wine, his eyes sparkling with anticipation as he asked curiously.

Shen Hao shook his head, set down his cup, and said calmly, "The Inner Sect disciples are a hidden dragon and crouching tiger. There are plenty at Qi Refining Fifth Layer. They've cultivated longer than I have and have deeper foundations. First place isn't that easy to take. I only hope to bring out my full strength, give it my all, and leave no regrets." He spoke the truth. The Inner Sect Grand Competition was full of hidden talents. Though his progress had been swift, he was not arrogant enough to think himself invincible.

Zhang Shan nodded, looking at Shen Hao with admiration. "Senior Brother Shen, your mindset is really good. Right now, I'm so nervous my palms are sweating. I'm afraid I'll mess up tomorrow and not even get past the first round." As he spoke, he couldn't help clenching his fists, and sure enough, his palms were damp. Though he had recently broken through to Early Qi Refining Third Layer, the lowest cultivation among the competition participants was Qi Refining Fourth Layer. For him to advance would be extremely difficult.

Shen Hao smiled, picked up a piece of Spirit Chicken, and placed it in Zhang Shan's bowl. "Relax. Treat it like an ordinary spar. You've improved quickly lately, and your swordsmanship is getting more polished. As long as you perform normally, you're sure to get a decent rank. Even if you lose, it doesn't matter. The competition is a learning opportunity. Being able to fight against strong opponents is itself a gain."

Hearing Shen Hao's words, the tension in Zhang Shan's heart gradually eased. He nodded firmly. "Mm! Senior Brother Shen, I'll listen to you! Tomorrow, I'll give it my all and never back down!"

The two talked for a long time, from cultivation insights to the spirit beasts in the Back Mountain, and then to all sorts of interesting stories within the Inner Sect. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious. Only when the night grew deep and moonlight filled the courtyard did Zhang Shan rise to leave. "Senior Brother Shen, it's getting late. I won't disturb your rest. Tomorrow, let's go to the Training Ground together."

"Alright. Tomorrow at Mao Hour, meet at the door," Shen Hao nodded, seeing Zhang Shan to the entrance.

After seeing Zhang Shan off, Shen Hao returned to his room and cleaned up the dishes on the Stone Table. He once again sat cross-legged on the Jade Bed, took out the Companion Jade Pendant, and infused it with a wisp of Spiritual Energy. The pendant emitted a faint green light, and a warm, moist aura enveloped his body, calming his mind even further. He slowly closed his eyes, regulating his breath, adjusting both body and spirit to their optimal state.

Tomorrow was the day of the Inner Sect Grand Competition. On the Training Ground, he would display his skills and contend with the top disciples of the Inner Sect. Moonlight streamed through the window lattice, casting its glow upon him, outlining his upright figure—quiet and resolute.