Three years later.
It happened to be time for Dan Ding Sect's once-a-decade inner disciple tournament.
On the arena.
Lu Wenyuan flicked his fingers repeatedly, scattering one top-grade first-rank spirit talisman after another as though they cost nothing. They transformed into an endless barrage of spell attacks.
Under such a "lavish to the point of inhumanity" assault, an opposing disciple who was likewise at the Great Perfection of the tenth level of Qi Refining struggled to hold on for a while, but was still knocked off the arena along with his shield.
"Thank you for yielding, Junior Brother!"
Three years had passed, but they had not brought Lu Wenyuan many changes.
He wore the azure robe representing an inner disciple of Dan Ding Sect, and his bearing had become somewhat gentler.
"The winner is Lu Wenyuan!"
The Foundation Establishment elder acting as referee nodded and let Lu Wenyuan leave.
Lu Wenyuan bowed, then walked beneath the arena, where he heard discussions coming from all around him.
"Is that Senior Brother Lu? I heard his talisman skills are practically divine!"
"Practically divine? Isn't he just throwing spirit stones around? I could do that too!"
"You'd need that many spirit stones first. Senior Brother Lu is a top-grade first-rank alchemist. He can earn dozens of spirit stones from a single batch, which is how he can afford so many talismans..."
"Having won this battle, Senior Brother Lu is guaranteed a place in the top twenty. He has a chance at a Foundation Establishment Pill! If he wins one more match, wouldn't he be able to compete for a spot among the Ten Great Disciples?"
The various discussions reached him, and Lu Wenyuan gave a cold laugh inwardly, utterly unconcerned.
In truth, he had no intention of continuing the fight. In the