"Junior Brother Jiang, we'll go first."
Lusheng led Liu Haitang and the pretty woman deeper into a certain direction.
He did not go with Jiang Ping. The Dangerous Land was too great, and the Supreme Qi was hard to find. It was easier for them to go their separate ways.
Moment.
Jiang Ping set off alone, entering the area along a small path.
He entered the outer area of Dangerous Land zone.
The flowers and plants here are abundant and growing at an astonishing rate, with exotic grasses reaching three zhang in height, petals larger than a human face, and ancient trees a hundred zhang in height.
Jiang Ping seemed to stand amidst a wondrous landscape that did not belong to the human world.
He paused briefly, gazing at the waterfall cascading down in front of him, a length of three hundred feet, crystal clear and exceptionally magnificent.
At that moment, a series of exclamations came from nearby.
"This is the Profound Water Essence!"
"The Yi Wood Essence!"
Jiang Ping was moved. So this was Dangerous Land? Not long after entering, people had already discovered various precious spiritual energies.
Moreover, according to Master Xie, such a resource-rich area can only be considered slightly above average; in the Great Li, there are even more abundant and wondrous resource-rich areas.
He glanced around and saw that many Martial Academy students had already begun collecting materials; they were all Fifth Rank Middle Stage Martial Artists, and there were also quite a few Seventh Stage True Qi masters showing off their "muscles."
Students from different factions and Martial Artists from various academies may soon engage in fierce battles.
Competition is fierce; no one dislikes having too many resources, and the more External Qi, the better.
Jiang Ping didn't linger or collect any energy; his primary goal was to find the Supreme Qi, as it was crucial to his Martial Dao foundation.
Puff!
With a flash of Sword Light, a three-meter-tall Blue-haired Evil Wolf was beheaded, its blood splattering everywhere.
Jiang Ping walked over, sword in hand, several giant wolves of roughly the same size lying behind him. He whispered, "This Dangerous Land not only contains various resources, but also all sorts of powerful beasts."
Along his journey, he initially encountered only beasts at the early and mid-stages of True Qi, but as he ventured deeper, he even encountered beasts with Late Stage True Qi strength.
The deeper you go, the more terrifying the beasts you'll encounter. No wonder it's called Dangerous Land; it's extremely dangerous, and if you're not strong enough, you could easily lose your life.
Jiang Ping walked towards the cave where the giant wolf had appeared, and after a moment, he raised an eyebrow.
"No wonder this litter of wolf cubs attacked me; it turns out there's Celestial Phenomenon Qi here!"
Jiang Ping looked at the Cold Pool inside the cave and laughed.
Moreover, it's Heavenly Water Essence.
In fact, rain in natural climates can also be called rainwater, but it's too common.
However, when they encounter a certain special substance, they can form the Celestial Water Essence needed by Martial Artists.
Ancient texts record that this special substance may be the Profound Yellow Two Qi that gave rise to all things, or it may be the Origin heaven and earth.
However, some ancient Handwritten note believed that the Celestial Water Essence originally existed between heaven and earth. It was in the sky, but it was very scattered. When the Celestial Phenomenon changed, it would accumulate into water and flow to the earth.
Jiang Ping preferred the latter, because this cave showed signs of human intervention, connecting with the Heavenly Light above and drawing in the Earth Qi below, forming a special terrain that could gather the Celestial Water Essence.
Of course, whatever the reason, he couldn't possibly miss this opportunity.
Jiang Ping took out the jade bottle used to contain this essence, preparing to harvest it.
Suddenly.
Jiang Ping's brows furrowed suddenly.
Almost simultaneously, his ears twitched slightly, his internal True Qi flowed naturally, and his five senses were instantly heightened to their peak.
Sulfuric acid!
A sword's cry rang out, and a Sword Light that tore through the air shot toward the back of his head at lightning speed.
Everything happened in the blink of an eye, very suddenly.
Although Jiang Ping had his back turned, he was already on guard and used a Wind Form Escape technique to directly avoid the Killing move.
However, before he could stop himself, another powerful light gradually shone brightly in his eyes.
Whoosh!
A sharp whistling sound filled the air; this Dao Light was powerful enough to tear apart Martial Artist at the Seventh Stage of True Qi.
Jiang Ping's eyes narrowed slightly as he swiftly merged his True Qi with the Azure Water Sword Intent, which then burst forth from his body, forming a wall of water in front of him.
Thump!
A terrifying crash echoed through the open-air cave, bathed in dazzling light.
In that very instant, as Jiang Ping was blinded by the light, a third, even more powerful Killing move arrived unexpectedly.
A large, burly, yellow hand slapped down like lightning, aimed straight at his chest.
Boom!
Jiang Ping instinctively turned to the side, simultaneously channeling his True Qi to protect himself. He then incorporated Fire Type Mystic Skill into his True Qi, causing his body to radiate terrifying heat.
But the palm strike seemed to sweep everything away, and Jiang Ping's True Qi instantly cracked. He realized that this was a master of the True Qi Ninth Stage, and the palm technique was extremely powerful. It was probably more than seven-tenths of the Artistic Conception, and the skill had reached its Great Accomplishment.
Call out!
Jiang Ping focused on dodging, his body retreating rapidly, narrowly avoiding the palm strike.
He stepped back more than ten meters and looked toward the cave entrance.
Upon seeing the entrance, three people stood there, one of whom had just finished retracting his palm.
The other party didn't seem to be in a hurry to make a move at this moment. The person in the middle raised an eyebrow and said:
"Jiang Ping, you really are already Eighth Stage True Qi master!"
Jiang Ping stared at the three unfamiliar faces and asked, "Wang Jiasheng invited you here?"
"Wang Jiasheng? Who is that?"
The middle man shook his head and smiled:
"Someone invited us to assess your strength, and as rumored, you are indeed exceptionally talented, having reached the Eighth Stage True Qi in a short period of time."
"Measure?"
Jiang Ping's eyes turned slightly cold.
They attacked him suddenly, one move after another, almost without reservation, all aimed at vital points. Is this what you call measuring strength?
Outside the Dangerous Land, some blood-stained students escaped, including several Martial Artists at the Seventh Stage True Qi. One or two were even seriously injured and on the verge of death. Those who were carried out were about to close their eyes forever.
The older generation of the three major Martial Academies and the National Academy stared intently.
Someone said, "The competition is extremely fierce. It's a pity that this Dangerous Land is too large and shrouded in a special kind of White Mist. We can't watch over it from the sky, otherwise there wouldn't be any casualties, and we could have stopped short of defeat."
"Hmph, our Great Li nurtures them with resources to cultivate truly outstanding individuals, not hothouse flowers. If they die in there, it's only because they're not skilled enough; maybe in their next life."
An old man said coldly.
"That's true. There are too many geniuses, but resources are limited. It's impossible for everyone to grow up smoothly. Conflicts involving interests and the future are bound to be life-or-death."
A Martial Dao Golden Core cultivator from the National Academy spoke.
Then, as if remembering something, he looked at Xie Wuji and said, "But speaking of which, the one you've been training is a prodigy. He hasn't been cultivating for very long. Are you really so comfortable letting him compete with others inside without keeping an eye on him?"
Xie Wuji, leaning on his cane, said expressionlessly, "If a Martial Bone Talent can't even survive in such a minor situation, how will he ever attempt to become a Martial Saint?"
"I'm afraid that someone with ill intentions might try to harm him and hinder his future," the Martial Dao Golden Core cultivator said in a low voice.
His voice was very soft, but the powerful figures still heard it. Some smiled, while others frowned or gloated.
Clearly, there are indeed people who want to stop Jiang Ping, and it's not just a rumor.
Moreover, there are rumors that quite a few Martial Artists, many of whom are skilled in the Fifth Rank, want to ruin his future.
Although Jiang Ping was at the Martial Academy and hadn't offended anyone, his acceptance of Xie Wuji's strong support was tantamount to taking sides.
Recently, a special meeting was held in the Imperial City, where someone proposed abolishing the Martial Examination and restarting the recommendation system, a suggestion that gained considerable support.
Because the overall environment is not good, there are not enough resources to go around, and there is no need for too many geniuses.
In fact, a neighboring country has already abolished the Martial Examination and is now thriving, with a wealth of talent and a significant increase in Martial Dao Golden Core compared to the past.
Furthermore, Great Li is a powerful nation, and if resources are concentrated on cultivating a portion of its people, it will certainly strengthen its core strength.
Xie Wuji frowned and said, "He should be able to escape, right?"
Or perhaps, "He who kills will always be killed!"
Another area.
Deep within the towering mountains, everything was a vast expanse of white.
Ancient trees grow everywhere, and wonders abound.
Call out!
A wondrous being arrived, wielding True Qi, shattering the peace of this place.
She stood on an ancient tree, gazing into the distance, searching for the essence of her target.
"The Lightning and Thunder Essence is easy to find. Introduce lightning in special terrain, and use ancient wood to support the Rebirth within it, allowing the Lightning and Thunder Essence to be contained within the wood. This is the Thunderclap Wood."
Chen Qingyan muttered to herself in a crisp voice, recalling her many passionate relationships with someone.
Having witnessed the formation of Lightning and Thunder Essence up close, this spectacle is not unfamiliar to me. Wherever there are large areas of ancient trees charred black, it is a place where Lightning and Thunder Essence gathers.
However, after searching for quite some time, venturing deep into Dangerous Land, she still hadn't found it.
"This Dangerous Land," she murmured, then used her Water Escape technique to leave.
Boom!
The branch she was on suddenly exploded, forming a brilliant ball of light. The aftershocks, carrying debris, shot out, and the strong Wind Force caused the surrounding ancient trees to topple.
"You succeeded just like that? That was easy."
Lu Yi jumped up, a smile on his face.
Jiang Ping has terrible taste; he chose a pretty face as a partner, not even as good as Xu Wei.
Well, soon Jiang Ping will also have to go down and reunite with her, becoming a pair of star-crossed lovers.
"Huh?" But he quickly realized something was wrong, because there was no smell of blood.
And.
A chilling, terrifying killing intent, like an invisible icicle, suddenly pierced through his entire body.
The hairs on his body stood on end instantly, and a chill ran down his spine, as if he had fallen into an ice cave.
"Wrong!"
He screamed, his eyes wide with horror, and tried to retreat.
However, it was too late.
"Clang—Pfft!"
The sound of a sword ringing out came from behind Lu Yi, followed by the muffled thud of a sharp weapon piercing through flesh.
"Ah--!"
Lu Yi let out a shrill scream as a long sword pierced through his right arm. Only with his extreme reaction at the True Qi Tenth Stage was he spared from being hit in a vital spot.
However, he ultimately failed to completely dodge; the Bare blade slashed into his right arm, and the red blade shot out, almost simultaneously causing the sword to tremble slightly.
Bang!
His entire right arm exploded instantly, spraying blood like a jet of water.
Instantly, Lu Yi's face turned deathly pale.
Of course, he was strong enough to be ranked at the True Qi Tenth Stage, which was considered a breakthrough at this level. He had the foundation of a Martial Saint and his vitality was very strong.
Seeing that things were not going well, he immediately used his Leg techniques to try to escape.
However.
The opponent arrived first, blocking his path as if Instantaneous Movement.
Lu Yi jolted awake, stopped in his tracks, and looked up, staring straight ahead.
Amidst the rising steam, a beautiful woman arrived, sword in hand. Beneath her feet lay a stretch of clear river, allowing her to traverse the Void.
At this moment, a ray of the rising sun descended, making her radiant. Her hair fluttered, ethereal and otherworldly, her beauty enhanced by a powerful surge of True Qi, giving her a touch of heroic spirit and an air of supreme majesty.
Boom!
A terrifying pressure swept over, making even Lu Yi True Qi Tenth Stage, feel a sense of oppression.
Lu Yi was horrified, his face filled with disbelief.
Is this Chen Qingyan?
Is he Rebirth who participated in the Martial Examination with Jiang Ping?
When we first arrived, some people said that Xu Wei's face was slightly less attractive, but she was exceptionally gifted and could be considered one of the best in the world.
Chen Qingyan was the subject of gossip, with people thinking that her strength lay only in her pretty face, that she was all show and no substance, and that she was no match for Jiang Ping in Dangerous Land, perhaps even becoming a burden and a weakness.
But.
But she's at the True Qi Eleventh Stage!
"No, you're at the True Qi Ninth Stage!"
Inside the cave, the three people's expressions suddenly changed.
They thought that their full-force probing had forced Jiang Ping to reveal his true strength, but now that they were fighting, they realized that his True Qi was even stronger, on par with the strongest of the three of them, at the True Qi Ninth Stage.
"He's no ordinary True Qi Ninth Stage; like me, he also absorbed a Supreme Qi!"
The strongest of the three spoke, his face revealing complex emotions, his heart still reeling from the shock.
He spent a full ten years to reach his current level, while his opponent only took two short years!
What incredible speed of cultivation!
"This is outrageous! Even Xiao Yucheng wasn't this amazing back then! Give him more time, and can the Da Li Twin Stars suppress him?!"
The Eighth Stage True Qi expert from Imperial City Families spoke in a deep voice, his Killing intent fully revealed.
Another Jiang Saint?
"Kill!" The strongest warrior unleashed an astonishing killing intent, striking out one unparalleled Palm Force after another. This was Mystic Skill he had cultivated for many years, and it had already approached Eighth Level Concept Realm.
Boom!
The cave shook, the air hissed, and the ground exploded, sending hundreds and thousands of pounds of soil and rocks flying. Smoke and dust billowed into the sky, completely engulfing Jiang Ping.
"Is he dead?" The other two asked, slightly uneasy.
Sulfuric acid!
A hissing sound responded to the two.
The three men's expressions hardened. Amidst the thick smoke and dust, countless water droplets swirled, and an unparalleled Sword Light burst forth, seemingly tearing through the Void, leaving everyone in awe.
The strongest man's expression changed drastically, and he turned to leave.
He realized that this was truly Eighth Level Concept Realm!
Moreover, it's the Mystic Skill of the Azure Water Sword!
Good heavens, this is a monster!
This time, however, it was Jiang Ping's turn to block the entrance. He used his Wind Form Escape Artistic Conception to Instantaneous Movement to the cave entrance, then revealed his pearly white teeth:
"What's the panic!"
"I'll measure your strength."
The three of them felt their eyelids twitch violently, as if they had fallen into hell.
The tranquility of a cluster of charred, ancient trees was shattered as a group of people rushed towards it.
"What great luck! We've found the Lightning and Thunder Essence."
A True Qi Ninth Stage was gazing at the alluring Thunderclap Wood before him, about to take out his jade bottle to pick it, when he was stopped by someone.
Tang Kun said in a deep voice, "Didn't you hear what that expert from the National Academy said when we arrived? That was a warning. We are in Dangerous Land, and this is a struggle for interests. If they show up while we are collecting resources, they will definitely not show us any mercy."
"Moreover, didn't you see that the members of the aristocratic families are also waiting? They don't dare to go and collect anything rashly." He pointed to another group of figures that had just appeared not far away. They were students from the aristocratic families of the Black River Martial Academy, led by the third-ranked member of the Riding the Wind Ranking.
Clearly, the Thunder Qi was very conspicuous and was spotted by many teams.
"You actually expect me to wait?" Cui Xianer frowned slightly. This was the first time she had experienced such a scene. The Lightning and Thunder Essence was right in front of her, yet she dared not step forward to pick it, wary of the warning from her fellow Super First-rate Prodigy.
"Don't rush, someone has already informed Xu Wei. Since we can't defeat them, let them collect two portions first. We can collect those quickly too, and then we can collect the rest of the External Qi."
The Rank Three from the Martial Academy offered a word of comfort.
Call out!
At that moment, a whooshing sound came from afar, heading straight for the lightning field.
"Have they arrived?" Cui Xianer looked into the distance, her eyes filled with resentment. She regretted being born a few years too late, otherwise she wouldn't be feeling so frustrated.
"Huh?" When the figure became clear, Cui Xianer's expression turned strange.
"It was her!"
In the distance, Tang Kun looked at Chen Qingyan, who had stepped into the Charred Ancient Wood Forest, with a slightly raised eyebrow and a surprised expression.
Is this woman not afraid of death?
"I'll go remind her." The Number Five on the Ranking official in front of Changping Prefecture was about to go when he was glared at.
"What business is it of yours?" A student surnamed Wang coldly swept his gaze over him, causing the top Number Five on the Ranking to tremble.
"Let's remind her anyway." Cui Xianer was about to make a move, but the Rank Three in the Martial Academy shook her head and said:
It's too late.
Two articles combined, word count met.