Lu Xueqi and Bi Yao (39)

"Greetings, Senior Brothers." Su Han cupped his hands.

Zhou Ming sized him up, surprise flashing through his eyes. "You've broken through to the Star Wheel Realm Mid-stage? That was fast."

Zhao Feng looked instead at the sword marks on the iceberg, his brows slightly furrowed. "You left these? The sword intent is condensed without dispersing. Not bad—you've got some skill."

"I merely had a fortunate insight," Su Han said modestly.

Zhou Ming smiled. "No need to be modest, junior brother Su. Breaking through so quickly in the Ice Secret Realm proves that your talent is truly exceptional. But..." His tone shifted. "Are you prepared for the Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament in three months?"

"I'm working on it," Su Han said.

Zhao Feng snorted. "Working hard alone isn't enough. The Seven Peaks Martial Arts Tournament is different from the sect's grand competition. It is where true geniuses gather. The core disciples of every peak will participate, and even some senior brothers and sisters who have been training outside for years will return. At the Star Wheel Realm Mid-stage, you probably won't even make the top hundred."

His words were blunt, even somewhat harsh. Zhou Ming tugged at Zhao Feng's sleeve and apologetically said to Su Han, "Senior Brother Zhao speaks bluntly, but he is telling the truth. Junior brother Su, if you want good results in the tournament, you need at least the strength of the Star Wheel Realm Late-stage."

Su Han nodded. "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brothers. I'll work twice as hard."

"Cultivating bitterly won't be enough either." Zhou Ming considered it. "How about this? We're heading out to hunt an Ice Crystal Flood Dragon. It's a Star Wheel Realm Peak Star Beast and extremely powerful. Would junior brother Su like to come with us? Actual combat