Preparation

The news of Qin Yuan reaching the top spot among True Disciples struck the calm waters of the Xuan Yuan Sect like a massive boulder, stirring up a tempest.

In Elder Li's quiet room on the Seventh Peak, the sound of a shattered teacup was particularly jarring.

"First among True Disciples... in one month..." Elder Li sat on his chair, his face ashen, as if he had aged ten years overnight. He stared at the broken porcelain shards on the floor, the last vestiges of unwillingness and malice in his eyes finally dissolving into utter helplessness.

Revenge? With what could he possibly retaliate?

A monster who went from the Outer Sect to the top of the True Disciples in just one month. A prodigy who could shatter Chu Wuyue's "Moonlight Overwhelms the Heavens" with a single punch. Such a figure was not someone the Seventh Peak could afford to provoke.

"Pass down the order," Elder Li's voice was hoarse, "From today onwards, all disciples of the Seventh Peak are forbidden from any conflict with the Fifth Peak. Those who disobey... will be expelled from the sect."

The disciple standing by his side trembled, quickly bowing, "Yes!"

A similar scene unfolded on the Third Peak.

Lu Yun stood pale-faced before his elder, listening to his reprimand: "From now on, put away your petty schemes. Qin Yuan is not someone our Third Peak can contend with. Cultivate diligently and do not stir up trouble again."

"Disciple... understands." Lu Yun lowered his head, his fingernails digging deeply into his palm, yet he felt no pain.

Only a profound sense of powerlessness.

A month ago, Qin Yuan was still an Outer Sect disciple he could easily manipulate. Now, he was an existence to be looked up to.

If two peaks were like this, the other peaks were even more terrified into silence.

The disdain and ostracization they had shown the Fifth Peak in the past now turned into cautious respect. Many Inner and Outer Sect disciples even began using connections and favors to try and transfer to the Fifth Peak—even if it was just a nominal affiliation.

On the Fifth Peak, Elder Xu's face had been beaming for days.

A long queue of disciples applying for a transfer had formed in front of the Peak's Affairs Hall. Resource allocations had tripled, and cultivation supplies were piled up like mountains. The Fifth Peak, dormant for a hundred years, was regaining its glory through the efforts of one person.

"Qin Yuan, oh Qin Yuan," Elder Xu stood at the peak of the mountain, gazing in the direction of the True Disciple area, his old eyes moist, "You are truly the lucky star of my Fifth Peak..."

On the third day after reaching the top of the True Disciples, Qin Yuan received a summons from the Sect Master.

He left Blazing Peak and headed for the Sect Master's Hall.

The hall was located at the summit of Xuan Yuan Sect's main peak, majestic and solemn. Before the hall stood ninety-nine steps of white jade, each inscribed with intricate formation patterns.

Qin Yuan ascended the steps. Disciples he encountered along the way bowed respectfully, their eyes filled with awe.

Stepping into the hall, a vast, abyss-like aura washed over him.

The hall was thirty feet high, its dome painted with celestial patterns of the sun and moon, and its walls inlaid with luminous spirit stones, illuminating the entire chamber as bright as day. Five people stood in the hall. Besides Chu Wuyue, whom Qin Yuan knew, there were three other men and one woman—the second to fifth ranked True Disciples.

The second-ranked True Disciple, Yun Qingyao, was a woman in a white dress with a delicate face and an ethereal aura, surrounded by a faint mist.

The third-ranked Han Bing and fourth-ranked Tie Zhan were individuals Qin Yuan had already met.

The fifth-ranked was a gloomy young man in a black robe, his face pale, his eyes sharp as an eagle's. He was "Ye Guying," who had fallen to fifth place after being defeated by Chu Wuyue.

The five stood in the hall, their auras either profound, sharp, or ethereal, but without exception, they were all at the peak of the Golden Core stage, some even touching the threshold of the Nascent Soul stage.

As Qin Yuan entered, their gazes fell upon him simultaneously.

Chu Wuyue grinned, his white pupils filled with fighting spirit, "Junior Brother Qin, we meet again. After the Hundred Sects Competition ends, let's have another match."

Yun Qingyao nodded slightly, acknowledging him.

Han Bing and Tie Zhan's expressions were complex as they cupped their fists in greeting.

Ye Guying merely shot Qin Yuan a cold glance and said nothing.

Just then, footsteps echoed from the back of the hall.

A middle-aged man in a purple-gold daoist robe walked out slowly. He had a refined face, a long beard, and gentle eyes, but his aura was like the vast starry sky, unfathomable.

The Sect Master of Xuan Yuan Sect—Lu Xuanfeng.

"Greetings, Sect Master." The six bowed in unison.

Lu Xuanfeng's gaze swept over the six, lingering for a moment on Qin Yuan, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

"You may rise," he said, walking to the main seat and sitting down. "I have summoned you here today for the Hundred Sects Battle, which will take place in two months."

Hundred Sects Battle.

Upon hearing these words, the expressions of the six became serious.

"The Hundred Sects Battle, as the name suggests, is a grand event in which over a hundred sects in Qingzhou participate," Lu Xuanfeng said slowly. "But do you know the truth behind this grand event?"

The six exchanged glances.

Chu Wuyue spoke, "Sect Master, I once heard my master mention that the Hundred Sects Battle... seems to be related to the 'Upper Sects'?"

"Correct," Lu Xuanfeng nodded. "Our Xuan Yuan Sect, and indeed all the hundred sects in Qingzhou, are actually affiliated with the five great Upper Sects."

Affiliated sects?

Qin Yuan's heart stirred.

Xuan Yuan Sect had a Sect Master at the Nascent Soul stage and dozens of Golden Core elders. In Qingzhou, it was already a top-tier power. Such a sect was merely affiliated?

"Do you find it hard to believe?" Lu Xuanfeng saw their confusion and said with a wry smile, "When I first learned of it, I was as shocked as you are. But this is the reality—the world we live in is far larger than you imagine."

He paused and continued, "Each of the five great Upper Sects has a cultivator at the Void Refining stage, Nascent Souls are as numerous as clouds, and Golden Cores are like rain. In their eyes, we affiliated sects are merely tools to screen and cultivate disciples for them."

"The Hundred Sects Battle is, in essence, a trial for the Upper Sects to select talent. Those who perform exceptionally will be accepted as disciples by the Upper Sects, thereby leaping over the dragon gate and embarking on the true path of immortal cultivation."

The words fell, and the hall fell silent.

Chu Wuyue's white pupils flickered, clouds and mist surged around Yun Qingyao, and Han Bing, Tie Zhan, and Ye Guying's breathing quickened.

Qin Yuan also felt his heart pound heavily.

A cultivator at the Void Refining stage presiding, Nascent Souls like clouds, Golden Cores like rain...

That is the true world of cultivation!

"Sect Master," Qin Yuan spoke, "What heights can disciples of the Upper Sect reach?"

Lu Xuanfeng looked at him, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. "I once met a True Disciple of an Upper Sect. He formed his Nascent Soul at thirty and reached the Nascent Soul stage at a hundred. Now, at only three hundred years old, he is already an Elder of an Upper Sect, his cultivation unfathomable."

Forming a Nascent Soul at thirty, reaching the Nascent Soul stage at a hundred!

Everyone gasped.

In the Xuan Yuan Sect, forming a Nascent Soul at a hundred years old was already considered genius. Reaching the Nascent Soul stage at three hundred? It was simply unimaginable!

"Therefore," Lu Xuanfeng said solemnly, "the Hundred Sects Battle is the greatest opportunity of your lives. If you can enter an Upper Sect, your future will be limitless."

He looked at the six of them. "According to tradition, each affiliated sect has five spots. Only five of you six can participate."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ye Guying said coldly, "I challenge the fifth spot."

Tie Zhan's face darkened. "Junior Brother Ye, you..."

"The rules are the rules," Ye Guying interrupted him. "Either fight, or yield."

Lu Xuanfeng waved his hand. "No need. Ye Guying, although you lost to Chu Wuyue, your strength is still above Tie Zhan's. The fifth spot belongs to you."

Tie Zhan's face turned pale, and he finally lowered his head. "Yes."

A cold smile curled on Ye Guying's lips.

"Alright," Lu Xuanfeng stood up. "Go back and prepare. We depart for the Hundred Sects Battlefield in two months."

The six bowed and withdrew.

If you find this book good, remember to add it to your bookshelf to avoid losing it next time.

As they walked out of the hall, Chu Wuyue suddenly said to Qin Yuan, "Junior Brother Qin, I'll see you at the Upper Sect."

Qin Yuan nodded. "I'll see you at the Upper Sect."

Returning to Blazing Peak, Qin Yuan found that Lin Qing'er had already come out of seclusion.

She stood on the platform at the mountain peak, wearing a goose-yellow dress. Her aura was much more solid than before—she had clearly broken through to the Foundation Establishment Stage.

"Brother Qin Yuan!" Seeing Qin Yuan, Lin Qing'er's eyes lit up, and she ran over. "I've reached Foundation Establishment!"

"Congratulations," Qin Yuan smiled.

Lin Qing'er looked at him, her eyes full of admiration. "Brother Qin Yuan is the truly amazing one, first among the True Disciples! The entire sect is spreading tales of your deeds now."

As they were talking, Zhou Ming and Zhao Tiezhu also arrived. The few of them gathered together, the atmosphere relaxed.

However, this relaxation did not last long.

A vast aura descended upon Blazing Peak without any warning.

Qin Yuan's pupils contracted, and he looked up sharply.

Two figures appeared in the sky. One was the Sect Master Lu Xuanfeng, and the other was a thin old man in a gray cloth robe. He looked ordinary, but his eyes were as deep as the starry sky, as if they could see through everything.

The two landed. Lu Xuanfeng said respectfully to the old man, "Senior, this is Blazing Peak where Qin Yuan resides."

The old man nodded, his gaze swept over everyone, and finally landed on Lin Qing'er. His eyes suddenly lit up.

"Innate Wood Spirit Body?" he muttered to himself, then a smile appeared. "I didn't expect to encounter such a physique in such a remote place."

Lin Qing'er felt uncomfortable under his gaze and instinctively hid behind Qin Yuan.

Qin Yuan stepped forward and cupped his fists. "Junior Qin Yuan greets Senior."

Only then did the old man shift his gaze to him, sizing him up for a moment, and nodded. "Solid foundation, good combat power. A pity... mediocre talent."

Mediocre talent.

These four words made Lu Xuanfeng's expression change slightly.

Qin Yuan, however, remained composed. "Senior has a discerning eye."

The old man no longer looked at him, but turned to Lin Qing'er and said gently, "Little girl, what is your name?"

Lin Qing'er nervously replied, "Junior Lin Qing'er."

"Lin Qing'er..." the old man repeated, his smile deepening. "Are you willing to follow me to the 'Qingmu Sect'? It is one of the five great Upper Sects, specializing in wood-element cultivation techniques, which is most suitable for your Innate Wood Spirit Body."

Upper Sect?

Lin Qing'er was stunned.

Lu Xuanfeng was also stunned, then overjoyed—if Lin Qing'er could be favored by an envoy from an Upper Sect, the Xuan Yuan Sect would also benefit!

"Senior," Lu Xuanfeng quickly said, "Qing'er's talent is good, but her cultivation is still shallow, I fear..."

"It matters not," the old man waved his hand. "An Innate Wood Spirit Body is rare once in a century; cultivation can be improved slowly. In the Qingmu Sect, she will receive the best training, and her future achievements will be limitless."

He looked at Lin Qing'er, his gaze sincere, "Little girl, are you willing?"

Lin Qing'er was flustered and instinctively looked at Qin Yuan.

Qin Yuan was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Qing'er, if there's a better place, don't hesitate."

"But..." Lin Qing'er's eyes reddened, "I... I want to be with Brother Qin Yuan..."

"I will find you," Qin Yuan looked at her, his voice calm yet firm, "See you at the Upper Sect."

Lin Qing'er's tears finally fell. She nodded vigorously, "Okay! See you at the Upper Sect!"

She turned to the old man, wiped her tears, and said solemnly, "Senior, I am willing to go. But... could I ask you to take care of the Xuan Yuan Sect?"

The old man smiled, "It's a small matter. Since you've joined my Qingmu Sect, your former sect will naturally be looked after."

Lu Xuanfeng was so excited his beard trembled, "Thank you, Senior!!"

The old man said no more. With a flick of his sleeve, a green light enveloped Lin Qing'er. The two transformed into streaks of light, soaring into the sky and disappearing into the clouds.

On Blazing Peak, silence returned.

Zhou De and Zhao Tiezhu stared blankly at the sky, still reeling from the shock.

Qin Yuan stood in place, gazing in the direction Lin Qing'er had disappeared, silent for a long time.

Lu Xuanfeng patted his shoulder and sighed, "This is her opportunity, and it will be your motivation. Two months later, at the Hundred Sects Battle, I will wait for you at the Upper Sect."

After speaking, he also left.

On the mountain peak platform, only Qin Yuan remained.

The wind blew, lifting the corners of his clothes.

He clenched his fist, a flicker of determination in his eyes.

The Upper Sect, Qingmu Sect, Lin Qing'er...

Three days later, the Sect Master summoned them again.

This time, there were only five people—Qin Yuan, Chu Wuyue, Yun Qingyao, Han Bing, and Ye Guying.

"The opponents in the Hundred Sects Battle are basically all Nascent Soul stage cultivators," Lu Xuanfeng got straight to the point, "Our Xuan Yuan Sect is relatively weak, ranking at the bottom among the hundred sects. To give you a better chance of winning, I've decided to send you to a place for training."

"What place?" Chu Wuyue asked.

"The Ancient Battlefield," Lu Xuanfeng slowly uttered the four words.

The expressions of the five people changed.

The Ancient Battlefield was the remnant of the ancient war between immortals and demons. It was said to be buried with the bones and legacies of countless powerful cultivators, but it was also filled with dangers—lingering killing formations, wandering demonic souls, and bizarre curses... Golden Core cultivators who entered faced a near-certain death.

"Sect Master," Han Bing said in a deep voice, "The Ancient Battlefield is too dangerous, we..."

"Precisely because it's dangerous, we must go," Lu Xuanfeng interrupted him, "The Hundred Sects Battle is even more dangerous than the Ancient Battlefield. It gathers all the geniuses of Qingzhou, and the ferocity of the battles far exceeds your imagination. If you can't even get through the Ancient Battlefield, the Hundred Sects Battle will be a suicide mission."

He looked at the five people, "Do you dare to go?"

Silence.

After a moment, a fighting spirit flared in Chu Wuyue's white pupils, "What is there to fear!"

Yun Qingyao said softly, "This disciple is willing to go."

Ye Guying said coldly, "Go."

Han Bing and Tie Zhan exchanged glances, then gritted their teeth, "This disciple... is willing to go."

Qin Yuan spoke last, "Go."

Lu Xuanfeng nodded with satisfaction, "Good! Three days later, I will take you to the edge of the battlefield. Remember, within the battlefield, life and death are up to fate. Two months later, I will be waiting for you there."

"If you can come out alive..."

He paused, then said word by word:

"Nascent Soul will be within reach."

Flames ignited in the eyes of the five simultaneously.

The Ancient Battlefield, the Hundred Sects Battle, the path to the Upper Sect