Advancing from qi refining to foundation establishment posed almost no danger, provided one had made sufficient preparations.
Shen Chengqi had clearly prepared exceedingly well.
He sat cross-legged in the plaza, his figure shrouded in Spirit Mist. Lin Mo could not make out what was happening inside at all.
He could only hear Shen Chengqi occasionally let out a muffled groan, seemingly in considerable pain. The surrounding Spirit Mist would tremble with it, then quickly return to normal.
This continued for roughly an hour.
Only when the Spirit Mist dispersed did Shen Chengqi slowly rise from the ground, his aura utterly different from before.
If Shen Chengqi's aura before his breakthrough had resembled rotting wood on the verge of death, his aura now was like the rising morning sun, brimming with an invigorating surge of vitality!
"The Flourishing and Withering Art-first flourishing, then withering, then turning from withering back to flourishing... impressive. Truly impressive!"
"Congratulations on reaching foundation establishment, Senior Brother Shen... ah, we'll have to call you Martial Uncle Shen from now on!"
"Martial Uncle Shen reaching foundation establishment is certainly good news, but... only qi refining disciples are allowed to participate in the Spirit Plant Grand Competition. Does that mean Martial Uncle Shen has to withdraw too?"
"Shh, that's not for you to say. Just wait for the Sect Master's decision..."
After their brief surprise and delight, the large crowd of watching Azure Cloud Sect disciples turned their gazes toward the entrance of the great hall.
At that moment.
Inside the great hall, Han Kang sat in the seat of honor, with Long Shengye and Miao Yun seated on either side. Below them sat more than forty foundation establishment elders and over a dozen Attendants.
Notably, Cloud Crane High Person, whom Lin Mo had rescued earlier, was also among