Night fell, and Mu Bai returned to his abode and sat cross-legged. Rather than practicing his breathing, he took every pill he had that could enhance his combat strength, one after another, determined to make a splendid showing at this decennial tournament.
Even the inner disciples fought with such ferocity, to say nothing of the elite disciples trained by the great sect. Mu Bai had no choice but to prepare for battle in earnest. After all, their formidable elite disciples stood a full major realm above him.
Summoning the Tribal Artifact, Mu Bai shook his head helplessly, placed fifty Soul Crystals inside, then drew it back into his body and concentrated on refining the medicinal power within him.
Dawn came in a flash. Mu Bai rose, sighed softly, and left his cave abode for the Truth-Seeking Hall. He had originally wanted to study the "Green Duckweed Sword Art" properly before the matches, but worried that practicing at night would disturb the flowers and plants and expose his abilities.
"Elder Mu!"
Mu Bai turned. It was Zuo Lin, the inner disciple who had fought the cultivator surnamed Qin.
"Oh, big brother, what advice do you have for me?"
"Elder Mu, this disciple, Zuo Lin, was fortunate enough to win the inner disciple tournament. I hope you can spare the time to instruct me!"
"Look, I'm already calling you big brother. Could you stop slapping me in the face? Even if I'm still an elder now, the elite disciples' challenges are coming up next."
"Master, victory will be yours!"
"That's not right. First, I'm not your master. Second, victory is impossible. I've already packed my bedding..."
"Uh..."
"Don't stand there. Find someone better qualified. Aren't there enough mighty Xiu Zun in the sect for you to choose from?"
Someone offering favors unasked