Returning to the hall to prepare for battle, the inter-sect tournament
The firelight of the Soul-Rending Mountain Range had long been left behind. Night lay deep, with stars and moon hanging overhead. Qin Yu sped along the whole way and finally returned to the mountain gates of Cloud-Leveling Hall before the sky turned completely dark.
The towering halls still stood quietly amid swirling clouds and mist. The vermilion gates gleamed faintly beneath the moonlight, and disciples inside and outside went about their business as usual, as though nothing had happened.
Qin Yu slowed his steps. Looking at the familiar scene before him, he inwardly sighed in relief. Cloud-Leveling Hall... everything is as usual, without the slightest change.
Not wishing to attract attention, he walked quickly straight into the outer disciples' compound. Disciples stood in twos and threes along the way, some cultivating through the night, others discussing things in low voices, but none spared him a second glance.
Qin Yu remained silent until he pushed open the wooden door to his lodgings. The room was still simple, yet carried a familiar feel.
"Finally... I'm back."
He gently exhaled a breath of stale air, closed the wooden door, and slowly slid down with his back against it. The clamor outside was shut away, leaving only the sound of his own heartbeat in the room.
At that moment, Qin Yu silently warned himself, Everything in the Soul-Rending Mountain Range ends here. Whether the beast cores or that streak of gray light, they must remain my secrets. Only by becoming stronger can I truly set foot in those terrifying domains.
His gaze gradually grew resolute, and he had already planned the next step of his cultivation.
The night was tranquil, insects murmuring outside, and peace lay over Cloud-Leveling Hall's outer disciples' compound. Qin Yu sat alone, cross-legged on his bed, his eyes closed. Spiritual Qi flowed through his body like a tide, slowly stabilizing his newly attained cultivation at initial entry into the Qi Condensation Realm.
As his Spiritual Qi circulated, a thought stirred, and he turned his hand over. The ancient, unadorned battle spear fell into his palm. A gray-white sheen flickered faintly along its shaft, which trembled gently with his breathing, resonating with his Spiritual Sense.
Qin Yu murmured, "Cultivation alone is far from enough. Without stronger combat techniques, I'll still be at a disadvantage in a true struggle of life and death."
The two forms of the Spirit Spear Heaven-Guiding Art that he had yet to master gradually surfaced in his mind.
The fourth form: Spirit Spear Fleeting Shadow. Spiritual Qi flowed through both legs and the battle spear, making his steps shadowlike as he delivered continuous thrusts, layering afterimages to confuse the enemy. If he mastered it, even against someone at initial entry into the Yuan Transformation Realm, he could find a thread of survival through speed and surprise attacks.
The fifth form: Qi Shield Spear Wall. Spiritual Qi was released outward to form a sturdy shield, then combined with the spinning spear to unite offense and defense. If he cultivated this technique to major accomplishment, even under the suppression of someone at the middle stage of the Yuan Transformation Realm, he could withstand it head-on for a while rather than be crushed instantly.
Qin Yu gripped the battle spear tightly, his gaze growing sharp. "Only by mastering these two forms as soon as possible will I have the strength to fight!"
With that, he abruptly rose, holding the battle spear upright. Light shone in his eyes as he stretched into motion and began practicing inside the cramped room. He poured Spiritual Qi into his legs, and afterimages gradually emerged; when he spun the spear, Spiritual Qi burst outward, becoming a faintly visible shield of light.
Every swing brought a rumbling surge of Spiritual Qi, tracing interwoven paths of light and shadow through the dim room and bathing the entire dwelling in flickering radiance.
Qin Yu's breathing was steady. Sweat slid down his forehead, but only determination and longing filled his eyes.
"Only by breaking through again and again can I gain a foothold on this path of cultivation... even if the road ahead is nothing but blood and fire!"
The light and shadows in the room gradually fell still. Qin Yu put away the battle spear and caught his breath for a moment, yet his eyes still gleamed with resolve.
"Relying on arduous cultivation alone is too slow... since I have beast cores, why not use them to break through my shackles in one stroke? Especially this mutated beast core-dangerous as it is, success would surely increase my strength enormously!"
He turned his palm over, and two beast cores appeared in his hand. One was crystalline throughout, with spiritual light flowing over it and dense fluctuations of Spiritual Qi emanating from it; the other was exceedingly bizarre, its surface covered in interwoven dark-red and gray-white patterns, with countless twisted shadows churning inside and fluctuations that made the heart tremble.
Qin Yu drew a deep breath, placed the mutated beast core directly in his palm, sat cross-legged, and extended his Spiritual Sense into it.
Boom!!!
Instantly, an utterly savage torrent of Spiritual Qi surged out. Countless flames and thunderbolts exploded at once, illuminating the room as though a blazing sun hung overhead. Space trembled, and fierce winds sprang from nowhere inside the sealed dwelling. The table and chairs shattered with a crash, turning to drifting ash.
Qin Yu clenched his teeth, both hands pressing down desperately on the beast core. The spiritual breath within him circulated wildly, condensing into chains that forcibly suppressed that ferocious power.
"Refine-for me!"
In an instant, a gray-white pillar of light shot out of the beast core, pierced straight through the roof, and tore open the night sky. Within that pillar, the phantom of a demonic beast faintly appeared, its blood-red eyes savage as it sought to burst out of the core and devour Qin Yu.
Inside Qin Yu's dantian, Spiritual Qi spun wildly, becoming a vortex that forcibly dragged that ferocious power into his body.
Boom, boom, boom!!!
His body thundered like a war drum of lightning. His blood boiled, his muscles and bones shook, and glowing spiritual runes appeared across his bones as fierce fire burned through his flesh. Pain made the veins on his forehead bulge, and sweat mingled with blood as it streamed down.
The scene within the room grew increasingly terrifying-the raging Spiritual Qi became dozens of flaming blades of light, circling through the air and cleaving through space amid thunder and roars, displaying the full spectacle of doomsday.
Yet an unyielding flame burned in Qin Yu's eyes throughout.
"How could a mere beast core devour me! Since I, Qin Yu, have chosen cultivation, I will never bow to any power!"
With a low roar, the Spiritual Qi vortex inside Qin Yu suddenly expanded, instantly sweeping all that ferocious power into his dantian.
Boom-!!!
The gray-white radiance abruptly exploded, becoming countless fragments of light that rushed into Qin Yu's body. The dwelling was enveloped in that dazzling brilliance, becoming a battlefield of stars. Spiritual Qi, lightning, fierce fire, and black mist intertwined, illuminating the entire house as brightly as day.
Qin Yu trembled all over, yet amid the impact of that overwhelming power, he forcibly kept the vortex in his dantian turning steadily.
Gradually, the raging power was refined bit by bit, transformed into pure spiritual power that flowed into his meridians.
When the final thread of light sank into his dantian, Qin Yu suddenly opened his eyes, and a daunting gray-white gleam flashed through them.
The entire dwelling fell quiet, leaving only his rapid breathing.
"Phew... it worked."
Qin Yu slowly released a long breath, shock and wild joy appearing in his eyes. "This mutated beast core... truly is extraordinary. My Spiritual Qi has grown several times more abundant, and I can even faintly touch the fluctuations of some kind of gray power..."
The spiritual light in the room had yet to dissipate. Qin Yu's dantian was like a blazing furnace, filled to the brim with Spiritual Qi. His gaze sharpened, and with a casual swing of his battle spear, gray-white radiance rippled from its tip.
"Since I've refined the beast core's power, I'll seize this opportunity to thoroughly master the Spirit Spear Heaven-Guiding Art!"
He drew a deep breath and first stood firmly, pointing the spear forward. His Spiritual Sense coursed through his meridians, and the Spiritual Qi inside him instantly poured into the spear tip like lightning.
First form: Spiritual Light Thrust!
Boom! A blue-white beam of sword-and-spear light shot forth like a meteor, piercing straight through the open ground outside and punching a fist-sized round hole in the hard stone wall. Its aftershocks rumbled without end. Satisfaction flashed through Qin Yu's eyes.
Immediately afterward, he turned his wrist and swung the battle spear, spreading Spiritual Qi like a whirlwind.
Second form: Qi Cyclone Spear Dance!
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh-! Spear shadows howled as a gray-white whirlwind of Spiritual Qi suddenly unfurled from the battle spear, sweeping dust into the air. The dwelling's four walls shook incessantly, on the verge of collapse. The cutting wind blades sounded like ten thousand swords and sabers ringing together.
"Ha!" Qin Yu stamped down abruptly, drove strength into his legs, and raised the battle spear high.
Third form: Heaven-Guiding Strike!
Boom! He leaped into the air, and the battle spear descended from above like a pillar holding up the heavens. A curved blade of Spiritual Qi swept out, lightning splitting the night sky as it struck the great rock in the courtyard's center. The boulder, several zhang tall, shattered with a crash into countless flying stone fragments.
Qin Yu's breathing quickened, but his gaze grew sharper still. Spiritual Qi continued surging ceaselessly in his dantian. He suddenly drove strength into both legs, pouring Spiritual Qi into the soles of his feet and the spear shaft.
Fourth form: Spirit Spear Fleeting Shadow!
In an instant, his figure became several afterimages. Spear light flashed continuously beneath the night sky as he thrust again and again, every strike accompanied by a rumbling impact. Afterimages crisscrossed, dozens of spear-wielding figures thrusting simultaneously and tearing apart all the surrounding air, causing faint distortions in space!
Finally, he stood in the courtyard's center, spinning his battle spear and releasing Spiritual Qi from his entire body.
Fifth form: Qi Shield Spear Wall!
Boom! A gray-white Spiritual Qi shield formed instantly around the battle spear, an invisible barrier enveloping the space before him. Then the spear spun violently, and the shield's radiance abruptly thickened. Spark-like fragments of Spiritual Qi scattered in all directions, and the powerful recoil shattered the stone pillars around the courtyard with a crash!
A short while later, the dust settled. Qin Yu drew back his spear and stood still, his chest heaving violently and sweat streaming down his forehead.
But his eyes held a light they had never possessed before.
"All five forms... I've finally comprehended them all!"
He gripped the battle spear tightly, bold exhilaration rising in his heart. Now, not only had his cultivation reached initial entry into the Qi Condensation Realm, but he had also cultivated the Spirit Spear Heaven-Guiding Art to perfection. Even if he faced another powerful enemy at initial entry into the Yuan Transformation Realm, he was confident he could fight!
"With these five forms, I finally truly have a trump card that lets me establish myself in the outer sect."
The night was deep and the wind cool. Qin Yu was soaked in sweat, his clothes clinging to his body, his rapid breathing thundering.
He exhaled a long breath and put away the battle spear, a gleam of fighting spirit still lingering in his eyes.
"Now that I've mastered all five forms today, I can be said to have truly grasped the Spirit Spear Heaven-Guiding Art. What I need next... is constant actual combat."
With that, he returned to his lodgings, heated a tub of water, slowly stripped off his soaked clothes, and lowered himself into the warm water. Rising steam carried away his fatigue, and his muscles and bones gradually relaxed amid a faint, aching soreness. Qin Yu closed his eyes, letting the ripples lap at his shoulders as he silently vowed, No matter how many dangers lie ahead, I'll keep going-and become stronger!
Early the next morning, just as day broke, sunlight spilled through the thin mist, bathing Cloud-Leveling Hall's entire outer disciples' compound in a fresh atmosphere.
Qin Yu had just changed his clothes and was about to push open the door when he heard urgent calls outside. "Brother Yu! Brother Yu! Are you back?"
The voice carried unconcealable excitement and warmth.
A faint smile touched Qin Yu's lips. He reached out and pushed open the wooden door. Yang Zheng stood outside, his face covered in smiles and his eyes sparkling, eager to share something with him.
"Brother Yang, what brings you here so early?" Qin Yu asked with a smile.
Yang Zheng rubbed his hands together and chuckled. "Good news, of course! Come on, I have to tell you about it."
Morning sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows across the little courtyard, and a trace of Spiritual Qi's freshness filled the air.
Yang Zheng's eyes shone, his voice brimming with irrepressible excitement. "Brother Yu, Deacon Zhang just told me that the Great Yan Continent's inter-sect martial tournament is only a few days away! This isn't any ordinary competition-not just our Cloud-Leveling Hall, but disciples from other sects will be there too. Both outer and inner disciples can sign up."
Qin Yu paused slightly, raising his brows. "The inter-sect martial tournament?"
"Yes!" Yang Zheng nodded repeatedly, clenching his hands and speaking rapidly. "This is a rare opportunity for us outer disciples! If we can win a place in the tournament, we'll not only receive tremendous rewards from the sect, but more importantly-we could catch the eye of higher-ranking sects, legendary sacred grounds like the White Cloud Sect, Thousand Autumns Hall, and Luofu Hall! We might even be recruited directly and set foot on the true path to immortality!"
At this point, he was almost trembling with excitement, his eyes glittering with boundless longing.
Qin Yu's heart stirred slightly, and his gaze grew grave. The White Cloud Sect was the foremost sect on the Great Yan Continent, while Thousand Autumns Hall and Luofu Hall were likewise renowned. The finest geniuses and cultivation resources gathered there.
"The inter-sect martial tournament..." Qin Yu murmured, the image of the demonic dragon burning the heavens with fierce flames surfacing in his mind. To contend with an existence like that, the resources of an outer disciple alone would ultimately fall far short.
He slowly raised his head, his gaze utterly resolute. "It seems I must take part in this tournament."
Footsteps suddenly sounded outside the courtyard, drawing closer from afar with a presence that could not be ignored. Qin Yu and Yang Zheng turned to look. A young man in an ink-black robe approached slowly, his steps as steady as a mountain.
He had swordlike brows, star-bright eyes, and handsome features, with a deep light flickering in his pupils. The Spiritual Qi fluctuations around him were exceedingly substantial, and even the spiritual breath between heaven and earth resonated with his breathing. His cultivation had actually reached major accomplishment of the Qi Condensation Realm!
Three figures followed closely behind him.
One was a delicate-featured young woman dressed in white, lovely in appearance, with a measure of liveliness and determination between her brows. Her breath was long and restrained, and her cultivation had reached the middle stage of the Qi Condensation Realm. Her gaze was like water, yet carried a trace of coldness, and she was extremely confident in her own strength. Qin Yu heard Yang Zheng quietly remind him, "Her name is Zhao Xinyu, an outstanding figure among the outer disciples."
The other two were both men around Qin Yu's age, their expressions carrying a trace of defiance. They exuded the keen presence of those newly entered into the Qi Condensation Realm, and their strength could not be underestimated.
The young man in front surveyed the surroundings before his gaze finally settled on Qin Yu. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly in a faint smile. "You must be Qin Yu, whose name has been making waves recently?"
His voice was low and strong, carrying the composure and oppressive weight peculiar to someone in a position of authority.
Yang Zheng's expression changed, and he immediately whispered into Qin Yu's ear, "Brother Yu, that's Nangong Heyao, the eldest senior brother of us outer disciples, the number one in the outer sect! I never expected him to come see you in person."
Qin Yu raised his brows slightly, something stirring inwardly. Nangong Heyao, the leader among the outer disciples, an expert at major accomplishment of the Qi Condensation Realm-this man clearly could not be underestimated.
Nangong Heyao stood before the courtyard with his hands behind his back, his figure straight and sharp as an unsheathed sword. His gaze swept over Qin Yu from head to toe. After a moment, he slowly spoke, his voice clear yet carrying an undeniable pressure. "You started with a low-grade Spirit Root, yet made it all the way here, joined the ranks of the outer disciples, defeated Luo Chuan in the arena, and reaped considerable gains during your trial in the Shadow Woods... Qin Yu, your name has caused quite a stir in Cloud-Leveling Hall lately."
His tone shifted, a smile curling at his lips and a measure of appreciation entering his eyes. "For an outer disciple to reach your level is already extraordinary. To be honest, I admire you."
Qin Yu cupped his hands slightly, his expression calm and his tone modest. "You flatter me, Senior Brother Nangong. I've merely done my best."
Zhao Xinyu gave a soft snort beside him, her beautiful eyes studying Qin Yu with the suggestion of a smile. "Making it this far from a low-grade Spirit Root could indeed be called a miracle. However, rumors are often exaggerated. Whether you truly live up to your reputation can only be known after seeing your real moves."
Her voice was clear, yet carried threads of sharpness.
Nangong Heyao waved a hand, though his deep gaze remained on Qin Yu. "Xinyu has a point. Rumors are ultimately rumors. Still, if you really are that capable, perhaps we'll soon exchange blows at the upcoming Great Yan Continent inter-sect martial tournament."
His tone was mild, yet concealed a keen edge; his words alone were a silent contest.
Beside them, Yang Zheng clenched his fists nervously, unable to keep from muttering, "Brother Yu, Senior Brother Nangong really is the strongest expert in the outer sect..."
Qin Yu's gaze grew solemn, without the slightest intention of retreating. He lifted his eyes to meet Nangong Heyao's, his tone calm but firm. "If we truly have the opportunity to spar in the same arena, I'll give it everything I have. I won't disappoint you, Senior Brother."
With his hands behind his back, Nangong Heyao spoke in a steady, ringing voice. "Although this is an inter-sect martial tournament, whether outer or inner disciples, we're all ultimately disciples of Cloud-Leveling Hall, brothers of the same sect. Our true targets aren't one another, but those heaven's chosen from the White Cloud Sect, Thousand Autumns Hall, and Luofu Hall."
At this point, his gaze grew as sharp as a sword, sweeping across the distant horizon. "Junior Brother Qin Yu, if you meet me in the arena, I hope you'll hold nothing back and display your full strength. But if you meet disciples from other sects, then you must fight with everything you have all the more, and win glory for Cloud-Leveling Hall!"
Qin Yu's heart stirred slightly. His expression solemn, he cupped his fist. "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother. I'll certainly do my utmost and never disgrace Cloud-Leveling Hall's name!"
The two looked at each other, and the momentary solemnity soon dissolved into hearty laughter.
"Hahaha!" "Hahaha!"
The atmosphere in the courtyard instantly became bold and lively. Yang Zheng watched, dumbstruck, inwardly marveling, Senior Brother Nangong, the outer sect's number one, actually appreciates Brother Yu so much!
Nangong Heyao suddenly changed the subject, a generous spirit flashing in his eyes as he laughed freely. "Junior Brother Qin, we've met for the first time today, yet our conversation has been delightful and we're of like mind. No day is better than today-why don't we raise our cups right now, drink to our hearts' content, and not stop until we're drunk?"
Infected by his bold spirit, Qin Yu laughed aloud as well. "Since you're in the mood, Senior Brother, how could I dare refuse!"
Nangong Heyao beckoned, and Zhao Xinyu and the other two disciples immediately turned to procure fine wine from the outer sect's wine shop. Before long, several jars of fragrant spirit wine had been carried in.
Several wooden tables were quickly arranged in the courtyard. The spirit wine was unsealed, its fragrance rising in a haze as moonlight spilled among them and the atmosphere grew increasingly lively.
Nangong Heyao raised his cup, his gaze blazing, and declared boldly, "Come! For our Cloud-Leveling Hall, and for this coming tournament, I'll drink first as a mark of respect!"
Qin Yu raised his wine cup, his eyes brightening, and answered emphatically, "For Cloud-Leveling Hall!"
Both tilted their heads back and drained their cups, the fragrance of wine and their bold spirit soaring straight into the clouds.
The jars of spirit wine were opened, their fragrance spreading everywhere, and the atmosphere in the courtyard gradually grew lively beneath the moonlight. Nangong Heyao and Qin Yu exchanged toasts and talked with great pleasure, their conversation ranging from discussions of cultivation to their prospects for the coming inter-sect tournament.
Zhao Xinyu sat to one side, her fair hand lightly supporting her cup as she listened quietly. Her eyes still held some pride and reserve, but compared with earlier at the courtyard entrance, there was a little more gentleness.
At Nangong Heyao's invitation, Yang Zheng joined them at the table. He was somewhat constrained at first, but after several cups of wine, he gradually loosened up considerably.
Zhao Xinyu occasionally glanced sideways at Yang Zheng. Seeing his movements made slightly clumsy by nerves, she could not help laughing softly. She casually poured him a cup of wine and said gently, "You, don't be so reserved. This wine may be strong, but it won't harm your body. A cup or two is just right."
Yang Zheng froze for a moment, his face reddening, and hurriedly cupped his hands. "Thank you, Junior Sister Zhao."
Watching this, Qin Yu felt a little warmth in his heart. The affection between these two had quietly begun to reveal itself.
After several rounds of wine, Nangong Heyao clapped his hands and laughed, declaring, "Today's gathering has truly been a pleasure! Qin Yu, you're the most promising junior brother I've ever met; Yang Zheng, you must work harder too, and don't underestimate yourself. What Cloud-Leveling Hall needs in the future isn't just one genius, but a group of brothers and sisters who can fight shoulder to shoulder!"
At this point, his gaze deepened, his tone carrying both boldness and gravity. "If we can fight side by side in the inter-sect martial tournament, we'll certainly show the other sects-Cloud-Leveling Hall's disciples must never be taken lightly!"
Everyone responded in unison, bringing the atmosphere to its peak, and the fragrance of wine and sounds of laughter echoed beneath the night sky.
Zhao Xinyu glanced at Yang Zheng without showing anything, a trace of amusement flashing through her eyes. This silly boy is rather sincere.
The night deepened, and jar after jar of spirit wine was poured dry. Laughter in the courtyard gradually subsided. Nangong Heyao laughed heartily, set down his cup, and rose with a sweep of his sleeve. "Today has been delightful. Let's stop here. We still have to cultivate tomorrow; we mustn't neglect our foundations for a moment's pleasure."
Zhao Xinyu and her two companions rose and quietly said their farewells. As she passed Yang Zheng, her steps paused slightly, and she looked back and said gently, "Junior Brother Yang, you hold your liquor well. Let's have another drink together next time."
Yang Zheng froze, the tips of his ears instantly turning red, and hastily nodded. "All right, all right."
Qin Yu watched and laughed inwardly. Without saying much, he merely saw Nangong Heyao and his group off.
Silence returned to the courtyard, moonlight spilling down with a clear radiance like frost. Qin Yu returned to his room alone, gently closed the wooden door, and sat cross-legged.
The Spiritual Qi in his body was still surging ceaselessly from refining the beast core and practicing the spear art earlier. He slowly circulated his cultivation method, directing the Spiritual Qi into his dantian and steadying his breathing. A faint layer of gray-white radiance gradually enveloped his body.
Though my realm is stable, this strength still needs tempering... I absolutely cannot take the inter-sect martial tournament lightly.
Qin Yu silently warned himself, his gaze resolute as his breathing gradually settled.
Elsewhere, Nangong Heyao walked along a covered corridor with Zhao Xinyu and the others, his expression somewhat thoughtful.
Zhao Xinyu asked curiously, "Senior Brother, why do you value Qin Yu so highly? His talent may be astonishing, but his foundation is shallow, after all."
Nangong Heyao walked with his hands behind his back, his gaze deep. "That's precisely what makes him all the more formidable. He started with a low-grade Spirit Root, yet won battle after battle in an extremely short time, and even obtained so many spiritual herbs and medicines in the Shadow Woods... Given a few years, a junior brother like him might well stand shoulder to shoulder with me, or even surpass me."
He paused, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "If Cloud-Leveling Hall had a few more talents like him, we'd have a chance to gain the upper hand over the White Cloud Sect and Thousand Autumns Hall during the tournament."
Zhao Xinyu's eyes flickered, and she inwardly nodded. Hearing this, Yang Zheng felt both pride in Qin Yu and an even firmer resolve to catch up.