Juntian Bird Announces Rewards

"Why must Elder Zong put a junior like me on the fire? How could I possibly do that?"

While many rising stars close to the state court saw this opportunity to become a Khenpo in this round of battles as a stepping stone for advancement, the Sect Leader Kang Da was ultimately a man who disliked the limelight.

But before he could utter those words of hesitation, Kang Dabao saw Juntian Bird's glare and Fei Nanying behind him giving him a meaningful look. He knew then that he couldn't say those words out loud.

This old bird's status in the Fei Household is not much lower than that of Fei Ye Shui, the head of the family. If he were to be considered disobedient and then casually kill him, there would be no place to reason with him.

"How?"

"This junior will do my utmost."

"Fine, if you dare to hide your abilities or give a perfunctory answer, just wait and see if I, your ancestor, won't skin you alive when we get back!"

Juntian Bird uttered a harsh threat, then added sternly, "Give up this training ground to Fei Household Jiazhilan. I want to see how he's going to slap my face today."

The Golden Core cultivators watching remained expressionless, while the Foundation Establishment in the arena displayed a variety of expressions.

Fei Enxing and Kang Dabao were in a predicament, one clenching his teeth in despair, the other sighing several times as he stood holding his halberd.

As the two entered the arena one after the other, the crowd outside the training ground began to stir.

"In your opinion, fellow Daoists, does this Fei Household elder intend to bring fame to Fei Enxing, or is he using this opportunity to teach his rebellious son-in-law a lesson?"

"It's hard to say. Last year, when the Seven Heroes of Ao Mountain swore brotherhood, someone from my family went to witness the grand occasion. When my cousin came back, he only said that all the families gathered together, and it was truly a gathering of auspicious omens and celebrations."

It is said that the battle between the Seven Heroes was dazzling and breathtaking, but Fei Enxing was the most senior and possessed the most exquisite Cultivation Method. If it weren't for the fact that the False Core son of the Yang Household had such profound cultivation in the nascent soul stage, he would have been a cut above Fei Enxing. Otherwise, Fei Enxing should have firmly secured his position as the leader of the Seven Heroes of Ao Mountain. On the other hand, his son-in-law was rather plain-looking and didn't seem like he could win.

"Fellow Daoist, don't forget, don't forget, the Chongming Sect was able to resist False Core when he was cultivating the land a few years ago."

"He's only a mid-stage True Cultivator now, how can you believe this rumor? He probably only managed to avoid defeat because he knows about warfare and led his disciples to form an array to resist him."

Many scoundrels among spiritual practitioners are fond of empty talk and boasting. In my opinion, this matter, so astonishing, is mostly just an exaggeration based on hearsay. How can something that hasn't been witnessed firsthand be believed?

Fellow Daoist, haven't you heard the rumors from a few years ago that Core Master Xue Wu of the Hongyi Sect, was killed by this Double Brightness Sect Leader in a single blow? How laughable!

"Regardless of the circumstances, it's a fact that you killed Two Instruments Sect the Yue Fu in the midst of battle back then, right?! He was a late-stage True Cultivator from a major Golden Core sect. Could you really have done something like that?"

"How could I do that? Besides, I only said that Kang Dabao was no match for Fei Enxing, not that he shouldn't have a place this time. He is one of the most knowledgeable military strategists in Cloud Horn Prefecture Court, and his past military achievements are quite illustrious. I am far from being able to compare with him now."

"Stop arguing! Stop arguing! Do you think you can see things more clearly than those Golden Core cultivators?! Quiet! Quiet! We're going to fight!!"

Fei Enxing and Kang Dabao entered the training ground one after the other, one holding a knife and the other a halberd, standing facing each other in silence.

Fei Nanying thought for a while but still didn't speak. However, if even he couldn't figure it out, the other Golden Core cultivators would naturally find it hard to understand either.

However, none of them were the owners of this place, and Juntian Bird, that old bird, was notoriously sharp-tongued and sarcastic, yet also incredibly skilled with his claws. Even if several people were tied together, they might not be able to withstand a single claw from him, so none of them dared to approach him for a chat.

However, Fei Granny Liu, who was standing to the side, looked very uneasy upon seeing this scene. She mustered her courage and moved in front of Juntian Bird, saying in a low voice, "Ancestor, if Xing'er loses this time, what will become of the Fei Household's reputation?"

"What do you mean 'if'? How could he possibly have any chance of winning? Kang Dabao was abandoned by Nanying before, but he didn't give up on himself. On the contrary, he has made even more progress. Just look at how his eyes are now filled with divine light and Dao Rhyme. He has probably already mastered a Zhou Grade pupil technique to a profound level."

His physique was so refined and powerful that he was at least on par with Second-Tier Lower-Grade Demon Beast; even his Divine Sense couldn't fathom how he cultivated, yet at such a young age, he was already comparable to an ordinary Foundation Establishment Peak cultivator.

Furthermore, given his profound foundation, even within my younger brother's family, Esteemed Jade Hall, there are few peers who can compare to him. If he truly acquires some of the essence of Yuan Buwen's halberd technique, then he will be considered another promising talent in our Fei Household. With proper guidance and training, it's not impossible to provide him with resources and grant him a path to Core Formation."

"Ancestor, he's just a son-in-law from another family after all. If Enxing suffers too much of a defeat..."

"Shut up, you ignorant girl! You have no choice but to choose mediocre sons, and now that you've found a good son-in-law, you don't even know how to cultivate him?!" Juntian Bird's tone suddenly became much harsher as he scolded Fei Granny Liu.

"Why are you all such scoundrels in the Fei Household? You keep talking about social status and family background. If you're so concerned about social standing, why don't you send all the daughters from less fortunate families to Universal Splendor Nunnery to become nuns?!"

Even if Fei Enxing loses today, it is still my Fei Household's son-in-law who has defeated my Fei Household's son. How can it be considered a loss of face? Family background and social standing are important. Even the Kuang Household, who sit in the Golden Palace, know how to recruit outside talents.

If they were all as foolish and dull as you, how could the Great Wei Clan have a True Person like Shen Lingfeng, so close to the Immortal Dynasty, to assist them! With a brain like yours, how could you possibly manage the She Mountain Hall for two Jiazi years? No wonder you've raised a descendant who dares to defy the clan elders in public."

These words were rather harsh. Fei Granny Liu turned pale from the drinking, and even her walking stick seemed to slip from her grasp. She staggered back several steps before regaining her footing.

After being questioned, the old woman dared not speak again, only bowing her head and tightly gripping the gold clasp on her walking stick, revealing that her heart was not at peace.

This unusual movement naturally attracted the attention of several cultivators in the distance. Fei Nanying couldn't very well not smooth things over, so he immediately gathered around and comforted them, saying, "Ancestor, please calm down. Granny Liu is just having a moment of confusion."

Over the years, without her dedicated care and hard work in managing the family affairs, my She Mountain Hall would probably have long since declined. Please calm down and don't let this delay important matters."

Juntian Bird's expression softened slightly, but when he spoke again, his voice was much softer. "You say that girl hasn't figured it out, but have you figured it out yourself?"

Nowadays, your She Mountain Hall is like a stagnant pool. Many of your descendants are like that fool Fei Enxing, relying on their status as Fei Household to make friends and flatter each other.

You two brothers are lucky to have been born a few years earlier. If you had been born in the same year as these pampered children in the hall, you would have been raised by this little girl to be arrogant and haughty, and without experiencing any trials and tribulations. Even if your prestigious Yue Household sent you ten pieces of Imperial Peak Stone, you wouldn't have been able to become Middle-Grade Golden Core.

"Suffering a loss now is a good thing. Today, we'll use Kang Dabao as a stick to wake them up and make them pull themselves together. Otherwise, they might suffer even greater losses in the future. Losing face in our own territory now is better than losing our lives at the hands of others later."

Although Juntian Bird had already guessed most of the deeper meaning behind Fei Nanying, after hearing the former's evaluation of Fei Granny Liu, a heavy weight was lifted from his heart.

However, there was still one point he couldn't understand. Taking advantage of the fact that Elder Zong was in the middle of a lively discussion, Fei Nanying couldn't help but ask, "May I ask why the Ancestor singled out Enxing for a seat? In terms of ability, even if he couldn't defeat Kang Dabao, he shouldn't be excluded from the nine seats, right?"

Juntian Bird glanced at him, but still patiently explained, "It is quite rare for Funeng cultivate the 'Pure Lotus First Ground Aspect'. After this appearance is cultivated, a red lotus pattern will appear under the tongue, and the fragrance of lotus will permeate the bones when chanting mantras, which is most disturbing to the mind. I have an old friend who suffered at the hands of these lewd monks back then, so he has a deep impression of it."

While your son's cultivation is indeed not bad, and his swordsmanship is quite proficient, making him stand out in the Esteemed Jade Hall, his temperament is far inferior to others and needs the most refinement. Otherwise, he will have no chance of achieving the Golden Core Elixir in the future.

If I'm not mistaken, if he really faces Funeng this time, he'll likely be defeated without expending much effort or depleting much of the latter's energy.

Fei Nanying suddenly realized, "So that's how it is. I'm afraid he doesn't understand the old ancestor's good intentions."

Juntian Bird then made a disdainful expression in a very human-like manner. "Heh, why should I, your ancestor, explain my actions to these juniors? Just watch, I'm not old and senile yet; your brat won't last the time it takes to drink a cup of tea."

Fei Nanying stopped asking questions, waved his hand, and a False Core from the Fei Household received the order, landing on a white cloud in the training ground. After surveying the surroundings, he sternly commanded, "Fight!"

Fei Enxing's expression was stern, and he didn't even bother to exchange a single word of politeness with Sect Leader Kang Da.

He came forward first, his black jade ring knife as black and shiny as iron, its blade energy crisscrossing, and he slashed straight at Kang Dabao's proud body.

The chilling blade energy transformed into countless dark petals halfway through its journey. This transformation only occurs when the "Reed Wind Three Turns" sword technique has been practiced to an extremely profound level.

The key is that once it touches flesh, it will take root and corrode. Even if it is only grazed by the blade's energy and leaves a shallow cut, an ordinary Foundation Establishment would have half of their body rotted through if they had no way to deal with it.

Among the onlookers were many discerning talents from various schools, all of whom were amazed by the profound mystery of Fei Enxing.

Kang Dabao dared not be careless, for he was far less confident in Juntian Bird than Juntianqin was. With a casual flick of his wrist, spiritual light emanated from the spirit insect pouch, and a cloud of insects formed a square shield in front of him.

The sword energy looked fierce, but it couldn't break through the silver armor on the Lion Insect swarm. Before long, it was shut out and completely disappeared.

It was clear that Fei Enxing had anticipated that his opening move would be easily broken by his opponent. He was not discouraged, nor did he give Kang Dabao a chance to build up his strength for a counterattack.

His blade trembled and emitted a mournful howl, disrupting Kang Dabao's hand gestures. He then spun around and slashed, unleashing a ferocious blade aura ten zhang long that hurtled towards Kang Dabao.

The Fei Household's False Core, who was appointed to make the judgment, widened his eyes in shock.

"This blade aura can already withstand my full-force attack. Even if my nephew Enxing can't last long, is it really enough to catch the ancestor's eye with such skill?"

The remaining members of the Fei Household were also honored and greatly encouraged.

The onlookers exclaimed in surprise, with some well-connected individuals even boasting, "Brother Fei is indeed one of the most outstanding talents in our five states. No wonder Senior Cultivator Wufeng specially invited the Seven Heroes of Ao Mountain to a banquet some time ago. I heard that after the banquet, they presented each other with beautiful women and precious swords, and composed and sang poems together. How elegant!"

Kang Dabao was oblivious to these off-stage comments at that moment.

Even though the surrounding spiritual energy was disrupted by the mournful howl of Fei Enxing's ring-shaped blade, and his hand seals were not yet formed, Sect Leader Kang Da face. As the blade's energy approached, Sect Leader Kang Da even simply withdrew his hand seals.

As he urged the swarm of insects in front of him to disperse to both sides, the short halberd in his hand shone brightly, and a large wave of black flames surged out. The blue Spirit Stone floor in the training ground creaked and cracked, and in an instant, a sea of fire formed in front of Kang Dabao.

The cultivators who had previously praised Fei Enxing were the first to shake their heads and sigh, "Among those of the same level, I've only ever seen this Fei Household Daoist wield such a fierce blade light. That Sect Leader Kang on the other side didn't even use Spirit Artifact to block it, choosing instead to attack with attack. This move seems rather reckless."

Someone immediately chimed in, "That's right! My cousin saw that after the young master of the Fei Household used this move, even the eldest son of the Yang Household, who was False Core Formation cultivator, had a lot of trouble before he could barely withstand it."

The two men spoke with substance, which garnered them even more support.

"This boy is arrogant; how unwise of him to act in this way!"

"I observe that although the black flames appear powerful, they are weak and without foundation, and will hardly be able to withstand the blade's aura. If this is the case, if Fei Household is humiliated by his own disciple, he will likely be very angry afterward."

"Fellow Daoist's insight is profound. Even the wisest among men may have flaws. Could it be that the sword energy has dissipated?!"

As soon as the man finished speaking, the dark sword energy in the arena was immediately engulfed by the black flames. The latter was like the first snow meeting the blazing sun; after only a moment of stalemate, it melted away and could no longer be subdued.

The Fei Household, False Core and Fei Enxing, both showed surprise on their faces. In fact, not only were they surprised, but even Kang Dabao himself was also surprised for the first time. After receiving the incomplete version, he realized that the "Mu Fu Xing Jun Zhi Ji Lang's Military Strategy" had such power.

"It's probably much more powerful than when Yuan Feng used it back then."

Even the usually composed Jun Tianqin was slightly surprised by this halberd technique. The remaining Golden Core Juntian Bird, including Fei Nanying, were all moved, not to mention the False Core and Foundation Establishment cultivators in the arena, who were all in awe and did not utter a single word of disdain.

However, Kang Dabao was a man who had faced life and death many times. Being in the thick of it, he couldn't calm down the joy that arose in his heart like an outsider. Now that he had the upper hand, he couldn't give Fei Enxing any more chance to breathe.

The latter had just used a top-grade hooked Spirit Artifact to deflect the oncoming black flames to both sides when Kang Dabao had already charged forward, holding a short halberd upside down.

A torrent of black flames surged forth from the Slaughter and Extermination, keeping Fei Enxing's exquisite belt hook too busy to react. Kang Dabao wielded his halberd to stab him in a vital spot, but Fei Enxing had clearly already devised a countermeasure.

The black jade ring knife in his hand swelled to a length of ten feet, and countless black, shiny scales appeared on the blade, spinning and protecting him.

"Clang!"

As the short halberd's sharp edge dimmed and the fine scales of the monk's knife scattered, the noise in Sect Leader Kang Da's ears finally ceased.

On the other side, Fei Enxing gripped the belt hook tightly, but he too could not withstand the massive black flames. His protective aura was slowly eroded and was about to collapse.

Anyone could see that Fei Enxing was already at a disadvantage, but Sect Leader Kang Da dared not be distracted in the slightest. He continued to hold his breath and concentrate, his hands forming several incantations. The swarm of Lion Insect buzzed and pressed forward. If they got close to the cultivator, even the False Core would be devoured.

Fei Enxing's face was extremely ugly, but it was impossible for him to beg for mercy and admit defeat now. He simply sneered, his face still contorted with rage. "Today, I was caught off guard, and you, a peasant, found an opportunity to use me as a stepping stone to show off in front of everyone."

Kang Dabao didn't know if Fei Enxing was intentionally trying to provoke him, but he ignored him and just kept urging the Lion Insect to devour the spiritual light shield in front of Fei Enxing.

At that moment, Sect Leader Kang Da pulled Slaughter and Extermination back in front of him, and the black flames in the arena faded away, revealing the halberd in his hand shining brightly.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, he unleashed one of the four styles of the Yuan Household Halberd Art, which he had just extracted from Yuan Buwen's belly: Seven Sha Lock the Dragon.

It draws energy from seven acupoints on the body: Niwan, Fengfu, Zhiyang, Yaoyang, Weilu, Huiyin, and Guanyuan, and imitates the seven stars of the Big Dipper Heavenly Pivot, Tianxuan, Tianji, Tianquan, Yuheng, Kaiyang, and Yaoguang.

The seven acupoints Sha Qi malevolent energy flowed into the halberd, and dark red blood patterns appeared on the halberd blade made of crescent-shaped white rhinoceros horn. When it was swung, seven mysterious chains of illusion appeared. As soon as they appeared, Fei Enxing felt his spiritual power suddenly stagnate.

"Oh no!"

Just as Fei Enxing's eyes showed surprise, Kang Dabao also saw the flaw in the former's Protect Body. He saw that the small branch at the tip of the halberd in his hand resembled a crescent moon, and when he swung it, it transformed into a phantom image of a greedy wolf.

This is the second Yuan Household Halberd Art: Greedy Wolf Devours the Moon.

The wolf's bite slammed down on the protective aura, and with a loud bang, a large amount of light fell to the ground. At the same time, Sect Leader Kang Da saw a resolute look on Fei Enxing's face.

"It's just a regular competition, and they're already risking their lives?!"

Kang Dabao was truly shocked and frightened. Heaven knows if these young masters had any powerful artifacts left behind by their ancestors in their pockets!

He held the Immortal Game Disc in his hand as a protective shield. Sect Leader Kang Da only felt a dazzling white light appear in front of him, and then the Immortal Game Disc was hit hard and almost slipped from his grasp.

"Nonsense!" Fei Nanying muttered in exasperation.

In stark contrast to Fei Nanying's reaction, Juntian Bird glanced at it with great interest and then said:

"It's alright. I didn't tell that kid beforehand not to use talismans. I didn't expect that your nephew-in-law, who is only at the mid-stage of cultivation, could actually control so many Second-Tier Lower-Grade spirit insects and two top-grade Spirit Artifact at the same time. If that's the case, then we'll have a 10% better chance of winning this round against that Funeng brat."

Fei Granny Liu, unable to contain herself any longer, came over and asked again, "Grandmother, is that young man truly so difficult to match?"

After cursing, the old bird Juntian Bird didn't hold a grudge. Instead, he carefully explained to Fei Granny Liu:

"Ordinary Khenpos are not that difficult to deal with. Even in our Ying Prefecture Fei Household, we can find a few who can match him. But Funeng is different. According to the information we have now, after he cultivated the 'Pure Lotus First Ground Aspect,' he was already the second most outstanding disciple of Original Response Temple in this generation, second only to the Buddha's Gada."

Among the eighteen Khenpos of this generation, he is the foremost. Original Response Temple is also a major sect of this era. Logically speaking, he should at least be a disciple of Nascent Soul sect like Five Old Mothers Mountain to be worthy of him.

However, we benefited from the rotation system this time, and Cao Xianlu, Yang Wuwei, and others are quite capable. Now, with Kang Dabao emerging out of nowhere, our chances of winning should be around 30%.

Fei Granny Liu asked again with a doubtful tone, "Judging from the tone of the old master, I'm afraid even I am no match for that Funeng."

"That's not necessarily true. It's just that the practitioners of the Snowland Esoteric Buddhism have strange cultivation methods, and you might fall into their trap if you're not careful. Among the False Core cultivators I know in the Shannan Circuit, only those two brats from the Yue Household and Yuan Household can confidently claim victory."

Having said this, Juntian Bird lost interest in further explaining things to Fei Granny Liu, and turned his gaze back to the training ground, saying softly, "Enough talk, let's see how that kid Kang wins."

Now it was seen that Sect Leader Kang Da did not make any unusual moves. He simply endured the initial period. When Fei Enxing's spiritual power was exhausted, he relied on his long and steady breath, the unyielding strength of the Immortal Game Disc and the sharpness of the Slaughter and Extermination, to single-handedly resist the dissipation of the golden spear and talisman in Fei Enxing's hand.

"What swordsmanship is unmatched? What rank of second among the Seven Heroes of Ao Mountain? You've already lost?"

"I almost made it through the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, so it's not too slow."

"Nine individuals in this training ground who are already incredibly vigorous and powerful before even reaching a hundred years old? With so many talented people in our Cloud Horn Prefecture Court, our chances of victory are quite high."

"I said before that Fei Enxing comes from a prominent family and has acquired the habits of a pampered nobleman. How can he compare to a person like Chongming Sect Leader Kang, who has been tempered through hardship, in terms of fighting ability?"

"Brother Daoist, that's what you said earlier?"

"."

Among the Foundation Establishment outside the arena, only Qin Sufu and Jiang Qing had expressions different from the others. The former was relieved, and the latter was admiring, which was out of place with the commotion and screams around them.

Upon seeing Kang Dabao's winning method, Juntian Bird was quite surprised and also found it uninteresting. He thought to himself, "He actually used the Long Breath Art. This kid was still hiding his true strength. Oh well, when a strong enemy comes, he'll know he can't hide it anymore. But this kid's foundation... I haven't seen such a solid foundation in many years."

Unfortunately, his Spirit Root is too inferior. Even though his Dao Foundation has reached the Ice Leaf, his future Core Formation will be difficult to achieve. However, he seems to be only a little over sixty years old, and his cultivation is not slow. It's not impossible to use some powerful tonics to help him grow stronger. If he waits another hundred years, he might be able to form Golden Core with a fifty percent chance. That would be enough to cultivate him."

Kang Dabao had no idea about any of this. He simply let out a long sigh, composed himself, and strode to the nearly lifeless Fei Enxing, placing his halberd at the latter's vitals.

Just when he thought he had the victory firmly in his grasp, before even the words "thank you for your concession" could be uttered by Sect Leader Kang Da, he saw Fei Enxing turn ruthless.

He actually stretched out his slender, fair neck, ready to resolutely charge towards the halberd's edge!

"I am a descendant of a noble family, a direct descendant of a powerful clan, how can I allow myself to be ridiculed by a peasant like you!"

Fei Enxing was resolute, but Sect Leader Kang Da was so shocked by the former's unusual move that he gasped in surprise:

"This guy is truly insane!"

Before Kang Dabao could even sheathe his halberd, a feather descended from the sky. It seemed as light as a feather, but with just a gentle flick, it sent the furious Fei Enxing flying.

It's important to know that Juntian Bird didn't hold back at all this time!

Kang Dabao watched as Fei Enxing's flesh and bones were torn apart, and he rolled countless times before crashing heavily to the ground.

At the same time, the Juntian Bird in the void also sneered at Fei Nanying and Fei Granny Liu:

"See? This is what I meant by a lack of character! Even a minor setback has caused this. How can such a disciple achieve the Golden Core stage? How can he shoulder great responsibilities? How can he lead the Fei Household to prosperity?!"

Fei Nanying, the head of the She Mountain Hall, seemed to have made a decision at this moment. He disregarded the extremely ugly expression on Fei Granny Liu's face and simply addressed those around him:

"Issue my order: Fei Enxing to be dispatched to the Liangxi immediately. He shall not return until he has achieved the Golden Core Elixir. Furthermore, this matter must be thoroughly informed to all the disciples of each branch of the family, so that they may learn from this warning! Remember, it must be the exact facts, without any embellishment or exaggeration!"

His expression was unpleasant, but Fei Nanying had already put it this way, he dared not refuse. Helpless, he could only turn his gaze to Fei Granny Liu.

Upon seeing this, the old woman's expression changed several times, but in the end, she sighed again.

She slowly approached Fei Nanying and said gently, "Since I took charge of the family, I have perhaps already harmed a generation of young men. From now on, I ask the head of the family to decide how to proceed, and not to worry about this foolish and stupid woman."

Upon hearing this, Fei Nanying was pleased, but he still had to say a few words of modesty to Fei Granny Liu.

Juntian Bird didn't care much about this little incident. It simply called Kang Dabao to its side and said jokingly, "You won, but you won rather horribly. Well, you're quite filial, saving my ancestor a lot of money on the reward."

At this moment, Sect Leader Kang Da dared not harbor any further thoughts. He hurriedly bowed and respectfully said, "This humble one had no intention of competing with my brother-in-law, but..."

"You're overthinking things, kid. I'm not going to punish you for this victory."

The honor of the Fei Household lies in its seventeen Golden Core cultivators, in its illustrious victories recorded in the annals of the Great Wei, in its orderly lineage, and in its descendants for generations to come. It certainly does not lie with you, the younger generation. Victory is victory; you should stand tall and proud. Why such coy posturing?

After the old bird finished speaking, he ignored Sect Leader Kang Da and instead looked around at the other man.

Wherever Juntian Bird's sharp eyes fell, all the Golden Core cultivators bowed their heads and avoided his gaze, not daring to look directly at him. There was no way that Fei Enxing, that his clan would be ridiculed by others. It was clear that he was indeed worrying unnecessarily.

Fortunately, another message arrived from the horizon, bringing relief. Fei Nanying caught the spiritual light in the air, unfolded it, and examined it. His face turned solemn, and he leaned over to Juntian Bird and said, "That brat Funeng has already left the Bo Prefecture Xianyu Household."

How was it produced?

"The Xianyu Household selected nine sons from among their legitimate and illegitimate children, as well as relatives and old friends, to challenge them to a duel. They were defeated within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Funeng presented them with generous gifts and led the Xianyu Clan out of Bo Prefecture."

"Fool! Even if they learned this method, how could they possibly win? Before making a move, they didn't even consider how many cards they had left to play. No, 'defeat in a cup of tea'—they probably didn't even intend to stop us!"

"Ha, or perhaps upon hearing the name Original Response Temple, the Xianyu Household, from top to bottom, all seemed to soften a bit! Tsk, utterly incompetent, it's no wonder their family has been Star-Picking Pavilion and leeched off by that womanly Zhaixing Tower for centuries."

Juntian Bird chuckled, seemingly unconcerned, and transformed back into a colossal bird as majestic as a mountain. After garnering countless admiring and respectful glances, the old bird laughed loudly again and shouted across the training ground:

"The nine participants for this round of battles have been decided. Pass down the order: I, the patriarch, will invite the leading figures from all the sects of Shannan Circuit to attend the Dharma assembly, and then I will publicly announce the names of these nine juniors and hold a banquet with flowers in their hair!"

Listen carefully, my boys. A powerful enemy is coming. Whether you rise to prominence or fall to the dust depends on your individual abilities and whether you can defeat that little monk.

The voice seemed to have a bewitching power, and even the young men from various families who were not allowed to attend the event were stirred to blush.

Juntian Bird was clearly not satisfied with this. After looking around, it laughed loudly several more times.

"Do a good job. If you win beautifully this time, I will go to the Cold Crow Mountain Range and find Demon Officer without a powerful backer, and give him his beast core as a reward! The rest of you will also benefit. Beast cores may be hard to come by, but I will never be stingy with First Tier and Second Tier Demon Beast materials; you'll have everything you need!"

These words were so powerful they seemed to reach the heavens and shake the eight directions, causing all the cultivators in the arena to become excited!

Even Kang Dabao himself was so aroused that he couldn't help himself, and a wild roar got stuck in his throat. He almost lost his mind and vomited along with the others.

However, at the same time, he felt Fei Nanying's gaze fall on him as well. This time, however, he was not only numb and indifferent, but also felt a little warmth.

Sect Leader Kang Da was also delighted, and his earlier excitement subsided.

He simply straightened his body, straightened his clothes and composed himself, and bowed respectfully to Fei Nanying, displaying impeccable manners and exceptional obedience.

Fei Nanying's eyes showed a hint of satisfaction. After nodding to Kang Dabao for a while, he turned his gaze elsewhere.

"That's right, you need to be completely obedient before I can use you."

[Additional setting: I've been so engrossed in writing that I forgot everyone might be confused. The Aristocratic Clan in this book are currently divided into six ranks: Noble Family (possessing multiple Nascent Soul), Elite Family (possessing Nascent Golden Core Nascent Soul), Wealthy Family (possessing multiple Golden Core cultivators), Powerful Family (possessing Golden Core cultivators), Good Family (possessing False Core cultivators), and Humble Family (possessing multiple Foundation Establishment).]

However, this standard is not always particularly strict. For example, the family property of the capital region is generally more valuable than that of families in the four corners of the country. For instance, one needs to have multiple or more False Core to obtain the family property of 'good surname'.

I won't go into these details later, and you don't need to remember them; just have a general idea. Lao Bai intention in writing these things was simply to enrich the setting, and it won't significantly affect your reading experience. As for the sects, I don't think we need to distinguish them.