C21 Dao Kun Stepped onto the Stage of the Yuan Opening Grand Competition
Name: Chen Feng (Peerless Talent)
Cultivation Techniques: Chaos Myriad World Sutra, Tendon Altering Marrow Cleansing Sutra, Basic Sword Spell
Qualifications: Jianxin, Sword Intent Small Completion
Bone Root: 9 (Maximum: 10)
Wisdom: 10 (Maximum: 10)
Predestined Blessing: 10 (Maximum: 10)
Willpower: 9 (Maximum: 10)
Strength: Golden Core Level Two
Sect Name: Profound Heaven Sect
Sect Level: Grade Eight
Sect Buildings: Body Refining Pavilion, Mission Hall, Tripitaka Sutra Pavilion
Sect Disciples: 13/100
Sect Contribution: 56/1000 (Note: If the contribution degree exceeds the limit, it will automatically reset to 1,000 if not used within a day)
Points: 0 (Details on points are omitted to avoid confusion; refer to previous context for clarity.)
Chen Feng reviewed his attributes and noted the progression from a Grade Nine to a Grade Eight Sect, with the contribution degree cap now at 1,000.
Chen Feng entrusted the sect's affairs to Xiao Yan and once again entered seclusion.
...
Eight days later, Chen Feng and his fellow disciples gathered in the outer courtyard plaza, all in attendance.
They were set to travel to Essence Opening City, as the Sect Competition was to be held the following day. The rewards this time included the Artifact Refining Pavilion and a Low Grade Magic Artifact, the Frost Sword—both substantial prizes.
Chen Feng presented the Frost Sword to Lu Xueqi, finally fulfilling the long-overdue promise of a weapon, which had become somewhat of an embarrassment for him.
Within just a few days, the sect's strength had been revitalized.
Chen Feng had advanced to Golden Core Level Five, his power transforming dramatically. One shouldn't question the rapidity of his breakthrough—it was simply a testament to his capricious nature.
During this time, Chen Feng often converted his sect contribution into points for the lottery. Although he frequently received mere tokens of gratitude, he did manage to win a protective Four-god Array for the sect, consisting of the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise. It sounded formidable and could withstand an attack from someone at the Golden Core Peak.
This array also had an excellent special effect: it could detect those with malicious intent towards the sect, preventing their entry. Conveniently, Chen Feng was away during this time, so the Four-god Array served as a powerful safeguard against any potential invasions.
The Kunlun was shrouded in a mystical array, its mountain air rich with Spiritual Qi. Every winged creature and Demonic Beast in sight was deep in cultivation, creating an atmosphere akin to a celestial realm.
Chen Feng had lucked out and drawn a Marrow Cleansing Pill, along with the sect's attire, the blueprints for the Tripitaka Sutra Pavilion, and two tiny Space Rings, each with a mere five-by-five space. Without a second glance, he tossed them to Xiao Yan and Lau Qi, who cherished them as if they were the rarest of treasures. Despite their size, these Space Rings were a significant upgrade from the common storage bags. Considering even the Purple Chu Kingdom might lack such items, the joy of owning one was undeniable.
He then handed the Marrow Cleansing Pill to Dao Kun.
Name: Dao Kun (First-rate Talent)
Strength: Body Refining Level Six
Cultivation Method: Tendon Altering Marrow Cleansing Sutra, Wind Breaking Slash (Great Completion)
Qualification: Comprehension 8
Bone Root: 7
Predestined Blessing: 9
Willpower: 8
Dao Kun's Bone Root may have been slightly subpar, but his Predestined Blessing was outstanding, a solid 9, elevating him to the status of a First-rate Talent. His progress was swift, leading Chen Feng to wonder if Dao Kun was some chosen one, continually evolving in ways that a single Marrow Cleansing Pill couldn't possibly explain.
Chen Feng observed Lu Xueqi, Xiao Yan, and the others, noting the ever-strengthening ranks of the Profound Heaven Sect. The auras of Lu Xueqi and Xiao Yan were increasingly stable, poised for a breakthrough to the Golden Core Stage at any moment. Lau Qi had reached Body Refining Level Eight, and even the least advanced disciples had attained at least Body Refining Level Three.
Lau Qi, with his flamboyant demeanor, was hard to ignore. Clad in white, his hair billowing, he wielded a folding fan and sported a white jade token at his waist, looking every bit the part of a Sect Master—perhaps even more so than Chen Feng himself.
Chen Feng distributed the sect garments to the disciples as soon as he drew them. Personal disciples and True Inheritance Disciples were allowed to modify their attire at will.
Lu Xueqi was clad in a white dress adorned with snowflake patterns, which complemented her icy demeanor.
Xiao Yan wore a red robe emblazoned with a black flame on the back, exuding a commanding presence.
Lau Qi's appearance sparked a hint of envy in Chen Feng. With his fair complexion and dressed in white, he resembled a dashing young nobleman. He had abandoned his saber technique in favor of a fan-based martial skill, the Nine Whirlwind Fan, a Profound Rank Low Grade skill. It cost him over a thousand contribution points, and he had to borrow from both Xiao Yan and Lu Xueqi to afford it.
The white jade token served as the identity proof for Profound Heaven Sect Disciples. The back featured an auspicious dragon and phoenix design, while the front bore the disciple's name. It had no particular function, but it was aesthetically pleasing.
Inner Sect Disciples also wore long robes, but with a standardized design. Unlike personal disciples and True Inheritance Disciples, who could alter their robes freely, these robes were still quite attractive, featuring a striking blue and white color scheme.
Outer Sect and lower-level disciples wore training clothes that were more rudimentary. Since there were no lower-level disciples yet, these garments hadn't been distributed.
The Tripitaka Sutra Pavilion served a simple purpose: to house the sect's collection of cultivation methods and martial skills, organized across five levels corresponding to the Holy Grade, Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow. The God Level Cultivation Methods, however, were kept securely in Chen Feng's pocket.
Cultivation methods were transformed into durable white jade booklets, making them easier to preserve and less prone to damage. This also facilitated quicker comprehension among the disciples. Each level was protected by restrictions, and entry was forbidden without Chen Feng's express permission.
The Profound Heaven Sect, for the time being, had only a few cultivation methods. Chen Feng wasn't overly concerned with them, planning to establish more structured rules as the collection grew.
Despite Chen Feng's hands-off approach to the sect's affairs, with Xiao Yan managing the day-to-day operations, everything ran smoothly.
Surveying his energetic disciples, Chen Feng called out robustly, "Follow me to Essence Opening City."
The disciples moved with grace and agility, their movements reminiscent of dragonflies skimming the water's surface. They had all practiced the sect's unique movement skill, and even those less adept could still perform it with a certain finesse.
Chen Feng gazed upon the city before him, feeling an urge to exclaim, "Hu Han San has returned once more."
As Chen Feng and his group entered the city, passersby turned their heads in acknowledgment.
"Which sect do these disciples belong to? Since when did Essence Opening City harbor such a formidable sect?"
"They're likely here for the Sect Competition. This year's event promises to be quite the spectacle."
"The vitality of those leading the group is particularly potent. I can't even discern their cultivation levels."
...
"Isn't that Xiao Yan from the Xiao family? Could they be from the Profound Heaven Sect?"
Someone recognized Xiao Yan at a glance.
"Indeed, it's Xiao Yan. I never expected that joining the Profound Heaven Sect would enable him to cultivate to a level that even I can't comprehend," remarked a middle-aged man at the Body Refining Level Six.
"It looks like the Xiao family is on the rise!"
...
Hearing the surrounding chatter, Xiao Yan stood tall and proud, no longer concerned about being the subject of ridicule.
The other disciples also stood erect, taking pride in their identity as Profound Heaven Sect Disciples.
Chen Feng settled the group down, instructing them, "Rest well. I expect us to take first place tomorrow."
Given the strength of the Profound Heaven Sect Disciples, securing first place was almost guaranteed. The Blazing Fire Sect's personal disciples were only at Body Refining Level Seven. Lau Qi alone would suffice, not to mention the presence of Lu Xueqi and Xiao Yan.
...
The next day, Essence Opening City was bustling with activity. The Grand Competition was a major event, and the city was appropriately festive.
Early in the morning, Lee Qian arrived at the inn to escort Chen Feng and his companions to the competition grounds. A massive stage, enveloped by a protective array to shield the audience from any stray attacks, stood at the center, surrounded by a sea of spectators.
City Lord Lee Tongxuan occupied the seat of honor, with representatives from the Blazing Fire Sect and Chen Feng seated on either side. As the Profound Heaven Sect had achieved Grade Eight status, it was entitled to such prominence.
At the moment, Chen Feng exuded no aura of power, yet no one dared to underestimate him. Previously, Elder Zhang Yuan from the Sect Association had revealed that Chen Feng possessed the strength of Golden Core Level Seven.
Lee Tongxuan was taken aback by Chen Feng's level of cultivation, but now that he was on friendly terms with Chen Feng, the stronger Chen Feng was, the more advantageous it would be for him.
The Sect Master of the Blazing Fire Sect, Lee Huo, couldn't hide his displeasure. Chen Feng had slain two of his sect's Golden Core Elders, causing the Blazing Fire Sect to fall under the shadow of the City Lord Mansion. Lee Huo had been in seclusion, planning to obliterate the Profound Heaven Sect upon emerging, but the news of Chen Feng's prowess had forced him to bide his time.
With a forced smile, Lee Huo addressed Chen Feng, "Sect Master Chen is truly accomplished for his age! Your sect is impeccably managed, and your disciples' strength is nothing short of remarkable."
Lee Huo's gaze shifted to the disciples behind Chen Feng. Lau Qi, Xiao Yan, and Lu Xueqi all boasted formidable power. In comparison, his own True Inheritance Disciple, Chu Huaiyu, only had the strength of Body Refining Level Seven. Seeing Chen Feng's disciples, Lee Huo felt a mix of envy and jealousy.
Chen Feng was well aware of Lee Huo's thoughts. He was no longer the naive newcomer he had been upon his arrival in this world. With the death of two Golden Core Elders from the Blazing Fire Sect, any chance of reconciliation between the two sects had evaporated.
"I'm still a step behind you, Sect Master Lie! Losing two Golden Core Elders is of no consequence," Chen Feng remarked with a hint of irony.
"You!" Lee Huo's face twisted with anger at Chen Feng's words, and he was about to retaliate when Lee Tongxuan intervened.
"With the Sect Competition about to commence, this is no way for either of you to act," the City Lord interjected, clearly siding with Chen Feng.
Lee Huo gave Chen Feng and Lee Tongxuan a contemptuous snort. They were birds of a feather, and at this point, arguing was futile.
Chen Feng faced the Blazing Fire Sect with a challenging gaze, ready for Lee Huo to make a move so he could eliminate the threat once and for all. Otherwise, the Blazing Fire Sect would continue to covet the Profound Heaven Sect.
Lee Tongxuan watched Chen Feng in silence, marveling at the young man's fearlessness.
Unbeknownst to him, his interference had actually been a boon. Chen Feng's prowess at Golden Core Level Two was already on par with someone at Golden Core Level Seven, not to mention that he had now reached Golden Core Level Five.
Chen Feng turned to Lu Xueqi and the others and said, "You all go on down and enjoy yourselves."
Lau Qi provocatively eyed the members of the Blazing Fire Sect, whose faces were dark with displeasure. The Sect Master could sense the might of the Profound Heaven Sect Disciples, but his own followers could not. They could only gauge the strength of Dao Kun, Su Yu, and their peers.
Dao Kun was at Body Refining Level Five, while Su Yu and the others were at Body Refining Level Four or Three. Their capabilities didn't even measure up to those of the Tyrant Blade Sect.
The Blazing Fire Sect's mood was sour. In a low voice, the Sect Master instructed the True Inheritance Disciple, Chu Huaiyu, "If you encounter anyone from the Profound Heaven Sect, concede immediately. Don't hesitate."
Chu Huaiyu's pride was wounded. As a respected True Inheritance Disciple of the Blazing Fire Sect, he was not accustomed to such indignities. He resolved to give the Profound Heaven Sect disciples a lesson they wouldn't forget.
As a Golden Core Stage expert, Chen Feng certainly overheard the whispered strategy. What good would surrendering do? He doubted they could even utter the words "I surrender" before being defeated. With a cold smile in his heart, Chen Feng dismissed their plans.
Lee Tongxuan breathed a sigh of relief. It appeared that today's Sect Competition would be without suspense.
Once everyone had gathered, Lee Tongxuan didn't waste any words. He stepped onto the stage and declared the start of the Sect Competition.
The crowd erupted in cheers, chanting Chu Huaiyu's name in support.
The Profound Heaven Sect members scoffed at the display. The higher one's pedestal, the harder the fall. And as the Blazing Fire Sect reveled in their support, their Sect Master's expression grew even darker.
