Chapter 21

Amidst the clamor, the referee's booming voice announced: "Jiang Liuya has won the championship of this competition!"

The entire competition venue instantly erupted in cheers and applause.

The audience below the stage had burning eyes, a look of admiration and respect for the strong.

The champion, Jiang Liuya, not only possesses stunning beauty, but also demonstrated exceptional strength in this competition.

This duel was incredibly exciting. From an initial disadvantageous situation to a dramatic comeback and a victory against all odds, every moment gripped the audience's attention. For the ordinary cultivators in the audience, Jiang Liuya's success gave them hope of winning through skill. They realized that even with limited cultivation, one could still carve out a place for themselves in the highly competitive world of cultivation through wisdom and technique.

In the crowd, Song Chu and Li Yuan shouted with extra enthusiasm, as if they wanted to convey their joy to Jiang Liuya on the stage through their shouts.

Jiang Liuya stood on the high competition platform, looking down at the dark mass of people below.

The admiring and appreciative gazes focused on her, making her feel the glory of being the center of attention.

At this moment, she was radiant and full of vigor, a proud smile on her lips. It was as if the whole world was at her feet.

Danxi remained hidden in the crowd, quietly watching the person on the stage, who was so dazzling and outstanding.

He sighed with a hint of helplessness.

That day, by the campfire, her gaze was captivating and focused as she spoke words that stirred the heart.

He disappears for several days in the blink of an eye to participate in this kind of competition.

She's so bright, carefree, and spontaneous; I really don't know what to do with her.

On stage, Jiang Liuya glanced into the distance, her gaze suddenly freezing as a figure in blue came into view. The figure seemed strangely familiar; could it be…?

By the way, I didn't tell him before I came out to participate in the competition. Will he be angry with me?

My thoughts drifted back to that day, the flickering campfire illuminating their faces.

At the time, I had been drinking and was a little drunk.

However, everything he said and did was from the bottom of his heart...

"Congratulations, Miss Jiang, on winning the competition. Please visit the Treasure Pavilion for details regarding the prize." Ning Xuan's congratulatory voice pulled her back to reality.

The Golden Core cultivator standing to the side didn't say much, leaving Ning Xuan, who was in the Qi Refining stage, to take full charge.

This inevitably makes one curious about the background of this seemingly ordinary Qi Refining stage cultivator.

Lingbao Pavilion is located in the center of the most bustling street in Xingyun Town. It is a rather imposing three-story pavilion.

Its gates were also wide and imposing, adorned with golden runes and painted images of ancient mythical beasts; the runes and patterns intertwined beautifully. On either side of the gates stood a guard in magnificent robes.

Upon seeing Ning Xuan arrive, the guards immediately bowed respectfully: "Young Master Xuan."

Ning Xuan smiled slightly and led the group into the reception room. The Golden Core cultivator said that there were matters to attend to at his sect and it was inconvenient for them to stay any longer.

Ning Xuan politely replied, "Thank you, Elder Yue, for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend the competition."

The Golden Core cultivator waved his hand and left on his own.

In the reception room, only Ning Xuan, Jiang Liuya, and two appraisers from Lingbao Pavilion remained. He dispatched the two appraisers to retrieve the crystals prepared for the leader.

"I am Ning Xuan of the Nine Nether Sect." Ning Xuan introduced himself and said, "Although my cultivation is still shallow, I am fortunate to have been appreciated by the sect leader and have been able to assist in the management of the Spirit Treasure Pavilion."

Jiang Liuya thought to herself, "I had heard before that the Lingbao Pavilion was backed by the Nine Netherworld Sect, and it is indeed true."

"Fellow Daoist Ning, you are so young to shoulder such an important responsibility; you are truly exceptionally talented," Jiang Liuya said in greeting.

"Speaking of young and promising talents, it has to be Miss Jiang. Not only is her cultivation profound, but her performance in the competition was also breathtaking. May I ask which school Miss Jiang belongs to?" As he spoke, Ning Xuan leaned slightly closer to Jiang Liuya. His gaze lingered on her exquisite face, and upon closer inspection, he found her features even more picturesque, her beauty beyond compare.

"You may not have heard of the Imperial Pill Sect, Fellow Daoist Ning. It's just an obscure little sect."

"The Imperial Pill Sect? I've heard of it. One of the Treasure Appraisers in the Spirit Treasure Pavilion comes from the Imperial Pill Sect. However, I've heard that the Imperial Pill Sect is now deserted. Why don't you join my Nine Nether Sect instead, Miss Jiang? You'll have more resources in the future, which will greatly benefit your cultivation."

"Thank you for your kind offer, fellow Daoist, but I have no such intention," Jiang Liuya firmly refused. For her, the Imperial Pill Sect was not only her sect, but also her home, the place where her heart belonged. She would never switch allegiance to another sect.

“Miss Jiang, with your talent, it’s a real waste to be working in some third-rate little sects,” Ning Xuan advised again.

"Fellow Daoist Ning, there's no need to mention this matter again." Jiang Liuya was already somewhat displeased, her tone revealing coldness.

Even if the Imperial Pill Sect is in ruins, it will not tolerate others belittling it as "second-rate." Moreover, no matter how powerful his background is, he is still just a Qi Refining stage cultivator, yet he acts so arrogantly.

Seeing that Jiang Liuya's attitude was cold and hard, Ning Xuan gave up.

At this moment, the treasure appraiser brought out the crystals as a reward. One hundred high-grade crystals, shimmering with dazzling light. Suddenly becoming wealthy, Jiang Liuya felt a surge of joy.

"Miss Jiang, since you're here at Lingbao Pavilion, why not take a look at the treasures here? Perhaps you'll find something you like," Ning Xuan suggested, seeing that the atmosphere had eased somewhat.

Jiang Liuya had originally planned to use the prize money to buy a high-quality alchemy furnace, so she asked, "Fellow Daoist Ning, does the Lingbao Pavilion sell alchemy furnaces?"

The third floor of Lingbao Pavilion is mysterious and prestigious. It is filled with precious and rare treasures, each with its own unique features.

It is said that ordinary cultivators cannot even step into this level. Only those high-level cultivators who have achieved a certain level of cultivation and are wealthy are qualified to witness the splendor of the treasures here.

Ning Xuan led Jiang Liuya through the treasures displayed on the third floor. The sheer number of treasures on display was dazzling. Ning Xuan would stop every now and then to explain the origins and uses of each treasure to Jiang Liuya.

Jiang Liuya walked to the area where alchemy furnaces were displayed. These furnaces were all spiritual items, with simple and elegant shapes, and exuded a faint spiritual aura.

The spirit-grade alchemy furnace should be enough to purchase with the crystals we just used.

Suddenly, her gaze was drawn to a pill furnace, and she couldn't look away. This furnace was crafted from a single piece of black iron, its surface smooth as a mirror, gleaming with a cold, eerie luster. The black iron was incredibly hard, and intricate runes were carved upon it, the runes shimmering with a faint blue light, containing profound spiritual energy.

This is a celestial-grade alchemy furnace, and a longing for it spread through her heart.

Ning Xuan noticed her interest and a smile appeared on his lips. He asked, "Miss Jiang, have you taken a liking to this alchemy furnace?"

Jiang Liuya thought to herself that in the future, she would need a furnace of this grade to refine the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill, as it would have a higher success rate.

However, the hundred high-grade crystals were insufficient to purchase the Immortal-grade Pill Furnace.

"Fellow Daoist Ning, how much does this alchemy furnace cost?" Jiang Liuya's voice held a hint of nervousness.

A celestial-grade alchemy furnace is extremely rare and highly sought after; a furnace of this quality could potentially yield an enormous amount of crystals.

“This is a newly acquired immortal-grade alchemy furnace from Lingbao Pavilion. If Miss Jiang likes it, it’s yours.” As he spoke, Ning Xuan suddenly moved closer to Jiang Liuya and whispered in her ear, “Truly wonderful, a treasure for a beauty.”