Chapter 57: Xiaobi's Thunder, Sword Pointing to the True Instruction
After her three-month confinement, Ye Li emerged from her retreat. She remained quiet, her aura restrained, like any other early-stage Condensing Meridians disciple, commuting daily between her residence, the Transmission Pavilion, and the Yundan Peak lecture hall. Her demeanor remained unchanged from before her retreat. However, a discerning observer could detect a deeper brilliance in her gaze, and an indescribable ease and coordination in her steps, as if everything was under control.
This low profile didn't last long, because the Xuanyun Sect's once-in-a-decade "Small Sect Competition" was about to begin.
The sect competition aims to test disciples' cultivation and motivate those who are still struggling. It is also an important occasion for each peak to demonstrate its strength and compete for resource allocation. The competition is divided into three categories: Outer Sect, Inner Sect, and True Sect. The rewards are generous, especially for the top ten in the Inner Sect and the top twenty in the True Sect, who will receive a large number of contribution points, precious elixirs, and even magical artifacts.
As the news broke, the entire Xuanyun Sect erupted in excitement. Disciples from every peak were eager to take on the challenge. Those in seclusion emerged one after another, while those away from home rushed back, all eager to distinguish themselves in the competition.
Yundan Peak, inside the cave of Mr. Muyun.
"Li'er, what do you think of this competition?" Mr. Muyun asked casually while sipping his tea.
Ye Li stood respectfully below, his expression calm, "Master, I wish to participate in the inner sect competition."
A glint of understanding flashed in Muyun Jushi's eyes. "With your current strength, there are only a handful of people in the inner sect who can compete with you. I'm afraid your goal is more than just this, right?"
Ye Li didn't deny it, saying frankly, "I do want to take this opportunity to test my status as a true disciple." She needed a touchstone to test the effectiveness of her retreat, but she also needed a resounding victory to truly establish a firm foothold within the sect and deter the scoundrels. The small competition arena was undoubtedly the best stage for this.
"Good!" Monk Muyun clapped his hands and chuckled. "To remain humble and enterprising is the true spirit of a cultivator like me. Go into battle without worry. Your master and Yundan Peak will always be there for you. However, you must know how to conceal your strengths and make choices. Don't reveal all your cards too soon."
"Disciple will remember Master's teachings."
…
On the day of the competition, the massive martial arts arena at the center of Xuantian Peak was packed. Dozens of arenas rose simultaneously, runes flashing, and the sect elders personally presided over the refereeing.
Ye Li signed up for the inner sect group. Her presence naturally attracted countless attention. After all, the turmoil in the secret realm was still fresh in people's minds, and everyone wanted to know the current strength of this disciple who had inherited the ancient heritage.
In both the preliminary and semifinal rounds, Ye Li's opponents were mostly early- to mid-stage Condensation Meridians. She didn't employ the "Universe Traceless Step" or "Ice Soul Sealing Heaven Finger," relying solely on her pure and profound icy spiritual energy, combined with a modified version of the Shadow Step and basic finger techniques, to easily triumph. Often, before her opponents could even grasp her movements, a blast of icy wind would strike their vital points, sealing their spiritual energy or knocking them off the stage. Her moves were quick and decisive, without a single suspenseful outcome.
Her performance was chillingly composed. No flashy moves, no overwhelming momentum, only terrifyingly accurate judgment and supremely efficient attacks. This effortless demeanor caused the spectators to shed their initial disdain, replaced by a solemn awe.
"Her spiritual power... is so pure! It seems to be on par with the average late-stage Condensation Vein cultivator!"
"His movements are also strange. He doesn't look very fast, but he can always dodge attacks easily."
"It seems that the inheritance from the secret realm has truly transformed her!"
Gao Sheng, Shi Feng, and the others were also watching the battle, their expressions becoming increasingly grim. The more assertive Ye Li became, the more it proved that their previous failure was no accident, and the more threatened they felt.
As the match progressed, Ye Li encountered increasingly formidable opponents. A disciple from Houtu Peak, in the late Condensation Meridian stage and renowned for his defensive prowess, held up a seemingly solid, earth-yellow protective shield, brimming with confidence. However, Ye Li simply thrust his finger forward, his icy force focused on a single point, piercing the shield like a drill and striking the Tanzhong acupoint on his chest, disrupting his power flow and easily defeating him.
A disciple from Yufeng Peak, renowned for his speed, moved like lightning, sweeping through the air with wind blades. Ye Li finally activated a portion of his "Star Flash" technique, his figure flickering a few times before mysteriously appearing behind his opponent, decisively deciding the outcome.
She advanced rapidly all the way, unstoppable, and almost always defeated her opponents with overwhelming advantage. She quickly became the biggest dark horse in the inner sect group and was the talk of the town.
In the end, in the semi-finals of the inner sect group, Ye Li's opponent was a veteran inner sect disciple of Zhan Kuangfeng named Wang Gang. His cultivation had reached the peak of the Condensation Vein Realm, and he had one foot halfway into the Spirit Mansion Realm. His "Mad War Sword Technique" was notorious, and he was a strong contender for the championship of this inner sect group.
On the ring, Wang Gang, a burly figure, held a giant sword as wide as a door panel in his hand, staring at Ye Li with murderous intent: "Junior Sister Ye, it's not easy for you to get this far. But this is the end! Today, I will get some revenge for Senior Brother Gao!"
Ye Li had no expression on her face, and simply uttered two words: "Noisy."
Wang Gang was furious. With a roar, he swung his giant sword, bringing up a sky full of sword shadows, which enveloped Ye Li like a violent storm. The momentum was astonishing! Before the sword even arrived, the sharp wind from the sword was already scratching people's faces.
Faced with this violent attack, Ye Li finally stopped holding back!
"The Untraceable Steps Across the Universe" - Star Flash!
Her figure instantly disappeared from her original position. She did not retreat in a straight line, but instead, like a ghost, she shuttled and flashed among the dense gaps of sword shadows! Although Wang Gang's swordsmanship was fierce, he couldn't even touch the corner of her clothes!
"What a fast movement!"
"What level of body movement is this? It definitely surpasses the Xuan level!"
Exclamations erupted from the audience. Gao Sheng's pupils shrank suddenly. This movement was even more bizarre and unpredictable than in the secret realm!
After a few flashes, Ye Li found the flaw and moved closer to Wang Gang. Although Wang Gang was startled, he remained calm and swung his sword horizontally with great force!
However, Ye Li's fingers were like swords, and "Ice Soul Sealing Heaven Finger" - Ice Mark!
The cold air at the fingertips was highly concentrated, and it arrived first, landing on the blade of the giant sword with incredible precision!
"bite--!"
With a clear, melodious sound, Wang Gang felt a bone-chilling, penetrating, and sealing force emanate from the blade, instantly transmitting into his arm. His entire right arm went numb, his spiritual energy stagnating, and he nearly lost control of the giant sword. He retreated in shock, his face filled with disbelief.
With just one finger, he broke his long-accumulated sword technique!
Ye Li was in a dominant position, following him like a shadow, his fingers flying, each move piercing Wang Gang's blood. Wang Gang could only fumble and defend, completely losing the initiative. The strange finger force made his spiritual power flow more and more sluggish, and he was already showing signs of defeat.
Finally, Ye Li tapped the Shenmen acupoint on his wrist, and Wang Gang could no longer hold the knife, which fell to the ground with a clang. His face was pale as he looked at the delicate jade fingers pressed against his throat and gave up hope.
"Ye Li, wins! Advances to the inner sect group finals!" The referee elder announced loudly, his eyes full of amazement as he looked at Ye Li.
The whole audience was in an uproar! Wang Gang, who was at the peak of Condensation Vein, was defeated so easily! Just how strong was Ye Li?
The Inner Sect finals were already decided, and the other advanced disciple, knowing he was no match for his opponent, conceded defeat. Ye Li easily won the Inner Sect championship!
According to the rules of the small competition, the top three in the inner sect group have one chance to challenge the last ten disciples in the true sect group. If the challenge is successful, they can directly obtain the corresponding ranking and rewards.
Everyone's eyes were focused on Ye Li. Would she challenge? Who would she challenge?
Ye Li's eyes calmly swept across the area where the true disciples were. She simply skipped over those ranked lower, and finally, her gaze fell on a young man with a stern face and a long sword in his arms.
True disciple, ranked nineteenth, Jianfeng—Leng Yun! Known for his "Liuyun Sword Technique," he has reached the early stages of the Spiritual Mansion Realm!
"Disciple Ye Li, wishes to challenge Senior Brother Leng Yun for the true teachings!" A cold voice echoed throughout the martial arts arena.
boom!
The scene exploded instantly!
"Is she crazy?! Challenging the Spiritual Mansion Realm directly?"
"Senior Brother Leng Yun is not an ordinary Spiritual Palace Realm cultivator, his swordsmanship is extraordinary!"
"As expected of someone who has inherited a great legacy, this guy is so bold!"
Gao Sheng was stunned at first, then he showed a cold smile: "Don't overestimate your own abilities! Leng Yun took action, let's see how arrogant she can be!"
Mr. Muyun paused slightly as he stroked his beard, a hint of worry flashed in his eyes, but more of it was anticipation.
Leng Yun, who had been called out, slowly opened his eyes. His gaze, sharp as a sword, fell on Ye Li with a look of scrutiny. He slowly stood up, stepped onto the stage, and said in a cold voice, "Your courage is commendable. But challenging me is the worst possible decision."
Ye Li bowed slightly: "Please give me some advice, Senior Brother."
The battle broke out instantly!
Leng Yun was indeed a true disciple. His sword was unsheathed, but once it was, it was as if it suddenly appeared! The sword's light was as ethereal as a flowing cloud, yet it carried a chilling chill. It instantly enveloped the entire arena, and the sword energy was overwhelming!
Facing the all-out attack of a Spiritual Mansion Realm cultivator, the pressure was completely different! Ye Li's expression was solemn. She pushed her "Universe Traceless Step" to its fullest, her figure transforming into a trail of afterimages as she struggled to dodge the dense sword light. Occasionally, when she found it impossible to avoid it, she used "Ice Soul Sealing Heaven Finger" to directly counter the sword energy. The clash of finger and sword made a clanging sound, sending her blood surging.
She was completely on the defensive, surrounded by danger! The gap in realm was indeed insurmountable.
"Looks like that's the end of it."
"She is already very powerful to be able to force Senior Brother Leng Yun to draw his sword."
The people in the audience were talking.
However, Ye Li's eyes grew brighter. This kind of pressure was exactly what she needed! She was adapting to the attack rhythm of the Spiritual Realm, honing her body and finger techniques on the brink of life and death!
Leng Yun couldn't defeat the opponent for a long time, so he frowned slightly and changed his sword momentum. He used the ultimate secret of Liuyun Sword Technique - Cloud Sea Shocking Wave! The sword light was like a tide, layer upon layer, as if it was going to submerge the entire arena!
There is no way to avoid it!
A cold light flashed in Ye Li's eyes, no longer holding back! The spiritual veins in his body surged like a galaxy of ice crystals, and the prototype of the second move of "Ice Soul Sealing Heaven Finger" "Sealing the Soul" was boldly pointed out!
This finger was no longer simply a cold finger force, but contained a hint of the meaning of sealing spiritual power and extinguishing life! Where the fingertips passed, even the air seemed to solidify, and the surging sword wave seemed to stagnate for a moment!
"Huh?" Leng Yun exclaimed softly, clearly sensing the unusual nature of this finger. He retracted his sword slightly, switching from a thrust to a block, with the blade stretched across his body.
"bite--!"
The swords intersected again! This time, the sound was unusually dull!
An extremely strong sealing force came along the sword, and Leng Yun felt that his spiritual energy circulation had actually stagnated for a very short time! Although he was instantly broken through by his powerful cultivation, this momentary flaw was enough to determine the outcome for a master!
This was the moment Ye Li wanted! Her figure retreated like a ghost, using the recoil force. At the same time, she flicked her hands, releasing several ordinary ice cone talismans and binding talismans as if they were free. Although they couldn't hurt the enemy, they successfully interfered with Leng Yun's sight and pursuit.
When Leng Yun swung his sword to break all the effects of the talismans, Ye Li was already standing steadily on the edge of the ring. Although his face was pale and his breath was a little disordered, he was not defeated.
According to the rules, if the challenger is not knocked off the ring or admits defeat within one stick of incense, it will be considered a draw.
The referee elder looked at the incense that was about to burn out and shouted, "Time is up! Challenge result, draw!"
Tie!
With the cultivation level of the early stage of Condensing Veins Realm, he tied with Leng Yun, a true disciple in the early stage of Lingfu Realm!
The entire martial arts arena was in a deathly silence. Then, a deafening roar erupted!
"Draw?! She actually blocked Senior Brother Leng Yun's Cloud Sea Shock Wave!"
"That last finger...what a terrifying feeling!"
"It's against the will of heaven! This Ye Li is really going to defy the will of heaven!"
The faces of Gao Sheng and the others instantly turned pale as paper. A draw against the True Transmission! This meant Ye Li's strength truly possessed the qualifications to challenge the Spiritual Residence Realm! The difficulty of challenging her again would be exponentially greater!
Leng Yun looked at Ye Li deeply, sheathed his sword, and said calmly, "You're quite good. That finger was very interesting." After that, he turned and walked off the stage. This was already a very high evaluation from him.
Ye Li calmed her breath and bowed slightly to Leng Yun's back. She knew that if the rules weren't in place, in a true life-or-death struggle, her chances of victory would still be slim. But today's battle had already achieved its goal.
After this battle, Ye Li's reputation soared! Not only did she easily take first place in the Inner Sect division, she even managed to tie the match, shocking the True Sect members! After the sect competition concluded, her sect ranking soared from obscurity to the top of the Inner Sect, edging her to the point of being a True Sect member!
Everyone understood that a new star was rising in the Xuanyun Sect. Her conflict with Zhan Kuangfeng and those who secretly coveted her power would inevitably enter a new phase as her status rose.
Ye Li stepped off the stage to be greeted by the excited and admiring gazes of Su Wanyun, Liu Yiyi, and the others, as well as a brief message from Lin Feng via the Youge Order: "The Pavilion Master is mighty! The entire Youge is honored to be here!"
She nodded slightly, her eyes calm.
The referee's pronouncement of "draw" was like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, sending ripples through the arena. After a brief silence, the noise and discussion erupted like a volcanic eruption.
"It's a tie! She actually did it!"
"He's at the early stage of the Condensed Veins Realm, and he's tied with Senior Brother Leng Yun, who's at the early stage of the Spirit Mansion Realm! This... this is simply unheard of!"
"What kind of technique was that last finger move? It could even affect Senior Brother Leng Yun's Flowing Cloud Sword Force!"
"The inheritance of the secret realm is so terrifying! This Ye Li has a limitless future!"
Exclamations, questions, envy, and jealousy mingled, converging into a massive wave that engulfed the entire arena. Everyone's gaze was fixed on the slender yet tall figure at the center of the arena, their gazes filled with complex emotions.
The expressions on the faces of Gao Sheng, Shi Feng, and other disciples of the War Crazy Peak had turned from grim to one of horror and disbelief. They had originally expected Leng Yun to teach Ye Li a lesson, perhaps even to accidentally injure her severely, but they had never expected this outcome! A draw! This meant that Ye Li's strength had truly been recognized by the sect's top ranks. It was now nearly impossible to crush her with her cultivation alone! A chill crept into their hearts.
Su Wanyun, Liu Yiyi, and other Yundan Peak disciples were so excited they could hardly contain themselves. If it weren't for the inappropriate occasion, they would have cheered out loud. Han Li's mouth dropped open, muttering, "Senior Sister Ye... this is too much..." Chen Mo's clenched fists slowly loosened, a flicker of admiration in his eyes.
Seated on the high platform, Lay Buddhist Muyun finally lowered his hand from stroking his beard, a barely perceptible smile of relief playing on his lips. The other Peak Masters and Elders beside him also had varying expressions: some in awe, some solemn, while others had flickering eyes, unsure of what they were contemplating. Ye Li's performance had already surpassed their expectations for a newly promoted inner sect disciple, worthy of the attention of the sect's highest echelons.
On the stage, Leng Yun cast a deep glance at Ye Li. The sharpness in his cold, star-like eyes faded slightly, replaced by a hint of recognition and inquiry. He could sense that Ye Li's final finger wasn't a complete move, more like a prototype. Yet, the "forbidden" conception it contained made him feel a sense of threat. This woman's control of power and grasp of combat timing were truly demonic.
"You're quite good." Leng Yun's voice remained icy, but compared to his previous indifference, it held a bit more substance. "That finger move is quite interesting. I look forward to seeing you truly master it." With that, he said no more. He turned decisively, sword in hand, and stepped off the stage. For him, this draw wasn't a disgrace; instead, it showed him an opponent worth watching.
Ye Li bowed slightly in return. Her blood and qi were still churning, her spiritual energy drained immensely, but her eyes shone brightly. The battle with Leng Yun had allowed her to truly experience the power of a Spiritual Residence cultivator and tested the results of her own retreat. The unpredictable nature of the "Universe Traceless Step" and the piercing power of the "Ice Soul Sealing Heaven Finger" had both been profoundly honed in actual combat. The forced simulation of the "Sealing the Soul" move, while immensely taxing, had deepened her understanding of it.
She knew that if it weren't for the time limit set by the competition rules, in a true life-or-death struggle, with her current cultivation and total spiritual power, she would most likely lose. However, in today's battle, she had perfectly achieved her goals—to establish her reputation, intimidate the scoundrels, and at the same time, assess the importance of her status as a true disciple.
The referee elder loudly announced the final ranking and rewards of the inner sect group. Ye Li was undoubtedly ranked first and received a large number of sect contribution points, several bottles of precious elixirs that would help in the practice of the Condensing Veins Realm, and an opportunity to enter the second floor of the sect's Sutra Pavilion to choose a technique.
The rewards were generous, but compared to the status and influence she established through this battle, these external things seemed secondary.
As Ye Li calmly walked off the stage, the crowd automatically parted ways as she passed. Those glances that might have once held a hint of disdain or envy now mostly turned to awe and curiosity. Strength is always the most reliable ticket to success in the world of immortal cultivation.
"Senior Sister Ye, you are so amazing!" Su Wanyun was the first to come forward, her pretty face flushed with excitement.
Liu Yiyi also said excitedly: "Yes, Senior Sister, you are now the pride of our Yundan Peak!"
Ye Li nodded slightly to them, revealing a very faint smile: "It was just luck." She swept her eyes across the crowd and saw Lin Feng's eyes hidden in the corner, which were filled with excitement and loyalty. She also felt the implicit congratulations from Zhao Xiaoyi, Xia Zhihe and others through the Youge Order.
The voice of Lay Buddhist Mu Yun rang in her ears, a voice transmitted in secret: "Li'er, you've done very well. Return to the peak to regulate your breathing first, and come to your master's cave residence later."
"Yes, Master." Ye Li understood in his heart that after today, the sect's top leaders would definitely have further arrangements or inquiries.
She didn't linger in the martial arts arena for long. Under the gazes of countless people, she left with the people from Yundan Peak. Her figure remained cold and aloof, yet no one dared to underestimate her anymore.
The sect competition hadn't yet concluded, and the fierce competition among the True Disciple groups continued. But without a doubt, the most eye-catching and shocking event of this competition wasn't which True Disciple disciples defended their titles or made a comeback, but rather the sudden emergence of Inner Disciple Ye Li!
With his own strength, he swept through the inner gate, pointed his sword at the true teachings, and finally tied with the genius of the Lingfu realm!
This news spread like wings, reaching every corner of Xuanyun Sect at a speed faster than the rumors in the secret realm, and even began to spread outside the sect.
The name Ye Li was no longer simply associated with "secret realm inheritance" and "controversy," but was now closely associated with words like "genius," "powerful," and "future giant." Thanks to this battle, her position in the sect was completely solidified, and she even had a tendency to surpass ordinary inner disciples and approach the level of true inheritance.
Many disciples were secretly discussing that, with Ye Li's demonstrated potential and strength, it was probably only a matter of time before she was promoted to a True Disciple. By then, the landscape of True Disciples in the Xuanyun Sect might have changed because of her.
After this battle, Zhan Kuangfeng had to temporarily restrain his overt actions against Ye Li. Now that Ye Li had acquired strength sufficient to rival a Spiritual Residence Realm cultivator, it was no longer easy to use his previous, underhanded methods against her. Unless Situ Kuang personally disregarded his status and took action, that would inevitably trigger a fierce backlash from Mu Yun Jushi, and even alarm the Sect Leader.
The storm seemed to have subsided temporarily due to Ye Li's powerful rise. But everyone knew that this was merely the calm before the storm. Even greater waves might be brewing in secret.
Ye Li returned to the courtyard of Yundan Peak and activated the formation to isolate herself from the outside world. She sat cross-legged, but instead of regulating her breathing immediately, she recalled every detail of her fight with Leng Yun.
"The Spiritual Mansion Realm... the perception and use of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is far beyond the Condensation Veins Realm. Although the quality of my spiritual power is not inferior, there is still a gap in the total amount and sustainability. Although "Universe Traceless Step" and "Ice Soul Sealing Heaven Finger" are powerful, they also consume a lot of energy." She calmly analyzed her own shortcomings.
"Next, in addition to continuing to improve my cultivation, I also need to find a higher-level main cultivation method. Although the 'Youhuan Emperor Sutra' is powerful, the lack of subsequent cultivation methods is a hidden danger. At the same time, I must begin preparing to refine my life-saving magic weapon. That piece of Void Divine Crystal may come in handy..."
Her thoughts were clear, and she hadn't been carried away by her victory. The road ahead was long, and the true challenges lay ahead. Xuanyun Sect was merely the starting point for her return to the top.
The Youge Order vibrated slightly. It was a summary message sent by Lin Feng. In addition to congratulations, it also mentioned some subtle movements in the sect after the small competition, and the signs that the discussion about her inheritance in the community seemed to be rising again.
After reading it, Ye Li's eyes turned slightly cold.
"The tree wants to be still, but the wind does not stop... Well, let this storm come even harder."
She closed her eyes and began to practice qigong and regulate her breathing. Today's glory and bustle were a thing of the past. Tomorrow, she would embark on a new journey.
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