Simulation becomes reality, have I ever looked down upon the eternity?

Chapter 562 Concealing Light and Shadow, Hiding One's Talents: Mid-stage of the Heavenly Gate!

A sudden burst of cheers erupted in the arena, the disciples of Feilai Peak unable to contain their excitement.

Since the founding of the sect by its patriarch, Feilai Peak, though ranking among the top of the eighteen peaks, has always been overshadowed by peaks such as Qiyun, Longshou, and Longya.

Feilai Peak also had its glorious moments, once reigning supreme as the leader of the eighteen meridians.

The reappearance of the inheritor of the "Han Guang Yuan Lu Sword Scripture" not only signifies the continuation of this long-lost martial art, but also heralds the restoration of Fei Lai Peak's former glory.

On the dueling platform, Chen Shichen vanished into thin air, leaving only Yuan Shujian.

This was no ordinary illusion; his aura and form had completely merged into the void, so much so that even the Dragon Head Peak disciples below the stage, straining their eyes to see, could not find a trace of him.

[In the spectator stands!]

Nie Qingzhu frowned slightly, channeling her magic power, and only then did she discover the three hazy figures of Chen Shichen.

She couldn't help but sigh inwardly: In this era of prodigies, even as an elder, one inevitably feels powerless.

In recent years, both Fangcun Mountain and the righteous and demonic paths have seen a surge of exceptionally talented individuals.

This generation of Fangcun disciples is hailed as the most outstanding existence in six hundred years.

[There are successors to the "Heaven-Slaying Sword Technique," disciples who practice the "Han Guang Yuan Lu Sword Scripture," and the one hailed as the reincarnation of the "Heavenly Mansion Star."]

A great prophecy once stated that the number of exceptional talents in this world is as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, and they will drive the entire era of great strife.

[Chu Qiuhe was old, and his cultivation had reached the Dragon Court Realm. Although he could see clearly, he couldn't help but admire the wonder of the Han Guang Sword.]

[Your eyes, gleaming with a jade-like light, reflected two invisible figures that had already approached Yuan Shujian like ghosts, forming a pincer movement from the left and right.]

The third figure remained standing still, his eyes fixed on Yuan Shujian.

The three individuals are interconnected, forming a unified whole.

This is precisely the most chilling technique of the *Han Guang Yuan Lu Sword Scripture*—"Han Guang Cheng Ying," which can conjure three figures, all of which can be real, or all of which can be illusory.

[With a mere thought, Chen Shichen could freely switch between the three forms, as if simultaneously controlling two perfectly integrated avatars.]

The legendary Han Guang sword had split into three, each wielded by one of the three men. A cold glint emanated from the hilts, but the blades themselves were not visible; only a sharp, piercing sword aura emanated from them.

As the two figures combined their attacks and revealed themselves, the sword light intensified, enveloping Yuan Shujian entirely in its blinding, cold gleam.

The disciples below the stage were all horrified, and gasps of surprise rose and fell.

This swordsmanship, so elusive yet unpredictable, this intangible killing intent—it is precisely the ultimate technique that Patriarch Hanguang once used to dominate Fangcun Mountain!

[Faced with this invisible killing move, Yuan Shujian remained calm. His true qi suddenly surged, and a dragon's roar that pierced the clouds and shattered rocks resounded throughout the arena. A phantom golden dragon shadow coiled around him, completely blocking the invisible sword light.]

"Yang Dragon Finger!"

Suddenly, a delicate little pagoda appeared in Yuan Shujian's palm, spinning rapidly as it rose into the air. The inscriptions on the pagoda glowed brightly, emitting a deafening buzzing sound.

【"shock--"】

In an instant, space seemed to freeze like a swamp. The two figures of "Chen Shichen" who were attacking suddenly stiffened, and the blazing dragon shadow roared, slaying the two figures.

The illusory image shattered with a sound, dissipating into specks of starlight.

[Only Chen Shichen remained on the stage, and he seemed completely still.]

[Your gaze shifted, and suddenly a cold glint appeared in the void. Another invisible sword light attacked Yuan Shujian from behind, swift as a startled swan, yet silent as a shadow.]

[Yuan Shujian was prepared; he slightly shifted his body, and the invisible sword energy barely grazed the hem of his clothes before slamming into the arena.]

The arena floor cracked open, creating a trench several feet wide, sending debris flying.

[From the smoke and dust, another figure of Chen Shichen slowly materialized and charged forward.]

This is precisely the most unpredictable aspect of the *Han Guang Yuan Lu Sword Scripture*—within a few meters of space, the caster can conjure two "Han Guang figures" out of thin air.

However, this technique also has limitations: these two illusory figures can only use the moves recorded in the sword manual, and cannot use other techniques.

Even so, it is still extremely terrifying.

The battle was unpredictable. Chen Shichen remained motionless, while the two figures, like puppets, were manipulated by her to unleash a series of deadly attacks.

Sword flashes appeared everywhere, forcing Yuan Shujian to dodge and weave, his figure constantly shifting across the field as he repeatedly unleashed the "Yang Dragon Finger" technique to counter.

Your gaze shifted slightly, sensing something amiss.

[As soon as Yuan Shujian defeated two "illuminating figures," the pagoda in his hand immediately emitted light, transforming into a protective barrier.]

Just then, another invisible sword aura slashed down from the void, striking the light barrier on the tower and creating ripples.

Two more Chen Shichens have been born.

The disciples of Dragon Head Peak below the stage were all on tenterhooks. Senior Brother Yuan not only had to guard against the elusive, invisible sword energy, but also constantly be wary of the elusive figures attacking them. Every time he defeated one, a new one would instantly appear, seemingly endless and inexhaustible.

Yuan Shujian showed no sign of urgency, instead turning to the person opposite him, "Junior Brother Chen's Han Guang Sword is indeed extremely profound, however..."

His tone suddenly changed, "How is it now?"

Before he could finish speaking, a dazzling golden "Binding" magic array suddenly appeared beneath Chen Shichen's feet!

Several illusory dragon heads appeared, binding him tightly like dragons coiling around his body.

Yuan Shujian's figure transformed into a dazzling golden rainbow, instantly hovering above the "Binding" magic array, his blazing dragon breath sweeping across the entire area.

【"roar--"】

Amidst the deafening roar of the dragon, surprise finally appeared on Chen Shichen's calm face.

The disciples of Feilai Peak below the stage were in an uproar; no one had expected the battle to turn so dramatically.

[Yuan Shujian quietly used the "Binding" talisman and a teleportation array to trap Chen Shichen's true form, and then used the "Hidden Dragon Escape Technique" from the Yang Dragon Finger to approach him.]

However, when the golden dragon pierced through Chen Shichen's body, the figure vanished like a bubble.

Yuan Shujian's pupils constricted sharply as he realized that a net had been laid all around him—twelve invisible flying swords formed a sword array, trapping him in the center.

Chen Shichen's figure now stands in the spot where Yuan Shujian was originally, having swapped places with the previous "Sword Shadow with Radiant Light".

He gently stroked the invisible sword blade, his smile deepening: "Senior Brother Yuan, so how is it now?"

The disciples of Dragon Head Peak below the stage were immediately shocked—it turned out that the "Chen Shichen" figure left behind was actually bait to lure the enemy deeper into their trap!

Yuan Shujian thought he had captured the true form, but little did he know he had already stepped into a carefully laid sword formation trap.

How could Chen Shichen miss such a golden opportunity? Two radiant figures suddenly appeared, joining his main body in a three-way encirclement.

The sword formation hummed, and invisible sword energy poured down like a torrential rain, trapping Yuan Shujian. The summoned pagoda was also dimmed by the sword light.

In the instant a flash of cold light appeared, the previously illusory Han Guang Sword in Chen Shichen's hand suddenly solidified, its blade shimmering with a chilling light that captivated the soul.

He had pushed his cultivation to its peak; wherever his sword passed, even the air itself was rippled with fine lines.

The three swords unite, their sword energy surging forth!

"Han Guang Jue Ying!"

The entire arena was instantly enveloped in a bone-chilling cold, and the ground cracked inch by inch under the aftershocks of the sword energy.

A sword, its shadow as sharp as ripples on water, flashed out.

This attack was clearly intended to completely suppress Yuan Shujian within the sword formation!

The exquisite little pagoda floating above Yuan Shujian's head finally dimmed, letting out a mournful cry as it flew back into its storage bag. The protective golden dragon, too, gradually faded under the relentless erosion of the sword energy, threatening to dissipate into the invisible rain of swords.

The battle unfolded rapidly. With the final burst of sword energy, Yuan Shujian was sent flying like a kite with a broken string, barely stopping at the edge of the arena, just a step away from falling out of bounds. Chen Shichen and his two companions simultaneously sheathed their swords, their voices echoing from different directions: "Admit defeat."

At this moment, Yuan Shujian was indeed in dire straits: his true energy was nearly exhausted, his protective magic treasures were all gone, and he was trapped in this invisible sword formation that resembled a net from heaven to earth.

[On the other hand, Chen Shichen, relying on the profound mysteries of the "Han Guang Yuan Lu Sword Scripture," not only has two sword shadows assisting him, but can also change the position of his true body at will, thus placing him in an invincible position.]

The outcome of the battle is now clear.

The disciples of Dragon Head Peak looked dejected, their fists clenched—their proud senior brother was about to be defeated in front of everyone.

[On the high platform! 】

Chu Qiu sighed softly, "Nephew Yuan is exceptionally talented, and his use of this talisman array technique is ingenious. It's a pity he encountered the lost Han Guang Sword."

Suddenly, he remembered what you had just said. A glance at you revealed that he had been certain the outcome would be decided within a hundred moves, but now things had turned out differently.

The old man noticed Chu Qiu's gaze and chuckled, "Young Jing, even you can be wrong sometimes..."

[You, however, gazed intently at the arena, thinking to yourself: This Yuan Shujian is far more complex than he appears.]

Although you didn't see where the victory lay, what you witnessed was Yuan Shujian's determination this time.

The top nine on Fangcun Mountain can access the Heavenly Emperor's Treasury; something even you wouldn't want to miss.

Yuan Shujian will not give up so easily!

At that very moment.

[Yuan Shujian, kneeling on one knee, suddenly trembled.]

He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and, incredibly, slowly stood up!

"Junior Brother Chen, normally losing is just another loss, but not today."

Chen Shichen frowned. "Then don't blame me."

[The three figures attacked simultaneously, sweeping away the surrounding energy. Countless invisible sword energies poured down like a torrential rain, turning the entire arena into the center of a sword storm.]

【"Puff puff puff!"】

The strange thing is—

A golden halo appeared before Yuan Shujian, its intense heat and immense power completely neutralizing the invisible sword energy that approached him.

Amidst a deafening roar, a golden pillar of light, over ten feet in diameter, shot into the sky, unleashing a terrifying heatwave that swept across the entire area. The robes of nearby disciples spontaneously combusted without wind, and those with weaker cultivation levels were forced to retreat by the intense heat.

Even more shockingly, Yuan Shujian's aura was rapidly escalating—his cultivation, originally at the early stage of the Heavenly Gate realm, had broken through its limitations and reached the mid-stage!

[A blinding golden light suddenly burst forth from Yuan Shujian's chest, and a crimson-gold sphere of light slowly rose, hovering in the center of the arena.]

The light was like the sun high in the sky, its supremely yang and powerful aura instantly filling the entire arena, even distorting and evaporating the air under its force.

The disciples of Dragon Head Peak below the stage naturally recognized this as the "Great Sun Illumination Divine Technique."

"Junior Brother Chen's 'Han Guang Yuan Lu Sword Scripture' is indeed exquisite."

Yuan Shujian's voice sounded remarkably calm amidst the heatwave, "Since that's the case, I, Yuan, have no choice but to use clumsiness to defeat cleverness."

He brought his two fingers together, and a blazing light, like molten gold, flowed from their tips.

As this finger was pointed out, the entire invisible sword formation crumbled inch by inch under the intense heat, like thin ice meeting fire.

Amidst the crisp cracking of the shattering sword formation, a faint mournful wail echoed through the void, and even the arena itself began to crack.

On the viewing platform, the disciples of both peaks were all horrified.

The people of Feilai Peak exchanged bewildered glances, while the disciples of Longshou Peak were utterly astonished—when had their senior brother broken through to the mid-stage of the Heavenly Gate realm?

[This level of cultivation is already comparable to that of the elders of the various peaks!]

After reaching the Heavenly Gate Realm, each breakthrough requires years of arduous cultivation, ranging from ten years to sixty years.

[Nie Qingzhu has been trapped in the mid-stage of the Heavenly Gate for a full sixty years, still comprehending the five essences within her heart and refining innate mercury and silver in order to open the Qi of the Purple Mansion and glimpse the path to the later stage.]

The path of cultivation is fraught with peril.

The Dao Embryo Realm is the first insurmountable barrier. If a disciple of Fangcun Mountain fails to achieve this after five years on the mountain, they will be demoted to a lay disciple.

Although those with exceptional talent can achieve this level in a few years, once they reach the Heavenly Gate realm, there are no shortcuts; it all depends on persistent and diligent effort.

[Upon reaching the Dragon Court Realm, one must refine the Three Flowers on the crown of the head and harmonize the Five Elements. Such cultivation is already considered the backbone of all sects in the cultivation world.]

[The Great Dao Golden Core, which goes even further, is extremely profound. Each realm is a new world, and only those with great perseverance and great fortune can reach it.]

The elders of Feilai Peak were initially surprised, then overjoyed. They hadn't expected Yuan Shujian's cultivation to have caught up with the mid-stage of the Heavenly Gate realm, rivaling even that of the "Heavenly Mansion Star."

Chu Qiu's gaze was intense as he sighed, "This generation of disciples is truly remarkable; yet another mid-stage Heavenly Gate cultivator. It seems we are indeed getting old."

The brilliance in your eyes gradually faded, revealing a deeper mystery. With your current cultivation level, if Yuan Shujian truly concealed his strength, there would be no way he could escape your Qi Observation Technique.

[What he's displaying now isn't a breakthrough on the eve of battle, but rather a breakthrough he had already achieved, only suppressing his cultivation back to the early stage of the Heavenly Gate realm.]

Why is Yuan Shujian like this? He broke through his cultivation level and then abandoned it. This person is truly extraordinary.

The outcome of the match is decided.

Yuan Shujian, with his mid-stage Heavenly Gate cultivation, activated the "Great Sun Illumination Divine Technique," unleashing the blazing essence of the sun that enveloped the entire area.

Under this overwhelming pressure of pure Yang energy, even the most profound and mysterious "Han Guang Yuan Lu Sword Scripture" would find it difficult to utilize its full potential.

Seeing this, Chen Shichen's three figures suddenly merged into one. He decisively said, "I concede."

"You flatter me." The golden light surrounding Yuan Shujian gradually faded.

The elder presiding over the battle announced in a resounding voice: "Yuan Shujian of Dragon Head Peak wins this battle!"

The disciples of Dragon Head Peak erupted in cheers from below the stage, their shouts like a tidal wave.

Although the people of Feilai Peak were unwilling to accept defeat, they had to admit that they had indeed lost fair and square.

Chen Shichen walked straight off the stage without saying a word.

Yuan Shujian then bowed respectfully to the elderly man presiding over the ceremony, and subsequently bowed to the elders on the viewing platform.

The presiding elder stroked his beard and nodded, his eyes revealing approval.

[Yuan Shujian spotted a familiar face on the viewing platform, and his gaze sharpened slightly. Was it him?]

Zhou Jing also appears to have participated in this Star-Picking Gathering, but not in a magical contest. Instead, it's a different kind of competition—a contest of erudition, array formations, and treasure identification.

[Yuan Shujian's gaze met yours.]

You remained calm and composed, neither avoiding the situation, and then left with Nie Qingzhu and the others.

Only after your figure disappeared did a knowing smile appear in Yuan Shujian's eyes.

Zhou Jing, the "Fellow Daoist of the Well" mentioned by the Holy Maiden of Yaotai.

He knew that no matter how much Zhou Jing hid his abilities, he would never miss the Heavenly Emperor's Treasury.

I'm rather curious to see just what abilities you possess.

Tomorrow's duel will reveal the answer.

(End of this chapter)