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

Chapter 563 Xiao Qingfeng's Defeat; Danhefeng's Ignorance
You return to Xiaoqing Peak with Nie Qingzhu and Nian Wubei.

Chu Qiu insisted on seeing him off, refusing to leave even at the mountain gate.

The mountain breeze rustled through the bamboo grove, a vibrant green expanse stretching out below the large bamboo forest of Xiao Qingfeng.

The three of them are riding their treasure high in the sky.

Nie Qingzhu said, "Senior Brother Chu, let's leave it here."

Chu Qiu said reluctantly, "Junior Sister Nie, if you ever need anything in the future, whether it's for disciple trials or purchasing spirit beasts, please feel free to come to me. Of course, these are all sect affairs."

"Thank you very much, Senior Brother Chu."

Chu Qiu turned to Nian Wubei and said, "Brother Nian, I'll take my leave now."

"Let's go, let's go!"

The two chatted happily along the way. Aside from Nian Wubei's potential breakthrough to the Golden Core stage, what concerned Chu Qiu even more was his relationship with Nie Qingzhu.

Watching Chu Qiu's departing figure, the old man chuckled, "Qingzhu, you're not getting any younger; it's time you found a Daoist partner."

"This Brother Chu seems like a decent guy... How about you consider him?"

Nie Qingzhu said helplessly, "Senior Brother Nian, I've only been cultivating for a hundred years."

"Xiao Qingfeng has only just opened its gates, and everything is in need of rebuilding; there's simply no time to consider this matter."

[Nie Qingzhu's eyes flickered slightly, seemingly casually glancing at you behind her, and she said softly, "Besides, Senior Brother Nian once made a promise to Master that he would find someone within the peak to become his Daoist partner."]

"Ah!?" The old man's eyes widened suddenly. "Inside Little Green Peak?"

He pointed a finger at himself, saying, "No, no! I'm used to being alone. This is unbecoming! What will my fellow cultivators on the other peaks think of me? This won't do, this won't do."

Nie Qingzhu looked away from you, rubbing her forehead with her hand, and said, "Senior brother, you've misunderstood."

"I don't have a strong palate."

The old man breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this, "Then I'm relieved."

You almost laughed at your old age from behind.

[Nie Qingzhu noticed you, her expression a mixture of suppressed laughter and barely concealed a hint of amusement in her eyes; even her usually aloof features softened slightly.]

This seems to be the first time we've gone out together.

Nian Wubei stroked his beard and glanced at the sky: "It's getting late, let's head back to the mountain... I wonder how the competition at Little Green Peak went today."

[The three of you landed at Crane Guard Hall. Lü Qingyu and Xiao Wan'er had already returned. Small groups of disciples were gathered in the square, but the usual hustle and bustle was gone.]

Nie Qingzhu's gaze swept over the crowd, and seeing that the disciples were all bowing their heads in silence, she already guessed seven or eight parts of the truth.

[Lü Qingyu and Xiao Wan'er approached, "Old lady, Aunt Zhu."]

The old man asked with a smile, "How was the outcome?"

Both players won.

Nie Qingzhu nodded slightly—this was entirely expected. Given their combined cultivation levels, and considering they weren't facing top disciples from various sects, victory was to be expected. This was also the reason she hadn't gone to watch the match today.

[Lu Qingyu's tone turned somewhat somber as she said, "However, Junior Brother Haojie, Junior Brother Wenlou, Junior Sister Shangfang, and Junior Brother Kosen have all been defeated."]

"The rest all won."

[After listening, you pondered to yourself: Although these four are outstanding within Little Green Peak, they are not considered top-tier among all the branches of the sect. However, given your guidance over the past year, Shang Fang shouldn't have been eliminated in the preliminary rounds.]

Looking at the disciples in the square, many of whom were dejected, Nie Qingzhu asked, "Why is this?"

[Lü Qingyu said with a wry smile, "Junior Brother Haojie was defeated by a disciple of Dragon Fang Peak in a single move."]

"Junior Brother Kosen was severely injured and fell unconscious after being struck by a disciple of Yaohua Peak."

"Junior Brother Wen Lou couldn't even withstand ten moves from the disciples of Tianque Peak."

"As for Junior Sister Shang Fang, it's a bit of a pity... She encountered an unknown disciple from Dou Shu Peak, yet possessed the Heavenly Gate Realm. Her defeat was not unjust."

"Junior Sister Shang Fang is indeed remarkable," Xiao Wan'er said, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. "She forced her opponent to reveal their Heavenly Gate Realm cultivation in order to win."

[An unknown disciple?]

[You suddenly realize. It seems Shang Fang is simply unlucky, having encountered some truly powerful and cunning individuals within various factions.]

This Star-Picking Gathering Ceremony concerns the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Treasury, and many who were previously low-key are no longer hiding their talents.

With Shang Fang's current strength, dealing with cultivators at the Dao Embryo Realm should be a piece of cake, but she would struggle against opponents a whole realm higher.

[With four of the nine participating disciples losing their lives on the first day, it's no wonder the other disciples are so disheartened.]

Of course, that's not the most important thing. The real reason is that this competition finally made all the disciples of Xiaoqingfeng see the gap in skill.

The most outstanding disciple in the peak cannot withstand a single move from a disciple in another peak.

The disparity is so stark that it's hard to accept.

[Lu Qingyu added: "What's even more troublesome is that after the first round of selection, almost all those remaining are experts in the late stage of the Dao Embryo realm."]

"Junior Sister Shen Qingxue will likely suffer another defeat tomorrow; today's victory was purely accidental."

[Nie Qingzhu looked around, her brows furrowing slightly: "Where are Haojie and the others?"]

[Lü Qingyu said in a low voice, "They all went back as soon as the competition ended, probably because they were too ashamed to see the elders."]

She paused, then added, "Especially Junior Brother Haojie, he didn't even dare to raise his head when he left, saying he had let down his senior and junior brothers' expectations."

[Nie Qingzhu recalled the disciples' spirited demeanor when they set off that morning. Now, having suffered a setback in their first battle, their youthful spirits were inevitably struggling to cope with such a disappointment.]

Her gaze slowly swept over the dejected disciples in the plaza. "This may not be a bad thing. The path of cultivation is inherently like this—you think you've reached the summit, but when you look up, you see even higher peaks."

"There are always mountains beyond mountains, and people beyond people."

【at this time!】

Dozens of streaks of light suddenly flashed across the sky, landing in the center of the plaza like a shower of stars. The leading streak of light dissipated, revealing the figure of a beautiful young woman in purple robes—it was Qi Ling.

[Followed by dozens of disciples, each one beaming with pride. Even before she arrived, their voices rang out: "Senior Sister Qi was so impressive today! She defeated that madman from Fire Cloud Peak with a single move!"]

"Let's see if they dare to look down on our Little Qingfeng again!"

Qi Ling walked forward calmly and said, "Greetings, Elder Nian and Elder Nie."

[Lü Qingyu noticed that there was no arrogance in her expression.]

Nie Qingzhu nodded slightly and said, "Qi Ling, there's no need to feel too much pressure at this Star Picking Competition. Just do your best."

Qi Ling said with a hint of seriousness in her eyes, "Elder, I will strive to secure a top-nine spot for Xiao Qingfeng."

Nie Qingzhu was slightly taken aback upon hearing this. The top nine of Fangcun Mountain? Even as an elder, she had never dared to make such a promise.

[What I saw today—Feng Qingge of Yaohua Peak, Yuan Shujian of Longshou Peak, and Chen Shichen of Feilai Peak, the defeated—all the talents of the Eighteen Veins are emerging in great numbers.]

[You, however, believe that if this Junior Sister Qi reveals her strength, unless she encounters that "Tianfu Star" whose strength is unknown, reaching the top nine shouldn't be difficult.]

Many disciples in the square showed joy upon hearing this.

[In its place came a renewed fighting spirit. Qi Ling's victory, like a ray of dawn, boosted morale.]

Currently, Little Green Peak has five disciples remaining. You Sanfeng and Qi Ling have both reached the early stage of the Heavenly Gate realm; with such cultivation, they certainly have a fighting chance in the competition.

[Once the preliminary rounds conclude, the disciples from each lineage will be reshuffled tomorrow and divided into twelve groups for further competition. The top three from each group will advance, for a total of thirty-six participants in the next round.]

[With this new format, matches with such a lopsided skill gap should not recur.]

As the sun sets, the distant mountains turn golden, and a mountain breeze sweeps across the square.

The disciples dispersed in twos and threes. During the Star-Picking Gathering, they didn't need to do homework or complete tasks, which was quite a rare moment of freedom.

Qi Ling also took her leave, but before leaving, she looked at you and said, "Tomorrow is Senior Brother Zhou's turn to compete in formation; Qi Ling will definitely be there."

You smiled and returned the greeting: "Then thank you in advance, Junior Sister."

[Lü Qingyu watched Qi Ling leave, her expression strange. "Junior brother, are you also familiar with Qi Ling?"]

You replied decisively, "Not very familiar!"

[Nie Qingzhu waved her sleeve and said, "Everyone, go and rest. Zhou Jing, there's a competition tomorrow, so go back early."]

The old man replied, "Young Jing, if you don't get first place, don't come back to see me."

Nie Qingzhu said gently, "Just do your best."

"Yes, Elder."

You returned to the courtyard and sat cross-legged by the window.

The night passed without incident; only the moonlight, like water, illuminated the figure practicing breathing exercises.

The path of cultivation is tedious, a long journey accompanied by solitude.

Those renowned figures, whose cultivation surpasses that of an entire continent, inspire awe and longing in all who hear their names.

But behind all this lies decades of dedicated practice and the ability to endure loneliness.

The following day, when the morning mist was thick.

You slowly exhaled the last wisp of spiritual energy. The magical power within your body surged like a river, circulating endlessly until it reached its perfect state.

[Your current cultivation level is only one step away from breaking through to the Golden Core stage of the Great Dao, and you can break through at any time. However, you have not yet comprehended the path of cultivation, so there is no rush.]

After you get up and wash, although your cultivation has long since transcended worldly concerns, these are habits you brought from the mortal realm.

[He changed into a new set of blue robes and left the courtyard, heading towards Crane Peak, one of the Eighteen Meridians.]

Today's test of formation will be held at Crane Peak, one of the Eighteen Meridians.

[You unleash the "Sword Escape Technique," deliberately suppressing your escape speed. This peak is located southwest of the Fangcun Mountain Blessed Land.]

A mountain breeze brushed against my clothes, and soon the view before me opened up—

Three verdant peaks embrace the mountain like an emerald screen, while a clear river meanders around its base. Amidst the churning sea of ​​clouds atop the peaks, white cranes gracefully soar and dance, their cries echoing through the air.

[Illustrious palaces and pavilions are scattered among the mountains, their glazed tiles reflecting the morning light, a stark contrast to the simple houses on Xiaoqing Peak.]

This scene truly resembles the fairyland of Penglai imagined by mortals.

This mountain mist isn't naturally formed; rather, it's the vapor from the alchemical processes that have been ongoing for thousands of years on Danhe Peak.

These cranes are not naturally raised, but rather are spiritual birds cultivated by Crane Peak for generations. Each white crane feeds on spiritual elixirs from a young age, and their feathers exude a spiritual aura.

[While traversing a sea of ​​clouds.]

A graceful crane with snow-white feathers arrived, and as it slightly parted its beak, a young girl's clear voice rang out.

"Senior brother, are you here to observe the battle or to participate in the debate?"

[You are not surprised—all the spirit cranes of Crane Peak possess cultivation, and many alchemy apprentices are originally transformed crane spirits. Moreover, this young girl addresses him as "senior brother," suggesting that she has already joined Crane Peak and her cultivation has reached the early stage of the Dao Embryo realm.]

"I've come specifically to participate in the debate," you replied, bowing respectfully.

The white crane glowed, transforming into a white-clad maiden amidst the clouds. Her wide sleeves billowed lightly, her robes flowing like crane feathers: "The paths within the peaks are winding and circuitous; perhaps I should guide you, senior brother?"

[In fact, with your current eyesight, you can already see the entire layout of Crane Peak, and the location of the arena is clearly visible.]

Seeing the young crane spirit's enthusiasm, he couldn't bear to refuse her kind offer.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, junior sister."

The young girl, her robes fluttering in the wind, resembled a fairy maiden from a painting. She glanced back occasionally, a gentle smile on her face, and asked, "Senior brother, why did you arrive an hour early?"

"It's always better to come early than late."

The young woman said, "Danhe Peak, He Xi'er, may I ask how you should address me, Senior Brother?"

"Xiao Qingfeng, Zhou Jing."

"Little Green Peak?!" The girl's bright eyes widened slightly in surprise. The fact that Little Green Peak was at the bottom of the eighteen peaks was common knowledge not only among the people in the mountain, but also among the cranes.

When she first met this senior brother, she was struck by his extraordinary bearing and assumed he was a direct disciple of a prestigious peak like Qiyun Peak, Doushu Peak, or Longshou Peak. That's why she specially transformed herself to guide him, hoping to befriend him.

Looking back now, it's hard not to feel somewhat disappointed.

Although the girl had taken human form and entered the Daoist path, joining the Danhe Peak, she was ultimately a spirit bird, and her status on Danhe Peak was naturally inferior to that of a regular disciple.

Cultivating good relationships and building connections is precisely the skill that allows cultivators of their supernatural origins to make a living.

Seeing her subtle expression, you smiled and said, "Junior sister, are you a little disappointed?"

[Her thoughts were exposed, and two blushes immediately rose to her cheeks: "Senior Brother, you are joking."]

【Just at this moment——】

Suddenly, a sword light pierced the sky from the depths of the sea of ​​clouds, its momentum like a rainbow.

You had already sensed it and turned around. As the clouds dispersed, a tall, jade-like figure appeared.

Upon recognizing the person, He Xi'er's eyes lit up, and she quickly curtsied, her voice brimming with undisguised joy, "Xi'er greets Senior Brother Yuan!"

The newcomer wore a long, dark robe with cloud-patterned design and a leather belt; he was none other than Yuan Shujian, the chief disciple of Dragon Head Peak.

This outstanding figure among the younger generation of Fangcun Mountain will undoubtedly become a powerful elder, even if he doesn't become the peak master in the future.

[She was already familiar with He Xier, a disciple who had transformed from a spirit bird, but she usually didn't dare to greet such a distinguished person, so she naturally treated her with utmost respect.]

Yuan Shujian merely nodded slightly to He Xier, his gaze lingering elsewhere. A smile played on his lips. "Junior Brother Zhou has arrived early."

"I just saw the escape light, and then I left all my junior brothers behind. I finally caught up with them."

You greeted him with a smile, "Senior Brother Yuan, you've arrived early too."

"Junior Brother Zhou, do you know why I've come?"

You shook your head and said, "I don't know."

Yuan Shujian's expression turned serious. "I've come for my junior brother."

The white crane girl watched the two chatting happily and a question arose in her mind. Could it be that this senior brother of Xiao Qingfeng was also an extraordinary person?
[But this name "Zhou Jing"...]

She had never heard of it before; was she simply ignorant?

(End of this chapter)