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

Chapter 568 Lu Qingyu of Fire Cloud Peak is defeated by the Fire Scale Body!
The arena at Dragon Tooth Peak is much simpler than that at Red Crane Peak.

Some of them are even quite old, as many of the arenas were originally there. Dragon Fang Peak is renowned for its fighting prowess. Many disciples resolve disputes by directly engaging in arena duels; whoever wins is considered right!

When you arrived at the "Dingmao" arena with Lin Shuang and her group, there were two jade plaques displaying notices.

"Xiao Qingfeng, Lü Qingyu."

"Fire Cloud Peak, Li Ding."

These are the two competitors for today's match. Many familiar faces of Aomine have also gathered on the viewing platform.

There are about forty or fifty people here, not as many as you gathered at Danhe Peak yesterday, not because they have a higher reputation than you, Lü Qingyu.

[It's because Qi Ling, You Sanfeng, Shen Qingxue, and Xiao Wan'er are all on different arenas today, causing the disciples of Xiaoqing Peak to be divided up.]

[Lü Qingyu also arrived early. Today, she no longer showed the "shyness" of yesterday; instead, her gaze was calm. Seeing you approach, she nodded to you before stepping onto the arena.]

Lin Shuang remarked from the side, "It seems that Senior Brother Zhou and Senior Sister Lü have a very good relationship."

"With so many competitions today, I came especially to see Senior Sister Lü."

Xue Ruyi and her two companions immediately perked up their ears, but all they received was a slight nod from you.

The arena is divided into two levels: the upper level is for the elders, and the lower level is for the disciples.

Today, there aren't many people in this arena. Compared to when you went to watch the match between "Yuan Shujian" and "Feng Qingge," where the venue was completely full, there are quite a few empty seats.

After all, those two matches involved renowned senior disciples from different lineages, so their prestige was naturally different.

[And this time, Lü Qingyu's opponent, Li Ding of Fire Cloud Peak, was not the chief disciple of that lineage.]

Similar to Danhe Peak, Huoyun Peak is known for its immense wealth, with its members being skilled in weapon crafting and possessing extremely rich fortunes.

As the appointed time approached, Lü Qingyu's opponent finally appeared on the arena.

[He was a young man dressed in golden robes, tall and slender. His features were ordinary, but his thick eyebrows were particularly striking, and his expression exuded arrogance.]

The presiding elder, seeing that both sides were in place, said in a deep voice, "Both sides pay their respects!"

[Lü Qingyu and the young man exchanged a bow as instructed, then each took a few steps back and assumed a fighting stance.]

This elder's cultivation had reached the Golden Core stage of the Great Dao, and his aura was profound.

[The second round of the Star-Picking Competition is naturally taken much more seriously by Fencun Mountain. It features mostly elite disciples from various branches, and they'd be heartbroken if anyone gets hurt. Any injuries or fatalities in this kind of competition must be avoided.]

[Many senior members of the sect with profound cultivation were dispatched to oversee the situation.]

"The competition begins!"

You gaze intently at Lü Qingyu's opponent, the young man clad in golden robes. His cultivation at the late stage of the Dao Embryo realm is quite solid, and he's probably only one step away from reaching the Heavenly Gate realm.

The two are evenly matched in skill level; the outcome is uncertain.

However, under your watchful gaze, you sensed that this disciple of Fire Cloud Peak possessed a profound and deep inner strength and energy.

[Lü Qingyu made the first move. She cultivated the "Five Elements Escape Technique Sword Scripture," personally created by the Emperor's Ancestor. This technique takes into account the mutual generation and restraint of the five elements, combining offense and defense without any weaknesses, and will lay a solid foundation for her future attempt to reach the Dragon Court realm.]

[Suddenly, five spirit swords rose up in response: the ethereal "Gengjin Sword" and the blazing "Lihuo Sword" shot out first, their golden and red sword intents intertwining like a dragon, transforming into a dazzling pillar of light that pierced straight towards Li Ding on the opposite side of the arena!]

The figure of the girl in green had already moved with the sword, her slender hand lightly gripping the most agile of the five swords, the "Sunflower Water Sword." She moved with the sword, as graceful as a startled swan.

Before she could finish speaking, she had already appeared in front of Li Ding!

The young man in gold snorted coldly, and a "blue porcelain bowl" flew out of his storage bag, spinning and hovering above his head, casting streaks of blue light.

The blazing sword pillar formed by the fusion of the Gengjin Sword and the Lihuo Sword crashed into the light barrier with a deafening roar, like a torrent striking a reef. The light barrier rippled, yet remained unmoved.

[While the Kui Shui Sword in Lü Qingyu's hand was still in mid-air, the Yi Mu Sword in her right hand was already radiating a brilliant blue light!]

[The two swords crossed, swirling and slashing down!]

The immense force sent Li Ding and his protective porcelain bowl flying back several meters!

[Lu Qingyu frowned slightly, and instead of advancing, retreated, her figure instantly shifting backward.]

Almost at the same moment she stepped back, Li Ding swiftly drew a hand seal—and thirty "Exploding Fire Talismans" detonated where she had just stood!

[Boom—!!!]

[Flames, like blooming crimson lotuses, swept through the air, and a deafening explosion, accompanied by scorching heat waves, swept across the entire arena!]

The "Explosive Fire Talisman" is an extremely powerful high-level fire-element talisman; a single one is enough to annihilate a demon at the Dao Embryo Realm.

[Its value is extremely high. According to the merit points system of Fangcun Mountain, even if an outer disciple is frugal throughout the year, the merit points they accumulate can only be exchanged for a dozen or so. That dazzling yet cruel roar just now has burned away the entire year's savings of several disciples.]

However, most of the disciples in the spectator stands appeared completely unfazed.

The disciples of Fire Cloud Peak and Red Crane Peak were like this—magical artifacts and talismans were to them as easily as a gust of wind.

This also explains why the disciples of these two lineages have the same fighting style: carrying magical treasures resembling tortoise shells, and then scattering talismans and magical artifacts like popping beans—it's almost a familiar sight.

Although the monthly stipends for disciples of each peak are distributed uniformly by the sect, the prices for elixirs and magical artifacts purchased internally by the Danhe and Huoyun peaks are far lower than those outside. Not to mention, disciples of both peaks can undertake sect missions to refine elixirs and craft magical artifacts—the sect provides all the materials, and the disciples receive a whopping 40% of the profits from the sale of the finished products!

Such preferential treatment is already an open secret within the sect, and countless disciples yearn for it from the moment they first enter the sect.

Disciples from these two lineages generally have good relationships with others and find suitable Daoist partners within the mountain.

Unfortunately, the two peaks have high entry requirements, limiting the number of new disciples accepted each year, leaving many with only envy and sighs.

The aftershocks of the explosion have not yet subsided.

[Lu Qingyu's Earth-Defending Sword was already planted in the table, and a thick earthen wall rose up with a roar, blocking all the raging flames and impacts, remaining unmoved.]

The disciples of Xiaoqing Peak all sighed inwardly in regret. If it had been their opponent from yesterday's arena, who had exchanged blows in that first exchange in the blink of an eye, Lü Qingyu would probably have seized the opportunity and defeated them in one fell swoop.

[You paid particular attention to the bursting points of those thirty "Exploding Fire Talismans." The ability to simultaneously activate so many high-level talismans in an instant not only demonstrates their wealth but also signifies that this person's mastery of their primordial spirit and their grasp of timing are far beyond that of ordinary disciples.]

The battle resumed, and Lü Qingyu moved with his sword, wielding the Five Elements Escape Sword Scripture with perfect ease. His five spiritual swords were like extensions of his arms, constantly merging and transforming with various spells, unleashing a relentless barrage of attacks.

However, Li Ding remained calm and composed. As the light from the small celadon bowl above his head dimmed slightly, he immediately replaced it with a "Guardian Toad" emitting wisps of smoke and mist.

The talismans in his hands seemed inexhaustible, and he unleashed hundreds of "Evil-Slaying Arrows," each gleaming with a cold light, raining down like a storm!

Under this relentless barrage of magical talismans and artifacts, even with his exquisite swordsmanship, Lü Qingyu was unable to get close for the time being.

The two were locked in a stalemate for a time.

At first glance, Lü Qingyu seems to be at a disadvantage—such frequent use of spells and sword techniques must be draining her mana considerably. Xue Ruyi and the other disciples of Xiaoqing Peak looked worried, sensing that the battle was becoming increasingly unfavorable for Senior Sister Lü.

However, there were also discerning individuals present. Lin Shuang, for example, clearly saw that Li Ding's frantic use of magical artifacts and talismans was actually causing far more damage to his primordial spirit.

[A glint of jade-like brilliance flashed in your eyes, revealing a clearer understanding—Lu Qingyu, relying on the life-giving energy of the "Yi Wood Sword" and the enduring, gentle strength of the "Kui Water Sword," secretly circulated and replenished his power. A quarter of an hour passed, and in reality, his magical energy had not been depleted much.]

To break the deadlock, a decisive, decisive move is needed.

The girl in green robes moved swiftly, her sword flashing, clearly searching for an opportunity to strike decisively!

At this moment, Lin Shuang beside him asked softly, "Senior Brother Zhou, in your opinion... who will win this time?"

Without waiting for your reply, she continued her analysis: "Although this senior brother from Fire Cloud Peak has two storage bags, the magical talismans and artifacts within them are not inexhaustible. After such a fierce battle, they are probably almost empty."

"On the other hand, although Senior Sister Lü has expended a lot of her magic power, she has already begun to gather her strength... In my opinion, Senior Sister Lü will ultimately emerge victorious."

You slowly shook your head. "I'm afraid we're no match for them in this battle."

At that very moment, a sudden change occurred on the field—

Several powerful, incomparably sharp sword energies slammed into the low-grade magic weapon above Li Ding's head, causing its light to tremble and visibly dim.

Li Ding, however, repeated the process, tapping his storage bag once more. A shimmering, multicolored "treasure fan" spun out, replacing the dissipated golden cicada.

[And it was during this exchange of magical treasures...]

"Zheng—!"

A clear, resounding sword cry ripped through the air! The five elements of sword light suddenly swirled and surged, their dazzling brilliance bursting forth like clouds of sunset, instantly illuminating the entire arena!

The five spirit swords suddenly merged, transforming into a rapidly spinning wheel of light, its speed far exceeding that of before!

Like a bolt of lightning tearing through the sky, he had already reached Li Ding in an instant!

The several protective magical artifacts that Li Ding hastily summoned were easily torn apart like paper under the overwhelming sword power.

The magical fan that had just risen above their heads was struck by a sword, its spiritual light dissipating!

[Five illusory swords suddenly reappeared behind Lü Qingyu, rotating in reverse. A relentless, restraining aura spread out, instantly forming a forbidden zone around Li Ding—the power of the five elements intertwined and sealed him off, accompanied by deafening wind and thunder; those trapped within lost all five senses!]

That desolate region, like a giant sack, descended upon Li Ding!

Seeing this, Lin Shuang thought, "It seems Senior Sister Lü is about to turn the tide of the battle..."

Before she could finish speaking, a sudden change occurred!

The entire arena suddenly trembled violently as a gigantic arm, enveloped in raging flames, ripped open the Five Elements Barrier, unleashing a punch with the ferocity to incinerate everything!

【"boom--!!!"】

[Li Ding was surrounded by raging flames, especially on his right arm, where a clear and dazzling "Qilin" mythical beast totem appeared, radiating a terrifying, primal aura.]

Several exclamations rang out from the disciples of Fire Cloud Peak below the stage: "It's Fire Cloud Hand!"

"I never expected that Senior Brother Li Ding would master this inheritance so quietly. This requires a fire-elemental spirit body to cultivate. Could this pattern... be the Fire Scale Body?"

As Lü Qingyu retreated swiftly, the five spirit swords were already retrieved, swirling around her and forming a tight sword formation to protect her.

However, Li Ding's long-awaited attack arrived—with a roar, his fist struck like a dragon, unleashing a torrent of fiery clouds that coalesced in mid-air into a magnificent fire-scaled beast. The beast reared its head and neighed, then stomped down with the force to scorch the heavens!

A sudden uproar arose among the disciples of Xiaoqing Peak!

The presiding elder moved swiftly, blocking Lü Qingyu's path. With a flick of his sleeve, he silently deflected the terrifying attack.

The flames surrounding Li Ding gradually subsided. He lowered his head and lowered his eyes, his previous arrogance completely gone, as if he had become a different person. He said in a calm tone, "Senior Sister, you flatter me."

He then bowed respectfully to the elder, saying, "Thank you for your help, Elder."

[Lü Qingyu gazed at the dissipating fire scales, sighed softly, and returned the salute with her sword: "Junior brother, you are a cut above the rest."]

Below the arena, the Fire Cloud Peak camp erupted in enthusiastic cheers, while the Little Green Peak camp fell into silence, creating a stark contrast in atmosphere.

Lin Shuang said regretfully, "I never expected that Senior Brother Li Ding would be so adept at concealing his true abilities. His initial extravagant use of talismans was probably just a deliberate show of weakness, and he saved his real killing move for last..."

She turned to look at you, her eyes questioning, "Senior brother, did you already see through the deception?"

Your gaze remained fixed on Li Ding in the arena, the brilliance in your eyes slowly fading. You could sense that this Fire Cloud Peak disciple had likely not displayed his full strength; he probably still harbored a deadly move no less powerful than the "Fire Kirin Hand."

This person is considered a "hidden master" among all the factions.

At this moment, the presiding elder announced the result: "In this battle, Li Ding of Fire Cloud Peak wins!"

[Lü Qingyu walked off the stage, looking somewhat dejected.]

The disciples of Xiaoqing Peak quickly gathered around, offering gentle words of comfort.

Her gaze, however, quietly found you in the crowd. Yesterday's words instantly resurfaced in her mind, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

You stepped forward, smiling and bowing, saying, "Congratulations, Senior Sister."

[Upon hearing this, Lü Qingyu was taken aback, and said with a hint of reproach, "You've already lost, what's there to congratulate you on..."]

You shook your head and smiled, "Senior Sister's 'Five Elements Escape Sword Scripture' has reached the realm of the five elements' rotation, mutual generation and restraint, and is only one step away from the Heavenly Gate Realm. What's even more remarkable is that if you use it to forge your Dao foundation, you will already be far ahead of others when you break through to the Dragon Court Realm in the future."

These words struck a chord with Lü Qingyu. Her delay in breaking through to the Dao Embryo realm was precisely to focus on fusing with the Five Elements Spiritual Swords and solidify her foundation.

[Now that you've seen through my act, I feel a surge of joy, but outwardly I let out a soft snort.]

"Tch, always choosing the nicest things to say."

[Lu Qingyu suddenly thought, "Xiao Wan'er, I wonder if she won?"]

"She's also on the Dragon Fang Peak arena; it should have already started."

"Although I don't want to see her so smug... for the sake of Aomine's reputation today, I still hope she can win a round."

As her thoughts raced, she noticed that you had come to watch her competition earlier that day, and a surge of inexplicable joy welled up within her.

She looked at you and said, "Junior brother, shall we go see Xiao Wan'er?"

[You have a premonition that Xiao Qingfeng will suffer serious injuries in today's second round of competition!]

(End of this chapter)