Projection of the Heavens: I prove my immortality through slaughter.

The outer sect competition's arena battles have entered their final, intense phase. On the vast training ground, the protective light barrier flickers violently due to the fierce clashes, accompanied by a constant roar, whoosh, and the clang of metal against metal. The onlookers are thoroughly engaged, their cheers and exclamations rising and falling in waves.

However, amidst this clamor, there exists a strange "quiet land"—wherever Lin Xuan fights, the battles often end in the blink of an eye.

His opponents were no ordinary people. Those who could fight their way to the later stages were all elites of the outer sect, with cultivation levels at least at the sixth level of Qi Refining, and some even being seventh-level Qi Refining experts with calm auras and sharp eyes.

Someone unleashed a set of flying swords that had been nurtured for many years; the sword light was like a dragon, intertwining into a net.

Someone unleashed a secret spell passed down through arduous practice, causing flames to surge and ice spikes to rain down;

Some even activated defensive magical artifacts, their spiritual light condensing into a mountain-like thickness, attempting to proceed cautiously and steadily.

But no matter what kind of attack he faced, Lin Xuan's response was always the same, so simple that it was almost boring.

He shifted his body slightly, avoiding the fiercest attack, or simply not dodging at all. Then came his signature starting stance—right hand raised, index and middle fingers joined together like a sword.

The next moment, that point of light, condensed to its extreme and seemingly capturing a segment of cold starlight, will appear out of thin air.

Sometimes it moves as nimbly as a bouncing star, striking with unparalleled precision at the most vulnerable point in the flow of magic, causing the seemingly surging torrent of spiritual light to dissipate instantly like a punctured balloon.

At times, it is fierce and unparalleled, with a decisiveness that pierces through everything, colliding head-on with the incoming magical artifacts. Accompanied by a teeth-grinding "crack" sound, the slightly inferior magical artifacts are directly pierced through, losing their spiritual power! Even more so, the trajectory of the finger beams is cunning and unpredictable, as if it has a life of its own, bypassing layers of defensive light screens, pointing directly at the opponent's must-see spot, forcing the opponent to break out in a cold sweat and have no choice but to shout out that they have lost.

There were no lengthy incantations, no dazzling changes in movement, only absolute control that could determine victory or defeat with a single finger!

"Star Finger..." Countless disciples murmured to themselves below the stage, their eyes filled with awe and incomprehension. What rank of spell was this? Why was its power so terrifying, yet its execution so effortless?

Lin Xuan's ranking steadily rose without any doubt through these silent and efficient victories. In the end, his name was prominently displayed at the top of the light screen, making him one of the top ten in this year's outer sect competition!

Alongside him were several renowned top figures: Leng Feng, whose sword aura soared to the sky and whose face was cold and stern; Liu Bai, dressed in white and with a clear mind; and several other Qi Refining Level 7 experts with powerful auras and sharp eyes.

With the final list of ten settled, the Golden Core Elder who was presiding over the competition once again flew down from the sky. His majestic gaze slowly swept over the ten future pillars of the sect below the stage, and a rare look of approval appeared on his face.

"Excellent!" His voice boomed, clearly reaching the ears of every disciple. "The ten of you have surpassed your peers and are now the top ten in this year's Outer Sect Competition! According to the sect's tradition, in addition to being rewarded with corresponding contribution points, spirit stones, pills, and magical artifacts, you will also receive a special honor—"

He paused slightly, successfully drawing everyone's attention, before slowly uttering that exhilarating name: "Three months from now, the 'Blood Refining Secret Realm,' under the sect's control, will open as scheduled! You ten are permitted to enter and seek your fortune!"

"The Blood Refining Realm?!"

These four words seemed to possess magic, instantly triggering a shockwave among the crowd stronger than any previous competition! Not only were the disciples below the stage in uproar, but even some elders on the high platform who had been resting with their eyes closed opened their eyes, their eyes gleaming with a sharp light.

Lin Xuan's eyes narrowed slightly as records of the "Blood Refining Secret Realm" quickly surfaced in his mind. This secret realm was a shattered cave-heaven that had been imprisoned and controlled by the sect's predecessors with immense magical power. It formed its own small world within, and could only be stably opened once every few decades. The spiritual energy within it was far more concentrated than that of the outside world, nurturing countless rare spiritual herbs and rare mineral veins. However, it was also home to a large number of powerful demonic beasts mutated by the environment, resulting in brutal battles and a pervasive aura of bloodlust, hence the name "Blood Refining."

However, what truly drove all the Qi Refining disciples crazy was not the visible natural treasures, but the rare treasure of heaven and earth, born from the depths of the secret realm through countless years of sedimentation and nourishment by the earth's dragon veins—"Earth Vein Spirit Milk"!

This item is condensed from the essence of the earth, and it has unimaginable miraculous effects on cultivators at the peak of Qi Refining who are breaking through the Foundation Establishment bottleneck! It can not only greatly increase the success rate of Foundation Establishment, but also subtly solidify the foundation of one's Dao, influencing the long-term future of one's Dao path!

A fortuitous opportunity to build a foundation!

This is a chance to change one's destiny! Countless outer disciples dedicate their entire lives to studying scriptures and cultivating diligently, all for this moment of leaping over the dragon gate. Below the stage, countless gazes instantly became intensely fervent, filled with envy, jealousy, and even a hint of barely perceptible greed, all focused on the ten people on stage. Especially Lin Xuan, Leng Feng, and Liu Bai, the most prominent among them, were considered the most likely to seize that heaven-defying opportunity.

The longsword in Leng Feng's arms emitted a soft, clear ringing sound, and his aura grew increasingly sharp, as if he himself had transformed into a sheathed sword. Liu Bai lightly waved his folding fan, his face still bearing a warm, gentle smile, but deep within his eyes, the sharp, determined glint could not be concealed. The others also breathed heavily, unable to suppress their excitement.

Beneath Lin Xuan's calm exterior, his heart was also turbulent. Foundation Establishment is the first step towards transcendence, the cornerstone of truly embarking on the path to immortality.

Although he was confident that his foundation far surpassed that of his peers and that his Dao heart was unbreakable, the aid of a rare treasure like the Earth Vein Spirit Milk would undoubtedly make his foundation-building process more perfect, and he might even be able to forge the legendary flawless Dao foundation! He was determined to obtain this item!

"However," the Golden Core Elder's tone suddenly shifted, becoming heavy and solemn, "fortune may be a blessing in disguise. The Blood Refining Secret Realm is by no means a safe place! Not only are the demonic beasts within ferocious and the environment treacherous, but we must also be wary of... the unpredictable nature of human hearts!"

His gaze swept over the top ten disciples with lightning speed, carrying a deep warning: "Within the secret realm, the binding force of sect rules is greatly reduced. Fighting among fellow disciples for opportunities, murder and robbery are common occurrences! Once you enter, you must always remember: you must not harbor malicious intentions, but you must be wary of others! The greatest danger may not come from the demonic beasts, but rather… from those beside you!"

This unvarnished warning was like ice water poured on a cold winter day, causing the faces of several still somewhat naive disciples to turn pale instantly. Their previous excitement and agitation cooled considerably, replaced by a heavy sense of pressure and vigilance.

"Furthermore," the elder's voice rang out again, "the entrance to the secret realm is protected by an ancient restriction, allowing only those under thirty years of age and whose cultivation has not yet reached the Foundation Establishment stage to enter. You have three months to prepare, so be sure to adjust your condition to its peak! Three months from today, at 3:45 AM, gather here again. Latecomers will not be waited for, and the opportunity will be lost!"

After speaking, the Golden Core Elder waved his sleeve, announcing the official end of this year's Outer Sect Competition.

The crowd began to recede slowly like a tide, but discussions about the final rankings of the competition, Lin Xuan's unpredictable "Star Finger," and especially the "Blood Refining Secret Realm" that would determine the fate of countless people three months later, were fermenting wildly in every corner and growing more and more intense.

Just as Lin Xuan was about to leave with the crowd, a tall, straight figure, exuding a chilling sword intent, blocked his way.

It was Leng Feng.

He held a long sword in his arms, his gaze like two unsheathed, cold blades, piercing straight at Lin Xuan; it was a battle intent so pure and extreme.

"Your finger technique is very strong." Leng Feng spoke, his voice as cold and sharp as his personality. "The secret realm is vast, and I hope to have a fight with you to determine who is superior."

This is a blatant challenge, stemming from a swordsman's recognition and desire for a powerful foe.

Lin Xuan met his gaze and could sense the other's pure, untainted heart, pursuing the pinnacle of swordsmanship. This was a worthy opponent.

"If there is an opportunity in the secret realm, I will gladly accompany you," Lin Xuan replied calmly, showing neither hesitation nor fervor.

Having received a response, Leng Feng said no more, nodded slightly, turned and left, his back straight and solitary, like a sharp sword that could pierce the sky at any moment.

At the same time, Lin Xuan's keen senses caught another subtle gaze. Not far away, Liu Bai was chatting and laughing with others, but his gaze seemed to be casually sweeping over this side. His smile was still warm, but a hint of calculation and apprehension flashed in his deep eyes.

Lin Xuan's mind was clear. This Blood Refining Secret Realm was not only a treasure trove containing unparalleled opportunities, but also a huge crucible fraught with danger and where human nature was exposed.

The allure of the earth's spiritual milk is enough to render any so-called camaraderie powerless. At that time, deceit, treachery, and the survival of the fittest will be the only dominant themes.

He felt no fear whatsoever; on the contrary, a surge of anticipation welled up within him. To clash with true powerhouses, to hone one's resolve and skills on the brink of life and death—this was an indispensable trial on the path to becoming a true expert.

Back in the familiar stone house in the North Foothills Herb Garden, Lin Xuan sat cross-legged on the futon, his mind calm, and began to carefully plan for the next three months.

The most important thing is to raise his cultivation to the seventh level of Qi Refining. He is currently at the peak of the sixth level, just one step away from breaking through. His spiritual energy accumulation is sufficient; what he needs is a natural opportunity and time for seclusion to break through. Improving his cultivation is the foundation for everything.

Secondly, the cultivation of "Star Finger" cannot be relaxed. Although the first level, "Finger Ray," has been mastered, the mysteries of the second level, "Starfall," still need to be comprehended.

If he can gain a basic understanding of the technique and imbue his finger strength with explosive destructive power, its destructive power will undergo a qualitative change, becoming another powerful trump card for him in the secret realm.

Furthermore, various auxiliary methods need to be prepared in advance. Healing, energy-restoring, and detoxifying pills are essential; some talismans for concealment, defense, and speed enhancement also need to be prepared.

Even some powerful, one-time-use attack items can be considered for exchange. All of this requires a massive amount of spirit stones or contribution points.

He checked his storage bag. The rewards he received from the previous competition, plus his existing savings, were a huge sum for an ordinary disciple, but compared to his future needs, especially his preparations for Foundation Establishment, it was still a drop in the ocean.

"I must go to the sect market again." Lin Xuan's eyes flashed. "Perhaps... I can try to refine some low-level pills or talismans myself."

With his current spiritual awareness comparable to that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator and his meticulous control over spiritual energy, he undoubtedly possesses an advantage that is difficult for ordinary people to match when learning mentally demanding skills such as alchemy and talisman making. If he succeeds, it will not only solve his immediate problem but also open up a stable resource channel for his long-term cultivation.

The Blood Refining Secret Realm will be the first true test of life and death and a struggle for opportunity that he will face after entering the Azure Cloud Sect.

He slowly closed his eyes, and his aura gradually merged with the surrounding world. Tiny specks of starlight fell from the void and entered his body.

He had three months to make every second count and be fully prepared.

He would never let that opportunity to build a foundation slip through his fingers!