He fell off a cliff but unexpectedly gained a cultivation inheritance.

Just as Ma Changsi was about to head to the registration desk to draw lots, a commotion arose in the Immortal Sword Sect's queue over the number of participants. Originally, according to the sect's selection rankings, the participants for the Foundation Establishment group had already been decided internally—Yue Ling'er, Xie Ding, and Liu Yan'er were all outstanding Foundation Establishment disciples in the sect. Yue Ling'er, with her Heavenly Spiritual Root, had already reached the peak of Foundation Establishment, while Xie Ding and Liu Yan'er were also at the peak of Foundation Establishment. This lineup was considered top-tier among their peers in the Immortal Sword Sect.

Zhang Bufan frowned slightly, having his own considerations. He knew the importance of this team competition and was well aware that the strength of the other seventeen first-rate sects was not to be underestimated—ten of them, on the surface, were stronger than the Immortal Sword Sect. He possessed the inheritance of the Xuanqing Daoist and had always intended to assist his sect's rise. Now was a crucial moment when his sect needed help, so he naturally couldn't stand idly by. As soon as Yue Buwei finished speaking, Zhang Bufan stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and firmly voiced his objection: "Master, I have something to say. In the previous sect selection, I didn't go all out. My true strength is actually superior to Junior Sister Ling'er. This team competition concerns the sect's future, and I humbly request to participate. I will do my utmost to win first place for the sect and obtain the Core Formation Pill and the formula."

Upon hearing this, Yue Buwei's face instantly showed astonishment, his eyes filled with disbelief. Zhang Bufan was only at the late Foundation Establishment stage, while Yue Ling'er was a Heavenly Spiritual Root cultivator, already firmly established at the Perfect Foundation Establishment stage. Her spiritual power purity and cultivation foundation far surpassed ordinary cultivators, unmatched among her peers in the sect. Even with Zhang Bufan's outstanding talent, Yue Buwei had never imagined that he could so readily claim his combat strength surpassed Yue Ling'er's.

Upon hearing this, Yue Ling'er, far from being displeased, immediately stepped forward and nodded repeatedly to Yue Buwei, proactively vouching for Zhang Bufan: "Master, what Senior Brother Bufan said is true. Senior Brother's dantian and meridians are extraordinary, far exceeding those of his peers, and his total spiritual energy is even more abundant than mine. In actual combat, his explosive power is extremely strong. With Senior Brother fighting, our sect's chances of winning will indeed be much higher." Yue Ling'er was simple-minded and always prioritized the sect's interests. She deeply understood the importance of Core Formation Pills and pill formulas to the sect, and naturally hoped that Zhang Bufan would fight.

Looking at Yue Ling'er's composed expression and then at the certainty in Zhang Bufan's eyes, Yue Buwei's surprise gradually subsided. He knew that Zhang Bufan had repeatedly achieved miracles since joining the sect, possessing exceptional talent in alchemy and a cultivation advancement speed far exceeding that of ordinary people. Perhaps he truly harbored a hidden trump card in combat. After pondering for a moment, Yue Buwei nodded in agreement: "Alright, in that case, you will fight, forming a Foundation Establishment team with Ling'er and Xie Ding. Remember, you must go all out and not underestimate your opponents."

Upon hearing Yue Buwei's decision, Liu Yan'er's face instantly darkened, her brows furrowed with disappointment and displeasure. Zhang Bufan was going to fight, and she was being replaced. This meant she had completely lost her chance to compete for the Core Formation Pill. Having been stuck at the Foundation Establishment stage for years, she had long yearned for this pill that could increase her chances of forming a Core by 30%.

Zhang Bufan took in Liu Yan'er's disappointment and understood. He immediately turned to her and gently comforted her, "Senior Sister, don't be sad. I'm still in the late Foundation Establishment stage and it will be some time before I reach the peak. The Core Formation Pill is useless to me for now. If we can win first place in the group competition, I'll give you the Core Formation Pill for now. As long as I get the formula, I'll have a way to refine it in the future. I won't have to worry about not having enough pills."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yan'er's disappointment vanished instantly, replaced by a gleam in her beautiful eyes. Her gaze towards Zhang Bufan was filled with surprise and gratitude. She quickly bowed to Zhang Bufan and thanked him, saying, "Thank you, Junior Brother! If I can obtain this pill, I will remember your kindness!" All the pent-up emotions in her heart dissipated. Looking at Zhang Bufan's gentle features, a strange feeling quietly arose in her heart—a mixture of gratitude for his humility and curiosity and admiration for this unassuming junior brother.

Yue Ling'er smiled and said, "Don't worry, Senior Sister Liu. With Senior Brother Bufan joining us, we're sure to win!" Xie Ding nodded in agreement, "With Junior Brother Bufan's combat prowess, our lineup is practically invincible. We only need a little time to gel and we'll be able to handle the first round of the competition."

At this moment, Ma Changsi immediately took the updated list and rushed to the registration office to file it, fearing that it would delay the lottery process. Compared to the twists and turns in the Foundation Establishment group, the selection of participants for the Qi Refining group was uncontroversial. The top three elite disciples selected from within the sect would participate. All three were at the late stage of Qi Refining, with balanced strength and excellent teamwork.

Before half an incense stick had burned, Ma Changsi returned, holding a jade tablet engraved with battle information. He reported to Yue Buwei and the others, "Ancestor, I have completed the registration and drawing of lots. Our first-round opponent in the Foundation Establishment group has been determined—it is Yingzhou Secret Realm, one of the three overseas secret realms, a second-rate sect. The order of appearance is the tenth match, and the match is estimated to start tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Xie Ding's lips curled slightly: "A second-rate sect, their strength is probably limited. We should be able to win easily." Yue Buwei, however, shook his head solemnly: "We must not underestimate them. Although Yingzhou Secret Realm is a second-rate sect, the overseas cultivators have been fighting sea beasts for many years and have extremely rich combat experience. They are also skilled in some strange water-attribute techniques and formations. If we are not careful, we may be defeated unexpectedly."

Zhang Bufan wholeheartedly agreed and nodded, saying, "Master is absolutely right. The weaker the opponent seems, the more cautious we must be. Let's use this half hour to quickly practice our teamwork, determine our offensive and defensive tactics, and ensure that we are absolutely foolproof." Although he possessed overwhelming combat power, he also understood that the key to team battles lies in cooperation, and victory cannot be achieved by one person showing off their abilities.

Yue Buwei glanced at the three of them approvingly and said in a deep voice, "Bufan is right, we must not be careless. The water-attribute techniques of Yingzhou Secret Realm have a certain restraining effect on the sword cultivation techniques of our Immortal Sword Sect. You need to think of countermeasures in advance. Xie Ding will focus on ranged attacks to contain the enemy, Liu Yan'er will harass from the flanks, and Bufan will take command in the center, taking care of both offense and defense. You must play with perfect teamwork."

"Yes, Master!" the three responded in unison, then moved to the open space next to the main hall and began to practice quickly. Xie Ding activated his mid-grade Xuan-rank flying sword, locking onto the target amidst the crisscrossing sword energy; Liu Yan'er used her movement technique, her figure elusive and agile; Zhang Bufan circulated his spiritual power, his body radiating a faint spiritual light, steadily controlling the rhythm. The three quickly refined their tactics, their auras gradually becoming more synchronized.

The three disciples of the Qi Refining Group were also intensifying their preparations, sparring and practicing their techniques to familiarize themselves with each other's teamwork. On the plaza, other sects were also making their preparations in earnest, with each team practicing their tactics, and the tense atmosphere in the air growing increasingly thick. Half an hour passed in the blink of an eye, and with a command from the Wanfa Sect's steward, the Kunlun Secret Realm Sect Grand Competition team event officially began.

Zhang Bufan and his two companions straightened their robes, exchanged glances, and saw determination in each other's eyes. The first round against Yingzhou Secret Realm was both an appetizer and an excellent opportunity to hone their teamwork. They strode towards the Foundation Establishment group's main arena, needing to observe the strength and fighting styles of other sects, especially the victorious sects, whom they might encounter in the next round.