The entry for cultivating immortality states that after dying a hundred times, I attained immortalit

The atmosphere inside the council chamber was oppressive.

More than twenty young members of the Jiang family lined up on both sides, while Jiang Yunshan and five elders sat at the head of the table.

Jiang Bai stood in the front row, with Jiang Shan, Jiang Wu, and others beside him.

Jiang Yunshan looked around at everyone and slowly said, "At the meeting of the three clans just now, Li Zhen, the patriarch of the Li family, was present in person."

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall immediately became tense.

Li Zhen proposed that the rules for this year's mineral vein share competition need to be changed.

Jiang Yunshan continued, "We will adopt a free-for-all capture-the-flag system."

With a light tap of his finger, his spiritual energy sketched a simple diagram in the air.

"The location is set in the Black Wind Valley secret realm outside the city. Each of the three races will send five young disciples inside. Three flags will be set up in the center of the secret realm, belonging to the three races respectively. The race will last for three days. The race that captures the most flags will win and will receive 50% of the mineral vein. The second place will receive 30%, and the last place will receive 20%."

A commotion immediately broke out in the hall.

"A free-for-all? Wouldn't that mean they could join forces to besiege one of them?"

"If the Li family and the Chen family are secretly colluding, wouldn't my Jiang family be in grave danger?"

Jiang Yunshan raised his hand to suppress the murmurs: "There is indeed such a loophole in the rules. However, the Li family and the Chen family have reached a consensus. If my Jiang family does not agree, it will be considered as automatically forfeiting the qualification for this competition and will be directly judged as the last place."

This is a blatant, overt conspiracy.

"There are two more," Jiang Yunshan's voice deepened. "First, life-or-death battles are not prohibited in the secret realm, and casualties are the sole responsibility of the participants. Second, the Li family patriarch suggested that each clan may invite one outside aid to participate in the battle, whose cultivation level must not exceed the eighth level of Qi Refining."

External aid at the eighth level of Qi Refining...

Jiang Bai paused for a moment.

With the strength of the younger generation of the three clans in Ping'an County, the sixth level of Qi Refining is already top-notch, and the seventh level of Qi Refining is extremely rare.

The only way the Li family could have hired an outsider at the eighth level of Qi Refining is from a rogue cultivator in Black Fiend Valley.

This is to thoroughly muddy the waters.

"My Jiang family was forced to agree." After Jiang Yunshan finished speaking, the hall fell silent.

"After deliberation by the clan elders, the list of five members of the Jiang family to fight is as follows: Jiang Bai, Jiang Shan, Jiang Wu, Jiang Yurou, and Jiang Lin."

The five people whose names were called had different expressions.

Jiang Shan clenched his fists, Jiang Wu's eyes were sharp, Jiang Yurou's face was pale but she forced herself to remain calm, and Jiang Lin took a deep breath.

Jiang Bai touched his chin.

"I thought the cultivation world had long since stopped using such outdated team-building activities," he muttered to himself.

Jiang Yunshan looked at him: "Jiang Bai, what are your thoughts?"

"Reporting to the clan chief," Jiang Bai bowed, "the rules are unfavorable to our Jiang family, but they are not without solutions. Since external assistance is permitted, our Jiang family should also seek a reliable helper. Furthermore, the more detailed the information, the better, regarding the terrain of the secret realm, the distribution of restrictions, and the concentration of poisonous miasma."

"The matter of external assistance is under discussion." Jiang Yunshan nodded. "Black Wind Valley is an ancient battlefield with remaining restrictions and poisonous miasma that lingers year-round. A detailed map will be sent to the five of you later."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the five people: "This battle is dangerous. If anyone is unwilling, they may withdraw now."

None of the five people moved.

"it is good."

Jiang Yunshan stood up and said, "Meet at the entrance of Black Wind Valley in ten days. During these ten days, the clan's storeroom will be open to the five of you, where you can exchange your contribution points for the supplies you need. You may leave now."

The group bowed and left.

As soon as they stepped out of the council hall, Jiang Shan grabbed Jiang Bai: "This is clearly aimed at you."

"I know."

Jiang Bai nodded, "The rules of chaotic battle to capture the flag, life and death are irrelevant, and the upper limit for external aid is the eighth level of Qi Refining, each one seems tailor-made for me."

Jiang Wu gritted his teeth and said, "The Li family will definitely send Li Yueyao, and the Chen family might send Chen Lei. As for external aid... the people from Black Fiend Valley are definitely on the list."

"more than."

As Jiang Bai walked, he said, "I guess the Li family's outside help spot will be reserved for the true elite of Black Fiend Valley, maybe even just a Qi Refining Level 8 assassin. As for the Chen family, Chen Lei just returned to Ping'an County, so they might not be able to find strong outside help, but their own clan should also have some trump cards up their sleeves."

Jiang Yurou asked worriedly, "Who should we look for as a foreign aid?"

"Since the clan chief said that it is still under discussion, it seems that a suitable candidate has already been selected."

Jiang Baidao said, "But relying on others is ultimately not as good as relying on yourself. Over the next ten days, we need to do the following things."

The four of them immediately gathered around.

"First of all, improve your strength as much as possible." Jiang Baixian looked at Jiang Shan and Jiang Wu, "Brother Shan, Brother Wu, you are only one step away from the third level of Qi Refining. In the next few days, I will prepare medicine to help you break through. You must succeed in breaking through within ten days."

He then turned to Jiang Lin: "Brother Lin, make as many warning talismans, explosion talismans, and earth-遁 talismans as you can. If you don't have enough materials, just go to the warehouse and get more. The required contribution points will be deducted from my account."

Finally, he looked at Jiang Yurou: "Yurou, prepare the antidote pills, healing powders, and energy-restoring pills to the highest standard. Also, find out about the unique poisonous insects and herbs in Black Wind Valley and prepare antidotes accordingly."

"Understood," the four replied in unison.

"Also, we need to study some tactics," Jiang Bai continued. "Capture the flag in a free-for-all isn't a one-on-one duel in a ring; we need to develop several plans to deal with different situations."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"And I must break through to the fourth level of Qi Refining within ten days."

Jiang Shan's eyes widened: "You've only just stabilized at the peak of the third level of Qi Refining..."

"So we need some help." Jiang Bai smiled. "The depths of the poisonous miasma cave should be exciting enough."

That afternoon, the six members of the Zhejing Society gathered at Jiang Bai's courtyard.

A yellowed animal hide map was spread out on the table; it was a map of the Black Wind Valley secret realm.

"The secret realm is gourd-shaped, and the entrance is right here." Jiang Bai pointed to the bottom of the map. "Three flags are placed on the 'Ancient Altar' in the center of the gourd's belly. The terrain around the altar is complex. To the east is the 'Poisonous Mist Forest,' to the west is the 'Rock Stream,' and to the north is the 'Bone Pit.'"

Jiang Lin carefully examined the map: "The area around the altar has a wide field of vision. Whoever occupies the altar first will become the target of everyone's attacks."

"So we can't just take it by force," Jiang Shan said. "We have to wait for others to make the first move, and then we can take advantage of the chaos."

"inappropriate."

Jiang Bai shook his head. "The rule is that the team that captures the most flags wins, not the team that holds the flag until the end. We must take the initiative, but we need to be flexible in our approach." His finger traced the map. "My idea is—to split our forces."

"Splitting our forces?" Jiang Wu frowned. "We're already outnumbered; wouldn't we be even weaker if we split up?"

"If all five of them are together, they'll be too conspicuous and easily wiped out," Jiang Bai explained. "I suggest splitting them into two groups: one group of two people will roam around harassing and creating chaos to distract the enemy; the other group of three will wait for an opportunity to capture the flag."

Jiang Yurou asked softly, "How will the group assignments be arranged?"

"I'll team up with Shan-ge," Jiang Baidao said. "We two are the strongest in direct combat, so we're good at roaming and creating pressure. Wu-ge, Yu-rou, and Lin-ge will team up. Wu-ge will focus on defense, Yu-rou will be responsible for healing and detoxification, and Lin-ge will use talismans to control the field and scout. The core task for the three of you is to observe and then seize the flag when the time is right."

After pondering for a moment, Jiang Lin said, "Brother Bai, your poison skills should be a great advantage in Black Wind Valley. The map indicates that the Poison Mist Forest is shrouded in poisonous miasma all year round, making it a perfect place for us to play."

"Exactly." Jiang Bai nodded. "If the situation turns unfavorable, we'll retreat into the Poison Mist Forest and use the terrain to maneuver. However—" He looked at several areas circled in red on the map, "These are known remaining forbidden points. Triggering them could trap the enemy or injure ourselves. We must memorize all these locations before entering the valley."

The tactical discussion lasted for an hour before a plan was finally settled.

As night fell, everyone dispersed to prepare.

Jiang Bai remained alone in the courtyard, looking up at the sky.

"Ten days from now..." he murmured to himself.

Jiang Bai shook his head and took out the half jade slip from his storage bag.

The jade pattern on his palm disappeared without any further reaction, but when practicing the "Hundred Poisons Tempering Technique," he felt a faint resonance within his body.

"Black Wind Valley is an ancient battlefield..." He put away the jade slip. "Perhaps we can find some clues there."

Over the next three days, Zhejing will enter a state of full preparation.

With the help of the medicinal powder prepared by Jiang Bai, Jiang Shan and Jiang Wu broke through to the third level of Qi Refining one after another. After their Qi stabilized, their combat power increased significantly.

Jiang Lin practically lived in the talisman-making room, producing warning talismans, explosion talismans, and earth escape talismans in droves. He even tried to make a few "illusion talismans"—which, when activated, could create a false clone that lasted for ten breaths, used to confuse enemies.

Jiang Yurou went back and forth between the warehouse and her own courtyard, concocting three types of targeted detoxification pills, two types of highly effective healing powders, and a full thirty bottles of Qi-restoring pills.

Jiang Bai's own cultivation has hit a bottleneck.

With the clan elders' permission, he ventured once more into the depths of the poisonous miasma cave. He sat cross-legged in the area where the dark green poisonous mist was most concentrated, his pores opening wide as he frantically absorbed the poisonous gas, converting it into spiritual energy. His meridians felt as if they were being cut by knives, throbbing with excruciating pain, but he was still unable to break through the membrane of the fourth level of Qi Refining.

On the evening of the fourth day, Jiang Bai emerged from the poisonous miasma cave, soaked to the bone and pale-faced. "It's still not working." He sat on a rock outside the cave to regulate his breathing. "I've accumulated enough, and the purity of my spiritual energy is sufficient, but I always feel like something is missing."

Jiang Yuanshan's voice came from behind: "Sometimes, a catalyst is needed to break through a cultivation level."

Jiang Bai stood up and bowed, saying, "Master."

Jiang Yuanshan walked to his side and handed him a jade bottle: "This is the 'Breakthrough Pill,' which can greatly enhance the impact of spiritual power in a short period of time, but after the effects wear off, it will damage the meridians, and you will be unable to use spiritual power for three days. Use with caution."

"Thank you, Master." Jiang Bai accepted the pill and put it away.

"Furthermore, it is necessary to inform you about the Black Wind Valley secret realm." Jiang Yuanshan's expression was solemn. "That secret realm was opened once seventy years ago. At that time, nearly half of the disciples from the three races and sects entered, and they were all killed."

"The losses weren't solely due to mutual slaughter," Jiang Yuanshan said in a low voice. "Deep within the secret realm, there are 'living' beings."

"Something alive?"

"It's a 'malignant ghost' formed by the resentment left over from the ancient battlefield, mingling with poisonous miasma and yin energy," Jiang Yuanshan explained. "This thing is formless and intangible, fearing yang fire and thunder magic, and it especially enjoys devouring the essence of living beings. Cultivators below the mid-stage of Qi Refining who encounter it are mostly doomed."

Jiang Bai took a deep breath: "These aren't marked on the map."

"It's because the location of the miasma ghosts is not fixed each time the secret realm opens," Jiang Yuanshan continued. "Li Zhen's choice of Black Wind Valley as the venue for the duel probably indicates that he has other motives."

"What does Master mean?"

"It's just a guess," Jiang Yuanshan shook his head. "Just keep it in mind. Enter the valley in ten days. Remember, do not go deep into the bone pit on the north side of the secret realm. If you see gray mist gathering and taking shape, get away immediately and use fire talismans or thunder talismans to clear the way."

"Your disciple will remember this."

After Jiang Yuanshan left, Jiang Bai sat outside the cave for a long time.

He opened his palm; the skin on his palm was smooth and showed no abnormalities.

But when he activated the "Hundred Poisons Tempering Technique," faint gray lines appeared under his skin, resonating slightly with the poisonous gas in the poisonous cave.

"Ancient cultivator bloodline..." He clenched his fist. "If it's really related to this secret realm, then this competition might be my chance."

As for the foreign aid for the Jiang family, the selection has been finalized.

To everyone's surprise, it was an acquaintance who showed up.

"Lu Qi?" Jiang Bai looked at the young man in front of him, dressed in a black robe with a cold face, somewhat surprised.

It was that lone cultivator with fierce swordsmanship who was training at Tianhen Mountain back then.

"Young Master Jiang," Lu Qi said, bowing slightly, his voice calm. "Entrusted by Clan Chief Jiang, I am here to assist the Jiang family in seizing the flag. I am at the seventh level of Qi Refining, skilled in swordsmanship, and have some knowledge of formations."

Jiang Yunshan explained from the side, "Young friend Lu once owed the Jiang family a favor, and he took the initiative to accept the invitation this time. He has been traveling around for many years and is very experienced and trustworthy."

Jiang Bai sized up Lu Qi.

Qi Refining Level 7, sword cultivator, knowledgeable in formations.

The quality of these foreign players far exceeded expectations.

"Brother Lu's arrival is a great honor for the Jiang family." Jiang Bai clasped his hands in greeting. "Over the next three days, we hope that Brother Lu will work with us to refine our tactics."

"Of course." Lu Qi nodded, his words concise and to the point.

With Lu Qi joining the team, the five-man tactics need to be adjusted.

The final plan was: Lu Qi and Jiang Bai would be in one group, responsible for roaming and creating pressure - the combination of the two at the seventh level of Qi Refining and the peak of the third level was enough to restrain most of the enemies; Jiang Shan, Jiang Wu, Jiang Yurou, and Jiang Lin would be in another group. Although Jiang Lin was not good at direct combat, his talisman support ability was extremely strong. The four of them could both attack and defend together.

The ninth day, late at night.

Jiang Bai sat cross-legged in the quiet room, with the Barrier-Breaking Pill placed in front of him.

There are only twelve hours left before we enter the valley.

"If I can't break through through hard work, then I'll use medicine." He picked up the jade bottle, poured out the crimson pill, and swallowed it.

The pill entered his stomach, exploding into a violent surge of heat! His meridians instantly expanded, and spiritual energy rushed towards his dantian like a burst dam. A sharp pain struck, but Jiang Bai gritted his teeth and endured it, guiding this power to break through that formidable bottleneck.

Once, twice, three times...

A buzzing sound filled his mind, and fine beads of blood seeped from his skin.

Just when he thought he was about to fail again—

"Click."

A soft cracking sound came from within his body. Immediately afterwards, spiritual energy surged into a wider world like rivers flowing into the sea: the capacity of his dantian nearly doubled, the purity of his spiritual energy increased, and his five senses instantly became several times more acute.

Qi Refining Level 4, finally reached!

Jiang Bai opened his eyes, his whole body soaked in sweat and blood.

He slowly got up, stretched his limbs, and felt the surging power within his body.

"I finally made it."