Refining Ruins Cauldron

The Jade Peak is responsible for the mineral veins and spirit stones of the Longevity Sect; it would be difficult for the peak not to become wealthy.

To be honest, Gu Qingyun felt that Shen Jinsan was more like a businessman, as there was a shrewd and calculating look in his eyes.

Where is the transcendent charm of a Taoist practitioner?

Shen Jin San looked at the many geniuses below. Although he was still smiling, his expression was more like that of someone looking at merchandise.

On the right is an elderly man with a hunched back and a thin build.

Judging from his appearance, he was nearing the end of his life, with more breaths going in than out.

This is Qiu Jiuyou, the master of Xuanqing Peak, who is in charge of the sect's formations and talismans. He is also at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm.

Despite Qiu Jiuyou's near-death state and half-buried in the ground, when combined with array formations and talismans, no one of his level can rival him, and he can even easily take on three opponents at once.

The next one on the left is Meng Huo, the peak master of Quanwu Peak, in the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm.

Meng Huo was tall and burly, with a rather rugged appearance, and looked like a middle-aged man.

Standing there, it's like a small mountain.

This person's physical skills are extremely terrifying, and his body's external martial arts are invincible.

Similarly, Quan Wufeng also focused on physical training, contributing a significant amount of combat power to the sect.

Next is Hua Wuheng, the peak master of Lingjian Peak, a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator who specializes in swordsmanship.

Of all the sects, Spirit Sword Peak is the most fierce in its killing; under its sword energy, everything can be cut down.

Despite his fair complexion and somewhat effeminate appearance, Hua Wuheng's swordsmanship is terrifying, killing without a trace and unstoppable.

His disciples are all sword cultivator prodigies, and there is a constant stream of talented individuals among them.

Second from the right is Granny Jing, the peak master of Tibetan Peak, a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator.

Tibetan Peak is where the sect's scripture hall is located, and it also oversees the transmission of many ancient books and teachings, making it the oldest and most prestigious location in the sect.

It is said that Granny Jing has lived for nearly nine hundred years, and has witnessed the succession of the sect leader for more than three generations.

His wisdom and knowledge were so profound that no one could surpass him.

Located on the far right is Wei Qianbo, the master of Luoyun Peak, who is also the head of the Law Enforcement Hall and a late-stage Golden Core cultivator!

He was Ziyan's grandfather, in charge of all the clan's punishments, and his methods were ruthless.

It was only at this moment that Gu Qingyun realized that the person standing next to Wei Qianbo was Bai Feng!

No wonder...

Gu Qingyun suddenly realized, and at the same time felt that the pressure on his shoulders had become much heavier.

I should have guessed it sooner, otherwise how could Bai Feng have gotten away with it after stealing the Spirit-Nourishing Grass!

Bai Feng seemed to have noticed something as well; with just a glance from him, Gu Qingyun felt a chill run down her spine.

Boom!

The ancient bell tolled, enveloping the entire arena.

Everyone fell silent, not daring to say a word.

Wei Qianbo stood up and looked around.

"The outer sect disciples' martial arts competition shall now begin!"

"As usual, the matches will be decided by drawing lots, with winners advancing and losers advancing, until the final rankings are determined."

"The top ten will have the opportunity to enter the second floor of the Scripture Hall and can freely choose a cultivation technique to study."

"The first three options also grant an additional Spirit Gathering Pill, a pill that aids in Foundation Establishment!"

"The first one will be granted an exception to enter the sect's forbidden area and cultivate at the Yuanling Spring for a month."

"Not only that, the sect leader has ordered that he will personally accept him as his personal disciple."

The first part alone was already shocking enough: Foundation Establishment Spirit Gathering Pills, Yuanling Spring cultivation—either of these could make these outer disciples' blood boil!

And this final reward, the sect leader's personal disciple—such an opportunity actually fell into their laps!

That's someone who's even higher level than an inner disciple!

With the status of being the sect leader's personal disciple, even many elders have to treat him with utmost respect!

More importantly, all the sect's resources will be made available to the greatest extent possible!

They couldn't even dream of such treatment!

A true meteoric rise!

One step to the sky!

No wonder Mingji suppressed his cultivation to compete for the championship; it seems he had received advance notice.

While Gu Qingyun was surprised, she quickly realized what was going on.

I need these opportunities now as well.

If we can manage to grab a spot, even just finishing in the top three would be excellent.

If we can win first place...

Gu Qingyun shook his head, dismissing this unrealistic fantasy.

I'm only at the sixth level of Qi Refining now, how can I compete with Mingji, who is at the peak of Qi Refining?

What's more, there are so many talented outer disciples eyeing this opportunity!

Being honest, down-to-earth, and taking things one step at a time is the most practical approach.

"Now, let's begin the draw."

With Wei Qianbo's command, he pointed a finger, and the huge jade slip used for drawing lots spun in front of everyone, finally revealing two names.

"Gu Qingyun, Hou Mang."

Hou Mang was a familiar face to everyone. He was an outer disciple of Luoyun Peak, with a cultivation level of the ninth stage of Qi Refining. He was powerful and had quite a reputation.

As for Gu Qingyun, apart from some people from Tiandu Peak, almost no outer disciples from other peaks had ever heard of him.

However, the news leaked very quickly and soon spread everywhere.

"A newly promoted handyman, at the sixth level of Qi Refining, going up against Hou Mang, who is at the ninth level of Qi Refining? Isn't that a joke?"

"I think it's only a matter of 30/70. Hou Mang punched Gu Qingyun three times and turned him into seven pieces."

"That's too many, maybe 19. Hou Mang smashed him to pieces with one punch!"

"Hahaha……"

Immediately, laughter and boos filled the air.

It wasn't that everyone was deliberately pessimistic about Gu Qingyun, but rather that in such a contest with such a disparity in strength, there was simply no suspense whatsoever.

Once you're in the ring, fists and feet have no eyes.

In everyone's opinion, if Gu Qingyun didn't want to die, he had better admit defeat in advance, so as to avoid losing so badly.

Gu Qingyun seemed not to hear anything, and just stood there quietly, as if she had been frightened into a daze.

From the high platform, Luo Mei saw everything. Even though she tried to remain calm, she couldn't help but feel a little worried.

She turned around and looked at Nalan Feixue beside her.

The latter took a small sip of the hot tea in his hand, his expression unchanged, and uttered only three words.

"Let's take a look first."

Upon hearing this, even if Luo Mei wanted to, she could only nod helplessly.

Looking back, she still looked at Gu Qingyun with worry.

"Peak Master Nalan, I heard you think highly of this junior, but given the difference in cultivation level, there shouldn't be much of a suspense, right?"

The speaker was Shen Jinsan, who was heavily pregnant and looked over with a smile.

"Peak Master Shen, you don't need to worry about my judgment. Just keep an eye on your spirit mines."

Upon hearing this, Shen Jinsan didn't seem to care, and his face remained smiling.

However, at this moment, he found himself somewhat interested in Gu Qingyun.

If Nalan Feixue thinks so highly of this kid, does he have some extraordinary talent?

On one side, Meng Huo, outspoken and blunt, slammed his hand on the table.

"With this difference in skill, if that kid wins, I'll swallow this stone table!"

Granny Jing narrowed her eyes and stared for a while, somewhat surprised.

"It's actually a mixed spiritual root, possessing all five elements. That's quite interesting..."

Wei Qianbo sat expressionless in his chair, his expression revealing neither joy nor anger.

As for whether there was any foul play involved in the lottery, only he himself knows...