Refining Ruins Cauldron

With his current strength, he was no match for Liu Wanqian.

Even if one possesses multiple Heaven-rank cultivation techniques, it is all in vain in the face of overwhelming absolute power.

The key is that the opponent's Hunyuan Sword Technique is highly refined and its rank is definitely not low.

To think that one can win by relying on martial arts techniques is somewhat wishful thinking.

However, Gu Qingyun was not discouraged. He took a deep breath and calmed his excited mood.

My goal in participating in this competition was not to win the championship.

As long as we can get into the top ten, that's fine; even the chance of getting into the top three is extremely slim.

The competition continued, with the most outstanding talents from each peak emerging.

With a dazzling array of methods at her disposal, Gu Qingyun was overwhelmed and under increasing pressure.

Among the many disciples at the ninth level of Qi Refining, he never expected that Hou Mang was only at the bottom.

Compared to the top talents, they are far inferior.

If you face these masters, the outcome will likely be decided in just one round.

This is the true foundation of the Longevity Sect. A first-class sect is not something that simple.

"All matches are over for today. Those who have advanced, keep up the good work tomorrow."

After the elder made the ruling, everyone left one after another.

Gu Qingyun was the same; he was still immersed in the experience he had gained that day.

I'll have to do a thorough review when I get back tonight.

After the first round of selection, I will face an even tougher battle tomorrow.

The practical experience learned today will become an asset tomorrow.

Before he could leave, a voice called out to Gu Qingyun.

"Gu Qingyun".

Upon hearing this, Gu Qingyun looked in the direction of the voice and was surprised to see Liu Wanqian.

Looking at the young man in blue, Gu Qingyun was deeply impressed and respectfully clasped his hands in a salute.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Liu."

Liu Wanqian didn't say much, but walked up and carefully looked Gu Qingyun over.

It's hard to imagine that such an expression would appear on his face.

Gu Qingyun stood tall, neither humble nor arrogant.

Although one's cultivation level is inferior to that of the opponent, one should at least not be too intimidated in terms of aura.

"Your sword is not bad."

To Gu Qingyun's surprise, Liu Wanqian actually spoke up, his tone carrying a hint of approval.

"However, you're still far from it. If you risk your life with a single sword strike and the opponent manages to dodge it, you should know better than I what your fate will be."

"A martial arts contest is a martial arts contest. In a real life-or-death battle, your swordplay is too risky."

Gu Qingyun remained silent; he did not deny Liu Wanqian's statement.

At the same time, I know that what the other party said is correct.

"Go back and study it some more. One day, you will be a formidable opponent."

After Liu Wanqian finished speaking, he turned and left.

It came suddenly and left just as quickly.

Gu Qingyun smiled bitterly, his expression slightly aggrieved.

Looking in the direction where Liu Wanqian disappeared, he couldn't help but scratch the back of his head.

Is he overestimating himself a bit too much to be Liu's opponent?

The difference in their artistic realms alone is considerable, not to mention their understanding of swordsmanship.

"However, my cultivation level is still a major weakness, and I need to seize the time to improve it."

……

By the time we returned to the courtyard, it was already dark.

The girl had been waiting for a long time in front of the door, her pretty shadow stretched long in the moonlight.

"Senior Sister Xiaomei?"

Gu Qingyun was somewhat surprised, not expecting Luo Mei to be waiting for him here.

Upon seeing the former return, Luo Mei's listlessness vanished instantly. She stepped forward, her expression becoming more serious.

She got straight to the point: "Ziyan has successfully emerged from seclusion."

In a single sentence, Gu Qingyun clearly understood the consequences.

Successfully exiting the seclusion means that this crazy woman has already established her foundation!

That makes sense. With Wei Qianbo supporting her, what kind of pills could that crazy woman not have?

Even with mixed spiritual roots, Wei Qianbo could still force a Foundation Establishment cultivator out of him!

Gu Qingyun felt a chill in his heart. Even before he had broken through to the next level, this madwoman had become bloodthirsty and treated human life like dirt.

Now they're probably going to become even more arrogant and disrespectful!

"After she came out, the first thing she asked about was your condition. Hou Mang was defeated, and she even severed his limbs, leaving him severely injured."

Hearing this news, Gu Qingyun was surprised, yet felt it made sense.

However, I never expected that this crazy woman's hatred for me had reached this level.

Even being defeated by his senior brother, he had to suffer such torment?

This can only be described as pathological.

If I were to fall into Ziyan's hands in the future, my misery would be a thousand times worse than this.

"Thank you for telling me, Senior Sister Xiaomei. I will be careful."

Gu Qingyun cupped his hands in thanks; he was already very touched that Luo Mei had come.

The latter looked at Gu Qingyun, wanting to say something, but hesitated when the words reached his lips.

Again and again, he finally let out a soft sigh.

"Master said that if you can win first place and gain the title of the sect leader's personal disciple, no one will dare to do anything to you..."

Lome remained silent and did not continue speaking.

Gu Qingyun knew that winning the top prize was no easy feat.

Who doesn't know that winning first place is like rising to the top in one step, completely turning one's life around?

But how could Gu Qingyun overcome the obstacles ahead in his current state?

Luo Mei sighed deeply, said nothing more, and turned to leave.

She didn't think there was any possibility of this happening, and neither did anyone else.

Gu Qingyun looked solemn; he, too, lacked confidence in himself.

Having witnessed the abilities of those prodigies today, his confidence is also being shaken.

Mingji and Liu Wanqian, aren't they both outstanding talents, one in a hundred?

With expert guidance, exceptional talent, and years of dedicated practice, he has achieved remarkable success.

How could someone who came from humble beginnings and unexpectedly appeared out of nowhere compare to these prodigies?

Getting first place is as difficult as climbing to heaven.

……

It was late at night, and everyone was asleep.

Gu Qingyun sat cross-legged on the bed, with the small black cauldron floating in front of him.

Since obtaining the Refining Ruins Cauldron, Gu Qingyun's fate has quietly changed.

In just a few months, more exciting things have happened than in Gu Qingyun's previous ten years.

His spiritual sense left his body and once again probed into the small cauldron.

Within that boundless space, eighty top-grade Returning Origin Pills floated above.

There were also twenty top-grade Rejuvenation Pills and five unidentified, crystal-clear, jade-colored pills.

Beside it, there was a short sword, several martial arts manuals, and alchemy and alchemical texts.

This is all that he has now.

Gu Qingyun's gaze lingered on the five unidentified pills for a long time, and he fell into deep thought.

Having spent so long in the Pill Hall and with Elder Huo Qian's guidance, Gu Qingyun was no longer the clueless handyman disciple he once was.

Although I don't know what these five pills are, judging from their appearance alone, they are definitely not simple.

"The Qi-Strengthening Pill is especially effective for cultivators below the Golden Core stage, greatly increasing the probability of breaking through to a higher realm."

"As long as your cultivation level is high enough, breaking through bottlenecks is as easy as drinking water or eating."

"Even if taken above the Golden Elixir level, it can have the same effect as the Returning Origin Pill."

Gu Qingyun muttered to himself, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

"Squad Leader Zhao, I never expected that this opportunity would be given to me by you..."