Refining Ruins Cauldron

As the spiritual energy of the Autumn Nether Fruit flowed into his body, Gu Qingyun circulated the "Flowing Qi Refining Technique," attempting to break through that realm barrier.

As expected of the Autumn Nether Fruit, it facilitated a breakthrough, and he could clearly feel his cultivation level loosening.

Just as Gu Qingyun was about to break through the shackles of the seventh level of Qi Refining in one go, he found that even if he consumed all his spiritual energy, it would only be enough to shake that barrier.

"Still not working?"

Who would have thought that what seemed like a minor breakthrough would be far more difficult than Gu Qingyun had imagined?

His cultivation level has indeed improved, but he is still one step away from a true breakthrough.

Are we just going to give up like this?

Seeing that there was no other way, Gu Qingyun suddenly felt a warm current gathering along his meridians.

It's Nalan Feixue!

Nalan Feixue did not stand idly by in this final step!

That warm current was the spiritual energy she channeled in!

Gu Qingyun was overjoyed and dared not be negligent in the slightest. He quickly guided the spiritual power to break through the barrier and launch the final attack!

"break!"

An invisible shout resounded throughout his mind, and the trace of spiritual power that Nalan Feixue poured in became the final link in the breakthrough.

At this moment, the barrier between realms was completely shattered by the spiritual power that had been accumulating within Gu Qingyun's body for a long time!

Gu Qingyun felt as if the spiritual energy within his body was flowing into the sea like a river, and suddenly he felt enlightened.

Under Gu Qingyun's operation, the "Circulation Qi Refining Technique" began to actively absorb spiritual energy, returning all of it to the dantian.

Eighth level of Qi Refining achieved!

Gu Qingyun was incredibly excited.

The immense power within him filled his entire body, and even a simple clench of his fist could make him feel the overwhelming force!

If I add the second move of the Seven Star Sword Technique, I might be able to compete in the upcoming outer sect martial arts competition!

……

The next morning, at the martial arts arena.

Gu Qingyun arrived as scheduled, still standing in an inconspicuous position on Tiandu Peak, yet he attracted the attention of all the disciples on the peak.

"What happened? Wasn't he supposed to be seriously injured? How is he still able to compete?"

"Who says otherwise? Someone saw him being carried back to the peak; he couldn't even get out of bed!"

"Where did this false information come from? This person is perfectly fine now. The key is the aura emanating from him..."

"It seems he's broken through again?!"

Opinions varied, with everyone expressing curiosity and surprise, and the way people looked at Gu Qingyun changed.

Without the mysterious concealment of the "Flowing Qi Refining Technique," Gu Qingyun's cultivation level was completely exposed.

Eighth level of Qi Refining—that's considered top-tier among all outer disciples!

Just a few days ago, Gu Qingyun was only at the seventh level of Qi Refining!

In just a few days, he made a breakthrough, and more importantly, his injuries healed completely. What kind of freak is this?!

Isn't it said that mixed spiritual roots are useless?

Gu Qingyun's mixed spiritual root is quite different from what's been said.

On the stage, the peak masters gathered together.

Nalan Feixue remained as usual, holding a cup of tea and savoring it slowly.

This time, however, she did take a second look at Gu Qingyun.

Peak Master Wei Qianbo remained expressionless, his demeanor still calm.

However, when his gaze swept over Gu Qingyun, a strange look appeared in his eyes.

These past two days, Ziyan has been crying and making a scene over Bai Feng's matter. How could he bear to see his granddaughter like this?

This time, the person standing next to Wei Qianbo was naturally changed to Ziyan.

He knew what Ziyan was thinking; she probably already hated Gu Qingyun to the core.

Wei Qianbo has plenty of ways to deal with an ant, but he has to choose the right time to avoid giving others ammunition to criticize him.

After all, although Luoyun Peak is strong, it cannot dominate the Changsheng Sect.

Everything must have a just cause.

"Don't worry, Grandpa has his own plans."

Only after secretly communicating with Ziyan did the madwoman's tense body relax a little.

Below, after his strength increased, Gu Qingyun quickly noticed Ziyan's unfriendly gaze.

No, it should be described as resentment; that look in his eyes cannot be simply described as unfriendly.

This crazy woman probably wishes she could die right now, to be torn to pieces, right?

In the past, Gu Qingyun might have avoided his sharp edge.

But this time, he chose to meet it head-on, staring at it without any attempt to hide his gaze.

For a moment, sparks almost flew out of the air.

"Foundation Establishment? A Foundation Establishment cultivator who's been pampered and cultivated?"

Gu Qingyun was proud. He didn't need Ziyan to come looking for him. After he reached the Foundation Establishment stage, he would come to her door and settle all the scores with this crazy woman!

Looking back on the past, Gu Qingyun clenched his fists, his fingertips turning slightly white.

Finally, Wei Qianbo gave the order.

"The outer sect martial arts competition continues, with the rules remaining the same. We will now begin the draw."

As before, each person's assigned number of slips will appear, paired up in pairs, one by one.

Gu Qingyun's chosen opponent this time was once again Zhang Yong, a disciple of Luoyun Peak at the ninth level of Qi Refining!

Two rounds in a row were all from Luoyun Peak, and the key strength of them was all at the ninth level of Qi Refining. Isn't this obviously Wei Qianbo doing it on purpose?

Old man, you're so shameless at your age!

Gu Qingyun knew the truth perfectly well, but there was nothing he could do about it.

Wei Qianbo remained calm. He was in charge of the lottery, so even if they knew something had been rigged, no one could find any evidence.

Others might not notice this, but Nalan Feixue did, and her expression darkened.

However, it only lasted for a moment.

To win first place in the arena, one must defeat all the outer sect prodigies.

This setback is nothing more than a stumbling block on the road.

Only by stepping over this obstacle can you see a wider world!

Moreover, she believed that Gu Qingyun could handle it.

The announcement of the ranking immediately caused an uproar at the scene.

Especially on Tiandu Peak, the disciples were already curious about Gu Qingyun's situation, and now that they were facing Zhang Yong, their expressions all changed.

"Damn, Zhang Yongsheng is incredibly strong. He's all about raw power; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he can split mountains and rocks with his bare hands!"

"Who says otherwise? In the last match, Liu Hui from Xuanqing Peak, despite being covered in talismanic defenses, was torn apart by this madman's bare hands!"

"I remember Zhang Yong's strength should be among the top three in the outer sect of Luoyun Peak, right? How come Gu Qingyun ran into him again?"

"Damn it, I'm so incredibly unlucky."

"Zhang Yong is much stronger than Hou Mang. Gu Qingyun is probably in big trouble this time!"

"Who says it isn't...?"

Everyone chimed in with their opinions, but the final conclusion was that Gu Qingyun would lose.

And they will lose miserably!

Back then, by taking advantage of the surprise attack and luckily defeating Hou Mang, they had probably already used up all their luck.

This encounter with Zhang Yong is the debt that Gu Qingyun has to repay.

Luck, in the end, can't be relied upon!

The competition proceeded as scheduled, and soon it was Gu Qingyun's and Zhang Yong's turn.

The two stood on the arena. The latter looked at Gu Qingyun with a smile, his eyes filled with a hint of mockery and disdain.

"Kid, if you don't want to die, admit defeat now. I'm not Hou Mang; I won't show any mercy."

"I'm afraid I might go too far and tear you in half right here!"

Zhang Yong made threats, but these verbal sparring moves were completely useless against Gu Qingyun.

He slowly extended his palm and beckoned to Zhang Yong.

"Enough with the nonsense."

"please!"