Refining Ruins Cauldron

The expressions on everyone's faces in the spectator stands were incredibly interesting.

Sun Kang looked at the shocking scene before him and immediately felt relieved.

He thought that the sword strike that defeated Gu Qingyun was the latter's strongest attack!

But now it seems that he probably held back back then!

If it were this sword that had been drawn, Sun Kang even doubted whether he would be able to leave with a complete corpse.

Not far away, Mo Yingying was so shocked that her face turned pale.

Although she knew from beginning to end that she was not as skilled as others.

Although both were considered prodigies, Mo Yingying always believed that although she was not far behind Ming Ji, the gap between them was not significant.

But now she realizes just how far apart they are, how big the gap is!

A deep sense of despair welled up within me.

Mo Yingying was also a prodigy from the outer sect, and naturally she had her own pride.

Even the slightest difference can ignite her fighting spirit.

But when this gap becomes so large that it feels like an insurmountable chasm, all that's left is despair!

If Mingji is already so powerful, does Gu Qingyun really have a chance to overpower his opponent?

On the high platform.

The elders looked on with great interest, their eyes shining.

The sect is naturally delighted to have gained two such outstanding talents.

But along with the joy, there was also discussion.

"Since the last time I saw it, Mingji's sword is even sharper."

"And Gu Qingyun, this little guy is equally amazing. He's only at the eighth level of Qi Refining, yet he can fight Ming Ji to this extent. If they were at the same level, it's unimaginable..."

"It's rumored that mixed spiritual roots present numerous difficulties for cultivators. It's truly remarkable that he's reached this point. I'm afraid it'll be hard to find another like him in the next thousand years."

The elders chatted amongst themselves, but their eyes never left the arena.

They finally understood why the sect leader valued Gu Qingyun so much.

With his mixed spiritual roots, his achievement of reaching this level is truly astonishing!

On the other hand, Master Qinggu seemed much calmer.

But where no one could see, even the corners of his mouth curved into a slight smile.

On the right, Nalan Feixue's expression remained unchanged, but her gaze was fixed on the arena.

Those who know her well know that at this moment, her heart was also filled with turmoil.

Gu Qingyun's success or failure depends not only on his own promise, but also on that shackle that no one can break!

How could Nalan Feixue not care?

……

The thick smoke gradually dissipated, revealing the current state of the arena.

Everyone stared intently at the center, focused on finding the answer in their minds.

Success or failure hinges on this moment, but at this instant, no one dares to make a definitive judgment on the outcome.

It was deathly silent, utterly silent; you could hear a pin drop.

Everyone rose slightly, including the elders and the major peak masters, all watching the final result.

Even Master Qinggu raised his eyebrows slightly at this moment.

His eyes seemed to see through the smoke and dust, revealing the figures within.

He smiled calmly and looked away.

In the very center of the arena—or rather, the ruins—two figures still stood!

Mingji's sword stopped half an inch in front of Gu Qingyun's throat.

Gu Qingyun's Azure Serpent Spirit Sword had already grazed Mingji's neck, leaving a thin bloodstain.

Neither of them took another step, standing still like statues.

This scene caused an uproar among the crowd.

Could it be a draw?!

At least at first glance, that does seem like the result.

However, Mingji was the first to retract his sword.

His expression was complex, shifting between light and shadow, before finally settling down.

"I lost."

The three simple words came out without hesitation.

Without the slightest hesitation, without anything difficult to say, it was frank and direct.

Only at this moment did everyone notice that there was a bloody mark on Mingji's neck.

In contrast, Gu Qingyun was completely unharmed!

Therefore, the result is immediately clear!

Just a moment ago, Gu Qingyun's sword was ultimately half a step faster!

"Your sword is very strong!"

These words came from the bottom of Mingji's heart.

He sheathed his three-foot-long sword and left gracefully, without a trace of lingering affection, just like a wandering swordsman!

Soon, Gu Qingyun was the only one left on the stage.

Once they came to their senses, the crowd erupted in a deafening cheer!

Everyone was calling out Gu Qingyun's name!

Shouting that he deserves to be the number one in this competition!

With the posture of the eighth level of Qi Refining, he fought against the half-step Foundation Establishment!

And they won!

Who could guess?

Who would dare to even think of that?!

The legend of the sword is still being written by Gu Qingyun!

In the distance, Luo Mei looked at that familiar figure still standing on the arena and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Those bright and captivating eyes were curved like crescent moons.

Standing in the main seat of the stands, Master Qing Gu immediately attracted everyone's attention.

He looked around the martial arts arena, his gaze finally settling on Gu Qingyun.

"I hereby announce that the winner of this outer sect competition is Gu Qingyun of Tiandu Peak!"

"As agreed, I will accept Gu Qingyun as my personal disciple."

Countless eyes were now focused on Gu Qingyun.

A mix of complex emotions washed over me—jealousy, envy, and everything in between!

A direct disciple of a Nascent Soul cultivator—a position many cultivators dream of!

Gu Qingyun is now within easy reach!

That's what you call rising from humble beginnings to become a phoenix!

If he doesn't perish along the way, he will surely become a Golden Core cultivator in the future!

"Gu Qingyun, are you willing?"

Taking on disciples cannot be a one-sided affair; even if it's just a formality, Master Qinggu must still make the offer.

"This disciple is willing!"

Gu Qingyun quickly clasped his hands in a fist salute and respectfully performed the three kneelings and nine kowtows ceremony.

Upon completion of the ceremony, he was considered to have joined the sect of Master Qing Gu!

His status and position have been completely changed!

"Good! In view of Qingyun's performance, I will make an exception and reserve a spot for you to go to the Taiyi Secret Realm after April. Remember to prepare well in advance."

The Taiyi Secret Realm?!

These four words caused a huge stir!

If everyone was just envious and jealous before, now they all felt a little envious.

The Taiyi Secret Realm opens once every hundred years, offering countless opportunities. Even cultivators of ordinary talent can change their fate if they are fortunate enough to enter.

Entering the secret realm is equivalent to having a chance to break through to the Golden Core stage!

Who wouldn't be envious of such an opportunity?

Even some Foundation Establishment deacons and inner disciples couldn't help but show a hint of envy.

But even if you're dissatisfied, it's useless.

Now that Gu Qingyun is the sect leader's personal disciple, who else would you give such a good opportunity to if not him?

Moreover, Gu Qingyun fought his way back with his own hands, sword by sword!

Such strength!

……

The Longevity Sect, atop the mountain, stands the Longevity Hall!

This place has been the place of seclusion and cultivation for generations of sect leaders, and the current master here is the Green Gu Immortal.

The surrounding spiritual energy was so tangible that it seemed one could grasp it in the palm of one's hand with a casual gesture.

Cultivation here is at least twice as fast as outside.

"Please take a seat."

Master Qinggu sat cross-legged on the futon and gently pointed forward.

A prayer mat was placed in front of Gu Qingyun, and he obediently sat down.

Even now, Gu Qingyun was still incredibly excited.

From outer disciple to personal disciple of the sect leader, he even skipped the inner disciple stage.

The leap in identity was so great that even though he had been mentally prepared, he still found it difficult to calm down.

"You must remember everything I am about to say..."