I, who was turned into a woman by the Jade Maiden Master, want to rebel against the Heavenly Gang.

Her attack method was to pluck leaves instead of flowers. She used magic to summon a red flower and hurled it forward. The flower swirled and petals scattered, each one as sharp as a knife.

Qin Rufeng wasn't sure if the flower petals were poisonous, but judging from the aura alone, it wasn't a particularly powerful attack. He guessed they were holding back.

The arena battle was the next day, and Qin Rufeng had a night to think about his strategy.

According to the rules, it is against regulations for a master to instruct a disciple. This is because the purpose of the assessment is to test the participants' ability to gather information about their opponents and devise countermeasures.

Therefore, Qin Rufeng was living alone in the residence assigned by Qingyun Pavilion and could not meet with Liu Bailian.

It's strange, really. The sixteen people who participated in the Qingyun Society weren't arranged to stay together; instead, they were all quite far apart. Even a few miles apart was considered close.

The Jade Maiden Sect is as large as a country. Jade Maiden Peak is surrounded by towering mountains, deep valleys, and lush waters, with small islands in the open sea. This is enough to separate these people.

Qin Rufeng was quite puzzled. In ancient times, during the imperial examinations, candidates had to live in the examination halls. This was for the purpose of easy supervision.

What's the point of living scattered in four different places, with no one else around for miles? Doesn't this make it easy for them to pull off some underhanded tactics?

Wait a minute... maybe this arrangement is designed to encourage contestants to use underhanded tactics. Actually, it's not really about using underhanded tactics, but rather about taking advantage of the surrounding environment to prepare.

Thinking of this, Qin Rufeng immediately went to the stream outside the house. He filled the large vase he had "borrowed" during the day with water and stored it in his storage space.

When she returned to her residence, she found Yun Yishui already waiting for her. Qin Rufeng asked in surprise, "What are you doing here? Isn't that against the rules?"

Yun Yishui said, "It's just a rule that masters can't have contact with their disciples, but I'm not your master."

"That's not good either," Qin Rufeng said, still uneasy. "After all, you are the head of the Kan Shui Hall, and your master is your superior. Shouldn't you avoid any appearance of impropriety?"

"Hehehe." Yun Yishui laughed, "What do you think is the significance of the Qingyun Gathering? Why do all the elders and even the sect leader have to come?"

Qin Rufeng thought for a moment and said, "Let's see what the young disciples' potential is like."

“That’s right.” Yun Yishui nodded. “Then what kind of potential should we look at?”

Qin Rufeng: "Spiritual root aptitude, cultivation level, spell application, and the like?"

“That’s only part of it,” Yun Yishui said. “Think about it carefully. If you could continuously improve your cultivation level and eventually achieve enlightenment through secluded cultivation, then what would be the point of the sect’s existence?”

"If one could achieve enlightenment through seclusion and arduous practice, then why would people engage in such struggles and deceit?"

Why is this world a place where the strong prey on the weak and the fittest survive, and there are even ruthless demonic cultivators?

"What kind of people gather in sects? Why do independent cultivators without sects face such difficulties?"

"As I said before, if you don't care about your reputation and don't need anyone's help or support, then think about what would have happened if you hadn't met Liu Bailian."

"You think your master is a cold and aloof fairy who cultivated such profound power all by herself?" Yun Yishui said with a smile. "She does give people the feeling of keeping them at arm's length. She seems to have little interaction with her fellow disciples and doesn't rely on anyone."

"But do you know that your master's willfulness is backed by the sect leader? Her connections are stronger than anyone else's."

"Moreover, the Vermilion Bird Saintess Ji Xuelan is her close friend, and the White Tiger Yang Jiuzhen also has a good relationship with her."

Seeing Qin Rufeng deep in thought, Yun Yishui continued, "Let me ask you again, what methods can you use to stand out in the Qingyun Society?"

"Let me tell you, methods that are prohibited by regulations are of course not allowed, but methods that are not prohibited are allowed."

"Cultivation requires resources, connections, opportunities, and luck. Perhaps obtaining a top-quality cultivation technique or elixir once in a while will be a major turning point in one's life."

"It is unwise to isolate oneself and study in seclusion; the best approach is to utilize every method within the rules. Diligence is important, but intelligence, wisdom, and adaptability are also indispensable. You must seize any opportunity that comes your way."

"I've finished speaking." Yun Yishui bowed towards the outside... Only then did Qin Rufeng realize that a visitor had arrived.

The newcomer suppressed their aura so completely that she didn't notice. Yun Yishui's attitude further confirmed that the newcomer was a highly skilled and experienced person.

Chapter 74 Sound Pulse

Qin Rufeng hurriedly went out to greet her. Standing outside the door was Dongfang Zhi, the Immortal Venerable of Juenian Peak, who had greeted her during the day.

Qin Rufeng instantly understood the meaning behind Yun Yishui's words. She quickly greeted him and respectfully invited Dongfang Zhi into the house.

Then the complete tea set was laid out...

Qin Rufeng's storage space is a genuine "cheat code." He brought all the daily necessities from Cuixing Pavilion and Jinling Tower with him on this trip, except for his bathtub.

Dongfang Zhi was also very surprised, "Why do you still carry these things with you?"

Qin Rufeng smiled and said, "My master once taught me that enjoying tea and wine is also a form of cultivation. This is my first time attending the Qingyun Gathering, and I didn't know what to prepare. I didn't dare to bother my master with such a small matter, so I brought everything I could."

Dongfang Zhi nodded, "People think that Fairy Liu is cold, aloof and keeps people at arm's length, but little do they know that she is not only highly skilled but also has elegant character and unparalleled talent."

"In that case, the tea will have to wait..."

Qin Rufeng was taken aback. Dongfang Zhi then smiled and said, "Did you bring Fairy Liu's Dream-Entangling Wine? I've never forgotten it since I drank it once many years ago, but I've been too embarrassed to ask her for some."

"I brought it." Qin Rufeng quickly took out the wine set. (The poem is a poem titled "Jade Pot and Golden Goblet Entangled in Dreams, Red Sleeves Add Fragrance, Gently Caressing Qi Erling Master's Chess Game" by Sansiqin.)

Qin Rufeng knew perfectly well why Dongfang Zhi had come, so of course she had to treat her well. However, she didn't play "Qin King's Battle Song," as it wasn't quite appropriate in such a serene and elegant night setting.

Dongfang Zhi first drank wine and then sipped tea, listening to the melodious and gentle tune of the zither. Outside the window, the bright moonlight and silvery frost sprinkled onto the zither strings, and wisps of smoke rose from the bronze incense burner, their fragrance intoxicating.

The Eastern Immortal Venerable praised the exquisite details. After Qin Rufeng finished playing, she smiled and said, "Rufeng, when you pluck the strings, try circulating your spiritual energy like this..."

As she spoke, she dipped her pinky finger in tea and gestured in the air. The path her fingertips traced formed faintly glowing lines, which were the pathways of the meridians she was referring to.

Qin Rufeng quickly memorized the instructions and then used his spiritual energy to play the zither according to the method taught by Dongfang Zhi.

It was truly different! When she plucked the strings, she felt the air vibrate. The spirit of the surrounding flowers, trees, streams, and bluestones was stirred.

Next, Dongfang Zhi provided guidance while sipping tea. Qin Rufeng, being knowledgeable in music and intelligent and diligent, quickly grasped the basics of this technique.

Dongfang Zhi nodded in satisfaction and said, "As expected of the Xuanwu Saintess's disciple, you are truly as beautiful as a flower and as intelligent as a jade. I will pass on to you this set of techniques called 'Sound Pulse,' which can affect a person's spirit."

"As for the impact, it depends on your state of mind and the music you choose. If it is serene and elegant and you have good intentions, it can help the listener breathe smoothly and aid in healing and recovery."

"If you harbor murderous intent and play a chilling melody... taking a life is just a snap of your fingers."

Qin Rufeng was extremely grateful and thanked her profusely. Of course, she couldn't just offer empty words; she gave Dongfang Zhi the score of "Qin King's Battle Song" and the remaining Dream-Entangling Wine.

The Eastern Immortal Venerable was very pleased and praised Qin Rufeng for his promising future. After she left, Qin Rufeng spent the entire night practicing the Diao Yin Mai technique.

Yun Yishui also quietly left in the middle of the night. She neither disturbed Qin Rufeng nor revealed any information about Ruan Yan to her, nor helped to devise a countermeasure.

In her view, these were precisely the kinds of things Qin Rufeng needed to learn. This Qingyun Gathering wasn't about making a name for himself, but about laying the foundation for future development. This was another form of "foundation building."

That night, the contestants in the dueling arena were all trying to find out information about their opponents. However, Qin Rufeng's opponents couldn't get a single piece of information about her.

In reality, it wouldn't be difficult to gather information about Qin Rufeng if one put their mind to it. However, as Yun Yishui said, after his "low-key" performance, Qin Rufeng gained the advantage of being "disregarded."

After a sleepless night, the arena battles finally began the next day. According to the draw, Qin Rufeng's match against Ruan Yan of Jumutang was the third one.

The first two matches were evenly matched and neither side could gain the upper hand. However, people were clearly more eager for the third match, looking forward to seeing how Qin Rufeng would embarrass himself.

Ruan Yan was the first to appear. The onlookers began to murmur amongst themselves…

"Senior Sister Ruan is quite lucky."

"That's how you pass the level so easily."

"It's not necessarily a good thing. After all, the opponents we'll face after passing this stage are very strong, and neither of them will be easy to deal with, no matter who wins."

"At least we've made it through one round to the quarterfinals."

"But defeating Qin Rufeng isn't very convincing, is it? It's practically the same as getting a bye."

Hearing these comments, Ruan Yan could only accept her bad luck.

Having defeated Qin Rufeng in this round, the next opponent will be the winner between Gan Mingyue of Houtu Hall and Hua Ying, a disciple of the White Tiger Saintess. Both of them are formidable opponents.

Ruan Yan sighed, made a hand seal with one hand, and disappeared from people's sight... leaving only swirling pages behind.

The onlookers gasped in amazement. A moment later, a gentle breeze blew by, and Fairy Ruan was already standing on the arena.

She stood tall and graceful. One hand formed a hand seal, the other was behind her back. Her eyes were half-closed, and she exuded a calm and serene air, quite like an immortal.

This appearance was very beautiful; Ruan Yan was doing her best to leave a good impression on the sect leader and all the senior sect members.

Let's look at Qin Rufeng again...

As always, she slowly walked onto the stage, carrying her pipa and holding her zither.

Ruan Yan bowed respectfully, but Qin Rufeng, holding his zither, couldn't do the same, so he offered a simple curtsy. Their styles were completely different…

Ruan Yan said calmly, "Junior Sister Qin, I heard that you have only just established your foundation."

"The spiritual energy is not abundant at this time, and the fact that we are here during the Qingyun Gathering is simply bad luck, and it is by no means my junior sister's fault. Even if she admits defeat, it is understandable. I believe that your master and the seniors of the sects can understand."

These were polite words, but Qin Rufeng smiled and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Senior Sister. Please go easy on me when we fight later."

This was a complete refusal to give her a way out, and Ruan Yan's expression changed instantly. She remained polite, but her tone was icy cold, "Fine. I'll try my best not to seriously injure my junior sister."

The implication was that there were definitely minor injuries, and he couldn't escape a beating...

"Junior sister, please."

Qin Rufeng: "Senior sister, please."

As soon as she finished speaking, a green snake crawled out from under Qin Rufeng's skirt and at her feet.

This is a snake mushroom wrapped around her thigh and concealed by her long skirt. Since she couldn't use storage magic items, Qin Rufeng wrapped the snake mushroom around her thigh and concealed it. The snake mushroom was a spirit beast she had refined, so it wasn't considered a magic item.

Qin Rufeng, who had been playing the zither and singing, suddenly released a wood-attribute spirit beast, which was indeed unexpected by everyone.

The snake mushroom immediately burrowed into the ground. Qin Rufeng quickly formed a hand seal and used the earth-based spiritual root spell "Weak Water Sinking Sand".

In an instant, the entire arena turned into a quicksand pit...

First wood, then earth—the spirit beast's magic came down all at once. Little Qin flashed her teeth!

Ruan Yan immediately realized she had made a huge mistake. She had underestimated her opponent; this Qin Rufeng was definitely not simple!

PS:

I'll be launching my Foundation Establishment game tomorrow, please support me!

Thank you so much!

Chapter 75 The music continues, the dance continues.

The onlookers were also in an uproar upon seeing Qin Rufeng's performance...

"Hmph, she's quite the actress!"

"What's going on? Did Qin Rufeng use a magic weapon?"

"It's not a magic weapon, it's a spirit beast and magic."

"Pretending! This monster! He was faking it all before."

"Hehe, this is getting interesting."

Among the crowd, Xia Bailing of Hoututang watched Qin Rufeng's performance intently.

Previously, her soul was injured by Han Ying's banner in the Mangshan Secret Realm. Although she has recovered, Hou Tu Hall did not send her to fight in this Qingyun Gathering. After all, apart from Yun Yishui of Kan Shui Hall, who is a lone commander, the other four halls are full of talented people.

Standing beside Xia Bailing was a valiant woman clad in golden armor. She was none other than Gan Mingyue, the disciple of Hou Tu Tang who was going to battle this time.

She possesses dual spiritual roots of metal and earth and is at the late stage of the Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment realm, making her even stronger than Xia Bailing.

Xia Bailing said in a low voice, "How about it, junior sister? Am I right? If you get past Hua Ying, your next opponent will definitely be this Qin Rufeng."

“Weak Water Sinks into Sand…” Gan Mingyue frowned slightly as she carefully observed the situation on the field. “I was quite surprised that she could use this spell.”

"But why would she use this on Ruan Yan, who has a wood spirit root?"

"Although Weak Water Sinking Sand is a powerful move, wood overcomes earth, and Ruan Yan is known for her agility. Isn't this just asking for trouble? Weak Water Sinking Sand consumes a lot of spiritual energy."

Xia Bailing smiled and said, "Let's keep watching."

Just as Gan Mingyue had predicted, Ruan Yan was not hindered by the Weak Water Sinking Sand. She stood on the quicksand with one hand forming a hand seal, and a whirlwind rose from beneath her feet as if she were floating.

It must be admitted that this fairy-like woman remained calm and composed under pressure. This drew admiration from the onlookers, while simultaneously fueling their continued mockery of Qin Rufeng…

"Using earth to attack wood, Qin Rufeng must be out of his mind."

"Sure enough, it still doesn't work."

"Does he rely solely on cunning but fail to understand the principles of strategic combat?"

"Even if she used wood to fight wood, it would still be better than this, wouldn't it?"

However, Qin Rufeng remained calm. The snake mushrooms that had burrowed into the ground emerged again, coiling into tables and stools resembling root carvings.

Qin Rufeng placed the zither on the table and began to play and sing again...

But this time was different from before; every time Qin Rufeng plucked the strings, the air around him vibrated.

Each note seemed to release an invisible shockwave. The fine sand on the ground rippled and soon flew everywhere.

Fine sand fell on Ruan Yan's body and hair, and the effect of the "weak water sinking sand" was no longer limited to the ground but also covered the sky above the arena.