The Sect Master and the various Peak Masters furrowed their brows, shooting Lu Xuan an indignant glare. A month! From Grand Profound King to Mid-stage Profound Sovereign! This cultivation speed was simply too fast.
Sometimes, too fast was… detrimental. Just how many pills had this Lu Xuan fellow shoved down Ji Fuyao’s throat for this Inner Sect Trial? He must be absolutely piling them on, completely ruining her Dao Foundation!
Catching sight of their expressions, Lu Xuan flashed a brilliant, innocent smile towards the Sect Master and the others. The Sect Master’s face twitched. "That boy… he truly is something."
Before long, the Sect Master rose into the air. With a sweep of his sleeve, he began to announce the rules for the Inner Sect Trial.
"This Inner Sect Trial will be divided into ten platforms! You will be split into ten groups and compete!"
"The top ten will receive contribution points ranging from one million for first place, to one hundred thousand for tenth!"
"The top three will be rewarded with an offensive Saint weapon!"
"And the first place will receive a Saint-tier cultivation method!"
As his voice faded, the disciples erupted in excitement. The rewards for this Inner Sect Trial were far greater than any before! The first-place prize, in particular, was incredibly enticing!
Liu Xuan, Luo Lingkong, and the other true disciples felt their fighting spirit ignite, their eyes burning with battle intent.
A thundering boom echoed in the distance as the ten massive battle platforms descended, kicking up clouds of dust. The Sect Master commanded the disciples to retrieve their number tags.
The crowd surged forward like a tide. Ji Fuyao received her number tag: "Platform One! Number, 9527!"
Lu Xuan gave it a quick glance. Platform One was packed with too many powerful disciples! Fang Yan of Body Cultivation Peak, Luo Lingkong of Sword Peak, Liu Xuan of Ethereal Peak! It seemed most of the true monsters were all clustered on Platform One.
Lu Xuan was powerless to complain. The Sect Master must have done this on purpose, right?
The other disciples were equally stunned. This allocation felt incredibly volatile! So many top true disciples on a single platform? This was going to be a battle among gods!
The other disciples assigned to Platform One merely shook their heads. They immediately wanted to withdraw. What was the point of even fighting?
Once all the disciples had retrieved their number tags, the Sect Master declared in a deep, thunderous voice that reverberated in all directions:
"The Inner Sect Trial officially begins!"
The battles on all ten platforms were fierce. Platform One, especially, was a spectacle, with so many top true disciples converging, their every move showcasing peak power.
Soon, it was Ji Fuyao’s turn. Instantly, a buzz went through the crowd. This was Ji Fuyao’s first battle! Everyone wanted to witness her true combat prowess!
A young man landed with a thud on the battle platform, smiling as he looked at Ji Fuyao. "Junior Sister, I look forward to sparring with you."
Someone gasped, "That’s Situ Kong, the top inner disciple! He’s already reached Late-stage Profound Sovereign, and they say he’ll be promoted to a true disciple after this Inner Sect Trial!"
Some disciples shook their heads. "Junior Sister Fuyao has terrible luck!"
"Her very first match, and she runs into such a strong opponent!"
At this, Lu Xuan looked at Ji Fuyao and gave a faint smile. "Go on."
Ji Fuyao gracefully tilted her snowy neck, nodded, and floated onto the battle platform.
"Begin!" the elder announced.
Ji Fuyao made her move instantly. Situ Kong didn’t even have time to react. Ji Fuyao extended her slender, jade-like hand, and a ripple of power surged forth. Situ Kong’s expression dramatically changed. He tried to defend, but it was too late.
He was directly blasted off the platform, crashing heavily to the ground, spitting out a mouthful of vital blood, and passing out cold. Seeing this, the arena fell into a deathly silence. Everyone was stunned. He was instantly defeated by a single move!
Everyone had expected a fierce battle, but Situ Kong had lost so quickly!
Lu Xuan smiled faintly. "Well done, Disciple."
The crowd pursed their lips, grumbling internally. Seriously, did he have to gloat like that?
Not far away, Liu Xuan and Fang Yan glanced at Ji Fuyao, their eyes alight with fighting spirit. "Junior Sister, I’m really looking forward to our match."
Ji Fuyao nodded. "Alright."
The battles continued. On Platform One, the sword cultivation genius, Luo Lingkong, took the stage. Numerous female disciples let out excited squeals. Dressed in a cyan robe, he stood with his hands behind his back, his sword intent slowly circulating.
Luo Lingkong’s opponent was a grey-robed youth, also a disciple from Sword Peak. The grey-robed youth’s scalp tingled. He bowed respectfully. "Senior Brother Lingkong, I know I’m no match for you, but I want to understand the gap between us!"
Luo Lingkong nodded, speaking calmly. "Make your move."
The grey-robed youth respectfully bowed and immediately tried to draw his sword. The next moment, he froze. He… couldn’t draw his spirit sword!
In the face of Luo Lingkong’s released sword intent, he didn’t even have the资格 to draw his weapon! Seeing this, everyone was utterly shocked. Was this the disparity between sword cultivators? Before a powerful sword cultivator, one didn’t even have the right to draw their sword!
All the disciples couldn’t help but sigh. Luo Lingkong was too strong!
The grey-robed youth’s face was filled with bitterness. "Senior Brother, I admit defeat."
After that, the battles on Platform One continued with explosive intensity. The top true disciples displayed overwhelming power, crushing their opponents.
Liu Xuan’s illusions!
Luo Lingkong’s sword intent!
Fang Yan’s ultimate defense…
Many disciples exclaimed in awe, "Is this what a top true disciple is like? Terrifying!"
Half a day later, the most anticipated battle began: Liu Xuan against Ji Fuyao!
Instantly, countless gazes locked onto Platform One. Everyone was excited. They wondered how many rounds Ji Fuyao could last against Liu Xuan’s illusions?
Ji Fuyao, in a fiery red dress, with a faint glow of spirit fire emanating from her, gracefully stepped onto the platform, her long, slender legs like pillars of jade. On the other side, Liu Xuan’s jade-like feet landed softly amidst sparkling flower petals. The two women met each other’s gaze, offering radiant smiles.
Both women possessed unparalleled grace, their perfect figures elegantly curved, as if stepping out of a painting, making many disciples cheer in delight. They didn’t even need to fight! They could watch them all day!
The Sect Master turned to Lu Xuan. "Lu Xuan, how many breaths do you think Fuyao can hold out for?"
Lu Xuan replied with calm assurance, "Fuyao will win."
The Sect Master shook his head. "Liu Xuan’s illusions are incredibly potent. Even Luo Lingkong would have to treat them seriously."
Lu Xuan merely smiled, saying nothing.
Just then, the elder on Platform One announced, "Battle begin!"
Liu Xuan smiled alluringly, a strange glint in her eyes. "Junior Sister Fuyao, you must be careful of my illusions!"
Ji Fuyao nodded.
Liu Xuan extended her fair hand, and a mysterious, obscure power surged outwards, enveloping Ji Fuyao. Ji Fuyao did not resist, stepping willingly into the illusion.
With a boom, the illusionary power began to solidify. Liu Xuan’s technique could construct illusions based on her opponent’s desires and thoughts. Once the mind harbored any thought, it would inevitably fall into the illusion. Every human had distractions, or obsessions. This was a flaw in the soul.
Subtly, an invisible force seemed to guide Ji Fuyao, prompting her to reveal her own obsession. Ji Fuyao’s delicate lips curved into a faint smile. "Obsession, you say… I do indeed have one."
Hiss!
As a hint of Ji Fuyao’s obsession was exposed, Liu Xuan sensed it. "Junior Sister has lost!" Liu Xuan murmured.
But the very next moment, Liu Xuan’s expression drastically changed, her pupils contracting in shock. Puh! Liu Xuan instantly spat out a mouthful of fresh blood. That wisp of Ji Fuyao’s obsession was as vast and boundless as an abyss, an ocean! Liu Xuan’s illusion technique was utterly incapable of constructing an illusionary realm from Ji Fuyao’s obsession! Liu Xuan’s soul suffered a backlash, leaving her heavily injured!
In an instant, the illusionary power shattered continuously, like countless mirrors breaking simultaneously, and endless brilliant light poured out. Ji Fuyao’s figure suddenly vanished from her original spot. The next moment, she appeared directly beside Liu Xuan, supporting her.
A look of disbelief filled Liu Xuan’s eyes. "Junior Sister, I lost."
Seeing this, everyone was stunned. Liu Xuan had actually been defeated by Ji Fuyao! How was this possible? Ji Fuyao had won with another one-hit wonder!
One had to know that Liu Xuan’s technique was incredibly mysterious; even Luo Lingkong would find it extremely troublesome! How had Ji Fuyao broken through the illusion so easily?
The Sect Master and the others narrowed their eyes. The battle had been too short; even he hadn’t discerned any clues. Could it be that Ji Fuyao possessed a trump card that specifically countered Liu Xuan?
Just then, Ji Fuyao, still supporting Liu Xuan, walked off the battle platform. Liu Xuan offered an alluring smile, revealing her snow-white teeth. "Junior Sister Fuyao, with your talent, you really shouldn’t stay on Azure Mystery Peak. It will only stifle your potential there."
Ji Fuyao replied earnestly, "My Master is very good. I will not leave my Master."
Upon hearing this, everyone was dumbfounded. It had been a month already, and Ji Fuyao still hadn’t seen through Lu Xuan’s true nature? He was just a good-for-nothing! What could Lu Xuan possibly teach?
The Sect Master looked at Lu Xuan in disbelief. Lu Xuan returned the Sect Master’s gaze with a brilliant, innocent smile. The Sect Master’s face darkened. "Lu Xuan, don’t you dare renege on that bet later!"
Lu Xuan nodded. "Sect Master, you remember that too. With my guidance, my disciple is performing so well, first place is already guaranteed."
Hearing this, everyone shot Lu Xuan disdainful looks. What did Ji Fuyao’s performance have to do with him? Did he teach her that? The Sect Master’s face twitched. He hadn’t expected Lu Xuan to actually start bragging.
Battles on Platform One continued. Soon, it was Ji Fuyao’s turn again. Ji Fuyao against Fang Yan!
This was another highly anticipated match. Fang Yan of Body Cultivation Peak was reputed to be indestructible below the Profound Venerate realm. And Ji Fuyao was the dark horse of this trial, having yet to reveal her true strength!
Could Ji Fuyao continue her undefeated streak? Many disciples were incredibly excited.
"Ji Fuyao’s performance has truly been astonishing."
"She’s faced true monsters, but she’s won both battles, both with overwhelming force!"
"Senior Brother Fang Yan’s body cultivation is perfected. I bet Ji Fuyao won’t even be able to break through Senior Brother Fang Yan’s defense!"
Boom! Fang Yan stomped his foot on the ground, launching himself onto the battle platform like a cannonball. A brilliant golden light emanated from his body. Fang Yan clenched his fists, cracking his knuckles loudly, and waited for Ji Fuyao to step onto the stage.
Ji Fuyao then ascended to the high platform. Fang Yan looked at Ji Fuyao with a serious expression. "Junior Sister, I’ve watched your battles. You are very powerful!"
"I will go all out! But if you can’t handle it, you must concede in advance!"
Ji Fuyao offered a radiant smile. "I’ll return the same words to Senior Brother."
Fang Yan paused, then burst into hearty laughter. His Path of body cultivation wasn’t about cowering in defense, but about pouncing like a fierce tiger! His ultimate defense was merely his trump card!
The Sect Master and the others were a little worried. Fang Yan’s offensive power was extremely strong; his fighting style was wide-open, powerful, and unmatched! They hoped Ji Fuyao wouldn’t get hurt.
At this, the elder announced, "Combat begins!"
As his voice fell, Fang Yan charged forward, dragging a golden divine rainbow behind him. He threw a direct punch! The force was immense, truly overbearing and absolute! A sonic boom instantly appeared in the air as Fang Yan’s fist turned golden.
Ji Fuyao also moved. She extended her slender, jade-like hand, directly activating the power of the Heaven-Burning Art. Blazing Path of Spirit Fire energy surged and gathered in her palm. She met Fang Yan head-on! Fist met palm in a powerful clash. The red glow of spirit fire collided with golden qi and blood!
Boom! Fang Yan was immediately blasted backward, off the platform.