In Zhu Xian, people start to rise from plundering entries

"Greetings, senior brothers," Su Han said, bowing.

Zhou Ming looked him over, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "You've broken through to the mid-stage of the Star Wheel Realm? That's fast."

Zhao Feng looked at the sword mark on the iceberg and frowned slightly: "Did you leave this? The sword intent is condensed and does not dissipate, you have some skill."

"I've managed to gain some insight by chance," Su Han said modestly.

Zhou Ming laughed, "Junior Brother Su, there's no need to be modest. Being able to break through so quickly in the Frozen Secret Realm shows that your talent is indeed extraordinary. However..." He changed the subject, "Are you ready for the Seven Sects Martial Arts Tournament in three months?"

"We're working on it," Su Han said.

Zhao Feng snorted coldly: "Effort alone is not enough. The Seven Meridians Martial Arts Tournament is different from the sect competition; it's a true gathering of geniuses. Core disciples from each meridian will participate, and even some senior brothers and sisters who have been training outside for many years will return. At the mid-stage of the Star Wheel Realm, I'm afraid you won't even make it into the top 100."

These words were blunt, even somewhat harsh. Zhou Ming tugged at Zhao Feng's sleeve and said apologetically to Su Han, "Senior Brother Zhao speaks frankly, but it's the truth. Junior Brother Su, if you want to achieve good results in the martial arts competition, you need to at least have the strength of the late stage of the Star Wheel Realm."

Su Han nodded: "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother. I will work even harder."

“Simply relying on arduous training won’t be enough.” Zhou Ming thought for a moment. “How about this, we’re going to hunt an ‘Ice Crystal Dragon’, a powerful star beast at the peak of the Star Wheel Realm. Would Junior Brother Su be willing to come along? Practical combat is the most helpful way to improve cultivation.”

Ice Crystal Dragon? Su Han's heart skipped a beat. He had seen descriptions of this kind of star beast in the books of the Scripture Pavilion. Its crystal core contained extremely pure ice energy, which was very beneficial to cultivation.

"Thank you for the invitation, Senior Brother. I am willing to go," Su Han said, clasping his hands in greeting.

The three traveled together, heading deeper into the secret realm. Along the way, Zhou Ming explained some details of the Seven Sects Martial Arts Tournament to Su Han.

"The Seven Sects Martial Arts Tournament is held every three years and is divided into two stages," Zhou Ming said. "The first stage is the arena competition, where all participating disciples draw lots to determine the top one hundred. The second stage is the 'Seven Sects Secret Realm' trial, which is a special space opened up by the sect. It contains not only various opportunities but also real dangers."

"Danger?" Su Han asked.

Zhao Feng continued, "That's right. The Seven Meridians Secret Realm allows disciples to compete with each other. Although killing is strictly prohibited, serious injuries and even maiming do occur. Moreover, there are some areas inside that even the sect cannot fully control. If you accidentally wander in, you might die inside."

"Therefore, strength is the foundation." Zhou Ming concluded, "Junior Brother Su, although you are born with the Tianya Sword, if your own cultivation cannot keep up, it will ultimately be a castle in the air. In these three months, you must improve to the late stage of the Star Wheel Realm as soon as possible in order to have a chance to go further in the Martial Arts Tournament."

Su Han nodded silently. He naturally understood this principle. Although the Tianya Sword was powerful, it was his senior sister's power, not his. Over-reliance on external forces would hinder his own growth.

As they spoke, the three arrived at a cold pool. The water was a deep blue, its bottom unseen, and a chilling aura emanated from its surface.

“The Ice Crystal Dragon is at the bottom of this icy pool.” Zhou Ming lowered his voice. “When we found it last time, it was sleeping. But once it’s awakened, it will attack in a rage. Junior Brother Su, you’re in charge of providing support from the shore. Senior Brother Zhao and I will go into the water to lure it out.”

"Okay." Su Han gripped the Tianya Sword tightly, staring intently at the water's surface.

Zhou Ming and Zhao Feng exchanged a glance and simultaneously leaped into the icy pool. Both were at the late stage of the Star Wheel Realm, and a protective shield of star power emanated from their bodies, shielding them from the invasion of the cold air.

A moment later, the water in the pool began to churn violently. A roar came from underwater, and then a huge figure burst out of the water.

It was a ten-zhang-long ice crystal dragon, its entire body composed of shimmering ice crystals, reflecting a dazzling light under the pale blue sky. It had a single horn on its head and four claws on its belly, already showing the beginnings of a dragon's form. "Roar!" The ice crystal dragon was clearly enraged, opening its mouth to spew out a stream of icy blue breath, freezing the air in its wake.

Zhou Ming and Zhao Feng burst out of the water from either side, each unleashing their unique skills. Zhou Ming used a saber, its blade flashing like a bolt of lightning, slashing towards the ice crystal dragon's neck; Zhao Feng, on the other hand, used a spear, its thrust as swift as a dragon, aiming straight for the dragon's eyes.

The two worked together seamlessly, clearly not their first collaboration. However, the Ice Crystal Dragon's strength exceeded expectations. With a flick of its tail, it shattered the blade's light, simultaneously dodging the spear thrust and biting at Zhao Feng.

"Watch out!" Zhou Ming exclaimed.

Just then, a sword light descended from the sky. It was Su Han's strongest move from "Cold Moon Sword Song"—Moonfall and Starfall. The sword light fell like a meteor, precisely piercing the corner of the Ice Crystal Dragon's eye.

With a "hiss," the ice crystal scales were pierced, and blood splattered. The ice crystal dragon was in pain, and its attention was drawn to Su Han.

"A good opportunity!" Zhou Ming shouted, his long sword bursting with dazzling light as he slashed at the same spot on the Ice Crystal Dragon's neck with all his might.

Zhao Feng was not to be outdone. His spear moved like a venomous snake emerging from its hole, thrusting three times in quick succession, each strike hitting the Ice Crystal Dragon's most vulnerable spot.

The Ice Crystal Dragon let out a painful roar, its massive body writhing wildly, stirring the icy pool water dozens of feet high. But it was ultimately too badly injured, and its struggles gradually weakened.

The final blow was delivered by Su Han. He seized an opening in the Ice Crystal Dragon's defenses, and the Tianya Sword transformed into a streak of light, piercing its brow.

The Ice Crystal Dragon's body froze, then crashed down, turning into specks of starlight and dissipating, leaving behind only a fist-sized ice-blue crystal core and a few detached dragon scales.

"We succeeded!" Zhou Ming excitedly picked up the crystal core, feeling the immense energy within it. "This crystal core is of extremely high quality. It's enough for the three of us to share, and it will also greatly improve our cultivation."

Zhao Feng then looked at Su Han, his eyes showing more approval: "Junior Brother Su, you timed that sword strike quite well. It seems you do have talent in swordsmanship."

"Senior brother, you flatter me," Su Han said modestly. In fact, he had a vague feeling that his senior sister's consciousness within the Tianya Sword was guiding his sword strike just now; otherwise, with his strength, it would have been difficult for him to seize such a fleeting opportunity in such a fierce battle.

The three divided the spoils equally and each sought a place to cultivate. Su Han found an ice cave, consumed a small piece of the Ice Crystal Dragon Core, and began refining its energy.

Pure ice-type star power surged into his body, and the Ice Crystal Star Wheel absorbed it eagerly. Su Han's cultivation level increased at a visible speed, and the ice crystal patterns on the star wheel became clearer and more complex.

After an unknown amount of time, when the crystal core was completely refined, Su Han's cultivation had reached the peak of the mid-stage of the Star Wheel Realm, only a hair's breadth away from the late stage.

"Unfortunately, I'm still a little short." Su Han opened his eyes, somewhat regretful. But he also knew that cultivation couldn't be rushed; a solid foundation was more important.

When he left the ice cave, Zhou Ming and Zhao Feng were already waiting for him. Both of them had noticeably improved their auras, clearly indicating that they had gained a lot.

"Junior Brother Su, our time in the secret realm is almost up," Zhou Ming said. "We should head out now. This collaboration was very pleasant; if there's an opportunity in the future, we can work together again."

"Thank you both for your care," Su Han said sincerely. This hunt for the Ice Crystal Flood Dragon had not only yielded him valuable cultivation resources but also taught him many practical combat skills, making it a very rewarding experience. (End of Chapter)