Shengui Changsheng: Start from Zhenwuwei and add some points to cultivate immortality

The outer gate competition has come to an end.

Fu Shaoping's name, like a shooting star that suddenly rose, pierced the long-silent sky of this sect.

He defeated a Qi Refining Grand Perfection cultivator at the eighth level of Qi Refining, and decisively destroyed the low-grade magic weapon, the Poison Dragon Thorn. The magnificence of his final sword strike has been discussed repeatedly by countless people. What is even more talked about is his calm and composed response to Li Wuqing's threat, "I'm always ready to serve you."

This composure was more impressive than his victory.

Three days after the competition concluded, the list of those promoted to inner sect was officially announced. Fu Shaoping's name was prominently listed, and he was ranked third—this was the result of a joint assessment by several elders who had observed the competition, taking into account his strength, potential, and character.

Along with him, nine other people were also promoted. The one ranked first was a young man named Chen Jianming, who had reached the Great Perfection of Qi Refining and cultivated swordsmanship; it was said he had already touched the threshold of Foundation Establishment. The one ranked second was a burly man named Shi Gandang, who cultivated body-refining techniques.

Li Wuqing was disqualified from promotion due to his egregious behavior during the competition. It is said that the inner sect elder who secretly protected him was also warned by the sect leader and confined to his quarters for three months to reflect on his actions.

When the news arrived, Fu Shaoping was packing his meager belongings in the servants' quarters.

"Senior Brother Fu! Senior Brother Fu!" Zhao Daniu rushed in excitedly, his face flushed. "Have you heard? Li Wuqing has been disqualified from promotion! Hahaha, karma's coming on!"

Fu Shaoping put the last piece of clothing into his bundle and said calmly, "As expected."

Zhao Daniu scratched his head. Although he was used to Fu Shaoping's nonchalant attitude, he still felt awkward every time. Eighth level of Qi Refining! He was about to enter the inner sect. Anyone else would have jumped for joy, but this guy acted like he was going to the market to buy vegetables.

"Senior Brother Fu, now that you've entered the inner sect, don't forget about your little brother!" Zhao Daniu leaned in, his face full of flattery. "We're from the same academy, after all..."

Fu Shaoping glanced at him, took out a small jade bottle from his pocket, and handed it over: "There are three Qi Gathering Pills in here, which should be enough for you to break through to the third level of Qi Refining."

Zhao Daniu's eyes widened. He accepted the gift with both hands and thanked him repeatedly, saying, "Thank you so much, Senior Brother Fu! Thank you so much, Senior Brother Fu! I will definitely cultivate diligently and strive to catch up with you as soon as possible!"

Fu Shaoping shook his head, saying nothing more. Catch up with him? In this life, the road he had to travel was farther than anyone could imagine.

……

Three days later, Fu Shaoping officially entered the inner sect.

The inner gate and the outer gate are two completely different worlds.

The outer sect has scarce spiritual energy, numerous disciples, and limited resources. The inner sect, however, is surrounded by towering peaks, each with its own independent spiritual vein, boasting a spiritual energy concentration several times higher than the outer sect. Disciples only need to focus on cultivation, as the sect will provide them with elixirs, cultivation techniques, and magical artifacts.

Fu Shaoping was assigned to a mountain peak called "Green Bamboo Peak." This peak was famous for its green bamboo, with lush bamboo swaying in the wind all over the mountain, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere. The peak master was a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator with the Daoist name "Green Bamboo Hermit." He was said to be a man of simple tastes who disliked fighting, and his disciples were mostly quiet and unassuming individuals.

Fu Shaoping was quite satisfied with this. Peace and quiet meant fewer unnecessary troubles.

He chose a quiet courtyard deep in a bamboo forest, set up simple restrictions, and began his first seclusion in the inner sect.

His victory in the outer sect competition brought him some fame within the sect, but it also attracted considerable attention. Some wanted to befriend him, some wanted to test him, and some wanted to step on him to rise to power.

He needs time to reflect and digest the experiences of the past year.

More importantly, he needs a breakthrough.

A Qi Refining Stage 8 is considered a master among menial workers and an outstanding member of the outer sect, but within the inner sect, it's merely the lowest level. Within the inner sect, Qi Refining Stage 9 is commonplace, Qi Refining Perfection is considered the backbone, and Foundation Establishment stage disciples are the true core.

Fu Shaoping's goal was never simply to advance to the inner sect.

What he wants is to reach the Foundation Establishment stage, the Golden Core stage, the Nascent Soul stage, and to touch that higher realm.

During his seclusion, besides cultivating, he did one other thing—deeply study the contract system of this life.

Unlike his previous two lives, in this life he was confined to a sect and could not travel around and explore ancient sites as he had in his previous lives. However, he discovered that the sect's cultivation technique pavilion also contained some fragments related to contracts.

Most of these fragments are incomplete and only record some rudimentary methods of contract application, such as "blood contracts" and "soul contracts." But for Fu Shaoping, the value of these fragments lies not in the fragments themselves, but in their ability to help him better understand the contract rules of this life.

The principles of contracts differ subtly in every world. Only by thoroughly understanding the rules can he truly leverage the advantages he accumulated in his previous two lives.

He cross-referenced these fragments with records in "General Outline of the Origin of Contracts" and "Study of Ancient Contract Texts," gradually outlining the contours of the contractual way in this world.

"They're largely the same, but there are slight differences in the details," Fu Shaoping murmured. "The contract rules here focus more on 'restraint' and 'balance,' rather than the 'order' and 'protection' of my previous life. Perhaps it's because the laws of this world are different..."

He incorporated his insights into his cultivation, continuing to hone his Judgment Sword and Contract Technique.

……

Three months later, Fu Shaoping emerged from seclusion.

Cultivation level: Qi Refining Level 9.

This speed is considered excellent even among inner disciples, but not top-tier. A true genius can break through from the eighth level of Qi Refining to the Great Perfection of Qi Refining in three months.

But Fu Shaoping wasn't in a hurry.

He didn't pursue speed, but rather a solid foundation. He meticulously refined each level of cultivation, ensuring the purity of his spiritual energy and the resilience of his meridians, leaving no hidden dangers.

Shortly after clearing customs, visitors arrived at the door.

The newcomer was Chen Jianming, the sword genius who ranked first in the competition. He was dressed in a white robe, carrying a long sword on his back. He had a handsome face and a cold demeanor, and it was clear at a glance that he was the kind of person who was devoted to the sword and did not care about outside affairs.

"Junior Brother Fu." Chen Jianming stood at the courtyard gate, cupped his fists in a salute, and his attitude was neither humble nor arrogant.

Fu Shaoping returned the greeting: "Senior Brother Chen, please come in."

The two sat down at the stone table in the courtyard. Fu Shaoping brewed a pot of tea and poured it for Chen Jianming.

Chen Jianming picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and lingered on Fu Shaoping for a moment. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "Junior Brother Fu's foundation is so solid that it is astonishing. To be able to maintain such pure spiritual energy after advancing from the eighth to the ninth level of Qi Refining in just three months is truly remarkable."

Fu Shaoping smiled slightly: "Senior Brother Chen, you flatter me. What brings you here today?"

Chen Jianming put down his teacup, his expression becoming more serious: "Junior Brother Fu, I won't beat around the bush. Three months from now, the sect will hold the 'Foundation Establishment Trial,' which all disciples at the ninth level of Qi Refining and above can participate in. Those who pass the trial will receive a Foundation Establishment Pill and have the opportunity to become a true disciple."

Fu Shaoping nodded: "I know."

“With Junior Brother Fu’s strength, passing the trial shouldn’t be difficult,” Chen Jianming continued. “But during the trial, in addition to facing the dangers of the trial itself, we also need to be wary of… human nature.”

Fu Shaoping raised an eyebrow: "What does Senior Brother Chen mean?"

Chen Jianming was silent for a moment, then said, "Although Li Wuqing was disqualified from promotion, the person behind him was only warned for three months. After three months, the confinement period will end. And the Foundation Establishment Trial happens to be right after that."

Fu Shaoping understood.

Although that inner sect elder no longer dared to openly protect Li Wuqing, if something "accidentally" happened during the trial, no one could find fault with him. After all, trials were inherently dangerous, and death was commonplace.

"Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother Chen," Fu Shaoping said sincerely.

Chen Jianming shook his head: "No need to thank me. I came to you because I have a favor to ask."

"What's the matter?"

“During the trial, there is a place called ‘Sword Heart Valley,’ which is said to contain ‘sword intent stone carvings’ left by ancient sword cultivators. I would like to invite Junior Brother Fu to accompany me and lend me a hand.” Chen Jianming’s eyes were burning. “In exchange, I can give you 30% of what you gain from the trial and promise to protect you with all my might during the trial.”

Fu Shaoping looked at him and suddenly smiled. "Senior Brother Chen is quite frank."

Chen Jianming's expression remained unchanged: "There's no need to beat around the bush when talking to smart people. Junior Brother Fu is a smart person, and I trust him."

Fu Shaoping pondered for a moment.

The sword intent stone carving had limited value to him. However, Chen Jianming was a good person with considerable strength, and if he could befriend him, he would have someone to look after him in the inner sect in the future.

Moreover, the threat posed by that inner sect elder is real. It's always better to have one more friend than one more enemy.

"Okay." Fu Shaoping nodded. "Deal."

A hint of joy flashed in Chen Jianming's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: "Thank you, Junior Brother Fu. See you at the entrance to the trial in three months."

He got up to take his leave, but as he walked to the courtyard gate, he suddenly turned back and said, "Junior Brother Fu, although Li Wuqing is under house arrest, he has several fellow disciples who are said to have also participated in this trial. You... be careful."

Fu Shaoping nodded: "Understood."

After Chen Jianming left, Fu Shaoping sat alone in the courtyard, gazing at the lush bamboo covering the mountain, lost in thought.

Li Wuqing, an inner sect elder, seeks revenge from fellow disciples...

He picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

The tea was slightly cool, but it suited his mood perfectly.

“Three months…” he murmured, “That’s enough.”

Three months later, the Foundation Establishment Trial begins.

He wanted to see what kind of trouble those people could cause.

He got up and went back inside.

The green bamboo in the courtyard swayed in the wind, making a rustling sound.

Everything has just begun.

Three months is but a fleeting moment in the course of cultivation.

Fu Shaoping maintained his seemingly unhurried pace, cultivating, comprehending, and honing his swordsmanship every day. Deep in the bamboo forest of Qingzhu Peak, in that secluded little courtyard, he seemed isolated from the world, with only the occasional rustling of bamboo leaves accompanying him through day and night.

His cultivation level is steadily improving.

Peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining.

The Great Perfection of Qi Refining.

When the three-month period was over, his cultivation level had firmly reached the threshold of the Great Perfection of Qi Refining. He was only one step away from Foundation Establishment—the Foundation Establishment Trial.

It was early morning on this day.

Fu Shaoping pushed open the courtyard gate, took a deep breath of the crisp mountain air, and a faint golden light flashed in his eyes.

In three months, he not only raised his cultivation to the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, but also further perfected the contract runes on the Judgment Sword, incorporating a trace of the "True Meaning of Judgment" he had comprehended from the "Study of Ancient Contract Script". Although the Judgment Sword is still a low-grade magic weapon, with the blessing of the power of the contract, its power is no less than that of an ordinary mid-grade magic weapon.

More importantly, he simplified and improved the "Three Contracts Return to Origin Technique" he had comprehended in his previous life, creating a contract secret technique suitable for use during the Qi Refining stage—"Contract: Sword of Judgment".

This sword uses the Judgment Sword as its vessel and the power of the contract as its edge. With a single strike, it can sever the enemy's methods and break their contracts. It is the nemesis of those who rely on external forces, contracts, or evil arts.

"It's time."

Fu Shaoping stepped out of the bamboo forest and headed towards the inner sect's martial arts training ground.

……

The training ground was now packed with people.

There were over three hundred Qi Refining disciples participating in the Foundation Establishment Trial. Together with fellow disciples seeing them off, onlookers, and deacons maintaining order, the entire training ground was packed with people.

Fu Shaoping pushed through the crowd and found Chen Jianming.

Chen Jianming was still dressed in a white robe, carrying a long sword on his back, exuding a cold and aloof demeanor. Upon seeing Fu Shaoping, he nodded slightly: "Junior Brother Fu, you've arrived."

Fu Shaoping returned the greeting: "Senior Brother Chen, you've been waiting for a long time."

The two stood side by side, waiting for the trial to begin.

Before long, several more people arrived. Leading them was Shi Gandang, who ranked second in the competition, followed by three disciples at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining with considerable aura.

"Brother Chen, Junior Brother Fu." Shi Gandang clasped his hands in greeting, grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth, "I heard you've formed a team? How about I join?"

Chen Jianming frowned slightly: "Brother Shi, aren't you always a loner?"

Shi Gandang scratched his head: "Hey, times have changed. I heard this trial is extremely dangerous inside, and going alone will easily lead to trouble. Brother Chen is strong, and Junior Brother Fu is quick-witted. If we join forces, we'll have a better chance of success."

As he spoke, he looked at Fu Shaoping and asked, "Junior Brother Fu, what do you think?"

Fu Shaoping said calmly, "If Senior Brother Shi is willing to come along, we naturally welcome him."

Shi Gandang laughed heartily: "Great! It's settled then!"

The three men behind him also clasped their hands in greeting and introduced themselves. One was named "Liu Chuan," who was skilled in formations; another was named "Zhou Yuan," who was skilled in tracking; and the third was named "Wang Tie," a fellow disciple of Shi Gandang, who was skilled in defense.

A team of six is ​​quite a strong and well-equipped force.

Just then, a cold gaze shot out from the crowd.

Fu Shaoping turned his head and saw three sinister-looking youths staring coldly at them not far away. The one in the lead looked somewhat like Li Wuqing, and his cultivation was also at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining.

“Li Wushang, Li Wuqing’s elder brother,” Chen Jianming said in a low voice. “It is said that he is also a disciple of that inner sect elder. The other two, one is called ‘Bloody Hand’ Zhang Lie, and the other is called ‘Ghost Face’ Han Qing, both of whom are Li Wushang’s lackeys.”

Fu Shaoping nodded slightly, his expression unchanged.

Seeing Fu Shaoping looking at him, Li Wushang's lips curled into a cruel smile, and he made a cut across his neck—just like Li Wuqing had done back then.

Fu Shaoping glanced at him, then casually looked away and continued talking with Chen Jianming and the others.

Li Wushang's face stiffened, and a strong killing intent flashed in his eyes.

"Interesting." He licked his lips and said in a low voice, "Once we're in the trial grounds, let's see how long you can keep up this act."

...(End of this chapter)