Grandpa, times have changed.

After asking about some necessary details, Xi Li left with Li Ke.

Only after the two disappeared from sight did Xu Xing turn his gaze to the Earthly Immortal Realm.

Because of its high energy level and the fact that the flow of time has been adjusted, only a little over five years have passed in the Earthly Immortal Realm.

Five years have passed, and Xi Yun is still in seclusion.

During this period, the Qianyang Dao Palace he founded also became the most powerful force in the Earthly Immortal Realm.

After all, although Xi Yun did not succeed, the terrifying power that surpassed even the Returning to Emptiness realm and caused various strange phenomena to surround the Qianyang Dao Palace was undeniable.

Secondly, there is the Cold Moon Sword Palace founded by Xi Li.

Although she has already ascended to the Tai Xuan Realm, the Han Yue Sword Palace still has many Void Returners, and Xi Li has made many arrangements for them.

In addition, the various extraordinary phenomena during the ascension were beyond the imagination of ordinary people, and they successfully passed through that turbulent period of transition between the old and the new.

Today, the steadily developing Cold Moon Sword Palace is also one of the most powerful forces, second only to the Qianyang Dao Palace.

"good."

The situation in the Immortal Realm is better than expected.

Perhaps because the war with the Beast God Clan had just ended, or perhaps because of the existence of 'Ascension', although there were occasional frictions between the major forces in the Earthly Immortal Realm, they were all relatively restrained and did not escalate into violent conflicts.

The exchange on 'spiritual practice' has never stopped, and there is no idea of ​​each school keeping its own knowledge to itself.

In terms of people's livelihood, it is not as good as Tai Xuan Realm, but it is still among the top in the many worlds of the two realms.

Thinking about it, Xu Xing's gaze shifted to the distance.

His gaze swept over the boundless worlds within the [Second Abyss Realm] and...

【Third - New Realm】!
Yes!

Thanks to the joint efforts of Ning Wanzhu, Ming Yu, and Fu Meng, the unfamiliar realm was finally incorporated into the Tai Xuan Immortal Network, becoming the third realm under the Immortal Network system.

but……

"I thought they would choose the third one."

After the immortal network connection nodes of the third realm were established, Xu Xing gave them several options, just like he did in the second realm.

The third one is 'Miyuan'.

Unfortunately, despite Yuan's strong opposition, the three of them still reached a consensus and chose the first one, which is now known as 'New Beginning'.

'New Beginning' signifies the start of a new era.

The Third Realm was incorporated into the Immortal Network system when the 'Ascension Plan' progressed to a new stage, so this name is quite fitting.

"Pity."

Searching and searching, doesn't that sound interesting?

After observing the numerous worlds within the three realms, Xu Xing finally withdrew his gaze.

Just then, strands of immortal netting extended from the void, transforming into a curtain of light before him.

Information is displayed on the screen.

Overlord: "This group is getting more and more deserted /sigh"

Danzu: "Actually, we send messages in the group about the same frequency as before /adjusts glasses"

Danzu: "It's because several people who are usually very active haven't been sending messages in the group, that's why you think that."

Five years have passed.

It's no longer a secret that Bie Xuening, Meizu, Yuanjun, and Ning Ruo have formed a small group chat.

Overlord: "Then wouldn't we become just like the Bewitched?"

Hongzun: "That's not necessarily true..."

Vessel Token: "+1"

Even the Artifact Master didn't think so.

Although he was relatively unknown in the group and several fellow cultivators had always ignored him, he considered himself to be better off than Huo.

Danzu: "Speaking of this year's Immortal Sect Competition, the most interesting part should be between Fellow Daoist Hongzun's children and Fellow Daoist Jianzun's eldest disciple."

Logically speaking, the geniuses of the Immortal Sect usually only show their dominance in the Nascent Soul stage of the Immortal Sect Grand Competition when they are in their forties or fifties.

But some people just can't be viewed through the lens of common sense.

For example, Daoist Brother's third disciple, Yuan, was an exceptionally talented individual who became the most brilliant person in a thousand years.

Danzu: "Who do you think will win?"

Meizu: "Of course it's Jiuyu."

Ok?
Hasn't she stopped sending messages in this group much?
Meizu: "Forgive my bluntness, but while those two little ones are not bad, they are still somewhat inferior to Jiu Yu." /Seriously

Yuanjun: "Then what about your Hehuan Sect?"

How come they're all popping up one by one?
Meizu: "There's no comparison, no comparison at all. Jiu Yu has made tremendous progress over the years."

If the previous Immortal Sect Competition was still competitive, this year's competition is on a completely different level.

For five years, Jiu Yu never let up for a moment.

Yuanjun: "..."

Sword Master: "A discerning little yellow duck leisurely sipping tea"

Although that rebellious disciple was incorrigible and constantly courted death, his progress in cultivation was truly remarkable.

Sword Master: "Although they are a bit weaker than Jiu Yu, they can hold their own against Yun Lu."

That's right. Zhang Yunlu has struggled on the edge of life and death hundreds of times in the past five years, and finally advanced to the Nascent Soul stage recently.

Twenty-six years old.

She can't compare to Chi Jiuyu, but her starting point was average, and being promoted at this age is already the result of her hard work.

To be honest, the Tai Xuan Immortal Network deserves a lot of credit for their great progress.

Yuanjun: "Getting cocky?"

Having just advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, whether he can pass the selection process is still a question.

Meizu: "Hey, don't be so blunt, she'll get angry again. /Little Yellow Duck Eating Melon"

Meizu: "You know she's a very short-tempered person."

Their main strategy is to stir up trouble.

But Bie Xuening wasn't buying it today.

Sword Master: "Yunlu has mastered the first killing sword technique."

A killing sword?!

Meizu: "Could it be that sword technique from that 'Whoever practices the 'Bad Luck' sword manual' you're talking about?"

Sword Master: "***!"

Meizu: "No swearing / Pointing with your finger"

Sword Master: "Get lost! Which eye of yours saw me swear?"

Yuan Jun: "If I truly master the Killing Sword Technique, passing the selection shouldn't be a problem."

Killing sword.

It is a sword technique from the "Slaying Sword Manual", consisting of nine forms.

It is the most powerful offensive sword technique in the entire Sword Sect, and can be called the supreme sword technique with the greatest killing power in all the heavens and myriad realms!
Even Chi Jiuyu is still pondering it.

After all, this thing can easily cripple you if you're not careful.

It's only because Zhang Yunlu 'died' and was on the verge of death so many times that she really couldn't have learned this sword technique.

Of course, after learning this sword technique, she herself was bedridden for half a year.

During this time, I could choke even when drinking water, get cramps when turning over, and even damage my meridians when simply adjusting my breathing...

Chi Jiuyu called it the 'Mold Sword', and later Yue Ling told Bie Xuening about it, and she was punished for it.

"Five years..." Xu Xing sighed softly.

For a true immortal who is eternal and everlasting, five years is but a fleeting moment.

But for most people, five years is not a short time; it can change far too many things.

……

……

In front of Chi Jiuyu's cave.

On the winding path, two figures walked side by side.

Chi Jiuyu walked briskly, wearing a baseball cap with two flapping wings on either side.

"To be honest, Xiao Yunlu, your 'Bad Sword One' is actually quite powerful, huh?"

Just now, the two of them had a friendly sparring session.

The result, of course, needs no further explanation.

Even though Zhang Yunlu used the "Killing Sword One", she was still easily defeated by Chi Jiuyu.

Despite both being at the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm, the gap between them seemed to remain unchanged.

"If Master hears this, you'll get a beating again, Senior Sister," Zhang Yunlu warned.

"..."

Chi Jiuyu shrank his neck, and the wings fluttering on his hat stopped for a moment.

After confirming that no one was around.

"I'm not afraid!"

Since I've already been beaten, wouldn't it be a huge loss if I didn't speak up?

"..."

Zhang Yunlu had already guessed what her senior sister was thinking, so she simply didn't dwell on the topic. "What does senior sister think of my current skill level?"

"Emm...do you want to hear the truth or a lie?"

"lie."

"Huh?" Chi Jiuyu was taken aback.

"The truth is definitely unpleasant to hear, so I'll listen to the lies first."

(-__-'')

It makes sense.

"To be honest... it's alright."

Are all "it's alright" lies...?

Zhang Yunlu frowned slightly.

"As for the truth..."

Just as Chi Jiuyu was about to continue speaking, he was interrupted.

"Senior sister, the truth is hard to hear, so there's no need to say it."

(°-°〃)
also……

That makes a lot of sense.

Feeling somewhat depressed, Chi Jiuyu and Zhang Yunlu arrived at the cave entrance together.

The potted Xuanzhu fruit tree on the wooden shelf is gone. It was borrowed by Zhao Ruohan half a year ago, who planned to use its spiritual essence to harmonize her own magical power.

This is also in preparation for the upcoming Immortal Sect Competition.

Although Zhao Ruohan has never won a single match in all these years, she has never given up and continues to strive to catch up.

Open the door and go inside.

The layout of the house is still the same as it was five years ago, only the furniture has been replaced.

A display case was mounted on the wall, with the Third Class Red Vanguard Medal placed at the top, and the other positions filled with souvenirs she had collected over the years while carrying out ascension missions in various worlds.

Each souvenir is proof that she, the Nine Fishermen Ancestor, has traveled the world!
With a leap, Chi Jiuyu landed face-up on the round beanbag chair, which deformed and sank inward.

"Hmm~!"

After stretching and yawning, she turned around, lazily curled up on the sofa, and looked back at Zhang Yunlu.

“In the blink of an eye, Xiao Yunlu, you’ve already reached the Nascent Soul stage. Back when we first met, you were still in the Qi Refining stage.”

In order to catch up with the top tier, Xiao Yunlu has been working incredibly hard these past few years.

Fortunately, all the hard work paid off.

"I can't let all that I've achieved go to waste."

"I know, I know. You think a large part of your success today is due to 'luck,' right?" Chi Jiuyu waved her hand.

She has witnessed firsthand how difficult it has been for Xiao Yunlu to get to where she is today.

"But can you be luckier than me?" She sat up a little straighter.

"I was picked up by my master when I was a child!"

"So relax, you've already surpassed many people to get to where you are today."

Hey!

I'm such a thoughtful senior!

Chi Jiuyu thought to herself with a touch of smugness.

“I know, senior sister, but that’s not a reason for me to slack off.”

He went from an ordinary Qi Refining high school student to a disciple of the Sword Master, learning unparalleled swordsmanship.

Now a Nascent Soul sword cultivator, she also has her own principles.

"And senior sister, you're clearly working harder than me."

In terms of natural talent, he is undoubtedly the best in his time.

In terms of effort, few can compare with him.

My senior is already so amazing and still works so hard, so what reason does she have to slack off?

“Oh, I’m not telling you to slack off,” Chi Jiuyu said seriously. “What I mean is, don’t attribute all the results to ‘luck.’ Your own efforts are also very important.”

Of all the lucky ones in the Tai Xuan Realm who have received opportunities, how many can reach the level of Xiao Yunlu?

There are only a few!

If Xiao Yunlu really relied solely on luck, her master wouldn't have accepted her as a disciple.

Didi!

Just then, the alarm clock by the window went off.

Chi Jiuyu glanced at it and immediately jumped up.

"Holy crap! It's already this late?!"

He then turned and ran to a room on the side, also releasing his natal sword, Yu Yi.

"Please sit down for a while. I still need to submit a few more talismans for an order."

Over the course of five years, her expertise in talismanic arts deepened, and she gained considerable fame among talisman masters.

……

……

at the same time.

Sword Sect Outer Sect.

Inside the 'Spring Breeze Garden', one of the Four Seasons Gardens.

"Will you... also participate in the Immortal Sect Grand Competition this year?"

Zhao Ruoming's expression was somewhat complicated as he looked at the tall woman standing in front of the flower bushes not far away.

Wearing a casual white tracksuit, with her long hair tied in a high ponytail, she looked neat, smart, and full of heroic spirit.

Five years have passed, and Ye Zhiwei has completely shed her youthful naiveté.

Under the arrangement of the Sword Hall and Li Ke, she has experienced many dangerous missions over the years, and has developed a unique temperament forged in blood and fire.

"Yes, I will," she said with a soft laugh.

Her eyes remained bright and clear.

Compared to before, he seemed more at ease.

"It's a pity I haven't reached the Nascent Soul stage yet, otherwise I could be in the same group as Brother Ruoming."

She became Li Ke's apprentice three years ago.

He is now in the late Nascent Soul stage and ranks seventy-first on the Sword Ranking.

"...There will be that opportunity."

five years.

This was the first time the two had met in five years.

Before Zhao Ruoming arrived, he felt he had a thousand words to say, but after actually meeting her, he found he had very few things to say.

"then……"

“It was my fault back then,” Ye Zhiwei said directly. “I shouldn’t have treated you that way.”

"It's actually not bad."

These are Zhao Ruoming's true feelings.

"My motives were not pure, and I should apologize for both reason and emotion."

This is also what Ye Zhiwei really thinks.

"Then now..."

"Ruoming is a good person."

The two voices rang out almost simultaneously.

Ye Zhiwei was taken aback.

Zhao Ruoming paused for a moment, then suddenly laughed:

"Is this a 'friend zone' card being given to me?"

"No, I just said 'faster,' I haven't finished yet..."

"Just kidding." Zhao Ruoming waved his hand, indicating that she didn't need to worry about it. "Actually, you don't need to worry too much about what happened back then. After all, it's a very beautiful memory for me."

After thinking for a while, he added.

"Except for the last part."

"Sorry……"

“I told you there’s no need to apologize.” Zhao Ruoming said somewhat helplessly, “I came to the Sword Sect today just to see you and have a match with Chi Jiuyu. Don’t worry about it.”

The future is long, and neither he nor Zhiwei needs to make a decision immediately.

"I see……"

As if she had thought of something, Ye Zhiwei added.

"Brother Ruoming".

"Ok?"

"You can't beat Sister Jiu Yu."

"..." (End of this chapter)