Immortality and Cultivation: I Have Too Many Talents

Chapter 657 The Grand Competition of Yue Kingdom (Seeking Subscriptions)

Shen Xuan stared at Tang Roulan.

He clearly saw that Tang Roulan's cheeks turned bright red instantly.

It's not because of shyness.

It is because they feel guilty.

"Senior Brother Shen, if you don't like it, I can switch with you. I drew number 778 myself."

The earlier the number, the earlier the time they have to step into the ring.

Not knowing the strength of the opponent is quite a disadvantage.

Moreover, this number is not only from the first round.

The same thing happened in the following rounds.

Three thousand numbers.

Tang Roulan will draw number eight.

It has to be said, she was incredibly lucky.

"Number eight is fine."

Shen Xuan said with a smile.

Let's finish this quickly so we can get back to the inn to rest.

Are opponents important to him?
Not important at all.

Even the referee on the arena, a True Core Realm cultivator, stepped down.

He was fearless.

After refining the True Fire Gourd.

The three strange flames of heaven and earth—[Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Fire], [True Sun Fire], and [Crimson Cloud Primordial Fire]—gradually merged with the spiritual sea of ​​the Dao Foundation.

Shen Xuan estimated that those at the early stage of the True Core Realm would not be able to withstand the domineering true fire released by the True Fire Gourd.

As for these Foundation Establishment cultivators...

No matter who his opponent is, no one can stop him.

The real fire gourd is completely useless.

Tang Roulan was unaware of Shen Xuan's strength.

She still felt somewhat guilty.

"Senior Brother Shen, how about I find someone to switch places with you?"

"no need."

Shen Xuan said calmly.

"I like number eight."

As the two were talking, someone suddenly exclaimed.

It turned out that the disciples of the Xuanfa Sect, Miaoyin Sect, and Yueyun Sect entered the square in an orderly manner.

The disciples of these three Nascent Soul sects are clearly a cut above the other ten Golden Core sects in terms of overall strength.

In fact, most of the spots in the secret realms have been allocated to disciples from these three Nascent Soul sects.

Shen Xuan actually saw several familiar figures.

A Foundation Establishment disciple of the Fire Cloud Sect on Flame Island.

Zhong Suming and Chen Xingyu were prominently positioned at the very front of the group.

At that moment, a loud Taoist chant rang out.

"Quiet!"

"The first round of the competition for each spot in the Secret Realm is about to begin."

After all, they are disciples of a sect.

All three thousand people fell silent.

The entire square began to quiet down.

Everyone looked up at the chairman's seat above the arena.

The heads of the thirteen sects of Yue Kingdom sat there.

Thirteen Golden Core cultivators!
Apart from the three reclusive Nascent Soul True Monarchs.

These thirteen Golden Core cultivators held the highest power in the Yue Kingdom.

among the crowd.

Shen Xuan also looked at the thirteen Golden Core cultivators in the chairman's seat.

Although I didn't use my divine sense to scan it.

He could also see that the True Man of the Profound Law Sect, the Fairy of the Wonderful Sound Sect, and the True Man of the Clear Stream Sect were clearly in better positions and stronger than the other ten sect leaders.

The True Man of the Righteous Law sat in the very center of the chairman's seat, with Fairy Ling Le and True Man of the Clear Stream on his left and right respectively.

The head of the main sect sits on the right, third from the bottom in rank.

As is customary, Master Xuanfa spoke on behalf of the thirteen sects of the Yue Kingdom.

"Everyone, sixty years have passed in the blink of an eye, and the Spirit Stream Secret Realm is about to open. This is a grand event for the cultivation world of Yue Kingdom, and also a great opportunity for you Foundation Establishment cultivators."

"Within the secret realm lies both great opportunity and great danger. Today's competition for the spots is not for personal grudges, but for opportunity. Remember, on the arena, you must go all out, show the perseverance of us cultivators in our pursuit of the Dao, and prove the profound mysteries of your respective sects' heritage. However, stop when you've made your move, and maintain a benevolent heart, as this is also a way to temper your Dao heart."

The Mysterious Master used the Daoist Sound of Divine Soul.

The voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly.
His speech was not long.

It ended after about a hundred breaths.

But it completely ignited the fighting spirit in the hearts of all the participating disciples.

Below the arena, countless eyes turned fervent, and the fighting spirit surged like a tide.

These three thousand Foundation Establishment stage disciples are the elite of all cultivators in the Yue Kingdom.

If nothing unexpected happens.

The vast majority of the Yue Kingdom's true men came from these three thousand people.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby declare that the competition for the qualification to enter the secret realm has officially begun!"

A True Core Realm cultivator from the Xuanfa Sect, along with True Core Realm cultivators from various other sects, presided over the competition.

"The rules for the first round are simple. Starting with number one, the disciple whose number is called will come to the arena. If they can defeat the three puppet beasts on the stage, they will pass. Otherwise, they will be eliminated."

Soon, the Xuanfa Sect Master began calling out names.

"Number One Arena, Li Chengqi."

"Second arena, Xiong Dali."

……

"Eighth Arena, Shen Ruochen."

The voice of the Xuanfa Sect Master rang out continuously. The contestants whose names were called walked slowly onto the arena with expressions ranging from wry smiles to seriousness, solemnity, and laughter.

Shen Xuan walked onto the number eight arena with a blank expression.

Opposite him, three puppet beasts, arranged in a triangular formation, surrounded him.

"Ten breaths later, the ritual will begin!"

"Ten, nine, eight, seven..."

When the count reaches "one".

The Dao patterns on the surface of the three-headed puppet beast suddenly lit up.

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

Immediately afterwards, the three puppet beasts pounced on Shen Xuan at the same time.

It moved at an extremely fast speed, leaving behind a series of afterimages.

Sharp claws and menacing fangs.

Space tore open, emitting a piercing shriek.

however.

Shen Xuan held the Blazing Flame Blade in his hand.

The sword flashed.

A crimson blade of light formed an arc.

The three-headed puppet beast remained in the posture of lunging at Shen Xuan.

However, all three puppet beasts were cleaved in two mid-air.

Then, it burst into flames and fell helplessly onto the ring.

"hiss!"

Below the arena, many people gasped in astonishment at Shen Xuan's performance.

When the True Core Realm cultivator, who was acting as the referee, looked at Shen Xuan, he couldn't help but frown slightly.

Too fierce.

In the blink of an eye, these three second-tier puppet beasts were rendered useless.

These puppet beasts are primarily made of deep-sea refined iron, a second-tier refining material, making them extremely sturdy.

Numerous Dao patterns were engraved on the surface of the puppet beast.

Each puppet beast possesses combat power comparable to an early Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Defeating the three-headed golem beast is nothing special.

Most of the three thousand disciples from various sects in the Yue Kingdom who participated in the competition could do it.

But those who can move as fast as Shen Xuan are extremely rare.

"Shen Ruochen wins at Arena No. 8."

Upon hearing the referee's announcement, Shen Xuan bowed respectfully and stepped off the number eight arena.

He remained expressionless.

Taiyizong area.

The seventy-nine Taiyi Sect disciples, including Tang Roulan, all looked at Shen Xuan with newfound respect.

"I'll go back to the inn to rest first."

Shen Xuan glanced at the precious mirror in the air.

Today we'll only be playing the first round.

There's no need to waste time here.

"Ah! Senior Brother Shen, you're going back already? Aren't you going to stay a little longer?"

"No, I'm tired."

Shen Xuan made up an excuse at random.

Watching this level of performance is a complete waste of time.

He walked out of the square with an air of nonchalance.

on the rostrum.

One of the sect leaders said to the sect leader of Taiyi Sect, "Fellow Daoist Tang, your disciple number eight in the arena is no ordinary person."

"No, just an ordinary place."

"Hehe, Fellow Daoist Tang is too modest. Who is this person?"

"Shen Ruochen is a celestial seedling adopted by the Huang family of Tianya Mountain."

"Are you married?"

"Yes, I'm already interested. I'll book it after participating in the Spirit Stream Secret Realm this time."

"pity……"

The sect leader said with some regret.

……

evening.

Xuanfa Sect Inn.

The disciples of Taiyi Sect who participated in the competition returned to the inn one after another.

Tang Roulan casually knocked on Shen Xuan's door.

"The result is not bad. Fifty-eight people from our Taiyi Sect passed the first round."

Shen Xuan kept a straight face, his expression as cold as frost.

Within the Taiyi Sect, he always maintained a cold and aloof image, keeping people at arm's length.

Apart from Tang Roulan, no one associated with him.

"This is inside information that I purchased for ten spirit stones."

Tang Roulan took out a jade slip.

"The rules for tomorrow's second round of the competition."

"Thank you."

Shen Xuan accepted the jade slip.

"See you tomorrow."

Then, he closed the door.

Outside the door, Tang Roulan, who had a smile on her face, froze instantly.

After a long pause, she shook her head and gave a bitter smile.

At this moment, Liu Shiyuan, the senior disciple of Taiyi Sect, spoke up from behind: "Junior Sister Tang, is Junior Brother Shen alright?"

"fine."

"Give him the rules information, and that will suffice."

"Okay. Senior Brother Liu, I'm going back to my room to rest."

"it is good."

Liu Shiyuan looked at Tang Roulan's retreating figure, shook his head, and smiled bitterly.

Her expression was exactly the same as Tang Roulan's just now.

……

the next day.

There were noticeably fewer members of the Yue Kingdom's clan entering the square.

There are probably about two thousand people left.

In other words, one-third of the participants were eliminated in the first round.

"The path to immortality is elusive; our cultivation is already defying the heavens, it is truly difficult!"

One of the participating disciples shook his head and sighed.

His words resonated with many people.

In this battle for the secret realm, many people are just there to watch and participate.

They themselves know it too.

Not long after.

The True Man of Xuanfa Sect announced.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the second round is now officially beginning."

The rules of the second round of the competition were revealed in the magical mirror in the sky.

It's very simple.

In the arena battle, each side had a three-headed silver wolf.

Wind attribute, second-tier superior quality, the three wolf heads can simultaneously unleash wind blades.

These ten three-headed silver wolves were carefully cultivated by the Xuanfa Sect.

He is quite perceptive of human nature.

Disciples of the Yue Kingdom sects must fight three-headed silver wolves on the arena and survive for one hundred breaths to pass.

The rules were exactly the same as the information jade slip that Tang Roulan had given him last night.

Some disciples of the Yue Kingdom's sects were already prepared.

I do not seek to defeat the three-headed silver wolves.

Instead, they devised various methods to prepare defensive magical artifacts and a variety of talismans.

Hopefully, we can hold out for a hundred breaths against the attacks of the three silver wolves.

Shen Xuan didn't think too much about it.

He was among the first to take the stage.

"Shen Ruochen, you've held back. These three-headed silver wolves are hard-won for the Xuanfa Sect to cultivate."

Shen Xuan was somewhat surprised.

A divine voice transmitted to my ear.

It was a certain True Immortal who served as the referee.

Shen Xuan looked at the referee and bowed.

"Yes."

"Ten breaths later, the ritual will begin!"

When the time comes.

Shen Xuan glared at the three-headed silver wolf.

His eyes radiated a fierce, dragon-like aura.

The three-headed silver wolf, which had been roaring, suddenly trembled with fear.

It tucked its tail between its legs, curled up, and collapsed onto the ring, unable to move.

A strong smell of urine filled the air.

The three silver wolves were so frightened that they wet themselves and lost control of their bladders.

Shen Ruochen wins.

After the referee announced the result, he repeatedly scrutinized Shen Xuan with his divine sense.

At this moment, Shen Xuan sealed the Ice Technique Golden Core.

A genuine seven-layered fire-based foundation-building technique.

Even a True Core cultivator, standing two zhang away, could not detect anything unusual about Shen Xuan.

Just now, he sensed that Shen Xuan's gaze was extremely strange.

Perhaps he practiced some kind of eye technique.

Even he, a True Core Immortal, felt a strange palpitation.

It was as if they were facing some kind of savage, untamed beast that they could not contend with.

Let's look at the situation of the three Silver Wolves.

It was clearly a sign that his condition was being suppressed by his bloodline.

However, in front of it was merely an ordinary Foundation Establishment Level 7 fire magic cultivator.

Even if one has mastered powerful eye techniques.

How could a second-tier superior three-headed silver wolf be compressed into such a shape?

In sight.

Shen Xuan was the same as yesterday.

After bowing, he walked off the stage expressionlessly.

Upon arriving at the Taiyi Sect, he gave Tang Roulan a brief explanation.

He walked straight out of the square.

He was completely indifferent to the matches in the ring.

If it's not due to an eccentric personality, then it's due to absolute confidence.

Only those who pass the selection competition will be eligible for a spot in the Secret Realm.

Shen Xuan's performance once again drew the attention of the sect leaders on the podium.

This time, even Master Qingxi of the Yueyun Sect was alarmed.

"Fellow Daoist Tang, I've never heard of this Shen Ruochen before."

"Shen Ruochen is aloof and rarely interacts with people."

"Oh, who is his teacher?"

The sect leader of Taiyi Sect looked embarrassed.

"He used to follow a disciple of the Huang family of Tianya Mountain in his cultivation. Half a year ago, he switched to my tutelage."

"I see."

Master Qingxi nodded and did not ask any further questions.

The sect leader of Taiyi Sect made every effort to protect it.

Even if there was something suspicious, he couldn't investigate.

We are all rulers of the Yue Kingdom.

The most basic rules should still be followed between each other.

……

This time, Tang Roulan didn't knock on Shen Xuan's door until it was completely dark.

"Senior Brother Shen, these are the competition rules for tomorrow."

Tang Roulan took out a jade slip, her face noticeably pale.

The daytime tournament left her somewhat tired.

Shen Xuan took the jade slip and scanned it with his divine sense.

Tomorrow is the draw.

The cultivators engaged in pairs of magical duels.

You won't draw a fellow disciple.

Shen Xuan glanced at Tang Roulan.

"Junior Sister Tang, you don't need to worry. Even if it's a draw, the performance in the first two rounds will be taken into account."

"But……"

Tang Roulan looked conflicted: "Senior Brother Shen, Roulan's performance in the first two rounds was just average."

"Ah."

Shen Xuan asked, "Didn't the sect leader bestow upon you any treasures for combat?"

The rules of the arena competition do not restrict magical treasures, talismans, or elixirs.

Someone with Tang Roulan's background must have some hidden strengths.

Otherwise, with her strength as a mid-Foundation Establishment water magic cultivator, it would be difficult for her to defeat her opponent in the arena.

It's very likely that they'll make an exception for her during the lottery.

Pick a weakling for her.

"There is a talisman. However, Roulan will have to exert all her strength to activate it."

"Then why are you still worried?"

Tang Roulan nodded emphatically.

"I'm worried, Roulan is very worried. They are all very strong."

Shen Xuan glanced at Tang Roulan.

The two stood in front of the door talking.

Shen Xuan did not allow Tang Roulan to enter the room.

"come in."

Tang Roulan entered the room.

Shen Xuan closed the door.

This is an inn run by the Xuanfa Sect.

Security and secrecy can be guaranteed.

despite this.

Shen Xuan took out a set of array flags and set up a shielding array in the room.

Tang Roulan stared blankly at Shen Xuan.

"Thank you for your help these past few days, Junior Sister Tang."

Shen Xuan remained calm as he took out a jade bracelet imbued with icy energy and handed it to Tang Roulan.

"This item is called the Ice Crystal Jade Bracelet, a protective treasure bestowed upon me by an elder in my family."

"You only need to inject water elemental power to activate the nine illusory ice fish sealed within."

"This fish can transform at will; it can be used to attack as various ice blades, or to defend as a mysterious ice spirit wall. It is sufficient for your use in this competition."

This jade bracelet was actually a practice piece made by Shen Xuan in his daily weapon crafting. It incorporated a wisp of his own pure Primordial Ice Spirit Power and could be considered a good product among many prototypes.

Tang Roulan recently began gathering intelligence on the arena competition for him.

Although Shen Xuan doesn't need it.

However, Tang Roulan was unaware of this.

The intention was good.

Shen Xuan decided to consider it as repaying a favor to her.

Moreover, Tang Roulan was quite lucky.

She is a water-based cultivator.

The properties of the ice crystal jade bracelet suited her perfectly, making it ideal for her use.

"Ice Crystal Jade Bracelet?"

Tang Roulan was taken aback at first, then her beautiful eyes lit up with surprise, and she quickly accepted it with both hands.

Get it cold.

With a slight sensory awareness, one can detect the pure ice spiritual power contained within the jade bracelet.

Full of inspiration.

Tang Roulan bowed gracefully: "Roulan thanks Senior Brother Shen for bestowing this treasure!"

"Yes, go back and refine it properly. Remember, do not mention this to anyone except the sect leader."

Shen Xuan waved his hand and removed the soundproof barrier.

The door opened silently, clearly indicating that the guest was being seen off.

Tang Roulan immediately understood and solemnly thanked him: "Roulan understands, thank you Senior Brother Shen!"

She carefully put the jade bracelet away and obediently left Shen Xuan's room.

After leaving Shen Xuan's room, Tang Roulan did not return to her own residence, but went straight to the Sect Leader's residence.

In the quiet room, the sect leader took the jade bracelet, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

With his Golden Core cultivation, he could sense the extraordinary nature of the Ice Crystal Jade Bracelet with just a slight investigation.

"The refining technique is not particularly sophisticated, but the ice spiritual power contained within is extraordinary, pure and abundant, surpassing ordinary magic treasures."

He extended his finger and sent a wisp of water elemental energy to test it.

"Om."

A lifelike, translucent phantom ice fish leaped out and swam in the air.

The indoor temperature dropped sharply.

The sect leader's divine sense stirred slightly.

The Phantom Ice Fish instantly stretched and shaped itself, transforming into a three-foot-long ice sword, radiating cold light and exuding a menacing sword aura.

In a flash, the ice sword unfolded again, transforming into a crystal-clear, rune-flowing wall of mysterious ice, solid and reliable.

"Roulan, why don't you test the strength of this Xuanbing Spirit Wall?"

The Sect Master laughed.

Tang Roulan activated her flying sword and thrust it with all her might.

"Ding!"

There was a crisp sound.

Only a tiny white dot remained on the Xuanbing Spirit Wall, which was instantly restored to its original state.

"What a magic weapon!"

The Sect Master clapped his hands and chuckled, then his thoughts stirred once more.

The Xuanbing Spirit Wall transformed back into the Phantom Ice Fish and disappeared into the Amethyst Jade Bracelet.

"He combines offense and defense seamlessly, adapts to any situation, and what's even more remarkable is that he consumes very little spiritual energy. He's quite a generous person."

"Roulan, this treasure is indeed perfect for you. With its help, you'll be assured of victory in the arena. You'll definitely have a spot in the Spirit Stream Secret Realm."

Tang Roulan happily put the jade bracelet back, her heart filled with gratitude.

"Grandpa, just who is this Senior Brother Shen?"

"Do not ask!"

The Sect Master sternly rebuked him.

"This is something you cannot know."

"Yes, Grandpa."

After bowing, Tang Roulan couldn't wait to take her leave and return to focus on refining the Ice Crystal Jade Bracelet.

Senior Brother Shen said there are nine ice fish inside, enough to handle the arena competition.

……

Day three.

This time, even fewer monks were able to pass the identity verification and enter the plaza.

There are only about a thousand people.

"Congratulations everyone on successfully passing the first two rounds."

“From this round onwards, you will be facing disciples from other sects.”

"Read the rules carefully. There are no restrictions on magic weapons, talismans, elixirs, array flags, spirit beasts, etc. As long as you defeat your opponent, you pass. If you lose, you are eliminated."

An old master of the Xuanfa sect loudly announced.

at the same time.

The precious mirror glittered with golden light.

Various rules of combat are displayed on the mirror.

Simply put, it means going all out and using every means at your disposal.

With a True Immortal acting as referee, there's no need to worry about the opponent's life or death.

Soon, they became the first batch of disciples of the sect in the third round.

Shen Xuan was the first to step onto the arena.

He casually pointed at a precious mirror.

The result of the draw was number 388.

A woman in a pink dress walked out from the crowd below the ring.

After verifying their identities, they stepped onto the arena and walked to face Shen Xuan.

In my line of sight, the other person was an extremely gentle-looking woman, with a captivating charm in her eyes and brows.

"This humble girl, Xu Qian'er of the Miaoyin Sect, greets Fellow Daoist Shen of the Taiyi Sect."

Her voice was soft and gentle, each word carrying a tender rhythm that evoked a sense of tenderness.

The Xu Qian'er before me smiled gently, her features exquisite, like a fairy who had stepped out of a painting.

Light as a butterfly, elegant as a poem.

"Ah."

Shen Xuan remained aloof and cold.

"Let the battle begin!"

The referee shouted.

The voice just fell.

Xu Qian'er suddenly conjured a pair of mandarin duck swords in her hands, their blades gleaming coldly, and flew towards Shen Xuan with lightning speed.

She appears gentle, but is ruthless in her actions.

With his left hand, he slashed down at Shen Xuan's head with a knife.

With his right hand, he slashed upwards with the knife, cutting into Shen Xuan's vital abdominal area.

As expected of an elite disciple of the Miaoyin Sect, a Nascent Soul sect in the Yue Kingdom.

Shen Xuan sighed softly.

They remained in place.

"Dang! Dang!"

The sharp Mandarin Duck Blades struck Shen Xuan squarely, both blows landing squarely on his body.

A blade struck him on the head, sparks flew, the blade chipped and flew out of his hand.

The other one was stuck below Shen Xuan's abdomen, unable to move.

Xu Qian'er was shocked.

She had never met anyone with such a powerful physique.

Even his natal magic weapon, the Mandarin Duck Blades, couldn't cut through it.

Xu Qian'er's eyes widened, and she was slightly stunned.

Subsequently.

In sight.

A fist grew larger and larger, getting closer and closer.

It is not a physical entity.

It was just a fist shadow.

Yet it carries a terrifying aura that is awe-inspiring.

It was like a heavy hammer that slammed down on Xu Qian'er's beautiful face.

Xu Qian'er couldn't dodge in time.

There was a "pop" sound.

With a crisp sound, Xu Qian'er flew backwards from the edge of the arena.

Her delicate, upturned nose, like goose fat, collapsed, and drops of blood spurted out, a truly pitiful sight.

Xu Qian'er screamed and fainted.

In fact, Shen Xuan had held back his strength.

It was just a fist shadow.

It wouldn't be enough to knock Xu Qian'er unconscious.

However, in such a disheveled state, fainting would avoid a lot of embarrassment.

"hiss!"

This time, the disciples of the sects below the arena were all gasping in astonishment.

That was Xu Qian'er, one of the most beautiful fairies in the Miaoyin Sect.

My master is a Golden Core True Person of the Miaoyin Sect.

Wherever they go, they are sought after.

Shen Ruochen of the Taiyi Sect is clearly a hothead.

It's one thing to be clueless about romance.

He actually punched Xu Qian'er so hard that he flattened her nose and broke her face.

Of course, Xu Qian'er can recover completely from this minor injury with a little medical treatment after returning home.

However, her gruesome sight of having her nose smashed flat and bleeding profusely on the stage will surely become a laughing stock among the Yue Kingdom's sects.

Countless gazes, filled with complex emotions, were cast upon Shen Xuan on the arena.

Some people even gave a thumbs up.

The female cultivators of the Miaoyin Sect glared angrily at Shen Xuan.

　I accidentally repeated it while making the edits, so I've corrected it again. Sorry.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)