You said mechs were going to fight monsters, but instead you're destroying stars with your bare

Chapter 208 Competition
This information gave Li Zhe a deeper and more brutal understanding of this seemingly ethereal world of cultivation.

This is not some secluded paradise where peace and tranquility reign.

This place is also filled with human greed, desire, and struggle.

It was even more... than any world he had ever experienced before.

naked.

Just as he had thoroughly "studied" the entire Qingluan Sect and was preparing to begin the next step of his "planning,"

A piece of news full of surprises and unexpected events suddenly arrived.

The Azure Phoenix Sect will be holding its once-in-a-decade event in three days…

"Ascension to Immortality Ceremony".

……

"Ascension Conference?"

Li Zhe sat in his simple thatched hut, looking at the brochure about the conference that he had "borrowed" from an inner disciple, and a playful smile appeared on his face.

According to the manual, the so-called "Ascension Ceremony" is actually a grand ceremony used by the Azure Phoenix Sect to "flex its muscles" and take this opportunity to "extort" the surrounding mortal kingdoms and immortal cultivation families.

At that time, not only will the sect's top disciples engage in thrilling martial arts competitions.

Furthermore, some rare "natural treasures" and "rare magical artifacts" that are seldom seen in ordinary times will be put up for auction.

The entire Qingyun Mountain Range will become more lively than ever before.

"interesting."

Li Zhe stroked his chin, a thoughtful glint in his eyes.

This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to access a higher level of this world.

Perhaps, we can even find some deeper secrets about "foundation building" from it.

……

Three days later, at Qingluan Gate, on the main peak plaza.

There were huge crowds of people and loud drums and gongs.

Tens of thousands of mortals and cultivators gathered here from all directions, crowding the entire square to the point of being impassable.

On the high platform, the sect leader of the Azure Phoenix Sect and a group of elders sat upright, receiving congratulations from various forces.

In the center of the square, a huge arena made of white jade gleamed in the sunlight, exuding an ancient and solemn aura.

The Ascension Ceremony officially commenced amidst great anticipation.

Li Zhe was still dressed as an ordinary handyman, mingling in a corner of the crowd, quietly watching everything.

He was like a calm hunter, patiently waiting for the best moment to strike.

The conference proceedings were even more tedious and boring than he had imagined.

First came the sect leader's lengthy, bureaucratic opening remarks, which lasted for several hours.

Then came the various affiliated forces, who lined up to offer their pre-prepared "tribute."

Finally, the much-anticipated martial arts competition among the sect's disciples took place.

Li Zhe watched as those so-called "chosen ones" on the stage fought back and forth, with special effects flying everywhere.

But I just found it funny.

Having witnessed true "battles of the gods," this level of "chicken-on-chicken" playfulness seemed to him even more boring than children playing house.

He even had the leisure to conduct a comprehensive "technical review" in his mind of every single movement and spell they made.

"The one on the left is too slow in his moves, and his moves are full of openings."

"The one on the right has unstable spiritual energy and an unstable foundation."

"Tsk tsk, if Kazuko were to unleash this 'Fire Dragon Technique,' it might burn down the entire mountain."

Just as he was feeling bored and preparing to leave early to check on Yao Chen's progress in alchemy at the back mountain.

A familiar yet unfamiliar name was suddenly uttered by the host.

"The next match will be between Han Li, an inner disciple, and..."

“Chief of the Enforcement Hall, Li Feiyu!” Li Zhe raised an eyebrow slightly.

He turned his gaze toward the arena.

The dark-skinned, plain-looking young man walked steadily and slowly onto the arena.

His eyes remained as sharp and resolute as ever.

But he exuded an aura of confidence and power that was completely different from what he had shown a month ago.

His cultivation level had actually skyrocketed from the fourth level of Qi Refining to... in just one month.

Qi Refining Level Thirteen, Great Perfection!
You're just one step away from reaching the Foundation Establishment stage!
“The ‘supplements’ I gave him worked quite well.”

Li Zhe looked at him and nodded in satisfaction.

His opponent, a guy named "Li Feiyu," was a young man dressed in black, with a cold and stern face, exuding a chilling aura that kept strangers at bay.

He gripped a long sword that gleamed with a cold light tightly in his hand, and his eyes, like those of a venomous snake, were fixed intently on Han Li.

"Han Li, you traitor!"

His voice was cold and devoid of any emotion.

"How dare you keep the 'Ascension Token' behind our backs! Today, on behalf of the Enforcement Hall, I will execute you on the spot!"

"Senior Brother Li, why must things be like this between us?"

Han Li looked at him, sighed, and a hint of helplessness appeared on his face.

"Aren't we friends?"

"Friends?" Li Feiyu scoffed, his eyes filled with disdain. "From the moment you chose to betray us, we were already..."

"The enemy!"

The moment he finished speaking, he moved.

His figure transformed into a black lightning bolt, the longsword in his hand carrying a chilling sword light, like a venomous snake emerging from its hole, aimed straight at Han Li's throat!
However, faced with this fatal blow...

Han Li didn't even lift his eyelids.

He simply raised his right hand.

Then, with two fingers, he effortlessly caught the thrusting sword.

"clang--"

A crisp metallic clang rang out.

The longsword, forged from fine steel and incredibly sharp, was easily frozen in mid-air, unable to advance even an inch further.

"what?!"

Li Feiyu's pupils contracted sharply, his face filled with disbelief and shock.

His proud swordsmanship was so easily neutralized by the opponent in such a humiliating way!
"Your sword is too slow."

Han Li looked at him, shook his head, and spoke in a calm tone as if stating an objective fact.

A complex emotion flashed in his sharp, hawk-like eyes.

There was pity, there was reluctance, but more than anything, there was a kind of...

Dismissively.

“Senior Brother Li, the gap between us can no longer be bridged by cultivation level alone.”

As he spoke, he applied slight pressure with two fingers.

"Click——"

A crisp sound.

The indestructible longsword snapped in two!

"puff--"

Li Feiyu was struck dumb, and suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood.

His body flew backward uncontrollably, crashing heavily off the stage and instantly losing consciousness...

(End of this chapter)