Starting with warding off evil and disaster, one can ascend to immortality after countless tribulati

Jiang Ming's control over the imagery of the Great Forest Tree mainly focused on concealment. Combining Ye Tao's experience and insights, he surpassed his teacher, attempting to make the imagery even more sinister and unpredictable.

Although it is currently only in its initial form, it can still enhance the aura of others, thereby weakening one's own presence.

The treacherous nature of the Great Forest Tree lies here.

As long as his presence is diminished, Jiang Ming can escape other people's sight and do things secretly, thus creating a cognitive barrier!

Simply put, it's about standing behind someone without them even realizing it!

During this period, Jiang Ming operated at night, secretly having seventh-level cultivators follow him. In just a few days, he caused quite a stir in the inner sect.

This even attracted a joint investigation from the disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall.

However, the advantage of the Great Forest Tree lies in this: it leaves no trace afterward, and unless one's cultivation level far surpasses Jiang Ming's, no one will be able to detect the problem.

Vertical day.

The token vibrated violently a few times, emitting a faint light. The next second, a deep, thunderous chanting sound echoed from within.

"Disciples of the seventh rank of the lower academy, please assemble outside the main hall of the Myriad Laws Sect immediately."

Disciples of the Shuiyue Sect have come to spar. No one should falter and disgrace the sect. Those who achieve victory will receive generous rewards from the sect.

Startled, Jiang Ming looked up and, recalling the group of blue-character disciples who had arrived not long ago, raised his eyebrows slightly and immediately headed to the main hall.

I planned to join in the fun and observe the strength of the other cultivators.

Outside the main hall of the Wanfa Sect, on the Transmission Platform.

A disciple with a handsome face held a three-foot-long sword in his hand, his eyes filled with elegance and unrestrainedness as he looked around, seemingly oblivious to everyone else.

"My name is Nangong Yang. I have always enjoyed sparring with masters. I have long heard that the Wanfa Sect is a place of outstanding people and abundant resources, so I have come here to ask for your guidance."

"Any fellow cultivator who believes they can defeat me is welcome to come up and spar with me."

This person is also at the mid-stage of the seventh rank, placing him at a relatively advanced level among the newly recruited disciples of the Myriad Laws Sect.

Despite their seemingly friendly demeanor, everyone knew that the Water Moon Sect was a vassal of the Five Spirits Sect.

The Five Spirits Sect has always been one step ahead of the Myriad Laws Sect. For many years, the Five Spirits Sect has always played the role of the leader in Tongzhou.

When allocating resources, one can also obtain the greatest benefits.

This is precisely because the Five Spirits Sect won first place in the last Five Sects Grand Competition.

The Wanfa Sect spared no expense in rewarding its disciples, hoping to use this competition to dampen the opponent's arrogance.

Now that the Five Spirits Sect has not yet arrived, their vassal has taken this opportunity to launch a preemptive attack, clearly intending to test the quality of the Myriad Laws Sect's disciples this year.

In this way, they can also get a feel for the situation in advance and accumulate some intelligence and experience for the upcoming five major competitions.

If the Wanfa Sect can't even handle the Shuiyue Sect.

Then there's no need to consider facing the newly recruited prodigies of the Five Spirits Sect.

"Fellow Daoist, I, He Shenglai, have come to meet you." With a cupped-hand salute, a young man in fine clothes calmly stepped onto the stage. The weapon in his hand was particularly strange; it was a heavy ruler.

Compared to Nangong Yang's elegant longsword, they were like two extremes.

Gazing at the arena, Jiang Ming silently made a guess in his mind.

If he wasn't mistaken, Nangong Yang would most likely win this match, as both were at the mid-stage of the seventh rank.

The two individuals achieved very similar levels of attainment, both being Water-type attainments.

Nangong Yang cultivated the supreme water-elemental fruition of the Great Ocean Water, while He Sheng cultivated the fruition of the Stream Water.

The two are vastly different.

Moreover, He Sheng's weapon was even more clumsy, and no matter how much Jiang Ming thought about it, he couldn't figure out how He Sheng could win.

"Raging Waves Dividing Ruler!" With a roar, He Sheng took the lead and attacked. With the blessing of his cultivation level, the heavy ruler poured down like a waterfall from the sky, with tremendous power.

boom!

As a heavy blow came, Nangong Yang did not meet it head-on, but quietly dodged the attack, a hint of mockery appearing in his eyes.

"Fellow Daoist is too impatient, but that's fine too, so you won't be unable to use even a single move..."

With a cold laugh, Nangong Yang launched an attack instantly.

The longsword in his hand instantly expanded tenfold.

It swept over with an intense, frosty aura, and was incredibly sharp!

His pupils contracted as he sensed the gloomy and dark aura. He froze, but in that brief moment, he lost his chance to dodge.

The sword energy struck him heavily, and in an instant, blood flowed like a waterfall. If Nangong Yang hadn't held back at the crucial moment...

That move just now was enough to kill He Sheng.

"This... He Sheng is the most outstanding disciple of the He family in this generation, yet he was defeated so thoroughly. Just who is this person?"

"It seems that he cultivated the Great Ocean Water, a position that has been rumored to be controlled by overseas dragons."

Why was he able to obtain the cultivation method?

"This man seems to be a descendant of the dragon race. Dragons are inherently lewd; I saw him in a brothel in Tongzhou just a few days ago..."

Listening to the crowd's discussion, Jiang Ming's eyes lit up!

If the other party is indeed a dragon, then he will have a way to break through the dragon blood that is crucial to the Eternal Life Sutra.

Within the inner sect, there is no way to exchange for Dragon Blood.

Even with contribution points, you can't buy it.

Seeing the walking dragon blood now, Jiang Ming couldn't help but feel excited, but after assessing its strength...

Jiang Ming was not confident of victory. Moreover, the image he currently possessed was of the fire element, which naturally put him at a disadvantage compared to the water element.

Furthermore, the opponent's ocean water was also at the Supreme level, and although it only revealed a trace of its power, it made Jiang Ming extremely vigilant.

With his current strength, the only way for him to win is to use all sorts of methods.

However, some methods are completely shady, such as the Ten Thousand Soul Banner, which is an item of the Witchcraft Cult.

The Witchcraft Cult was an evil sect that the five major sects had jointly suppressed back then. If this thing were exposed, Jiang Ming would probably be arrested by the sect elders and subjected to a thorough investigation in no time.

"You seem to know some swordsmanship. In that case, I'll test my skills against you." The young man stepped onto the stage with an air of brilliance, without revealing his name.

But Nangong Yang only glanced at it and understood immediately. He cupped his hands in greeting and said kindly, "You must be Yan Shisan, right?"

I had long heard that a young master from the Yan family in Yongzhou had given up the Sword Pavilion's offer to pursue Fairy Lin of the Myriad Laws Sect.

Seeing you today, you are indeed dignified and imposing.

"Stop talking nonsense, bring it on! I can defeat you in less than three moves!"

With an extremely arrogant gesture, Yan Shisan drew his wooden sword from his waist, and in an instant, his aura suddenly became terrifying. At this moment, it seemed as if the person standing on the field was not a cultivator.

And a divine sword about to be drawn!

"Interesting. To be able to fight you, with no clear winner, means my trip wasn't in vain."

He smiled warmly, and Nangong Yang no longer held back.

His aura surged rapidly, his gaze turned as cold as water, and with a single swing of his sword, it was like a giant wave crashing down.

Without dodging or avoiding, Yan Shisan unleashed a slash, his sharp eyes keenly seizing the flaw in Nangong Yang's magic, and decisively thrust forward!

"Oh no, he fell for our trap. He could have won, but now it's just a draw."

With a sigh of helplessness, Jiang Ming looked at Nangong Yang and immediately became wary. This man seemed gentle and refined, but when he got into a fight, he was surprisingly quick-witted.

Relying on his powerful physique as a descendant of the dragon race, he was not afraid of exchanging injuries for injuries, even though Yan Shisan's sword contained an unstoppable golden sword image.

Nangong Yang was able to barely bear the cost and launch a counterattack.

Just as Jiang Ming had predicted, Yan Shisan's sword pierced through Nangong Yang's chest, and at the same time, Nangong Yang's large hand also pierced through Yan Shisan's abdomen.

Both were seriously injured; if the fight continued, they would likely both perish.

"It's a draw. Go get them treated quickly."

Having grasped the situation, the elder leading the Shuiyue Sect quickly called a halt, then flicked his sleeves, turned his head, and snorted coldly.

"Nangong Yang went through a series of battles before you were able to barely turn the tide."

Don't be too happy yet. The top experts that my Shuiyue Sect sent this time haven't even made their appearance yet. If this is all the disciples of the Wanfa Sect are capable of, then...

This time, perhaps my Water Moon Sect can move up to the next level...

"Arrogant! Just wait and see! This time, the Myriad Laws Sect is determined to win the Five Sects Grand Competition!" With a cold snort, the Myriad Laws Sect elder's aura was in no way weak.

After retorting, he couldn't help but feel heavy-hearted. Anyone with eyes could see that in the fight just now, the Myriad Laws Sect was actually at a disadvantage.

Two players had to go out of their way to tie the game.

This class of disciples is indeed the worst in recent decades!

With a long sigh, the elder waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave.

Watching Nangong Yang's departing figure, Jiang Ming felt a deep sense of regret.

With an elder watching over them, it's not easy to make a move.

Otherwise, Jiang Ming would have insisted on borrowing a drop of dragon blood from him.

Having just experienced the show of force, the disciples of the Wanfa Sect seemed to be in a bad mood.

However, Jiang Ming disagreed. Since the strongest disciple of the Shuiyue Sect had not yet made a move, the Wanfa Sect must also have experts observing in secret.

It's still very difficult to say who will be the champion of the Five Sects Grand Competition.

Back at the Treasure Fish Pond, Jiang Ming released the little black snake to help him with his cultivation.

Previously, it had always refused, citing fear of being discovered by a Foundation Establishment cultivator. It was only under Jiang Ming's coercion and enticement that it finally gave in.

It did not refuse in the end, and silently used its metal element to help Jiang Ming comprehend the imagery of the Great Forest Tree.

As expected of the Supreme Fruit position, the difficulty is far greater than that of the imagery of the furnace fire, conservatively speaking.

Jiang Ming needs at least two more metal tempering processes.

Hopefully, there's still time before the official competition.

at that time.

The elders of the Wanfa Sect gathered together to discuss important matters, while True Man Tianlu, sitting in the head seat, remained silent.

He simply listened to the opinions of the elders, nodding occasionally.

"This year's disciples are not very good. In my opinion, we should get some benefits for them before the competition and distribute them in advance."

In this way, we can have a better chance of winning.

"Sigh, Shuiyue Sect ranked fourth in the last competition, but this time they actually managed to surpass us. I feel terrible."

……

With a light cough, Master Tianlu smiled, clearly unconcerned about everyone's worries.

He stretched out his hand, revealing a pale blue crystal sphere.

Amidst the gasps of the crowd, Master Tianlu revealed a playful expression and leisurely said, "In extraordinary times, we can only resort to extraordinary measures."

Relay my order: have the Merit Hall bring out more good stuff. I'm going to put it into the cultivation secret realm and have a big show with these old guys.

"We are the hosts of this competition, how can we let ourselves be outdone..."

"This... Master, are you going to use the Refining Technique Secret Realm as your main arena for the competition?"

Surprised, the Lord of the Earth Veins looked astonished and hesitated for a moment before asking, "Isn't the price too high?"

This is our sect's most prized possession; how can we allow disciples from other sects to enter?

With a wave of his hand, Master Tianlu made a sudden change in the scene before everyone's eyes. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

I believe that the disciples of the Wanfa Sect are no worse than anyone else. The reason they were behind in the previous competition was simply because some disciples were too cautious.

Since sect honor cannot sway them, I will open the second level of the Refining Secret Realm, using massive resources as bait to let these little guys go find and fight.

Three years in the cultivation secret realm are equivalent to only three days in the real world. Through this method, whoever stands out and shines brightly will reap sufficient benefits.

When he emerges, he will be the absolute core of the Myriad Laws Sect in the future…

"Wow, truly insightful."

The other two Foundation Establishment cultivators remained secluded from the world, and all affairs of the sect, large and small, were handled by True Person Tianlu, showing that his mind was made up.

The elders immediately put aside their concerns and echoed each other's sentiments.

Half a month later, it underwent another baptism of metal.

The image of the Great Forest Tree was fully formed. At the same time, Jiang Ming had mastered the Heavenly Fire Array spell attached to the "Heavenly Gang True Origin Fire Control Technique".

It's possible that the "Great Forest Obscures the Sun True Scripture" lacks accompanying spells for cultivation; otherwise, his strength could have reached a new level.

end of the month.

The Five Great Competitions were officially held.

Arriving outside the main hall of the Wanfa Sect, Jiang Ming glanced at the other four sects, silently assessing the strength of his disciples.

In just a few breaths of practice, he saw several formidable enemies, none of whom Jiang Ming was confident of defeating.

However, apart from that, he had no other concerns.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, no one else should be a match for him.

Sensing a familiar presence, Jiang Ming glanced back and saw Xu Youwei. He smiled kindly and returned the smile.

He was scooping money from the pocket of the male disciple next to him.

Xu Youwei and Jiang Ming exchanged a glance, and her pretty face immediately turned frighteningly red.

Seeing the male disciple beside her beam with delight, he assumed he had a chance and immediately took out several more high-quality pills to give to Xu Youwei.

"Everyone present is eligible to participate in this Five-Skill Competition."

To add some fun, I've decided to open the Refining Realm and let these little ones go in to train freely.

Fellow Daoists, what do you think?

As a Foundation Establishment True Person of the Myriad Laws Sect, True Person Tianlu took the initiative to make the suggestion.

Upon hearing this, Master Han Shuang of the Shuiyue Sect raised an eyebrow and looked at Master Hong Guang of the Wuling Sect beside him. They exchanged a glance and were both somewhat surprised.

Completely unexpectedly, the usually stingy Master Tianlu was so generous this time.

"Can."

The Daoist Master Cangwu of the Daoist Sect readily agreed.

"Excellent!" Following closely behind, Master Xiaoyun of the Qingfu Sect expressed his delight. As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he naturally understood the unique features of the Refining Secret Realm.

Given that the Myriad Laws Sect was willing to expend resources this time, as the weakest of the five sects, he had no hope of winning to begin with.

Now that he knew his disciple would receive many benefits, he was naturally delighted...