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

"I beg you, just give me a quick death!" Despite being filled with resentment, Du Gang dared not show it at all.

This world has never lacked scoundrels.

Du Gang has even seen people who could win a challenge quickly, but instead drag it out and kill time until their opponents can no longer tolerate it and start cursing, at which point he breaks or crushes their limbs.

Fearing that Jiang Ming might also be such a beast, Du Gang was extremely cautious. He had now made up his mind that as long as Jiang Ming dealt with him severely...

He immediately collapsed to the ground and couldn't get up. Only under such circumstances could the elder in charge of the referee declare Jiang Ming the winner.

Frowning, Elder Duan looked at Jiang Ming, who was playing with him like a cat to a mouse. A hint of displeasure flashed in Elder Duan's eyes, and he couldn't help but feel some disappointment in Jiang Ming.

As an elder of the Wanfa Sect, he naturally recognized that this was the disciple who had brought fame to the sect during the Five Sects Grand Competition.

Although later, Master Han Li of the sect was no match for the leader of the Five Spirits Sect and failed to take away the title of the number one sect in Tongzhou.

However, the name Jiang Ming was more or less remembered by the elders of the sect.

After all, someone who can gain the appreciation of Master Tianlu can't be too bad, no matter how bad they are.

Before meeting Jiang Ming, Elder Duan thought the same thing.

But seeing the scene before him, he couldn't help but waver.

This is no good prospect at all; he's clearly a beast. If Jiang Ming hurts someone later, he must stop him.

We must nip this unhealthy trend in the bud!

Having grasped his true level, Jiang Ming instantly understood the situation. He casually knocked Du Gang down with a single blow, then calmly looked at Elder Duan and smiled kindly.

Hmm? This person seems alright; he's not a completely wicked individual.

With a slight sense of relief, Elder Duan took Du Gang's disciple token, wiped away its aura and dirt, and decisively handed it over to Jiang Ming.

"Kid, you can only challenge once a month. If you waste this opportunity, you'll miss out on some resources," someone kindly reminded him.

Elder Duan stood with his hands behind his back, speaking with the air of someone who had been through it all, "If I were you, I would challenge Qin Caihuan, who is in the mid-stage of the eighth rank."

She was the only non-Buddhist cultivator, and now that she had lost her backer, she had almost never won a battle against someone of the same level. Her ranking had been steadily declining lately.

With a wry smile, Jiang Ming nodded and accepted the old man's kindness.

Unlike many selfish elders in the outer sect.

This old man does have some humanity to him.

"By the way, there's something I must tell you: while the disciples of the Central Academy enjoy the benefits, they also bear certain obligations."

For example, sometimes we need to eradicate those heretics and scoundrels like the Witchcraft Sect and the Red Moon Sect who harm cultivators.

There may be injuries or fatalities involved. Please keep a stock of life-saving items on hand. Remember this!

After giving a few final words of advice, Elder Duan fell silent again, then turned and left with his hands behind his back.

"Young master, I am your maid, your servant Qing'er."

As Jiang Ming entered the cave, a pretty maidservant slowly walked over, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling with spring as she looked Jiang Ming up and down.

Compared to Du Gang, Jiang Ming is more than a level above him.

As a plaything, she naturally preferred to take care of Jiang Ming.

"Can you leave?" Jiang Ming had no interest in her and only glanced at her before telling her to leave.

"Of course, you are free to come and go from the central courtyard, young master. You can leave whenever you wish, and Qing'er can come with you." The girl replied sweetly and immediately began to undress.

She revealed a treasure bigger than her head. It was unclear why the woman, who had just been in normal proportions, had transformed into this form.

Jiang Ming was momentarily stunned. After a moment of silence, he slowly asked, "Is this also magic?"

Shaking her head, Qing'er blushed and said, "I am a demon, I can change my body and mind however I want."

Nodding somewhat disappointedly, Jiang Ming pointed to the cave entrance and said coldly, "I just told you to leave."

I don't need any maids. You can go wherever you want.

Upon realizing she was about to lose her job, Qing'er immediately turned pale.

She knelt on the ground, sobbing and lamenting her hardships.

After chatting for a while, Jiang Ming roughly understood the situation. Just like when she was cultivating the technique, Qing'er had sold herself to pay off her debts because she owed the sect a lot of contribution points.

"How much do you still owe? If it's too much, I'll pay it off for you. You'd better get the hell out of here and go home. I don't want anyone disturbing my meditation."

Waving her hand, Qing'er, though humble, was also very strong and stubbornly declined Jiang Ming's offer, saying, "No, I just want to be self-reliant now."

"If you wish to help me, sir, please don't send me away. In another month, I will be able to redeem myself and escape this misery."

With a sigh, Jiang Ming did not refuse this time.

With a wave of his hand, he picked up Qing'er's clothes from the ground, then turned his back and gave her a cold instruction.

"Leave on your own in a month. Don't bother me during this time."

For the first time, Qing'er saw a cultivator who didn't touch or harass her, and she showed gratitude. She sat alone in the corner, unfolded the paper in her hand, and silently drew a portrait of Jiang Ming.

January passed quietly.

Jiang Ming was a little stunned as he took the stack of papers from the girl. After carefully examining the portrait, he suddenly realized that the girl was not entirely without merit.

After a moment of contemplation, he tentatively asked, "Besides your looks, what else can you do?"

"Would you like to earn some contribution points to continue your cultivation?"

"I can draw array diagrams and spirit talismans, although I'm only at a beginner level, but I'm willing to learn." Jiang Ming said, trying to persuade her to stay.

A look of genuine anticipation appeared on Qing'er's face.

She reached her current position only because of her cultivation practice; cultivation has become an obsession for her.

Moreover, her cultivation level is not high at present, only at the early stage of the seventh level, so even if she goes down the mountain, she won't be able to live a very good life.

If Jiang Ming is willing to let her stay and even provide her with resources, that would be wonderful.

"Formation, talisman. Tell me what formations you have learned and what talismans you can draw. If they are valuable enough, I will give you 500 contribution points every month for cultivation."

There are extra rewards for good performance.

Calmly asking a question, Qing'er immediately began to introduce herself.

Although he didn't have a deep understanding of each theory, Jiang Ming thought it over and over and felt that he was missing a master of all the arts of cultivation.

After spending a month together, considering that Qing'er was quite well-behaved, he told her not to disturb him and obediently hid in a corner to draw.

Jiang Ming eventually took pity on him and decided to keep him.

He then threw out the little black snake and coldly commanded, "You money-devouring beast, you usually waste so many of my resources."

"You've only reached the seventh level of cultivation. I now order you to teach her how to draw spirit talismans and learn formations. If you don't perform well, I'll fire you."

She pounced on Jiang Ming, looking utterly wronged, and began to bite him.

Enraged, the little black snake retorted angrily, "Ungrateful wretch! Without me, how could your image have improved so quickly!"

Jiang Ming glanced at her, offering no comment.

Although the imagery of the Great Forest Tree largely came from Ye Tao's generous teaching, the imagery of the Furnace Fire was indeed greatly contributed by the Little Black Snake.

Thinking of this, Jiang Ming's tone softened slightly, and he said quietly, "Alright, alright, hurry up and teach her some real skills."

"While we're at it, let's assess their qualifications. If they're capable of great things, we'll keep them..."

Hearing this, Qing'er was somewhat disappointed, but she remained spirited.

Before this, she had always lived a lowly life, only able to survive by selling her dignity.

Now that someone has finally given her hope of being able to support herself, she feels only pure gratitude.

He gave a soft hum.

The little black snake was somewhat indignant, but considering that she couldn't leave Jiang Ming for the time being, she could only suppress her anger and began to give orders to Qing'er.

As a fellow demon beast, it was more tolerant of Qing'er.

After a period of instruction, it was discovered that Qing'er's mastery of formations had improved by leaps and bounds, reaching the level of an entry-level formation master.

He also personally crafted a magic array capable of dealing with late-stage eighth-tier enemies, although it was only in its rudimentary form and its power was not very stable.

But this was no small achievement. Nodding in surprise, Jiang Ming considered it carefully and decided to keep Qing'er.

However, if they stay by my side, they will inevitably come into contact with many secrets. After thinking it over, Jiang Ming gave a choice: "If you want to stay, then enter the Ten Thousand Soul Banner and be controlled by me."

In return, I will give you 1,000 contribution points every month for training and learning formations.

"If you don't agree, you can go down the mountain. I won't stop you. The array formation knowledge you've learned should be enough to make a living down there, so you won't have to worry about making a living."

Without any hesitation, Qing'er took the initiative to enter the banner, her eyes firm and loyal, "Young Master has given me a new life."

You've given me the chance to control my own destiny; my life is yours!

Seeing her decisiveness, Jiang Ming had no further questions and directly allocated 1,000 contribution points to her for her to use.

The reason for such generosity is simply because they value the other party's potential.

After all, if a formation master cultivates to a certain level, they can play a very important role and can even easily kill enemies across realms.

Before he could even feel happy, Jiang Ming received an invitation to a competition.

He never dreamed that someone like him, a mid-stage eighth-level cultivator occupying one of the top 100 spots, would have the audacity to challenge him.

Are they tired of living?

Wouldn't it be more cost-effective to switch to an early-stage level 8 challenge?

Somewhat helplessly, Jiang Ming walked out of the room and looked at the person who had come in. He raised an eyebrow and was immediately filled with surprise. "Hmm, what brings you to the Myriad Laws Sect? What a coincidence, you're also at the mid-stage of the eighth rank?"

Upon seeing Nangong Yue's figure, Jiang Ming shivered. Recalling everything he had done in the Refining Secret Realm, he couldn't help but feel some worry.

"The five sects have always been able to learn from each other. I came here not to take a seat, but simply to challenge you and avenge my previous defeat."

With a determined look in her eyes, Nangong Yue's gaze swept over Jiang Ming, her eyes filled with hatred.

That competition almost became her inner demon.

At night, she would dream that Jiang Ming would suddenly jump out and attack her.

Not only her, but Nangong Yang was the same way. Whenever he thought of the humiliation of being skinned alive and having his blood drawn, he, a grown man, would cry pitifully.

Even with the intervention of the Foundation Establishment Ancestor of the Nangong family, the psychological trauma could not be erased.

The one who tied the knot must untie it. After much thought, Patriarch Nangong gave her many resources so that she could personally defeat Jiang Ming and overcome her inner demons.

"I won't compete with you. Since this isn't an internal sect competition, I have the right to refuse you, right, Elder Duan?"

Elder Duan nodded awkwardly, having expected Jiang Ming to face the challenge calmly, but things turned out differently than he had anticipated.

While avoiding battle may sound unpleasant, it is indeed Jiang Ming's right.

"You bastard, you coward, why don't you dare fight me fairly?" Nangong Yue glared angrily, her pretty face turning cold and her expression turning ugly when she saw Jiang Ming refuse.

She was well-prepared this time, and even brought a recording talisman to record the victory so that she could go back and cure Nangong Yang's inner demons and completely eradicate his hysteria, which caused him to change his personality drastically whenever he heard the name Jiang Ming.

"Promise me one thing, and I'll accept it." Jiang Ming spoke calmly and composedly, appearing very unperturbed.

After all, the initiative was in his hands, and he could do whatever he wanted. After a long silence, Nangong Yue finally decided to give in.

"Tell me, I'll agree to whatever you ask within my power."

"I would like to observe the Great Ocean Water Technique. If possible, Miss Nangong, it would be best if you could give me some guidance." She stated her request in a serious manner.

The girl's eyes widened, and she immediately flew into a rage. "The 'Sea-Accommodating Hundred Rivers Classic' is the most precious treasure of the Water Moon Sect."

How can a third-rank martial arts technique be so easily taught?

"Then you can be tormented by your inner demons. Anyway, I'm not the one with psychological trauma." Jiang Ming shrugged and turned to leave, showing absolutely no integrity.

Elder Duan stared at Jiang Ming thoughtfully. The more he looked at Jiang Ming, the more familiar he seemed. This shamelessness was almost exactly like that of True Person Tianlu.

Jiang Ming embodies Shang Xiu's profit-driven nature to the fullest extent; perhaps he really can achieve Foundation Establishment.

Carefully consider the actions of the masters in the sect.

Elder Duan increasingly felt that Jiang Ming had the demeanor of a master.

This kind of ruthless, unyielding style, where one has to swallow a piece of meat no matter what, is just too much like a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Gritting her teeth, Nangong Yue reluctantly agreed, nodding in humiliation in order to help her brother, who was always in a daze, to get back on his feet.

"You... bastard, I agree, but you can only learn it yourself, you can't pass it on to anyone else."

"There's another condition: you have to teach me the techniques and guarantee that I'll get the hang of it." He pointed out this issue very meticulously.

Seeing that Nangong Yue still readily agreed and swore an oath with her Dao heart, Jiang Ming gradually felt relieved and readily stepped into the arena.

Leaping up, Nangong Yue immediately launched her attack after taking the stage.

As she entered the mid-stage of the eighth rank, her physical body became increasingly powerful, and the force emanating from her knuckles caused blood to trickle from the corner of Jiang Ming's mouth.

After assessing Nangong Yue's strength, Jiang Ming originally intended to use the same trick as before to defeat her by employing the evil spirit of the Great Forest Wood, but he saw Nangong Yue triumphantly unleash a formation.

In an instant, Jiang Ming's disguise completely failed, and the imagery of the Great Forest Tree was completely isolated and could not even be used.

"Formations can be used too?" Jiang Ming raised an eyebrow, somewhat dissatisfied.

Using formations in a duel is truly despicable.

"Of course, there should be no taboos in a competition. You can use whatever methods you have."

He raised his chin, completely ignoring Jiang Ming's doubts.

Nangong Yue's eyes were filled with a desire for victory.

She knew Jiang Ming's true strength very well. Without the image of the Great Forest Tree, he was essentially missing an arm and a leg, and his strength would inevitably decline significantly.

He glanced coldly at Nangong Yue, noticing her lack of martial ethics.

Jiang Ming no longer held back, and he used all the magic array Qing'er had created, as well as Wu He from the Ten Thousand Soul Banner...