Stop pretending, the seemingly useless junior sister is the real boss.

Upon hearing the word "partner," A-Yin's pupils momentarily glazed over.

It hasn't heard of the words "partner" in a long time.

Looking at Ah Yin, whose body had shrunk several times, and whose fur looked so soft and cuddly, Bai Xiaobai couldn't help but touch it again and again, and even pressed his face against Ah Yin's soft fur.

"Ah Yin, we are not master and mount, we are partners, partners who fight side by side."

After a moment of stunned silence, Ah Yin gently rubbed her fluffy head against Bai Xiaobai's chubby little hand.

The red-clad sword spirit floating on the rusty sword began to circle around and scrutinize the little bundle of flesh that had successfully transformed in just a few days.

"Little guy, you're not even at the first level of Qi Refining, how did you manage to take human form? Isn't it said that demons can only take human form after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage?"

Changling's question was something Bai Xiaobai didn't understand.

But after Shen Ji brought her back from the Monster Forest, she went back to being his "Sleeping Beauty".

But Bai Xiaobai knew in her heart that Shen Ji must have played a part in the reason why she was able to transform into human form so quickly.

Moreover, she always felt that Shen Ji's reaction was too calm, as if he wasn't surprised at all.

There's also Ah Yin, who possesses the lightning element. She's surprised at how well she and her mixed spiritual roots resonate with each other, especially since the process of recognizing her as her master went so smoothly.

Therefore, she was convinced that Shen Ji had done something to prevent her from reaching the Foundation Establishment stage and taking human form.

Faced with Changling's doubts, Bai Xiaobai had no choice but to answer her confidently.

"Naturally, it's because this princess is exceptionally talented and born different from others, which is why I was able to take human form before reaching the Foundation Establishment stage. Also, as this princess's sword, could you perhaps play a little more useful? For example, could you think of a way to help this princess improve her cultivation as quickly as possible, so that she can successfully win first place in the sect's minor competition in six months?"

When she mentioned the sect's minor competition, Ling Tian wasn't particularly surprised.

Because apart from Bai Xiaobai, the junior sister, all the other disciples of Xiaoyao Peak have now reached the Golden Core Realm.

He genuinely didn't understand why he got first place.

"Junior Sister, do you mean you're going to get first place in the sect's minor competition in six months?"

Bai Xiaobai then realized that he had been so busy eating rice since he got back that he hadn't had a chance to tell his senior brother and Changling that he was going to participate in the sect's minor competition.

She pouted and began to accuse Shen Ji of his actions in a childish voice.

"Yes, Master thinks I have unlimited potential, even though I'm a good-for-nothing who can't even reach the first level of Qi Refining. But he not only wants me to participate in the sect's minor competition, but also wants me to keep our Xiaoyao Peak's first place for a hundred years."

Bai Xiaobai's accusations made Changling burst out laughing.

"Then your master has indeed overestimated you. I think you deserve to be last place."

Bai Xiaobai rolled her eyes in annoyance at Chang Ling's teasing.

"Yes, then everyone in the Qingxiao Sect will know that the infamous God-Slayer Tianzai has signed a soul contract with a good-for-nothing."

After Bai Xiaobai's reminder, Chang Ling immediately stopped laughing.

Because that's indeed the truth.

Ling Tian frowned slightly, also somewhat puzzled as to why his master would demand that his junior sister win first place in the sect's minor competition. This was clearly asking too much of her.

Moreover, this year's sect competition plan has changed and is completely different from previous years.

He only learned yesterday that disciples from other major sects would be participating in this sect competition.

However, although Master's actions are somewhat unpredictable, even I, his eldest disciple who has followed him for nearly two hundred years, am still somewhat unable to understand them.

However, since Master has made this decision, there must be a reason for it.

Furthermore, the various extraordinary encounters that Junior Sister has experienced are enough to demonstrate that she has her own unique qualities.

Moreover, now that he has fully transformed into human form, his cultivation might be twice as effective with half the effort.

Thinking of this, Ling Tian spoke up.

"Junior Sister, don't underestimate yourself. You must believe in yourself and in Master. Besides, you still have us senior brothers and sisters. It's just a small sect competition, nothing to be afraid of."

After being comforted by Ling Tian, ​​Bai Xiaobai was indeed less worried.

But Ling Tian's next words caused her mood to plummet.

"But this year's sect competition isn't just for disciples of our Qingxiao Sect. The sect leader has invited disciples from other major sects to participate as well. So this year's competition is much more difficult than in previous years."

Bai Xiaobai's little face scrunched up, and she instantly felt utterly despondent.

"Isn't this supposed to be a minor sect competition? Why is that old geezer Li Qingshan inviting disciples from other sects?"

Seeing Bai Xiaobai's utterly dejected look, Ling Tian smiled and comforted her.

"In the entire Qingxiao Sect, I'm afraid only you and Master dare to address the Sect Master by his full name. Although other sects have come to participate in this sect competition this year, the increase in the number of participants has led to restrictions on the cultivation levels of the contestants. This time, only disciples at the early Foundation Establishment stage and below are eligible to participate in the sect competition."

Upon hearing that the Foundation Establishment stage was in its early stages, Changling took over the conversation.

"So you're the only one from the entire Xiaoyao Peak who can participate. No wonder your master wanted you to participate. But with your abilities, you shouldn't embarrass Xiaoyao Peak. Why don't you just forfeit the competition?"

Upon hearing this, Bai Xiaobai clapped her hands and nodded in approval.

"That's right, Senior Brother. I think Changling makes a lot of sense. We can just forfeit the competition and not participate in this sect competition. That way, I won't have to go up there and embarrass our Xiaoyao Peak."

But Ling Tian shook his head with a wry smile.

"The sect has rules that no disciple can withdraw from the competition without a valid reason. Moreover, our Xiaoyao Peak has a renowned reputation, and other sects are also participating this time. The sect leader will not allow us to withdraw."

Bai Xiaobai was completely distraught, muttering that she was going to just give up.

"So you're forcing me to go up there and tarnish the reputation of our Xiaoyao Peak? Senior Brother, cultivating immortality is too tiring. Maybe I should pack up and go back to the Spirit Realm to continue being my snake princess. Anyway, with my snake father and snake mother around, I can live a life of ease without worrying about food or drink."

Seeing her looking utterly hopeless, Ling Tian patted her fluffy little head.

"Junior Sister, cultivating immortality is tiring, but only through constant tempering can you grow rapidly. Moreover, you've only been at Xiaoyao Peak for a few days, yet you've already successfully transformed into human form. Furthermore, you've gained the renowned Heavenly Calamity as your master, and now you have Ah Yin, a companion with the lightning metal attribute. This already surpasses many others."

"If you give up cultivation because you're afraid of getting tired, I'm sure the Spirit Lord and the others will be disappointed. Besides, we senior brothers and sisters all like you very much, as do our Master. If you go back to the Spirit Realm, you'll never see us again. It's just a small sect competition. Even if you don't get first place, it doesn't matter. There's no such thing as smearing or losing face. As long as you've tried your best, that's the best result."

"Giving up is indeed easier than persisting, but you will gain more by striving to do something well."