The Long Journey to Immortality

However, with Han Lu's current abilities, activating the sword formation and unleashing ten thousand bolts of lightning is no problem at all.

The shadowy figure emitted golden light from its eyes, and Han Lu used her "Seeing Through" supernatural power at this moment.

Although the magic array that was rapidly deployed using magical artifacts was not riddled with flaws, it was not without its imperfections.

Even with Han Lu's relatively shallow knowledge of formations, combined with her secret techniques and supernatural abilities, she could still clearly see at least five flaws.

Without hesitation, the shadowy figure unleashed lightning, attacking the weakest point in the formation.

Relentlessly pursued by Han Lu, who had transformed into a phoenix, Xuanfeng Daoist had no time to strengthen the formation or fill the gaps.

Under the precise strike of the shadowy figure, in less than ten breaths, a thousand bolts of lightning struck simultaneously, and with the rolling thunder, the formation was broken.

The command flag in Xuanfeng Daoist's hand actually burned out on the spot and disappeared, as if it had never existed.

Without the cover of the formation, the magical treasures that Xuanfeng Daoist had released to participate in the previous encirclement were now completely exposed to Han Lu.

Without hesitation, the shadowy figure activated the nine spirit swords formed from the sword pellet, launching them at least twenty magical artifacts of the highest quality in the air.

A series of metallic clanging sounds, like a sudden downpour, rang out, and in the blink of an eye, half of the magical artifacts were destroyed by Han Lu's sword pellets.

As he felt the magical treasures connected to his mind being severely damaged and destroyed one by one, Daoist Xuanfeng threw all thoughts of face and sect mission to the back of his mind, thinking only of minimizing the losses.

With a sob in his voice, Daoist Xuanfeng cried out, "I admit defeat! I admit defeat!"

Despite conceding defeat, Han Lu, relying on her status as the victor, relentlessly destroyed two more of Xuanfeng Daoist's spiritual artifacts with her spirit sword before finally stopping.

Watching the numerous fragments of magical treasures fall into the surging source water like raindrops, Xuanfeng Daoist felt as if his heart was being torn apart, and he wanted to cry but had no tears.

Chapter 763 Fruits of Victory

With Xuanfeng Daoist's declaration of "surrender," the sixteen Golden Core cultivators watching from the sidelines reacted differently, each according to their respective allies.

Among them, the one with the most complex expression was the hermit of Zhuxuan in Xuanyang Valley.

Although he and Han Lu were not close, he still felt to some extent that they were "teammates".

Moreover, this was also a victory for the newcomers over the veterans.

Therefore, it is because Zhuxuan Jushi, who actually did not receive much benefit from the spirit stone mine, had such mixed feelings.

However, this is just a feeling.

In terms of expression, he tried his best to conform to the collective sentiment, putting on a bitter smile.

Restrained yet revealing emotions.

Laugh at the exciting and unprecedented battles, and feel bitter for the final defeat.

Reasonable.

The Zhengyi Sect cultivators, who were on the winning side, expressed their emotions to the fullest.

As the second largest sect in the Central Plains, although its situation has improved in recent decades, the cultivators of the Zhengyi Sect have had enough of being the "runner-up" or "loser".

Now, their victory at the Golden Core Realm level is enough to make them beam with joy, just like ordinary people celebrating the New Year.

Xuan Chengzi stared blankly at Han Lu's back in the sky, recalling the declaration he had made when he "elected" the position of sect leader, and couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion and tears welling up in his eyes.

Fortunately, his control over his personal emotions had also reached the level of the Golden Core Realm.

With a smile on his face, Xuan Chengzi flew through the air and approached Han Lu, the victor of the duel.

As he flew, he spoke, saying, "Elder Zhenfeng, this is not right of you. Why did you still try to kill Fellow Daoist Xuanfeng after he admitted defeat, destroying two of his magic treasures?"

Han Lu and Xuan Chengzi had a tacit understanding; Han Lu knew very well that he wasn't blaming her at this moment, but rather helping her exonerate herself from the "bad things" she had done after being ordered to do them.

Understanding immediately, Han Lu replied, "Sect Master, one must be fully focused during a battle. I was so engrossed in controlling the spirit sword that I didn't notice that Fellow Daoist Xuanfeng had already conceded defeat, and thus inadvertently destroyed two of Fellow Daoist Xuanfeng's magical treasures."

Upon hearing Han Lu's reply, Xuan Chengzi smiled and said, "I see. That makes sense. Fellow Daoist Xuan Feng has countless magical treasures, so he certainly won't hold a grudge against you."

After saying this, Xuan Chengzi looked at Xuan Feng Daoist, whose face was gloomy, and asked with concern, "How are you, Xuan Feng Daoist? If you are still angry, I will arrange for Zhen Feng Fairy to have another match with you in a few days to apologize, so that you will also have a chance to return the favor."

Xuan Chengzi's lines sounded pleasant, but everyone could understand that his words to Xuan Feng Daoren at this moment were nothing short of a threat.

Hearing Xuan Chengzi's harsh words, Xuan Feng Daoist couldn't help but recall Long Daoist's telepathic message before their sparring match, and immediately lost any thought of seeking revenge against Han Lu.

He even felt a touch of gratitude towards Han Lu.

After all, in that situation just now, the fact that she only destroyed her own magic weapon and did not kill him or destroy his foundation was already a merciful act.

"Most likely, that's what Xuan Chengzi was referring to in his reprimand just now."

While Xuanfeng Daoist's conjecture is reasonable, it would be more accurate to say that it is an excuse given by the loser to not seek revenge and to happily accept the fruits of defeat.

No monk would want to create an opponent who is unlikely to be able to avenge himself, thus disturbing his state of mind.

Having thought things through thoroughly, Daoist Xuanfeng readily admitted defeat without any psychological burden.

"No, no, I admit defeat wholeheartedly and have no intention of blaming Fairy Zhenfeng."

"It is my honor to have the chance to compete with Fairy Zhenfeng. If Fairy Zhenfeng has time to come to the North next time, I will definitely hold a grand banquet to entertain her."

Xuanfeng Daoist lowered his stance, afraid of causing any more trouble and making things difficult for himself.

Daoist Long arrived late and did not step forward in time to uphold justice for the sect elders.

Perhaps he would have preferred to let things end so hastily.

At this moment, he came forward, but he didn't mention the battle of magic that had just taken place. Instead, he talked to Xuan Chengzi about the technical exchange meeting that would be held in the next few days.

While Xuan Yang Valley wanted to settle the matter peacefully, Xuan Chengzi, representing the interests of the Zheng Yi Sect, was not about to pretend that the matter would simply pass by according to the agreed rules.

He continued talking to himself, emphasizing the original rules and how they should be implemented, as if afraid that Daoist Long might forget.

Listening to Xuan Chengzi recite the rules he had set beforehand, as if he were performing a monologue.

The cultivators of Xuan Yang Valley were frustrated but unable to stop it, while the cultivators of Zheng Yi Sect had Xuan Chengzi recite it seven or eight more times.

Only after Long Daoren formally brought up the battle just now, publicly acknowledged the results, and agreed that the Zhengyi Sect could receive 20% of the profits according to the rules, did Xuan Chengzi continue to politely discuss the technical exchange matters in the next few days with Long Daoren.

Since it is a technical exchange, communication, cooperation, and collaboration are naturally required.

The two sect leaders made further agreements on many major matters, while the remaining tasks were handled by the elders, disciples, and followers who had come together to take charge of the matter.

Xuanfeng Daoist and Han Lu felt somewhat awkward having their company, but they didn't return to their group until the two sect leaders finished their conversation, thus ending today's less-than-friendly negotiation.

Upon returning to the Taiping Sect, Xuan Chengzi instructed the Taiping Sect elders in charge of receiving him to prepare a victory celebration banquet.

Not only Han Lu and the elders who came to watch the battle, but also the disciples who would be busy with technical exchanges in the next few days were gathered together to celebrate Han Lu's victory.

They happily raised their wine glasses, drinking and toasting with their fellow disciples, continuously gulping down the delicious wine that could not possibly intoxicate a Golden Core cultivator.

The atmosphere was lively, filled with praise, which made Han Lu, who didn't like this kind of environment, quite happy.

After a hearty meal, Han Lu finally regained her senses an hour and a half later and returned to her room, still smelling of alcohol.

Stepping into the bathtub and soaking in the hot water, Han Lu squinted her eyes, feeling the comfort of the gentle water kissing her body. While washing away the smell of alcohol, she recalled the gains and losses of today's battle and pondered what she had learned from it.

It must be said that savoring the fruits of victory is a truly delightful experience.

In particular, recalling the many promises that Xuan Chengzi made in front of everyone at the banquet just now.

Han Lu was certain that after this battle, the resources in her storage bag would definitely be much more plentiful.

Not only that, according to the promise made by Xuan Chengzi, for the next ten years, at least five thousand spirit stones will be deposited into her storage bag each year in a share, becoming an aid for her to advance further.

Slightly twisting her neck, listening to the crisp sound beside her ear, Han Lu let out a soft moan, her thoughts drifting back to the Zhengyi Sect thousands of miles away.

"I wonder how the competition between Senior Sister, Qiu Peng, and Hao Ge is going."

"I imagine it was a resounding victory."

"Perhaps, in the competition five days from now, Senior Sister and Haoge will also be able to represent the sect."

Chapter 764 Smooth Sailing, Unsmooth Sailing

While Han Lu was thinking about her friends and disciples in the Zhengyi Sect at the Taiping Sect, the Zhengyi Sect Grand Competition was already coming to an end.

Although Qiu Peng, who was only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, was a burden, Nian Haoge and Wen Erya were both capable cultivators who could stand alone and fight against many opponents. Therefore, the three of them did not perform badly in the Secret Realm course.

They collected a total of 210 Spirit Beads, surpassing the second-place team by more than 50 beads, and successfully won the test in the advanced secret realm.

This resulted in Qiu Peng's originally average performance in the arena being significantly boosted when calculating his overall score.

After calculations by several academy cultivators, and with the help of his two "older sisters," Qiu Peng soared to new heights, surpassing nearly two hundred fellow disciples in one go, and making it into the top sixty-four.

Qiu Peng breathed a sigh of relief after reaching the passing grade set by Han Lu.

This achievement was largely due to the outstanding performance of his two teammates.

But looking back on his hard work over the past three years and his several brilliant performances on the ring, Qiu Peng still believes that this achievement is an affirmation of his efforts and an encouragement to him.

Even before the rewards and praise from Han Lu arrived, his Dao heart had already become much more stable because of this tangible achievement.

He became more determined to cultivate diligently and achieve the Golden Elixir than before.

Qiu Peng's first competition came to an end, but for the two "older sisters" who had been cultivating in the sect for decades, their competition was only just beginning.

Wen Erya had lost count of how many competitions she had participated in as a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the Zhengyi Sect.

Although she was not far from becoming a pseudo-core cultivator, she was a regular in the top three of the competition.

Aside from the team competition with Han Lu, the first Foundation Establishment Realm competition they participated in, where they won the overall championship for the early Foundation Establishment stage.

Wen Erya has also won the championship twice.

However, due to her royal upbringing, she still harbors a strong competitive spirit and a deep desire to win the overall championship.

However, many things cannot be decided by personal will alone.

Although Wen Er Ya is indeed very strong, things on the ring are always full of variables.

After overcoming numerous obstacles to reach the finals, Wen Erya suffered a setback in the last and most crucial battle, losing to a dark horse who had only reached the late Foundation Establishment stage four years prior.

"Xiao Liangjun?"

Having swallowed the bitter pill of defeat, Wen Erya could only silently remember her opponent's name, dreaming of defeating him in the ring five years later and regaining her pride.

Fortunately, when calculating the total score, Wen Erya was ahead of Xiao Liangjun, who was only ranked eighth in the Secret Realm Department, and successfully won another championship after coming to Zhengyi Sect.

Despite winning the championship, Wen Er Ya still harbored resentment over her defeat in the final.

It wasn't that she cared about the result of the match, but rather that because of this defeat to the dark horse in the arena, she realized that she might no longer be the most outstanding cultivator in her realm.