The Long Journey to Immortality

"Even without using his innate spiritual abilities, he can at least be on par with Elder Xianyu in terms of physical strength alone."

"The light of the elemental magnet is powerful, but it has no effect on steel and iron bodies."

Xiao Ran spoke with a touch of humor, but his words were based on rigorous logical reasoning.

Based on this, Xiao Ran further predicted, "Using this divine power will consume a lot of spiritual energy. I estimate that Elder Xianyu will soon be in a dilemma."

Immediately afterwards, he whispered to Wen Erya, "Erya, how about we practice some external martial arts tonight?"

Xiao Ran's words had a hidden meaning; he was clearly flirting with Wen Erya.

Wen Erya blushed slightly and gently punched Xiao Ran's right upper arm.

The two had been in a relationship for several years and had almost considered each other as their other half, even though they were not yet married.

Such playful banter and jokes were common between the two, and even Wen Erya quite enjoyed this kind of tone that added to their relationship and made things more interesting.

Wen Erya and Xiao Ran were secretly flirting on the viewing platform.

Han Lu continued her fierce battle with Xianyu Ji on the ring.

Although Han Lu didn't know what the Yuan Magnetic Light was, it didn't stop her from making the right choice immediately.

Spread your wings and soar high.

Taking advantage of the phoenix's speed, Han Lu unleashed a set of claw techniques that descended from the sky at Xianyu Ji.

Han Lu had practiced martial arts and external skills in combat using the form of a true spirit for a period of time in the wilderness.

Although they are not as familiar as their own kind, they are sufficient for sparring on the arena.

Facing Han Lu, who could quickly overcome the impenetrable walls and restrain the magical artifact, Xianyu Ji remained calm.

He had already anticipated this when he was wielding the pen holder.

After all, it was an open secret that Han Lu was skilled in physical and external martial arts in her True Spirit state, and Xianyu Ji's years of experience in combat would not make him overlook this point.

While manipulating the pen holder to entangle the shadowy figure and defend against possible flanking attacks, Xianyu Ji also used secret techniques to strengthen himself. Forced to use short-range attacks, Xianyu Ji did not struggle with the dilemma Xiao Ran mentioned, but decisively took a pre-planned, tortuous path.

Although Xianyu Ji was not good at external martial arts, he had still practiced some basic skills and found a martial arts method to make up for his shortcomings.

However, a weakness is still a weakness. Even if it is slightly improved, it is still no match for Han Lu, who has the bloodline of the True Spirit, in terms of external skills.

Using a secret technique, Xianyu Ji, whose body had swelled by three-tenths, wielded a large golden-backed cleaver and engaged in combat with Han Lu, who was in her true spirit form.

In terms of skills and techniques, Xianyu Ji is no match for Han Lu.

In terms of strength, Xianyu Ji is no match for Han Lu, who possesses the bloodline of the Fierce Phoenix.

In terms of physical strength, Xianyu Ji is far inferior to Han Lu.

However, the biggest difference lies in speed.

Han Lu sped across the arena at a speed almost three times faster than Xian Yuji.

If we were to assign a numerical value to the abilities of Han Lu and Xianyu Ji at this moment and draw them as polygons...

It is quite obvious that the polygons drawn by Han Lu, with her various abilities, completely enclose Xian Yuji's polygons.

In the previous stages of the battle, Xianyu Ji still had the ability to defeat Han Lu to some extent.

Now, in this impending close-quarters combat, unlike the hand-to-hand battles between cultivators from the Central Plains, Xianyu Ji's only advantage over Han Lu might be his age.

In just three breaths, the human and the phoenix on the arena had already exchanged blows nearly ten times.

The Golden Core elders on the viewing platform could barely see what was happening on the arena, but the disciples on the platform could only watch the spectacle.

The duel has reached its final moment, and the two cultivators on the arena are now in different situations.

Han Lu used both her hands and feet, turning every part of the Phoenix's true form into her weapons in battle.

These were combat skills she learned from her father.

Although Huanfeng is not good at close combat, she is still a true spirit and has inherited some skills in close combat in her true form.

Xianyu Ji, being unskilled in close combat, could only rely on the low-grade spiritual weapon in his hand.

The two men's weapons differed in both quantity and quality.

At this moment, Xianyu Ji only regretted that he had not mastered a few more secret techniques similar to Iron Head Kung Fu and Vajra Leg Kick, otherwise he would not be in such a passive position.

After another twenty breaths, Xianyu Ji was already showing signs of defeat.

At this moment, Han Lu felt that there was no point in continuing the sparring, so she decisively transmitted her voice to Xianyu Ji, "That's it."

Although he wasn't seriously injured, Xianyu Ji, who only had 30% of his spiritual power left, was quite helpless, but he frankly admitted that Han Lu was still better than him.

"You win, that's it."

They privately confirmed the outcome of the sparring match, but neither of them showed any sign of stopping.

The "match-fixing" continued less than 100 breaths into the middle of the game.

Following the Qingxu Sect Master's instructions, the two fought for a full quarter of an hour before finally stopping.

As the blades and claws clashed, Han Lu used the momentum to spread her wings and create distance between herself and Xianyu Ji, while simultaneously transforming back into human form in mid-air.

Before Han Lu could speak, Xianyu Ji held his sword horizontally, bowed to Han Lu, and said, "Elder Zhenfeng, you have won this time."

Han Lu returned the greeting with a cupped hand, "Elder Xianyu, you flatter me."

Chapter 1088 Polite Remarks

Amidst thunderous applause, Han Lu and Xianyu Ji left the arena and slowly flew to the viewing platform.

The fight had been intense just moments before, and Elder Xianyu, who showed no signs of injury, suddenly "resigned," leaving many Zhengyi disciples in the stands puzzled.

However, despite not understanding the situation, no one considered the possibility of a conspiracy or match-fixing.

After all, even a disciple who had just reached the Dao Child Realm could roughly understand the changes in the situation on the arena.

If the referee were to make a direct ruling based on points or the situation, the result would be the same, and with consistent results, conspiracy theories would not arise.

Although the abrupt ending left people wanting more, Xianyu Ji's gracious admission of defeat perfectly matched the disciples' expectations of sect elders and senior masters, reflecting the ideal image of Golden Core cultivators in the Central Plains cultivation world.

Only a small number of "Vice Dean Xianyu's" fans at Xishan Academy were indignant and did not accept this result.

"It must be because Vice Dean Xianyu was thinking of his ex-girlfriend that he gave in to her." As a fan, I am naturally very clear about some of Xianyu Ji's past.

A female disciple from Xishan Academy exclaimed excitedly, "Vice Dean Xianyu truly lives up to his reputation as a gentleman. Even on such an occasion, he doesn't forget to cherish women. I'm now a fan!"

It has to be said that the fans were somewhat irrational. Even if Xianyu Ji was beaten into a pulp by Han Lu in this match, they would still be able to find some shining points in Xianyu Ji and regard them as their own beliefs, praising Xianyu Ji for his strong ability to withstand blows.

If the loser, Xianyu Ji, received so much praise, then the winner, Han Lu, must have received even more.

The disciples of Dongshan Academy held their heads high, regarding themselves as the victors of this competition, and considering Han Lu's victory as a victory for Dongshan Academy.

This idea is actually similar to that of "Vice Dean Xianyu Ji's fans," except that Han Lu is the victor.

The other spectators were more objective and focused on the exchange of skills that had just taken place.

The majority of disciples were enthusiastically discussing what they had just witnessed.

Many LSPs watched as Han Lu flew back from the arena to the viewing platform to have a heartfelt conversation with the Qingxu Sect Master.

Some disciples, though eager to do so, secretly murmured to themselves, wondering if they could win Elder Zhenfeng's favor and have a "teacher-student romance," hoping to gain the beauty's heart while simultaneously ascending to the heavens, acquiring abundant cultivation resources, and thus increasing their chances of achieving the Golden Core stage.

On the viewing platform, Han Lu, who had just won, exchanged ordinary, polite words with Qingxu Daoist.

The Taoist Qingxu offered a few words of encouragement, and Han Lu responded with a few more humble words to express her attitude. The two then laughed and called it a day.

However, the Qingxu Daoist showed more "genuine compassion" to the defeated Xianyu Ji.

After setting aside the polite words of comfort, Daoist Qingxu also promised to provide Xianyu Ji with some opportunities to improve his external skills, allowing him to reach a higher level of strength.

Still savoring his earlier defeat, Xianyu Ji was unaware that he had received special treatment and simply gladly accepted the kindness of the Qingxu Sect Master.

Xianyu Ji was unaware of it, but that doesn't mean the other elders were oblivious.

Many elders who had heard the rumors felt they had found evidence and were increasingly convinced that in ten or fifteen years, Xianyu Ji would become the new leader of the Zhengyi Sect, inheriting the aspirations of the previous leaders and continuing to promote the Zhengyi Sect.

As the victor, Han Lu naturally noticed this as well, but she felt no jealousy whatsoever. Instead, she was happy for Xianyu Ji.

Han Lu's attitude was probably because she had no desire for the position of sect leader.

When Han Lu returned to the seat that had been prepared for her, Wen Erya immediately moved closer to her.

“Junior sister,” Wen Erya stared intently at the beautiful patterns on Han Lu’s chest, collar, and sleeves, “Your clothes are really beautiful, and they’re also really durable. They must be some kind of amazing magic weapon.”

Just like Yi Qiyan before, Wen Erya didn't pay much attention when Han Lu wore the phoenix feather dress on ordinary days, but when it was slightly changed to a style that was rarely seen in the Central Plains, she would become curious out of love for beauty.

Having just returned from a major battle, Han Lu expected to hear some "clichéd phrases" from Wen Erya, but she didn't expect to hear this.

"That makes sense. Senior sister must think I'm sure to win. It would be strange if she just congratulated me on my victory in a normal way."

Han Lu quietly explained to Wen Erya the origin of the magical power of her outfit.

Hearing that these were the feathers on Han Lu's body, but Gu Xiu Fang Lin's wife had also obtained a phoenix feather garment, Wen Er Ya, like Yi Qi Yan, made a vow to get her hands on this beautiful and practical garment.

After Han Lu finished speaking with Wen Erya, Xiao Ran seized the opportunity to offer a few kind words.

His praise was based on facts and was full of sincerity.

Since they were friends, Han Lu naturally answered seriously, even comparing Xiao Ran to Xianyu Ji, praising Xiao Ran for being able to win if he had just stepped onto the stage.

Xiao Ran was overjoyed to hear this.

Just as Xiao Ran pulled his neck back, the spirit bottle that had been inside Han Lu's storage bag suddenly spoke.

"Han Lu, not bad at all. I didn't expect you to be so powerful. You only have the cultivation of the mid-stage Golden Core realm and you already have the strength to rival the Great Perfection of the Golden Core realm."

"Practice diligently and don't let me down."

Han Lu felt much the same way Xiao Ran did when she received praise from Ping'er.

Han Lu happily replied with two telepathic messages, but received no further response from Ping'er.

Sighing inwardly, Han Lu thought to herself, "After adapting to the environment outside, Senior Ping'er has become quite taciturn and aloof."

After exchanging a few words with Wen Erya, Xiao Ran, and the spirit, Han Lu noticed that Daoist Qingxu had once again taken the stage to speak.

His speech at this point was naturally related to the duel he had just experienced.

He thanked Han Lu and Xianyu Ji for their contributions, affirmed the positive attitude shown by the disciples in watching the battle, and announced two pieces of good news.

First, the sects have increased the rewards for their disciples in this competition. As long as you rank among the top in your branch, you can get a lot more cultivation materials.