The Long Journey to Immortality

Chapter 1088

That night, Nian Haoge stayed by Han Lu's side the whole time.

The master and apprentice chatted about everything under the sun, just like when they first met.

During the conversation, the topic of what happened in the East China Sea naturally came up.

Nian Haoge took out the robe that Han Lu had purchased and given to her.

When the robe reappeared before Han Lu a month later, it had changed.

Upon returning to Zhengyi Sect, Nian Haoge immediately sought help from an elder skilled in weapon crafting to repair and mend his robe.

It cost a lot of spirit stones and resources to repair a magic weapon that could only unleash 70% of its original power. It didn't seem like a particularly worthwhile deal.

But Nian Haoge felt that the money was well spent.

This treasure is considered a "legacy from his father." As long as it can be repaired and used occasionally in battles, Nian Haoge is willing to spend any amount of spirit stones.

Han Lu could fully understand her disciple's feelings.

Just like when she went home to sweep the grave, she cherished the trees, grass and even the soil around her mother's grave.

A token that can maintain the emotional bond between relatives is priceless.

Nian Haoge asked Han Lu a lot of questions about Elder Haoge.

Although Han Lu had only met Elder Hao Ge once, and they had never even spoken to each other.

However, when she accepted Nian Haoge as her disciple, she still learned about Elder Haoge's past through various means.

I wouldn't say I'm familiar with him, but I definitely know a little about him, and it wouldn't be a problem for me to chat with Nian Haoge for a bit.

After briefly recounting Elder Haoge's deeds in the Zhengyi Sect, a paper sword flew into the room through the window at just the right moment.

Holding the paper sword between her right index and middle fingers, Han Lu skillfully unfolded it.

The paper sword was sent by the Qingxu Sect Master, which indicated the location of the "feud" between Han Lu and Xinshan Hermit.

"Let's go," Han Lu said, standing up after reading the few dozen words on the paper sword. She waved to Nian Haoge. "Let's go to the Five Elements Mountain Academy."

The Qingxu Sect Master arranged for the two to spar in a special arena within the Five Elements Mountain Academy, which was prepared for elders to cultivate and practice.

The arena wasn't exactly hidden, but at this time, no ordinary disciple would pass by there.

The master and disciple flew in the air one after the other in a very low-key manner, and arrived at the arena designated by the Qingxu Sect Master in no more than thirty breaths.

Two cultivators were already waiting by the arena.

Qingxu Daoist was between the two.

Another cultivator, Han Lu, had also met before; he was the Supreme Elder of the sect, Venerable Qingyang.

Han Lu's rival, Xinshan Jushi, has not yet arrived.

With two "leaders" present, Han Lu naturally led Nian Haoge to greet them first.

She gracefully bowed and offered her greetings respectfully; Han Lu was always meticulous in this regard.

Upon seeing Han Lu, Venerable Qingyang couldn't help but recall his several encounters with Han Lu when she was still a disciple of the Zhengyi Sect.

After muttering a few words, Venerable Qingyang couldn't help but sigh, "Time really flies. It's true that the younger generation surpasses the older. With such outstanding young talents as Elder Zhenfeng and Elder Haoge, the Zhengyi Sect will surely be able to flourish."

In memory of his father, Nian Haoge, who originally had no Taoist name, chose to call himself "Haoge Daoren".

As they were talking, a streak of light flew in from afar.

Two cultivators arrived at the arena.

Like Han Lu, who brought a disciple to watch the match, Layman Xinshan also brought a disciple to the appointment.

Those disciples, Han Lu and Nian Haoge, had also met him; he was none other than Zhuge Fang, who had shone brightly in the grand competition a month ago.

On that day, although Zhuge Fang came in second place in the final, Han Lu, Nian Haoge, Wen Erya and others all praised his performance.

Even after Han Lu learned that Zhuge Fang was a disciple of Xinshan Jushi, she did not change her positive opinion of her in the slightest.

When Layman Xinshan arrived, he simply bowed to Master Qingxu and Venerable Qingyang.

Xinshan Jushi never paid much attention to trivial matters of etiquette. In addition, he looked down on Qingxu Daoist, whose cultivation and talent were inferior to his own. If it weren't for Venerable Qingyang being present, he wouldn't have even bothered to perform the ritual of bowing.

On the contrary, Zhuge Fang, a disciple of Xinshan Jushi, was extremely respectful in front of the two high-ranking members of the sect.

Although he did not recognize Venerable Qingyang, Zhuge Fang could sense the power of the cultivator standing next to the sect leader and dared not be negligent in the slightest.

The Qingxu Sect Master had been aware of Xinshan Jushi's disrespect towards him. He was displeased but could not retaliate. He could only hope that Han Lu would give Xinshan Jushi a good beating on the arena and teach this unruly troublemaker a lesson.

After clearing his throat, the Qingxu Sect Master spoke, "Today, I have invited Venerable Qingyang to witness your duel."

"If you fight too fiercely and go too far, Venerable Qingyang will also assist and mediate."

Since both Han Lu and Xinshan Jushi were stronger than him, the Qingxu Sect Master chose to ask Venerable Qingyang for help in breaking up the fight.

Which match would you like to play first?

The sect leader of Qingxu Sect asked for their opinions.

Han Lu had not communicated or exchanged ideas with Xinshan Jushi beforehand.

"Then I'll refrain from using my true spiritual powers and instead experience Elder Xinshan's skills on the arena first," Han Lu replied.

Xinshan Jushi said, "I want to meet Fairy Han."

The fact that he didn't address Han Lu as Elder Zhenfeng or Fairy Zhenfeng was clearly written on the face of Layman Xinshan.

The two did not get along, but based on their antagonism and conflict, they still made the same choice.

There was no tense atmosphere in their words, but everyone could see that the two elders of the Zhengyi Sect were full of fighting spirit.

The Qingxu Sect Master was relieved that he didn't have to intervene.

“Alright, since you all agree, let’s start with this match,” Qingxu Daoist added. “However, I must say this first: you are all elders of the Zhengyi Sect, so you must be careful to control your emotions when sparring on the arena.”

"If any serious incident occurs on the arena, I will not only ask Venerable Qingyang to help stop the sparring, but also investigate the perpetrator's crime."

“Punish them according to the rules of the sect.”

The Qingxu Sect Master's gaze swept over Han Lu and Xinshan Hermit.

Han Lu was the first to express her opinion, and Xinshan Jushi naturally had no objections.

As the two stepped onto the ring, the two disciples who had come to watch the match with Han Lu and Xinshan Jushi also stood on one side of the ring, taking on the roles of spectators, supporters, and friends and family.

Looking at his master and Xinshan Jushi on the arena, Nian Haoge understood that Han Lu's description of Xinshan Jushi as a "playboy" was mostly a joke.

"Perhaps it's just a matter of not getting along, a conflict arose, which led to this exchange of skills."

With a thought lingering in his mind, Nian Haoge focused his attention entirely on the arena.

She was well aware that Han Lu had invited her to watch this sparring match because she wanted her to gain something from it.

Nian Haoge never disappoints his mentor, Han Lu.

Chapter 1089

Just like Nian Haoge was brought here for the same reason, Zhuge Fang also came here with his master, Xinshan Jushi, so that his favorite disciple could have a lesson.

The content of this lesson is complex, and its purpose is not simple.

It included some knowledge of kendo, a sense of honor for one's sect, and broadening one's horizons along the way.

Zhuge Fang was not entirely clear about the teaching goals envisioned by these masters.

However, he knew that by following his master's instructions and carefully watching the exchange between his master and Elder Zhenfeng, who had made a name for himself before the competition, he would surely gain some inspiration and insights, and thus make progress.

Like Xinshan Jushi, Zhuge Fang was also a cultivator who devoted himself to cultivation. However, he was more knowledgeable about human relationships and had a more tactful way of dealing with people than his master.

The arena where Han Lu faced off against Xinshan Jushi was not particularly large.

It was about one-third the size of the arena where she sparred with Xianyu Ji.

If one were to fight someone on this arena with their true spirit and true form, they would find the space cramped.

However, this size of space is just right for wielding the spirit sword in human form.

Although it is unknown whether Qingxu Daoist favored Han Lu when choosing the sparring venue, Han Lu could indeed gain a slight advantage by using the sword formation and engaging in combat in this venue.

Xinshan Jushi did not pay too much attention to the venue issue.

Facing Han Lu not far away, apart from lingering on Han Lu's chest for a moment, the Hermit of Xinshan focused all his attention on the upcoming magical duel.

After provoking him, he still sparred with the rules that restricted his opponent. Not to mention that Han Lu's cultivation level was one realm lower than his. If he were to lose again, the Hermit of Xinshan would really feel ashamed and have the urge to commit suicide.

Regarding the outcome of the match, Xinshan Jushi shared the same opinion as Han Lu.

Only victory is allowed, and defeat is not an option. Not only must you win, but you must win spectacularly.

Standing face to face on the ring, Xinshan Jushi and Han Lu, who had a poor relationship, had no intention of exchanging pleasantries.

With disciples standing below the stage, the two also needed to maintain their composure as masters.

Once again, they reached a tacit understanding; the two simply faced each other, neither of them having the intention to speak to the other.

Seeing this, Daoist Qingxu stopped going up on the stage and simply said, "I'll count down from three..."

The array around the arena slowly activated under the control of Venerable Qingyang.

"Three, two, one."

The countdown ended almost instantly, and both Han Lu and Xinshan Jushi immediately summoned their spirit swords.

Although Han Lu really wanted to use the spiritual treasures she obtained from the ancient cultivation secret realm in her storage bag to fight, her cultivation level was insufficient and she was not qualified.

As always, he spat out a golden pill from his mouth, and the sword pellet spirit sword, cultivated based on the Seven Kill Sword Technique, instantly unfolded on the arena and transformed into one hundred and nine sword lights that dispersed across the arena.

Having practiced the "Heavenly Connection Technique" for almost a month to strengthen the Star Sword Formation, Han Lu naturally chose to take out this "sharp sword" that she had been polishing for so long and use it on the arena as soon as possible on this star-studded night.

The spirit sword that Xinshan Jushi, who was also skilled in spirit swords, took out from his storage bag was not as flashy as Han Lu's.

The cyan longsword, about the length of Han Lu's arm, looked unremarkable, but it was a high-grade spiritual weapon that could fetch 30,000 to 40,000 spirit stones at auction in the East Sea.

With a gentle toss of his spirit sword, the Hermit of Xinshan displayed the sword control technique that Han Lu had once seen Zhuge Fang use on the arena.

However, this method is more advanced and skillful than Zhuge Fang's, and it subtly touches upon the essence of swordsmanship.

"Not bad." Although he was her opponent, and Xinshan Jushi was very disrespectful to her, Han Lu still secretly praised Xinshan Jushi in her heart.