The Long Journey to Immortality

Fan Nianshuang used the last of her spiritual power to summon three ice spikes, which she then thrust at the four-armed monkey that was drinking water in the ice pool.

Although it was a desperate struggle, Fan Nianshuang still made the wisest decision.

She didn't think that just three ice picks could seriously injure Han Lu.

However, if the four-armed demon monkey can be rescued, then there is still a sliver of hope for winning this arena battle.

Unfortunately, the three icicles only created a few cracks on one side of the ice wall of the ice pool; they did not break it at all.

Han Lu simply unleashed two bursts of spiritual energy, employing the wind-summoning technique most commonly found in cultivation novels.

A strong gust of wind swept across the entire No. 2 arena.

Paralyzed by the electric shock, "Caramel" Clawed Eagle, lying on the ground, was swept up by the strong wind and flown out of the arena.

The rock turtle, hidden in its shell, remained motionless, only trembling slightly, unaffected by the strong wind.

Exhausted, Fan Nianshuang clung desperately to the edge of the tortoise shell, trying to stay on the stage a little longer.

But her weak limbs didn't allow her to endure the strong winds for long.

A strong wind swept Fan Nianshuang up and threw her off the edge of the arena, where she collided with the barriers at the edge of the arena.

Seeing this, Han Lu ended the spell that consumed spiritual energy and happily accepted the victory.

The referee quickly announced, "Han Lu wins and advances to the round of 16."

With this, all sixteen disciples in the second arena were determined.

The next match was scheduled for the afternoon. Before the match ended, the academy disciple in charge of managing the second arena took out a bottle of pills and distributed the Spirit Recovery Powder to everyone.

The schedule is tight, but there will always be cultivators who are short of money and do not have or are unwilling to take the Rejuvenation Pill.

The Zhengyi Sect decided to play the good guy and give more pills to these promising disciples, thus winning people's hearts while maintaining the fairness of the competition.

All the disciples who received the pills near the second arena, including Han Lu, repeatedly expressed their gratitude.

After distributing the pills, the academy disciple reminded everyone not to forget the afternoon's competition before announcing the dismissal.

At noon, Han Lu, along with Wen Erya and Zhan Yujun, who had also advanced to the top 16, had lunch together at the Five Elements Mountain Academy.

During the meal, Zhan Yujun, who was already a man of few words, became even more reluctant to speak, showing no desire to participate in Han Lu and Wen Erya's discussion of the morning's competition.

Both of them were reasonable and could guess Zhan Yujun's thoughts.

So everyone subconsciously said less about the competition and talked more about other things, which improved the atmosphere at the table.

Chapter 102 Talismans, Promises

Wen Erya and Han Lu could understand Zhan Yujun's current feelings, but they both kept it to themselves and simply took practical actions to make their friend, one of the few in the Zhengyi Sect, a little more comfortable.

It is common in the cultivation world for people to be friends at first, but eventually become strangers as the gap in their cultivation levels widens.

People gather in kind, and things are divided into groups.

This ancient saying is far more like a truth in the world of cultivation than in the mortal realm.

Leaving aside the competition, the conversation at the dinner table turned to the three sect leaders who had suddenly used defensive spells during the competition.

Compared to Han Lu and Wen Erya in the arena, Zhan Yujun, sitting in the stands, has more authority on this topic.

Zhan Yujun recounted everything she had noticed and heard, while Han Lu and Wen Erya acted as the best listeners.

The atmosphere at the table improved.

Finally, Zhan Yujun sighed, "Recently, there have been more and more strange things happening in the Zhengyi Sect and the cultivation world, which is really unsettling."

Zhan Yujun's words were essentially the sentiments of the vast majority of ordinary cultivators.

No one wants to return to the cultivation world of thousands of years ago, a world filled with slaughter, battles, and hatred.

“It’s not that exaggerated,” Han Lu comforted her. “Even if the sky falls, there are Nascent Soul and Golden Core cultivators there to hold it up. Even if a once-in-three-thousand-years upheaval really happens, cultivating in the Zhengyi Sect is always better than cultivating in a small sect outside.”

Based on some data from Xiaoyaozi's memory, Han Lu continued, "Furthermore, although the cultivation world thousands of years ago was chaotic and many cultivators died young, there were also many cultivators who grew rapidly because of the harsh environment."

"At that time, there were at least thirty or forty Nascent Soul cultivators in the Central Plains, and even three or four legendary Divine Transformation cultivators were active in the cultivation world."

"Perhaps, if things really get chaotic, it will be easier for us to seek the Great Dao and advance to a higher realm."

Listening to Han Lu's words, Wen Erya nodded repeatedly.

The two shared similar interests and were filled with longing for the unknown road ahead.

Han Lu and Wen Erya couldn't help but express their aspirations, while Zhan Yujun, who had come to realize the truth through comparisons with others, was the first to say discouraging things.

"I haven't thought that much about it," Zhan Yujun put down her chopsticks and looked into the distance. "I just want to be able to establish my foundation, find a sweetheart, and live a happy life. That would be enough for me."

That was indeed the case, and neither Han Lu nor Wen Erya were tactless enough to call Zhan Yuyun a "lazy bum," but they simply brought the topic back to the three sect leaders.

However, no matter how rich their imaginations were, the three of them could never have imagined that a Nascent Soul cultivator from the Great Yu Dynasty in the far west would come to the Zhengyi Sect to become a great thief.

When the three of them stopped eating and planned to take a walk in the Five Elements Mountain Courtyard to pass the time while waiting for the afternoon's big competition to begin, two paper swords suddenly flew in front of Han Lu and Wen Erya.

Due to Piaomiaozi's invitation, the two had no choice but to part ways with Zhan Yujun temporarily.

Although Piaomiaozi was not considered an important figure among the Golden Core elders, he was still an elder at the Golden Core stage.

During the competition, the Zhengyi Sect arranged a temporary residence for Piaomiaozi in the Five Elements Mountain Academy. It was in that small courtyard that he met Han Lu and Wen Erya.

With less than an hour to go before the afternoon's match, the straightforward Piaomiaozi didn't waste his two disciples' time. Once they entered the courtyard, he cut to the chase.

He first praised the two of them, and then, as a Golden Core cultivator, he gave a detailed critique of their two matches in the morning, weighing the right and wrong of their various decisions during the matches.

Compared to Wen Erya, Piaomiaozi had more to say about Han Lu.

After all, Wen Erya relied more on magical tools in combat, and even though Piaomiaozi was a Golden Core cultivator, he wouldn't dare say that he was more skillful and meticulous in using those magical tools than Wen Erya.

After finishing her commentary, Piaomiaozi asked about the questions she hadn't understood, "Han Lu, were you using blood to perform some kind of secret technique at the end?"

Han Lu had already given her explanation for this.

She replied, "Master, this is a secret technique in my cultivation method that can simulate the taste of high-level spirit beasts in blood. It is perfect for dealing with low-level Qi Refining demon beasts like this."

Han Lu transformed the flavor inherent in her blood into a practical secret technique simulation and changed her true spirit into a spirit beast.

By adding the guise of a family-inherited martial arts technique, the slightly modified story has no flaws.

Upon hearing this, Piaomiaozi nodded slowly and praised, "The technique you've been practicing is excellent; it even contains such a practical secret technique."

After several matches in the morning, Piaomiaozi was increasingly satisfied with his two newly accepted disciples, and naturally, he was generous once again during this grand competition.

However, this time, the "treasure" that Piaomiaozi scattered was not spirit stones or pills, but several talismans suitable for Qi Refining cultivators.

Although Piaomiaozi was a Golden Core cultivator, he had ultimately risen from the Dao Child realm, so he naturally knew which talismans were suitable for Qi Refining cultivators to use in combat.

There were ten talismans in total. Piaomiaozi divided them in half and sent them to Han Lu and Wen Erya.

"Here you go, five talismans each."

Piaomiaozi pointed to the talismans and explained, "Two Wing Transformation Talismans can temporarily grow spiritual wings for ten breaths, giving you the ability to fly."

"There are also two Mind-Clearing Talismans. If the opponent launches an attack targeting the soul, stick these talismans on your body to keep your mind clear."

"Although the last talisman is just an ordinary Qi-protecting talisman, I drew it myself," Piaomiaozi said, a slight smile playing on his lips. "It can withstand an attack from a Qi Refining cultivator, giving you a chance to turn the tide of battle."

"This amulet could easily fetch five spirit stones in the market."

"However, don't be reluctant to use them. The reason I gave these things to you is to make good use of these talismans and achieve better results in the competition."

Wen Erya preferred magical implements, so she did not prepare any special talismans for this competition.

Han Lu, on the other hand, was full of confidence and did not feel the need to use consumables like talismans to enhance her strength.

Therefore, the talisman sent by Piaomiaozi hit the two's sore spots exactly, greatly enhancing Han Lu and Wen Erya's combat power.

Unfortunately, Piaomiaozi was unaware that Han Lu's True Spirit Bloodline made her immune to the soul attacks unleashed by Qi Refining cultivators; otherwise, he would most likely have given Han Lu a different talisman as a gift.

After carefully putting away the talisman, the two thanked each other repeatedly.

Han Lu was even more direct, already secretly planning how to use these talismans and how to make these consumables play a greater role in combat.

After delivering the treasure, Piaomiaozi let Wen Erya go first, leaving Han Lu behind to whisper a few words to her.

"Han Lu, I've thought about what you told me last time carefully, and there's still hope that it can be achieved."

Although Piaomiaozi didn't explicitly say what it was about, Han Lu understood.

“If you can win first place in this competition, I will go to the abbot of Dongshan Temple, Wuhu Jushi, and report your situation to him.”

"I can't guarantee that he'll exchange the sect's reward for time in the meditation room on Cold Cicada Peak, but I can give you one or two hours out of my hundred hours of cultivation time without any problem."

The time Piaomiaozi could spend cultivating in the meditation room was a perk of his status as a Golden Core Elder, and he couldn't arbitrarily allocate it to his disciples.

But if Han Lu wins the championship, he can use this good news to mention it to the Five Lakes Hermit, and he will definitely get his wish.

Seeing that Piaomiaozi was willing to give up some of his own interests for her sake, Han Lu was extremely grateful. She bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you, Master."

"No need for thanks. I only hope you can improve your cultivation level quickly so that I can get a share of the profits from the Ancient Cultivation Secret Realm." Piaomiaozi did not hide his intention to use the technique and stated his words directly.

Han Lu was also straightforward, confidently promising, "I will certainly live up to Master's expectations."

Chapter 103 Picture Album, Rumors Damaged, Body Cultivation

After leaving the courtyard, Wen Erya inquired curiously, wanting to know what secrets Piaomiaozi and Han Lu had whispered to each other.

After a moment of contemplation, Han Lu did not hide anything and told Wen Erya the whole story.

Wen Erya then realized that the reason why Han Lu was able to advance to the second level of Qi Refining so quickly and open up two spiritual veins at an astonishing speed was on this Cold Cicada Peak.

“I’m getting a little envious too,” Wen Erya said, eager to improve her strength quickly. “I’ll think of a way to see if I can sit in the quiet room on Hanchan Peak for a while.”

“However, the vast majority of Qi Refining cultivators find the effects of cultivation on Cold Cicada Peak to be quite mediocre, even less effective than cultivating and meditating in their own courtyards,” Han Lu said, giving Wen Erya a heads-up to prevent her from “going there full of enthusiasm but returning empty-handed.” “I’m probably able to thrive on Cold Cicada Peak because of my cultivation method.”

"Senior sister, please don't spend too much money..." Han Lu said halfway through, then realized it wasn't appropriate to say this to Wen Erya, so she changed her words, even altering the meaning of the entire sentence.

"Senior sister, feel free to try it. It might have a miraculous effect."

Faced with the wealthy and refined Wen Erya, Han Lu felt that her reminder was unnecessary.

Seeing the changes in Han Lu's expression and tone, Wen Erya couldn't help but laugh out loud.

She suddenly took Han Lu's hand and said with a smile, "I understand now. It's because I'm afraid that in a few years I'll have to call you Senior Sister Han."

On the way to the arena, Han Lu took the initiative to share her cultivation experience on Hanchan Peak, hoping to help Wen Erya avoid some detours.