In just one month, I managed to master the first layer of the Cultivation Method, which can be considered astonishing progress. However, the costs incurred during this month were enormous; I used over forty Fifth-Rank Pills, nearly two-thirds of my stock, along with a more precious Sixth-Level Elixir. In total, I spent close to a million spirit stones.
Such consumption is unimaginable for a loose cultivator; just one sixth-grade pill would be enough for them to save and scrimp for several years. The reason disciples from Major Sects cultivate faster than loose cultivators is largely due to the strong support from their Sect.
Having barely completed the first layer of the Earth-Level Cultivation Method, I didn't have time to practice the Combat Techniques of Water Element and Wood Element. I knew that this kind of foundation was unstable and not a sustainable path; I needed to take some time to stabilize and strengthen it. During the past half month, the Immortal Grass in the Blue and White Porcelain had matured, so I planted new seeds, this time using Soul-Recovering Vine.
On the morning of the seventh day, I broke the communication spirit stone from Spirit Beast Manor and arrived at the prearranged location. As expected, Spirit Beast Manor kept their promise; it wasn't long before someone rode over on a White Eagle.
This time it was a "special carving" pick-up service, which was much more expensive than before, costing two thousand spirit stones for a one-way trip. This amount was nothing more than pocket change for me now.
With a long cry, the White Eagle soared towards Mist City. Despite the long journey of thousands of miles, we arrived by afternoon.
There were significantly fewer cultivators in Mist City now; scattered practitioners could still be seen at any time. In terms of cultivation activity, it was indeed much more prosperous than Xian City.
At the city gate, a disciple from Black Wind Stronghold greeted me, seemingly arranged in advance by Half-Dead Bao. I wasn't surprised; this well-known disciple was only around Qi Refining levels seven or eight and couldn't stir up much trouble. Even if someone tried to sabotage me secretly, escaping would be easy with my Wings of the Strange Dragon.
After walking for a few minutes, I met Half-Dead Bao at a pavilion on the outskirts.
Seven out of the Top Ten Loose Cultivators had already arrived; Mo Shengyuan and three other strong contenders were still missing. This time at the Liuxiang Immortal Path Conference, it was led by Half-Dead Bao as the leader of the Loose Cultivator Alliance along with two Guardians and the Top Ten Loose Cultivators participating. Other sects were similarly represented by their leaders, two elders, and ten participating disciples.
By noon, two more loose cultivators arrived; Mo Shengyuan finally made his appearance, while the last missing loose cultivator was none other than the popular Chapter.
Half-Dead Bao turned to his disciple behind him and said, "Go call Huang Ying."
The disciple responded and left promptly.
Before long, a tall disciple from Black Wind Stronghold hurried over. Upon seeing Half-Dead Bao, he said, "Disciple Huang Ying pays respects to the leader."
"Huang Ying," Half-Dead Bao said seriously, "one spot is vacant among the top ten this time. As the leader of the Loose Cultivator Alliance, I am giving this spot to you. You must cherish this opportunity."
"Yes," Huang Ying nodded vigorously and replied, "I will do my utmost to bring good results for the Loose Cultivator Alliance."
"That's excellent," Half-Dead Bao handed Huang Ying an identity token symbolizing the Loose Cultivators' Top Ten called Tiger Warrior and said, "Let's go."
A disciple sent a sound transmission to the sky, and three White Eagles from Spirit Beast Manor arrived one after another. Half-Dead Bao and two Guardians shared a mount, while the top ten loose cultivators split into two groups on separate mounts. The group soared into the air and disappeared into the distance.
The Six Major Forces of Liuxiang Kingdom have been established for over five hundred years. Throughout these five centuries, there have been numerous rises and falls, with various cultivation sects emerging continuously. Each of the Six Major Sects has its strengths, and none can claim absolute superiority over the others. While it is possible to gain an advantage, completely annihilating an opponent is out of the question; inflicting heavy losses on others often leads to one's own downfall.
After hundreds of years of refinement, the Six Sects reached a tacit understanding and divided their territories. On the surface, they co-govern, but secretly each one desires to dominate Liuxiang Kingdom. Various underhanded conflicts occur frequently.
The Liuxiang Immortal Path Conference not only aims to compete for entry slots into the Otherworldly Secret Realm but also serves to establish authority, demonstrating to the other sects that My Sect possesses sufficient strength to surpass them. This creates psychological pressure, even though the Immortal Path Conference cannot fully reflect a sect's overall combat power.
Current sect rankings are determined by the results of previous generations' Immortal Path Conferences. Aside from Wuhua Island, which clearly stands above the rest, the other Five Sects have fluctuating strengths and rankings.
The higher a sect ranks, the more it can attract talented disciples, which is beneficial for its development. The importance placed on the Immortal Path Conference by each sect far exceeds that of the loose cultivator competition, making it more intense and brutal.
The White Eagle flew throughout the night, landing twice along the way. On the morning of October 13th, they finally arrived at Wuhua Island.
Wuhua Island is not just Wuhua; in fact, it is covered in blooming flowers. Although autumn has arrived, Wuhua Island remains warm with flowers in full bloom. The island is filled with various flowers and trees, with birds flying about freely. The Flower Clusters emit an intoxicating fragrance everywhere.
Wuhua Island is named after its founder, Wuhuazi, who established his sect here a thousand years ago and named it Wuhua Island. Additionally, Wuhua Island's swordsmanship emphasizes floral techniques; when a sword strikes out, flowers fall like mud. The island blooms year-round largely to provide disciples with opportunities to practice their swordsmanship.
Before entering Wuhua Island, Xu Feng stuffed a third-grade Shape-Shifting Pill into his mouth. Another loose cultivator nearby, Tiger Warrior, also swallowed a Shape-Shifting Pill. The two began to transform on the back of the White Eagle; their bodies and facial features changed completely from before.
The companions traveling with them were not surprised; everyone came from a loose cultivator background and had their own affairs. During this Immortal Path Conference, it was likely they would encounter enemies as many loose cultivators see killing Major Sect disciples as a path to wealth. Even their current identities might not be entirely genuine; Xu Feng had adopted the name Yan Da.
Half-Dead Bao was well aware of these matters; thus, Chapter's absence did not bother him. Loose cultivators often take unconventional paths; since this was a temporary Loose Cultivator Alliance, there was no need for strict oversight as everyone shared a common goal.
Alongside the loose cultivators arrived ten elite disciples from Guo Shan Sword Sect on three Flying Mounts that were neither eagles nor roc-like creatures but were similar in size to Spirit Beast Manor's White Eagle. However, they were slightly slower since Spirit Beast Manor specializes in raising spirit beasts that are superior to ordinary mounts.
Half-Dead Bao was already familiar with those from Guo Shan Sword Sect and greeted them from afar without engaging in further conversation.
Two disciples dressed in white robes from Wuhua Island approached to greet the leaders of both factions before leading everyone along a flower path toward the distance.
This area extended over ten miles into the sea but was merely one of Wuhua Island's front islands. All outsiders entering Wuhua Island must register here temporarily. Inside a building, Wuhua Island disciples verified participation information before leading both factions to the seaside.
The disciple clapped his hands, and a huge wave rose from the sea, revealing a wide-backed strange fish swimming over. It was actually the spirit beast used by Wuhua Island to send off guests.
Half-Dead Bao bowed slightly to Qian Tuo, the leader of Guo Shan Sword Sect, and said, "Please go ahead, Master Qian." Half-Dead Bao, despite his rough exterior, still knew how to conduct himself properly, though his thoughts were more complicated.
Qian Tuo returned the gesture politely and said, "Please." However, he was the first to step onto the fish's back.
The fish's back was broad and flat, measuring about ten meters long and three meters wide. The two groups stood on either side, with Half-Dead Bao and six other experts standing in the middle. A disciple from Wuhua Island stood at the front of the fish to direct its movement.
This was the first encounter between the two groups of disciples, and they were observing each other both intentionally and unintentionally. Now that they were riding the same fish, they were no longer just participants but opponents who would fight for their lives.
Most of the disciples from Guo Shan Sword Sect were at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, with only two at the Foundation Establishment Mid-Stage. Overall, their strength seemed to be above that of the Loose Cultivator Alliance. The Loose Cultivator Alliance currently had five at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage and four at Mid-Stage. With Chapter, their popular star, absent, Xu Feng stood out as the only Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator.
One disciple from Guo Shan Sword Sect looked at Xu Feng with obvious disdain, seemingly eager to encounter this rookie during the competition so he could showcase his Mountain Sword Technique.
Xu Feng also sensed this disciple's desire through his gaze. Alright then, I’ll remember you, Nose Hair Guy.
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