Zhuang Tian paced anxiously in front of the Shang Qing Temple, burning incense and praying to his ancestors. He must have visited the restroom dozens of times already. When he heard Elder Qianyang's announcement, he was dumbfounded, thankfully reminded by Xie Wanting.

"He's coming out!? My disciple is coming out!" Zhuang Tian leaped with joy. "My disciple is out, hahaha!"

Excitedly, Zhuang Tian pushed and shoved those around him, seizing the opportunity to boast. "That's my disciple, a member of our Lingxiao Palace! Don't mistake him for anyone else, it's him, the one in the red clothes."

The leaders of other sects cast sidelong glances, having heard about the talented young man from Lingxiao Palace. With thousands of cultivators crowding the Shang Qing stage during the martial arts assembly, it was hard to discern anyone. Now, they couldn't help but take a closer look.

The youth, seventeen years old, wore a scarlet silk robe with a black headband tying his hair. His handsome face, graceful demeanour, and enchanting phoenix-like eyes exuded charm. The long sword in his hand didn't seem sharp and fierce but emitted a gentle and restrained aura, marvelling those who beheld it.

"That spiritual weapon..." Chu Changfeng began.

"Extraordinary indeed. From what I can see, its momentum rivals that of the Listening Spring from Yuntian Shuijing," Mu Qiniang remarked.

Mu Qiniang was straightforward, but his words were tantamount to belittling Yuntian Shuijing, considering it was the treasure of their sect that no leader had ever been able to draw out.

As expected, Mu Qiniang received a disdainful glance from Mei Cailian.

After observing for a while, Xie Wanting said, "It seems to me that he bears some resemblance to Lu Yao's Bright Moon."

Mu Qiniang suddenly realized, "You're right."

Xie Wanting continued, "Legend has it that there was an ancient artifact that split the sea and transformed into two swords, each falling into different realms but sharing the same origin."

"Bright Moon is with the Shang Qing Immortal Sect, entrusted to Lu Yao. The other... could it be the one held by Hua Qingkong?" Chu Changfeng continued.

Xie Wanting smirked, "If that's the case, this child is truly fortunate. By dedicating himself to cultivation and diligent practice, he might have a chance to transcend tribulations and ascend."

Mei Cailian seemed irked by this notion. With a cold expression, she sarcastically remarked, "With impure senses and a greeding for worldly desires, how could he possibly ascend?"

As Hua Che hurried to the front of the Shang Qing Temple to greet Zhuang Tian, the latter's face lit up with joy. Before he could inquire about the experience in the illusionary realm, a figure approached. Zhuang Tian had to suppress his excitement and respectfully greeted, "Elder Lu."

Feeling a bit apprehensive, Hua Che turned to meet Lu Mingfeng's gaze.

"Is this the young master Hua who shone brightly in the Mingyue Valley?" Lu Mingfeng's expression was solemn, but his tone was gentle.

Being spoken to by Lu Mingfeng was an honor for any cultivator. The disciples waiting at the Shang Qing stage buzzed with discussion, filled with envy.

A trace of darkness flashed in Hua Che's eyes, barely noticeable. "Yes," he replied calmly to Lu Mingfeng's praise.

Lu Mingfeng nodded, offering more compliments, but Hua Che remained indifferent, responding calmly and succinctly.

This further impressed Xie Wanting and Chu Changfeng. Despite his young age, he remained unperturbed by praise or criticism, showing humility and composure, devoid of the usual youthful arrogance and disrespect.

Chu Changfeng admired him greatly and couldn't help but say to Mei Cailian beside him, "Sister-in-law, this young Hua master seems poised and restrained, neither as bad as you described."

Mei Cailian snorted, "Knowing someone's face doesn't mean knowing their heart. How would Changfeng know his true nature? Don't be fooled by his seemingly obedient appearance; he's quite cunning inside. Otherwise, why would Binghuan go..."

"Lingxiao Palace disciple Chu Binghuan, courtesy name Tianyu, spent two days and four hours in the illusionary realm!"

Mei Cailian felt a surge of joy and hurried to greet him, but she saw Chu Binghuan walking straight toward Zhuang Tian.

Mei Cailian's expression changed.

It wasn't that Chu Binghuan didn't understand filial piety; it was about propriety.

She almost forgot that Chu Binghuan now represented Lingxiao Palace. Even if he became the top scorer, it would still be Lingxiao Palace's honor.

It had nothing to do with Shang Qing Immortal Sect or Yuntian Shuijing!

Thinking of this, Mei Cailian felt annoyed. When Chu Binghuan finished paying his respects to Zhuang Tian and walked over, Mei Cailian felt stifled and didn't want to speak to him.

"Sister-in-law," Chu Changfeng called Mei Cailian helplessly, then helped Chu Binghuan up himself, "It's okay, everything's fine. Go ahead!"

Chu Binghuan nodded and turned back to join the ranks of Lingxiao Palace.

Seeing Hua Che, Chu Binghuan finally relaxed.

"Thank you."

Chu Binghuan was taken aback, turning to look at Hua Che. "What for?"

Hua Che didn't repeat himself.

The illusionary realm lasted for five days. Mu Rongsa emerged on the third day, Lin Yan on the fourth, and Wen Yuan and Zhuang Xia Er stepped out on the cut-off point.

Although the third, fourth, and fifth disciples were eliminated, Zhuang Tian was not disappointed at all. According to his expectations, Lingxiao Palace should have been completely defeated in the first round. So when Hua Che came out first, he was almost moved to tears!

Now, with this result... darn it! Zhuang Tian was so overjoyed that he couldn’t recall the north, east, south, and west.

Hua Che found it amusing. If Zhuang Tian was this emotional over this, what would happen when he became the top scorer? Would his master drop dead from shock?

Chu Binghuan deeply resonated with this, so he prepared various pills such as Heart-Protecting Pill, Gathering Essence Pill, Concentration Pill, Qi-Boosting Pill, and all sorts of other pills in advance.

After the first round ended, only seventeen thousand out of a hundred thousand cultivators remained. Elder Qianyang sighed incessantly, "This generation won't do," as everyone's mental fortitude seemed so fragile. When they face the Demon Realm in the future and contend against various superior illusions, won't everyone go crazy?

After a day of rest, the second round of collective hunting began. Swords flew in the sky, and cultivators shot down demons with their swords.

The hunting range covered the entire Kunlun Mountain range, which was vast. Flying out with a sword, one often couldn't find anyone else for half a day.

After several rounds, Hua Che's harvest was not bountiful, but it wasn't meagre either. He flew toward the mountaintop, gazing down at Lu Mingfeng in front of Shang Qing Hall.

With just one glance, Hua Che flew away from a distance, holding a bow in his left hand and pulling the string with his right, conjuring three arrows between his fingers, aimed at the countless soul-devouring bats flying in the air.

Three arrows transformed into six in mid-air, then rapidly multiplied into twelve, piercing through the twelve bats in a dazzling display, leaving onlookers awestruck.

"Well done!" Mu Qinan watched genuinely and couldn't help but stand up and applaud.

The other sect leaders were also full of admiration.

"Great archery!"

"This move is exceptional."

"At such a young age, his cultivation is remarkable!"

On the other side, a radiant arrow pierced through one headless ghost, then two, three, four, five, stringing them up like candied fruit.

Mu Qinan exclaimed excitedly again, "One arrow, six ghosts, amazing!"

"No wonder he's the eldest son of Yuntian Shuijing."

"Chu Tianyu is naturally gifted, a blessing to the Immortal Dao!"

Wen Yuan was proficient in swordsmanship, but not so much with archery. Moreover, as the eldest senior brother, he was busy taking care of his junior brothers while hunting.

"Xiao'er, stop with those fancy false moves; I'm worried about you," Zhuang Xia Er waved it off, "Aside from the seventh and eighth junior brothers, I'm the steadiest with the sword. Eldest senior brother, focus on yourself, and be careful not to fall."

The wind suddenly picked up, catching Wen Yuan off guard. He was about to fall when Hua Che arrived just in time to support him.

Wen Yuan broke out in a cold sweat.

At the same time, the long-nosed cultivator came over with his sword, looking at Hua Che and saying, "I knew you'd come to the Ten Thousand Sect Martial Arts Assembly. My Master said Lingxiao Palace registered, but I didn't believe it!"

Hua Che also greeted him, "Senior Duan Xianshi, good to see you."

After a brief exchange, they continued hunting.

Although there were many demons, their numbers were limited after all. With over ten thousand cultivators competing, it wasn't enough for everyone. So, inevitably, there were conflicts with other sect cultivators.

In the end, it was basically a race to be the first to hit.

A medical cultivator aimed at a Soul-Eating Bird and shot an arrow, with excellent precision, he was sure to succeed. Unexpectedly, a red-light arrow appeared out of nowhere, swift as lightning, piercing through the Soul-Eating Bird before him.

The medical cultivator couldn't contain his anger, "Hua Qingkong, you've gone too far!"

"Huh?" Hua Che, who had taken away the Soul-Eating Bird's spiritual knowledge, was puzzled, "How did I go too far?"

"I had my eye on that Soul-Eating Bird first!"

Hua Che chuckled, "That's not accurate, brother. In the second round of hunting, victory depends on skill. These demons are all obtained through competition. It just means my arrows were faster than yours, so you lost, that's all."

The medical cultivator, humiliated and enraged, retorted, "You!"

Hua Che interjected, "Hey, hey, hey, no need to rush. It's true that I took your prey, but others also took mine. You can go snatch someone else's too!"

Indeed, hunting was like this—everyone competing against each other. By the time the time limit approached, the top two hundred would advance.

But the medical cultivator was not convinced. Practicing the medical path, he was inherently the weakest in terms of martial strength among cultivators. Yet, he was forced to compete in martial prowess against this group of sword cultivators. It was too unfair!

He was filled with frustration. Ever since the illusion realm, he had been in a bad mood, and now he was thoroughly provoked, unable to bear it any longer.

He drew his bow and arrow, aiming directly at Hua Che, who was about to walk away, gritting his teeth, "You stole my prey, die!"

 

Translator: DarNan