After Wu Yuan left the Cloud Hall, Elder Huan, who was waiting here, did not ask much. He exchanged a few words and let Wu Yuan return to the Cloud Martial Hall.
He understood the rules very well.
Since Rain Supreme did not allow him to listen, he wouldn't ask more questions. Sometimes, knowing less was a good thing.
Back at his residence in the Cloud Martial Hall.
Wu Yuan sat cross-legged and contemplated in silence.
"So, it's all about Qi."
"Sensing the power of heaven and earth, swallowing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, can strengthen the physical body." Wu Yuan sighed inwardly. "Heaven Ranking experts are Qi refiners?"
Qi refiners, hard to die and live easily for hundreds of years.
"From ordinary people to becoming martial artists, and then becoming martial artist masters, there's no essential change," Wu Yuan's eyes revealed a trace of longing. "Only becoming a Heaven Rank is a true transformation, life evolution!"
"And."
"The three conditions for becoming a Heaven Rank."
"Unconsciously, I have already reached two?" Wu Yuan shook his head in self-amazement.
It feels truly unbelievable.
The only thing lacking is physical fitness!
This is also easily achievable.
"Wu Wang defined the first rank as having a strength of two hundred thousand catties. I'm afraid that's the minimum physical requirement to reach the 'Heaven Ranking'," Wu Yuan speculated.
He didn't have detailed information.
He could only make educated guesses.
"But."
"Even though I've met the requirements to break through the Heaven Ranking in both soul and skills, I can't afford to slack off," Wu Yuan understood very clearly.
He knew that Heaven-ranked experts varied in strength.
As Rain Supreme mentioned, some Heaven-ranked experts had reached the 'Harmony' realm, achieving true unity of heaven and man.
Some Heaven-ranked experts could truly control and manipulate objects with their swordsmanship.
Compared to these Heaven-ranked experts, Wu Yuan was far behind.
"My advantage lies in physical fitness," Wu Yuan pondered. "Ordinary masters entering the Heaven Ranking might have physical fitness around two hundred thousand catties."
"But for me, when I reach the limits of the human body, my physical fitness will eventually skyrocket to an astonishing level."
Wu Yuan firmly believed.
A stronger body, more advanced combat skills, and a more powerful soul were all accumulations. Upon truly entering the Heaven Ranking, he would undoubtedly be stronger than Heaven-ranked experts who practiced normally.
"Supreme, why should I go challenge the second floor of the Heavenly Pavilion after the annual competition and participate in a trial?" Wu Yuan had a hint of doubt in his eyes.
He hadn't forgotten Rain Supreme's words—putting life on the line to help you.
Cultivation was one's own affair.
How could he assist?
"Could it be that Rain Supreme plans to enter the Chujiang Immortal Realm and then search for treasures to help me?" This thought suddenly flashed in Wu Yuan's mind.
The more he thought about it, the more possible it seemed.
"For now, I can only take one step at a time."
"Work hard to make my strength stronger!"
"Last time, on the Earth Ranking at the Star Tower, I was ranked over one hundred and eighty." Wu Yuan sighed inwardly. "With my current strength, I wonder how much higher I can rank."
Over a month ago, the new ranking list at the Star Tower was released.
Wu Yuan still ranked first on the "Jiangzhou Genius Ranking."
At the same time, his Dark Blade identity was ranked one hundred and eighty-three on the "Earth Ranking."
There were fewer than two hundred and fifty Earth-ranked masters in total.
Clearly.
In the eyes of the Star Tower, the overall strength of the Dark Blade was at the bottom of the Earth Ranking. Even this ranking was likely due to his powerful endurance.
Otherwise.
In terms of direct combat strength in the Star Tower's ranking, Wu Yuan was at the bottom, with the vast majority of masters surpassing him.
"Combining what I've seen in two master insights, 'World Earth Ranking,' and Rain Supreme's narration."
"Masters can generally be divided into four smaller levels based on their strength," Wu Yuan speculated. "The weakest are probably those masters whose skills have not yet reached the 'Harmony of Heaven and Man,' and their numbers are few."
The reason is simple.
Different from the previous world, reaching the limits of the human body in the Middle Earth realm is extremely difficult, and breaking through martial arts techniques is even more challenging.
Want to become a Grandmaster at a young age? Almost impossible! Therefore, those who can become Grandmasters possess highly advanced combat skills, with most of them being at the 'Intent Realm,' the stage of achieving unity between heaven and man, which is the most common strength among Earth-ranked Grandmasters.
For example, Grandmaster Chen Luo!
Moving up, there are some powerful Grandmasters whose combat skills reach the 'Body Fusion' stage or possess a top-grade divine weapon.
Or both! This makes their strength surpass ordinary Grandmasters.
Such powerful Grandmasters, looking across the current world, are probably only around twenty or thirty, all qualifying to compete for the title of Grandmaster Peak.
"Even stronger?" Wu Yuan murmured.
Indeed there are!
For example, the Jin Emperor 'Jin Cang,' recognized as the number one in the Earth-ranked, why? His body strength is terrifying, with single-arm punching power surpassing two hundred and fifty thousand pounds! He controls a top-grade divine weapon, not just one, among them the Jin Emperor Sword is widely acknowledged as a formidable top-grade divine weapon.
His combat skills are also highly advanced.
Most importantly, he practices 'Dao Arts' bestowed by a Celestial-ranked expert, almost without any weaknesses.
"The so-called 'Dao Arts.'"
"Essentially, it is the art of using 'Heavenly Qi.'" Wu Yuan murmured, "However, Earth-ranked Grandmasters can only consume Qi, unable to refine it. Therefore, the usage comes with a massive cost, and it's extremely challenging to successfully cultivate."
Once cultivated, the power is astonishing.
"Now, not to mention comparing with Celestial-ranked experts, even among numerous Earth-ranked Grandmasters, it's challenging for me to stand at the peak!"
"Cultivate."
"Senior Rain, letting me freely read the insights of sixteen Grandmasters, I cannot waste this opportunity. Slowly, I will read them one by one."
"Reading is accumulating wisdom."
"At the same time, this book 'Great Earth and Vast Ocean' is a Qi-Consuming technique. I also need to make the most of my time to try cultivating." Wu Yuan's eyes flashed with anticipation.
Previously, without Qi-Consuming techniques, he could still absorb the ethereal spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
Now that there's a cultivation technique,
What will happen with further practice?
...
After meeting Senior Rain,
Wu Yuan's cultivation life returned to tranquility. Besides daily physical conditioning and skill cultivation,
he would also go to the repository to read insights from Grandmasters.
Every night.
He would attempt to cultivate "Great Earth and Vast Ocean."
Initially, Wu Yuan thought it wouldn't be difficult to succeed in cultivating it.
However, after trying, he realized the formidable nature of "Great Earth and Vast Ocean."
"Qi-Consuming Technique."
"The primary requirement is to understand each acupoint, only by allowing Qi to circulate and guide them to nourish the body, can one gradually consume them." Wu Yuan tried one by one.
Fortunately!
His Divine Soul was powerful enough to vaguely sense the existence of each acupoint without relying on the technique.
With the guidance of the technique, sensing the acupoints in circulation became faster.
Time passed quickly.
Autumn came, and winter followed.
Another cold winter, and the annual competition was approaching.
In the courtyard.
On the first floor.
"All 108 acupoints are finally completely and clearly sensed." Wu Yuan's consciousness traversed his meridians, feeling the completeness of the circulation.
Boom!
A massive amount of spiritual energy rushed into his body.
— (End of this chapter)
Chapter 107: Foundation of Qi Refinement
Since exchanging insights with Senior Rain and reading almost all the insights of the generations of Grandmasters in the sect, Wu Yuan has gained a clear understanding of the hidden secrets of 'Qi' that he was previously unaware of.
Wu Yuan's perspective is now beyond what it used to be.
He understands that the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is infused in all things, almost everywhere, but it is not the ordinary air or water-like substances.
This is a mysterious force hidden in the depths of all things.
Only through divine perception.
Utilizing the body.
The body of life is truly magical; only by combining the two can one activate and absorb.
"'Great Earth and Vast Ocean,' truly deserving of being a Qi-consuming technique passed down by the Hengyun Sect for a long time, is indeed extraordinary, much more powerful than forcibly consuming Qi as I did before." Wu Yuan silently felt.
At this moment, numerous tiny pores opened, and a massive flow of heavenly and earthly Qi penetrated his body through each 'channel.'
A total of 108 channels.
Soon after.
The heavenly and earthly spiritual energy pouring into the body along the 'channels' was then channeled through the main meridians, entering each small meridian, gradually permeating every part of the body.
The body's muscles, bones, organs, and viscera, like a long-dried riverbed, greedily devoured.
They began to continuously evolve, elevate, and transform.
It wasn't just a simple improvement in physical qualities; as the spiritual energy flowed, it seemed to slowly drive genetic evolution and the enhancement of the essence of life.
However, this kind of push for the evolution of life essence was very weak.
More importantly, it was eliminating the already very rare impurities.
"The Lower Dantian is where the essence resides, capable of strengthening the body." Wu Yuan muttered, "The Middle Dantian is the location of the Qi Sea, which can elevate the limits of the human body."
The high-level experts in the Middle Earth world all have exaggerated physical qualities.
Why?
It's because their skills are highly advanced, opening the Middle Dantian.
Once the Middle Dantian is opened, even if the warrior does not actively absorb it, the body will unconsciously absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
The improvement for the warrior is tremendous.
Many old warriors can rejuvenate their youth by 'consuming Qi,' and their life essence undergoes a fundamental transformation, stepping into the realm of Grandmasters.
However.
Wu Yuan has absorbed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth for the past half year, and even now, after completely cultivating "Great Earth and Vast Ocean," he feels that the enhancement of his 'genes and life essence' from the heavenly and earthly spiritual energy is very weak.
"Right."
Wu Yuan had a realization, "Compared to true heavenly and earthly spiritual energy, the energy contained in Ancient Immortal Dew is more astonishing, lacking only a bit of 'spirituality,' yet it can still cause fundamental changes in the bodies of many warriors who take it for the first time."
"But before I consumed Qi, Ancient Immortal Dew could only strengthen my body."
"Long-term consumption of Qi can cause fundamental changes in the bodies of ordinary warriors and even top-tier experts because their body genes have not undergone evolution."
"As for me, the blood-colored mist in my body is more magical in terms of genetic evolution than the spiritual energy of heaven and earth; my body genes are in a very perfect state."
For Wu Yuan.
Consuming Qi? It cannot cause essential evolution of the body's flesh and blood.
"This heavenly and earthly spiritual energy, for me, is like an evolved version of Ancient Immortal Dew." Wu Yuan sighed to himself, "But compared to that, even with the cultivation of 'Great Earth and Vast Ocean,' the speed of Qi consumption has skyrocketed, much more than before, but it still doesn't match the effectiveness of directly swallowing Ancient Immortal Dew."
Circulation of Qi.
Wu Yuan estimated that if he did not stop for a night and continuously consumed Qi, it would be equivalent to two to three drops of Ancient Immortal Dew.
Not too much.
After all, every time Wu Yuan tempered his body, he would use a large amount of Ancient Immortal Dew; often he had to take dozens of drops in one or two days.
"However."
"Remnant Ancient Immortal Dew is still quite precious and limited," Wu Yuan muttered. "While the spiritual energy of heaven and earth originates from the cosmos, endless and boundless."
"Moreover, this is just the beginning. Currently, the swallowing speed is slow, and the crucial point is that the circulatory meridians have not penetrated yet, and the acupoints have not awakened," Wu Yuan senses the one hundred and eight spiritual channels.
Why one hundred and eight channels?
Because the human body's circulatory meridians have a total of one hundred and eight main acupoints located within the body.
Each main acupoint contains a spiritual path that directly connects to the external world.
One after another, these acupoints mysteriously connect to form a perfect 'circulatory meridian,' ultimately converging at the Middle Dantian.
"No wonder Senior Rain said that many top experts spend ten to twenty years and still find it challenging to achieve Qi-Consuming," Wu Yuan sighed inwardly.
Indeed, it's challenging.
To rely on Qi-Consuming, one must first have a powerful divine perception, capable of sensing all one hundred and eight acupoints, with the divine perception permeating the circulatory meridians.
Only with a complete perception of the meridians can one guide the flow of spiritual energy through each meridian to prevent chaotic Qi flow that may harm the body.
With Wu Yuan's powerful divine perception, he can instantly perceive the Middle Dantian, but it still takes a considerable amount of time to sense each of the one hundred and eight acupoints.
For other top experts?
Wu Yuan estimates it would take at least ten to twenty years of effort.
And the divine perception must be relatively strong; otherwise, even if one practices "Great Earth and Vast Ocean" for a hundred years, success is not guaranteed.
"Qi circulates through the meridians, nurturing the Middle Dantian and acupoints," Wu Yuan carefully senses, realizing more about the effects of Qi-Consuming. "And continuously expanding the meridians."
Just like how warriors forge their limbs!
Muscles, bones, and tendons determine the strength of a warrior.
"The description in 'Great Earth and Vast Ocean' regarding the Middle Dantian, one hundred and eight acupoints, and circulatory meridians is the foundation of a powerful Qi Cultivator, much like the muscles and bones of a warrior," Wu Yuan mused. "The stronger the Dantian, Qi Sea, acupoints, and meridians, the more Qi they can store, absorb spiritual energy faster, and naturally become stronger!"
Nourishing the body through Qi-Consuming is the goal of a warrior.
Qi Cultivation, using Qi as an energy source, is the method of Qi Cultivators.
"Blood Mist can cause the body to evolve, but it only affects the body and cannot directly strengthen the Middle Dantian, acupoints, and meridians."
"As for Remnant Ancient Immortal Dew? Despite its immense energy, I can only swallow it into my stomach and cannot directly send it into the Dantian Qi Sea. It can only be used to strengthen the body," Wu Yuan muttered. "It must rely on Qi-Consuming."
Qi-Consuming, where the spiritual energy of heaven and earth enters the meridians through mysterious acupoint channels directly.
"Qi-Consuming is the only way to nourish the Qi Sea, nurture the acupoints, and expand the meridians," Wu Yuan truly comprehends the role of Qi-Consuming for himself.
This is laying the foundation.
Laying the 'foundation' for becoming a Qi Cultivator in the future.
"As per 'Great Earth and Vast Ocean,' Grandmasters who step into the Celestial Ranking usually first open the Middle Dantian and gradually widen the meridians, awakening the acupoints," Wu Yuan pondered. "Although I haven't reached the limit of the human body, I can sense the Middle Dantian, but I can't open it."
Spirit leads to Qi!
The essence is the cornerstone. The essence is in the Lower Dantian and must be nurtured to the extreme to open the Middle Dantian.
The so-called extreme is the limit of the human body.
"The principles are the same."
Wu Yuan's eyes contain ambition. "Now, through Qi-Consuming, I am making the Middle Dantian, acupoints, and meridians stronger continuously."
"When I truly open the Middle Dantian in the future and become a Qi Cultivator, my strength will undoubtedly be extremely powerful."
Just like two Grandmasters, where some have a physical foundation just above 200,000 catties, while a few can surpass 250,000 catties.
There is a significant gap in strength.
Similarly, for newly ranked Celestial experts, can those with a strong foundation and those with a weak foundation have the same strength?
"Just, Qi Cultivation is theoretically something that Celestial experts can achieve. How long has it been since the revival of the Human Federation's martial arts in the previous world? How can one deduce the 'Hundred Acupoints Connecting with the Divine Technique'?" Wu Yuan suddenly recalled the three major martial arts techniques of the Human Federation.
"Tiger and Leopard Bone Refinement Technique" and "Dragon Transformation Marrow Cleansing Technique" need no further explanation. Wu Yuan has personally experienced their remarkable effects, indeed extraordinary.
Only the "Hundred Acupoints Connecting with the Divine Technique", Wu Yuan obtained it but has not practiced it.
After all, in his previous life, he only sensed the Middle Dantian. As for the circulatory acupoints? Not a single one was connected, so how could he practice?
However.
When Wu Yuan thoroughly sensed the circulatory acupoints and meridians after mastering "Great Earth and Vast Ocean", he was shocked to find that it perfectly matched the "Hundred Acupoints Connecting with the Divine Technique".
This indicates that the "Hundred Acupoints Connecting with the Divine Technique" is not just a rough deduction but is based on a large amount of summarized data.
It also implies that in the future, if Wu Yuan enters the Celestial Ranking, he can completely attempt to cultivate the "Hundred Acupoints Connecting with the Divine Technique".
"In the Human Federation, are there also Celestial experts?" Wu Yuan muttered, "Or is it related to the ancient ruins where the Black Tower is located? Does it contain information about 'Qi-Consuming, Qi Cultivation'?"
The more he thinks, the more Wu Yuan feels there is a secret.
Blue Star! Black Tower!
"The ancient civilization ruins where the Black Tower is located described a group of 'heaven-defying' great beings. Could they be Qi Cultivators?" Wu Yuan speculated, "Did the ancient Blue Star once have a prosperous cultivation civilization?"
Of course.
These are speculations that Wu Yuan's mind has wandered into, and there is no way to explore. He is not willing to delve deeper into it.
Time passes.
Several hours have passed.
"No more spiritual energy of heaven and earth pouring in." Wu Yuan stopped continuing the cultivation method of "Great Earth and Vast Ocean".
Just like people eating, there is a limit to the amount.
Qi-Consuming is the same.
"Now."
"On one hand, I need to continue refining my body and constantly push genetic evolution with 'Blood Mist.'"
"On the other hand, I need to continue 'Qi-Consuming,' reaching the limit that the meridians and acupoints can bear every day, striving to forge the strongest 'Foundation of Qi Cultivation.'"
"Also, the honing of skills." Wu Yuan thought about it, and his brow furrowed.
Wu Yuan has been trying to break new ground and reach the complete mastery of the Second Layer of the Control Realm.
"According to the insights of Grandmasters like Fang Xia, Yunshan, and Honghe, 'Body Fusion' is to completely integrate with heaven and earth." Wu Yuan contemplated, "While 'Oneness' is to merge the divine with heaven and earth, perceive the power of heaven and earth, and mobilize the power of heaven and earth for oneself!"
Humans have limits, while heaven and earth are boundless.
However, it's not that easy.
Dozens of Grandmaster insights, not one of them thoroughly explains 'Oneness.'
Why?
Because even Master Fang Xia couldn't reach the state of Oneness when writing Grandmaster insights!
The related content is either their speculation, consulting Celestial experts, or fragments obtained from the remnants of immortal sects.
In short.
Wanting to reach the state of Oneness in skills? Throughout the ages, not every Celestial expert has achieved it.
"Better to focus on strengthening the divine perception." Wu Yuan shook his head. With a lift of his hand, an apple flew into his hand with a swish.
It was controlled by his divine perception.
"In these six months, the divine perception has grown stronger, and the ability to control objects has also improved." Wu Yuan's eyes held a hint of expectation. "When I continue to contemplate, once it becomes stronger, my hidden weapon flying knives will truly undergo a qualitative change."
The throwing knife with controllable steering, even if the amplitude is not large, would be quite frightening!
...
Days passed.
Every day, Wu Yuan stayed in his secluded courtyard, immersed in cultivation.
He did not follow the common practice of most martial academy disciples who occasionally gathered for a meal.
In reality, disciples of Yunwu Hall were generally very diligent.
Especially the upper disciples, there were almost no 'lazy ones.' However, humans are not machines; they need rest and relaxation.
To be as fervent as Wu Yuan? Very rare! His way of cultivation relaxation? Reading books in the collection room, sitting quietly in various special training places in Yunshan, contemplating the mysteries of unity.
And that's precisely why, within Yunwu Hall, Wu Yuan's reputation is so prominent, making many disciples acknowledge and respect him.
Such extraordinary talent, and such diligence in cultivation?
Time passed in a hurry.
It was time for Yunwu Hall's annual competition, and the early snow in Yunshan City had already passed, leaving a pleasant climate.
"Senior Brother Wu!"
"Senior Brother." Early in the morning, two martial academy disciples arrived outside Wu Yuan's courtyard, both looking quite excited.
Bang~ The door opened.
"Jiushan, Longhe, why are you here so early?" Wu Yuan walked out of the door, smiling at the two figures in the distance.
Two robust young men, one slightly older and one seemingly more inexperienced.
The two of them.
One is called Fang Jiushan, a disciple of the 'Fang Clan' in the martial academy.
More than two years ago, Wu Yuan rejected the marriage proposal from the 'Fang Clan,' but Fang Clan never gave up. This Fang Jiushan quickly became Wu Yuan's 'number one fan' in the martial academy.
In terms of age, he is actually slightly older than Wu Yuan, but the Junior Brother calls him without reservation.
The other is called Wu Longhe, who just entered Yunwu Hall a year ago.
He is the most outstanding talent among the disciples of the Southern Dream Wu Clan, apart from Wu Yuan in this generation.
He is not from the Yunshan Mansion; instead, he belongs to another branch of the six major branches.
Naturally, upon entering the martial academy, he immediately contacted Wu Yuan.
As fellow members of the Wu Clan, Wu Yuan naturally did not refuse.
Moreover, after observing him for a while, he felt that 'Wu Longhe's' character was quite good, occasionally providing guidance.
The Wu Clan needs talents to establish themselves in Yunshan.
"Let them in." Wu Yuan smiled, and the attendants at the door allowed the two of them to enter.
"Senior Brother, you woke up so late."
Fang Jiushan's eyes were full of expectation. "All the disciples in the lower hall have been waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Wu Yuan smiled.
"Senior Brother, today is the annual competition and the grand comparison," Wu Longhe said solemnly. "Everyone is saying that this year, you will challenge the top ten True Disciples, and naturally, we are very excited."
"The top ten True Disciples?" Wu Yuan looked at the two with a smile.
"Senior Brother, how many names do you plan to challenge this time?" Fang Jiushan was excited. "Are you planning to challenge the eighth or ninth, or directly go for the top five?"
"The top five? It's a bit difficult." Wu Longhe hesitated slightly.
Having just entered Yunwu Hall, he had not truly seen Wu Yuan fight.
He had seen the top-ranking True Disciple disciples fight, and they were very formidable.
"Longhe, you haven't seen the scene where Senior Brother Wu swept the lower hall last year."
Fang Jiushan solemnly said, "Another year has passed, Senior Brother's strength must have improved. Don't mention the top five; even breaking into the top three, I think there's hope."
"The top three?" Wu Longhe was shocked to hear.
"Alright, stop arguing. Let's go and see. After going, we'll know." Wu Yuan smiled but did not give a direct answer.
The annual competition?
"I am over seventeen years old. This year should be my last year at Yunwu Hall," Wu Yuan thought to himself.
He didn't plan to stay at Yunwu Hall forever. In Wu Yuan's plan, once his body's golden development period ended, he would leave Yunshan and explore the thirteen vast states of the Midland World, including the three overseas states and numerous islands.
Cultivation brings achievements, and one should go see more scenery.
How could Wu Yuan stay in the small Yunshan forever?
"Moreover."
"According to the instructions from Yutai, after this year's annual competition, I will go to challenge the second floor of the Hengtian Pavilion."
"So!"
"This annual competition is an opportunity to reveal some strength." Wu Yuan calmly thought, "Consider it as a perfect conclusion to the 'Yunwu Hall disciples' cultivation journey."
Not long after, the three arrived at the martial academy's vast martial arts field, which already had dozens of platforms set up.
More than 800 Yunwu Hall disciples had already gathered.
When Wu Yuan, Fang Jiushan, and Wu Longhe arrived.
Almost in the blink of an eye, countless disciples in the martial arts field turned their heads.
"Senior Brother Wu is here!"
"Senior Brothers!"
"Senior Brother." Many disciples showed excitement and admiration. In terms of fame and prestige, Wu Yuan was terrifyingly high in the martial academy.
On the side of the martial arts field.
Three young men looked at this scene and shook their heads helplessly.
"Clearly, we are the top three ranked True Disciple."
The young man with a red birthmark on his face smiled helplessly. "We just came, but we didn't see these younger brothers and sisters so excited."
"So what if they are True Disciples?"
Another young man in a blue robe shook his head, jokingly saying, "We were suppressed by Senior Brother Xu Hui in the early years. We thought that after Senior Brother Xu left, we could have a few peaceful years, but now we have Junior Brother Wu."
"Junior Brother Wu's talent is indeed unimaginable, and his cultivation is diligent." The young man in a black robe on the right said softly, "His future will be even stronger than Senior Brother Xu Hui!"
"But he has only been in the martial academy for less than three years!"
"Is it possible that he will be defeated by him this year?" The young man in the black robe said in a low voice, "If he's to be defeated, it should wait until next year."
"Okay." The young man with the red birthmark and the young man in the blue robe nodded, and a fighting spirit emerged in their eyes.
The three of them had an excellent relationship.
They were also recognized as the top three True Disciples in the upper hall.
They did not envy Wu Yuan and understood that Wu Yuan's achievements in the future were incomparable to their own. However, as True Disciples, they also had pride and were unwilling to be defeated.
"Boom~" With the final stick striking like lightning.
The long spear in the hands of the young man with the red birthmark involuntarily flew out of his hand and was thrown out of the platform!
"Senior Brother Ju, I concede." Wu Yuan arched his hand and smiled!
"Boom!" "Boom!" "Boom!" The two clashed like lightning several times, and finally, Wu Yuan suddenly flashed.
With a swift turn and a strike, the staff resembling a spear explosively thundered, hitting the chest of the youth in the blue robe.
He was thrown away entirely.
"Senior Brother Yu, I won." Wu Yuan smiled.
"From today on, you are my Senior Brother." The youth in the blue robe said helplessly.
The gap was just too vast; Wu Yuan displayed such formidable strength.
Yet, it made him helpless.
He was led all the way, and in the end, he was directly blasted away by a 'returning spear.' The two were simply not on the same level.
"Senior Brother Wu!"
"Senior Brother!"
"Impact the first place among the True Disciples!" The entire martial arts arena, hundreds of disciples, had completely boiled over. The resounding cheers echoed in all directions, especially Fang Jiushan and Wu Longhe, who were particularly excited!
Too dominant!
In this year's annual competition, Wu Yuan took the stage and once again won nineteen consecutive victories, sweeping the lower hall. This was expected by everyone and did not cause much of a stir.
Later on.
Wu Yuan, as the first in the lower hall, directly applied to challenge the top ten True Disciples in the upper hall.
The first battle was against the tenth.
At that time, the tenth-ranked True Disciple turned green.
He thought that even if Wu Yuan wanted to challenge, he should directly go for the top five.
Unexpectedly, this True Disciple quickly realized he was wrong. Wu Yuan wasn't squeezing a soft persimmon like him.
Instead—it was squeezing all the persimmons!
Tenth! Ninth! Eighth!... Wu Yuan challenged them one by one, and not a single True Disciple lasted more than ten moves against him.
Effortlessly.
In front of Wu Yuan, the top ten True Disciples seemed as helpless as ordinary disciples from the lower hall.
Advancing to the second.
The entire Yunwu Hall was completely boiling. Whether upper or lower hall disciples, they were all completely conquered by the powerful strength displayed by Wu Yuan.
The final battle.
On the platform.
Facing the gaze of nearly a thousand eyes.
"Wu Yuan." The youth in the black robe stared at Wu Yuan, holding a long sword, and said solemnly, "I understand; I am not your opponent."
"But I hope you can defeat me with your strongest strength."
"Strongest strength?"
Wu Yuan's eyes showed a hint of strangeness, then he smiled. "Okay, Senior Brother Tang, I will meet your request."
Under the eyes of the public.
"Boom!"
The two figures crossed paths, and with a casual swing, Wu Yuan directly blasted the youth in the black robe out of the platform! He landed on the ground with a thud.
One move! Wu Yuan won.
"Senior Brother Tang, this is my full strength. I hope I didn't disappoint you." Wu Yuan smiled. "I yield."
Swoosh!
Wu Yuan leaped down from the stage, paying no attention to the boiling excitement of the Cloud Martial Hall disciples.
As for the man in the black robe? Few paid him any attention.
Sitting on the ground, he lost himself for a long time, his mind still replaying that strike!
No matter how he thought or pondered, he only had one feeling.
Inevitable defeat!
No matter how he tried to evade, facing that strike meant certain defeat.
"Ah, Wu Yuan, what realm have you reached?" The man in the black robe sighed inwardly.
He understood that this strike might be worth pursuing for a lifetime.
But soon after, his expression changed.
"The only one among the top ten true disciples who was defeated in a single move." The man in the black robe showed a bitter smile.
Lost a lot of face.
Crucially, he had begged for this loss.
...Just two hours later, another piece of news quickly spread throughout the Cloud Martial Hall.
The new Cloud Martial Senior Brother Wu Yuan had broken through the second level of the Hengtian Pavilion.
Once again breaking the record set by Patriarch Fang Xia.
This news.
Couldn't be concealed any longer.
Soon after.
'Cloud Wu Yuan, seventeen years old, suspected to possess the strength of a first-rate master,' spread like a hurricane from within Cloud Mountain.
It wasn't just shaking the entire Cloud Martial Sect.
All the forces that had been keeping an eye on 'Wu Yuan' were equally shaken.
...
In Jiangzhou, located at the westernmost point of Jinyang Prefecture.
Jinyang City.
Here, at the western gate of Jiangzhou, adjacent to Chuzhou and Yuanzhou, was also the base camp for the Great Jin Empire's conquest of Jiangzhou!
Inside a huge mansion leaning towards the east of the city.
"Duke Dong, why are you here?" A purple-robed old man, about sixty years old, looked at the newcomer in shock.
"If I don't come again, I'm afraid that when Cloud Martial Sect produces another grandmaster, none of you three will make a move." Duke Dong Jin Jiu wore his usual attire, his voice deep and indifferent.
The purple-robed old man looked bewildered.
"Cloud Wu Yuan's strength is growing stronger. At seventeen, he already has the strength of a first-rate master."
Duke Dong Jin Jiu stared at the purple-robed old man. "You, Chen Luo, and Lu Jiangyin—have you three just been watching without taking any action?"
— (End of this chapter)