《You Awaken Alien Abilities? I Teach Students Cultivation!》


 Chapter 1

    In the Tianxuan Continent, at the Xuan Yin Sect, on the Great Bamboo Peak.

    As evening fell, Lin Hao returned to his cave dwelling only to find that the barrier he had set up had been breached!

    He immediately drew two high-grade first-level talismans, spiritual power sparking from his fingertips, ready to activate them at any moment.

    "Oh, Brother Lin, you''re quite vigilant."

    A female cultivator in a sky-blue dress gracefully stepped out, her long, snow-white legs generously exposed to the air.

    Li Xunran... What is she doing here?

    Seeing the female cultivator''s appearance, a hint of surprise flashed in Lin Hao''s eyes.

    This woman, like him, was an outer disciple cultivating on the Great Bamboo Peak.

    Because of her beautiful looks and graceful figure, she stood out among the outer disciples.

    Speaking of which, Lin Hao had gone on missions with her before; she was a fifth-level Qi Refining cultivator, one level below him.

    Although they were somewhat familiar, Lin Hao did not let down his guard and coldly asked, "What are you here for?"

    "I heard you want to trade with Spirit Gathering Pills..." Li Xunran teased in her tone.

    "Trade..." Hearing this word, a complex expression appeared on Lin Hao''s face.

    For some reason, ever since he participated in the physique awakening ceremony, he kept thinking of Emperor Wei Wen.

    Moreover, after long periods of meditation and cultivation, his whole body would feel unbearably hot, and seductive images of women would involuntarily appear in his mind, preventing him from continuing his cultivation.

    To solve this problem and continue his cultivation, he thought of trading Spirit Gathering Pills.

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    The first person he sought to trade with was a junior sister at the fifth level of Qi Refining.

    A night of passion for ten Spirit Gathering Pills, a mutually beneficial exchange.

    But the agreed-upon trade was suddenly called off by the junior sister, who then spread word of his trading methods, making him a laughingstock among the outer disciples of the Great Bamboo Peak.

    "Still interested in trading? How about me?" Li Xunran continued, moving her legs and teasingly adjusting her neckline, boldly displaying her assets.

    "Alright," Lin Hao replied.

    To vent the fire within, of course, he needed to trade. He wasn''t interested in romance; this was the only way to meet mutual needs.

    He raised an eyebrow and said, "One time, ten pills, agreed?"

    "Ten pills?" Li Xunran furrowed her white brow, hesitating, "Ten is too few; it''s my first time, you know. You''ll need to add a bit more."

    "Twelve pills," Lin Hao said.

    Twelve pills were what he could receive in a month, all given to her.

    "Deal," Li Xunran agreed straightforwardly.

    Boom!

    A bolt of lightning tore through the thick clouds.

    Pitter-patter, pitter-patter -!

    "Oh dear, it''s raining," Li Xunran threw a charming glance, feigning weakness.

    "Let''s go inside for a more in-depth exchange..."

    With that, she turned and walked inside.

    Lin Hao closed the door and entered, seeing the woman already lying sideways on his bed, propping her head up.

    Her beautiful legs were elegantly crossed.

    "Brother Lin..." Li Xunran drew out her voice.

    Thump!

    Lin Hao felt his heartbeat quicken.

    He returned the talismans to the storage bag at his waist, then walked to the woman''s side, reaching out to lift her snow-white, pointed chin.

    Li Xunran looked at Lin Hao, her eyes dreamy, extending her small tongue to lick her lips.

    "Brother Lin, you''ll need to give me the pills first."

    Lin Hao silently complained in his heart; this woman had a knack for business, not forgetting to ask for her fee even now.

    Smack!

    He took out a small jade bottle, placing it on the table, and said, "Twelve pills, not one less."

    Li Xunran picked up the pills with delight, her snow-white legs quietly parting, her jade foot occasionally brushing against the man''s calf.

    Lin Hao''s breathing grew heavier, and he leaned in to...

    Swish!

    Suddenly, a change occurred!

    Li Xunran drew a short blade glinting with cold light from under her thigh, swiftly stabbing towards the man''s chest!

    But before she could succeed, she felt a chill at her throat.

    "Don''t move, or you''ll die!"

    A look of disbelief flashed in Li Xunran''s beautiful eyes as she glanced down at the dagger glowing with green light, the stench of poison wafting to her nose. The dagger was laced with deadly venom!

    She knew that any sudden movement would surely lead to a poisoned death.

    So she had no choice but to drop the short blade in her hand.

    She was extremely surprised; she had acted so convincingly, and Lin Hao was clearly already caught up in the moment, he should have let his guard down completely.

    Moreover, to prevent the spiritual power fluctuations from using the storage bag from being detected, she had tied the short blade to her thigh.

    But she never expected Lin Hao''s vigilance to be so high, always on guard!

    Lin Hao kicked the short blade away and removed the storage bag from her waist, placing a restriction on it.

    The Immortal Path is ruthless, and cultivators are even more so. Since becoming a cultivator, Lin Hao had always been cautious, maintaining vigilance at all times and places, ensuring he wouldn''t make a major mistake.

    "Speak, why did you try to assassinate me?"

    His tone was icy, filled with killing intent.

    Li Xunran''s eyes darted around, putting on a pitiful expression, coquettishly saying, "Oh, Brother Lin, you''ve misunderstood. How could I assassinate you? I just wanted to add some excitement."

    Ding!

    Lin Hao flicked the blade, the cold, poisonous edge pressed against the woman''s skin, his palm surging with spiritual power, ready to pierce her throat at any moment.

    His voice was cold, "Talking nonsense won''t help, don''t test my patience."

    Feeling the threat of death, the woman was terrified, her face losing color, "Brother Lin, don''t be impulsive, I''ll talk... I''ll talk."

 Chapter 2

    "It''s Mu Xuan."

    Mu Xuan... A figure flashed through Lin Hao''s mind.

    Mu Xuan and he were both at the sixth level of Qi Refining.

    But Mu Xuan had a relative who was an elder, and he often flaunted his power in the outer sect, bullying disciples without any backing.

    Just because Lin Hao didn''t yield to him in a small internal competition, Mu Xuan bore a grudge against him.

    "Sending a woman to make a deal and assassinate me while I''m distracted, that bastard is truly insidious!" A fierce glint flashed in Lin Hao''s eyes.

    He preferred to keep a low profile and develop quietly, but that didn''t mean he would be a coward. If someone was trying to kill him, would he just sit back and do nothing?

    "Mu Xuan, I will kill you!"

    Seeing the cold glint in Lin Hao''s eyes, Li Xunran couldn''t help but be startled.

    "Senior Brother Lin, I''ve told you everything. Can you put the dagger away? What if..."

    "Bitch, do you think you have the right to negotiate with me?

    You trespassed into my cave dwelling and attempted to assassinate a fellow disciple. Just these two offenses are enough for me to kill you."

    Li Xunran''s face turned pale, tears welling up in her beautiful eyes as she sobbed, "Senior Brother Lin, spare me! I was blinded by greed and made a terrible mistake.

    I won''t dare to do it again. I''ll give you everything in my storage bag, just spare my worthless life!

    Senior Brother... no... Master, I''m willing to be your servant and serve you well."

    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    "But you''re someone Mu Xuan sent. Keeping you by my side is like inviting a tiger into my home, waiting for you to stab me in the back?"

    Cold sweat dripped from Li Xunran''s forehead. To save her life, her mind raced.

    "Master, do you have any poison pills that can control people? You can give me one, then you''ll be at ease!"

    "You''re quite clever, but those things are too expensive. I don''t have any! And you''re not worth me buying a poison pill just for you. Serve me well in the future, or die. Understand?"

    Li Xunran nodded like a pecking chick.

    "Master, could you return my storage bag?" she asked cautiously.

    "Open it."

    Li Xunran''s heart trembled, fearing he would take her belongings, but she dared not resist.

    With a wave of her delicate hand, a sky-blue spiritual energy flew out, unlocking the storage bag''s seal.

    Lin Hao emptied its contents: a bottle of Spirit Gathering Pills, a low-grade magical artifact, a few mid-grade talismans, and the rest were women''s clothes.

    Not even a single spirit stone. He cursed her as a pauper under his breath, then kept the Spirit Gathering Pills, saying indifferently, "I''ll keep this bottle of pills as punishment for your previous misconduct."

    The pills Lin Hao had given her were impossible to take back, and her only pills had been confiscated. Li Xunran felt a pang of pain.

    But fearing his ruthlessness, she swallowed her dissatisfaction.

    ***

    The next day, after letting Li Xunran go.

    Lin Hao drew three talismans and planned to go down the mountain.

    He mainly needed to visit the market.

    To sell some talismans, exchange them for spirit stones to set up his cave dwelling, increasing the concentration of spiritual energy.

    Only inner disciples could fly on swords within the sect; outer disciples had to walk down the mountain.

    As he neared the foot of the mountain, he spotted Li Xunran and immediately frowned.

    Her suspicious behavior caught Lin Hao''s attention, and he followed her quietly with cold eyes.

    She wound her way to the area where the servant disciples lived, finally stopping in front of a courtyard. After cautiously observing for any abnormalities, she slipped inside.

    Lin Hao''s confusion deepened. He concealed his spiritual energy and silently circled to the back of the courtyard, then climbed over the wall.

    Sticking close to the wall, he listened to the sounds inside.

    There were voices of a man and a woman conversing.

    The voices were very familiar, and Lin Hao''s expression grew colder as he stealthily approached the window, peering through a narrow gap to observe the scene inside.

    Just as he suspected, Li Xunran was secretly meeting with Mu Xuan!

    This woman was truly shameless!

    Lin Hao cursed them in his heart, focusing on eavesdropping on the bitch couple''s conversation.

    "Boss Mu, I failed the assassination... but he''s already under my control, letting me stay by his side."

    "Then proceed with the second plan!" Mu Xuan said. "That kid is really lucky. You could have been with me, without doing such dangerous tasks."

    Li Xunran was the woman he fancied, but she always made excuses, unwilling to be with him, yet now she was with that brat Lin Hao.

    "Boss Mu, what about the promised reward?" Li Xunran didn''t want to waste words with Mu Xuan.

    Seeing Li Xunran still acting so aloof, Mu Xuan''s expression changed.

    But he suppressed his anger, thinking to himself, a defiled woman is no longer worthy of being mine!

    "Don''t worry, I won''t shortchange you."

    Mu Xuan took out a small jade bottle and said.

    "Inside are ten Spirit Gathering Pills, your reward for gaining Lin Hao''s trust.

    Tonight, give that dog Lin Hao the Ten Fragrance Soft Bone Powder, then wait for me to come and torture him to death!

    Once it''s done, you''ll be richly rewarded!"

    "Alright!" Li Xunran took the jade bottle and said.

    Outside the window, Lin Hao''s face was icy cold.

    Very well, bitch couple, if you dare to come tonight, I''ll send you both to hell!

 Chapter 3

    As night fell and a gentle breeze brushed the clouds, Lin Hao sat meditating in his cave dwelling, diligently cultivating.

    With Li Xunran''s help, the problem of the evil fire within him was resolved, allowing him to continue his cultivation.

    Moreover, he had discovered a significant secret: a woman''s Primordial Yin could aid him in absorbing and refining fire Spiritual Energy, rapidly enhancing his strength.

    Lin Hao thought having a maid was quite beneficial, as she could assist in his cultivation. Unfortunately, Li Xunran wasn''t genuinely loyal to him.

    Suddenly, Lin Hao opened his eyes because the cave''s barrier was triggered.

    He sprang to his feet, sending a streak of light from his fingertips to open the barrier, revealing a graceful figure.

    "Master, I''m back!"

    "Master, you must be tired from cultivating. Let me make you some spiritual tea."

    Lin Hao inwardly sneered, thinking this venomous woman was planning to poison him under the guise of concern.

    To avoid alerting her, he deliberately ignored her actions and closed his eyes to regulate his breathing.

    Before long, the woman brought a cup of spiritual tea, smiling charmingly, "Master, have some tea."

    "Mm."

    Lin Hao took the cup with an indifferent expression and coldly said, "Go close the cave door, then come serve me."

    Seizing the moment she turned around, he used his power to evaporate the tea, pretending to have drunk it, and collapsed on the ground.

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    "Oh no, Master, what''s wrong?"

    Li Xunran exclaimed in shock.

    "Xunran, you''ve done well."

    Mu Xuan, dressed in black, walked in, looking at Lin Hao sprawled on the ground like a dead dog, and smirked.

    "Lin Hao, do you even realize your status, daring to provoke me!"

    "You bastard, daring to oppose me, I''ll kill you right here!"

    Fear flashed in Lin Hao''s eyes as he trembled, "What... what have you done to me?"

    "You bastard, you''ve been poisoned with the Ten Fragrance Soft Tendon Powder, feeling weak, aren''t you? I''ll slice your flesh while you''re conscious and unable to resist!"

    Li Xunran clung to Mu Xuan''s sleeve, softly saying, "Boss Mu, don''t rush, my reward..."

    Mu Xuan replied impatiently, "What, you think I won''t pay you?"

    "That''s not it."

    "Stay aside and don''t cause trouble, got it?"

    Fear appeared on the woman''s face as she quickly stepped aside, watching the man approach Lin Hao.

    Mu Xuan slowly crouched down, staring venomously at his enemy.

    "You bastard, let''s start by cutting off your dick!"

    Clang!

    Lin Hao pretended to be powerless, waiting for Mu Xuan to lower his guard. He gripped a poisoned dagger, ready to end him.

    But suddenly, a slender sword pierced through Mu Xuan''s chest, in and out, bringing a spray of blood.

    Lin Hao was surprised. What was that woman doing? She attacked Mu Xuan from behind!

    Mu Xuan was even more incredulous that Li Xunran had betrayed him!

    "Why... why?"

    "Stupid dog, there''s no why. I belong to the Master, killing you is only right!"

    "Treacherous woman!"

    Mu Xuan nearly went mad, his bulging eyes almost popping out, as his Spiritual Energy surged wildly!

    He was a Qi Refining sixth-layer cultivator, with vigorous vitality. Even with a sword through his body, he was only severely injured and still had the strength to fight.

    He slapped Li Xunran away, who spat blood in mid-air.

    Lin Hao was speechless. What were these two doing, backstabbing each other?

    The most urgent thing now was to quickly deal with Mu Xuan!

    Otherwise, if he escaped and was protected by an inner sect elder, it would be difficult to kill him later!

    Lin Hao moved swiftly, flashing in front of Mu Xuan, and cleanly stabbed the poisoned blade into his heart.

    The dagger was coated with a potent poison, lethal upon contact, not to mention the rust, making it a sure tetanus blade.

    Mu Xuan kicked his legs and went to meet the King of Hell.

    Boom!

    Lin Hao''s palm erupted in flames, for killing required destroying the body!

    After dealing with Mu Xuan, it was no time to relax. His eyes flashed with cold light as he quickly approached Li Xunran, grabbing her delicate neck.

    "Why did you turn against him, was it because you realized I wasn''t poisoned?"

    The woman coughed, anxiously saying, "No... no, I didn''t poison you.

    Master, I''ve always been yours, how could I help Mu Xuan?

    That bastard approached me, wanting me to poison you and then torture you.

    I pretended to agree to find a chance to cooperate with you and eliminate this snake!"

    Lin Hao''s eyes were filled with icy killing intent as he temporarily released her, but still pressed the poisoned blade against her heart.

    "Do you think I''ll believe your story? The tea was poisoned, and you only turned against him when you saw things weren''t going your way!"

    Li Xunran''s face turned pale, babbling, "Mas... Master, it''s not like that. I was just puzzled why you fainted after drinking the tea I served.

    I tried to stall Mu Xuan, hoping to find a chance to kill him!"

    "Fine, if you''re truly loyal to me, then drink this cup of tea."

    Lin Hao summoned the teacup filled with spiritual tea with his Spiritual Energy, handing it to the woman with one hand.

 Chapter 4

    "Alright."

    Li Xunran picked up the teacup and drank it in one gulp.

    No poison?

    After a while, seeing that the woman was fine, Lin Hao''s thoughts swirled. This woman hadn''t poisoned him after all.

    "Yes, I did misunderstand you. But if something like this happens again, you must inform me in advance, understand?"

    Li Xunran''s beautiful eyes sparkled with joy as she cautiously said, "Master, are you concerned about me?"

    Lin Hao didn''t respond. He just felt that this approach was inappropriate. If something went wrong, the woman would certainly be doomed, which would implicate him as well.

    "Did anyone else know you were traveling with Mu Xuan?"

    The woman quickly shook her head and said firmly, "No one knows."

    "Mu Xuan, that bastard, knows how to slaughter his fellow disciples. Even if an elder protects him, he will be severely punished, so his whereabouts are secret."

    So that''s how it is; this saves me some trouble. Lin Hao had been worried that news of Mu Xuan''s disappearance would spread and arouse the suspicions of the inner sect elders.

    But what should he do with this woman in front of him?

    Sensing Lin Hao''s murderous intent, Li Xunran knelt on the ground, cleaning up the mess while swearing an oath.

    "Master, rest assured, I will never betray you."

    Lin Hao was noncommittal about the woman''s words.

    If it weren''t for the fact that the woman''s usual flamboyant behavior would draw attention if she suddenly disappeared, he would have preferred to eliminate her entirely. After all, the dead are the most reliable.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    "Yes, you better understand your situation clearly. The sword that severely injured Mu Xuan was thrust by you."

    After the stick, Lin Hao immediately offered a carrot.

    He took out a bottle of Spirit Gathering Pills and said lightly, "Here are ten pills, take them."

    Li Xunran''s face lit up with joy as she accepted the jade bottle, expressing her gratitude, "Thank you, Master, for your generosity."

    Lin Hao pulled out Mu Xuan''s storage bag from his pocket, preparing to count the spoils.

    Once a cultivator dies, the restrictions they leave behind weaken. Moreover, Lin Hao''s cultivation level was slightly higher than Mu Xuan''s.

    So it didn''t take much effort to break the restrictions on the storage bag.

    Pouring out all the items inside, Lin Hao''s eyes lit up. Goodness, indeed, killing and arson bring wealth.

    There were three bottles of Spirit Gathering Pills alone, not to mention over a hundred and eighty low-grade spirit stones, a stack of first-level talismans, and two mid-grade magical artifacts.

    For an average cultivator at the sixth level of Qi Refining, the monthly spirit stones they earn are barely enough for cultivation, with no surplus, and their magical artifacts are mostly low-grade.

    For a cultivator like Lin Hao, who has a special skill, saving ten spirit stones a month is considered good, and he also uses low-grade magical artifacts.

    A slightly better mid-grade magical artifact would cost a hundred or two hundred spirit stones, something outer sect disciples can''t afford.

    Taking the risk to kill an enemy was worth it!

    However, these mid-grade magical artifacts were likely bestowed by an inner sect elder and couldn''t be used within the sect. They would have to be sold at a market outside.

    ***

    In the middle of the night, Li Xunran quietly left the cave dwelling.

    Lin Hao, who was asleep, suddenly opened his eyes. His instincts told him that Li Xunran still had issues.

    So he got up and followed her out.

    As soon as he exited the cave dwelling, he saw the woman sneaking up the mountain.

    What is this woman up to?

    He furrowed his brows and quietly followed her, stopping only when he reached a spot about six hundred feet up.

    His doubts grew. This area was home to the top outer sect disciples. Who was Li Xunran here to see?

    Li Xunran stood in front of a cave dwelling and respectfully called out, "Senior Sister, Xunran requests an audience."

    "Come in!" A cold voice came from inside.

    Seeing the woman enter the cave dwelling, Lin Hao''s expression froze. He hadn''t expected Li Xunran to meet her.

    Chen Yueming, with her stunning beauty and celestial grace, had reached the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining.

    Because of her outstanding looks and profound cultivation, she had high prestige in the outer sect and quite a following.

    Lin Hao hadn''t expected Li Xunran to have connections with this woman, and his expression turned cold because he didn''t have a good impression of Chen Yueming.

    He knew her and remembered her voice because she was an enemy of his senior sister, Li Qiushui.

    Li Qiushui was also at the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining, extremely beautiful, and along with Chen Yueming, was known as one of the Great Bamboo Peak''s two outstanding beauties.

    The two were mortal enemies. If the Xuan Yin Sect didn''t prohibit internal strife, they would have fought on sight.

    Lin Hao had a good relationship with Li Qiushui. She was the one who brought him from the mortal world to the cultivation world and took good care of him, often taking him on well-paying tasks. So he was considered one of her people.

    Li Xunran meeting his senior sister''s enemy at night naturally caught Lin Hao''s attention, and his expression turned icy.

    Although he couldn''t eavesdrop on their conversation, based on his own speculation, they were likely plotting against his senior sister!

    This woman was truly not simple. No wonder she dared to severely injure Mu Xuan, just to gain my trust and get close to my senior sister!

    Lin Hao initially thought of taking care of the woman directly when she returned, but on second thought, doing so would alert the enemy. It would be better to play along and gather intelligence on Chen Yueming.

    After all, now he knew Li Xunran was a wolf. The enemy was in the open, and he was in the shadows. He wanted to see what tricks the woman had up her sleeve!

 Chapter 5

    Not long after, Li Xunran quietly returned to Lin Hao''s cave dwelling. After carefully observing and finding nothing unusual, she finally sat down on the ground to meditate.

    When Lin Hao returned, he kept an ear out for any sounds outside. Seeing the woman come back, he merely snorted coldly in his heart.

    ***

    The next day, after the woman left, Lin Hao also stepped out of the cave dwelling, planning to visit the market.

    He had intended to sell talismans yesterday, but after overhearing Li Xunran and Mu Xuan''s plot, he decided against it.

    Lingyun Market was a hundred miles from the Xuan Yin Sect.

    Lin Hao often set up a stall there to sell talismans. Of course, he also browsed the stalls, hoping to find treasures, but unfortunately, his luck was too shallow, and he never found any bargains.

    This time, as usual, after selling the talismans he wanted to sell, he wandered around the stall area.

    When he reached a stall selling magical artifacts, he suddenly stopped.

    The stall owner was a middle-aged cultivator who looked honest, but Lin Hao, having run a stall himself, knew that stall owners often feigned honesty to gain customers'' trust.

    Three magical artifacts were laid out on a piece of beast hide, all in poor condition and not very appealing, with few customers stopping by.

    Seeing Lin Hao''s interest, the stall owner quickly greeted him, "Young man, these three magical artifacts I''m selling are all of middle grade.

    You should know that middle-grade magical artifacts usually start at a hundred spirit stones, but I''m selling these three for just a hundred. Buying them is a profit!"

    Lin Hao merely smiled indifferently at the stall owner''s boastful talk.

    The formations on these three artifacts were damaged, their power even less than that of lower-grade artifacts, only the material was slightly better, definitely not worth a hundred spirit stones.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    However, as he passed by this stall, he noticed that the beast hide on which the stall owner placed the weapons was a rare find.

    He hadn''t expected to see the hide of a Cloud Thunder Beast at a stall!

    This beast was active in ancient times and is now extinct. Lin Hao had only recognized it from an ancient book.

    This was a second-tier high-grade demon beast, its strength comparable to the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment!

    He had to acquire it; it could be used to draw second-tier talismans.

    To prevent the stall owner from raising the price, Lin Hao didn''t directly purchase the hide but instead said casually, "These three magical artifacts are too damaged. I''ll buy them for fifty spirit stones."

    "Young man, that''s not possible. These are heirloom treasures..."

    "Forty-five spirit stones. If you want to sell, I''ll take them. If not, forget it!" Lin Hao said impatiently.

    "This..."

    Seeing Lin Hao about to leave, the stall owner hurriedly called out.

    "Alright, young man, we hit it off at first sight. Let''s call it making a friend, I''ll sell them!" The stall owner said with a pained expression.

    Lin Hao wasn''t swayed by this act and said directly, "You bought these damaged artifacts at a low price; you''ll still profit at forty-five spirit stones.

    These artifacts are so dirty, I really don''t want to put them in my storage bag. Wrap them up with the beast hide. There''s no extra charge for that, right?"

    The stall owner chuckled dryly, "No extra charge, I''ll wrap them up for you right away."

    Fearing Lin Hao would change his mind, the stall owner quickly wrapped up the artifacts.

    Lin Hao handed over forty-five spirit stones, put the items into his storage bag, and left, feeling triumphant!

    The beast hide was large enough to cut into at least fifty sheets of talisman material. With his current talisman-making skills, his success rate for crafting second-tier lower-grade talismans was between twenty to thirty percent, and each talisman could sell for fifty spirit stones!

    He could earn at least five hundred spirit stones, not to mention he got the hide for free.

    For the first time in his life, he found a bargain, and he was in an exceptionally good mood, humming a tune as he returned to his cave dwelling.

    On the way back, he paid special attention to the conversations of the surrounding cultivators, mainly to see if anyone mentioned Mu Xuan, but no one did.

    Thinking it over, he understood why no one noticed a living person had disappeared.

    In the Xuan Yin Sect, the status of outer disciples was low, and they didn''t even have Life Tokens. Unless they died on the spot, it was hard to notice their absence in time.

    Moreover, Mu Xuan was a playboy who often went down the mountain to fool around, so disappearing for ten days or half a month was quite normal.

    As long as he and Li Xunran didn''t say anything, news of Mu Xuan''s death might not spread for half a month!

    Back at the cave dwelling, Lin Hao immediately took out the beast hide, casually tossing the three damaged artifacts aside, planning to find an artifact dealer later to sell them for forty spirit stones without a problem!

    He placed the Cloud Thunder Beast hide on the table and began cutting and preparing it.

    ***

    Two hours later, he had harvested fifty sheets of talisman material, but he didn''t plan to draw talismans now. He intended to wait until he became a second-tier talisman master, when his success rate would double!

    After tidying up and putting everything into his storage bag, Li Xunran returned.

    "Master!"

    Li Xunran entered and called softly.

    Lin Hao looked over, and his eyes immediately lit up.

    She was wearing a somewhat sheer white long dress, embroidered with exquisite flowers. Her graceful figure was faintly visible under the dress...

    A standard oval face, long hair reaching her waist, a delicate nose, eyes as blue as the ocean, and seductive red lips.

    Clearly, she had dressed up deliberately.

    Feeling a stir in his heart, Lin Hao said, "Come in."

    With that, he turned and walked towards the bedroom.

    "Okay."

    Li Xunran''s face showed a hint of shy joy.

    She had dressed like this to attract Lin Hao... hoping to ease and draw closer their relationship, facilitating her subsequent actions.

 Chapter 6

    At dawn, the sky was filled with the glow of morning light.

    Last night, Lin Hao was quite satisfied with his abundant gains.

    Stepping out of the cave dwelling, he stretched lazily, then practiced a set of unstructured punches. His forehead was covered in a fine sweat, and as the mountain breeze brushed against his face, he felt completely refreshed.

    With Li Xunran''s help over the past few days, he finally broke through from the sixth level of Qi Refining to the seventh level last night!

    Li Xunran leaned against the cave entrance, her legs weak, supporting herself with a slender sword.

    She looked at the young man''s back with a complex gaze.

    Whoosh-!

    A streak of light flew down from above, hovering like a kingfisher in front of Lin Hao. It was a small, delicate sword with a letter tied to it, exuding a faint fragrance that lingered in the air.

    Seeing the tassel on the small sword, Lin Hao murmured, "A letter from Senior Sister..."

    He reached out, took the small sword, removed the letter, and carefully read it. It turned out that Senior Sister was inviting him to participate in the Demon Beast Hunting Competition and wanted him to come over.

    He had thought that Senior Sister would be in seclusion to break through to Foundation Establishment and wouldn''t participate in this competition.

    "Master, the Demon Beast Hunting Competition is about to start. Will you participate?"

    Coincidentally, Li Xunran also asked him about the competition at this moment.

    "Of course, I''ll participate!"

    "Can I go with you, Master?" Li Xunran''s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

    A cold glint flashed in Lin Hao''s eyes. Senior Sister invited him to participate, and she also wanted to follow him.

    Was this a coincidence?

    It was probably planned all along, wasn''t it?

    "Sure," Lin Hao said expressionlessly.

    Hearing Lin Hao''s agreement, Li Xunran was delighted.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    "Master, I''d like to go down the mountain for a bit. With the competition approaching, I want to buy some pills."

    Buying pills was a pretense; informing others was the real intention! Lin Hao snorted coldly in his heart but remained calm as he said, "Go ahead, choose carefully."

    "Yes, Master."

    After watching the woman leave, Lin Hao climbed the steps, reaching six hundred feet, passed through a grove of purple bamboo, and arrived at Senior Sister''s cave dwelling, where he respectfully requested an audience.

    Chen Yueming intended to make a move against Senior Sister, and he was prepared to discuss countermeasures with her.

    Chen Yueming was at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining and was exceptionally beautiful. If he could seize the opportunity to capture her and absorb her Primordial Yin, his strength would surely see a significant boost!

    A fragrant breeze blew by, and the stone door opened. A gentle voice came from inside.

    "Come in."

    Lin Hao walked in slowly. On a jade platform carved from cold jade sat a graceful beauty.

    The woman''s beautiful eyes sparkled like autumn water, her brows were like distant mountains shrouded in mist, her skin like peach blossoms with a smile, and her hair cascaded like a waterfall, making one want to draw closer.

    The intoxicating fragrance of the beauty filled the not-so-large stone chamber, further stirring one''s emotions.

    Even though Lin Hao had just finished his morning practice and was in a sage-like state, he couldn''t help but secretly gaze at the jade-like beauty. Despite having seen her many times, his heart still raced wildly every time he saw Senior Sister.

    He bit his tongue lightly to calm himself.

    "Senior Sister, Chen Yueming has planted a spy by my side, and it seems they are plotting something."

    Li Qiushui frowned, a cold glint flashing in her eyes, and said, "That vile woman''s claws have reached this far?"

    "What is the background of this spy?"

    Lin Hao explained his suspicions and emphasized Li Xunran''s intention to follow him to the Demon Beast Hunting Competition.

    "Junior Brother, keep her hanging and see what they are planning. Remember not to alert them."

    "Understood, Senior Sister."

    After discussing Li Xunran''s matter, Lin Hao also sought advice on some cultivation issues.

    Li Qiushui was at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, just a step away from breaking into the Foundation Establishment stage, so her guidance was more than sufficient.

    ******

    Half a month later, the Demon Beast Hunting Competition began!

    It''s worth mentioning that during the preparation for the competition, with Li Xunran''s connections, Lin Hao traded with several virtuous female cultivators and had already broken through to the eighth level of Qi Refining, reaching the mid-stage!

    The Demon Beast Hunting Competition was held in the vast wilderness forest a thousand miles away from the Xuan Yin Sect. It was a hunting ground specifically established by the sect, with both wild and sect-bred demon beasts.

    There were no special rules for the competition; it was simply about killing demon beasts to obtain demon cores, with rankings based on the number of cores collected. The higher the rank, the richer the rewards, leading to inevitable competition among disciples.

    Therefore, disciples participating in the competition would seek partners before entering the hunting ground, usually familiar fellow disciples. If that wasn''t possible, they would have to go solo.

    After leaving the sect, the two of them began flying on their swords towards the gathering place outside the wilderness.

    As outer disciples, they couldn''t fly on their swords within the sect, but they could once they were outside.

    When the two arrived at the gathering place outside the wilderness, thousands of people had already gathered there.

    Seeing others in groups of three or five, Li Xunran softly said, "Master, is it just the two of us?"

    "What, are you scared?" Lin Hao said calmly, "If you think my cultivation is too low, you can find someone else to team up with."

    Li Xunran shook her head repeatedly, her face slightly pale, "Master, that''s not what I meant. I''m worried about your safety."

    "Junior Brother Lin!"

    Li Qiushui and her group flew over on their swords, landing beside Lin Hao.

    She was wearing a plain dress today, looking as elegant and graceful as a lotus emerging from water.

    "Senior Sister."

    Lin Hao cupped his hands in greeting, then glanced at the people beside Li Qiushui. They were all familiar faces, her trusted confidants, with whom he had interacted frequently before.

    After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they waited for another quarter of an hour until most of the participants had arrived. The elder in charge of hosting the competition stepped onto a high platform on his flying sword.

    "Everyone, since you are here to participate, you must already know the rules.

    I won''t say more than necessary, just remind you that you must not place demon cores in your storage bags beforehand, or it will be considered cheating, resulting in disqualification and deduction of monthly wages!"

    "Now, I announce the official start of the Demon Beast Hunting Competition!"

    As soon as the elder finished speaking, various groups rushed into the dense forest, eager to find areas with more demon beasts.

    Even teams with grudges would temporarily set aside their enmity to focus on hunting demon beasts.

 Chapter 7

    In the outer regions of the vast wilderness, there were only early-stage first-tier demon beasts, their strength equivalent to the third level of Qi Refining.

    After Lin Hao killed about a dozen, he grew tired of it and left Li Xunran to clear the area, while he followed Li Qiushui deeper into the forest.

    Upon reaching the gathering place of middle-grade first-tier demon beasts, Lin Hao finally stopped. He pulled out a stack of talismans from his storage bag and scattered them like a celestial maiden scattering flowers.

    Each talisman was equivalent to a full-force strike from a sixth-level Qi Refining cultivator. Four or five talismans could take down a mid-stage first-tier demon beast, making his hunting efficiency extremely high.

    In half a day, he had hunted down thirty to forty demon beasts himself. The exact number would only be known when they counted their spoils in the evening.

    Li Xunran followed behind him, skinning and extracting cores, sweating profusely but without a word of complaint. At least on the surface, she seemed like a very competent follower.

    However, Lin Hao knew she was a wolf in disguise and kept a close eye on her, watching for any tricks.

    But the woman was diligent, showing no abnormal behavior. Anyone unaware might have thought she was just a devoted little servant.

    As night fell, the demon beasts absorbed the essence of the moon, increasing their strength. Since everyone had been fighting all day and needed to restore their spiritual energy, they chose to camp and rest.

    Cultivators'' physiques were different from ordinary people, so camping in the wild wasn''t too much of a hassle; they just set up simple tents.

    Li Xunran gathered dry branches and leaves to make a simple bonfire. After asking Lin Hao to light it, she used water-based spells to warm wine and brew tea.

    Lin Hao was responsible for counting the spoils. Because of his close relationship with his Senior Sister, she entrusted this task, which involved personal interests, to him.

    Soon, he finished counting the spoils. Senior Sister had hunted fifty mid-stage first-tier demon beasts, while he had hunted thirty-five mid-stage and ten early-stage ones.

    The other four had collectively hunted fifty mid-stage and thirty early-stage beasts.

    "Out of the total spoils, Lin Hao gets two shares, and each of you gets one share. Any objections?" Li Qiushui''s cool voice rang out.

    "No objections."

    The rule of more work, more reward was well-established, so naturally, no one had any objections.

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    "Thank you, Senior Sister," Lin Hao expressed his gratitude upon hearing this.

    "This is what you deserve. You kill mid-stage demon beasts so quickly; have you advanced to the seventh level of Qi Refining?" Li Qiushui smiled brightly, making the surrounding flowers lose their color.

    Lin Hao hesitated slightly, then nodded, admitting he was at the peak of the seventh level of Qi Refining, though he was actually at the eighth level.

    There was no need to hide it from his Senior Sister, but with a wolf nearby, he didn''t want to reveal his true strength.

    "Senior Sister, Master, you''ve worked hard all day. Please have some tea."

    Li Xunran brought over two cups of steaming tea, speaking softly.

    Lin Hao took the teacup, glanced at the others, some drinking tea, others drinking wine.

    He exchanged a glance with his Senior Sister Li Qiushui, understanding each other.

    Then, while Li Xunran wasn''t paying attention, Lin Hao swapped the teacup with one from his storage bag.

    Seeing Lin Hao and Li Qiushui both drink, Li Xunran''s eyes held a hint of a smile, her voice seductive, "Master, how does it taste?"

    "It''s still..."

    Suddenly, Lin Hao clutched his abdomen, his body swaying as he fell to the ground.

    The other four also collapsed at this moment.

    "You... you poisoned us!"

    Lin Hao''s eyes were filled with both hatred and surprise. He struggled to capture the woman but was powerless to move.

    "Junior Brother, what... what''s going on? Your maid poisoned the tea!" Li Qiushui''s voice was soft and weak.

    Li Xunran retreated five or six feet, wary of Lin Hao suddenly attacking.

    "Little thief, just because I called you Master a few times, you really thought you were my master?

    To tell you the truth, everything I did before was to gain your trust."

    "Wretched woman!"

    Lin Hao deliberately acted furious, his eyes cold.

    Clap, clap, clap!!!

    Chen Yueming clapped her delicate hands, leading a group out from the shadows, her stunning face full of pride.

    "Li Qiushui, you didn''t expect this, did you?" The woman''s voice was icy.

    "It''s you, this wretched woman is yours!" Lin Hao''s acting was impeccable, his eyes full of surprise and regret.

    "Oh, the little pup is quite handsome, but not very smart. Only now do you realize, too late!"

    Chen Yueming''s tone was filled with excitement as she snatched the storage bag containing demon cores from Lin Hao''s hand and quickly counted them.

    "Ha, you all did quite well, killing so many demon beasts. Now they''re ours!"

    She hung the storage bag on her waist and walked over to Li Qiushui with graceful steps.

    She reached out with two jade-like fingers, lifting Li Qiushui''s fair chin, speaking flirtatiously, "Such a beauty, if a pig were to defile you, the scene would be quite explosive, wouldn''t it?"

    She glanced back, and an extremely fat, hideous male cultivator approached, drooling.

    "Today, I''ll let this stupid pig take your virginity!"

    "You... shameless!"

    Li Qiushui''s eyes erupted with icy killing intent. The cultivation technique she practiced severed emotions, and if her virginity were taken, her cultivation level would plummet.

    "Wretched woman, how dare you!"

    Seeing the ugly male cultivator getting closer, Li Qiushui was terrified, her face pale with fear, a layer of fragrant sweat forming on her forehead.

    "Hahaha, Li Qiushui, you have a day to be afraid too!"

    Chen Yueming laughed wildly, tears almost jumping from her beautiful eyes.

    "Wretched woman, do you dare to abandon your sinister tricks and fight me fair and square?"

    "Heh heh, you don''t need to use a bluffing strategy on me. As long as I can defile your purity and make your cultivation level plummet, won''t you be at my mercy then?

    Don''t think about struggling, and don''t think about stalling for time. No one is coming to save you."

    Despair surged in Li Qiushui''s eyes, as if she had resigned herself to fate, her long eyelashes drooping onto her cheeks.

    Today, being able to humiliate her archenemy to the fullest, Chen Yueming was extremely proud.

    "Don''t be so quick to give up. A beauty like you is the dream Dao Companion of many male cultivators. Even if defiled by a pig, there are those willing to have a taste.

    Once my people are done with you, your people will have their turn!

    Tsk tsk tsk, the cold fairy turning into a wanton woman, just thinking about it is exciting, don''t you think?"

    All of Chen Yueming''s followers had lecherous looks in their eyes, repeatedly agreeing.

    "Wretched woman, you''re truly vicious!" Li Qiushui let out a cry of despair.

    "You brought this all upon yourself!" Chen Yueming said smugly.

    Boom!!

    Suddenly, a fierce palm strike, carrying unstoppable spiritual energy, aimed straight for Chen Yueming''s heart!

    What?!

    Chen Yueming was shocked, realizing Li Qiushui wasn''t poisoned!

    Her thoughts caught up, but her body couldn''t react in time. She was struck by the spiritual energy-infused palm strike, sent flying three or four feet!

    Pfft!

    She spat out a mouthful of blood in mid-air, like a magnolia flower blown off by a strong wind, crashing to the ground.

    She looked at her opponent with hatred, incredulous, "Li Qiushui, you pretended to be poisoned?"

 Chapter 8

    Li Qiushui stood tall and graceful, her figure as elegant as a pure lotus. Her beautiful eyes held a cold killing intent as her red lips parted slightly.

    "Chen Yueming, you foolish dog, you never expected that your carefully laid trap had already been seen through by me."

    At this moment, the situation had reversed. Lin Hao stopped pretending, sprang up like a carp, and stood beside his Senior Sister. His starry eyes were filled with indifference as he scanned the crowd.

    "I knew you planted a wolf by my side long ago. I just wanted to see what tricks you could pull.

    Ha, and you ended up trying to harm us with a fool. You''re truly incompetent."

    Chen Yueming''s face was so dark it could drip water. Her complexion was as pale as paper due to the injury on her chest.

    Her meticulously planned scheme had been seen through from the start. A trace of desolation flashed in her eyes. Where did it all go wrong?

    Seeing her nemesis in such a dejected state, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Li Qiushui''s beautiful eyes as she took two steps forward.

    "Chen Yueming, your cunning plans have backfired. Everything you intended to do to me, I will return to you. Prepare yourself!"

    Swish!

    A tiny sword flew out of Li Qiushui''s storage bag, like a streak of emerald light, shooting toward her opponent.

    At the same time, Lin Hao moved, flames spewing from his palms as he attacked the enemy.

    Even a lion uses its full strength to catch a rabbit. Although the opponent was injured, there was no guarantee she didn''t have a trick up her sleeve. That''s why Lin Hao went in for the kill, to prevent any unexpected turn of events.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    Chen Yueming, already heavily injured from a sneak attack, was now besieged by two masters. She couldn''t withstand the assault and was utterly suppressed.

    Her robe was slashed with sword marks, and her breath was chaotic, clearly unable to hold on.

    Her so-called supporters were quick to read the situation and had long since fled.

    A single tree cannot support a forest!

    Clang!

    Lin Hao slapped away the flying sword and delivered two fierce punches to the woman''s abdomen. The blows were so violent that she spat blood wildly, her legs unable to support her as she collapsed bonelessly to the ground.

    Whoosh!

    The emerald green sword hovered at Chen Yueming''s heart.

    "Don''t move!"

    Li Qiushui looked down at her nemesis, her beautiful eyes filled with mockery.

    "Chen Yueming, how does it feel to be captured?"

    Though unwilling, the woman had no words to retort, as she was at the mercy of others.

    Seeing his Senior Sister subdue Chen Yueming, Lin Hao turned his cold gaze to Li Xunran. Everyone else had fled, yet she hadn''t.

    This woman truly deserved to die!

    If he hadn''t seen through the plot, he and his Senior Sister would have been the ones humiliated after drinking the drugged tea today.

    Although killing was forbidden within the sect, severely injuring someone wasn''t against the rules. He intended to make her wish for death!

    Spiritual energy surged around him, flames coiling around his arms as he stepped toward Li Xunran.

    "Senior Sister, save me!"

    Fear flashed in the woman''s eyes as she turned to flee.

    "Your Senior Sister has already been..."

    Lin Hao''s words were cut off by Li Qiushui.

    "Lin Hao, don''t harm her. She''s one of mine."

    ???

    Lin Hao was bewildered. What did she mean, this wolf was his Senior Sister''s person?

    Seeing Lin Hao''s confused expression, a hint of apology flashed in Li Qiushui''s eyes.

    "Junior Brother, I didn''t mean to keep it from you. It was necessary to lure Chen Yueming into the trap."

    A wry smile tugged at Lin Hao''s lips. He understood now. His Senior Sister had deliberately let Li Xunran get close to him to set up her nemesis, using it as a bargaining chip to gain trust and orchestrate a grand scheme.

    He couldn''t help but admire her. It was brilliant, truly brilliant.

    Chen Yueming''s chest heaved with anger. She had thought herself the hunter, but from the beginning, she had been the prey.

    "Li Qiushui, how dare you deceive me like this, you wretch!"

    Realizing she had been played like a fool, her lips trembled with rage!

    "Li... Li Xunran, you little traitor, I''ve treated you well, why betray me!"

    Li Xunran straightened her back, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes as she spat lightly.

    "Bah, I''ve always been Senior Sister Li''s person. Betray you? Everything I''ve done was to deal with you!"

    Li Qiushui cast a cold glance at Chen Yueming. If not for the sect''s rule against killing fellow disciples, she would have ended her with a sword.

    However, she had already thought of a way to punish her.

    "Junior Brother, it was wrong of me to keep this from you. Let me make it up to you. I''ll leave Chen Yueming to you for punishment. I want you to return the favor in kind!"

    "..." Lin Hao.

 Chapter 9

    After punishing Chen Yueming and sending her away, Li Qiushui restored peace to the camp.

    Li Xunran came bouncing over like a cheerful little mare. "Senior Brother Lin, I''m sorry for what happened before."

    Lin Hao remained indifferent to Li Xunran''s apology. He despised the deceitfulness of women, especially since he had been dragged into their schemes. However, considering she was acting under the Senior Sister''s orders, he couldn''t be too harsh.

    To clear up a small doubt in his heart, he asked, "What''s the deal between you and Mu Xuan? Surely you didn''t bring that scoundrel into this just to gain my trust?"

    Li Xunran raised an eyebrow and began to spill the beans. "Senior Brother Lin, Mu Xuan''s involvement was an accident. He''s been pestering me to become Dao Companions and never hides anything from me. When I found out he wanted to deal with you, I thought of using him to eliminate a threat for you while also staying close to you without raising suspicion. So, I pretended to conspire with him against you to gain his trust and used that as a pretext to approach you."

    "So, that night, I didn''t really intend to assassinate you..."

    Lin Hao sneered internally. This woman was truly dangerous. She seemed harmless but could easily take a life with a flick of her hand.

    He understood everything now. Senior Sister had orchestrated a grand scheme to deal with Chen Yueming, and he was just a pawn in it.

    Seeing that he had no more questions, Li Xunran tactfully turned around and brought over two cups of spiritual tea. "Senior Sister, Senior Brother, after such a fierce battle, Chen Yueming has suffered greatly. You must be exhausted. Have some tea to relax."This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    After the intense fight, Lin Hao was indeed parched. He snorted coldly, took the cup, and drank it all in one go.

    Li Qiushui also took a sip of tea. However, soon after the tea went down, both of them felt weak in their limbs.

    Li Qiushui''s eyes flashed with confusion as she exclaimed, "Xunran, did you give us the wrong tea? Did you make us drink the poisoned one? Quickly, give us the antidote!"

    Li Xunran''s lips curled into a mocking smile as she said smugly, "I didn''t make a mistake. I intended for you to drink the drugged tea."

    Li Qiushui''s eyes were filled with bewilderment. Someone she had cultivated in secret for years had betrayed her!

    "Who is it? Who''s your master?"

    "Hee hee!"

    A voice echoed through the forest like a lark before the person appeared.

    "It''s you!"

    Cui Qing''er from Little Bamboo Peak, one of the twelve Qi Refining Great Perfection experts of the outer sect, on par with her!

    Li Qiushui''s eyes showed a hint of surprise. She hadn''t expected Cui Qing''er to be the one scheming against her!

    To think, this woman had a good relationship with her. They had joined the Xuan Yin Sect together and completed many tasks side by side.

    Cui Qing''er wore a purple low-cut dress, draped with a sheer veil as light as cicada wings. Her eyes were like autumn water, her brows like distant mountains, and her graceful curves were faintly visible.

    Such a beauty would make anyone take a second look, even Lin Hao, who was in a state of calm.

    Smack!

    Cui Qing''er kicked down one of Li Qiushui''s confidants, using them as a human stool. They had just detoxified themselves, and their strength hadn''t fully recovered. Faced with such a situation, they dared not resist.

    Cui Qing''er smiled brightly, her beauty dazzling and captivating, with an extreme allure hidden beneath her pure demeanor.

    Enchanting... This woman was born with an innate charm!

    Lin Hao bit his tongue lightly to calm himself, his mind racing to find a way to break the situation.

    He was perplexed. When did Senior Sister make such an enemy?

    "Cui Qing''er, we have no grievances. Why harm me?" Li Qiushui struggled to control her discomfort and asked in confusion.

    "There are plenty of reasons to harm you. For instance, I once had a Senior Brother I liked, but he liked you. Because you heartlessly rejected him, his mind was disturbed, and he went mad while cultivating..."

    "Li Qiushui, do you feel your body heating up?"

    Lin Hao was feeling hot all over.

    Upon hearing this, he glanced at Senior Sister. She wasn''t just hot; she was sweating!

    "I had Li Xunran add an extra ingredient to the tea, a drug that can turn a pure fairy into a prostitute. Just like Chen Yueming, I want to see you lose your cultivation and fall into despair!"

 Chapter 10

    Inside the tent.

    Li Qiushui''s virginity was broken, and cultivation was shattered, and her level had fallen to the seventh layer of Qi Refining.

    But Lin Hao seized the opportunity and broke through to the ninth layer of Qi Refining!

    Seeing his senior sister''s despondent and sorrowful expression, Lin Hao said, "Senior Sister, I''ll avenge you!"

    "Don''t go..."

    Li Qiushui instinctively reached out to grab Lin Hao''s wrist.

    "Junior Brother, that demoness is at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining; you can''t defeat her."

    Boom!

    Lin Hao revealed a hint of his ninth-layer Qi Refining aura, speaking in a deep tone, "Senior Sister, I''m at the ninth layer of Qi Refining too!"

    Li Qiushui was utterly shocked. How did Junior Brother Lin suddenly become a ninth-layer cultivator?

    Just now, she wasn''t fully conscious, and Lin Hao had intentionally controlled the commotion of his breakthrough to avoid detection, so even Li Qiushui didn''t know he had reached the ninth layer of Qi Refining.

    A flicker of guilt passed through Lin Hao''s eyes as he softly said, "Senior Sister, I hid it from you before. Before participating in the Demon Beast Hunting Competition, I was already at the eighth layer of Qi Refining.

    Moreover, my physique is somewhat special... After being with Chen Yueming and you, I''ve broken through to the ninth layer of Qi Refining."

    So that''s how it is... Li Qiushui''s eyes were filled with complex emotions. The young man she had led onto the path of cultivation had suddenly become a high-level Qi Refining cultivator.

    "Senior Sister, the poison has been neutralized, and I''ve reached the ninth layer of Qi Refining. I can avenge you!"

    Lin Hao said confidently.

    Li Qiushui was surprised that both of their poisons had been cured, likely due to Junior Brother''s special physique.

    "Junior Brother, that demoness has long reached the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, and you''ve just broken through to the ninth layer. In a direct confrontation, you''re no match for her!"

    "To defeat the demoness, we must catch her off guard!"

    Lin Hao nodded, agreeing with his senior sister''s reasoning.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    He calmed himself, preparing to discuss the details of an ambush with his senior sister.

    ...

    Outside the tent.

    Cui Qing''er propped her fair chin, watching her subordinates count the demon cores they had snatched from Lin Hao.

    "Master, the count is done. We''ve made a huge profit!"

    A man with triangular eyes said excitedly.

    Cui Qing''er nodded coldly.

    Then she looked towards the tent, where it was now silent. "Bitch couple, if you''re done, get out here!"

    Rip!

    Cui Qing''er decisively raised her delicate hand, sending out a streak of light that tore the tent apart.

    A smirk played at her lips, her voice as melodious as an oriole''s song, yet her words were as sharp as a hawk''s talons.

    "This kid is really fast, Li Qiushui. You must not be satisfied. Should I find a few more for you?"

    "Vile... woman, don''t bully my senior sister!" Lin Hao pretended to struggle, his voice weak.

    "Oh, still protecting your master, are you? I''m bullying your senior sister. What can you do about it?"

    Cui Qing''er lifted her slender leg, striding over to Li Qiushui.

    She raised her hand, about to slap Li Qiushui.

    "Wretched woman, prepare to die!!"

    Now! Lin Hao suddenly erupted, his fist wrapped in spiritual energy, striking directly at Cui Qing''er''s chest!

    Her pupils shrank, clearly not expecting the supposedly weak opponent to have the strength to attack.

    Moreover... he was at the ninth layer of Qi Refining!

    Didn''t Li Xunran say he was only at the peak of the seventh layer?

    The woman had no time to question, hurriedly pulling out a talisman.

    "Golden Light Shield!"

    She shouted, and a shield of golden light formed in front of her.

    Boom!

    Lin Hao''s fist smashed into it, the fierce force shattering the golden shield.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    After breaking the enemy''s shield, Lin Hao''s punches rained down on the woman''s chest like a storm!

    The woman was severely injured, spitting mouthfuls of blood like a cuckoo crying tears of blood.

    Human strength has its limits. After a wave of attacks, Lin Hao''s punches lost their vigor.

    This gave the woman a chance to catch her breath, and she quickly retreated two feet.

    Cui Qing''er''s face was filled with anger. What a cunning boy, daring to ambush me.

    "Brat, you''ve done well to anger me!"

    She circulated her spiritual energy, her slender fingers flicking continuously, sending specks of powerful golden light shooting towards Lin Hao.

    Unexpectedly, even after losing the initiative and being heavily injured, this woman still had such means. Lin Hao was surprised, dodging with great agility.

    Thud, thud, thud!

    The golden light struck thick tree trunks, creating finger-deep pits, the spiritual energy lingering.

    Lin Hao was even more astonished by the woman''s formidable power, her hasty attack still packing such a punch.

    His gaze turned serious, hands gathering spiritual energy, his voice booming like thunder.

    "Flame Blade!"

    Immediately, a blade wreathed in flames appeared before him, scorching the air.

    "Go!"

    The Flame Blade slashed towards Cui Qing''er, the full-force strike of a ninth-layer Qi Refining cultivator, fast as lightning.

    Facing the enemy''s strongest attack, Cui Qing''er was both shocked and angry, reluctantly pulling out another Golden Shield Talisman.

    The Flame Blade collided with the golden shield, only causing a crack to appear, but not breaking it.

    At least it was blocked. The woman sighed in relief, but the enemy''s attacks surged like a tide once more.

    Lin Hao, aiming for a swift victory, poured all his strength into each move, scattering talismans as if they cost nothing.

    Having injured the opponent with a surprise attack, he pressed the advantage, overwhelming the woman.

    Cui Qing''er''s group wanted to help, but Li Qiushui quickly called her people to intercept.

    Seeing a chance to turn the tide, the four who hadn''t dared to resist before now decisively joined the fight.

    Immediately, the two groups clashed in a chaotic battle.

    "Senior Sister, catch!"

    Lin Hao tossed his talisman box to Li Qiushui.

    Cui Qing''er was startled. This brat still had the energy to pay attention to the outside?

    Bang, bang, bang!

    Lin Hao''s keen sense for battle allowed him to seize the moment of Cui Qing''er''s distraction, unleashing three waves of punches that made her cough up blood repeatedly.

    Meanwhile, with Lin Hao''s talismans, the senior sisters gradually gained the upper hand over Cui Qing''er''s subordinates.

    Smack!

    Lin Hao suddenly stepped forward, locking the woman''s throat with one hand, a jade-green dagger pressed against her chest.

    "This poison comes from the Five-Step Red Snake. It''s lethal upon contact. Even if you''re at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, without a Clear Spirit Pill, you won''t last long."

    Hearing this, the woman dared not struggle further.

    At this moment, Li Qiushui dragged Li Xunran by the hair, like pulling a dead dog, slowly walking over.

    Li Qiushui stepped gracefully, looking at Cui Qing''er with disdain.

    "Junior Brother, she''s yours. Avenge me."

    "..." Lin Hao.

 Chapter 11

    Inside the tent, Li Qiushui took out a recording stone from her storage bag, aiming it at the unclothed Cui Qing''er.

    "You wouldn''t want your body to be seen by all the male cultivators in the sect, would you? So after you leave here, keep your mouth shut, understood?"

    Cui Qing''er forced a bitter smile and nodded.

    She regulated her breath twice, forced herself to stand, and turned her back to her enemy while putting on her tattered clothes, sending a voice transmission to Lin Hao.

    "You little thief, you''ve humiliated me, and I should hate you to the bone. But hate aside, I must warn you.

    Your so-called Senior Sister is from the Demon Path. You should know that those in the Demon Path are beasts who kill and drink blood. I don''t want to see you die an untimely death because I want to take revenge myself."

    Senior Sister is from the Demon Path?

    Hearing the woman''s voice transmission, Lin Hao chuckled.

    This woman''s tactics are too clumsy. Does she really think she can drive a wedge between me and Senior Sister?

    Seeing Lin Hao''s disdainful look, Cui Qing''er continued her voice transmission.

    "Anyway, I''ve said my piece. Believe it or not."

    If the woman had tried to argue vehemently, Lin Hao naturally wouldn''t believe her.

    But her attitude made him somewhat suspicious. However, Senior Sister was his guide to immortality and a disciple the sect was keen on cultivating. How could she be from the Demon Path?

    "Put on your clothes and get lost," Li Qiushui said with a raised eyebrow.

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Cui Qing''er dared not retort and hurried away with her head down.

    "Junior Brother, how do you plan to deal with this traitorous wench?" Lin Hao looked up to see Li Xunran, who was once beautiful as a flower, now in a pitiful state, her hair disheveled and her face covered in scars.

    It seemed Senior Sister had already taken heavy-handed revenge.

    A trace of disgust flashed in his eyes as he coldly said, "Senior Sister, let her go. I don''t want to dirty my hands."

    Li Qiushui nodded, her voice cold, "Junior Brother Lin is merciful, too lazy to bother with you. Get lost."

    Li Xunran, as if granted amnesty, stammered, "Thank you, Master, for your mercy."

    With that, she limped away.

    With only the two of them left, the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.

    Li Qiushui thought of how not long ago she was at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, an untouchable Senior Sister, but now everything had changed. She sighed heavily.

    Although it wasn''t her fault, she was the one who caused the bad outcome. Lin Hao really couldn''t face his Senior Sister, so he tried to change the topic.

    "Senior Sister, shall we go deep into the wild forest to hunt demons tomorrow?"

    Li Qiushui shook her head slightly, her words tinged with disappointment.

    "Junior Brother Lin, after all that''s happened, I have no heart for the competition. I plan to withdraw from this tournament."

    Lin Hao''s eyebrows furrowed, and he quickly said, "Senior Sister, it''s not a big deal..."

    No matter how Lin Hao tried to persuade her, Li Qiushui still shook her head.

    "Junior Brother Lin, you don''t need to say more. I want to be alone."

    "Uh..."

    The words of comfort stuck in his throat, and he silently withdrew from the tent.

    He rekindled the campfire and sat down to meditate and cultivate.

    ...

    The moon set and the sun rose, the eastern sky turning pale.

    Lin Hao suddenly stood up, took a deep breath, and glanced at Senior Sister''s tent, only to find it empty.

    With Senior Sister''s departure, her followers also left in groups, leaving Lin Hao alone in what was once a good team.

    He sighed slightly, patting the storage bag at his waist, which contained the demon cores they had obtained yesterday, as well as those taken from Chen Yueming and Cui Qing''er.

    The Demon Beast Hunting Competition had a time limit of three days.

    Yesterday, apart from those with old grudges, the cultivators did not engage in fierce conflicts and were honestly hunting demon beasts.

    But today was different. Powerful teams began to hunt down lone cultivators. In less than half a day, Lin Hao had already suffered three ambushes.

    This was mainly because the strength he exposed was only at the seventh level of Qi Refining, with a storage bag containing demon cores hanging at his waist, akin to a child carrying gold through a busy market.

    Bang!

    After knocking down the last ambusher, he sat on the opponent and counted the demon cores he had obtained.

    There were over a hundred mid-stage first-tier demon beast cores, a real windfall.

    Including those taken from the previous two waves of attackers, his storage bag contained nearly five hundred demon cores, all from mid-stage demon beasts. He no longer cared for the early-stage ones!

    Indeed, plundering was much faster, no wonder so many people liked to become robbers!

    With this path to wealth, going back to slaying demons would be truly foolish!

    For the next two days, he was either ambushed or ambushing others. Of course, to avoid mistakes, he chose his opponents carefully, avoiding tough ones.

    However, the tough ones were really tempting, but to play it safe, he had to endure!

    As the competition drew to a close, it was no longer about hunting demons but had evolved into a struggle among the disciples.

    The sect was quite happy to see this situation; after all, without carving, jade cannot be made into a useful object. If you don''t fight, what kind of immortal cultivation are you doing?

 Chapter 12

    The competition ended, and the Grand Elder arrived on his sword.

    He glanced at the disciples, noticing that more than half were missing compared to the start. Most of the absent disciples had been robbed of their resources and were too injured to continue, while some, like Li Qiushui, had withdrawn midway.

    "I declare the Demon Beast Hunting Competition over!"

    The Grand Elder''s voice boomed like a bell as he continued, "Each team, send a representative to hand over your storage bags."

    In the crowd, Lin Hao scanned his surroundings and spotted two familiar faces, Chen Yueming and Cui Qing''er.

    He hadn''t expected these two women to team up. Both were at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, and although they were few, they handed over a large number of demon cores.

    "Chen Yueming, Cui Qing''er, three late-stage first-tier demon cores, and eight hundred and twenty mid-stage ones."

    A gasp echoed through the crowd.

    "I worked myself to death and didn''t even get a hundred demon cores, yet these two fairies are almost at a thousand!"

    "Could it be they''ve been plundering all along?"

    "Of course, it''s plundering! How else do you think they got them? Just watch, all the demon cores are in the hands of the strong teams!"

    "Jiang Mingfei, ten late-stage first-tier demon cores, and a thousand mid-stage ones!"

    The crowd was no longer gasping; they were chewing on ice, their teeth chattering from the cold.

    "A thousand... a thousand, and ten late-stage first-tier demon cores!"

    "That''s it, the champion is definitely Jiang Mingfei''s. Are we all just competing for second place?"

    The cultivators looked despondent.

    Jiang Mingfei was quite pleased, thinking like everyone else that he would be the champion!

    He was even ready for when the Grand Elder announced the rankings.

    But just then, a chubby little boy slapped a storage bag on the table and said with thick lips.

    "Count them."

    "Fang Yuan, thirty late-stage first-tier demon cores!"

    Gasp, hiss!

    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Everyone was dumbfounded!

    How many? Thirty late-stage demon cores!

    You must know, according to the rules of this competition, one late-stage demon core is worth a hundred mid-stage ones!

    Jiang Mingfei, who was basking in the admiration of his fans, twitched at the corner of his mouth upon hearing the Grand Elder''s announcement, casting a resentful glance at the chubby boy.

    Who is this guy?

    After joining the sect, Lin Hao had been so focused on pursuing immortality that he often secluded himself for intense cultivation, not even recognizing all the fellow disciples on his own peak, let alone those from other peaks.

    He truly didn''t know this boastful chubby boy, so he pulled someone nearby to ask.

    "Brother, you don''t know the Generous Boy?"

    Generous Boy? Lin Hao was even more puzzled. Is there such a person in the sect?

    The person was a chatterbox, spilling the beans like a bamboo tube: "Fang Yuan is a prince from a secular dynasty, with outstanding aptitude for cultivation. Upon entering the sect, he was accepted under the tutelage of the outer sect''s Grand Elder and has already secured a spot as a direct disciple.

    For him, this competition was just a formality."

    "Could it be that the Grand Elder is helping him cheat?"

    "Cheat?" The person snorted disdainfully, "This chubby prince is highly valued in our sect, and his father, the emperor, is very fond of him, providing him with cultivation resources from the entire dynasty.

    Think about it, with a dynasty backing him, would his cultivation speed be slow?

    In just one year, he transformed from a mortal to a ninth-level Qi Refining cultivator."

    Lin Hao was secretly shocked. Reaching the ninth level of Qi Refining in a year is incredibly fast. Before he found shortcuts in cultivation, it took him three years to reach the sixth level.

    Truly, comparisons can be infuriating!

    "So how did he get the name Generous Boy?"

    "The name comes from him gifting his magical artifacts to his opponents after losing a spell duel."

    Uh... Lin Hao was speechless, thinking to himself that he truly is a Generous Boy.

    As the two conversed, the Grand Elder announced the rankings of the Demon Beast Hunting Competition.

    As expected, Fang Yuan took first place, Jiang Mingfei took second, followed by Chen Yueming and Cui Qing''er.

    Lin Hao secured eighth place, which he was quite dissatisfied with. However, being alone and cautious, breaking into the top five was truly difficult, though others were quite surprised.

    "Who is this Lin Hao? Where did he come from?"

    "Never heard of him, probably a master who likes to seclude himself."

    While receiving her reward, Cui Qing''er involuntarily twitched at the mention of Lin Hao''s name, her legs going weak for no reason.

    Beside her, Chen Yueming asked with concern, "Qing''er, what''s wrong?"

    "Nothing... nothing."

    "Your face is very red, were you injured during the hunt?"

    "No..."

    "Oh, that''s good."

    The two women harbored their own thoughts, but their eyes were searching for the same person.

    Compared to the top five, the reward for eighth place was quite meager, just a high-grade magical artifact. If it were a sword, Lin Hao would have kept it for himself, but it turned out to be a spear.

    After receiving it, unless he exchanged it with someone else, it was of no use to him.

    Fortunately, the sect offered an option to exchange it for contribution points if one didn''t want the reward.

    A high-grade magical artifact could be exchanged for five hundred contribution points, which was a bit of a loss since buying one with contribution points would cost six hundred!

    But Lin Hao didn''t plan to exchange it for a magical artifact, as they were only useful during the Qi Refining stage. Once reaching Foundation Establishment, most would use magical treasures, unless it was a supreme magical artifact, which was otherwise useless!

    After exchanging for contribution points, Lin Hao didn''t linger for a moment, quickly heading to the sect''s Scripture Repository.

    He already had a target in mind for exchange. Due to his unique physique, he decided to exchange for a dual cultivation technique!

    He was curious to see if mastering a dual cultivation technique would enhance his ability to absorb spiritual energy.

    The Xuan Yin Sect had three Scripture Repositories. The one in the outer mountain was for outer and inner disciples.

    The one on the main peak was only accessible to direct disciples and elders, and there was a highly mysterious armory that only those who had made significant contributions to the sect were allowed to enter.

    Lin Hao arrived at the outer mountain''s Scripture Repository, where an elder sat with eyes closed, his aura faint, as if half-dead.

    But anyone who truly thought the elder was dead and attempted anything untoward would meet a tragic end!

    Because not far away, on a thousand-year-old locust tree, hung dozens of human skins, some from the Qi Refining stage, others from the Foundation Establishment stage.

    When the wind blew, they rustled, sending chills down one''s spine.

    "Identity token."

    The elder didn''t open his mouth, but his voice was exceptionally loud.

    It was Lin Hao''s first time here, but he was very disciplined, offering his token with both hands.

    "The first floor is for outer sect techniques, the second floor for inner sect techniques. You are an outer sect disciple, so you can only go to the first floor. Overstepping will result in death."

    Lin Hao''s face turned serious as he took back his identity token and entered the Scripture Repository.

    Having already decided what to exchange for before coming in, he headed straight for the area with dual cultivation techniques.

    The Xuan Yin Sect was a reputable sect, and there weren''t many dual cultivation techniques in their collection, mostly spoils obtained from vanquishing rival sects.

    "Phoenix Nourishing Technique, Joyful Bliss Technique, Dragon Phoenix Harmonious Meditation..."

 Chapter 13

    Lin Hao skimmed through the techniques briefly. Although they originated from different sects, the cultivation methods were quite similar.

    They all relied on absorbing the vital energy of women to strengthen oneself.

    Of course, there were techniques beneficial to both parties, but those were only available in top sects, which the Xuan Yin Sect couldn''t rival.

    Lin Hao held a jade slip containing a technique called "Joyous Bliss Technique." Among the dual cultivation techniques, this one posed the least harm to the practitioners.

    Perhaps there were more suitable ones in the other two Scripture Repositories, but he wasn''t qualified to access them, so he had to make do with what he could get.

    "Young man, you''re still young, and the path of cultivation is long. Why take such a detour?"

    Huh... Lin Hao was surprised. The elder guarding the repository actually initiated a conversation?

    He respectfully replied, "Thank you for your guidance, Senior. But I wish to study these techniques, hoping to gain insights."

    "Insight my foot!"

    "You''re so young and already straying from the path. If you want to learn, then learn this one!"

    Whoosh!

    A jade slip floated in front of Lin Hao��Yin-Yang Body Fusion Technique!

    This technique originated from the Hehuan Sect and was a level above the other dual cultivation techniques. Moreover, it benefited both men and women. Technically, Lin Hao''s contribution points couldn''t exchange for it.

    Lin Hao was delighted and thanked the elder, "Thank you, Senior!"

    "Hmph!"

    The elder let out a thunderous snort, and his aura subsided, like a piece of dead wood.

    After exchanging for the technique, Lin Hao left the Scripture Repository. On his way back to his cave dwelling, he pondered over whom he should practice dual cultivation with.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    Previously, there was Li Xunran, but she had betrayed him.

    Should he... consider his Senior Sister?

    A thought flashed through Lin Hao''s mind.

    Once, his Senior Sister was an untouchable presence in his eyes, but now his strength was no longer inferior to hers.

    After returning to the Great Bamboo Peak, he headed straight for his Senior Sister''s cave dwelling.

    ...

    Li Qiushui sat slanted on the Dao platform, her expression ever-changing, occasionally sighing.

    "Senior Sister."

    She was lost in thought when she suddenly heard Lin Hao''s voice transmission.

    "Come in."

    Lin Hao entered the cave dwelling, glancing at his Senior Sister. Her hair was slightly disheveled, her clothes a bit wrinkled, and her stunning face wore a faint smile.

    "Junior Brother Lin, congratulations on securing eighth place in the Demon Beast Hunting Competition."

    Uh... Lin Hao felt a bit awkward.

    "Senior Sister, I exchanged the prize for contribution points and then exchanged for a technique."

    "Mm." Li Qiushui nodded slightly, thoughtfully saying, "Junior Brother Lin, the technique you''re practicing now is only at the Qi Refining stage. It''s indeed time to change."

    "Senior Sister, I didn''t exchange for a fire technique, but rather... a dual cultivation technique."

    Dual... dual cultivation technique, Li Qiushui murmured, her ears turning red instantly.

    Senior Sister was already extremely beautiful, and with her face flushed, she was even more breathtaking. Lin Hao''s eyes seemed glued to her, unable to look away.

    Feeling his gaze, Li Qiushui''s face turned even redder, and she coyly said, "Junior Brother Lin... why did you exchange for that technique?"

    Lin Hao cleared his throat, unsure how to respond. After careful consideration, he decided to be straightforward.

    "Senior Sister, I''ve always admired you. From the moment you guided me onto the path of cultivation, I''ve been striving to one day stand by your side."

    "Senior Sister, I wish... I wish to become your Dao Companion."

    Li Qiushui''s expression was flustered, like a startled deer, her eyes evasive, without replying.

    Lin Hao stepped forward, grasping her delicate hand.

    "Senior Sister, rest assured, I won''t let you down."

    "Lin... Junior Brother Lin, let go first, let me think."

    But Lin Hao didn''t let go; instead, he pulled her into his embrace.

    Mmm~

    ...

    The moon hung high, the beauty in his arms.

    "Junior Brother, don''t let me down..."

    "Senior Sister, I won''t." Lin Hao smiled slightly.

    Then he took out the jade slip from his storage bag.

    "Senior Sister, this is the technique I exchanged for. It''s not an evil technique that drains energy; it''s beneficial for both parties."

    Li Qiushui took the jade slip, sending a wisp of her consciousness to examine its contents. As Lin Hao said, it was a legitimate technique, causing almost no harm to female cultivators.

    However, the cultivation progress was slow.

    "Junior Brother, why did you choose to cultivate this technique? You could have exchanged for a fire technique, which would have accelerated your cultivation."

    "Senior Sister, after your realm fell, you suffered internal injuries. I thought this technique might have miraculous effects in healing them, so I exchanged for it."

    "Junior Brother, you needn''t do this. The technique I practiced before makes it difficult to recover once purity is lost. Cultivating this technique with me will slow your progress."

    "It''s fine, Senior Sister. Your realm''s fall has something to do with me, and I must take responsibility.

    Moreover, I feel this technique suits me. Previously, no matter how hard I cultivated, my progress stalled.

    Only after... being with a woman did I make progress."

    Lin Hao didn''t reveal the peculiarities of his physique, not because he didn''t trust his Senior Sister, but because he felt the events surrounding him were too strange. If someone with ill intentions found out, it might cause trouble.

    "Junior Brother, you really know how to comfort me." Li Qiushui gave him a gentle look.

    "Senior Sister agreed?" Lin Hao''s eyes lit up with joy.

    "Mm..."

    "That''s great."

    Lin Hao was overjoyed and eagerly said, "Senior Sister, shall we try this technique?"

    "Alright."

    Li Qiushui lowered her head, shyly.

 Chapter 14

    Time flowed like water, and in the world of cultivation, months passed in the blink of an eye.

    Lin Hao had moved all his belongings into Li Qiushui''s cave dwelling, planning to stay there long-term.

    Although the sect had regulations about where disciples could establish their cave dwellings, it didn''t prohibit them from living in someone else''s.

    If one had the capability, even an outer sect disciple could reside in a direct disciple''s cave dwelling.

    "Mmm..."

    Li Qiushui stretched lazily, glancing at her junior brother who was sound asleep, and muttered softly, "Even in sleep, you''re restless."

    She gently moved the man''s hand away, feeling a lot more at ease, and blushed at the thought of their recent wild days.

    It was outrageous, truly outrageous. Except for sleeping, they were ''cultivating'' all the time.

    Soon, Lin Hao awoke, and Li Qiushui looked at him tenderly, saying, "Junior Brother, I need to go out to buy some alchemy materials."

    "Senior Sister, go ahead."

    After the woman dressed and left, Lin Hao finally got up, savoring the gains of these past days.

    In terms of emotions, he and his Senior Sister were in perfect harmony, treating each other with respect.

    In terms of cultivation, he had made significant progress. He initially thought that after a few exchanges with his Senior Sister, he would no longer be able to absorb spiritual energy, as was the case with Li Xunran. However, he was able to continuously absorb spiritual energy.

    Although the amount each time wasn''t much, it was a steady stream. In half a month, he advanced from the mid-stage of the ninth level to the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, which he found quite satisfying.

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    It was known that Wang Jingzhan, the so-called number one genius of the outer sect, took more than half a year to go from the ninth level to Great Perfection.

    As he had expected, the dual cultivation technique perfectly matched his physique. This was just an ordinary technique, yet it produced such miraculous effects. How powerful would it be if he could practice a top-tier technique?

    His obsession with becoming a direct disciple grew deeper, hoping to enter another Scripture Repository soon.

    After getting dressed, he prepared to return to his own cave dwelling. He had been ''cultivating'' with his Senior Sister for so long that he had become rusty in his talisman drawing skills.

    Spreading out the talisman materials on the desk, he closed his eyes to adjust his breath, then suddenly opened them, mixing cinnabar and laying out talisman paper.

    With slender fingers holding the talisman brush, the image of the talisman appeared in his mind, and he began to draw swiftly.

    The brush moved like a dragon, fluid and natural.

    Before long, a Golden Light Shield talisman was completed. It was a top-grade first-tier talisman, something that even made Cui Qing''er feel the pinch.

    Feeling good today, he managed to complete it in one go. Lin Hao placed the talisman into the talisman bag, a satisfied smile on his face.

    He was only a first-tier talisman master, capable of drawing high-grade talismans, but top-grade ones were rare. Even a second-tier talisman master couldn''t guarantee creating a top-grade talisman.

    Drawing this talisman consumed a significant portion of his spiritual power, which couldn''t be immediately replenished by spirit stones alone unless he took a Replenishing Spirit Pill.

    However, a single Replenishing Spirit Pill cost two spirit stones, and even one pill couldn''t fully restore his spiritual power. If he had to take a pill every time he drew a talisman, it wouldn''t be cost-effective.

    Therefore, he drew two more high-grade first-tier talismans before stopping.

    With half of his spiritual power remaining, he took out two spirit stones from his storage bag and sat cross-legged to meditate and recover.

    An hour later, his spiritual power was restored, and he got up, planning to go to the market to sell the newly drawn talismans, mainly to buy a new talisman brush.

    The one he had was of too low a grade to draw second-tier talismans.

    At the market, he didn''t browse the stalls this time. He didn''t believe he was lucky enough to find a bargain every time.

    He went straight to the magical artifact shop, where an old man with a goatee was dozing behind the counter. Sensing a customer, the old man slapped himself awake.

    Hmm... quite a character, Lin Hao thought to himself, then said, "Shopkeeper, I''d like to buy a talisman brush."

    The old man''s face crinkled into a smile, and he took a box from the shelf behind him.

    "These first-tier talisman brushes are all crafted by Master Gu, the quality is..."

    "Forget the first-tier brushes, I want to buy a second-tier talisman brush."

    A hint of surprise flashed across the old man''s face as he looked Lin Hao up and down. This young man didn''t look very old; could he be a second-tier talisman master?

    He tentatively asked, "Young man, are you buying the second-tier talisman brush for yourself or as a gift?"

    Lin Hao frowned slightly, thinking, why ask so much just to buy a brush?

    "For myself."

    The old man''s beard fluttered with excitement as he said, "Young man, are you a second-tier talisman master?"

    One couldn''t blame the old man for being excited. Generally, second-tier talisman masters were Foundation Establishment cultivators. Such a young Foundation Establishment cultivator was worth befriending!

    Hiss��

    Lin Hao felt a bit creeped out by the old man''s fervent gaze, wondering if this old fellow had some peculiar hobby.

    "Not yet, I''m just buying one to have on hand."

    Disappointment flashed in the old man''s eyes, but even a potential second-tier talisman master was worth befriending.

    "Qing''er, bring out the second-tier talisman brush."

    Qing''er? Lin Hao''s eyes flashed with curiosity. Could it be that woman?

 Chapter 15

    He looked into the room, and sure enough, it was that woman!

    Neither of the two people who knew each other well expected to meet here, making the atmosphere extremely awkward.

    The man with the goatee was surprised, "You two know each other?"

    Both of them replied in unison, "No, we don''t."

    The goateed man''s eyes spun around, clearly not believing their words.

    "Young man, these are the second-tier talisman brushes from my little shop, all of excellent quality. Take a look and see which one you like."

    Lin Hao shifted his attention from the woman''s curves to the talisman brushes. As the goateed man said, the quality of these brushes was quite good, though they were likely expensive.

    He picked up an ivory-white talisman brush and casually asked, "Shopkeeper, how much for this one?"

    "This White Cloud Ink brush is worth five hundred and eighty-eight spirit stones. If you''re sincere about buying it, I''ll waive the odd number for you."

    "Five hundred spirit stones? Thank you, shopkeeper."

    The goateed man almost twisted his back at Lin Hao''s cheeky negotiation. Is that how you waive the odd number?

    "No... it''s not five hundred, it''s five hundred and eighty."

    Lin Hao raised an eyebrow, inwardly complaining. He thought he had met a generous person, but it turned out only eight spirit stones were waived.

    After some bargaining, Lin Hao finally settled on a price of five hundred and fifty spirit stones.

    "Shopkeeper, I don''t have enough spirit stones. Can I use this talisman to offset fifty spirit stones?"

    Lin Hao took out spirit stones and a talisman.

    The goateed man took the talisman, glanced at it, and exclaimed, "A top-grade talisman!"

    "Enough... it''s enough!"

    His eyes instantly lit up with excitement. He didn''t expect this young man to be able to draw a top-grade talisman. Talismans are divided into low-grade, middle-grade, high-grade, top-grade, and the legendary celestial grade.

    Most talisman masters can only draw the first three. To create a top-grade talisman, one must have an extremely high talent for drawing talismans and a profound understanding of talisman arts.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    A talisman master capable of drawing top-grade talismans is rare, perhaps one in a hundred. The goateed man immediately changed his attitude.

    "Young man, this top-grade talisman can sell for sixty spirit stones in the market. I can''t let you suffer a loss, so I''ll give you some cinnabar for drawing talismans."

    With that, the goateed man took out a box about one foot square, filled with cinnabar.

    Goodness, the value of this cinnabar is definitely more than ten spirit stones, at least twenty. This shopkeeper is quite generous.

    Lin Hao didn''t stand on ceremony and put the talisman brush and cinnabar into his storage bag.

    Beside him, Cui Qing''er was already stunned. This little thief was actually a talisman master and could even draw top-grade talismans. It couldn''t be true!

    She knew very well how rare talisman masters capable of drawing top-grade talismans were. In the vast Xuan Yin Sect, among tens of thousands of outer sect disciples, only one could draw them. No, now there were two.

    "Uncle Liu, can you sell me that Golden Light Shield?"

    Cui Qing''er had previously acquired two top-grade talismans, which she used up in a battle with Lin Hao. With the outer sect competition approaching, she needed to prepare in advance, but she had no connection with that genius talisman master and couldn''t ask for help at this critical moment.

    "You want the Golden Light Shield?" Lin Hao sent a voice transmission.

    Cui Qing''er''s beautiful eyes flashed with surprise. She didn''t expect him to send her a voice transmission, and she replied.

    "That''s right, do you have it?"

    "I do." Lin Hao paused for a moment and continued, "Come to my cave dwelling in three days, and I''ll sell you three."

    As Lin Hao left the magical artifact shop and headed back to his cave dwelling, he paid attention to the topics discussed by the disciples.

    The Demon Beast Hunting Competition still had some lingering heat, with many people discussing the events that took place. However, more were talking about the upcoming outer sect competition.

    Every three years, the Xuan Yin Sect holds an outer sect competition.

    The top-ranked disciples will receive generous rewards, and those who perform exceptionally well will be given special attention by the sect and may even be taken as direct disciples by high-ranking elders.

    This is an opportunity, and Lin Hao clenched his fist, determined to seize it no matter what!

    Returning to his Senior Sister''s cave dwelling, he found her already back, her dress looking brand new and even more delicate than before.

    He couldn''t help but walk over and embrace his Senior Sister, "Senior Sister, you''re so beautiful!"

    Li Qiushui''s eyes, like clear water, held a layer of shyness.

    "You rascal, what are you up to again?"

    "Nothing, just admiring how beautiful you are, Senior Sister."

    "Senior Sister, the outer sect competition is about to start. What are your plans?"

    Sigh... Li Qiushui sighed softly, "The outer sect competition offers generous rewards for the top three, and there''s a chance to be noticed by an elder and become a direct disciple. If my cultivation level hadn''t fallen, I would definitely compete.

    But now I''m only at the eighth level of Qi Refining."

    Hearing her disappointment, Lin Hao comforted her, "Senior Sister, there''s still some time before the competition. If we train day and night, you might be able to return to the ninth level."

    Li Qiushui''s cheeks turned as red as cherries, and she playfully scolded, "Junior Brother, can you be serious? We can''t overdo that kind of ''training.''

    I have no hope of competing for the top three, but you have a chance!"

    She slipped out of Lin Hao''s embrace like a nimble rabbit, her red dress trailing on the ground, her bare feet stepping on the fur of a demon fox.

    Her eyebrows slightly raised, she said softly, "Junior Brother, you might have a chance to compete for third place, but aiming for the top spot or second place is difficult."

    Lin Hao frowned slightly, "Senior Sister, why do you say that? Do you think the top spot will go to Wang Jingzhan or Jiang Mingfei, who are at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining?"

    Li Qiushui shook her head, "No, you and Jiang Mingfei are both at the Great Perfection, and your strengths are not much different.

    The two I''m talking about are truly at the Great Perfection. They could have broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage long ago, but they''ve been holding back, waiting for the competition to start before breaking through.

    Because once they break through to Foundation Establishment, they become inner disciples and can''t participate in the outer sect competition. But there''s a loophole in the competition: if you break through during the competition, you can continue."

    A hint of surprise flashed in Lin Hao''s eyes. He didn''t expect there to be such people who deliberately held back from breaking through just to seize the top spot in the competition. If they became Foundation Establishment cultivators during the competition, they would be unstoppable. How cunning!

    Seeing Lin Hao a bit dazed, Li Qiushui comforted him, "Junior Brother, you don''t have to force yourself to aim for the top spot. As long as you make it to the top three and perform well enough, a powerful elder will take you as a disciple, which is better than becoming an inner disciple and randomly finding a master."

    Ah, Senior Sister is truly enchanting, alluring without being seductive, every smile and gesture is utterly tempting.

    Lin Hao sighed and swiftly pulled his Senior Sister back into his arms.

    "Senior Sister, I understand, but my goal is not just the top three; it''s the top spot. So please help me ''train.''"

    With nearly ten days until the competition, he felt his cultivation could advance further!

 Chapter 16

    The next day, just as Lin Hao stepped out of Senior Sister''s cave dwelling, he ran into a familiar face.

    He intended to greet her, but the other person spoke first.

    "Lin Hao, I''m now in the Foundation Establishment stage."

    Chen Yueming raised her snow-white, pointed chin.

    Foundation Establishment? A hint of surprise flashed in Lin Hao''s eyes; this woman had actually broken through!

    "And then? Are you here to settle the score?"

    "You..." Chen Yueming snorted coldly. Seeing that the man wasn''t overly surprised, she continued speaking on her own.

    "I''m heading to the inner sect tomorrow, so you''d better hurry up with your cultivation. Don''t keep me waiting too long."

    Boom!

    The woman unleashed the aura of the Foundation Establishment stage, a force so overwhelming it made one tremble. She thought he would be frightened, but his expression remained indifferent.

    "Inner disciples can go to the life-and-death platform. When the time comes, I''ll kill you myself!"

    "Oh."

    The woman harbored great animosity towards him, and Lin Hao had nothing much to say to her. He glanced around; after the rain, the mountains were greener, and the flowers and plants more lush.

    Disciples came and went in groups of twos and threes, discussing the upcoming outer sect competition.

    However, there was nothing new��just bragging and betting on who would take the top spot, and whether there would be a dark horse...If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    Lin Hao listened with one ear while slowly making his way to his own cave dwelling.

    Once home, he took out the Cloud Thunder Beast hide he had obtained earlier from his storage bag.

    He planned to draw a second-grade talisman, holding the White Cloud Ink in his hand, his brush moved like a dragon and snake.

    Puff...

    A wisp of green smoke rose from the talisman paper, clearly a failure.

    He adjusted his breathing and continued drawing, failing again.

    Eight in a row, all failed, until the ninth one was finally successful.

    A second-grade low-grade talisman, Palm Thunder, comparable to a strike from the early Foundation Establishment stage!

    It seemed that drawing second-grade talismans during the Qi Refining stage was still quite strenuous. Lin Hao sighed, put away the remaining Cloud Thunder Beast hide, and took out ordinary talisman paper to prepare for drawing first-grade top-grade talismans.

    Perhaps due to the high consumption from drawing second-grade talismans, his success rate for first-grade top-grade talismans was low, only managing to draw two successful ones out of ten attempts.

    After consuming twenty Spirit Recovery Pills, he finally drew six Golden Shield Talismans, three of which were for trading with Cui Qing''er, and he kept three for emergencies.

    After finishing the talismans, he didn''t return to Senior Sister''s cave dwelling but instead sent a letter stating he needed to go down the mountain to handle some personal matters.

    Senior Sister didn''t reply, possibly because she was exhausted from yesterday''s activities.

    Three days later, a clear female voice interrupted Lin Hao''s intense cultivation. He raised his hand to open the restriction on his cave dwelling.

    Shortly after, Cui Qing''er walked in with graceful steps. Today, she wore a white gauze dress, like a pure celestial maiden. As the breeze blew, the light fabric fluttered elegantly.

    Her alluring face, though expressionless, naturally captivated the soul.

    If Lin Hao didn''t know her true nature, he might have thought she was an otherworldly fairy.

    Lin Hao used his object manipulation technique to float a small stool in front of the woman, speaking indifferently, "Sit."

    Cui Qing''er''s calm eyes showed a hint of confusion. Wasn''t this person asking her over for a trade? Why so polite?

    She bit her lip lightly and sat down, curious to see what he intended.

    "Have some tea."

    Lin Hao placed a cup of tea in front of her. Seeing she didn''t move, he said calmly, "Don''t worry, I won''t drug you."

    Cui Qing''er''s demeanor immediately became unnatural. She suppressed her chaotic thoughts and said coyly, "I brought the spirit stones. Where are the Golden Shield Talismans?"

    Lin Hao took out five Golden Shield Talismans and said, "I have the Golden Shield Talismans ready, but I don''t intend to trade with spirit stones."

    Surprise flashed in the woman''s eyes. Lin Hao could actually craft top-grade talismans!

    But if not with spirit stones, what would he trade with? She was puzzled when she saw the stone door behind her close.

    "Now let''s discuss the details of the trade." Lin Hao''s lips curled into a mischievous smile.

    "What do you mean?"

    Cui Qing''er frowned and asked.

    "Become mine and help me with tasks."

    Cui Qing''er was slightly stunned. This man''s cultivation was only on par with hers, so why such arrogance?

    "Don''t worry, I won''t treat you poorly. I''ll give you five Golden Shield Talismans every month. Once you become a Foundation Establishment cultivator, ten second-grade talismans a month."

    "Then... what do you need me to do?"

    Lin Hao leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "Accompany me and help me find trading partners."

    Hearing this, Cui Qing''er''s eyes widened.

    Her thoughts raced, and she smiled charmingly, "Alright!"

    Such generous rewards were hard to refuse.

    The main thing was that they had already been intimate, so there was no psychological barrier to doing it again.

 Chapter 17

    A fortnight passed quickly, and the outer sect competition of the Xuan Yin Sect began.

    During this time, with the help of his Senior Sister and Cui Qing''er, Lin Hao, although stuck at a bottleneck and unable to break through, managed to refine his spiritual power even further.

    Competition day.

    Due to the nearly twenty thousand outer sect disciples of the Xuan Yin Sect, it would take a year and a half if everyone were to compete in the arena.

    Therefore, the competition was divided into three stages. The first stage was a cultivation test, eliminating all those below the sixth level of Qi Refining!

    This stage alone eliminated more than half of the participants. The second stage was a chaotic battle, where all participating disciples were randomly assigned to groups for a battle royale. Those who lasted until the end could advance to the arena competition.

    This stage had a high degree of randomness and some room for maneuver. Participants could temporarily form alliances, increasing their chances of winning compared to fighting alone.

    Lin Hao''s luck was decent. In his assigned group, the strongest opponent was only at the eighth level of Qi Refining, giving him a good chance of winning and advancing.

    However, as soon as the chaotic battle began, he was targeted by two cultivators, one tall and one short, who surrounded him.

    "Are you two trying to gang up on me?"

    "Kid, you got it right. Kneel and beg for mercy, and we''ll spare you a beating."

    Heh.

    Lin Hao sneered, seeing through their cultivation levels. Both were at the sixth level of Qi Refining, yet they dared to act so boldly.

    Initially, he thought of taking them down with a single punch, but then he decided to play along. Pretending to be scared, he turned and ran.

    The tall and short cultivators, thinking they had him cornered, quickly gave chase.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    In the chaotic battle of a hundred, those who formed groups targeted those with higher cultivation. Seeing Lin Hao being chased by two at the sixth level, they lost interest.

    Huff, huff, huff...

    "Big brother, this kid is slippery."

    After chasing for a long time without catching up, the tall one leaned on his knees, panting heavily.

    "He must be running out of steam. Let''s push harder!"

    The short one gritted his teeth, taking out a Spirit Recovery Pill from his storage bag, ready to consume it.

    "Hey, don''t eat that."

    In a flash, Lin Hao darted in front of the short one, snatching the storage bag and the pill from his hands with lightning speed.

    "These are my spoils, so you can''t just eat them. But this pill in your hand is dirty, I don''t want it."

    Crunch!

    He crushed the pill in his hand and then kicked the short one, sending him flying several meters.

    "Big brother!"

    Seeing his brother beaten, the tall cultivator''s face turned angry. He drew a broad sword from his back, ready to fight to the death.

    But for someone at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, dealing with someone at the sixth level was as easy as a father disciplining a child. The tall one didn''t even withstand a single move before ending up like his brother.

    The Xuan Yin Sect, to cultivate the disciples'' ferocity, allowed anything in the competition except killing.

    Having exposed his strength, Lin Hao chose to keep running in circles even when faced with a dozen attackers.

    His main goal was to waste time, letting other cultivators settle their scores, making things easier for him.

    Li Qiushui, known for her reputation, was a target for group attacks. However, due to her fallen cultivation level, she was eliminated in the chaotic battle of a hundred.

    With nothing else to do, she watched Lin Hao''s fight. Seeing him leading a group of people around like walking dogs, she couldn''t help but laugh.

    Lin Hao, always attentive to the outside, heard his Senior Sister''s laughter and immediately waved at her.

    This action, however, annoyed someone.

    In Jiang Mingfei''s group, about ten people were his followers. Together, they cleared out external threats, allowing him to claim victory.

    After winning the battle, he thought of pursuing romance, only to see Lin Hao and Li Qiushui exchanging glances, which instantly soured his mood.

    "Where did this lowlife come from, daring to flirt with the fairy I''ve set my eyes on?"

    A rat-faced guy, grinning slyly, said, "Young Master Jiang, that kid is Lin Hao, the follower of Fairy Qiushui."

    "Heh, just a stinking follower, thinking of biting the hand that feeds him." Jiang Mingfei tilted his head, thinking for a moment, then said nonchalantly.

    "Go tell Xiao Liu and the others to give that kid a hard time."

    "At your command, Young Master Jiang!"

    ...

    "Huh?"

    Lin Hao frowned, his eyes filled with confusion. Did these dogs eat something wrong? Why are they all coming after me?

    Looking at the thirty or forty people following him, he was speechless. He hadn''t done anything to stand out, so why was he suddenly the target?

    "Damn, do they really think I''m easy to bully?"

    Annoyed by the chase, Lin Hao stopped abruptly, facing over thirty cultivators alone.

    A burly man stepped forward, speaking fiercely, "Run, kid, why aren''t you running anymore?"

    "I''m tired."

    "You little brat, daring to mess with the woman my boss fancies, today I''ll break your leg!"

    Boss? Lin Hao''s gaze darkened as he looked outside the arena, noticing someone entangling his Senior Sister.

    It was Jiang Mingfei, one of the twelve Great Perfection Qi Refining cultivators in the outer sect.

    A flash of killing intent crossed Lin Hao''s starry eyes as he unleashed his Great Perfection Qi Refining cultivation, his voice cold, "Break my leg, huh?"

    Great Perfection Qi Refining?!

    The surprise on the burly man''s face hadn''t even settled when he felt a pain in his left leg, losing his balance and falling to the ground.

    Hiss~

    The crowd gasped, amazed at the speed of his sword!

    Jiang Mingfei''s pupils contracted, shocked by Lin Hao''s cultivation. He forgot about harassing the beauty and focused entirely on watching Lin Hao''s display of power.

 Chapter 18

    The gathering of these weaklings is nothing more than a ragtag bunch. Lin Hao, two minor realms above his enemies, charged into their ranks as if entering an uninhabited land.

    Bang, bang, bang!

    The cultivators were kicked away like little piglets.

    In the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn, Lin Hao had repelled all his enemies, emerging as the final victor.

    On the spectator platform, the sect''s leaders, along with the peak masters and elders from various peaks, occasionally glanced at the chaotic battle among a hundred people while chatting leisurely.

    "Hmm? Which peak''s disciple is this?"

    A voluptuous and beautiful woman slightly furrowed her brows. She was the peak master of Little Bamboo Peak.

    As a peak master, she was well aware of the outstanding outer sect disciples from each peak, since after the competition, the peaks could vie for the talents.

    The voluptuous beauty was thoroughly familiar with this year''s talented disciples.

    Wang Jingzhan from Ethereal Peak and Leng Fengchun from Falling Goose Peak were both on the verge of reaching Foundation Establishment. As for others, her own peak''s Fang Yuan and Cui Qing''er... it was a pity for their old neighbor, Great Bamboo Peak.

    Originally, they had two talented female cultivators, Li Qiushui and Chen Yueming.

    However, one had a breakthrough failure and fell in realm, while the other advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage, leaving Great Bamboo Peak without a leading figure.

    The peak master of Great Bamboo Peak, Feng Cangyue, was extremely beautiful, with eyes like autumn water, skin fairer than snow, and a figure that was unparalleled. Her shoulders were as if carved, her waist slender, and her hips curvaceous, exuding a subtle mature charm that was utterly captivating.

    She wore a simple brocade palace dress, draped with a light purple gauze. As the breeze blew, the gauze fluttered, giving her an ethereal aura.

    Her long black hair was styled into a simple sky bun, adorned with an unassuming-looking hairpin.

    However, from the envious gaze of the voluptuous beauty, it was clear that the hairpin was very precious.

    The charming woman sighed softly, feeling that Great Bamboo Peak would be embarrassed in this outer sect competition...

    Embarrassment was secondary; the main issue was that this competition also involved the allocation of cultivation resources among the peaks.

    "Sister Feng, do you recognize this young man?" The voluptuous beauty pointed at Lin Hao, who was displaying great prowess, and asked.

    "Sister Murong, this young man looks unfamiliar to me. I don''t know which peak he belongs to."

    "Alright then."

    Murong Qinxue immediately sent a message to her subordinates, instructing them to investigate.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    After a while, her subordinates reported back, and Murong Qinxue''s expression turned peculiar.

    A disciple of Great Bamboo Peak? Sister Feng doesn''t recognize him, seems like a dark horse. Perhaps there''s a chance to recruit him to Little Bamboo Peak.

    Lin Hao was unaware that he had caught the attention of a peak master. He was currently holding his senior sister''s slender waist, facing off against Jiang Mingfei.

    "Brat, take your filthy hands off her."

    Jiang Mingfei had a strong affection for Li Qiushui, pursuing her openly and secretly, but never receiving a favorable response. Yet this ice-cold beauty was now behaving like a little woman, allowing a man to hold her willow-like waist.

    Jealousy, he was insanely jealous.

    "My senior sister and I are Dao Companions. I can hold her if I want. What business is it of yours?"

    "You..."

    Jiang Mingfei''s face turned alternately green and white, and he said angrily, "Brat, just you wait, we''ll see!"

    "I''ll be waiting for you."

    Li Qiushui wasn''t used to being embraced by a man in public. After Jiang Mingfei left, she broke free from Lin Hao''s embrace.

    Her brows arched, and she said softly, "Junior brother, you''ve changed. You used to focus solely on secluded cultivation, avoiding trouble whenever possible.

    But now you''re actively provoking someone at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining. The change is quite drastic."

    Uh... Senior sister makes a good point, this isn''t like me.

    Lin Hao pondered, realizing that ever since he could grow stronger through dual cultivation, his approach to things had changed significantly. When he needed to be steady, he was as steady as an old dog, and when he needed to be flamboyant, he was the best in the world.

    Perhaps, this was his true nature.

    Cultivating immortality, cultivating immortality, if in the end, one doesn''t dare to do this or that, even if one achieves longevity, what''s the point?

    Utterly boring!

    He caught up with his senior sister, grabbing her small hand without a word, and said domineeringly, "Tomorrow is the arena competition, I want to spar with you, senior sister, to warm up."

    "Bah, don''t think I don''t know what you''re thinking." Li Qiushui spat lightly, her cheeks blushing like peach blossoms.

    That night, Lin Hao and his senior sister sparred seven times before feeling tired.

    He slept until the sun was high in the sky before leisurely heading to the venue for the outer sect competition.

    The reason he wasn''t in a hurry was that his match was in the afternoon.

    In this competition, a total of ninety-six people advanced to the arena stage, and it would take a day to determine the top forty-eight.

    Lin Hao''s first opponent was a young girl at the eighth level of Qi Refining. She had a gentle appearance and a very slender figure, as if a gust of wind could blow her away.

    Her delicate eyebrows were slightly furrowed, giving her a pitiful look.

    With this innocent expression and decent strength, she successfully made it to the arena stage.

    She tried the same trick, hoping to lower her opponent''s guard and then launch a surprise attack.

    However, Lin Hao wasn''t buying it at all. Having interacted more with his senior sister and Cui Qing''er recently, his aesthetic threshold had skyrocketed. A delicate beauty like his opponent couldn''t move his heart at all.

    Even if he were truly moved, he would abandon such thoughts. Compared to immortality, beauty was just a fleeting illusion.

    Boom!

    He charged like an unsheathed sword, carrying an overwhelming aura of slaughter, attacking his opponent.

    The woman''s expression changed, and failing to play the pity card, she had to hastily defend herself. However, the gap in their realms led to her being crushed.

    Bang!

    Lin Hao punched the woman off the arena without any hesitation, leaving the spectators stunned.

    "This... this guy is ruthless, showing no mercy to a pitiful beauty."

    "Yeah... yeah, that punch shattered my heart."

    "Who is this guy? I want to challenge him privately, to avenge my dear Fairy Lian Yue!"

    "This ruthless guy is at least at the ninth level of Qi Refining, and you''re just a little cultivator at the seventh level. Challenging him is like looking for death with a lantern in a latrine!"

    After defeating his opponent, Lin Hao didn''t even break a sweat. Next was Cui Qing''er''s match, so he stayed to watch.

    Her battle ended quickly as well, without much effort, she defeated her opponent. With Li Qiushui by her side, she didn''t greet Lin Hao but sent him a message to discuss a deal.

    That night.

    Claiming to conserve energy, Lin Hao left his senior sister''s cave dwelling and returned to his own place.

    Cui Qing''er seemed to have been waiting for him for a long time, her clothes slightly disheveled, her eyes gleaming.

    This woman had developed a taste for it!

    Lin Hao silently mocked in his heart and asked knowingly, "Weren''t you here for a deal? Where''s the person?"

    Cui Qing''er gave him a sultry look and said coquettishly, "Does a deal have to involve a person? I brought you two pieces of news, do you want to hear them?"

    "Let''s hear it."

    "One good, one bad. Which one do you want to hear first?"

    "Let''s start with the bad news."

    Cui Qing''er showed a knowing expression and began to speak.

    "Wang Jingzhan and Leng Fengchun have reached Foundation Establishment. The outside world believes that the champion will be one of them."

    That really is bad news. Lin Hao''s sword-like brows slightly raised.

    "And the good news?"

    "Well... well... I''m about to reach Foundation Establishment too, and I need you~"

    Cui Qing''er felt she was just a step away from Foundation Establishment, perhaps needing ten days to half a month of intense cultivation.

    But following the usual cultivation path, she feared she wouldn''t make it in time for the competition. So she came to Lin Hao to ''cultivate.''

    Cultivating with Lin Hao was much faster than meditating alone.

    Damn, why do I feel like I''m being used for free...

    Lin Hao was speechless and said, "You reaching Foundation Establishment isn''t good news for me. My ranking will drop by one."

    "How can a big man like you be so petty?" Cui Qing''er rolled her eyes charmingly and continued, "You humiliated me during the Demon Beast Hunting Competition, and I''ve been planning to get back at you. If you help me, I won''t seek revenge."

    "Hurry up, I can''t wait any longer~"

    With that, Cui Qing''er made her move.

 Chapter 19

    Morning.

    The tree-lined path was covered in white frost.

    Lin Hao walked alone for a long time before stopping and sitting cross-legged on the ground to meditate.

    He was just one Foundation Establishment Pill away from breaking through, but the pill was too precious, and with his current resources, he couldn''t afford it.

    Typically, cultivators would start preparing the materials for the Foundation Establishment Pill when they reached the ninth level of Qi Refining, spending a year or two collecting them. By the time they reached the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, they would have almost all the materials ready.

    However, Lin Hao had only taken two months to go from the sixth level to Great Perfection, so how could he possibly have gathered enough materials for the pill?

    With his current cultivation at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, it was nearly impossible to compete with a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator and win.

    He took out a second-grade talisman, Palm Thunder, and played with it in his hand. It seemed he needed to accumulate more talismans!

    He had considered trading for a Foundation Establishment Pill from Cui Qing''er, but such a strategic resource was unlikely to be traded unless she was out of her mind.

    Feeling it was about time, Lin Hao woke Cui Qing''er, and the two headed to the competition site together.

    Today, there were noticeably more spectators than yesterday, and elders and direct disciples from various peaks had also come to watch.

    He glanced at the viewing platform and saw the direct disciples in their luxurious clothes, their eyes filled with pride.

    Clenching his fists, Lin Hao''s face showed a determined expression. Becoming a direct disciple was his greatest motivation for participating in this competition.

    His opponent this round was a young man dressed like a scholar, who appeared gentle and weak, but Lin Hao knew he was a master at the ninth level of Qi Refining.

    How could anyone who made it to the top forty-eight be weak?

    "Brother, I greet you," the scholar cultivator said, bowing slightly with his hands in salute.

    Lin Hao remained unmoved, coldly watching his opponent.

    The scholar didn''t feel awkward at the lack of response and took out two scrolls from the study bag on his back.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    "Brother, I''m going to make my move."

    With that, his thin body rapidly expanded, almost bursting his scholar''s robe.

    "With military might, we charge the desert, murderous aura soaring to the skies. Troops arrayed beneath the Red Mountain, camp set beside the Purple Fortress!"

    Boom!

    The scholar''s eyes widened in anger, his once fair face now full of murderous intent, looking more like a general on the battlefield than a scholar.

    In front of him appeared a squad of armored soldiers, formed from spiritual energy but indistinguishable from real people.

    Lin Hao frowned slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

    This scholar was actually cultivating the Confucian way. In the Immortal Path, there were three thousand ways to seek longevity, including Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and military strategy.

    Sensing the dangerous aura from the soldiers, Lin Hao immediately circulated the spiritual energy within his body.

    Great Perfection of Qi Refining?!

    The scholar was shocked, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. The gap in their cultivation levels was hard to bridge.

    But since he was already here, he had to press forward; there was no retreat.

    "Fight!"

    The scholar''s voice boomed like spring thunder, and the soldiers in front of him charged fearlessly.

    "Flame Blade!"

    Lin Hao spoke, and three flying blades appeared before him, radiating intense heat.

    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

    The blades shot towards the soldiers like lightning.

    The dense spiritual energy cut through the soldiers like slicing paper, each blade taking down one soldier.

    However, six soldiers still charged at Lin Hao.

    "Good timing!"

    Lin Hao, full of vigor, punched with unmatched force towards the soldiers.

    Boom!

    His punch was incredibly fierce, dispersing the soldiers with a single blow.

    Looking at Lin Hao, who seemed like a war god, the scholar''s gaze was heavy, his legs trembling slightly, and cold sweat dripping down his face.

    So... so strong...

    The scholar took a deep breath, gripping the ancient scroll, muttering incantations, preparing to recite a battle poem, but his opponent was too fast.

    Slash!

    Lin Hao wielded his flying sword, moving like lightning, reaching his opponent.

    The scholar couldn''t recite his battle poem in time and could only hastily pull out a talisman to defend himself. But... a top-grade first-level defensive talisman couldn''t withstand his opponent''s attack.

    Clang, clang, clang!

    Lin Hao slashed three sword energies, shattering the opponent''s spiritual shield and sending him flying five or six meters.

    Pfft!

    The scholar spat out a mouthful of blood, smiling bitterly, "I... I concede."

    Lin Hao smiled faintly, glanced at his opponent, and said calmly, "If you were at Great Perfection, you would have given me a lot of trouble."

    "Alas, I am far from matching Brother Lin."

    The scholar cupped his hands in salute and left the arena.

    Murong Qinxue, the peak master of Little Bamboo Peak, had been watching Lin Hao''s match closely. Seeing him win so effortlessly, her desire to recruit him grew stronger.

    But before she could make a move, she received a voice transmission from Feng Cangyue.

    "Junior Sister Murong, Lin Hao is an outer sect disciple of my Great Bamboo Peak."

    "Oh? He''s from your Great Bamboo Peak? Then you''re not doing a very good job as a peak master. You didn''t even know about such a genius in your sect."

    "I''m not as diligent as you, always trying to poach people!"

    ...

    Lin Hao was unaware that he had caught the attention of two beautiful peak masters from the Xuan Yin Sect.

    In the top twelve advancement match, Lin Hao''s opponent was again at the ninth level of Qi Refining and couldn''t withstand two moves before being defeated.

    On the other side, Cui Qing''er also easily defeated her opponent, advancing with Lin Hao to the top six.

    But during the afternoon draw, the two ended up as opponents.

    Jiang Mingfei took the stage for his first match, facing Fang Yuan, who had outperformed him in the previous Demon Beast Hunting Competition.

    Though Jiang Mingfei''s cultivation was slightly higher, Fang Yuan had more magical treasures. After hundreds of exchanges, Jiang Mingfei won by a narrow margin.

    Fang Yuan''s chubby face showed dissatisfaction as he glared at his opponent before leaving without looking back.

    "Hey, Generous Boy lost but didn''t give out a magical treasure. What''s going on?"

    "Brother, you clearly don''t know Generous Boy well. He only gives treasures to those who truly defeat him. Jiang Mingfei only won by a small margin, so why would he give him a treasure?"

    Jiang Mingfei stood on the stage, his face alternating between green and white, feeling that even though he won, it wasn''t worth celebrating.

    "The second match, Lin Hao versus Cui Qing''er!"

    Lin Hao walked steadily onto the stage.

    Feeling many eyes on him, he didn''t mind, focusing solely on Cui Qing''er.

    Fortunately, she hadn''t broken through last night; otherwise, he would have been stopped here today.

 Chapter 20

    They both knew each other''s strengths and weaknesses, so there was no need for probing. They went straight for a head-on clash.

    Though Cui Qing''er was a woman, her fighting style was aggressive. She unleashed a water-based spell, immediately summoned a Golden Shield Talisman, and then maneuvered her flying sword to engage Lin Hao in close combat.

    "Heh, a woman wanting to fight me up close? I won''t let you have your way."

    Lin Hao deftly avoided the water tiger by stepping on his flying sword, forming a seal with his hands to cast a spell. A ball of flame shot towards the woman like a meteor.

    The scorching heat rushed towards her, but instead of retreating, Cui Qing''er advanced. Her sword was wrapped in sky-blue sword energy, slashing at the fireball.

    Boom!

    With one slash, she split the fireball. Her left hand continuously launched water spheres, trying to force her opponent down for close combat.

    But Lin Hao only countered with fire spells, occasionally throwing out a Frost Descend talisman to freeze the water spheres.

    Cui Qing''er, unable to gain the upper hand after a prolonged attack, was flustered. This damn man was unusual. Clearly, he was also at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, so why was his mana so abundant?

    After exchanging dozens of moves, always using spells, Cui Qing''er''s spiritual power was running low. She wanted to take a Spirit Recovery Pill but was given no chance by Lin Hao.

    Boom, boom, boom!

    Lin Hao unleashed three consecutive sword energies, shattering Cui Qing''er''s three layers of Golden Light Shield, and then closed in on her.

    He shouted fiercely, his inner spiritual power surging, his eyes filled with an invincible belief.

    "Break!" His voice was like thunder, his body like a gust of wind.

    His fists, blazing with flames, struck directly at the woman''s abdomen.

    Not good... Cui Qing''er''s face changed drastically. She hurriedly gathered the remaining spiritual power in her body to form a barrier, but under the opponent''s determined punch, it was as fragile as glass.

    Crack!

    The shield shattered, and her delicate body took a heavy blow.

    Cough!

    Cui Qing''er spat out a mouthful of blood, feeling as if all her ribs were broken, and then flew out like a kite with a broken string.

    "Damn man, don''t you know how to hold back!"

    Cui Qing''er''s eyes were filled with resentment.

    Lin Hao ignored the resentful look in her eyes and said calmly, "Admit defeat."This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Cui Qing''er rolled her eyes charmingly, then pushed the blade away from her neck and said softly, "With a blade at my throat, how can I not admit defeat?"

    "Lin Hao, wins!"

    As the referee elder''s words fell, the scene erupted in a tidal wave of discussion.

    "Wow, where did this Lin Hao come from, to defeat Fairy Qing''er so fiercely."

    "Yeah, Fairy Qing''er is at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, her cultivation ranks in the top five of the outer sect!"

    "I know this Lin Hao, he''s like Fairy Qiushui''s little follower, always low-key, never showing off. Who knew he''d make such a splash today."

    "Fellow Daoist, you''re behind the times. Lin Hao performed outstandingly in the previous Demon Beast Hunting Competition, making it to the top eight alone."

    "Is he that strong? Where does he cultivate? I want to befriend him, maybe I can become a direct disciple."

    "That might be hard. Without Wang Jingzhan and Leng Fengchun, this guy is a top-tier expert at the Qi Refining level, with a great chance of reaching the top."

    Beside them, Jiang Mingfei''s face was gloomy. When did that kid become a top-tier expert, did he ask me?

    He clenched his fists, his gaze coldly fixed on Lin Hao. Damn kid, just you wait, the next match will show you what it means to always have someone better!

    On the high platform, Little Bamboo Peak''s master, Murong Qinxue, had a look of shock on her fair face.

    This Lin Hao actually defeated Qing''er!

    Although she had been paying attention to Lin Hao from the start, she didn''t expect him to defeat Cui Qing''er from their peak.

    Feng Cangyue saw Murong Qinxue''s expression and a hint of pride appeared on her face. Lin Hao had certainly brought honor to her and Great Bamboo Peak.

    Barefoot on a red lotus, like a flying swan, she flew to Lin Hao''s side.

    A trace of appreciation flashed in her phoenix eyes, and she said in a cool voice, "You did well. From today on, you are the chief of the outer sect disciples of Great Bamboo Peak. If you place in the top three of this competition, you can enter the inner sect''s Scripture Repository three times."

    Lin Hao took a light whiff of the fragrance, a strange thought flashing through his mind. Is the peak master still a maiden?

    This was his first close encounter with the peak master, and he caught the maiden''s fragrance from her, unmistakably the same scent he noticed before his first deep interaction with Li Qiushui and Cui Qing''er.

    He glanced down at the peak master''s jade-like feet, a pair of small feet whiter than snow, as if carved from jade, making one want to...

    He quickly bit his tongue to calm himself down. Sinful, sinful, this is the master of Great Bamboo Peak. If she knew what I was thinking... she''d probably burn me to ashes.

    Suppressing the distracting thoughts, he respectfully said, "Disciple accepts the order! Thank you, Peak Master!"

    Feng Cangyue came down to see Lin Hao just to assert her ownership. This was her disciple, and she intended to keep others from taking him.

    On the high platform, Murong Qinxue bit her silver teeth and softly cursed, "Feng Cangyue, that woman really is..."

    As the peak master left, Lin Hao was about to step off the stage when he suddenly saw his senior sister, Li Qiushui.

    He didn''t know when she had arrived.

    His lips curled into a slight smile as he walked towards his senior sister.

    "Junior brother, congratulations on advancing to the top six."

    Li Qiushui said gracefully, her purple gauze dress fluttering in the breeze.

    With so many eyes watching, it was inappropriate to make a move. Lin Hao''s gaze fell on her towering peaks, his voice clear, "Senior sister, I''ve made it to the top six. How are you going to celebrate for me?"

    He had a playful glint in his eyes, wanting to see his senior sister''s shy expression, but she just gave a gentle smile.

    "There will be a surprise, you''ll know tonight."

    With that, his senior sister was about to leave. Lin Hao had no more matches today, but he didn''t leave either, choosing to stay and watch the rest of the competition.

    After Li Qiushui left, Cui Qing''er approached him.

    "Are you alright?" Lin Hao asked.

    "I took some pills, I''m fine. You really are heartless, not knowing how to show mercy." Cui Qing''er complained.

    "We''re about equal in strength. If I held back, I wouldn''t have won." Lin Hao laughed, "I''ll make it up to you later."

    "You said it." Cui Qing''er understood.

    The next match was Wang Jingzhan against a cultivator at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining. Both of them focused their attention on the stage.

    As expected, Wang Jingzhan defeated his opponent with a single move, showcasing the strength of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

    "Wang Jingzhan is indeed at the Foundation Establishment stage. How can others compete with that? He''s definitely going to be the champion!"

    "Don''t be so sure. Leng Fengchun is also at the Foundation Establishment stage, not weaker than Wang Jingzhan."

    "Leng Fengchun only knows how to train hard. Can he compare to Wang Jingzhan, who grew through spell duels?"

    Listening to the debate between the two cultivators behind him, Lin Hao thought that regardless of who was stronger between the two Foundation Establishment cultivators, if he wanted to compete for first place, he had to reach Foundation Establishment himself.

    Leng Fengchun took the stage, dressed in tight black clothing that accentuated her curves. Though her face was beautiful, her demeanor was cold, giving off an unapproachable vibe.

    Her opponent was also a cultivator at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, specializing in earth-based defensive techniques. It took her three moves to defeat him.

    After watching the two Foundation Establishment cultivators'' battles, Lin Hao prepared to leave. The remaining opponents weren''t worth watching; he was confident he could win!

    Seeing Lin Hao about to leave, Cui Qing''er followed him.

    "What is your relationship with Li Qiushui?" she asked as they walked.

    "The same as with you."

    The woman sighed softly, "You''ve caught the attention of your peak master. Your future is bright. Why get entangled with a demon?"

    Hearing this, Lin Hao frowned deeply. Why was Cui Qing''er so insistent that his senior sister was a demon?

    He and his senior sister had known each other for a long time and got along very well. His senior sister was incredibly gentle; how could she possibly be a cold-blooded demon?

 Chapter 21

    "No. If you don''t believe what I say, it''s simple. Just buy a pack of Immortal Spirit Powder and try it. As everyone knows, it''s a medicine that restrains demons. If a demon takes it, their demonic energy will dissipate for a short time, no matter how well they hide, they''ll reveal themselves!"

    Cui Qing''er spoke with such conviction that it didn''t seem like she was lying.

    Besides, she had no reason to deceive him.

    Lin Hao''s expression was inscrutable. His Senior Sister was his guide in the immortal path, and they had a deep understanding of each other. He actually trusted her a lot.

    But on second thought, he felt there was no harm in trying. If his Senior Sister wasn''t a demon, the powder wouldn''t harm her body.

    So, Lin Hao bid farewell to Cui Qing''er and planned to visit the market to buy a pack of Immortal Spirit Powder, and also pick up some materials for making talismans.

    The upcoming opponents were getting stronger, so he needed to stock up on second-grade talismans for emergencies.

    At the market, he quickly bought all the talisman materials, but there was no chance for a bargain, costing him nearly two hundred spirit stones, which pained him greatly.

    The Immortal Spirit Powder wasn''t expensive, but since the Xuan Yin Sect hadn''t been at war with the Demon Path in recent years, no shops had it in stock, so Lin Hao had to try his luck at street stalls.

    Thunder rumbled.

    Lin Hao, dressed in blue, carried a sword on his back, holding a spirit stone in his hand. The strong wind brushed against his chiseled face, and his clear, star-like eyes scanned the surrounding stalls.

    It was quite lively.

    Sigh...

    Lin Hao sighed softly, his lips curving down slightly. Was the Immortal Spirit Powder really so hard to find?

    But it was understandable. The Demon Path had been dormant for many years, not clashing with the righteous path, so items like the Immortal Spirit Powder, used against demons, were rare.

    After wandering for most of the day, he finally saw the Immortal Spirit Powder at a small stall.

    He felt like a drowning man grabbing a lifeline and hurried over.

    Unlike other stall owners, this one was a young girl, looking no more than fifteen or sixteen, with a delicate and charming appearance, and bright, clean eyes.

    Her cultivation was only at the sixth level, likely a junior disciple who had just entered the sect. Lin Hao smiled and got straight to the point, "How many spirit stones for this pack of Immortal Spirit Powder?"

    The girl''s eyes flashed with a murderous intent as she said with resentment, "No spirit stones needed."Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    No spirit stones?

    Lin Hao frowned slightly, curious, "Why don''t you want spirit stones?"

    The girl bit her cherry lips, the murderous intent in her eyes almost overflowing.

    "Eliminating demons and defending the path is what we cultivators should do! Fellow cultivator, please accept this pack of Immortal Spirit Powder."

    Lin Hao saw sincerity in the girl''s eyes. He accepted the Immortal Spirit Powder and then took out a talisman from his storage bag.

    "Miss, you''re right. Eliminating demons is what we cultivators should do, so please accept this talisman."

    The girl didn''t refuse, accepting the talisman with composure, and cupped her hands in a salute, "May I ask for your name, fellow cultivator?"

    "Lin Hao."

    "Xiang Xiaoyuan, wishing Senior Brother Lin success in slaying demons!"

    Watching Lin Hao leave, Xiang Xiaoyuan finally examined the talisman in her hand, a look of surprise appearing on her pretty face.

    "A second-grade talisman..."

    "This Senior Brother..."

    Seeing it was getting late, Lin Hao hurried to his Senior Sister''s cave dwelling.

    On the way up the mountain, he encountered someone, Leng Fengchun, who was also a strong contender for the top spot in the competition.

    Leng Fengchun, dressed in white, with a high ponytail, looked heroic, carrying a sword case on her back, from which the sound of a sword could faintly be heard.

    "You''re quite good."

    As they passed each other, Lin Hao heard her say.

    Clang!

    As the words fell, the sword was drawn, sounding like a dragon''s roar or a tiger''s roar.

    The exotic flowers and plants on both sides of the mountain path seemed to bow as if blown by a strong wind.

    "I hope to face you in the arena."

    Leng Fengchun stepped on her flying sword, soaring through the air.

    Clearly, she was already an inner disciple.

    Lin Hao''s eyes were clear as he watched the figure in white disappear into the distance, his fists unconsciously clenching.

    Looking up again.

    The mountain path, like a ladder to the heavens, seemed endless.

    He walked up step by step.

    In front of his Senior Sister''s cave dwelling, he took a deep breath and then pushed the door open.

    "Back so late?" Li Qiushui said with a radiant smile.

    "Met a friend, had a deep conversation."

    "Alright." The woman extended her slender jade finger and tapped his forehead.

    "Next time you''re late, send me a message."

    A faint fragrance filled the air.

    Lin Hao''s lips twitched slightly as he saw his Senior Sister turn into the back room, seemingly busy with cooking.

    He took out the pack of Immortal Spirit Powder, poured it into a blue porcelain teapot, shook it, and then poured a cup of tea, bringing it to his Senior Sister.

    "Senior Sister, what are you busy with?" Lin Hao asked, wrapping his arms around the woman''s waist from behind.

    "Cooking some spirit beast meat for you to replenish your energy."

    "Thank you for your hard work, Senior Sister," Lin Hao said, then handed her the teacup, "Please have some tea, Senior Sister."

    "Heh, what''s gotten into you, serving me tea?"

    Lin Hao smiled and said, "Senior Sister works hard for me every day, it''s just a cup of tea, nothing major."

    "You sweet talker."

    Li Qiushui picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and a faint smile appeared on her beautiful face.

    "Junior Brother, why does this tea taste strange? You didn''t drug me, did you?"

    "How could that be?" Lin Hao said calmly, carefully observing his Senior Sister''s changes.

    Her demeanor remained unchanged.

    Indeed, his Senior Sister was not a demon.

    He felt relieved, but also guilty for not trusting her.

    To make up for his guilt, he planned to assist his Senior Sister in her cultivation, but before he could act, a slender jade hand stopped him.

    "Junior Brother, don''t rush. Do you remember I mentioned a surprise for you during the day?"

    Uh... Lin Hao scratched his head, he had actually forgotten about it.

    "Senior Sister, what''s the surprise?"

    Li Qiushui evaded his advances, fluttering to the side like a butterfly.

    "This surprise, you''ll definitely like."

    With that, she clapped her delicate hands, and three women in sheer veils walked in, their stunning faces showing expressions of shyness or anticipation.

    "Senior Sister, what is this?" Lin Hao asked through voice transmission.

    "Junior Brother, these three women are carefully selected by me for you. They are all untouched and have decent cultivation, all at the seventh level of Qi Refining!"

    Lin Hao was stunned, his star-like eyes filled with astonishment.

    Was his Senior Sister helping him find women?!

    His expression was extremely peculiar. He had thought his Senior Sister wouldn''t like seeing him with other women, but unexpectedly, she was helping him find them.

    "Junior Brother, I''ve also prepared a Foundation Establishment Pill for you to help you establish your foundation and compete for the top spot."

    Foundation Establishment Pill?!

    Lin Hao didn''t know what to say. That was a Foundation Establishment Pill, a strategic resource for cultivators at the Qi Refining stage. Unless rewarded by the sect, preparing one on your own would take a year or two of hard work.

    Lin Hao''s breakthrough speed was too fast, so he hadn''t had time to prepare, and had been worrying about how to get a Foundation Establishment Pill. And now... his Senior Sister gave it to him!

    It was like receiving a pillow when you were sleepy.

    Thinking of how he had suspected his Senior Sister of being a demon, his guilt was overwhelming.

    He picked up his Senior Sister and gave her a fierce kiss.

    Li Qiushui said coquettishly, "Focus on your breakthrough."

    With his Senior Sister''s urging, Lin Hao could only express his gratitude.

 Chapter 22

    After enduring the trials of blood and sweat, all the spiritual energy within Lin Hao''s body transformed into golden liquid, leaving no room for further metamorphosis.

    He asked his senior sister to escort the three female cultivators away and then directly consumed the Foundation Establishment Pill.

    Seeing him enter meditation, Li Qiushui quickly set up a barrier to isolate any outside interference and focused her energy to protect him.

    Boom!

    Lin Hao suddenly stood up, his skin flushed red, resembling a boiled shrimp!

    Li Qiushui''s face turned pale with worry for Lin Hao. What was happening?

    She wanted to help but couldn''t interfere, as any external force during a cultivator''s breakthrough could lead to failure, a drop in cultivation level, or even death.

    Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle...

    The fire within nearly roasted Lin Hao''s internal organs, and his skin was cracking open, as if about to turn into charcoal.

    Li Qiushui dared not watch any longer and closed her beautiful eyes.

    She didn''t know how much time had passed until she felt a calmness return, prompting her to open her eyes.

    Seeing Lin Hao lying on the ground, his clothes tattered and his skin pitch black, she cried out in shock.

    "Junior Brother Lin..."

    She called out twice, receiving no response, and reached out a jade-like finger to check his breath, only to have it bitten.

    "Senior Sister, what are you doing?" Lin Hao had a playful smirk on his face.

    Hmph!

    Li Qiushui snorted softly, then pounded his chest with her delicate fist, playfully scolding, "What are you doing? You scared me to death!"

    Then she joyfully congratulated him, "Junior Brother, congratulations on becoming a Foundation Establishment cultivator."

    "Foundation Establishment is nothing special..."Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    "Compared to Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment is a significant leap. You could defeat me with just one finger now."

    "No, Senior Sister, I''m still used to using two fingers."

    Lin Hao grasped her jade-like hand and said sincerely, "Thank you, Senior Sister, for helping me with the Foundation Establishment."

    Li Qiushui''s delicate face showed a complex emotion as she softly said, "No need to thank me, just hope that your path to immortality remains evergreen, and when you become truly powerful, don''t forget me."

    "How could I!"

    "Ew, you stink. Go wash up."

    Lin Hao sniffed himself and realized he did smell bad, his skin covered in a layer of black substance.

    ...

    He lay in the bath, washing away the impurities expelled from his body while carefully sensing the changes within.

    Previously, his spiritual energy was like a single vat of liquid, but now it was a small pond, and his spiritual awareness had expanded tenfold!

    Compared to the Qi Refining stage, it was a qualitative change!

    Thinking back, he had once considered challenging Wang Jingzhan, who had already reached Foundation Establishment, with his Qi Refining cultivation. He couldn''t help but laugh at his own naivety.

    After washing up, he and his senior sister engaged in another intense battle, leaving him thoroughly satisfied.

    The top three advancement competition, clear skies.

    Six prodigies emerged from thousands of disciples, standing on the high platform, receiving countless gazes.

    The Grand Elder of the Xuan Yin Sect glanced at the six prodigies.

    Swish!

    The Grand Elder took out six bamboo sticks enveloped in spiritual energy and announced with a strong voice, "Now, draw your lots."

    The six stepped forward to draw their lots.

    Lin Hao held the number one lot, his eyes narrowing slightly.

    Who would his opponent be?

    "Those who drew the number one lot, stay. The others, step down for now."

    As the Grand Elder''s words fell, only two people remained on the stage.

    Lin Hao looked at his opponent, Jiang Mingfei.

    It was this bastard, which made him breathe a sigh of relief.

    Opposite him, Jiang Mingfei initially showed joy at facing Lin Hao, but... who knew his opponent seemed relieved.

    As if he thought Jiang Mingfei was an easy target.

    "Brat, you''re unlucky to face me today!" Jiang Mingfei said arrogantly.

    "Fighting you would dirty my hands, indeed quite unlucky."

    Jiang Mingfei, enraged and humiliated, retorted, "You little brat, all you have is a sharp tongue!"

    "Thanks for the compliment."

    The audience below the stage buzzed with discussion.

    "Lin Hao from Great Bamboo Peak is amusing, sharp-tongued and relentless."

    "On the stage, it''s about strength, not words. No matter how much Lin Hao talks, he''s just a clown."

    "I think Lin Hao is quite strong, having defeated Cui Qing''er from Little Bamboo Peak."

    "So what? Brother Jiang is much stronger than Fairy Qing''er."

    "Lin Hao is the dark horse of this competition. Can he defeat the renowned Jiang Mingfei?"

    An elder, without hesitation, said, "Mingfei is not only exceptionally talented but also the grandson of Elder Jiang, with a deep family heritage.

    How could a rootless cultivator from a humble background defeat a genius?"

    "That''s true. Brother Jiang once fought several ninth-level Qi Refining cultivators and won, even slaying a half-step second-tier demon beast, truly awe-inspiring.

    Lin Hao is unknown, without any impressive achievements, and cannot compare to Brother Jiang."

    Lin Hao stood on the stage, ignoring the surrounding noise.

    Jiang Mingfei, however, was full of confidence, looking down on his opponent, directly revealing his Great Perfection of Qi Refining cultivation, exuding a faint aura of authority.

    "Brat, kneel and surrender now, and it''s not too late," Jiang Mingfei said with a smug smile.

    "Otherwise, you''ll regret standing on this stage."

    "Oh," Lin Hao replied calmly.

    "You..." Jiang Mingfei felt his opponent was deliberately mocking him, gritting his teeth, "Brat, let''s see how long you can keep up this act!"

    "Come and fight!"

    Lin Hao raised an eyebrow.

    "Alright! Brat, you really don''t take me seriously!" Jiang Mingfei felt his lungs were about to explode with anger!

    He suddenly lowered his body, like a warrior preparing to charge, pulling out several talismans and chanting to activate them.

    Golden Shield Talisman, Cold Soul Talisman, Divine Power Talisman, Wind Walk Talisman, and more.

    A barrage of talismans rained down, his momentum astonishing.

    "As expected of Brother Jiang, using precious first-grade top-grade talismans without hesitation."

    Feeling the amazed gazes around him, Jiang Mingfei was very pleased. This was the result he wanted, to overpower his opponent under the shocked eyes of the audience!

 Chapter 23

    Lin Hao looked at his opponent flaunting his wealth and calculated in his heart. Now was not the time to reveal his Foundation Establishment stage strength, so he decided to play along with this brainless guy.

    Roar!

    "Golden Lion Seal!"

    Jiang Mingfei roared, swinging his fist to unleash a golden fist aura that condensed into a battle lion!

    Facing the fierce and powerful punch, Lin Hao remained calm and composed.

    "This kid is asking for a beating!" someone in the audience couldn''t help but say.

    "Flame Blade!"

    It wasn''t until the golden lion was right in front of him that he uttered those three words.

    A blade engulfed in flames swiftly slashed toward the golden lion!

    Merge!

    With one slash, the blade aura merged with the fist wind!

    Boom!

    Jiang Mingfei had already anticipated that his opponent wouldn''t be easy to deal with, so he followed up with another move, his fist wind howling as it aimed directly at Lin Hao''s head!

    Lin Hao instinctively wanted to counter the punch but suddenly remembered he was playing the fool to catch the tiger. He quickly withdrew his fist and instead pulled out a Golden Shield Talisman.

    "Heh, kid, can you really afford a first-grade top-grade talisman?"

    Boom, boom, boom!

    Jiang Mingfei unleashed three consecutive punches with spiritual energy battle lions, shattering the golden light shield, his face twisted with a sinister grin.

    "One Golden Shield Talisman, and that''s all you''ve got, right?"

    But just like a slap in the face, Lin Hao pulled out two more Golden Shield Talismans, causing Jiang Mingfei''s mouth to twitch involuntarily.

    Boom, boom, boom!

    He unleashed three more fist winds, full of confidence, "Let''s see how many talismans you have!"

    Talisman after talisman shattered.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Motherfucker, where did this kid get so many Golden Shield Talismans? Jiang Mingfei was about to go crazy, coldly saying, "Kid, I don''t believe you have any more!"

    Lin Hao rummaged through his storage bag for a moment and said very seriously, "Indeed, I don''t have any more."

    "He''s lost, he''s lost, Lin Hao is going to lose!"

    Those who initially favored Jiang Mingfei were delighted. They believed Lin Hao had lasted this long only because he had top-grade defensive talismans. Now that the talismans were gone, what could he use to defend himself?

    "No choice, their cultivation levels are almost the same, but in other aspects, the difference is too great!"

    The audience was dumbfounded, unable to understand where Lin Hao, seemingly weak and alone, got so many top-grade talismans.

    "Without talismans, let''s see how you block me!"

    Jiang Mingfei roared to the sky, like an invincible battle immortal, unleashing a fist wind lion like a small mountain, crushing toward his opponent with immense force.

    This move poured in half of his spiritual energy and was his most powerful killing move, capable of shattering a Golden Shield Talisman with one punch!

    What could the opponent use to block it?

    He seemed to already see the scene of his opponent being blasted away!

    But... the imagined scene didn''t happen; the opponent caught his proud strike.

    How... how is this possible? Jiang Mingfei was shocked, feeling like he was dreaming!

    "Now is not the time to be surprised."

    Lin Hao shouted, pretending to muster all his strength to slash out a sword aura, shattering the opponent''s fist wind lion, then, like a shadow leopard, instantly flashed to his opponent''s side.

    "I''ve been playing along with you for long enough."

    Playing along with me? Jiang Mingfei''s eyes flashed with confusion, and before he could react, he felt a heavy blow to his abdomen, sending him flying like a broken sack.

    The audience was left bewildered by Lin Hao''s maneuver.

    "What just happened? How did the situation suddenly reverse?"

    "Lin Hao is actually so fierce, shattering Brother Jiang''s fist wind lion with one sword."

    "I... I feel like Lin Hao is going to win!"

    "Impossible!" Those who had always supported Jiang Mingfei couldn''t believe it, "Brother Jiang can''t lose!"

    "He was just careless for a moment, caught off guard by the opponent!"

    "Surprise can only be used once; Lin Hao is definitely going to lose."

    "You... you mean you''ve been pretending to be unable to beat me all along?" Jiang Mingfei exclaimed.

    "No, I''m just a bit slow to warm up," Lin Hao said calmly.

    After fighting with his opponent for so long, winning now shouldn''t attract too much attention, and his opponent''s spiritual energy was almost depleted, making it the perfect time to win.

    Mainly, he... really couldn''t keep pretending anymore.

    Slow to warm up?

    Jiang Mingfei''s face turned vicious as he pulled out a stack of low-grade fireball talismans from his storage bag, hurling them at his opponent.

    "Let''s see you warm up slowly; I''m going to roast you!"

    After scattering the talismans, Jiang Mingfei''s spiritual energy was drained, and he quickly took out a handful of pills to restore his spiritual energy, swallowing them in one gulp!

    Boom, dozens of low-grade talismans exploded simultaneously, their power not to be underestimated.

    Unable to reveal his Foundation Establishment cultivation, Lin Hao had no choice but to temporarily evade, giving Jiang Mingfei time to recover.

    Feeling some spiritual energy returning, Jiang Mingfei took out his battle weapon from his storage bag, a large black banner.

    This banner, named the Spirit-Control Banner, was a top-grade magical artifact capable of controlling three first-grade high-grade demon beasts!

    He had prepared this trump card specifically to seize the championship, intending to use it in the final battle. But now, Lin Hao had completely enraged him, and he wanted to show him the consequences of angering him!

    "Lin Hao, you forced me to do this. Once this banner is out, you''ll be crippled!"

    His grandfather had spent a fortune to obtain this artifact from the Immortal Martial Pavilion and had even captured three powerful late-stage first-grade demon beasts to serve as banner spirits.

    With this banner, he could even fight against Foundation Establishment cultivators for several rounds.

    He thought using this banner against Lin Hao was like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut!

    "Top-grade magical artifact!"

    The crowd gasped in amazement.

    "Didn''t expect Brother Jiang to have a trump card hidden; this must be for competing for the championship."

    "To be defeated by this banner, Lin Hao can''t complain!"

    "Lin Hao should just surrender. If he''s accidentally killed on the stage, with Brother Jiang''s family''s influence, they wouldn''t face severe punishment."

    "Lin Hao is doomed!" an elder concluded.

    Roar!

    Jiang Mingfei roared to the sky, pouring all his spiritual energy into the Spirit-Control Banner. The three-foot-long spirit banner expanded to ten meters, exuding a daunting power.

    The black banner body was dark and cold, like the gates of the underworld.

    Howl!

    Three pitch-black wolves leaped out from the banner, their bodies the size of calves, brimming with violent power. Their fierce appearance, baring teeth and snarling, seemed like incarnations of evil.

    "Lin Hao, you''re finished. You''ll be torn apart by the wolf spirits, your body becoming their nourishment!"

    Jiang Mingfei, hair disheveled, eyes glowing with a ghostly light, declared, "The consequence of angering me is death!"

 Chapter 24

    "You''re really quite the chatterbox!"

    The wolf spirits, each the size of a calf, were cunning and attacked from the side simultaneously.

    A late-stage first-level demon beast could already use spells. The three wolf spirits spat out several wind blades and then pounced.

    "Beast, you''re quite treacherous."

    Lin Hao pulled out a Golden Shield Talisman, erecting a light shield in front of himself.

    Jiang Mingfei exclaimed in surprise, "Didn''t you say you didn''t have any left? How come you still have a top-grade talisman?"

    "Fool, do you believe everything I say?"

    Jiang Mingfei''s face turned red with anger as he shouted, "Tear him apart, rip him to shreds for me!"

    The three wolf spirits'' eyes turned blood red, becoming even more ferocious, their fur bristling and claws sharp as knives.

    Boom, boom, boom!

    After withstanding the wolf spirits'' wind blade attack, the golden light shield shattered. The three wolves seized the opportunity, pouncing like lightning.

    "Heh, just in time."

    Lin Hao''s lips curled slightly, and ten Flame Blades gathered before him.

    "My goodness, how did he do that?" someone exclaimed.

    "I also practice fire techniques, and at the ninth level of Qi Refining, I can only gather three Flame Blades."

    On the high platform, Feng Cangyue, the master of Great Bamboo Peak, had a hint of surprise in her beautiful eyes. This little fellow had actually condensed the fire spiritual energy in his body into liquid form, taking a unique path.

    Murong Qinxue licked her enticing red lips, murmuring, "Interesting... interesting."

    "Impossible!" Jiang Mingfei''s eyes widened as he shouted madly, "It''s fake, it must be fake. How can your spiritual energy be so abundant?"

    His response was the wailing of the three wolf spirits.

    The ten Flame Blades slashed together, causing the wolf spirits'' soul images to flicker.

    Lin Hao really didn''t want to continue fighting with the opponent, so he flew into the air with his sword, his expression indifferent.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    "Sparks!"

    Suddenly, countless sparks appeared, like stars, blazing towards Jiang Mingfei.

    Boom, crackle!

    The flames collided with the enemy, making explosive sounds.

    Jiang Mingfei''s hair and beard were scorched by the flames, emitting a burnt smell as he fell to the ground in a sorry state, with no spiritual energy left in his body.

    Seeing Lin Hao gather six more Flame Blades, a trace of fear flashed in his eyes. He couldn''t understand why, even though he hadn''t seen Lin Hao take any pills, he had such abundant spiritual energy.

    Am I going to lose? No, I can''t lose!

    His face twisted as he transmitted a message to the protagonist, "Lin Hao, you better lose to me, or I''ll make sure you can''t take a step in the sect."

    Lin Hao completely ignored Jiang Mingfei''s threat, lightly commanding, "Go!"

    Boom!

    The fire blades trailed flames, slicing through the weeds like a swift wind.

    "Boy, how dare you!"

    An elder''s voice roared like thunder.

    Lin Hao''s Flame Blades were crushed by a giant hand of spiritual energy, turning into countless earth-yellow light spots.

    "You little brat, this is a tournament, and you dare to go for the kill!"

    The elder, like an enraged lion, raised his hand, launching thousands of earth-yellow spikes at Lin Hao like a barrage of arrows.

    "Slash!"

    A gentle voice, like a whisper from a secluded valley, echoed as the sky donned a crimson hue. Blood-like clouds condensed into a giant flaming sword!

    Boom!

    The sword slashed through the spikes.

    "Master Feng, what is this?" the elder asked with some dissatisfaction.

    "You want to kill a disciple of my Great Bamboo Peak?"

    The elder''s eyebrows shot up in anger as he said hatefully, "It was this brat who wanted to kill my grandson, so I..."

    Bang!

    With a wave of her delicate hand, Feng Cangyue sent the elder flying hundreds of feet away.

    She looked down at the crowd, speaking calmly, "Even if my Great Bamboo Peak''s disciple makes a mistake, only I can punish them."

    "Come with me."

    Before Lin Hao could respond, he felt his body being pulled by a force, disappearing into the sky in the blink of an eye.

    At the peak of Great Bamboo Peak.

    Feng Cangyue sat on a lotus platform carved from cold jade, her fiery red dress unable to cover her fair, jade-like feet.

    Her phoenix eyes seemed to see through everything, making Lin Hao feel as if he were sitting on pins and needles.

    "Peak Master..."

    "When did you reach Foundation Establishment?"

    Lin Hao felt like a naked baby in front of the woman, with no secrets to hide.

    He replied seriously, "Disciple reached Foundation Establishment just yesterday."

    "A breakthrough in the midst of battle?" Feng Cangyue raised her elegant eyebrows and continued, "Why didn''t you directly reveal your Foundation Establishment strength to defeat your opponent?"

    "Disciple just reached Foundation Establishment and thought I could defeat a Qi Refining cultivator without using my full strength."

    "You plan to reveal you''re at Foundation Establishment during the finals, don''t you?"

    Uh... this woman''s insight is sharp, Lin Hao thought to himself, answering honestly, "Yes, Peak Master."

    "The path of cultivation requires decisiveness and clarity of mind, not always seeking stability."

    If I were as invincible as you, I''d be as bold as anyone, but the key is, I''m just a newly established Foundation Establishment cultivator. Going all out would be courting death.

    "The Peak Master''s lesson is well taken. Disciple will remember it."

    "Forget it, I''m not good at teaching disciples." Feng Cangyue''s jade feet were together, her toes as tender as tofu, playfully moving.

    "You wouldn''t listen anyway."

    She tapped her storage bag, and two streams of light appeared before her.

    "Here is an offensive talisman, equivalent to a full-strength strike of a Foundation Establishment cultivator at the Great Perfection stage."

    "This bottle contains pills for recovering spiritual energy, ten times more effective than Spirit Recovery Pills."

    "Thank you, Peak Master!"

    Lin Hao was overjoyed and expressed his gratitude.

    "Go, prepare well, and strive for the championship tomorrow."

    "Yes."

    Lin Hao took his leave upon hearing this.

    After the top six advance to the top three, there would be a rest day to allow disciples to be in peak condition for the next match.

    Lin Hao returned to his cave dwelling, first meditating to restore his spiritual energy.

    Then he prepared to refine talismans. He took out the talisman given by the Peak Master from his storage bag, which contained a sealed sword energy, equivalent to a full-strength strike of a Foundation Establishment cultivator at the Great Perfection stage.

    He decided to keep this talisman as a trump card, considering the backgrounds of his upcoming opponents, who might have some hidden techniques.

    Unfortunately, with his current talisman crafting skills, he couldn''t refine second-level top-grade talismans, and even low-grade ones were a challenge.

    Spreading out the talisman paper, he picked up his brush and began drawing, focusing intently, ultimately creating three Palm Thunder talismans.

    He wasn''t very satisfied with this result, so he took out a pile of materials for first-level talismans.

    In truth, first-level talismans were almost useless for Foundation Establishment cultivators, but he believed that with enough quantity, miracles could happen at critical moments.

 Chapter 25

    The next day''s competition began, with a sea of people gathering as disciples from various peaks arrived. Many inner sect disciples and direct disciples came to watch, along with quite a few elders.

    Standing amidst the crowd, Lin Hao suddenly sensed a venomous gaze fixed on him.

    Turning his head slightly, he couldn''t help but smirk inwardly.

    As expected, it was Jiang Mingfei. Unable to win on the stage, he was resorting to underhanded tactics?

    Lin Hao was unafraid. The Xuan Yin Sect had strict rules, and within the sect, Jiang Mingfei wouldn''t dare to openly attack him. Even if he left the sect, Lin Hao wasn''t too worried.

    Not to mention whether Jiang Mingfei could track him down, Lin Hao believed that after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, seeking higher-level female cultivators would rapidly enhance his strength. Why would he fear a mere Qi Refining cultivator, even if the opponent had an elder as a grandfather?

    "The top three of the competition, please come up to draw lots."

    Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Lin Hao slowly ascended the high platform. The top three battle was a round-robin tournament, where each of the three would face off against the others.

    Glancing at the bamboo lot in his hand, Lin Hao saw the number three, which surprised him. He had expected to be in the first match, which would have meant facing a fully restored Foundation Establishment cultivator.

    The audience below saw Lin Hao draw the number three lot and began to discuss.

    "Lin Hao''s luck is really something, drawing the number three lot and getting to rest."

    "What good is luck? He''s just a Qi Refining cultivator; can he really defeat someone at the Foundation Establishment stage?"

    "He''s just relying on luck to hang on."

    "You''re too focused on appearances. For us cultivators, fortune is also part of cultivation."

    "Although I can''t say whether Wang Jingzhan or Leng Fengchun will be the champion, Lin Hao is definitely third."

    "Exactly, a Qi Refining stage cultivator reaching this point is already the end of the line."

    Amidst the noisy chatter, Lin Hao remained indifferent, retreating to the sidelines and watching the two on stage.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    For a whole stick of incense, the two remained motionless.

    Just as the audience was about to get restless, Wang Jingzhan moved, like a sharp spear, unstoppable!

    On the other side, Leng Fengchun also moved. It was hard to imagine how a seemingly delicate woman could unleash such a powerful momentum!

    Boom!

    The two collided like two dazzling balls of light.

    Wang Jingzhan stepped on a large spear, his movements extremely agile, flashing behind his opponent, and unleashed a surge of spiritual energy with his palms.

    Facing the massive light palm, Leng Fengchun was unafraid, also condensing a large hand of spiritual energy to counter.

    Unexpectedly, Wang Jingzhan''s move was a feint. He lifted his foot, retrieving the spear into his hand.

    Soul-Breaking Spear, a yellow-grade magical treasure!

    He thrust out like a rainstorm, creating an unstoppable rainbow that pierced through the spiritual energy hand, falling like a rain of light.

    Leng Fengchun responded hastily, summoning a ribbon to deflect the deadly spear and, with a stroke of genius, threw out an ice talisman.

    Hundreds of icy arrows shot out!

    But Wang Jingzhan''s spear was impenetrable, and the ice arrows couldn''t break his defense.

    However, Leng Fengchun hadn''t counted on the talisman to succeed. Seizing the brief moment, she gathered several sword energies in front of her.

    The sharp sword energies seemed to carry an invincible belief, flashing instantly before Wang Jingzhan. He remained calm, and a jade pendant at his waist raised a pale blue light barrier, a magical treasure protecting its master!

    Bang!

    The unmatched sword energies rippled the light barrier like water waves.

    Defense wasn''t Wang Jingzhan''s style. He let the sword energies and the barrier dissolve on their own, raising his spear to thrust out a dazzling cold light.

    "Wang Jingzhan is so strong!" someone exclaimed from below.

    The spear''s spiritual energy thrust towards his opponent''s heart like a storm.

    This move... Lin Hao was startled. He knew he couldn''t defend against it unless...

    Seeing Leng Fengchun abandon defense and instead slash out several sword energies, each carrying an unstoppable momentum, he couldn''t help but nod slightly. He would also abandon defense and face the enemy with full force!

    However, in front of Wang Jingzhan, another golden light barrier rose, blocking the cold sword energies like a shield.

    "Golden Shield Talisman, a second-tier low-grade talisman," Lin Hao muttered, silently mocking.

    "Is Wang Jingzhan a turtle?"

    Despite his mockery, Lin Hao took Wang Jingzhan very seriously. This person''s strength was formidable, and among those at the same level, he was undoubtedly outstanding.

    Watching the two unleash their full abilities in battle, Lin Hao pondered how he would defend if it were him.

    Boom!

    On the stage, the two''s spiritual energies collided, crackling like oil on fire.

    The battle grew faster, and Qi Refining cultivators could no longer see their moves, only listening to Foundation Establishment cultivators explain, indulging their ears.

    Lin Hao sighed softly. When would these two determine a winner?

    Would they wait until their spiritual energy was exhausted?!

    A quarter of an hour later.

    "Hmm..." Lin Hao was slightly surprised. Unexpectedly, Wang Jingzhan was the first to falter, taking out a red pill and swallowing it.

    His previously weakened aura suddenly surged.

    After dozens more rounds.

    Leng Fengchun finally took out a Spirit Recovery Pill and swallowed it, immediately revitalizing.

    Lin Hao was shocked. In his understanding, Wang Jingzhan was slightly superior, yet he was being suppressed.

    ...

    As expected, the two fought until they were exhausted and their spiritual energy was depleted before a winner was decided.

    "Leng Fengchun, wins."

    With the announcement from the competition steward, the scene erupted in heated discussion.

    "Wang Jingzhan lost..."

    "I always thought Wang Jingzhan''s combat skills were superb, able to outmatch Fairy Leng."

    "Sigh, can''t even beat a woman?"

    Hearing the discussions around him, Wang Jingzhan''s face turned as dark as water, releasing an intimidating pressure.

    He had lost by a single move, but the crowd''s comments were too harsh, making him furious.

    The pressure silenced the crowd.

    Wang Jingzhan took out a pill from his storage bag, sat cross-legged, and began to recover his spiritual energy.

    After half an hour, he returned to the stage, looking at his opponent with a disdainful smirk.

    A Qi Refining stage cultivator, standing on the finals stage of the competition?

    "Lin Hao is in for it. Senior Brother Wang just lost and is holding a grudge. He''s likely to take it out on him."

    "Such a handsome face, it''d be a shame if he gets beaten beyond recognition."

 Chapter 26

    "Since you''ve chosen to stand here, you must bear it. What''s there to regret?"

    "If I were Lin Hao, I would choose to concede."

    "Yes, conceding in front of a Foundation Establishment cultivator isn''t shameful."

    Amidst the noisy chatter, not a single voice seemed to support him, yet Lin Hao remained unfazed.

    Wang Jingzhan stood with his foot on his spear, his voice cold, "Will you concede, or should I knock you down?"

    "You make the first move," Lin Hao replied calmly.

    A flash of anger crossed Wang Jingzhan''s eyes. A Foundation Establishment cultivator being looked down upon by a mere Qi Refining novice!

    The audience below seemed to have heard the biggest joke of the century.

    "I''m going to laugh myself to death. Where does Lin Hao get his confidence from?"

    "A mere Qi Refining novice daring to let a Foundation Establishment cultivator make the first move!"

    "He probably doesn''t understand that the gap between realms is like a chasm, especially between Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment, like the difference between mortals and immortals."

    "Arrogance will pay the price!"

    Wang Jingzhan was amused, his voice deep, "You''re really arrogant. I quite admire you, but arrogance requires strength to back it up!"

    He kicked the spear beneath him, sending a spear light shooting towards his opponent.

    Being able to send out a spear light was already a sign of respect for his enemy.

    "The same words back to you!"

    Facing the opponent''s disdainful casual strike, Lin Hao revealed his Foundation Establishment strength and attacked with full force!

    Surging spiritual energy condensed into hundreds of Flame Blades, crashing towards the enemy!

    A look of shock flashed in Wang Jingzhan''s eyes. The opponent was actually at Foundation Establishment?!

    This... how is this possible!Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    He had always considered his opponent a Qi Refining novice, never expecting him to be at Foundation Establishment.

    Boom!

    He wanted to defend, but the opponent''s attack was too swift. He couldn''t react in time and was blasted off the stage.

    "Lin... Lin Hao wins."

    This battle left the elder referee bewildered. This was supposed to be a top-three match, yet it ended in a second.

    And the one who was defeated was the previous favorite to win.

    "My god, what happened? How did Senior Brother Wang suddenly get knocked off the stage?!"

    "Did I see that right? Lin... Lin Hao is actually at the Foundation Establishment stage!"

    "Amazing, Lin Hao is truly amazing, feigning weakness, then exploding in strength, eliminating Jingzhan!"

    "This Lin Hao is really cunning, hiding his true cultivation just to catch everyone off guard today!"

    "Poor Senior Brother Wang, he fell for Lin Hao''s trick!"

    The audience was stunned. A genius cultivator from the outer sect had been defeated by an unknown youngster!

    On the high platform, Murong Qinxue, the master of Water Peak, was laughing heartily, her chest heaving up and down.

    "Lin Hao is really interesting. He lay low for so long just to take down a Foundation Establishment opponent in one go. His fighting style really suits our Little Bamboo Peak."

    Beside her, Feng Cangyue''s phoenix eyes turned cold, and she said indifferently, "Suits what? Didn''t you see he used fire techniques to defeat his opponent? He''s a fire spirit root, naturally suited to my techniques!"

    "So what? I have treasured fire techniques that are no worse than your manuals!"

    "Can you teach him this move?"

    Feng Cangyue sneered, raising her jade hand, and a mountain-sized fire lotus appeared out of thin air, dyeing half the sky red.

    Feeling the heat, almost everyone looked up simultaneously at the fire lotus.

    "World-Burning Fire Lotus, the Venerable Feng actually used this move. Is there an unparalleled enemy attacking our Xuan Yin Sect?"

    Everyone looked at the enchanting fire lotus with longing, wondering when they could become a great cultivator like the Venerable Feng!

    "Hmph!"

    Murong Qinxue was at a loss, snorting unwillingly.

    Meanwhile.

    "Ha!"

    Wang Jingzhan leaped back onto the stage, his Soul-Breaking Spear exuding a chilling killing intent. He was very unwilling to be defeated in such a manner.

    Boom!

    He erupted with overwhelming spiritual energy, ready to fight again and show his strength.

    "Zhan''er, stand down."

    A charming woman ascended the stage, and with just one look, Wang Jingzhan''s killing intent melted away.

    "Mother... but I shouldn''t have lost like this. He''s not stronger than me."

    "A win is a win, a loss is a loss. A man must know when to hold on and when to let go."

    "Yes."

    Wang Jingzhan bowed and accepted the lesson.

    The woman turned to Lin Hao, her expression kind, "Young friend, my family discipline is lacking, and I''ve caused you trouble. I apologize."

    A hint of surprise flashed in Lin Hao''s eyes. He had expected the Wang family to bear a grudge like the Jiang family, but their politeness caught him off guard.

    "Elder, you''re too kind."

    Lin Hao slightly bowed in return.

    The woman maintained a warm smile as she led her son off the stage.

    Lin Hao watched the alluring figure leave, momentarily lost in thought, before biting his tongue lightly to regain focus.

    Stay clear-headed; she definitely doesn''t have Primordial Yin!

    ...

    The final battle!

    Lin Hao suddenly opened his eyes, listening to the roaring cheers, a smile tugging at his lips.

    Finally, he had reached this point, just one step away from the champion''s position!

    If he defeated the two Foundation Establishment cultivators and won, he would surely become a personal disciple. Thinking of this, Lin Hao''s eyes burned with fighting spirit.

    He stepped onto the stage, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below, among the thousands of cultivators.

    Besides Li Qiushui, Cui Qing''er, and other women cheering for him, everyone else seemed to support Leng Fengchun?

    Being so underestimated, even the usually calm Lin Hao couldn''t help but feel a flicker of anger.

    The treatment difference between male and female cultivators was too great, making him tremble with rage!

    Just then, he heard a strange voice.

    "Senior Brother Lin, you have to win!"

    Lin Hao followed the clear voice and saw a female cultivator in a pale yellow dress waving at him.

    This junior sister seemed to be called Xiang... Xiang Xiaoyuan, if he remembered correctly.

    He nodded at her, then exchanged glances with his senior sister, whose gentle eyes were full of warmth.

    Then he looked at Cui Qing''er in her purple dress, her rich softness somewhat dazzling.

    He had to win, he must win!

    Clenching his fists, his gaze sharp as a knife, he looked at his opponent!

    Leng Fengchun still wore a white robe, a sword box on her back, her high ponytail tied up. Though clearly a young woman, she appeared more valiant than any man.

 Chapter 27

    Leng Fengchun''s delicate face held a smile, her strikingly beautiful, narrow phoenix eyes exuding a heroic spirit. One hand rested on her sword case, her lips slightly parted.

    "Lin Hao, may I ask about your spiritual root aptitude?"

    "Middle-grade fire spiritual root," Lin Hao replied naturally.

    His spiritual root aptitude was recorded when he joined the sect, so there was no need to hide it. Moreover, this aptitude was considered low in the Xuan Yin Sect; otherwise, it wouldn''t have taken him three years to reach the sixth level of Qi Refining before awakening his physique.

    "I''m a mutated gold spiritual root, a sword spiritual root," Leng Fengchun said calmly, as if stating something ordinary.

    Sword spiritual root?!

    Lin Hao''s heart sank. Mutated spiritual roots were extremely rare, not even one in ten thousand cultivators had one, let alone a sword spiritual root, which was a natural seed for the sword path.

    Lin Hao suddenly recalled that during the duel with Wang Jingzhan, the woman never drew her sword, only casting some spells. He had assumed the sword case on her back held ordinary swords.

    He hadn''t expected her to be a sword cultivator, known as the strongest in offense among cultivators!

    He sighed slightly, but his gaze burned with excitement. To spar with a natural sword seed was both a challenge and a pleasure.

    Clang!

    The sword case opened, and a green blade hummed.

    "The last battle drained me. To claim victory, I must draw my sword. Prepare yourself," Leng Fengchun said nonchalantly, which infuriated someone in the audience. Wang Jingzhan''s face turned ashen; she hadn''t drawn her sword against him, yet now she would.

    Insulted, he felt deeply humiliated.

    Lin Hao''s expression grew solemn. He knew the strength of a sword cultivator, possessing offensive means far superior to those of the same realm, not to be underestimated.

    Zheng!

    A battle sword gleaming with cold light appeared in the woman''s hand. With a casual swing, she unleashed a long arc of sword energy.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    The overwhelming battle intent within the sword energy seemed capable of destroying everything.

    Lin Hao''s body trembled, not daring to hold back. He condensed a Flame Blade five or six meters long.

    "Ha!"

    The Flame Blade clashed with the sky-piercing sword energy, the golden-red spiritual energies constantly dissolving, eventually turning into countless points of light.

    Leng Fengchun''s red lips parted slightly, speaking softly, "You''re quite strong. I''m curious, when did you reach Foundation Establishment?"

    "I''m not underestimating you, but the Foundation Establishment seeds of each peak are well-known, yet you seem to have appeared out of nowhere."

    "When I reached Foundation Establishment, does it have any significance to our current duel?"

    "It has no significance," Leng Fengchun''s heroic face broke into a smile.

    "Defeating you to become the champion will be a pleasure."

    The long sword in Leng Fengchun''s hand erupted with surging spiritual energy, slashing out like a raging storm.

    Boom!

    The sword energy carved a deep groove into the stage forged from meteoric iron.

    "Leng Immortal''s strength is formidable. If she had drawn her sword in the last battle, she could have defeated Wang Jingzhan within a hundred moves. Lin Hao won''t be able to withstand this overwhelming sword energy."

    "Hahaha, Lin Hao defeated Senior Brother Wang in one move; how could he not withstand a mere sword energy?"

    The audience either doubted or mocked, none believing Lin Hao could withstand a full-force strike from a sword cultivator.

    As the person involved, Lin Hao felt the terror of the sword energy more than the spectators. Even before it reached him, it felt like his face was being cut.

    "Sparks!"

    Lin Hao circulated his spiritual energy, condensing thousands of fire points.

    A wave of fire appeared in the air, and upon closer inspection, it was formed by fist-sized flames arranged in combination.

    Boom, boom, boom!

    The fire wave charged forward like death warriors clad in fiery armor, fearlessly dissolving the sky-piercing sword energy.

    Leng Fengchun drew another sword from her sword case, a low-grade yellow magical treasure named Fire Phoenix, sealed with fire-attribute spiritual essence, capable of imbuing sword energy with fire attributes.

    The two different attributes of sword energy together made Lin Hao miserable. The offensive means of a sword cultivator were already difficult to resist, let alone the transformation of two attributes!

    Boom!

    Boom!

    Boom!

    Lin Hao summoned two Palm Thunder talismans, blocking two sword energies, a decisive glint flashing in his eyes.

    He took out the talisman given by Feng Cangyue, infusing it with spiritual power without hesitation. Just this one talisman drained more than half of his spiritual power, nearly causing him to collapse.

    Screech!

    A sword energy phoenix, carrying a world-destroying aura, roared towards Leng Fengchun.

    A trace of surprise flashed in the woman''s narrow phoenix eyes; she hadn''t expected him to possess such a powerful talisman.

    This sword energy was equivalent to a full-force strike from someone at the peak of Foundation Establishment!

    What surprised her even more was the true meaning of the sword path contained within the sword energy, something only an old monster immersed in the sword path for hundreds of years could condense.

    On the high platform, Murong Qinxue furrowed her delicate brows, speaking softly, "Feng Sect Master, you''re quite generous to that Lin Hao!"

    "Hmph, this Sect Master is never stingy with my peak''s disciples."

    "Heh, if that''s the case, why not give him a talisman treasure?"

    Feng Cangyue''s eyebrows arched; this woman was truly a troublemaker. Talisman treasures weren''t particularly precious to him, but she wasn''t skilled in drawing talismans. If she were to gift a disciple a talisman treasure, she''d have to ask that old woman, the sect master.

    But thinking of the toad the sect master kept, she felt a bit nauseated, unwilling to make the request.

    The Foundation Establishment cultivators watched the sword energy that seemed capable of cleaving the heavens, all filled with dread. If they were on the stage, they wouldn''t take it head-on but would maximize their defenses to endure and then find an opportunity.

    Yet Leng Fengchun merely drew another sword from her sword case, stepping on one sword while holding another in each hand, boldly meeting the sky-piercing sword energy.

    Lin Hao watched that seemingly frail figure charging fearlessly, unable to help but admire this woman.

    Truly a natural sword path seed, with a sword in hand, she was fearless and unyielding.

    Boom!

    Leng Fengchun, like a moth to a flame, plunged into the sky-reaching sword energy!

 Chapter 28

    Clang!

    Clang!

    Clang!

    The sword''s cry was like a dragon''s roar, like a phoenix''s call.

    It seemed as if an era had passed.

    The overwhelming sword aura finally dissipated between heaven and earth.

    Almost everyone stared at the spot where the sword aura vanished.

    Lin Hao was no exception. He looked at the woman leaning on a short sword, admiration the only thing left in his star-like eyes.

    She blocked it...

    Leng Fengchun''s heroic and jade-like face bore a faint smile.

    Everyone was astonished. Leng Fengchun was only at the Foundation Establishment stage, yet she managed to block an attack comparable to a full-force strike from someone at the peak of Foundation Establishment.

    Even the inner sect disciples and direct disciples, who had been watching the match with disdain, now showed expressions of surprise.

    Cough...

    She spat out a mouthful of blood, staining her chest, and the exposed skin was covered in scars.

    She was extremely weak, yet she didn''t fall. Instead, she hastily swallowed a handful of pills and charged forward again.

    Lin Hao remained silent, also taking out the pills given to him by Feng Cangyue and swallowing one.

    Bang!

    Bang!

    Bang!

    Fire spells clashed with sword aura, producing a powerful sound.

    The two fought again for hundreds of rounds, exhausting all their spiritual energy, then took pills to recover.

    Before much spiritual energy could be restored, they clashed once more.

    Foundation Establishment cultivators have limited spiritual energy, and even with Spirit Recovery Pills, they can''t sustain prolonged combat.

    When their spiritual energy was depleted, they resorted to close combat with long swords and short daggers.

    "Zhan''er, your defeat is not in vain," a graceful woman sighed.

    Wang Jingzhan gazed at the woman''s heroic figure, lost in thought. If he faced that astonishing sword aura, could he block it?

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    No... perhaps he wouldn''t even try. A bitter smile tugged at his lips as he said dejectedly, "Losing to Leng Fengchun is indeed not in vain."

    "No, I meant your loss to Lin Hao is not in vain."

    "Him?"

    A trace of astonishment flashed in Wang Jingzhan''s eyes.

    He always believed that losing to Lin Hao was due to his own carelessness. If he had gone all out, even if the opponent was at the Foundation Establishment stage, he was confident he could win.

    "Zhan''er, I know you''re not convinced. Just watch. If nothing unexpected happens, Lin Hao will win this battle."

    A glimmer of brilliance flashed in the graceful woman''s eyes.

    The two fought like children at the village entrance, entangled for quite a while.

    Thus, Lin Hao was certain that the opponent truly had no more tricks up her sleeve.

    Lin Hao smiled slightly because he still had some left.

    Lin Hao took out a stack of first-level talismans from his storage bag.

    If the opponent was at her peak, these first-level talismans wouldn''t pose any threat to her, but now...

    Like a celestial maiden scattering flowers, Lin Hao threw the talismans at the woman.

    Astonishment flashed in Leng Fengchun''s eyes. She thought both of them were at their limits, yet the opponent still had strength left.

    Thousands of fiery blades rained down, becoming the deciding factor in victory.

    Leng Fengchun let out a bitter laugh, waved her hand, and straightforwardly said, "I lost."

    Boom!

    A voluptuous woman leaped onto the stage, summoned a golden bowl to block the fiery rain, and then picked up the kneeling Leng Fengchun.

    "Wait, Aunt Xue."

    Leng Fengchun looked at Lin Hao, then took out an unsharpened magical sword from her sword case, smiling as she said, "Keep this sword for me. I''ll come back for another match soon, and then I''ll defeat you and take it back."

    Lin Hao accepted the magical sword, watching the woman''s departing figure with a thoughtful expression. Is she a treasure-giving child?

    "Lin Hao, wins!" The referee, as if waking from a dream, announced the result.

    Wang Jingzhan looked at the spirited figure, his heart filled with bitterness. This glory was supposed to be his.

    "Zhan''er, you should be grateful. In your era, there are cultivators like Leng Fengchun and Lin Hao. They will be excellent whetstones, making you a sharper sword."

    The watching disciples were in an uproar. Two of the top contenders for the championship were eliminated in succession, and an unknown youngster claimed the top spot in the outer sect competition. Even storybooks wouldn''t dare write such a plot!

    Moreover, people felt Lin Hao''s victory was unfair.

    If it weren''t for that talisman strike comparable to a peak Foundation Establishment attack, he wouldn''t have been able to defeat Leng Fengchun.

    In the crowd, Xiang Xiaoyuan, wearing a goose-yellow dress, clenched her fists, silently vowing in her heart to shine like Senior Brother Lin, train hard, and become the dark horse to claim the next competition''s top spot!

    Li Qiushui''s eyes, like clear water, shimmered with endless satisfaction.

    Junior Brother Lin did not disappoint her expectations, reaching the end, making her efforts worthwhile.

    Cui Qing''er arched her brows, muttering, "When did that scoundrel reach Foundation Establishment? I was planning to beat him up after I reached it."

    The Grand Elder, who presided over the competition, walked onto the stage, looking at Lin Hao with gentle eyes.

    In truth, it didn''t matter to him who won the championship. He was just pleased to see a rootless cultivator fight to the end, as they are the backbone of the sect.

    "Lin Hao, congratulations on winning the outer sect competition."

    The Grand Elder, with a kind demeanor, took out three jade boxes.

    "These are the rewards for the champion from the sect."

    Lin Hao already knew that the champion would receive a talisman treasure, a low-grade profound-level manual, and a magical treasure embryo, but actually receiving the jade boxes still filled him with excitement.

    Having just entered Foundation Establishment, he finally had something to rely on.

    But before he could examine the sect''s rewards closely, he was whisked away from the competition site by a fiery ribbon around his waist.

    Murong Qinxue watched the two black dots in the sky, frowning slightly: leaving so quickly, as if afraid someone would snatch them away.

    At the summit of Great Bamboo Peak.

    Feng Cangyue propped up her jade-like feet, asking indifferently, "Did you enjoy the view?"

    Uh... Lin Hao suddenly realized his gaze had been inappropriate, staring blankly at the peak master''s small feet.

    "What? Have the guts to look but not to admit?"

    Feng Cangyue shifted her position, her feet resting on the fur of a fourth-level demon fox, speaking with a fragrant breath, "You performed well, bringing honor to Great Bamboo Peak. What reward do you want?"

    Lin Hao couldn''t help but steal a glance at those pink, jelly-like feet, a wicked fire rising within him, wanting to hold them in his hands.

    But he knew well that if he acted on his improper thoughts, he would surely fall from the mountain''s peak to the depths, becoming a pile of mud.

    "This is what a disciple should do."

    "Spare me the formalities." Feng Cangyue''s willow-like brows arched slightly, her phoenix eyes gleaming with amusement.

    "Do you want to become a disciple of one of the elders? Do you need me to introduce you to each elder?"

    The strongest person on Great Bamboo Peak was right in front of him, so why look elsewhere?

    Lin Hao took a deep breath, speaking solemnly, "I wish to become the peak master''s disciple."

    "Heh!"

    Feng Cangyue''s cherry lips curled slightly, her eyes smiling, "Now you have some courage."

    Lin Hao felt a bit uneasy, wondering if his actions were too bold. Would the peak master agree?

    Feng Cangyue tossed out a token engraved with a fire lotus.

    "From now on, you are my disciple. You may establish a cave dwelling at six thousand feet and have access to the inner sect''s Scripture Repository."

    "Additionally, if you have any questions about cultivation, you may seek my guidance once every three months."

    "Thank..."

    Before he could finish the word "thank," he was sent flying by a graceful hand.

    "Attend the apprenticeship ceremony in three days!"

    As he plummeted through the clouds, Feng Cangyue''s reminder echoed, "Use your sword!"

    Upon hearing this, Lin Hao willed a light sword to appear beneath his feet, flying around Great Bamboo Peak like a shooting star.

    Now that he had become a direct disciple, he could finally fly with his sword within the sect!

 Chapter 29

    Three days later.

    After the news of Master Feng accepting a disciple spread, countless cultivators gathered at the foot of Great Bamboo Peak. Fortunately, the disciples guarding the peak were there to stop them, otherwise the mountain path would have been trampled flat.

    "I really want to know what kind of genius could catch Master Feng''s eye," a short and stout cultivator said sourly.

    "Hey, that person is Lin Hao, the champion of the outer sect competition."

    "Him?" The short cultivator''s eyes were filled with disdain as he snorted, "I thought it was some extraordinary talent, turns out it''s just an outer sect disciple."

    "I was the one who registered him back then, just a middle-grade spiritual root, and he can become the master''s disciple?"

    "Moreover, he won the competition relying on talismans, his real strength doesn''t match up!"

    "This kid''s luck is too good. Becoming the master''s disciple, the cultivation resources he''ll receive will surely be preferential."

    At the foot of the mountain, both outer and inner sect disciples were envious and jealous of Lin Hao''s fortune.

    The peak was bustling as well, with fire lotuses dancing in the sky, strange flowers blooming on the ground, spiritual butterflies fluttering among them, and the spiritual energy was extremely dense.

    This was a sacred place for cultivation; even ordinary people living here for a long time could extend their lifespan.

    Feng Cangyue sat on the cold jade lotus platform and said, "Becoming my disciple requires no formalities, nor do you need to adhere to strict rules. Just remember one thing: do not betray Great Bamboo Peak, or I will kill you. Understand?"

    "Disciple understands," Lin Hao replied with a serious expression, performing the disciple''s salute.

    "You are my third disciple. Your senior brother and sister are not in the sect currently. I''ll introduce you when they return."

    "By the way, after joining my sect, you must form your Golden Elixir before the end of a century. Your senior brother formed his at forty, your senior sister at thirty. As for you... with your average spiritual root, I''ll allow you up to a hundred years."

    A hundred years?! Lin Hao thought that as long as he interacted with enough people, surpassing his senior sister wouldn''t be a problem!

    "This sword was what I used during my Foundation Establishment stage. Consider it your gift for becoming my disciple."If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Feng Cangyue sent an unsheathed sword to Lin Hao, who felt a shock in his heart upon touching it.

    A magical treasure... a top-grade yellow-tier magical treasure!

    A silvery laugh echoed from the sky.

    "Master Feng, only giving a yellow-tier magical treasure for accepting a disciple, isn''t that a bit stingy?"

    Feng Cangyue looked coldly at the newcomer. She disliked crowds, so she only invited the elders of her peak to the so-called disciple acceptance ceremony, not the entire sect.

    Unexpectedly, an uninvited guest still showed up.

    "What wind blew Junior Sister Murong here, or did you come following the scent?"

    "Senior Sister''s scent is known throughout the sect, detectable from a thousand miles away."

    "No, it''s Junior Sister''s keen nose, even sharper than the hounds Elder Yang raises."

    Listening to the verbal sparring between these two powerhouses, Lin Hao felt like he was sitting on pins and needles, constantly reminding himself not to eavesdrop on inappropriate matters.

    "Lin Hao, it''s not too late to change your mind. If you join my Little Bamboo Peak, I can give you a profound-tier magical treasure."

    A look of surprise flashed across Lin Hao''s face. Profound-tier magical treasures were extremely precious, and even ordinary Golden Elixir cultivators might not own one, yet to Master Murong, it was like Chinese cabbage.

    "Master Murong, I will always be a disciple of Great Bamboo Peak. That will not change."

    "Oh, what kind of bewitching potion did Feng Cangyue give you to make you follow her so loyally?"

    "Let me tell you, my Little Bamboo Peak has many female cultivators, including noble ladies from prestigious families. If you find one, you won''t have to worry about wealth, companions, methods, or land."

    "Hmph!"

    Feng Cangyue snorted coldly, boldly declaring, "As my disciple, you won''t lack wealth, companions, methods, or land. Lin, cultivate well, and when you form your Golden Elixir, I''ll get you a saintess as a Dao Companion."

    "Just one saintess? Come to my Little Bamboo Peak, and you can choose from saintesses, demonesses, and enchantresses."

    Uh... what was supposed to be a solemn disciple acceptance ceremony was taking a strange turn, Lin Hao silently complained in his heart.

    The ceremony concluded, and Lin Hao quickly fled from the peak, returning to his original cave dwelling, setting up a restriction to prepare for seclusion.

    He first took out the three jade boxes he received for becoming the competition champion.

    The most precious item inside was the profound-tier manual.

    The only thing he regretted was that it wasn''t a body refinement technique.

    But one can''t have everything. Body refinement techniques are rare, let alone profound-tier ones!

    He opened the manual and skimmed through it. The Nine Revolutions Scarlet Flame Technique, when mastered, could repeatedly temper the fire spiritual energy within and even invoke earth fire.

    He had been worried that his previous cultivation technique couldn''t be continued after Foundation Establishment, so this was perfect for switching to the Nine Revolutions Scarlet Flame Technique.

    What delighted him even more was that the spiritual energy circulation of this technique was almost identical to his previous one, saving him the trouble of relearning.

    It only took him two days to switch techniques, and as expected, his spiritual energy became more solid, and the power of his fire spells increased by about ten percent.

    After studying the technique, he moved on to the talisman treasure, an item that only Golden Elixir stage cultivators could craft, possessing both talisman and magical treasure properties.

    As a consumable, its power was slightly stronger than magical treasures of the same tier.

    The talisman treasure in Lin Hao''s hand was defensive, sealing part of the power of the top-grade yellow-tier magical treasure, the Fire Dragon Shield, capable of withstanding a full-force attack from a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator. However, it could only be used three times.

    This was a decent life-saving measure. Lin Hao decided to fix it on his arm for quick use in a crisis.

    Lastly, there was the magical treasure embryo. Since he received Feng Cangyue''s sword, he wasn''t too concerned about the embryo.

    Refining it into a magical treasure would require a lot of materials and careful nurturing, consuming a lot of energy.

    Better to sell it for spirit stones. Having made up his mind, he put the jade box containing the embryo back into his storage bag and took out his master''s sword.

    The sword was three feet long, forged from star iron, with a light and thin blade that gleamed with a cold light.

    The hilt was carved with two fire lotuses, with a groove below for embedding fire spiritual stones to enhance the sword''s power.

    He tested the blade, finding it incredibly sharp, truly a blade as keen as autumn frost.

    What surprised him most was the faint red line along the edge, like bloodstains, exuding a chilling killing intent. His master must have slain many foes with this sword.

    That she would give him this sword showed how much she valued him.

    Gripping the hilt, he infused a bit of spiritual energy, and the sword sang, like the cry of a Fire Phoenix.

    He steadied his mind, silently vowing: I must not disgrace the name of this sword!

 Chapter 30

    A month passed in a flash.

    The commotion caused by Lin Hao becoming the disciple of the Great Bamboo Peak''s master gradually settled down.

    After all, everyone here was a cultivator and understood that fate couldn''t be forced. No matter how envious or jealous they were, they couldn''t change the fact that he had become a direct disciple.

    During this time, aside from studying the mysterious manual, Lin Hao was busy establishing a new cave dwelling.

    As a direct disciple, he could reside at the six-thousand-meter mark on Little Bamboo Peak. This area was closer to the mountain''s summit, where the dense spiritual energy from the peak master''s secluded cultivation could reach.

    Moreover, a third-grade Gathering Spirit Array had been inscribed at the six-thousand-meter point, making the cultivation effect a hundred times better than where Lin Hao previously stayed.

    He chose a relatively secluded part of the mountain to carve out a cave dwelling, placing his personal belongings inside, which were just a bed and a desk.

    Compared to other direct disciples, or even inner disciples, his place was quite humble.

    There was no helping it; his cultivation speed was so fast it felt like a leap, leaving him no time to accumulate any wealth.

    As he stepped out of the cave dwelling for some fresh air, he saw four or five people approaching from a distance. Surprised, he asked, "Senior Sister, what brings you here?"

    He glanced at the group of women behind his senior sister, all of whom he had some connection with.

    Li Qiushui gracefully walked up to Lin Hao and said sweetly, "Junior Brother, I want to move into your cave dwelling. Is that alright?"

    "Of course, Senior Sister," Lin Hao replied without hesitation.

    This woman had helped him greatly, and now that he could repay her, he certainly wouldn''t refuse.

    "There''s one more thing," Li Qiushui said, her long eyelashes slightly lowered as she softly spoke, "These three would like to become your maids."

    Lin Hao looked at the three women, paused for a moment, and said, "That''s fine, Senior Sister."

    Upon hearing this, the three women beamed with joy, gazing at him affectionately.

    That night.

    They played a game of stacking, passing the days in such a manner for three days before Lin Hao remembered he had important things to do.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    Now that he had reached Foundation Establishment, besides cultivating, he also planned to delve into the art of second-grade talisman crafting.

    For this, he decided to visit the inner sect''s Scripture Repository.

    Just as he reached the entrance, he heard a cold voice.

    "Halt."

    Lin Hao thought it must be the elder guarding the repository and quickly took out his identity token.

    Swish!

    Before he could react, the token engraved with a fire lotus was sucked away.

    An elder in a gray robe floated cross-legged in mid-air, his eyes vacant as if blind.

    To Lin Hao''s surprise, this elder seemed to be the same one from the outer sect.

    "Boy, why are you staring at me?"

    Uh... Lin Hao quickly averted his gaze and said respectfully, "I thought you resembled someone, Senior."

    "You mean the outer sect''s guardian? He''s my good-for-nothing brother."

    Lin Hao glanced at the dried corpse hanging from the ancient tree and thought, no wonder they''re brothers; they kill in the same way.

    In fact, Lin Hao''s remark wasn''t off the mark; the warnings he heard were the same.

    The elder tapped the fire lotus on the token, and three palm-sized Fire Phoenixes flew out.

    "So, you''re that girl Cangyue''s disciple. Has she finally taken on a student again?"

    With a wave of his hand, the token flew back to Lin Hao.

    "Since you''re her last disciple, you can browse all the texts below the Golden Elixir stage and exchange three techniques without contribution points."

    Lin Hao was most intrigued by the elder''s mysterious methods, as he couldn''t detect any presence unless the elder spoke first.

    This was truly a skill of the cautious path. He mustered up the courage to ask, "Elder, is your concealment technique recorded in the Scripture Repository?"

    "Heh, you have a keen eye. If you want to learn my secret technique, become the master of a peak first."

    "Go on, and if you disturb my cultivation again, I''ll hang you from the tree."

    Lin Hao felt a chill and dared not say more, quickly entering the Scripture Repository.

    There weren''t many restrictions here; one could browse freely, but without contribution points, it was pointless.

    Having just become a direct disciple, Lin Hao hadn''t completed any tasks yet, so he had no contribution points.

    Fortunately, Feng Cangyue had granted him three opportunities to exchange for any yellow-grade techniques or spells.

    The inner sect''s Scripture Repository had three floors, each ten meters high, housing countless techniques and spells, collected painstakingly by the Xuan Yin Sect''s predecessors and written by prodigious talents.

    These jade slips covered everything: techniques, spells, secret arts, anecdotes, cultivation insights, and more!

    Lin Hao felt like a foodie in a culinary paradise, scanning through the techniques and manuals, and after a long while, he finally picked out some decent talisman manuals.

    Among the manuals, he found the sect master''s talisman notes.

    He had only heard that the sect master''s talisman skills were unparalleled, able to create a talisman treasure with a casual stroke.

    Lin Hao was overjoyed and eagerly picked up the notes, devouring every detail, even starting from beginner-level talismans.

    He was so engrossed in the notes that he read for an entire day and night, only stopping when the elder''s cold snort interrupted him. Otherwise, he might have read them all standing.

    The elder was ushering him out, and Lin Hao remembered he still had two more exchanges left, so he chose a group attack spell, "Wildfire Burns the Plains," an advanced version of "Starlight."

    The other was a single-target spell, "Starburst," which could compress flames to the extreme, similar to the thunder technique "Palm Thunder."

    He took the three jade slips to the elder for exchange and then left.

    Back at his residence, he eagerly took out talisman paper and pen to draw first-grade talismans, with surprisingly good results, as his success rate improved by ten percent.

    He hadn''t expected the sect master''s notes to be so effective, so he continued reading them voraciously.

    Time flowed like water, and another month passed.

    "It''s done!"

    Lin Hao picked up the middle-grade second-grade talisman from the table, feeling an urge to shout to the heavens.

    After studying the sect master''s notes, his understanding of talismans deepened, significantly improving his success rate with low-grade talismans and even breaking through to create middle-grade second-grade ones!

    He wanted to share his joy with someone, but his senior sister wasn''t around. Recently, he had been so absorbed in talisman crafting that he had neglected her, and she often left early and returned late, seemingly busy preparing for Foundation Establishment.

    Never mind... Lin Hao sighed lightly, leaving his residence to find Cui Qing''er and also to seek a formation master to set up a formation barrier for his cave dwelling.

    Just as he was about to fly on his sword, he heard a loud noise and looked in the direction of the sound, only to see the sect''s Demon Suppression Tower collapsing!

    Countless black mists surged out from the tower.

    Demons... demon cultivators, all of them, a massive riot, Lin Hao''s pupils contracted!

    Clang!

    The bell tolled thunderously!

    The sect''s great bell summoned all disciples within the mountain gate to stop what they were doing and head to the Point Immortal Platform!

 Chapter 31

    For centuries, the Demon Suppression Tower has held countless demons at bay. Once these vicious creatures escape, all they desire is to kill and destroy!

    Flames consumed the wood, and the cultivators screamed in agony.

    Lin Hao was originally flying on his sword, but he calculated that being airborne made him an easy target. So, he decided to land and reassess the situation.

    "Fresh meat, your blood must be delicious."

    As soon as he touched the ground, a disheveled demon cultivator with ragged clothes spotted Lin Hao, drooling incessantly.

    "It''s been ages since I tasted a cultivator''s blood. Let me see if the blood of a righteous disciple is still as sweet!"

    With that, the demon cultivator lunged at Lin Hao, unleashing hundreds of golden streaks of light.

    Metal Element Dao Technique, Golden Needle Rain!

    Lin Hao quickly summoned a defensive talisman, sneering, "Demon, watch me slay you today!"

    It was the perfect opportunity to test the power of his newly mastered Starburst technique!

    Boom!

    A mass of fire, the size of a small mountain, formed in front of him, rapidly compressing into the size of a peach pit.

    "Go!"

    The fiery peach pit shot towards the demon cultivator like a meteor!

    Sizzle!

    The demon cultivator had no defensive talismans or magical treasures and could only rely on his physical body to withstand the attack.

    Bang, boom!

    The fiery peach pit struck the demon cultivator, exploding with a deafening roar, wrapping him like vines.

    The flames infused with spiritual energy roasted the demon cultivator, eliciting continuous screams!

    Zing!Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    Lin Hao drew the magical sword gifted by Master Feng from his sword case, swiftly closing in on the demon cultivator like lightning.

    Slash!

    A large head flew into the air!

    The headless body of the demon cultivator fell heavily to the ground!

    Lin Hao exhaled lightly. This demon cultivator''s cultivation wasn''t weak, likely at the early Foundation Establishment stage, but being imprisoned in the tower for so long had left him extremely weak, allowing Lin Hao to kill him in just two moves.

    He suddenly remembered the rumors that the Demon Suppression Tower sealed several great demon lords with sky-reaching cultivation!

    If they escaped, they could turn the Xuan Yin Sect upside down.

    He needed to find his Senior Sister quickly. She hadn''t reached Foundation Establishment yet and couldn''t withstand even a weakened demon cultivator!

    Lin Hao assisted his fellow disciples in their skirmishes with the demon cultivators, stepping in to help those at a disadvantage, but he didn''t linger in battle, worried about his Senior Sister''s safety.

    However, he hadn''t communicated with her recently and didn''t know her whereabouts. Searching blindly might lead him into a trap set by the demon cultivators.

    Could she have left the sect?

    A thought flashed through Lin Hao''s mind, prompting him to rush towards the mountain gate. Yet, the closer he got, the fiercer the battle became.

    Along the way, many disciples lay in pools of blood, their bodies covered in bite marks, clearly drained by demon cultivators!

    Seeing his fallen comrades, Lin Hao felt a pang of sorrow, quickening his pace, hoping nothing had happened.

    As he neared the mountain gate, the number of bodies in Xuan Yin Sect''s white robes increased, until a splash of pale yellow caught Lin Hao''s eye.

    His heart trembled��could it be that little girl?

    He dashed towards the pale yellow like an arrow, his fingers trembling as he picked up a piece of fabric.

    It was indeed Xiang Xiaoyuan''s clothing, and a sense of foreboding rose in his heart. Scanning the area, he spotted an even larger patch of pale yellow!

    He hurried over, pulling the pale yellow from a pile of white.

    "Junior Sister!"

    Lin Hao placed his fingers under the female cultivator''s nose, feeling no breath.

    This pure and innocent girl, who saw demon cultivators as enemies, had no intact skin left, her limbs broken...

    Damn demon cultivators!

    Lin Hao''s eyes, cold as stars, erupted with icy killing intent. Filled with rage, he slashed a demon cultivator approaching him, cutting it in half.

    Demon blood rained down, soaking his blue robe.

    He gently laid the girl''s body down, removing his outer robe to cover her.

    "Junior Sister, watch me slay the demons!"

    But before he could act, a familiar figure appeared.

    "Senior Sister..."

    Lin Hao was in disbelief. Li Qiushui and her three so-called maids were with the demon cultivators!

    Senior Sister must be coerced!

    But in the next moment, Senior Sister ruthlessly attacked her fellow disciples, shattering all of Lin Hao''s illusions.

    After killing a Qi Refining cultivator, Li Qiushui seemed to sense someone watching her. She turned, locking eyes with Lin Hao.

    In this gaze, her eyes, once like clear water, held no affection.

    "Why?" Lin Hao asked, approaching the woman with his sword.

    He desperately hoped Senior Sister was coerced so he could save her with his sword.

    But clearly, Senior Sister was with the demon path.

    "Why betray the sect and join the demon cultivators!?"

    Li Qiushui glanced at him softly, then her eyes filled with determination.

    She said calmly, "Because I was a demon all along. You''re just too foolish to notice!"

    "Impossible!" Lin Hao raised his voice, staring intently at her.

    "Cui Qing''er once told me you were a demon, but I didn''t believe her!"

    "Oh, really?" Li Qiushui''s face showed a hint of mockery, coldly saying, "You believed I wasn''t a demon, so why did you make me take Immortal Spirit Powder?"

    "You clearly didn''t trust me, Lin Hao. You can deceive others, but don''t deceive yourself."

    "And your drugging skills are too clumsy. You should practice more, or you''ll suffer for it."

    "Here, take back your identity token."

    Whoosh!

    Lin Hao caught the flying light, realizing it was his identity token.

    Recently, he had been focused on studying talismans, not using his token, leaving it to gather dust in his cave dwelling. Who would''ve thought it would end up in Li Qiushui''s hands?

    This woman used my identity token to enter the Demon Suppression Tower and release the demon cultivators!

    He understood the connection, no wonder she had been leaving early and returning late, claiming to prepare Foundation Establishment materials, when she was actually plotting to release the demon cultivators!

    Perhaps, from the beginning, her approach was with ill intent.

    Or maybe he was just a pawn she casually placed, now serving its purpose.

    What a scheming woman!

 Chapter 32

    "Lin Hao, I used your identity token to release the demon cultivator. If you stay in the sect, you''ll surely be punished. Come with me. For the sake of our past relationship, I''ll help you find a future!"

    Lin Hao''s lips curled into a mocking smile, his voice growing colder.

    "From beginning to end, I was just a pawn to you. Why pretend to care about my future now?"

    "In truth, you got involved with me, gave me the Foundation Establishment Pill, and helped me break through, just so I could win the tournament, obtain an inner sect identity token, and then release someone from the Demon Suppression Tower, right?"

    Li Qiushui didn''t deny it, but admitted frankly, "I did use you. But it wasn''t from the start. Honestly, I didn''t notice you at first because your talent was too mediocre. Who knew you''d rise so suddenly? I bet on you, and it paid off! We of the Demon Path don''t like owing favors. If you really don''t want to come with me, then leave quickly. Otherwise, dying here would be too worthless!"

    Before Lin Hao could respond, the demon cultivator beside Li Qiushui grew angry and said coldly, "Why waste words with him? Just cut him down, and all ties will be severed!"

    Boom!

    The short and stout demon cultivator chanted something, and soon his entire body was enveloped in black mist, exuding a terrifying aura!

    "Remember, kid, the one who kills you is Xue Yan!"

    The demon cultivator slashed out a dazzling blade light, its momentum overwhelming!

    Sensing the threat of death, Lin Hao didn''t dare take it head-on. He swung his sword, sending out a wave of sword energy.

    The blade light and sword energy clashed, producing a metallic clang, but ultimately, the blade light prevailed, devouring the sword energy!

    Bang!

    Lin Hao took a hit, flying backward like a kite with a broken string, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

    Foundation Establishment late stage!

    Feeling the opponent''s strength, Lin Hao was shocked. This short, stout guy actually had the power of the late Foundation Establishment stage!

    If it weren''t for the fact that the opponent had been imprisoned in the Demon Suppression Tower for so long and was in poor condition, Lin Hao might have been defeated in a single blow!

    Boom, boom, boom!

    The short and stout demon cultivator pressed his advantage, slashing out three more blade lights in succession!The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    With no other choice, Lin Hao had to summon his talisman treasure��the Fire Dragon Shield. The pitch-black blade light struck the talisman treasure, causing ripples to spread.

    "Kid, you''re quite wealthy, having a talisman treasure. But how many strikes can it withstand?"

    The short and stout demon cultivator attacked like a madman, using a reckless fighting style, making the light shield ripple like water!

    Crack...

    Seeing the light shield crack, the short and stout demon cultivator''s lips curled into a cruel smile, laughing wickedly, "Little thief, let''s see how long you can hold out!"

    Li Qiushui stood with her arms crossed, coldly watching. She felt a slight pang of pity for Lin Hao and wanted to ask her senior brother to spare him.

    But once her senior brother went berserk, he was unstoppable.

    Crack, crack, crack!

    The light shield shattered like glass, and the talisman treasure in Lin Hao''s hand dimmed, clearly unusable.

    He had just reached Foundation Establishment, and defeating someone at the late stage was truly difficult. But this wasn''t a tournament; it was a life-and-death situation. He knew that if he surrendered, he would surely die and be humiliated.

    It seemed he had no choice but to gamble!

    He held a red pill in his hand, about to put it in his mouth, when he heard an angry shout.

    "Demon, spare the disciple of Xuan Yin Sect!"

    It was her!

    Lin Hao''s eyes flashed with surprise as he looked up and down at the woman. This mature and voluptuous woman was none other than Wang Jingzhan''s mother.

    He hadn''t expected that the one to come to his rescue would be this lady!

    "Li Qiushui, how dare you collude with the Demon Path!"

    Li Qiushui was one of the top three beauties in the outer sect, renowned far and wide. Moreover, the voluptuous woman knew her son liked this woman.

    "Heh, I''m not colluding with the Demon Path; I am a demon!"

    Li Qiushui spoke as if it were a trivial matter, her eyes calm and unruffled.

    "What a witch, you''re quite straightforward."

    "Watch me cut you down!"

    In her clash with the voluptuous woman, the short and stout demon cultivator suffered a setback, but he was a madman, and the voluptuous woman was very much to his liking.

    "Retreat!"

    Li Qiushui sensed something was amiss. Since this woman could arrive here, it meant the high ranks of Xuan Yin Sect had already sounded the counterattack. The scattered demon cultivators were being killed and retreating. She felt that if she stayed any longer, she might be eliminated under the guise of eradicating demons!

    "Lin Hao, since Cui Qing''er told you I''m a demon, I''ll tell you she''s a demon too. Be careful not to repeat the same mistake by getting too close to her!"

    Before leaving, Li Qiushui sent a message to Lin Hao.

    After sending the message, she left with the main force of the demon clan.

    "Heh, can a witch''s words be trusted?"

    Lin Hao''s lips curled into a sneer. However, after this incident, he understood one thing: even if a woman is willing to give herself, she can change her heart in an instant.

    So, never easily trust a woman, especially a beautiful one.

    After expressing his gratitude to the voluptuous woman for her help, Lin Hao picked up Xiang Xiaoyuan''s body and flew with his sword to a desolate peak.

    Here, the grass was overgrown, the forest dense, and the spiritual energy was scarce, with almost no cultivators venturing here.

    Lin Hao came here because it offered a view of the Demon Suppression Tower.

    The girl had a deep hatred for the Demon Path and was buried here...

    Clang!

    The sword box opened, and the green blade sang!

    Ten sword energies crisscrossed, carving out a square grave. He placed the girl''s body on the ground and then cut down a large tree.

    He made a coffin and carved a tombstone.

    He moved like a puppet on a stage, methodically doing all this.

    "Over here, the demon is here, quickly report to the Discipline Elder!" an excited Qi Refining cultivator shouted.

    "Receiving the sect''s nurturing, yet not thinking of repaying, and instead colluding with demon cultivators!"

    "Shameless traitor, how dare you show your face here?"

    "Lin Hao, stop pretending. This junior sister died because of you!"

    Facing the crowd''s accusations, Lin Hao remained silent. Yes, I didn''t kill the junior sister, but she died because of me.

    The sorrow in his eyes deepened as he gently closed the coffin lid, letting the junior sister rest in peace.

    Hypocrite, dead demon, the nearby cultivators cursed incessantly, but no one dared to act. They were just Qi Refining cultivators, not enough to challenge Lin Hao.

    Boom!

    A blue sword light came from the horizon, directly striking Lin Hao!

    "The Discipline Elder is here, the shameless traitor is doomed!"

    Lin Hao, like a ragged cloth, was struck by the sword light, flying and coughing up blood, a ghastly wound on his chest continuously oozing blood, staining his clothes.

    "Lin Hao, colluding with the Demon Path, releasing a demon, according to the rules, you shall be executed!"

    The Discipline Elder''s words were as cold as the frost of December, chilling to the bone.

    Clang!

    The blade representing the sect''s rules emerged from his embrace, its dazzling cold light like the north wind of winter, cutting one''s face painfully.

    Then, a sword energy slashed toward Lin Hao!

 Chapter 33

    The sword energy, as large as a crescent moon, carved a bottomless trench into the ground, swiftly slashing towards Lin Hao like lightning.

    The gap in strength was too vast, leaving no room to evade. Lin Hao tapped his sword case, triggering a mechanism, and a blue blade emerged.

    Even knowing he was outmatched, he refused to surrender without a fight.

    "Overestimating yourself."

    The Discipline Elder held his sword in his arms, his face full of mockery.

    Boom, a fiery red sword energy directly extinguished the blue sword energy.

    "Who dares to interfere with my enforcement!"

    "I do!"

    An exceptionally beautiful woman stepped onto a crimson lotus platform, her unparalleled grace leaving all who saw her in awe.

    "Master Feng, what is the meaning of this?" The Discipline Elder''s aura softened somewhat.

    "I''m here to take my disciple away."

    "This... this might not be appropriate." Feeling the woman''s palpable killing intent, the Discipline Elder spoke with a forced calm.

    "Master Feng, Lin Hao is guilty of treason against the sect, and according to the sect rules, he must be executed."

    Feng Cangyue raised her delicate eyebrows and coldly snorted, "You claim Lin Hao committed treason, do you have evidence?

    If this is a deliberate slander, according to the sect rules, your cultivation should be abolished."

    "Master Feng, according to the elder guarding the Demon Suppression Tower, someone used Lin Hao''s identity token to enter the tower, opened its restrictions, and released over a thousand demons. This crime deserves death!"

    "Can you confirm that it was Lin Hao himself who used the token to release the demons?"

    "This..." The Discipline Elder was at a loss for words.

    He indeed couldn''t prove that Lin Hao personally used the token to open the Demon Suppression Tower''s restrictions. According to the tower elder, it was a female disciple who held the identity token...

    "You''re not sure, are you? Then the sword energy you just unleashed should be considered a malicious attack on a fellow disciple. According to the sect rules, your cultivation should be sealed, and you should receive a hundred strokes of the cane!"

    The onlookers, intimidated by Feng Cangyue''s formidable presence, dared not speak up, but their hearts were full of complaints.

    [Master Feng is too protective, going so far as to confront the Discipline Elder for Lin Hao!]

    [Actually, Master Feng has a point; it doesn''t necessarily mean he released the demons.]

    [Fellow Daoist, you''re really naive. Even if Lin Hao didn''t personally go to the Demon Suppression Tower, whoever got his identity token must be someone he trusts. Can you guarantee he wasn''t orchestrating this from behind the scenes?A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    So the Discipline Elder''s judgment isn''t wrong. Even if Lin Hao didn''t directly betray the sect, he''s still one of the main culprits for the demons'' escape!]

    [It''s just that if Master Feng is determined to protect Lin Hao, the Discipline Elder really can''t keep him.]

    "Lin Hao, come with me." Feng Cangyue''s words carried no emotion as she prepared to leave with her wayward disciple.

    "Master Feng, this might not be appropriate."

    "You old dog, you''re so noisy!" Feng Cangyue''s words were filled with disdain as she coldly said, "Remember this, the sword of your main peak can''t cut down people from my Great Bamboo Peak!"

    In her anger, the air around Feng Cangyue became scorching, almost suffocating.

    The hilt of the sword in the Discipline Elder''s arms was charred, forcing him to drop it from his grasp.

    "Next time you dare to touch someone from my Great Bamboo Peak, it won''t be the sword that''s roasted, but your claws."

    The woman conjured a large hand of spiritual energy, lifting Lin Hao onto the fiery lotus platform, and swiftly departed.

    In the blink of an eye, they reached the summit of Great Bamboo Peak.

    "Master..."

    "Heh, you still remember you have a master, huh."

    Feng Cangyue lightly scolded, her smooth instep arching involuntarily, her pink toes pressing against the fur of a demon fox.

    Her two beautifully shaped eyebrows furrowed slightly as she raised her voice, "Tell me, why was the token I gave you in the hands of that traitorous woman!"

    "Uh..." Lin Hao hesitated for a long time, unsure of how to explain, unable to say that he and the other party were as close as brothers, so he didn''t guard against her!

    "Hmph, you don''t have to say it; I know why!"

    Feng Cangyue''s phoenix eyes were like carving knives, scraping over Lin Hao as she scolded him for being hopeless.

    "Lust isn''t scary; what''s scary is being consumed by it. You must remember, as a cultivator, spending all your time with women will ultimately affect your pursuit of immortality.

    Lin Hao, you must remember, we cultivators strive for the great path, for immortality, for eternal life. No matter how beautiful a woman is, she''s just a skeleton in makeup.

    It''s natural to seek pleasure, but you can''t devote all your energy to it, understand?"

    "Lastly, let me remind you, the prettier the woman, the more deceitful she can be. Have you heard that the most poisonous thing is a woman''s heart?"

    Lin Hao could hear the concern in his master''s words, but he couldn''t help but think to himself, "Aren''t you the most beautiful woman in the Xuan Yin Sect? By your logic, wouldn''t that make you the most deceitful?"

    "Disciple understands, Master."

    Whoosh!

    A pill was flicked into Lin Hao''s mouth, and the terrifying wound on his chest immediately began to heal.

    "Thank you, Master."

    Feng Cangyue was about to say more when her beautiful eyes suddenly turned to the sky.

    In the span of two breaths, a beautiful Taoist nun and a withered old man arrived together.

    "Senior Sister Sect Leader, what brings you to my Great Bamboo Peak, and with a... loyal dog."

    "Oh, no, no, it''s the Discipline Elder."

    "Recently, I''ve been neglecting my cultivation, my eyesight isn''t what it used to be, don''t take it to heart."

    Hiding behind the Sect Leader, the Discipline Elder dared not take offense at this notorious female killer, only lowering his head in silence.

    "Cangyue, do you know you''ve made a mistake?"

    "Yes, Senior Sister Sect Leader, I know my mistake; I was wrong to not consider the owner when hitting the dog."

    Hearing Feng Cangyue''s words, the Discipline Elder''s face twitched continuously. He was furious at her deliberate humiliation, but he dared not show any dissatisfaction.

    Although their positions were similar, their cultivation levels were worlds apart.

    In the Xuan Yin Sect, aside from those ancient beings, only the Sect Leader could firmly suppress this Great Bamboo Peak Master.

    The Sect Leader''s eyes sparkled as she slightly furrowed her brows, "You know I''m not talking about that. The one behind you is the main issue."

    Lin Hao didn''t move, but his body was involuntarily pushed to the forefront.

    "Lin Hao, your token was obtained by a traitor, leading to the release of demons from the Demon Suppression Tower."

    "You should know that identity tokens cannot be lent out. No matter how you argue, this is indeed your fault."

    "According to the sect rules..."

    Before the Sect Leader could finish, Feng Cangyue raised her eyebrows and said, "If an identity token is carelessly lost, leading to unfortunate consequences, what is the punishment?"

    The Discipline Elder was furious but dared not speak. He had already investigated and found that the woman who used the token to release the demons was extremely close to Lin Hao, practically his Dao Companion.

    He didn''t believe Lin Hao was unaware of her actions.

    According to the sect''s rules, Lin Hao''s situation warranted sealing his cultivation, five hundred strokes of the cane, and being sent to the mortal world for fifty years of heart refinement.

    This punishment was quite severe, especially the latter, as fifty years in the mortal world without cultivation would effectively end the punished person''s path to immortality.

    This fiery girl was too protective, but since she had already compromised, if he insisted on strict punishment according to the rules, it might harm their camaraderie.

    The Sect Leader sighed softly, her red lips parting, "Cangyue, you failed to teach your disciple properly, leading to his indirect grave mistake. You are fined one year''s worth of cultivation resources.

    Lin Hao, you were unfortunate in your choice of companions, allowing your identity token to be misused. You are sentenced to guard the Demon Lock Tower to temper your Dao heart."

    The Discipline Elder thought the punishment was too light, but since the Sect Leader had even punished Master Feng, he dared not speak out, fearing he might be slapped away!

    "Lin Hao accepts the punishment."

    The Sect Leader''s voice was clear, "Reflect well."

    After the Sect Leader and the Discipline Elder left.

    Lin Hao said solemnly, "Master, I''ve caused you trouble."

    The resources a peak master could claim each year were vast; losing a year''s worth was a significant loss.

    Causing his master such a heavy loss made Lin Hao feel deeply guilty.

    "Go, and in the Demon Lock Tower, temper your Dao heart."

    Feng Cangyue raised her delicate hand and waved, sending Lin Hao flying away.

 Chapter 34

    The Demon Lock Tower and the Demon Suppression Tower are crucial areas of the sect, and ordinary people are not allowed to approach them.

    Each level is guarded by an elder, and the higher the level, the stronger the demons imprisoned there. However, inner sect disciples can use their identity tokens to visit the ordinary levels to observe the demons and broaden their knowledge.

    Thunder rumbled, and the sky poured down rain.

    In front of the Demon Lock Tower, a crowd of cultivators had gathered.

    Everyone displayed their abilities, and the raindrops, like broken strings of pearls, could not touch them.

    "I heard they''re going to imprison a great demon with a true dragon bloodline in the Demon Lock Tower," said a cultivator with thick eyebrows, his face full of excitement.

    "Fellow Daoist, where did you hear such nonsense? It''s not a great demon, and there''s no true dragon bloodline. They''re imprisoning a person."

    "Hah, what''s so interesting about a person?"

    "What if I told you this person is a direct disciple?"

    "A direct disciple? Those people are all of noble status. How could one end up in the Demon Lock Tower?"

    "Hmph, it''s not just any direct disciple. This person is the last disciple of a peak master."

    "My heavens, what on earth did this guy do to deserve such wrath?"

    "Heh, colluding with the Demon Path, if you must know."

    "Colluding with the Demon Path? And instead of having his cultivation abolished and being expelled from the sect, he''s being imprisoned in the Demon Lock Tower?"

    "Shh, silence! That''s the result of someone powerful protecting him..."

    "He''s here!"

    A rough voice broke the heated discussion among the crowd.

    Under the watchful eyes of all, a young man in a green robe, carrying a pale yellow box on his back, walked over with steady steps.

    "Is that Lin Hao? He''s quite handsome, no wonder so many women are smitten with him."

    "Smitten? It''s just mutual benefit. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have been tricked by a demoness into losing his identity token and ended up being punished here."

    "I heard this guy can handle ten women at night, a scoundrel who steals yin to replenish yang. Shouldn''t such a shameless scoundrel be skinned alive?"

    "Yeah, he''s ruined the purity of no less than a hundred female cultivators!"

    The rumors grew more and more outrageous, but Lin Hao remained silent, simply walking towards the Demon Suppression Tower.

    "Heh, traitor, you betrayed the sect and instead of offering your neck for slaughter, you come here to receive punishment. Where''s your shame?"The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    Jiang Mingfei sneered, shouting loudly, "Letting such a scoundrel live in the Xuan Yin Sect is a disgrace to us all!"

    "We cultivators endure hardship in our cultivation to slay demons, don''t we? Now that a demon is before us, we..."

    Slap!

    A loud slap shattered all the noise.

    Jiang Mingfei clutched his swollen cheek, eyes full of disbelief, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

    "You... you dare hit me?"

    "Attacking a fellow disciple without reason, are you looking to add to your crimes?"

    "I''ll report this to the Discipline Elder!"

    "Insulting your superiors without reason, beating you to death wouldn''t be unjust."

    Clang!

    A sharp sword was drawn.

    Lin Hao''s words were sharper than the blade.

    "A mere Qi Refining cultivator offending a Foundation Establishment cultivator, insulting a direct disciple, do you have a death wish?"

    Jiang Mingfei thought the other wouldn''t dare harm him in public, but he didn''t dare gamble, as his life was at stake. He could only retreat timidly.

    The onlookers were of low cultivation and status, wanting to laugh but afraid of offending both sides, they could only hold back their laughter with all their might.

    Lin Hao''s eyes, like chisels, swept over the crowd, and he said calmly, "Who else wants to die?"

    Everyone was filled with dread; they dared not joke about their own lives.

    This ruthless person was truly capable of killing.

    And he was right, a direct disciple could not be insulted. If they dared to act out, and he killed them, no one would stand up for them.

    "Heh, boring."

    Lin Hao strode into the Demon Lock Tower, leaving the crowd bewildered.

    "I say, Fire Daoist, you''re the most righteous, why didn''t you fight him just now?"

    "Damn your ancestors, didn''t you see the murderous intent in that demon''s eyes? If I dared to step up, I''d be a headless ghost. Would you, you fool, come to pay respects to your grandfather then?"

    "I would, I''d pay respects to your grandfather!"

    The crowd joked with each other, but none dared to step forward to eliminate Lin Hao, the demon, as they valued their lives.

    As Lin Hao entered the Demon Lock Tower, the cold and fierce aura around him dissipated.

    Snap!

    A black object swiftly flew towards Lin Hao.

    He circulated his spiritual energy, barely catching the object, his palm stinging from the lightning contained within it.

    "Weren''t you quite arrogant outside the Demon Lock Tower? Boring... heh, so boring!"

    "What? Does someone have to jump out for you to slap them to make it interesting?"

    Lin Hao''s eyes remained fixed on the darkness, where a vague figure could be seen.

    It wasn''t because the darkness obscured his vision, but because the other had used spiritual energy to conceal their presence.

    A Foundation Establishment cultivator, and not just at the initial stage.

    Lin Hao understood, clasping his fists, he said, "Elder Han, I am here to guard the Demon Lock Tower as ordered."

    A voluptuous beauty swayed out of the darkness, exuding endless charm.

    It was Wang Jingzhan''s mother.

    Her eyes, like autumn lakes, held complex emotions.

    "Are you disappointed that Zhan''er didn''t come?"

    Wang Jingzhan''s absence surprised Lin Hao, but he smiled faintly and said, "Wang Daoist''s Dao heart seems more stable."

    Han Liyue''s beautiful eyes shifted, and she said softly, "If Zhan''er had your temperament, he wouldn''t have been defeated in the outer sect competition."

    "Elder Han, you saved me before, thank you..."

    "Heh, no need to thank me. Mutual support is a rule of the Xuan Yin Sect, but many have forgotten it.

    I just hope that while you''re punished to guard the Demon Lock Tower, you don''t cause any trouble!"

    Lin Hao gazed at her mature figure, his heart filled with mixed emotions. In this austere place, how should he cultivate?

    He found his quarters, and after using a dust-clearing talisman and a water-cleansing talisman to tidy up, he began meditating.

    Before he could complete a cycle of his cultivation technique, he felt a fire burning within him, forcing him to abandon his cultivation.

    While guarding here, without contact with female cultivators, he couldn''t dispel the evil fire within him, seemingly having to forgo cultivation.

    But his physique was special; even without actively cultivating, the fire spiritual energy within him would accumulate to a point where he needed dual cultivation with a woman to resolve it.

    Unable to cultivate for now, Lin Hao decided to leave his room and wander around the tower.

    Lin Hao was guarding an ordinary level, and besides the elder in charge of this level, he was the only disciple.

    Punished to guard the Demon Lock Tower, he was responsible for maintaining the demon suppression formations and cleaning the prisoners'' cells.

    This punishment was called heart refining.

    Tap, tap, tap!

    Lin Hao carried cleaning tools, walking through the cold prison.

    Roar!

    The previously quiet prison, like a red-hot iron rod meeting cold water, instantly boiled over!

    Bang, bang, bang!

    The level Lin Hao was responsible for had only a hundred cells, but the formations suppressing the prisoners were set in three layers, surpassing even the Demon Suppression Tower.

    In each star iron cell, the lights were dim, shadows spread from the cells, and roars occasionally echoed, as they held fearsome beasts of unparalleled ferocity.

    Smelling human scent, they nearly went mad.

    The beasts slammed their bodies against the cell doors, eyes red and drooling, eager to swallow the slender young man whole.

    "Heh heh, this kid must taste delicious, come let grandpa have a bite," said a bear-headed brute, baring his bloody mouth, spewing foul breath.

    This bear-headed man was a second-tier demon beast, his bloodline not very pure, but extremely ferocious. He had devoured a village and was captured by a direct disciple of Great Bamboo Peak, then suppressed in the Demon Lock Tower.

    "Becoming grandpa''s excrement is a privilege you humans could never dream of."

    "Big darling, don''t listen to him, come to me instead, I''ll take good care of you."

    A rat woman spun her beady eyes.

    With Lin Hao''s arrival, the beasts in the cells roared one after another.

    In this dark and sinful place, the newcomer was like a pure white flower, drawing out all the beasts.

 Chapter 35

    Boom!

    Above the prison, thousands of flying swords hovered, their sharp tips aimed at all the rioting demon beasts.

    But these demon beasts were destined to die, and now death was a relief for them. So, they weren''t afraid of the formation about to be activated.

    The situation was about to spiral out of control.

    Snap!

    Lin Hao abruptly stopped and patted the sword case on his back.

    "Xiang Xiaoyuan, are you willing to slay demons?"

    This sword case was exchanged with a rough magical treasure embryo and Xiang Xiaoyuan at the market. It had never been named, so he decided to name it after Xiang Xiaoyuan in her memory.

    Click, click, click!

    The mechanism sounded, and the sword case opened.

    A fiery red long sword flew into Lin Hao''s hand.

    His eyes, cold as ice, swept over the bear-headed man. This ruthless beast, who killed without blinking, was so intimidated by the gaze that cold sweat dripped down, and it collapsed to the ground, blood gushing from its seven orifices. In just one breath... its limbs were severed.

    Silence!

    The demon beasts only saw the human turn and glance, and the foolish bear mysteriously lost its limbs.

    They immediately realized this was not someone they could provoke.

    The new demon suppressor was a peerless ruthless person!

    They watched in terror as that tall figure gradually walked away.

    Along the way, anyone who dared to offend Lin Hao with their words found their limbs severed.

    The demon beasts with intact bodies were all horrified. Was this human from the underworld?

    Cold and ruthless.

    The human dared to walk towards the prison, where all the pure-blood demon beasts, notorious for their killings, were bound with thunderfire chains!

    It''s said that in the deepest cell, there''s a peerless fiend, with a green face and fangs, standing ten meters tall, whose arms could pierce the demon-suppressing tower with a swing, and whose body, like divine iron, feared no Daoist magic. If it wanted to leave, no one could stop it.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    This human dared to venture underground, truly bold and skilled, but he might be scared out of his wits by those savage beasts.

    Judging by the human''s attire, he was clearly not a tower elder, likely a disciple here to receive punishment. If he died here, the Xuan Yin Sect probably wouldn''t hold anyone accountable.

    The mixed-blood demon beasts pinned their hopes on the pure-blood beasts deep inside.

    But unlike the hybrids, the pure-bloods were as obedient as dogs, all bowing their heads, not daring to look directly at the human, fearing their gaze might be seen as disrespectful and provoke the human''s displeasure.

    They had long been warned by that one not to show any disrespect to the human, or their species would be exterminated.

    They might die, but if their species were wiped out, the sin would be too great.

    Indeed, was he here for that one?

    Seeing the human''s figure disappear into the darkness, the pure-bloods let out a sigh of relief, temporarily escaping disaster.

    Hopefully, there would be no conflict between the human and that one, and that one''s mood would be better; otherwise, some beasts would die.

    Tap, tap, tap!

    Footsteps echoed in the quiet prison.

    Lin Hao walked to the depths and found the star iron cells empty.

    It seemed there were no demon beasts imprisoned here, yet he clearly sensed a strong demonic aura.

    Finally, he arrived at the last cell.

    This cell wasn''t made of star iron but divine iron used for forging magical treasures, with a suppression formation carved on the door.

    Through the gap in the door, Lin Hao saw a pure white fox inside, with one tail... no, it was a long tail with eight broken tails.

    "You''ve come."

    The white fox spoke in human tongue and then transformed.

    The woman it transformed into was in her prime, with delicate features like inked smoke, skin as white as snow with a touch of rouge.

    Her large eyes were the clearest, as if crushed stars were contained within.

    A straight nose, full cherry lips, and white teeth.

    A neck whiter than snow, budding maiden''s bosom, and long, straight legs.

    Anyone who saw her would have to praise her as a peerless beauty, unable to resist looking again and again.

    The woman''s appearance was pure and innocent, yet she exuded endless allure.

    "You''ve come."

    This voice had strong penetration, and the pure-bloods trembled like sieves upon hearing it, fearing that one would be angry.

    "Were you waiting for me?"

    Lin Hao reluctantly withdrew his gaze from the woman''s long legs.

    "Weren''t you here to find a woman?"

    Facing the woman''s pure gaze, Lin Hao felt a bit embarrassed. He indeed wanted to find a woman to cultivate with, but this one was a demon beast, humans shouldn''t... at least they shouldn''t.

    "I am looking for a woman."

    Lin Hao''s gaze was fiery, full of aggression, as he looked up and down the woman''s beautiful body.

    "But you''re not human, just a female."

    The woman''s lively eyes held a hint of grievance.

    "Isn''t my transformation beautiful? I think my human form is prettier than any woman I''ve seen."

    Lin Hao could see that the woman wasn''t vain but sincere, not knowing what lying was.

    And she was telling the truth. Among the women Lin Hao knew, only his master Feng Cangyue could rival her beauty.

    "Heh, little fox."

    Lin Hao retracted his fiery gaze and said calmly, "Little fox, you''ve probably said this to everyone who comes here."

    "You want to use your charm to control a human to help you unlock the formation''s restrictions."

    "But you''ve picked the wrong target."

    The allure on the woman''s face vanished, and she puffed her soft cheeks, saying, "Boring, you''re a dull human."

    Lin Hao''s lips curved into a smile.

    "Heh, I''m dull?"

    "Only if I succumbed to your charm and removed the formation sealing you would you find me interesting."

    The woman''s delicate brows furrowed, her face smiling, her beautiful eyes playful, and her ample chest rising and falling.

    "How about we make a deal?"

    "You help me break the sealing formation, and when I leave here, I''ll make you a demon king."

    "You must have made quite a few demon kings before."

    Lin Hao''s starry eyes flashed with mockery.

    "You..." The woman was so angry she reverted to her original form.

    "Leave, I don''t want to see you again."

    "Heroes see things differently; I quite want to see you."

    "After all, you look much more pleasing than those oddly shaped creatures."

    The little fox didn''t speak, only showing Lin Hao her backside.

    Lin Hao smiled slightly, using two talismans, Dusting and Pure Water, to clean the little fox''s cell and tidy her fur.

    This made the little fox bristle, baring her teeth at Lin Hao, but that''s all she could do.

    Her powers were sealed, and the other was immune to her charm; she had no means to subdue him.

    After petting the little fox, Lin Hao left satisfied.

    It''s worth mentioning that on his way out of the prison, a tigress also wanted Lin Hao to clean her cell and groom her fur, but she got hit by a Frost Descend, nearly becoming a frozen tiger jerky.

    After Lin Hao came out, he found the charming Han Liyue waiting for him at the door.

    "Finished cleaning the cells?"

    "Finished."

    Han Liyue sniffed the faint scent of blood in the air, her lips curving into a beautiful smile.

    "Finally, someone interesting has come."

 Chapter 36

    It was night, the moon was bright, and the stars were sparse.

    Lin Hao lay there, bored out of his mind.

    He didn''t dare to cultivate, and as a cultivator, he didn''t need much sleep. He thought about going for a stroll, but before he could leave the tower, he ran into Han Liyue.

    From her, he learned that once inside, one couldn''t leave without special permission from above.

    Sigh.

    Not being able to cultivate was really unbearable.

    Lin Hao returned to the prison. Most of the day had passed, and the cold cell was still filled with the smell of blood.

    The cultivators who had their limbs cut off shivered like leaves when they saw Lin Hao again, their remaining bodies trembling in fear.

    Why was this harbinger of doom here again?

    Lin Hao, like a victorious general, strolled through the prison, inspecting the demon beasts.

    These creatures were bizarre, some with human heads and beast bodies, others with beast heads and human bodies. The purebloods were all in beast form, which was somewhat more pleasing to the eye.

    But after a round of inspection, the little fox was still the most attractive.

    "Human, what are you here for again?"

    The little fox propped its fluffy face with two white paws, its sapphire-like eyes sparkling.

    "Transform."

    "You wish, human! Are you coveting my... my beauty?"

    "Oh, you think you''re a heroine?" Lin Hao''s eyes sparkled with amusement as he smirked.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    "A demon causing harm, and you dare claim to be righteous!"

    "Helping demons against humans, isn''t that righteous?"

    From the perspective of her kind, it might be considered chivalrous, but... Lin Hao was human and couldn''t side with these creatures.

    "Hmph, what are you looking at!"

    The little fox turned its cute face away, showing its back to Lin Hao again.

    "I told you, I don''t want to see you!"

    "Get lost!"

    "I''m the demon suppressor, and you''re the prisoner. What right do you have to order me?"

    "Hmph, I just don''t want to see you."

    Bantering with the little fox, Lin Hao felt that his dull days seemed to have gained a bit of color. As he left, he conjured a large hand of spiritual energy to pat the little fox''s furry head.

    The little fox was so angry that its teeth itched, but without any spiritual power, it could only rage helplessly.

    On the way back, Lin Hao once again scrutinized the demons, failing to find any that were pleasing to the eye.

    A scholar with two faces, a freak with a child''s body and an old man''s face, a toad with six eyes, a swan with three legs, a centipede with no legs... none of them were normal.

    "Lin Hao, someone is looking for you."

    As he reached the top of the prison, he received a message from Han Liyue.

    Someone''s looking for me? Lin Hao frowned slightly.

    When Lin Hao went out to see, it was Cui Qing''er.

    "Junior Brother..."

    Ignoring the presence of others, Cui Qing''er hugged Lin Hao tightly, her long eyelashes glistening with tears.

    "Uh, why are you here?"

    Cui Qing''er said softly, "I heard you were punished to guard the Demon Lock Tower, so I rushed to see you!"

    The two of them walked hand in hand back to Lin Hao''s place.

    ...

    An hour later, Cui Qing''er lay in Lin Hao''s arms, her voice hoarse, "Junior Brother, you''ve suffered here, haven''t you?"

    "Now you understand why I kept warning you that Li Qiushui is a demon. Following such a disaster will only bring suffering!"

    Thinking of this matter, Lin Hao was furious. It was indeed his oversight that allowed that female demon to exploit a loophole, resulting in him being exiled to this filthy place.

    He deflected, "Now that you''ve reached Foundation Establishment and become an inner disciple, how does it feel?"

    "The benefits have improved significantly!" Cui Qing''er''s eyes sparkled with excitement.

    "And my status has become much more prestigious. Now, when I go down the mountain, everyone calls me Senior Sister!"

    "That''s great." Lin Hao rolled his eyes and sighed, "It''s just too boring here. You should come and see me more often when you''re not cultivating, or else I''ll miss you."

    The woman gave him a sidelong glance, playfully chiding, "Are you sure it''s me you miss, and not your brothers?"

    "Let me tell you something serious."

    "You find this place boring, but there''s an opportunity for you to leave here!"

    "Don''t keep me in suspense!" Lin Hao dreamed of leaving this place and urged her on.

    "After the outer sect competition, the inner sect competition will follow soon. Outstanding disciples can receive generous rewards and have some sect punishments reduced."

    Is that possible?

    Lin Hao frowned slightly.

    He really wanted to leave this wretched place, mainly because there were no pure female cultivators here, which hindered his cultivation!

    But achieving an outstanding performance in the inner sect competition wasn''t easy either. The inner sect was full of geniuses, and the competition was even more intense than the outer sect.

    He had just broken through to Foundation Establishment, and standing out among the geniuses was too difficult.

    Therefore, he had to cultivate diligently to improve his strength.

    But... whenever he tried to cultivate here, he would suffer from the pain of fire spiritual energy burning his body. Without primordial yin energy, he couldn''t endure that pain!

    No, he had to find a way to break this predicament!

    Clearly, asking Cui Qing''er for help wasn''t appropriate, but... he didn''t know anyone else.

    He could only muster up the courage to share his thoughts with Cui Qing''er.

    He thought she would blame him, but to his surprise, she readily agreed.

 Chapter 37

    In the early morning, Lin Hao followed his routine, carrying cleaning tools to tidy up the cells. But in truth, he was there to play with the little fox.

    Hmm?

    Halfway through, Lin Hao sensed something amiss. He quickly concealed his presence and quietly moved forward, noticing that one of the cell doors was wide open.

    What''s going on?

    Could it be that a demon has escaped?

    Lin Hao was shocked. He was the warden responsible for this level of the prison, and if a demon escaped, he would be held accountable.

    He hurried forward to check the situation, only to find that the cell was protected by a barrier, preventing him from seeing or hearing anything inside!

    His eyebrows knitted together in frustration. He wanted to grab a nearby demon to ask what was happening, but they were all in a daze, unresponsive to his calls!

    With no other choice, he took out a boundary-breaking talisman, a second-grade talisman specifically used for breaking through various barriers!

    After chanting the incantation, the talisman in his hand transformed into a vajra drill, swiftly piercing through the barrier before him.

    The scene that unfolded left him dumbfounded.

    A tall female cultivator with disheveled hair stood there, wearing only undergarments...

    Beside her lay a bull demon, seemingly dreaming, with a silly grin on its face.

    Whoosh!

    A sword flashed like a stream of light, aiming for Lin Hao''s eyes.

    "You lecher, how dare you peek at me! I''ll gouge out your eyes!"

    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    Clang!

    Lin Hao drew his sword from its sheath, deflecting the woman''s attack, and retorted, "This is a prison for demons, under my jurisdiction. You sneaked in here, and yet you accuse me first!"

    Clang! Clang! Clang!

    In the blink of an eye, the two exchanged several blows, neither gaining the upper hand.

    Noticing the man''s gaze occasionally falling on her exposed skin, the female cultivator grew increasingly agitated.

    Yet, she couldn''t force him back for the moment!

    While fending off the woman''s attacks, Lin Hao mocked, "Ha, woman, why don''t you put on some clothes before we continue fighting!"

    The female cultivator blushed with embarrassment and anger, her sword movements becoming even more impenetrable!

    After hundreds of exchanges, she still couldn''t defeat Lin Hao, so she resorted to a different tactic. Biting her lip, she said, "Do you know who I am?"

    With that, she produced a token, a black token engraved with a black dragon.

    A direct disciple? Lin Hao''s eyes flashed with surprise. This woman was actually a direct disciple from Little Bamboo Peak.

    "You scoundrel, recognize me now, don''t you? Kneel down!"

    "Heh, just a direct disciple, and you''re so arrogant!"

    Lin Hao leisurely took out his own identity token from his storage bag.

    "Coincidentally, I have one too!"

    The female cultivator''s eyes filled with disbelief. This guy was also a direct disciple.

    But... but why would a direct disciple be doing the chores of a menial disciple in this wretched place?

    Hmph, so what if he''s a direct disciple!

    Being here means he''s an unimportant fringe figure. Dare to provoke me, Shui Ling''er, and you''ll regret it.

    "Lin, I advise you to mind your own business and get out of my way!"

    Shui Ling''er forcefully pushed past Lin Hao, ready to leave in a huff, but his words stopped her in her tracks.

    "A direct disciple from Little Bamboo Peak, extracting demon beast essence in the prison. If this gets out, I''m afraid..."

    "You dare!" Shui Ling''er''s face flushed, then she fiercely said.

    "You are truly vulgar, talking about extraction... I''m practicing charm techniques, alright? I haven''t had any relations with these beasts!"

    "Really?"

    Lin Hao raised an eyebrow, speaking calmly.

    "Do you think I believe you? Even if I do, do you think others will?"

    "Unless..."

    "Unless what?"

    "Unless you prove it to me."

    "How to prove..." Shui Ling''er suddenly realized something, her face turning as red as the sunset.

    "Ugh, pervert!"

    She furrowed her smooth forehead, speaking coquettishly, "Say what you want, I have nothing to hide."

    With that, she walked away confidently.

    Watching her graceful figure fade into the distance, Lin Hao chuckled and said, "By the way, has anyone ever told you, you''re quite... smooth..."

    "You!"

    Shui Ling''er''s eyes blazed with anger as she glared at Lin Hao before leaving in a huff.

    As her silhouette gradually disappeared, Lin Hao rubbed his chin, his mind filled with chaotic thoughts.

    No wonder she''s a woman from Little Bamboo Peak, her whole being seems to be made of water!

    If we were to have a deeper exchange, would it be like a flood overwhelming the seven armies?

    Meanwhile, the bull demon slowly woke up, seeing the person before it, and let out a roar.

    Smack!

    Lin Hao slapped it hard, frowning, "What are you yelling about!"

    The bull demon finally came to its senses, not daring to offend the fierce figure before it, its face full of flattery.

    Seeing the demon so listless, Lin Hao snorted coldly, "You bull demon, you''ve had quite the fortune, enjoying the favors of a beauty."

    The bull demon said fearfully, "Warden, I''m innocent! It was that woman who forced me, it wasn''t my intention."

    "Heh, you beast, you enjoyed it and now you''re blaming her, saying she forced you?"

    The bull demon mustered the courage to say, "Warden, you don''t understand. If it were true enjoyment, that would be great. She used charm techniques to create an illusion, making us sink into it... she didn''t actually lose herself."

    Lin Hao''s eyes flashed with surprise. Goodness, it can be done like that?

    The women from Little Bamboo Peak sure know how to play!

 Chapter 38

    Time flew by, and half a month had passed.

    During this period, Cui Qing''er brought him many female cultivators, but they were all at the Qi Refining stage.

    His strength had significantly increased compared to half a month ago, but there was still a long way to go before reaching the mid-Foundation Establishment stage!

    Lin Hao took out the Sect Leader''s notes on talismans, his fingers twirling with a small flame, like a lively butterfly, as he flipped through the pages.

    Books are always fresh when read often, let alone the Sect Leader''s insights on talismans, which benefited him greatly.

    He was always curious; these notes should be considered treasures, so why hadn''t they been exchanged?

    But it was just curiosity; he couldn''t go to the elder guarding the pavilion for answers, fearing he might end up hanging from the old locust tree.

    After going through the notes once, Lin Hao felt inspired and was about to draw a talisman to verify his insights when Han Liyue interrupted him.

    "There''s a demon that needs to be confined on your floor."

    Lin Hao nodded calmly and then followed Han Liyue outside the tower to meet with the disciples responsible for escorting the demon.

    Han Liyue was wearing a green dress today, and whether it was the dress being form-fitting or her figure being too enchanting, the dress seemed to fit her perfectly, as if it were grown on her.

    Despite her age, this woman seemed as tender as if she could be pinched to produce water.

    Lin Hao quickened his pace, glanced at the woman, and noticed a green leaf mark on her smooth forehead, adding a touch of purity.

    A faint fragrance lingered at the tip of his nose, making Lin Hao somewhat restless. He sighed inwardly, thinking it might be better to seal off his sense of smell.

    Otherwise, if he did something inappropriate, it wouldn''t be good!

    When they reached outside the tower, the disciples escorting the demon came up to pay their respects.

    Of course, the respects were for Han Liyue.

    With nothing else to do, Lin Hao examined the demon. Was this a crane demon?

    Stolen story; please report.

    He was somewhat unsure, mainly because the feathers of this demon bird had been plucked clean, making it look like a featherless chicken, just with a long neck and long legs!

    However, from the conversation between the escort and Han Liyue, he learned that this was indeed a crane demon, and it had quite a high cultivation, having reached the late second stage.

    It was captured by a Foundation Establishment sword cultivator from the inner sect, who, annoyed by the trouble it caused, plucked all its feathers.

    "This demon bird..." Han Liyue frowned slightly and asked, "Is it male or female?"

    The demon escort, seeing the Elder of Demon Confinement showing interest, explained, "Elder Han, this is a female demon, very fierce!"

    Screech!

    The crane demon let out a sharp cry, its whole body only able to move its head, but that didn''t stop it from trying to peck at Lin Hao with its beak.

    Lin Hao deftly dodged, a cluster of flames rising in his palm.

    "If you get any fiercer, I''ll roast you."

    Seeing the flames in his palm growing larger, the crane demon shrank its neck in fear, not daring to cause any more trouble.

    "Then Elder Han, I''ll take my leave."

    The demon escort didn''t recognize Lin Hao, only surprised by his methods, but didn''t pay much attention and left on a flying sword.

    "Lin Hao, I have some matters to attend to outside. You take this demon away and decide which cell to place it in."

    The woman transformed into a stream of light and left, leaving behind a lingering fragrance.

    Lin Hao escorted the crane demon deeper inside, found a cell close to the little fox, and locked the crane demon inside.

    Then he headed straight to the little fox''s cell.

    This time, it wasn''t to tease the little fox but because Elder Han was absent, and he was worried these demons might have ideas.

    If any demon escaped, as the guard, he would inevitably be held accountable.

    To avoid unnecessary trouble, he decided to meditate and cultivate inside the prison.

    The little fox, seeing the human come again, was about to mock him, but then saw him sit cross-legged and remain seated for two days.

    Boom!

    Lin Hao felt a tendency for the evil fire within him to riot and was about to stop cultivating when he found the fire spiritual energy inside him was out of his control.

    The surging spiritual energy, like a raging flood dragon, rushed through his meridians, the tearing pain causing him to clench his teeth,

    his forehead covered in sweat.

    His once smooth face twisted in agony.

    It was as if he was about to go berserk; he urgently needed a woman''s Primordial Yin to suppress the fire within him, or he would explode and die!

    "Woman..." he muttered, stumbling toward the outside of the prison.

    The little fox transformed into human form, watching the staggering human, puzzled.

    What is this stinky guy up to? Did he have a mishap in his cultivation?

    Hmph, what does his cultivation mishap have to do with me!

    The little fox thought this, but her sapphire-like eyes never left Lin Hao.

    Woman...

    Lin Hao''s eyes were bloodshot, his whole state like a drunken man, stumbling.

    A spider demon, seeing something wrong with him, tried to take advantage of the chaos, transforming back to its original form and extending a spider leg to stab at him.

    However, Lin Hao raised his hand, and with a single sword stroke, severed all the spider demon''s legs, green liquid flowing all over the ground.

    The crane demon beside was already dumbfounded.

    She was a late second-stage demon and could see that Lin Hao was only at the early Foundation Establishment stage; how could his moves have such power?

    She couldn''t even see the human''s sword moves clearly, but seeing his abnormal state, she didn''t dare provoke him, only shrinking back into a corner.

    Woman?

    A trace of confusion flashed in the crane demon''s eyes. What was this human repeatedly shouting "woman" for?

    An old wolf demon, with hair and beard all white, observed Lin Hao carefully, and suddenly his green eyes filled with astonishment.

    "Could... could this human have that kind of physique, with an extremely fast cultivation speed, but needing a woman''s Primordial Yin to assist, or else he would explode and die!"

    "Needs a woman''s Primordial Yin?"

    The crane demon''s eyes spun rapidly. Having just been locked up here, she was eager to escape, and she saw this as an opportunity.

    So she called out urgently, "I''m female... female."

    Woman... female...

    Lin Hao''s eyes were bleeding, and he could no longer see, yet he instinctively found his way back to the depths of the prison.

    ...

    Hearing footsteps approaching from not far away, the little fox, gently stroking her hair, felt surprised.

    Why is that stinky human coming back?

    And standing in front of my room, what does he intend to do?

    Looking at the handsome face covered in blood, the little fox''s eyes were full of confusion.

    Suddenly.

    Two slender fingers pierced through the protective array of the prison, then pinched the divine iron-made cell door, spinning it like a piece of paper and flinging the thousand-pound door away.

 Chapter 39

    Outside the prison, the demons could only hear the cries of the little fox, unable to see what was happening inside.

    "That... that person was ordered by the demon suppressor to..."

    "Shh, silence!"

    "Aren''t you afraid the demon suppressor left some spell behind? How many lives do you have to dare gossip like this?"

    The commotion from the little fox''s cell sparked whispers and discussions among the demons in the prison.

    ...

    Boom!

    A surge of fire spiritual energy flooded into Lin Hao''s cell.

    Unable to absorb it all, the spiritual energy accumulated, growing increasingly violent.

    The rampant fire spiritual energy continuously battered the prison''s formation, exciting the other demons who saw it as a chance to escape.

    But before they could act, Han Liyue flew in, her beautiful eyes flashing with golden light. She softly commanded, "Seal!"

    Immediately, the protective formations of each cell were activated, and a thousand flying swords patrolled the prison.

    Wherever the sword light reached, the demons bowed their heads.

    After controlling the scene, Han Liyue investigated the source of the disturbance.

    The cell was filled with violent fire spiritual energy, which amazed her.

    Meanwhile.

    Lin Hao had regained clarity. After absorbing the little fox''s Primordial Yin, he had suppressed the fire within him. To his surprise, he found himself at the peak of the Foundation Establishment early stage, not expecting such a great benefit from the little fox.

    Moreover, he felt there was more to gain. Sensing the cell still brimming with violent fire spiritual energy, he quickly sat down to cultivate.

    He could use this to break through to the mid Foundation Establishment stage!

    As Lin Hao meditated and absorbed with all his might, the rampant fire spiritual energy in the cell surged towards him like a flood, being absorbed into his dantian.

    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    "Break through for me!"

    Lin Hao shouted in his heart.

    Then he felt the spiritual power within him break through a barrier, racing into a wider path.

    All the fire spiritual energy in the cell was absorbed, and the cell returned to calm. At this moment, the little fox, who had fainted from the ordeal, slowly regained consciousness.

    Recalling what had just happened, she glared fiercely at the man meditating.

    Clang!

    Her slender fingers sprouted sharp claws, flashing with a cold gleam.

    She wanted to take advantage of Lin Hao''s meditation to slit his throat with her claws!

    But... when her claws were at his throat, she hesitated.

    She retained a sliver of rationality, knowing this man had considerable strength and likely held a significant position in the sect, only punished to be here for some mistake. Killing him would not end well for her.

    Her claws retracted, and she merely watched the man coldly.

    "Hey, you filthy human, are you really meditating, or just pretending?"

    Lin Hao had actually been awake for a while, digesting the benefits of dual cultivation with the little fox, with a strand of his divine sense monitoring the outside.

    He saw all of the little fox''s actions, from showing her claws to retracting them.

    This little fox actually held back. Lin Hao''s lips curled into a smile, recalling their earlier entanglement, finding it absurd.

    Humans and demons were on different paths; what kind of trouble had he gotten himself into!

    Just as he was about to end his meditation.

    Suddenly, the cell door opened.

    Han Liyue entered, seeing Lin Hao in tattered clothes, sitting in the corner, her brows furrowed instantly.

    With a wave of her delicate hand, a white ribbon flew out, striking the little fox and slamming her against the stone wall of the cell.

    Pfft!

    The little fox spat out a mouthful of blood, her face pale as paper, glaring fiercely at Han Liyue.

    "Beast, dare to harm a disciple of the Xuan Yin Sect? Believe it or not, I''ll skin you alive."

    A golden pair of scissors appeared in Han Liyue''s hand, trailing spiritual energy as they flew towards the little fox.

    Seeing things getting out of control, Lin Hao pretended to just wake up, using a golden light talisman to block Han Liyue''s attack.

    "Lin Hao, are you alright?"

    Seeing him awake, Han Liyue temporarily stopped pursuing the little fox, instead sending a strand of divine sense to check Lin Hao''s injuries, only to find he was unharmed, making her expression turn peculiar.

    The little fox gritted her silver teeth, cursing, "Filthy human, you''re finally awake!"

    Lin Hao ignored the little fox''s fury, instead diverting attention, "Elder Han, when did you arrive?"

    Han Liyue''s gaze was deep, her red lips parting slightly, "Just now. I sensed a violent fire spiritual energy from outside the cell..."

    "Lin Hao, what exactly happened?"

    Uh...

    Lin Hao thought Elder Han could probably guess what had happened, but since she didn''t spell it out, he wouldn''t foolishly explain.

    "Nothing much. Just a little mishap during cultivation, and this demon helped out a bit."

    Helped out a bit? More like a hundred times! The little fox was full of resentment, but in front of the always stern Elder Han, she dared not speak much.

    "As long as you''re alright..."

    Han Liyue''s gaze lingered on the little fox''s thigh, saying softly, "Demons are best at beguiling hearts, don''t fall for its tricks. The cell is not a place to linger. If you''re fine, let''s leave."

    Han Liyue pulled out a stack of paper figures from her storage bag, blowing on them. The figures grew in the wind, becoming indistinguishable from ordinary people.

    Under Han Liyue''s control, these paper figures immediately began repairing the damaged cell, including the door that had flown off and the weakened protective formation.

    After the two left, the little fox returned to her true form, her furry paws leaving three deep claw marks on the divine iron cell door.

    Filthy human, I''ve never suffered such a loss!

    Just wait, when this lady gets out, I''ll surely avenge this!

    ...

    Back at his residence.

    Lin Hao looked inside his dantian, discovering the spiritual liquid had transformed from a small pond into a small lake.

    He couldn''t help but marvel at the benefits from the ordeal with the little fox, equivalent to cultivating with a hundred Qi Refining female cultivators.

    The effect was truly extraordinary!

    So powerful it was unbelievable!

    Taking advantage of the lingering benefits of dual cultivation, Lin Hao cleared his mind of distractions, focusing on meditation and cultivation.

    With his physique, without the interference of evil fire, he could cultivate much faster than ordinary cultivators.

    Han Liyue''s divine sense, sensing the vortex of fire spiritual energy forming at Lin Hao''s residence, was shocked, her chest heaving.

    No wonder Zhan''er lost so badly; this boy is blessed with great opportunities!

    A hidden dragon in the depths, once it shows its claws, will surely cause a stir!

    She couldn''t help but feel fortunate for maintaining a good relationship with him, thinking to take better care of him in the future, as she might rely on him someday.

    With her thoughts clear, she retracted her divine sense, preparing to make a round in the prison, ensuring all demons aware of today''s events kept their mouths shut!

 Chapter 40

    Time flew by as Lin Hao meditated for seven days, solidifying his cultivation completely.

    Clang!

    A small emerald sword knocked on Lin Hao''s door.

    He opened it to hear Han Liyue''s voice.

    "That woman is here again."

    That woman... Lin Hao didn''t need to think to know she was referring to Cui Qing''er. But why did Elder Han''s tone seem a bit off?

    He stepped outside the tower and brought Cui Qing''er in.

    After some conversation, Cui Qing''er suggested they take a stroll around the Heavenly Prison, and Lin Hao naturally agreed.

    As they wandered, a commotion suddenly erupted behind them.

    "Wait here, I''ll be right back!"

    With that, Lin Hao dashed toward the source of the disturbance like the wind!

    It turned out that two demon creatures were fighting across the prison bars, while the others were jeering.

    "Courting death!"

    Lin Hao shouted fiercely!

    The jeering demons, intimidated by Lin Hao''s presence, immediately fell silent.

    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    But the two fighting demons were like madmen, entangled and relentless.

    "Disturbing the prison order, you can be executed!"

    Buzz!

    A crimson longsword flew out from the sword sheath, unleashing several sword auras.

    These two demons were only at the early second stage, and with their spiritual power sealed, they couldn''t withstand the attack and were instantly reduced to minced flesh by the sword aura.

    Lin Hao looked down at the other demons, coldly saying, "If you''re not afraid of death, feel free to test my patience."

    The other demons, seeing his decisive killing, shivered in fear and huddled quietly in the corners.

    Lin Hao hurriedly went to find Cui Qing''er, returning to the prison where they had been, only to find it empty.

    Where did that woman go?

    Frowning, he extended his spiritual sense to search for Cui Qing''er''s whereabouts.

    He discovered that she was in front of the cell holding the little fox, having a secret conversation through the bars.

    A flash of anger crossed Lin Hao''s eyes, just as he had suspected!

    Before leaving, Li Qiushui had told him that Cui Qing''er was a demon. Though he didn''t fully believe it, he had kept it in mind.

    He had long sensed something was off about the woman but hadn''t confronted her, wanting to see what tricks she was up to!

    Those two troublemaking demons must have been Cui Qing''er''s doing!

    Wretched woman!

    Just like Li Qiushui, another wretched woman!

    Both trying to use me!

    Rage surged in his heart, but outwardly he remained calm, silently approaching.

    Since the little fox''s cultivation was sealed, it couldn''t communicate telepathically, so Cui Qing''er had to whisper, making their conversation clear to Lin Hao!

    Lin Hao never expected that the little fox was actually a princess of the Demon Clan!

    And Cui Qing''er''s purpose in approaching him was to rescue the little fox!

    Ha!

    Wretched woman, such deep scheming!

    Murderous intent overflowed from Lin Hao''s eyes as he suddenly appeared before the two.

    Cui Qing''er exclaimed in surprise, "Lin... Lin Lang, why are you here?"

    Lin Hao''s lips curled into a mocking smile, "If I hadn''t come, you, demon, would have broken the seal and rescued this fox, right?"

    "Wretched woman, you''ve hidden well, haven''t you? From the start, you intended to use me!"

    "You''re just like Li Qiushui, approaching me with ulterior motives!"

    Cui Qing''er hadn''t expected Lin Hao to return so quickly and hurriedly denied, "You''ve misunderstood, I never thought you''d become a direct disciple. Before you became one, I was already intimate with you, and I''m now an inner sect disciple. I can come here freely without needing your token like Li Qiushui."

    Lin Hao coldly replied, "Do you think I''ll believe you?"

    Two women connected to him, one a demon, the other a monster, and he had trusted both. How ironic!

    "I''m a disciple of the Immortal Sect, irreconcilable with demons and monsters. Prepare to die, demon!"

    Zing!

    The sound of a sword echoed through the prison!

    Cui Qing''er wore a bitter smile.

    "I''m a demon, and Li Qiushui is a monster, but have we ever harmed you?"

    "Let''s not talk about feelings, let''s talk about benefits.

    Let''s make a deal. I''ll provide you with beauties for your cultivation every day and reveal a secret about you if you keep my identity hidden."

    "Moreover, I infiltrated the Xuan Yin Sect just to rescue the princess, not to release all the demons from the Demon Suppression Tower like Li Qiushui!"

    "Lin Hao, the secret I''m about to tell you is closely related to you, even concerning life and death!"

 Chapter 41

    "Even without today''s incident, I wanted to find an opportunity to tell you!"

    The sword in Lin Hao''s hand gleamed with a cold light.

    "You wretched woman, speak up!"

    Cui Qing''er felt a pang of sadness in her heart as Lin Hao showed no regard for their past. Wasn''t it said that feelings grow over time?

    Yet this man showed no sentiment at all, which was truly hurtful.

    Her sorrowful demeanor did not move Lin Hao. Impatiently, he said, "You''d better speak quickly, or if my patience runs out, I''ll cut you down!"

    Caught between a rock and a hard place... Cui Qing''er sighed deeply and said in a haunting voice, "What I wanted to tell you is that my approach to you indeed had ulterior motives.

    But initially, it wasn''t to rescue the princess; it was to follow the Grand Elder''s orders."

    The Grand Elder?!

    Lin Hao frowned. How could this involve the Grand Elder? He had no dealings with the Grand Elder, let alone offended him. Why would the other party send someone to approach him? What was the intention?

    Seeing the man''s furrowed brow, Cui Qing''er knew she had piqued his curiosity, so she continued to speak in detail.

    "The Grand Elder wanted me to get close to you so that we could share an intimate encounter!"

    An intimate encounter?

    Lin Hao was even more confused. What was the Grand Elder playing at?

    However, he began to understand some things. Perhaps Li Qiushui''s involvement with him was also orchestrated by the Grand Elder, and even Li Xunran...

    Cui Qing''er''s subsequent words confirmed Lin Hao''s suspicions. The Grand Elder wanted women to unintentionally become involved with him, and if they were unwilling, they could find a cultivator of the same realm to substitute.

    Thus, Cui Qing''er had framed Li Qiushui, and she guessed that Li Qiushui might have received the same order.

    "Why did the Grand Elder want you and me to be together?" Lin Hao asked coldly.

    "The Grand Elder said your physique is special, and without a female cultivator to practice with, your cultivation might not progress!"Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    "He also said you are a key figure secretly nurtured by the sect, so he arranged for female cultivators to throw themselves at you.

    But after so much contact, your physique is indeed special, yet I suspect the Grand Elder might have another purpose."

    Lin Hao was puzzled. Did the Grand Elder go to such lengths just to help him cultivate?

    Especially, why do it secretly?

    Could it be that his cultivation method did not align with the righteous path of the sect?

    It seemed that was the only explanation.

    But why hide it from him? Why not be direct?

    Lin Hao couldn''t figure it out, so he kept it in mind, planning to investigate the matter when he had the chance.

    He didn''t want to be unaware of being on a pirate ship...

    Cui Qing''er bit her lip and cautiously asked, "Lin Hao, I''ve told you the secret, can I..."

    Lin Hao glanced at the woman, memories of their battles together flooding his mind. To say there were no feelings after so long would be a lie.

    Moreover, as the woman said, she had never harmed him and had provided significant help in his cultivation.

    He glanced at the little fox again. For some reason, Lin Hao felt a strong affection for her, different from the other women he had been involved with, as if he had inexplicable feelings for her.

    He sighed inwardly and said in a cold tone, "You can leave now. Without my permission, if you dare come here again, I won''t spare you!"

    Cui Qing''er''s eyebrows arched, and she let out a long breath.

    With Lin Hao present, she couldn''t converse with her princess, so she silently bowed and left.

    With only the two of them left, the little fox, who had been silent, finally spoke.

    "I will remember your kindness for sparing my subordinate."

    "No need, it was just a transaction."

    "Yes, it was indeed a transaction..."

    "No, I mean the transaction between you and me."

    What? The little fox''s expression changed, and before she could react, she was embraced by the human.

    A day later.

    The little fox curled up in the corner, looking at the meditating man with a complex expression. She really wanted to claw his throat open.

    This guy was truly despicable!

    Repeatedly humiliating her, what did he take her for?

    After completing a cycle of his cultivation technique, Lin Hao exhaled deeply, the spiritual liquid within him having formed a lake!

    He opened his starry eyes, looking at the little fox as if she were a rare treasure.

    Being with her... was worth a month of hard cultivation!

    This woman was simply a walking elixir!

    Lin Hao, savoring the experience, approached the little fox once more...

    Meanwhile, Han Liyue, hearing the commotion from the two, murmured, "This is truly sinful!"

    Before she could finish her lament, she sensed someone entering the tower with a token, and it was a familiar face.

    The visitor moved swiftly through the cells, finally stopping in front of one.

    The bull demon inside, upon seeing the visitor, was so frightened that its limbs went weak, kowtowing and begging for mercy.

    But it failed to stir any compassion from the visitor, who soon fell into a dreamlike state.

    Human and fox... human and bull...

    Truly sinful!

    Yet in her heart, Han Liyue felt an indescribable impulse, worried that if she listened any longer, she might lose her composure, so she quickly sealed her senses.

    Lin Hao sensed someone sneaking into the prison, so he let the little fox go and went to find the intruder.

    Ha, Shui Ling''er was here again, and she was dead set on the bull demon. Did she have some special interest?

    "Senior Sister Shui, do you think this place is a teahouse? Coming and going so frequently!"

    Shui Ling''er, though practicing, had been keeping an eye on the outside ever since the last incident.

    In truth, she didn''t want to come here, mainly because the guard''s mouth was too sharp.

    But the monsters here greatly aided her charm technique cultivation, so she had no choice but to come.

    "Let me guess!"

    Lin Hao''s gaze lingered on the woman''s graceful figure.

    "Senior Sister, you come so often because you want to make a breakthrough before the inner sect competition, right?"

    He hit the nail on the head, and Shui Ling''er couldn''t help but feel annoyed, but she didn''t want to argue, so she chose not to respond.

    Lin Hao, however, had no intention of letting her off, stepping forward and giving the bull demon a kick, nearly waking it up.

    "Tsk tsk tsk, it''s been drained to skin and bones, yet you won''t let it go. Truly, the most venomous is a woman''s heart!"

    Shui Ling''er''s cultivation was at a critical point, and annoyed by Lin Hao''s interference, she knocked the bull demon unconscious.

    "Lin, are you deliberately causing trouble?"

    "Am I deliberately causing trouble?" Lin Hao''s face turned cold, his tone icy as he said, "You trespass in the prison I''m responsible for, and you think you''re in the right?"

    "Heh..."

    Shui Ling''er sneered coldly, gritting her teeth as she said, "You''re here to atone, and you think you''re important?"

    Boom!

    Spiritual energy erupted from the woman''s palm, attacking Lin Hao.

 Chapter 42

    Shui Ling''er possessed a water spiritual root, so naturally, she cultivated water-based techniques. The spiritual energy in her palm transformed into countless water arrows, shooting fiercely towards Lin Hao.

    However, Lin Hao was prepared. He raised his hand and conjured a wall of fire.

    The water arrows hit the fire wall, making a sizzling sound as steam rose.

    "Oh, a woman from Little Bamboo Peak, such a fiery temper?"

    Shui Ling''er was a bit surprised. After leaving last time, she had someone investigate the man''s background. She knew he was a newly accepted disciple of Great Bamboo Peak, and his cultivation had just broken through to Foundation Establishment. How could he so effortlessly neutralize the sudden lethal move she unleashed?

    "Are you at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment?" Shui Ling''er raised her eyebrows and asked.

    "What else?"

    He really was at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. Shui Ling''er was astonished. This guy had just become a Foundation Establishment cultivator and had already broken through a minor realm. What kind of heaven-defying cultivation aptitude was this?

    "How did you cultivate so quickly? You didn''t practice some demonic technique, did you?"

    "Want to know?" Lin Hao''s lips curled into a smile as he said indifferently, "I''m not telling you!"

    "You..."

    Facing someone with a higher cultivation level, Shui Ling''er dared not act recklessly.

    "Lin, you walk your broad road, and I''ll cross my single-plank bridge. Let''s not interfere with each other, okay?"

    "I''m afraid that''s not possible. You''re causing trouble on my turf, how can I ignore it?"

    Sensing the inappropriate gaze from the other party, Shui Ling''er cursed inwardly, calling him a lecher.

    "What exactly do you want?"Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    "It''s not about what I want, but what you can make me want."

    Shui Ling''er felt a chill from the aggressive gaze and dared not stay any longer. She walked away with her alluring legs.

    Lin Hao watched her snake-like waistline, feeling a surge of wicked fire in his heart. He was just about to turn back and find the little fox to complete his unfinished business.

    Unfortunately, Han Liyue arrived. The woman swayed her graceful hips as she walked up to Lin Hao, a hint of charm in her eyes.

    "The enforcement team is coming, better behave today."

    Enforcement team? Lin Hao looked up along the dim prison path towards the outside of the tower.

    Indeed, he saw a team of people dressed in white. They didn''t walk on the ground but stepped on a floating carpet, seemingly disdaining the dirtiness of the prison, even covering their mouths and noses, looking somewhat... pretentious.

    "They look like a flock of geese..."

    Hearing Lin Hao''s whisper, Han Liyue almost couldn''t hold back her laughter.

    She quickly stepped forward to liaise with the enforcement team.

    "Lin Hao, come quickly to meet Captain Wang of the enforcement team."

    She secretly gave Lin Hao a look, signaling him to show some respect to these fussy geese.

    She wasn''t afraid of the geese but didn''t want to cause unnecessary trouble with these nitpickers.

    Before Lin Hao could act, the so-called Captain Wang took two steps forward, his eyes like mung beans, sizing up Lin Hao.

    "You''re Lin Hao?"

    "I''ve heard about you, the fool toyed with by the witch."

    Clang!

    Lin Hao drew a flying sword and said coldly, "Say that again!"

    "Say..."

    The mung bean-eyed cultivator, accustomed to arrogance, instinctively wanted to retort, but before he could finish, he felt the scorching sword aura aimed at his neck.

    He had long heard of Lin Hao''s unruly nature, someone who feared neither heaven nor earth, but he hadn''t expected him to dare draw his sword in front of him!

    He was arrogant but not stupid.

    He wasn''t afraid of Lin Hao but feared the person behind him.

    "Elder Han, as the manager of the demon-suppressing tower, don''t you usually manage your people?"

    Han Liyue didn''t have a good impression of these geese, her words laced with subtle barbs.

    "I manage demons."

    "Hmph!"

    The mung bean-eyed man snorted coldly, flicking his robe sleeves.

    "Then let me see how you manage these demons!"

    The mung bean-eyed man led a group of geese to inspect the cells, only to find many demons either crippled or withered, and quite a few empty cells.

    He immediately acted like a wild cat smelling fish, jumping and shouting, "Elder Han, what''s going on here? I need an explanation!"

    Hearing this, Han Liyue smiled wryly. She couldn''t explain this situation. She couldn''t possibly say it was caused by two direct disciples, could she?

    Not to mention, if reported, the masters behind the disciples might take offense.

    Even if she offended these geniuses, once they grew, she wouldn''t have a good time either.

    This demon-suppressing elder treated her fairly well, so Lin Hao didn''t let her take the blame, taking responsibility himself.

    "In such a large prison, isn''t it normal for a few demons to die?"

    "Do you think it''s normal or not, Captain Wang..."

    Captain Wang''s face turned a bit ugly, "Hmph!"

    With a cold snort, Captain Wang led his men away.

    At the door, he finally dared to issue a threat, "I''ll report the situation here truthfully!"

    Seeing this, Han Liyue couldn''t help but smile.

    Lin Hao was truly domineering, not even putting the enforcement team in his eyes.

    Despite her admiration, she still reminded him earnestly, "The enforcement team is the Discipline Elder''s direct line. Offending them might lead to trouble in the sect."

    Lin Hao said nonchalantly, "Is there still room for maneuver between me and the Discipline Elder?"

    Han Liyue knew that the master of Great Bamboo Peak had turned against the Discipline Elder to protect Lin Hao, causing him to lose face in front of everyone.

    The Discipline Elder couldn''t do anything to Feng Cangyue, so naturally, he would hold Lin Hao accountable.

    "Even so, you should still watch your words and actions. After all, little devils are hard to deal with."

    "When there are too many lice, they don''t bite. When there are too many debts, they don''t worry. We''ll deal with it as it comes!"

 Chapter 43

    Time passed slowly, and half a month went by.

    On this day, Cui Qing''er came to the Demon Lock Tower to find Lin Hao.

    "Lin Hao, my plan is to wait until you participate in the inner sect competition. Once you perform outstandingly and have your punishment waived, you can leave this Demon Lock Tower, and then I''ll help rescue the princess. This way, you won''t be implicated."

    "Should I thank you for that?" Lin Hao finished the last stroke on the talisman paper, completing a middle-grade tier-two Talisman of Thunderfire.

    "How do you know I''ll perform outstandingly in the competition? The inner sect is full of geniuses, not to mention the personal disciples from each peak. None of them are easy opponents. I don''t even have confidence in myself. Can you guarantee I''ll win?"

    "Haven''t you practiced dual cultivation techniques? Plus, with your special physique, breaking through to the late Foundation Establishment stage before the inner sect competition shouldn''t be too difficult."

    "Not difficult?"

    Lin Hao snorted, his eyebrows arching like bows.

    "You make it sound easy. You''re also a Foundation Establishment cultivator. You should know that this realm is about establishing a solid foundation for immortality. Without a deep accumulation, how can one condense an elixir?"

    "And what is your current realm?"

    Cui Qing''er looked embarrassed, finding it hard to speak. "I''m still at the early Foundation Establishment stage."

    "Heh, then tell me, how can I possibly break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage within a month?"

    Cui Qing''er bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before a look of determination flashed in her eyes.

    "Actually, I have a method that can help you break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage."

    "Just say it."

    What a heartless man, can''t you just give in a little? Cui Qing''er rolled her eyes before speaking.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    "I have a secret dual cultivation technique."

    With that, she pulled a book from her bosom.

    Lin Hao looked at the yellowed book, feeling quite strange. It was actually a paper book. Why wasn''t it recorded on a jade slip?

    Cui Qing''er seemed to notice his confusion and explained, "This secret technique is an untransmittable secret of my Demon Clan, restricted by the Demon Ancestor. It can only be transcribed in books, not on jade slips."

    Lin Hao took the book and flipped through it casually, unable to help but marvel in his heart.

    What a secret technique, indeed quite demonic.

    The prerequisite for this dual cultivation technique was to simultaneously absorb the Primordial Yin of nine women.

    This... is more demonic than demonic cultivation!

    If word got out, he might really be seen as a demon and become a target for the righteous sects.

    Even his master might not protect him.

    But even if he didn''t care about his reputation and practiced this method, where would he find nine women in such a short time?

    This wasn''t one-on-one; it was like stacking Arhats!

    How many women would be willing to do this?

    Fortunately, it didn''t have to be virgins, otherwise, it would be even harder to find!

    Seeing Lin Hao hesitate, Cui Qing''er spoke up, "Don''t worry about finding female cultivators. I''ll help you with that. But give me some time, as more people means more complications."

    Lin Hao snorted, tacitly agreeing to the matter.

    "Anything else?"

    Cui Qing''er was slightly taken aback, shaking her head. "No."

    "Then leave."

    "����"

    Cui Qing''er gave him a resentful look and left in a huff.

    Lin Hao didn''t care, picking up his brush to continue drawing talismans.

    The Sect Leader''s notes had greatly aided his understanding of talismans. In just over a month, he could now draw middle-grade tier-two talismans.

    If he could further improve his talisman skills before the inner sect competition, he would be even more confident.

    Huh?

    Lin Hao packed up his talisman tools and was about to meditate when he suddenly found himself enveloped in darkness.

    He couldn''t see his hand in front of his face.

    A trace of panic rose in his heart, and he quickly tapped the sword sheath on his back. With the sword in hand, he felt a bit more secure.

    But the thick darkness still prevented him from seeing anything.

    Lin Hao fumbled in his pocket for a Bright Flame Talisman, intending to chant and use it, only to find he had no spiritual power at all.

    What''s going on?

    Panic crept into his heart.

    At that moment, thunder roared.

    Boom!

    Boom!

    Boom!

    Snake-like lightning tore through the sticky darkness, letting in a sliver of light.

    Lin Hao quickly imprinted the scene he saw into his mind.

    He was outside the inner sect''s library, on an ancient thousand-year-old locust tree, where hundreds of dried corpses hung.

    All these corpses faced the same direction, which was where Lin Hao stood.

    Their hollow eyes met his.

    A chill ran up Lin Hao''s spine, reaching the top of his head.

    The robes on the corpses were all Xuan Yin Sect''s robes, meaning there were no outsiders hanging there.

    But... why was he here?

    He was clearly in the Demon Lock Tower... suddenly appearing here was truly bizarre.

    Moreover, there was no elder guarding the library.

    Could this be an illusion?

    Lin Hao bit his tongue lightly; it hurt, and the darkness before him remained unchanged.

    Not an illusion? Was he trapped by some powerful figure?

    His mind filled with chaotic thoughts, and his hand holding the sword trembled slightly. The unknown was more terrifying.

    But in his list of enemies, there shouldn''t be any powerful figures.

    Among the high-ranking members of the Xuan Yin Sect, only the Discipline Elder had a grudge against him.

    But would that old dog dare use such a method?

    To manage sect rules yet violate them to punish a disciple, unless the old dog didn''t want his elder position anymore.

    Boom!

    Another flash of lightning.

    In a fleeting glance.

    Lin Hao saw the elder guarding the library, his hollow eyes staring directly at him, and his eyes glowed, piercing through Lin Hao''s body.

    Then he was hung on the ancient locust tree.

    Heh...

    Exposed, this is an illusion!

 Chapter 44

    Before Lin Hao could smile, a woman appeared before him��it was none other than his master, Feng Cangyue.

    His master wore a red dress, like a blazing sun illuminating the darkness, her skin smooth as jade...

    Boom!

    Boom!

    Boom!

    Thunder roared continuously.

    The red-clad master licked her lips.

    In the midst of darkness.

    "You... you''re pressing on me."

    His master''s voice was as cold as ice, calm and indifferent.

    "......"

    Hearing this, Lin Hao''s eyes flashed with astonishment.

    How am I pressing on my master? Clearly, I''m a hundred meters away from her.

    Then Lin Hao noticed someone sitting next to his master.

    It was clearly himself!

    Me?

    Lin Hao was dumbfounded.

    How could there be another me, and entangled with my master? Isn''t this betraying my master...

    Is this really something I would do?

    In the next moment.

    Countless heavenly thunders, like thousands of serpents, struck his body!

    The real pain in his body, along with the mental torment, made Lin Hao instinctively glance back,

    And it was this glance that sent a chill from his tailbone straight to his head.

    The scene before his eyes transformed again.

    Amidst countless female cultivators, there was only one of him.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    Those countless graceful figures, countless long legs, gathered together, yet there was not a hint of beauty.

    Instead, it made Lin Hao''s scalp tingle.

    Especially when the myriad female cultivators smiled charmingly.

    "......"

    His mind went blank for a moment, and Lin Hao couldn''t help but wonder, what''s happening to me, what kind of illusion am I in?

    He clearly knew he was under an illusion.

    Yet he couldn''t break free from his current predicament, the fear of the unknown exploded in Lin Hao''s heart, and his body trembled involuntarily.

    He felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, stiff and unable to even lift a finger.

    He could only watch helplessly as that "self" became the nourishment for the countless female cultivators.

    The scene was extremely intense.

    He saw that self visibly thin out, rapidly shriveling, and eventually becoming just a skin.

    He was stunned for almost the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, then began to forcibly control his stiff body, trying to turn his head again to see if the scene would change once more.

    "Don''t move, you''re blocking me."

    The familiar tone made Lin Hao feel both fear and relief.

    Master... Master is still here...

    But in the next second, he heard the sound of a sword.

    A scorching wave of fire rose behind him.

    Buzz!

    It sounded like a dragon''s roar or a phoenix''s cry.

    A sword light like flames flashed through the darkness,

    Boom!

    A sky-covering wave of fiery sword energy engulfed the countless female cultivators, and also swallowed Lin Hao.

    The pain in his flesh was unlike a dream.

    Lin Hao was bewildered, what exactly was happening to him, just then, he heard a woman''s giggle.

    His body was no longer stiff, and he turned to look back, Shui Ling''er was looking at him with a smile in her eyes.

    Her sky-blue dress was spotless, her feet white and tender as jade, stepping on the waves.

    It was this woman''s doing.

    He had thought it might be the Grand Elder''s doing, or perhaps Han Liyue, or even the little fox.

    But he never expected it to be this woman before him.

    Shui Ling''er walked on the waves, her gaze bright as she looked ahead.

    "I didn''t expect your dreams to be so varied."

    "The first scene, outside the Scripture Repository of the inner sect, you were hung on a thousand-year-old locust tree, this is your inner fear, your fear of the sect''s rules!"

    "The second scene, you thought of a woman in red, you want to have her, it must be your obsession, the one you love but cannot have."

    "The third scene, you died under your master''s sword, it should be your worry that your desires will anger your master."

    A strange look flashed in Lin Hao''s eyes.

    Shui Ling''er could know his fantasies, but not so accurately.

    Fortunately, it was so.

    Otherwise, if his inner thoughts were spread out, he feared his master would really cut him down with her sword.

    Quick as lightning, he flashed behind the woman and grabbed her slender wrist.

    "Since you''re so good at analyzing, why don''t you analyze what I want to do now?"

    Feeling the man''s gaze like a blade, Shui Ling''er''s heart trembled slightly.

    "Being killed three times in this dreamland, how can you still move?"

    Lin Hao''s gaze fell on the woman''s exquisite face, he said calmly, "Because from the beginning to the end, I knew I was in an illusion, just playing along with you."

    "No... impossible!"

    Shui Ling''er widened her eyes, looking incredulous.

    "Heh, nothing''s impossible."

    "You like using charm techniques so much, why don''t we do something real, I guarantee it''ll benefit you more than absorbing from monsters!"

    "You..." Shui Ling''er struggled fiercely, but found she couldn''t break free from the man''s grip.

    "Once is worth a thousand times, how about this deal?"

    Lin Hao lowered his head slightly, whispering in the woman''s ear.

    The fiery breath made the woman''s body a bit soft.

    "Lin, what exactly do you want to do?"

    "You''re so beautiful, so alluring, naturally I want you to be my Dao Companion, and dual cultivate with you."

    Hearing these words, the woman''s face flushed with embarrassment.

    "To be my Dao Companion, you must be a genius of the sect!"

    "Genius, am I not?" Lin Hao asked puzzled, he was the number one in the outer sect.

    Shui Ling''er had inquired about him.

    Upon learning that he advanced from early Foundation Establishment to mid Foundation Establishment in just over a month, she was shocked by his cultivation speed, and after discovering he liked mingling with women,

    She concluded he relied on dual cultivation techniques, so she came this time to extract the technique.

    But he didn''t fall for it, instead, she got caught.

    "What kind of genius are you, at most you''re a talent, a genius can rank in the inner sect, at least in the top hundred, and you''re not late Foundation Establishment, can''t be in the top hundred, and even if you are late stage, it requires some luck."

    Lin Hao said calmly, "Then how about we make a bet?"

    The woman frowned.

    "What do you mean?"

    "If I become one of the top hundred in the inner sect, you become my Dao Companion."

    The woman''s lips curled into a mocking smile.

    This guy is really arrogant, even those at late Foundation Establishment don''t dare claim they''ll be in the top hundred of the sect, can you, at mid-stage, do it?

    She felt she had the upper hand.

    "If you fail, you must let me read your dual cultivation technique."

 Chapter 45

    The woman''s real intention was to get my dual cultivation techniques.

    Understanding the situation, Lin Hao mocked, "What? Not satisfied with the current state and want to experience something more fulfilling?"

    Shui Ling''er raised her delicate eyebrows and bit her lip, "Lin, we''ve already discussed this. Let go of me."

    "Who told you we had an agreement?" Lin Hao tightened his grip on her wrist, leaving a red mark on her fair, smooth skin.

    "Lin, don''t go too far!"

    "Is this too far?"

    "Then you haven''t seen anything yet."

    Lin Hao was almost face to face with her.

    "I''m curious, how did you sneak into my cave dwelling without a sound? You must have cultivated some stealth techniques."

    "Here''s the deal, I''ll give you two choices."

    "Either hand over the technique or face my judgment right here."

    "Heh, I hope you choose the latter."

    Lin Hao''s lips curled into a wicked smile.

    Sensing that Lin Hao was serious, Shui Ling''er was frightened. Despite her charm techniques, she was still a maiden at heart.

    Her face turned pale, "Lin Hao, don''t act recklessly. We can talk this out."

    "Don''t test my patience. Make your choice quickly," Lin Hao said impatiently.

    Realizing she had no choice, Shui Ling''er regretted provoking this scoundrel. Now she was trapped.

    Today wouldn''t end well, she sighed heavily.

    Compared to her own purity, she could only choose to offer the escape technique, though she felt unwilling.

    She had paid a great price to obtain this technique.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    But as she felt his hand nearing the forbidden, she cried out sharply, "Stop!"

    With a thought, a jade slip containing the technique appeared.

    "Here it is."

    Lin Hao drew the jade slip into his hand and sent a strand of his consciousness to examine it, immediately captivated by the intricacy of the escape technique.

    This technique could hide one''s aura and quickly escape or approach a target.

    Seeing Lin Hao''s eagerness, Shui Ling''er was filled with resentment. This scoundrel was overly cautious, fearing she might deceive him.

    Lin Hao only needed a brief look to realize the technique''s profoundness, clearly not a forgery. He then recorded the contents onto a blank jade slip.

    After recording the technique, Lin Hao released her hand.

    "Go on, why aren''t you leaving?"

    Seeing her still there, he urged her to leave.

    "Return the jade slip to me."

    "That''s not possible," Lin Hao said nonchalantly, playing with the jade slip.

    "I''ll keep this jade slip temporarily to prevent you from accusing me of attacking a fellow disciple and stealing techniques."

    "��"

    Shui Ling''er was speechless.

    She left in a huff.

    ...

    During the Lesser Heat, the air was steaming, and the rare herbs on the mountain were wilting.

    Disciples of Little Bamboo Peak rode flying swords, casting water spells to bring down rain and drive away the summer heat.

    Their graceful figures brought coolness but also stirred the hearts of many male disciples.

    With nothing better to do, they looked up at the sky, hoping to encounter a generous fairy, but luck wasn''t on their side.

    After looking up for a long time, they didn''t see the scene they wished for.

    Among the crowd were young men in white robes with the character "Xuan" embroidered on their chests. They were elite inner disciples, usually out on missions, earning contribution points and seizing opportunities, fearing to fall behind on the Immortal Path.

    But with the inner sect competition approaching, they had all returned to prepare for it.

    Seeing the gawking male cultivators, the elite disciples felt disdain. A bunch of lustful fools, didn''t they know that desire was a stumbling block on the path to immortality?

    However, they weren''t there to scorn the fallen male cultivators but to gather news.

    To see if any rising stars had emerged and prepare countermeasures in advance.

    "Rising stars? I''m not sure, but there''s a fierce one from Great Bamboo Peak," said a burly male cultivator, rubbing his sore neck.

    "A fierce one from Great Bamboo Peak? Tell us more."

    "This fierce one is named Lin Hao. He was unknown in the outer sect but rose powerfully during the outer sect competition, claiming the top spot."

    "Heh, is that all?" A young man with a jade-like face and disdain in his eyes asked. Which elite disciple hadn''t entered the inner sect as the top of the outer sect?

    Could this be called fierce? It seemed the newcomers weren''t very strong.

    "Hey, don''t be hasty. I haven''t finished yet!

    This fierce one colluded with a female demon cultivator and released a thousand great demons!"

    "Oh my, committing such a heinous crime, wasn''t he stripped of his cultivation and expelled from the sect?"

    "No��"

    "Lin Hao is Master Feng''s last disciple, you should know��" The burly cultivator lowered his voice.

    "Everyone in the Xuan Yin Sect knows Master Feng is fiercely protective.

    Not to mention her last disciple, even if an ordinary disciple made a mistake, she would defend them."

    "Didn''t the Discipline Elder seek justice?"

    "He did, but Master Feng slapped him away."

    "��"

    The person rubbed his chin, feeling bitter. This was indeed a fierce one, not to be provoked, especially not the disciple of that person.

    ...

    Leng Fengchun sat at the mountain peak, the strong wind making her clothes flutter, a long sword resting across her knees.

    A high-grade yellow-tier magical treasure, Wenxin.

    Since her defeat by Lin Hao in the outer sect competition, she had been practicing swordsmanship atop this thousand-foot-high peak.

    Everything that happened on that stage was etched deeply in her mind.

    She started cultivating at six, practiced swordsmanship at eight, and joined the Xuan Yin Sect, fighting all the way without ever losing.

    Lin Hao was the first to defeat her, so she gave him her previous sword.

    Her goal was to surpass him in their next duel and reclaim her sword!

    For this, she practiced swordsmanship day and night against the fierce winds, her understanding of the sword path growing ever deeper.

    Aunt Xue said her sword skills were no weaker than a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, but she felt it wasn''t enough.

    "To ease the obsession in my heart, there''s no choice but to train diligently!"

    "I hope to face Lin Hao again in the inner sect competition!"

    Standing at the mountain peak, Leng Fengchun''s eyes shone like stars, a faint smile on her heroic face.

 Chapter 46

    Ethereal Peak, the living area for direct disciples.

    A cave dwelling filled with the fragrance of orchids.

    Jiang Shuyan wore a light purple dress, her feet as smooth as jade stepping on the plush carpet.

    Her hair cascaded like a waterfall, her cheeks were delicate, and her peach blossom eyes sparkled with brilliance.

    She held a cup of spiritual tea, its aroma wafting, and looked coldly at the person kneeling in the center of the hall.

    "Are you saying Lin Hao possesses a great opportunity, which is why he cultivates so quickly?"

    "Yes, Sis... Senior Sister, I''ve known this kid for a long time. He was only at the sixth level of Qi Refining after three years in the sect. How could he possibly reach Foundation Establishment in less than half a year?"

    "He must have some treasure on him!"

    "If Senior Sister could obtain this treasure and advance her cultivation, she would surely shine in the inner sect competition!"

    "What you say makes sense, but..."

    Jiang Shuyan stood up, the softness in her peach blossom eyes completely gone, replaced by a coldness as she looked at Jiang Mingfei.

    "But, you''re using me as a tool, aren''t you? You have a grudge against Lin Hao, and because your cultivation is inferior, you want to use me to deal with him."

    Kneeling on the ground, Jiang Mingfei was drenched in sweat. Though they both belonged to the Jiang family, their cultivation talents were worlds apart.

    He barely made it into the inner sect, blending in with the crowd.

    But Jiang Shuyan was a prodigy, a direct disciple!

    Thus, their statuses in the Jiang family were incomparable.

    If it weren''t for his grandfather being an elder of the Xuan Yin Sect, he wouldn''t even have the right to speak to her face-to-face.

    He trembled as he said, "Senior Sister, I have no intention of using you. I just want to help you."

    "Do you think I can''t see through your little schemes? But I don''t care, understand?"

    "Yes... Senior Sister."

    Jiang Mingfei felt his back soaked with sweat.

    After a long while, Jiang Shuyan chuckled softly, confidence shining in her peach blossom eyes: "Fine, I want to be in the top thirty of the competition anyway, so I''ll be your tool this once."

    "But if I find out you lied to me afterward, watch out for your life. Not even your grandfather can save you!"

    "Is Senior Sister Jiang here?" Just as Jiang Shuyan was issuing her threat, a voice came from outside the cave.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Why is she here?

    Jiang Shuyan frowned, a trace of coldness flashing in her eyes.

    After letting Jiang Mingfei leave through the back door, she got up and opened the cave dwelling''s door.

    "Do you have business here?"

    Looking at the veiled woman, Jiang Shuyan showed no hint of a smile, her voice as cold as an icicle in the dead of winter.

    "Can''t I come to see you without a reason, Senior Sister?"

    "Hmph, if you have something to say, say it. Don''t disgust me here."

    The veiled woman, unfazed by her cold demeanor, smiled slightly: "Knowing that Senior Sister struggles to break through her current realm, I''m here to bring you a great opportunity."

    Jiang Shuyan raised an eyebrow, speaking coldly: "Say what you mean, don''t beat around the bush. I don''t have time for idle chatter."

    "Senior Sister, we''re of the same clan, yet you treat me like this." Seeing her about to get angry, the veiled woman finally spoke softly.

    "I found you a husband."

    "What?!"

    Jiang Shuyan was momentarily stunned, not grasping the woman''s intent. When she realized, her face darkened, and she shouted angrily, "Are you making fun of me?"

    At this, the veiled woman remained unperturbed, speaking leisurely: "How dare I make fun of you, Senior Sister? I truly wish to ease your worries."

    "Should I thank you then?" Jiang Shuyan sneered, a cold glint in her eyes, "Get out before I get angry!"

    "Senior Sister..." The veiled woman stepped forward, her bright eyes filled with concern.

    "Senior Sister, the person I want to introduce to you is a once-in-a-millennium cultivation genius. Together, you would be a perfect match, and your cultivation would advance by leaps and bounds!"

    "You think I''ll believe that?" Jiang Shuyan''s lips curled into a mocking smile, speaking coldly.

    "What kind of trash could you know? I bet you mistook a beggar for a treasure!"

    The veiled woman seemed a bit angry, her voice gradually turning icy: "Senior Sister, I''ve always respected you and sincerely wish you well, so please leave me some dignity."

    "Hmph!" Jiang Shuyan snorted coldly, her peach blossom eyes full of ridicule.

    "Dignity, Cui Qing''er, you''ve degraded yourself, mingling with humans all day. Have you forgotten your identity and your mission here?"

    Cui Qing''er tore off her veil, her pretty face frosty.

    "I haven''t forgotten; I know exactly why I''m here!"

    "Do you really think you''re the Jiang family''s precious jewel? Do you enjoy being pampered?"

    "Jiang Shuyan, I''m telling you, I''m here to bring you an opportunity. If you miss it, don''t regret it later."

    ...

    Time flew by, and only three days remained until the competition. During this period, Cui Qing''er, as promised, kept bringing female cultivators to Lin Hao, but most were at the Qi Refining stage, offering little help to his cultivation.

    Unable to gather nine women, Lin Hao felt a bit anxious, but he couldn''t control the situation and could only rely on Cui Qing''er to handle it.

    With his cultivation stuck, Lin Hao focused on studying spells. The escape technique he got from Shui Ling''er was truly exquisite. Even as a beginner, he felt his movement speed increase slightly.

    If he could master it, he could stealthily infiltrate, making it an essential spell for assassination and arson.

    As he was engrossed in studying the jade slip of the technique, he suddenly heard Cui Qing''er''s voice transmission.

    He stepped out of the tower and saw Cui Qing''er leading seven veiled women.

    These women weren''t just veiled; they used spells to prevent being seen.

    Lin Hao could only tell they had great figures, not their appearances.

    However, one of them felt familiar, seemingly Li Xunran.

    "Lin Hao, I''ve brought seven women, including myself, making eight. This is the best I can do. After all, if word got out, it would tarnish our reputations, so the female cultivators I approached were unwilling to do this.

    You''ll have to find the last one yourself, just find someone to make up the numbers!" Cui Qing''er transmitted.

    "Me...?"

    "I think the Demon Subduing Elder would be a good choice. As a woman, I can tell she''s been stirred."

    "She''s a bit old, but for the sake of advancing your cultivation, you might have to endure."

    "Why should I endure?"

    Lin Hao''s lips curled into a cold smile, speaking calmly: "I have someone more suitable than the Demon Subduing Elder."

    With that, Lin Hao went straight to the prison and brought the little fox to his residence.

    Seeing Lin Hao bring the Demon Clan princess, Cui Qing''er was stunned.

    "Lin Hao, you''re bold! How can you disrespect the prin... this person?"

    "Disrespect?" Lin Hao directly pulled the little fox into his arms, speaking domineeringly.

    "My relationship with her is far closer than you can imagine."

    Seeing the princess''s lack of strong reaction, Cui Qing''er was dumbfounded.

    "Could it be... the princess has already lost herself to this vile man?"

    Having some experience, she carefully observed and indeed found the princess''s brow opened, clearly no longer a virgin.

    All the women present, except for Li Xunran, were shocked.

    They were all from the Demon Clan, infiltrating the Xuan Yin Sect to rescue the Demon Clan princess.

    Now, before they could rescue her, they found out she had lost her purity, leaving them all dumbfounded.

    If the Green Mountain Demon King knew, they would face severe punishment, so they exchanged glances, deciding to keep this a secret, never to be revealed.

    They also planned to eliminate Li Xunran after this matter was settled, as the fewer people who knew, the better.

    Cui Qing''er was filled with regret. To keep the women compliant with Lin Hao''s ''cultivation,'' she had secretly drugged them.

    But now, with the princess brought in, wasn''t she aiding the enemy? She was caught in a dilemma.

    Like Cui Qing''er, another person was also conflicted.

    Jiang Shuyan!

    After Cui Qing''er left last time, she suddenly realized Cui Qing''er was involved with Lin Hao, the Lin Hao Jiang Mingfei mentioned. So she found Cui Qing''er again, pretending to agree, intending to seize Lin Hao''s opportunity.

    Her face hidden under the veil was filled with complex emotions. With the princess here and having such a relationship with Lin Hao, should she act now?

    But as soon as the thought of acting arose, she found herself weak, her body heating up.

    Cui Qing''er had drugged her, no, drugged them all!

    It seemed she was about to suffer the consequences of her own scheming.

 Chapter 47

    A day later.

    After finishing the secret technique training, only Cui Qing''er, the little fox, and a woman Lin Hao didn''t recognize remained in the bedroom. The others had left.

    The three women were all sitting cross-legged in meditation, clearly having gained significant benefits this time.

    Lin Hao looked inward at his dantian, where the spiritual liquid had transformed into a mighty, unending river.

    He had broken through to the late Foundation Establishment stage!

    A sense of pride rose in his heart; his cultivation speed was unmatched in the Xuan Yin Sect.

    Now, participating in the inner sect competition, breaking into the top hundred would be no problem.

    If he could advance to the peak of Foundation Establishment, he might even challenge the top ten!

    Of course, the most important thing now was to stabilize his cultivation and avoid arrogance and impatience.

    While the three women were still meditating, Lin Hao closed his eyes again to digest the gains from his cultivation.

    Another half day passed.

    Jiang Shuyan awoke, the shackles that had troubled her for a year now shattered.

    She had successfully broken through to the late Foundation Establishment stage!

    Having been stuck at a bottleneck for a year without breaking through, she was surprised to have done so now.

    Her eyes were filled with complex emotions, her heart empty and confused.

    She had originally intended to seize the opportunity from him, but instead, she had gained nothing.

    If this got out, how could she face anyone?

    No, she had to find a way to make Jiang Mingfei keep his mouth shut when she returned, preferably forever.

    She suddenly realized that the so-called opportunity Jiang Mingfei spoke of might be the man''s cultivation method or his special physique.

    Because she noticed that the man, who was originally at the mid Foundation Establishment stage, had already broken through to the late stage. Clearly, the man had gained more from this cultivation session.

    Seeing the man still in meditation, a hint of killing intent rose in her heart.

    If she smashed his head, she could avenge her humiliation and the princess''s loss of innocence!

    However, considering Lin Hao''s identity and the fact that the Demon Lock Tower and the guarding elder were watching, killing him now would bring her big trouble.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    As she approached, the spiritual power in her palm dissipated, and she sighed heavily, "Forget it, I''ll find another opportunity later."

    She lightly stepped away from the cave dwelling.

    Lin Hao opened his eyes, watching the departing figure, and murmured to himself.

    "Good thing you changed your mind in time, or I would have had to destroy the flower."

    Soon after, Cui Qing''er awoke, having gained considerable benefits, her cultivation nearly reaching the mid Foundation Establishment stage.

    She got up to wake the princess but was stopped by Lin Hao''s voice.

    "Her cultivation is sealed, yet she can meditate. Clearly, it''s a great opportunity. If you, a demon, disrupt the Demon Clan princess''s opportunity, aren''t you afraid of becoming a sinner among the Demon Clan?"

    Hearing this, Cui Qing''er paused, her face showing complex emotions as she stared blankly at the man.

    "After enjoying yourself and gaining so much, why are you still lingering here?"

    Hearing the eviction order, a trace of resentment flashed in Cui Qing''er''s eyes as she reluctantly said.

    "Lin Hao, I advise you to be careful. The princess''s status is noble. If the Green Mountain Demon King finds out you''ve defiled the princess''s purity, even the Xuan Yin Sect Leader won''t be able to protect you."

    Lin Hao''s lips curled into a sneer as he coldly replied, "You don''t need to scare me. Do you think I''m foolish?

    As a spy from the Demon Clan planted in the Xuan Yin Sect, your job is not only to plan the princess''s rescue but also to ensure her personal safety at all times.

    Now that something has happened to her, can you absolve yourself of responsibility?

    Not just you, but all the Demon Clan insiders in the Xuan Yin Sect can''t escape blame.

    So we''re all in the same boat. You''d better think about how to cover this up."

    "By the way, compared to you, the Xuan Yin Sect is my home ground. Even if I offend that so-called Demon King, you''ll be in trouble before I am."

    Cui Qing''er was left speechless, a hint of anger on her fair face.

    "Lin Hao, you''re really heartless!"

    "Right back at you."

    Lin Hao waved his sleeve, ushering the woman out of the room, then walked over to the little fox.

    "Your subordinates are gone, stop pretending."

    Seeing the little fox still not opening her eyes, Lin Hao said nothing more and reached out to grab the woman...

    The little fox jumped up, embarrassed and angry, "Lin Hao, can''t you be less shameless?"

    "Me, shameless?" Lin Hao pulled the woman into his arms, domineeringly saying.

    "You eat my food, sleep in my place, and still linger here, and you call me shameless?"

    "Who''s lingering here?"

    "If you''re not, then why wake up early and not leave?"

    "I just..." The little fox''s voice trailed off, soft and tender.

    "The women you brought are almost all from my Demon Clan. I really can''t face them."

    There was a hint of grievance in the little fox''s tone.

    ...

    At the Sect Leader''s palace on Ethereal Peak.

    Sect Leader Ouyang sat at the head seat, her phoenix eyes filled with affection.

    "Xue''er, do you wish to participate in this competition?"

    Ning Qingxue, the only disciple of the Xuan Yin Sect Leader, sat cross-legged on a cushion, with a sword lying flat on the small table in front of her.

    She wore a black dress, her stunning face untouched by makeup, her eyes bright and clear.

    "Will the two disciples of Ethereal Peak''s master return?"

    "They are on a secret mission and won''t return," Sect Leader Ouyang said, her tone shifting with a smile.

    Sect Leader Ouyang knew her disciple''s proud nature well; few young talents in the sect could catch her eye.

    If there were no opponents of interest in this competition, she might not be inclined to participate.

    "Though those two youngsters from Ethereal Peak won''t return, those old fellows in seclusion plan to have their disciples compete. You can use them to test your sword."

    Ning Qingxue stood up, picked up the sword from the table, and clasped her hands in salute, "Thank you, Master, for allowing me. I''ll go practice my sword."

    Watching her disciple''s departing figure, Sect Leader Ouyang''s phoenix eyes were filled with shifting thoughts, leaving no one knowing what the sect leader was thinking.

    ...

    "Lin Hao, come to my place, we need to talk."

    After all the women had left, Han Liyue, unable to hold back any longer, sent a voice transmission to Lin Hao.

    Elder Han is looking for me, what could it be? Lin Hao felt a bit puzzled and soon arrived at Han Liyue''s residence.

    Out of courtesy, he knocked on the door.

    "Come in."

    Lin Hao pushed the door open and entered.

    It was his first time at Elder Han''s residence.

    Upon entering, he saw draped curtains, walls covered in silk, a meticulously carved jade bed, embroidered quilts, and several sachets hanging from the curtain hooks, emitting a faint fragrance.

    But Lin Hao distinctly smelled something unusual in the fragrance, indicating that Elder Han was quite the character.

    He was about to ask when Elder Han spoke first.

    "Sit."

    Hearing this, Lin Hao sat cross-legged on a cushion, with a small incense burner on the low table in front of him, emitting wisps of purple smoke.

    "Elder Han, what do you need from me?"

    "Lin Hao, you''ve been here for quite some time. What do you think of me as a person?"

    What does she mean by suddenly asking this? Lin Hao silently complained in his heart, could it be that her heart is stirring?

    His lips curled slightly as he said, "Elder Han, you guard the Demon Lock Tower diligently, truly admirable."

    Han Liyue gave him a soft look and said gently, "I don''t want to hear these pleasantries. I want to know, what do you think of me... as a woman?"

    "......"

    Lin Hao looked up at the woman, seeing the thick allure on her face, combined with the lingering exotic fragrance at his nose, he instantly understood her true intention.

 Chapter 48

    The woman still possessed charm and elegance, truly captivating.

    But considering the age gap between them, especially since she was Wang Jingzhan''s mother, Lin Hao thought it best not to complicate matters.

    So he feigned ignorance and said, "Elder Han is broad-minded and has raised her son well, a model mother indeed."

    Han Liyue, having experienced much more in life than Lin Hao, understood his meaning, and a trace of disappointment flashed in her eyes.

    She realized she was getting old, unable to compete with those young female cultivators.

    Lin Hao''s rejection was something she could understand, but it still made her angry, so her attitude turned cold.

    "I understand," she said, flicking her finger to extinguish the burning incense.

    "Leave, and let''s pretend nothing happened today."

    Leaving the woman''s residence, Lin Hao couldn''t help but smile wryly, thinking he might have offended Elder Han.

    He figured he should restrain himself from indulging in nightly revelries, lest he provoke a woman''s jealousy and get backstabbed.

    But it didn''t matter; he was confident he would shine in the inner sect competition and leave this wretched place soon.

    The day before the competition.

    The Xuan Yin Sect was bustling with excitement.

    A hundred stages made of black gold were set up on Chaoyang Peak.

    Since it was at the peak, the entire area was used for building the stages, so there were no stands, but that didn''t stop the cultivators from watching.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Those who came to watch the inner sect competition were all quite skilled, at least at the early Foundation Establishment stage, and watching a match while standing on a flying sword was a breeze!

    Cultivators below Foundation Establishment also had ways to watch; they could hitch a ride on a Foundation Establishment master''s flying sword, though it required some spirit stones.

    For Qi Refining stage cultivators, watching higher-level cultivators could enhance their understanding of cultivation, making the cost in spirit stones worthwhile.

    Especially for those shrewd cultivators looking to take this opportunity to befriend inner sect disciples.

    So that when they entered the inner sect themselves, they would have some backing.

    Compared to the outer sect, the inner sect of Xuan Yin Sect had far fewer disciples, less than 2,000, and a significant portion of them were out on secret missions, so only over 1,000 participated in the competition.

    The night passed without incident.

    In the morning, Lin Hao went to see Han Liyue to report.

    "Elder Han, I''m going to participate in the inner sect competition, so I''ll be troubling you for a while."

    The woman did not reply.

    Lin Hao thought she was probably still angry, but he couldn''t possibly coax her.

    He simply bowed deeply outside her cave dwelling and then stepped onto his flying sword, heading to Chaoyang Peak.

    With a goose-yellow sword sheath on his back, Lin Hao ascended Chaoyang Peak and looked towards the sect master''s palace, where he indeed saw Feng Cangyue.

    His master was still in a red long dress, standing out among the white robes like a white rose in a camellia bush.

    He made his way through the crowd and respectfully saluted Feng Cangyue.

    "Master."

    Feng Cangyue nodded slightly and extended her jade-like finger, shooting out a stream of light.

    "This is for you. Perform well on the stage and don''t disgrace the prestige of Great Bamboo Peak."

    "Yes, Master."

    Lin Hao knew that what his master bestowed must be a rare treasure, but he restrained his curiosity and did not check it on the spot.

    "Go on."

    Lin Hao saluted again and prepared to return to the stage to await the start of the competition.

    Unlike when he came, on the way back, he heard a lot of chatter.

    It was because not many had recognized him earlier; with nearly 30,000 people in the Xuan Yin Sect, countless strange events occurred every month.

    His "collusion" with the witch had long been forgotten.

    But when people saw him salute Feng Cangyue, those dusty memories were awakened, and they began to point fingers at him.

    "That''s him, the ruthless one who colluded with the witch and released a thousand great demons."

    "Nearly a hundred of our sect''s disciples died because of this."

    "The Discipline Elder wanted to punish him, but was slapped away by Master Feng."

    "Because of him, many were implicated."

    "What a scoundrel, how does he still have the face to stay in the sect?"

    Ha, a bunch of hypocrites, only daring to point fingers behind his back?

    Lin Hao smirked, his eyes cold, ready to retort, but before he could speak, a clear voice like a mountain spring rang out.

    "You take hearsay as truth, is that worthy of a cultivator''s identity?

    If you can''t even discern basic right from wrong, has your cultivation gone to the dogs?"

    Leng Fengchun, clad in white, with a sword named Wenxin on her back, exuded a heroic aura that made many men feel ashamed.

    "Who are you to stand up for Lin Hao?" a cultivator with triangular eyes sneered, his eyes darting around.

    "Are you also his lover?"

    Clang!

    Wenxin was unsheathed.

    The cold tip of the sword pointed directly at the throat of the triangular-eyed man.

    "If you can''t speak properly, I can make sure you never speak again."

 Chapter 49

    The man with triangular eyes was drenched in cold sweat, sensing the chilling intent to kill emanating from the woman.

    His legs trembled as he stammered, "Fellow... fellow cultivator, let''s talk this over."

    Clang!

    Wenxin returned to its sheath!

    The man with triangular eyes fled in panic, disappearing into the crowd.

    "Brother Lin!" Leng Fengchun clasped his hands in greeting, dimples appearing on his cheeks.

    "Long time no see," Lin Hao replied with a gentle smile, as warm as jade.

    He had always had a favorable impression of this valiant woman, and now, having stood up for him, he felt a sense of gratitude towards her.

    "Brother Dao, I hope to face you again on the stage."

    Leng Fengchun''s slender frame erupted with overwhelming battle intent.

    Lin Hao patted the sword sheath on his back and said with a smile, "This sword sheath is still quite empty."

    Leng Fengchun laughed heartily, "If I win this time, I''ll take back the Bluebird; if I lose, I''ll give you this Wenxin."

    "Agreed."

    The two admired each other but were not close friends. They exchanged challenges and began preparing for the upcoming competition.

    Lin Hao found an empty spot, sat cross-legged, and took out the Magical Treasure his master had given him.

    It was a sword pill!This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    Similar to a sword talisman treasure, the sword pill could unleash a sword light. However, unlike the talisman treasure, which loses its spiritual essence after multiple uses, the sword pill could be used indefinitely.

    Even more precious, a sword pill required an Elemental Infant cultivator to spend decades of effort to refine, and they would only do so for their own kin.

    His master''s gesture was deeply meaningful.

    Lin Hao held the sword pill, unable to part with it.

    Although he couldn''t unleash its full power yet, it would have miraculous effects in critical moments. Moreover, this sword pill was a killing sword, full of ferocity.

    Offensive Magical Treasures emphasized a single strike to cut down everything!

    He felt that using such a strategic trump card in the inner sect competition would be a waste, so he carefully stored it back in his Storage Bag.

    He looked up at the stage and then patted the sword sheath on his back.

    "Xiang Xiaoyuan, join me in battle."

    This competition adopted a pure knockout system, one-on-one, with the winner advancing and the loser being eliminated.

    Moreover, the match arrangements were handled by a mysterious elder, and participants only knew their opponents when they were about to step onto the stage.

    Despite the large number of participants, the competition progressed quickly due to the varying levels of strength among individuals.

    Lin Hao was drawn to appear in the third batch, which meant he waited for an hour before stepping onto the stage.

    Seeing his first opponent, he was quite surprised.

    Wang Jingzhan... They had faced each other not long ago, and Lin Hao had been the victor.

    He hadn''t expected to encounter the man who had once defeated him in the first match.

    Wang Jingzhan''s heart surged with battle intent, feeling that fate had given him a chance to reclaim his honor.

    So, he exclaimed passionately, "Let''s fight!"

    Lin Hao''s lips curled slightly, and he said somewhat helplessly, "It''s really unnecessary; you can''t beat me."

    He was stating a fact without any exaggeration because... he had sensed that Wang Jingzhan''s cultivation was still at the early Foundation Establishment stage.

    The gap in their realms was like an insurmountable chasm!

    However, Wang Jingzhan thought Lin Hao was being overly arrogant, believing that he was only a step away from matching him.

    With a bit more effort, he could win!

    He even believed he could achieve victory with overwhelming strength!

    Because he had gained new insights into swordsmanship, he was confident he could defeat any opponent of the same level!

    "Lin Hao, come fight!"

    "Let''s fight."

    Facing an opponent as eager as a fighting cock, Lin Hao said helplessly.

    Below the stage, Han Liyue had come to watch the match.

    She hadn''t expected her son to face Lin Hao in the first match. She knew Lin Hao''s strength well, and her son was no match for him.

    Thinking of this, she couldn''t help but feel a bit helpless. After this battle, her son''s Dao heart might be damaged.

    However, without destruction, there can be no construction.

    A true man should have the courage to face death and be reborn!

    "Go, Zhan''er!"

    Hearing his mother''s encouragement, Wang Jingzhan was even more excited and launched the first attack.

    He gathered all his spiritual energy and unleashed a brilliant sword light.

    Seeing Lin Hao about to be engulfed by the sword light, a confident smile appeared on Wang Jingzhan''s lips.

    However, the result was far from what he imagined.

    Behind Lin Hao, two large hands of spiritual energy formed, crushing the sword light he had unleashed with overwhelming force.

    And then... and then a palm came slapping towards him.

    It was too fast, impossible to dodge!

    Bang!

    Wang Jingzhan was directly slapped off the stage, flying backward.

    In mid-air, his mind was a muddled mess, with only one thought remaining.

    Has the gap between us really grown this wide?