https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1193-The-Recipe-for-the-Sapphire-Essence-Spirit-Pill/13021318/
Chapter 1194: Far-Reaching Influence
Chapter 1194: Far-Reaching Influence
"Is the Sword Peak Grand Competition about to begin again?"
Lu Xuan asked curiously. He had been secluded in his cave abode for a long time, rarely venturing out, and was slightly out of touch with the goings-on in the sect.
"Yes, it's starting in less than three months."
"What are your plans for this competition, Lu Shidi?"
"Well, I'm already a Primordial Spirit Cultivator, so it wouldn't be appropriate for me to compete with the Core Formation Disciples from the other Sword Peaks, would it?"
Lu Xuan asked cautiously.
In the two previous competitions he had participated in, there were indeed Primordial Spirit Cultivators, but their numbers were extremely small. Feeling confident in his status, he was considering giving up his qualification to participate in this competition.
"That's true. In past competitions, the number of Primordial Spirit Cultivators willing to participate could be counted on one hand, and they were mostly those who had just advanced to the Primordial Spirit stage."
Yuan Rong said with a smile.
"Usually, it's the lower-ranked Sword Peaks, pressured by the competition, who send Primordial Spirit Cultivators skilled in one or several cultivation techniques to boost their scores."
"However, since Primordial Spirit Cultivators have access to far greater resources than Core Formation Cultivators, the expectations of the Sword Palace Elders during scoring also increase accordingly."
"After you improved the Soul Annihilation Prison Grass to the Sixth Rank, our True Sword Peak has no ranking pressure for this competition, so you can choose not to participate."
"Okay."
Lu Xuan nodded lightly.
Although he was confident in his ability to achieve a top-tier score in spirit plants, spirit brew, and talisman crafting, since True Sword Peak had no ranking pressure, he saw no need to bully the younger Core Formation Cultivators.
"I can't help it. Although I don't have to participate personally, I can still decide the ranking for Sword Peak."
He thought to himself with satisfaction.
The emergence of the Soul Annihilation Prison Grass had far-reaching consequences, greatly elevating his status within the Sword Sect.
After Yuan Rong bid farewell and left, Lu Xuan summoned his three disciples to his cave abode.
"Greetings, Master!"
The three disciples bowed in unison.
"Are you three willing to participate in this Sword Peak Grand Competition?"
"Master, I plan to participate and spar with the formidable Sword Cultivators from the other Sword Peaks."
Li Haotian was wholeheartedly devoted to the sword path. Although he was still in the early stages of the Core Formation Realm, his sword skills were not inferior to those of his peers. With the Thunder Roar Sword Heart treasure bestowed upon him by Lu Xuan, his sword cultivation had advanced even further. Upon learning about the Sword Peak Grand Competition, he was eager to test his skills.
"Good."
Lu Xuan smiled and nodded.
The senior disciple before him had extensive combat experience and should be able to achieve a decent score.
"Here's a Fifth Rank Bone-White Life-Slaying Sword Herb. Its quality is slightly better than those cultivated by other Sword Cultivators in the sect. See if you can fully master it during the competition."
Lu Xuan handed a pure white sword herb filled with killing intent to Li Haotian.
"Focus on participation, and don't worry about the ranking."
He whispered softly.
"Thank you, Master."
Li Haotian received the pure white sword herb and bowed deeply, his voice filled with endless gratitude.
"Master, both Chen Shijie and I are only at the Foundation Establishment Realm. Can we still participate in the Sword Peak Grand Competition?"
Mu Yuanping paused for a moment and asked tentatively.
"Since neither of you are skilled in combat, you can choose one or two cultivation techniques and see if you can pass the initial screening of Sword Peak."
Lu Xuan smiled.
To participate in the Sword Peak Grand Competition, one must first obtain qualification from Sword Peak.
Among the two, Mu Yuanping, under Lu Xuan's meticulous guidance over the years, had rapidly improved in spirit plant cultivation and should be able to achieve a good score.
As for Chen Qingshuang, even when she was an outer sect disciple, she had gained considerable experience in talisman crafting. After becoming Lu Xuan's disciple, she occasionally helped organize small talisman crafting gatherings.
With Lu Xuan's personal guidance when needed, she had achieved good results in several Fourth Rank talismans, including the Roaring Sea Sword Talisman and the Great Sun Sword Talisman.
The most important thing was that he was the master of the three, and it was impossible for him to fail the initial screening of Jian Zhen Peak.
"I've been in seclusion in my cave mansion for three months, and I've chosen the type of competition I want to participate in. I'll give you all a good review session."
A subtle smile appeared on Lu Xuan's face.
"Yes, Master!"
The three were still immersed in their joy, completely unaware of what Lu Xuan meant by a review session.
In the following three months, Lu Xuan, with nothing better to do, frequently summoned the three and assigned various tasks of varying intensity and specificity. This targeted training rapidly improved their skills in swordsmanship, talisman crafting, and spirit brewing.
Soon, the day of the official Sword Peak Grand Competition arrived.
First, the competition began with the disciples from the various Sword Peaks showcasing their abilities.
Each Sword Peak sent ten of their most outstanding disciples at the early, middle, and late stages of Core Formation.
Li Haotian smoothly obtained his qualification and, within three days, returned to his cave mansion to report his results to Lu Xuan.
"Disciple is ashamed to face Master, as I failed to make it into the top ten among my fellow early-stage Core Formation disciples."
A hint of embarrassment appeared on his cold face.
"There were ninety of the most outstanding early-stage Core Formation disciples from the nine Sword Peaks participating. Your ranking in the twenties is already quite impressive."
Lu Xuan comforted him.
This ranking was already the third-best among the ten disciples from Jian Zhen Peak, and for someone with Li Haotian's talent, achieving this was no easy feat.
"Strive to enter the top ten in the next Sword Peak Grand Competition."
Lu Xuan encouraged him.
"Yes, Master! I will not fail your expectations!"
Li Haotian replied with determination.
Soon, the scores for Mu Yuanping and Chen Qingshuang were also announced.
Mu Yuanping achieved a 'Yin Lower' rating in the Spirit Plant Artistry competition, while Chen Qingshuang obtained a 'Bing Middle' rating in the Talisman Crafting competition.
When the two returned to pay their respects to Lu Xuan, they felt somewhat embarrassed, as if they had lost face for their master.
Lu Xuan comforted them one by one.
He was quite satisfied with their results.
After all, the Sword Sect was a giant in the cultivation world, and the geniuses from the various Sword Peaks were as numerous as fish in a river. For Mu Yuanping and Chen Qingshuang to achieve such good results at the Foundation Establishment stage was already impressive.
Deep within the Sword Palace, Jian Zhen arrived promptly, chose a conspicuous spot, and sat down leisurely, quietly savoring the True Sword Dew while waiting for the other eight Sword Masters to arrive.
"Jian Zhen is getting earlier and earlier. Having confidence makes a difference."
An old man in coarse cloth, fanning himself with a bamboo fan, slowly walked in.
In his impression, Jian Zhen had always been the last to arrive at the previous Sword Peak Grand Competitions, and after the rankings were announced, he would leave in a hurry. He had never been as enthusiastic as he was during these two competitions, as if he wanted to stay in the Sword Palace.
"I'm so envious of Jian Zhen. I wonder what good fortune he stumbled upon to find such a lucky star like Lu Xuan."
"In this competition, Jian Zhen Peak will rise even higher."
Several Sword Masters entered one after another, all sighing with emotion.
Everyone was annoyed by Jian Zhen's smug appearance, and they all wished they had participated in that Spirit Assembly to recruit Lu Xuan into their Sword Peak.
After the nine Sword Masters were assembled, Jian Tong followed closely behind and appeared before them.
"I will now announce the rankings of this Sword Peak Grand Competition."
"First, Void Penetration Sword Peak."
The crowd's expressions remained unchanged, as Void Penetration Sword Peak had monopolized the top spot for countless years, and the other eight Sword Peaks posed no threat to it.
"Second, Hundred Crafts Sword Peak."
...
"Fifth, Jian Zhen Peak."
"As expected..."
Several people looked at Jian Zhen, whose smile grew even brighter, each with different thoughts in their hearts.
"My fellow Sword Masters, please forgive me."
Jian Zhen bowed and turned around, laughing with great satisfaction.
(End of Chapter)
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