Chapter 147: Trials of the Thousand Islands, Chu Ning Enters the Fray

Chapter 147: Trials of the Thousand Islands, Chu Ning Enters the Fray

"Eighteen?"

Chu Ning's eyes widened slightly at those words.

"Could it be that this Cen Xianzi began cultivating in her mother's womb?"

At twenty years old, having reached the pinnacle of Qi Refining felt extraordinarily fast to him.

With his Yin Wood Spirit Body, cultivating the Green Wood Eternal Spring Art was incredibly swift.

Moreover, after refreshing his Source Spirit Body, he had gained abundant resources through the art of seal carving.

In the past few months, he had even more rapidly advanced from the eighth layer to the ninth layer of Qi Refining with the help of the Spirit Vibration Aura.

Yet, this Cen Xianzi had already become a Foundation Establishment cultivator at the mere age of eighteen.

It truly shocked Chu Ning.

What's more, she was known as the number one formation master of the Thousand Lakes and Islands, and formations were the most challenging among pills, talismans, and arrays.

Even back when he was in Qingxi Sect, he had never heard of such a genius.

"It's quite unbelievable, isn't it?" A hint of pride appeared on Jiang Lan's face at that moment.

"Here in the Thousand Lakes and Islands, there isn't a single male cultivator who can match her.

It's said that she possesses a Heavenly Spirit Root, and a Golden Core cultivator from a major sect wanted to take her on as a direct disciple.

But Cen Xianzi insisted on staying in the Thousand Lakes and Islands. Nonetheless, that Golden Core cultivator still accepted her as a disciple and imparted supreme Daoist arts to her."

Perhaps because Cen Xianzi had brought honor to female cultivators, Jiang Lan's tone carried a sense of pride as she spoke.

Hearing this, Chu Ning couldn't help but smile slightly and refrained from asking further questions.

The commotion outside gradually quieted down after the Foundation Establishment cultivator in the middle had spoken.

"Fellow island owners and Daoist friends, I am Cen Wenquan, head of the Cen family and the current rotating alliance leader of the Thousand Islands Alliance.

I'm delighted to welcome you all to the quinquennial Trials of the Thousand Islands.

To promote the exchange of Daoist arts among the islands and enhance the overall cultivation strength of the Thousand Lakes and Islands, we have introduced these trials in recent decades, and the results have been excellent.

I believe everyone understands the rules, so I won't elaborate.

Upon a successful challenge, the governing authority of the islands can be exchanged, and the loser will be responsible for providing three years' worth of tributes from their island.

Now, please indicate which islands you wish to challenge, and we will organize the trials accordingly."

Cen Wenquan cut straight to the chase, and the previously quiet arena stirred once again as he finished speaking.

"Each island should field a team of no fewer than three and no more than ten participants.

Neither side is permitted to inflict fatal injuries during the trials..."

Cen Wenquan continued explaining the rules of the trials.

At that moment, numerous sound transmission talismans flew out from the restrictions on the high platforms of several islands.

On those platforms, the younger generations of various clans, including Cen Xianzi, gathered to receive them.

What caught Chu Ning's attention was that several sound transmission talismans also flew up from the crowd below.

"Are these the teams of cultivators who wish to directly challenge for island governance?"

Chu Ning recalled the rogue cultivator who had invited him to join a team earlier, and he surmised that this was likely the case.

Before long, Cen Wenquan's voice rang out again as he began announcing the challenges.

"Flowercrown Island challenges Purple Swallow Island."

"Starmoon Island challenges Storm Island."

...

Cen Wenquan recited nearly thirty to forty challenges in succession, and Chu Ning listened in passing. There were challenges from first-tier islands to second-tier islands, as well as second-tier islands challenging those ranked higher within the same tier.

However, there seemed to be relatively fewer challenges between islands of the same tier.

It seemed that cultivators from first-tier islands tended to be more stable and conservative, perhaps because their spiritual veins were similar in quality.

At that moment, Chu Ning turned his attention to Jiang Hongguang's expression and noticed that his initially worried look had eased considerably upon hearing Cen Wenquan recite so many challenges without mentioning Rainbow Island.

But just then—

"Quiet Spring Island challenges Rainbow Island!"

"Stele Forest Island challenges Rainbow Island!"

"Rogue cultivator Si Guangliang challenges Rainbow Island!"

Cen Wenquan announced three challenges in a row, all directed at Rainbow Island.

This sudden development caused Jiang Hongguang's face to drain of color, and even Cen Wenquan's voice carried a hint of puzzlement.

The multitude of cultivators in the square below couldn't help but burst into an uproar.

"Why are so many people challenging Rainbow Island all of a sudden?"

"Isn't Rainbow Island a first-tier spiritual vein island? What's with all these challengers suddenly?

Could there be something valuable there?"

...

As Cen Wenquan continued reciting the challenges, everyone's attention soon shifted elsewhere.

Chu Ning looked at Jiang Hongguang and asked, "Fellow Daoist Jiang, why are there so many sudden challengers? Has some news leaked out?"

Jiang Hongguang's face underwent several changes before he sighed bitterly, "It seems so. When we discovered that spiritual vein, there was indeed a low-level cultivator and a Spirit Farmer from the island present.

I had repeatedly emphasized the importance of keeping it a secret, but it appears that the news has gotten out despite our efforts."

Chu Ning heaved a silent sigh upon hearing this. He had hoped to find a peaceful place to establish his Cave Residence, but now, things had taken an unexpected turn.

Thus, he turned to Jiang Hongguang and inquired, "What are the strengths of these challenging islands?"

Jiang Hongguang gave a wry smile before replying solemnly, "Quiet Spring Island and Stele Forest Island are among the top-tier islands possessing first-tier spiritual veins.

Both islands have Qi Refining cultivators at the ninth layer, and that was a few years ago. By now, they might have even reached the pinnacle of Qi Refining."

At this point, Jiang Hongguang let out a long sigh.

Beside him, Jiang Lan anxiously asked, "Brother, what should we do?"

"Let's wait and see. If things don't go our way, we may have no choice but to concede."

Jiang Hongguang shook his head helplessly.

Upon hearing this, Yu Yuanxiu, who stood beside him, patted his hand in comfort and said, "Husband, don't worry too much. We've been cultivating on a first-tier spiritual vein island all this time.

Even if we concede, we'll just be moving to another island for cultivation.

Hearing Jiang Lan's seemingly casual yet suggestive words, Chu Ning remained unfazed, his expression calm as he said, "Fellow cultivators, why rush to think about conceding? Let's wait and see how things unfold."

The three of them looked at Chu Ning, confusion in their eyes.

Chu Ning was genuinely concerned that Island Master Jiang might be disappointed and choose to concede, leaving him without a place to cultivate.

So, he added, "Friend Jiang, if there are any opponents at the ninth layer of Qi Refining or above, leave them to me."

"..."

Hearing Chu Ning's words, Jiang Hongguang, Jiang Lan, and Yu Yuanxiu stared at him, their eyes filled with disbelief.

After a short while, just as Jiang Lan was about to say something, Jiang Hongguang stopped her and turned to Chu Ning with a serious expression. "Are you sure about this, Fellow Cultivator Chu?"

Chu Ning nodded. "If there are any opponents at the ninth layer of Qi Refining, let me take the stage. If I lose, you won't suffer any losses, right?"

Hearing Chu Ning's words, Jiang Hongguang made up his mind. "Alright, then. If you can indeed protect our Rainbow Island, I won't let you suffer any losses either, Fellow Cultivator Chu."

Chu Ning smiled but didn't reply, taking Jiang Hongguang's words as a promise.

By the time their conversation ended, Cen Wenquan had finished announcing the list of challenges.

This time, there were a total of fifty-two groups participating in the challenges.

Cen Wenquan began announcing the pairs for the trials.

The first to begin was a match between two first-tier islands.

Each side fielded four late-stage Qi Refining cultivators, but the highest among them was only at the eighth layer of Qi Refining, just like Jiang Hongguang. There were also two cultivators at the seventh layer.

The battle among these cultivators was not particularly exciting. Although they used some talismans and magical artifacts, their quality wasn't very high. The best items were a couple of mid-grade artifacts, with no high-grade artifacts in sight.

In the end, the challenging island emerged victorious.

After announcing the result, Cen Wenquan quickly organized the next round of trials.

One after another, the island trials unfolded, and Chu Ning gained a rough understanding of the cultivators' levels in the Thousand Lakes and Islands.

In terms of combat experience, these cultivators were better than the disciples of Qingxi Sect he had encountered before.

However, when it came to the power of their spells and artifacts, they fell somewhat short.

This was understandable, as these cultivators, who were relatively closer to rogue cultivators, couldn't compare to those from established sects.

Even if Qingxi Sect wasn't considered a particularly large sect.

The most exciting match of the day was between two second-tier islands.

The challenging side sent out only six cultivators, while the defending side fielded eight cultivators one after another.

This was within the rules, and having more high-level cultivators was indeed a display of strength.

However, in the same match, defeated cultivators couldn't remain on the stage, while the victors were allowed to stay.

The result was that a single early Foundation Establishment cultivator from the challenging side crushed two early Foundation Establishment cultivators and a late Qi Refining cultivator from the defending side, securing victory for his island.

With this match setting the bar high, the subsequent challenges were still entertaining but failed to reach the same level of enthusiasm.

"Next up, rogue cultivator Si Guangliang's team challenges Rainbow Island."

Cen Wenquan's voice rang out, and two figures soon appeared on the central battle stage.

Since Rainbow Island had registered four defenders, according to the rules, the challenging side, which didn't possess an island, could only send two participants.

"Fellow Cultivator Chu, these two are both at the eighth layer of Qi Refining. Let us take the stage first," Jiang Hongguang said as he stood up. As the island master, he still had a sense of pride and wanted to take the lead.

The team of rogue cultivators didn't show any signs of trepidation.

Hearing this, the eager Jiang Lan immediately flew out, leaping from the high platform and riding the wind to the battle stage.

Their opponent sent out a middle-aged cultivator at the eighth layer of Qi Refining.

Although Jiang Lan seemed impetuous, she did possess some strength. To Chu Ning's slight surprise, she cultivated a metal-attribute cultivation art known for its offensive prowess, and her understanding of spells seemed rather good.

However, there was still a gap between their levels.

While Jiang Lan wielded a mid-grade artifact, her opponent also had a mid-grade artifact that focused on defense and was of the earth attribute.

After several unsuccessful attempts to defeat her opponent, Jiang Lan's impatience got the better of her, and she abandoned defense, choosing to channel all her energy into offense.

Consequently, she was directly defeated by the middle-aged cultivator.

However, Jiang Lan had indeed worn down her opponent, so Yu Yuanxiu easily defeated him afterward.

For the next opponent, Jiang Hongguang didn't let Yu Yuanxiu remain on the stage but took matters into his own hands.

Jiang Hongguang also cultivated a metal-attribute cultivation art, and his mastery was deeper than Jiang Lan's.

Although their opponent, Si Guangliang, displayed decent water-attribute spells, he couldn't withstand Jiang Hongguang's assault.

Jiang Hongguang swiftly defeated Si Guangliang.

Thus, Rainbow Island successfully defended against its first challenge, but the battle also exposed Jiang Hongguang's strength to everyone present.

As Jiang Hongguang returned to the Rainbow Island platform, the cultivators watching from below began to discuss animatedly.

"Rainbow Island's strength is really mediocre. When they face challenges from Quiet Spring Island and Stele Forest Island, they won't stand a chance.

"What's the rush? There's no such thing as a wall that doesn't let the wind through. We'll know more tomorrow when the news spreads."

...

Such discussions naturally reached the ears of Jiang Hongguang and the others on the Rainbow Island platform.

For a moment, out of the group on the platform, only Chu Ning maintained a calm expression while the others wore worried looks.

Despite his lingering doubts, Jiang Hongguang turned to Chu Ning several times, seeking reassurance from his stoic expression.

According to the rules of the competition, if an island received multiple challenges, only one match would be held per day.

Rainbow Island had already accepted Si Guangliang's team challenge for the day, so the challenges from the other two islands would be scheduled for later.

Chu Ning and the others stayed to watch for a while longer until nightfall when they finally dispersed.

Eighteen groups of challenges had been completed in a single day.

If this pace continued, all the challenges would be completed in just three days.

The next morning, Chu Ning reappeared punctually at the arena.

Below, a crowd of curious cultivators had already gathered.

As Chu Ning soared onto the Rainbow Island platform, a buzz of discussion erupted once more.

"Have you heard? Apparently, Rainbow Island has discovered a second-tier hidden spirit vein."

"Is that true? A second-tier spirit vein? No wonder Quiet Spring Island and Stele Forest Island are challenging them."

As soon as this topic surfaced, a gray-robed, plump cultivator spoke up:

"There's likely truth to it since news has spread. The Jiang family used to govern that island, and I know them.

This young cultivator is probably a new helper they've recruited. If it were just an ordinary first-tier spirit vein, or the lower-tier one they had before, they probably wouldn't have needed to ask for help."

However, the gray-robed cultivator's words prompted others to chime in:

"A helper at the eighth layer of Qi Refining won't be of much use!"

"Quiet Spring Island and Stele Forest Island might have cultivators at the peak of Qi Refining. Rainbow Island will most likely concede."

...

A flurry of discussions reached the ears of those on the Rainbow Island platform, including Jiang Hongguang, who gazed at Chu Ning, still composed.

Jiang Hongguang opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately remained silent.

At this point, he could only place his faith in Chu Ning.

Representatives from the Thousand Islands Alliance arrived without the previous day's formalities. After Cen Wenquan announced the names of the competing islands, the day's trials began immediately.

After three rounds of challenges, the challengers won two rounds, and the defenders won one.

The overall win rate was similar to the previous day.

Those who dared to issue challenges were somewhat confident, as failure meant having to pay tributes for three years.

"For the next round, Quiet Spring Island challenges Rainbow Island. Please send your cultivators to the stage."

Cen Wenquan's voice echoed throughout the arena.

Instantly, all eyes turned to the Rainbow Island platform.

By now, news of Rainbow Island's possession of a second-tier spirit vein had spread throughout the entire arena.

Many islands quietly lamented their lack of information and regretted not joining the competition.

The crowd was curious to see if Rainbow Island would concede and, if so, which island would win the subsequent challenge between Quiet Spring Island and Stele Forest Island.

According to the rules, if the defending island lost, it would have to face another challenge from the winning island.

As Cen Wenquan finished speaking, six cultivators rose from Quiet Spring Island.

Unlike the teams of rogue cultivators, the participating cultivators from each island had been registered with the Thousand Islands Alliance in advance.

After a brief introduction, one of them flew down from the high platform.

He was a short, middle-aged cultivator around forty-six or forty-seven years old, and his cultivation had reached the ninth layer of Qi Refining.

"I am Ye Guoxin from Quiet Spring Island. Please give me your guidance, fellow cultivators from Rainbow Island."

Upon seeing that Quiet Spring Island had sent a cultivator at the ninth layer of Qi Refining, the expressions of Jiang Hongguang and the others naturally turned grim.

However, when they saw Chu Ning step forward, Jiang Hongguang managed a faint smile.

"Fellow Cultivator Chu, this Ye Guoxin has been at the ninth layer of Qi Refining for a long time. Be careful."

Chu Ning nodded and smiled, then flew out from the high platform and landed on the battle stage.

"Hey, who's that?"

"I think he's the new helper recruited by Rainbow Island."

"Quiet Spring Island has sent a cultivator at the ninth layer of Qi Refining, but the island master of Rainbow Island isn't even showing his face. Looks like they're giving up."

...

Chu Ning's appearance stirred the already buzzing arena into a frenzy of discussions.

All eyes were on him, with a mix of curiosity, schadenfreude, and skepticism.

Chu Ning paid them no heed and bowed to his opponent.

"I am Chu Ning from Rainbow Island. Please give me your guidance."

After speaking, Chu Ning reached into his storage bag and took out a weapon.

When the crowd saw the barbed thorn in Chu Ning's hand, there was an uproar.

In Chu Ning's hand was a low-grade spiritual artifact.

Unknowingly, a month has passed since the book was serialized, and I have persisted in updating daily.

To my surprise, I still have manuscripts left, which is quite unexpected.

I will be releasing two chapters tomorrow morning, totaling 20,000 words!

However, to make the subscription growth data look better, I may directly release a 10,000-word chapter.

Please understand.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end