Chapter 359: In Today's World, Everyone is Equal, and I'm Fairly Competitive with Foundation Establi

Chapter 359: In Today's World, Everyone is Equal, and I'm Fairly Competitive with Foundation Establishment Cultivators!

In the blink of an eye, sixty years passed.

The world is like floating clouds, and it dissipates in an instant.

Time can wash away everything, and even the deepest marks are difficult to withstand the erosion of the years.

"Congratulations to Qi Yuan for once again defending his title as the champion of the Martial Arts Tournament!"

A clear voice rang out, and Qi Yuan looked calmly at the ninety-year-old grandpa lying on the ground in front of him.

"Young man, you did well. Much better than last year!"

The old grandpa wore a helpless smile, "Sigh, I lost again."

"It's okay, you fought valiantly even in defeat. Aren't you the runner-up?" Qi Yuan consoled the old grandpa, respecting the elderly.

"With just the two of us competing, what's the point of being the runner-up?" The old grandpa complained, "This Martial Arts Tournament... Why hasn't it gone bankrupt yet? It's really strange."

As the old grandpa spoke, he glanced around the arena.

Indeed, the arena was quite large, but it looked somewhat dilapidated.

Although the Martial Arts Tournament wasn't very popular when he was younger, at least half of the seats would be filled.

Sometimes, if the organizers were willing to spend money, they would even hire fake spectators to boost the atmosphere.

But now... there wasn't a single spectator.

Wait, there was one.

In the audience, a stunningly beautiful girl waved a glow stick, her face filled with excitement.

"So strong, a champion again!"

"Qi Yuan, you're amazing!"

"This young lady is your biggest fan!"

Indeed, this was the only spectator, the Golden Canary who had been following Qi Yuan around like a crazy fan.

During every competition, she would act as Qi Yuan's cheerleader, fan, and even family member, cheering him on with drums and shouts.

Upon hearing this, the old grandpa's expression turned even more bitter, "Esteemed Immortal, could you please stop participating in the Martial Arts Tournament? When I was young, my dream was to become a champion of this tournament just once.

You've already defeated me nearly sixty times. Give me a chance?"

The old grandpa was at a loss for words.

In his youth, he loved watching action-packed television shows. Holding a wooden stick, he would practice his moves on the rapeseed flowers in the fields.

However, he had average talent in martial arts and couldn't even qualify for the main tournament.

Later, as the Immortal Path revived and martial arts declined, fewer and fewer participants joined the tournament.

That's when he rekindled his desire to compete in the Martial Arts Tournament.

His rankings improved, and he began to harbor hopes of winning the championship.

Unfortunately, each time... he lost.

"Immortal, I don't have many years left. Could you please let me win once?

After all, the Martial Arts Tournament is cruel. The flowers, applause, and fame all belong to the first-place winner. No one will remember the runner-up who leaves in disappointment." The old man tried to appeal to Qi Yuan's emotions and reason.

Nearly sixty years had passed, yet Qi Yuan's appearance hadn't changed. If he wasn't a cultivator, what was he?

If a cultivator participates in the Martial Arts Tournament, isn't that bullying?

"You're different. You've always been the runner-up, and someone will remember you." Qi Yuan smiled.

After saying this, he walked towards the Golden Canary, holding her delicate white hand, "Young man, see you next year."

The Golden Canary, thrilled, leaned against Qi Yuan. She waved her hand, "Look, what's this?"

"An invitation?" Qi Yuan looked at the item in the Golden Canary's hand.

"Yes, aren't you always thinking about breaking through to the Purple Mansion?

I've been paying attention recently and discovered that cultivators from the Three Realms and some demon cultivators from the Brilliant Star are holding an exchange to discuss the Purple Mansion's Grand Dao. Participants must be Divine Embryo cultivators. If you attend, you might gain something."

Hearing this, Qi Yuan nodded seriously.

"What you said makes a lot of sense."

Although in the game, Qi Yuan had already reached the Purple Mansion stage long ago.

But his breakthrough was a blur.

The real him was now only a weak Divine Embryo cultivator.

He had to look up to the Purple Mansion experts.

"Perfect timing. After this exchange, I'll gather what I learn and ask netizens for advice. I'm sure I'll find the correct answer!"

Qi Yuan was intelligent; he knew that listening to various opinions was beneficial.

Listening to only Divine Embryo or Purple Mansion cultivators wasn't enough; the wisdom of the working class was boundless.

Posting a question online might just spark a burst of inspiration.

"I also have an invitation. I'll accompany you to the exchange." The Golden Canary waved her hand, and two masks appeared, "Put it on quickly. This gathering requires us to hide our identities."

Qi Yuan looked at the masks, his face turning strange, "Are you sure this exchange is legitimate?"

These masks seemed familiar, as if he had seen them in some short videos.

"What are you thinking?" The Golden Canary blushed.

Sometimes, for fun, she would also wear a mask. She knew Qi Yuan's thoughts better than anyone.

"Let's go. Off to the exchange." Qi Yuan embraced the Golden Canary, and their figures disappeared.

Now, the game's mission was almost complete.

He was about to clear the game.

However, regarding the Purple Mansion realm, he still had no clue.

Although he had sought guidance from Da Zhi True Monarch and learned a lot, he still felt it wasn't enough.

He needed inspiration.

Otherwise, if he cultivated a useless Purple Mansion, it would be quite embarrassing.

As she was about to become the first Purple Mansion cultivator of Shen Guang Sect, surpassing all in history, Xie Tang felt a surge of power.

...

The gathering was held in a vast sea area, where an old and dilapidated cruise ship stood. Occasionally, streaks of light could be seen, entering the ship.

Xie Tang's face was covered with a black cloth, her expression filled with mixed emotions.

After sixty years, she had reached the Divine Embryo cultivation level.

In Xuan Tian Sect, aside from the sect leader, she was the strongest.

As for her senior sister...well, there was still no news of her whereabouts.

The heavy responsibility of the sect now rested on her shoulders, and she had matured significantly.

"Master, there are so many powerful cultivators here," Wang Zhiqi observed, gazing at the old cruise ship in front of them with curiosity.

This neighbor of Qi Yuan had now reached the Foundation Establishment stage, and even after sixty years, she still maintained her youthful appearance.

"Be sure to conceal your cultivation well and prevent anyone from discovering your identity!" Xie Tang warned, her brows furrowed like stars.

Currently, the Ancient Witches and Qin Yuan were still at war.

This battle had been raging for nearly sixty years.

The Three Worlds Alliance had also fallen apart, with its members attacking each other, igniting a true fire of conflict.

Moreover, with the involvement of some demons, the world's situation had become chaotic.

Among those attending this gathering, there might be enemies, and exposing their identities could provoke deadly attacks from these foes.

"Understood, Master!" Wang Zhiqi quickly concealed her cultivation once more.

Just then, Xie Tang's brows suddenly twitched as she noticed a couple landing not far ahead. Although their faces were obscured, their aura was exceptional.

Most importantly, for some reason, she sensed a familiar aura from this couple.

She couldn't quite place the familiarity, but it was there.

"Fellow Daoists, are you also here for the gathering? Why don't we join forces and look out for each other?" Xie Tang suggested.

Wang Zhiqi followed, her face filled with curiosity.

She, too, felt a sense of familiarity.

The perfect couple was none other than Qi Yuan and Golden Canary.

As they approached, Qi Yuan nodded, "Indeed."

Wang Zhiqi was the daughter of Yang Shan.

When Qi Yuan first entered this game, his martial arts cultivation was not profound, and Yang Shan had provided him with much assistance on his martial path.

His first participation in a martial arts tournament was made possible through Yang Shan's connections.

Qi Yuan held a deep sense of gratitude towards Yang Shan's daughter.

Xie Tang observed the couple, her expression curious, as countless thoughts flashed through her mind.

In the Three Worlds, including the demon race, there were very few Divine Embryo cultivators like this couple.

Moreover, none of them matched the physique of these two.

However, judging by their age, they seemed to be at the early stages of the Divine Embryo, not ancient monstrosities like her.

Her enemies were all ancient monstrosities, so she was cautious of Qi Yuan, but not overly concerned.

"The path of immortality is truly challenging, especially the Purple Mansion... It's not even comparable to the Divine Embryo stage. I wonder if I'll ever have a chance to enter the Purple Mansion," Xie Tang couldn't help but sigh.

"Sigh, I understand," Qi Yuan nodded, "Every step on the immortal path is filled with difficulties and dangers.

When I was breaking through Foundation Establishment, I fought against two thousand seven hundred old men, and I almost died there.

The breakthrough to the Golden Core was even more perilous. My Golden Core was a bit too large, and it nearly killed me.

In the 1619th book, I encountered the biggest crisis of my life. That person almost ruined the game I was playing."

Qi Yuan's thoughts were sincere.

His journey had been incredibly challenging.

Hearing Qi Yuan's words, Xie Tang felt a bit odd, but she understood.

Being nearly killed by two thousand seven hundred old men during Foundation Establishment sounded a bit far-fetched, but it was somewhat acceptable.

But... What do you mean by crashing the game when you broke through the Divine Embryo?

"Fellow Daoist, you must be a loose cultivator, and your path to breakthrough has been arduous," Xie Tang sighed.

Wang Zhiqi's eyes also showed sympathy, "Although it was difficult for a loose cultivator like you to break through in the early stages, now you've reached the sweet fruit after enduring bitterness. You've transcended mortality."

Wang Zhiqi also took the opportunity to flatter him.

Qi Yuan was not pleased to hear this.

He had a sect, didn't he?

Wasn't Shen Guang Sect a sect?

He was about to break through the Purple Mansion and become the first Divine Embryo cultivator in the history of Shen Guang Sect. This was a glorious achievement!

"I'm not a loose cultivator!"

"Huh?" Wang Zhiqi was taken aback, "If you're not a loose cultivator, why was your breakthrough so challenging?"

She looked at Qi Yuan with renewed admiration.

It must be because of his poor talent.

"Senior, you're a late bloomer!"

Qi Yuan was speechless.

This daughter of Yang Shan was already a seven-year-old little old lady, yet she was so inept at speaking and lacked emotional intelligence.

"Is it possible that my Foundation Establishment is different from yours?" Qi Yuan looked at Wang Zhiqi, his heart swelling with pride, "Your Foundation Establishment is truly weak. I can take on ten thousand of you!

If you don't believe me, let's have a little sparring match."

"A hundred thousand," Golden Canary giggled.

Wang Zhiqi was stunned and a little dazed.

"Senior, you're a powerful Divine Embryo cultivator, and you're comparing yourself to a Foundation Establishment cultivator? Isn't that a bit unfair?"

"Cough, Senior, how dare I, a mere junior, compare myself to you?" Wang Zhiqi quickly spoke up, also feeling a bit flustered. "I am not worthy."

"Alas, the Qing Dynasty has been gone for so many years, yet there are still people with queues on their heads?"

"Nowadays, we advocate equality for all, including gender equality.

You and I are both human, and we are equals. There's no question of being unworthy when we compare ourselves."

Qi Yuan decided to help Yang Shan educate his daughter. Despite being younger than Wang Zhiqi, she had a rather feudal mindset and was not the modern, independent woman of the new era.

Wang Zhiqi was momentarily taken aback. For some reason, she felt that the senior's words were... quite reasonable.

But when she thought of comparing herself to a Divine Embryo senior, her expression turned sour, and she looked at Xie Tang with a pleading gaze, at a loss for words.

Xie Tang smiled, "Senior, why joke with us juniors?"

"I'm not joking. I'm serious," Qi Yuan said earnestly. "You're from ancient times, so it's understandable that you have a feudal mindset. But she's a modern person, and she's still so traditional."

Xie Tang was also speechless.

The once harmonious atmosphere suddenly became awkward, and the four of them fell silent, with little further interaction.

After presenting their invitations, they boarded the cruise ship for the gathering.

It must be said that there were quite a few cultivators at this gathering, with over thirty Divine Embryo cultivators in attendance.

As for junior disciples like Wang Zhiqi, there were even more.

All the Divine Embryo cultivators had their seats, while the juniors like Wang Zhiqi stood, with nearly a hundred of them gathered in the hall.

An old man with a pure red mask entered, exuding a powerful aura. He was clearly a Perfected Divine Embryo cultivator.

He scanned the room, his gaze passing over everyone before he spoke, "Since everyone is here, I won't waste words. Let's begin this gathering. I'll start by offering my humble insights, and then we can all exchange and spar."

The Pure Red Masked Elder sat in the main seat, his face hidden. His voice was ethereal, like a celestial melody.

"The Divine Embryo's transformation from the Purple Mansion lies in the refinement of the Divine Soul.

Only when the Divine Soul is refined to its peak can one break through.

The greatest distinction between the Divine Embryo and the Purple Mansion is their divine abilities.

The Divine Embryo cultivates divine laws and abilities, while the Purple Mansion cultivates the essence of the rules of heaven and earth.

Therefore, I believe that to break through to the Purple Mansion, one must temper the Divine Soul and comprehend the essence.

The most challenging part is comprehending the essence, and countless cultivators throughout history have been stuck at this stage.

Comprehending the essence is a personal journey; outsiders cannot assist, not even if a deity descends.

Both aspects are indispensable.

One cannot enter the Purple Mansion with a strong Divine Soul but a lack of comprehension of the essence.

Even if one comprehends the essence but lacks a strong Divine Soul, they can still use the Burnt Soul Pill to stimulate the Divine Soul and enter the Purple Mansion."

As the Pure Red Masked Elder spoke, many cultivators in the room nodded in agreement or appeared deep in thought, feeling they had gained much from his words.

This was especially true for the loose cultivators, who had never come across such knowledge before.

Qi Yuan, on the other hand, was disappointed.

Not as good as Da Zhi Zhenjun.

Sigh, you said you were offering humble insights, but I thought you were just being modest.

Turns out you were serious, truly offering a humble beginning."

I must say, you're quite honest." Qi Yuan felt that if they continued this exchange, he would gain nothing. Should he... guide them towards the right direction?

As soon as he said this, he drew the attention of everyone in the room.

Wang Zhiqi stared at Qi Yuan, thinking that this senior... had a sharp tongue.

"This senior has achieved Perfected Divine Embryo and is willing to share his experiences. It's a good thing. Why do you disparage him?" spoke up a loose Divine Embryo cultivator.

The Pure Red Masked cultivator's eyes filled with annoyance, "Since my words are like bricks, do you have jade to offer?"

"I have no jade, but... your brick is a broken one.

For example, you said that one can use the Burnt Soul Pill to enter the Purple Mansion. Is that feasible?

Well... I won't say it's impossible, but out of a billion people, maybe one will succeed.

And regarding comprehending the essence, who says it can't be aided by others?

I know many people who were stuck at Perfected Divine Embryo and couldn't break through. With the help of others, they managed to enter the Purple Mansion." Qi Yuan spoke earnestly.

In the Liufeng Realm, he had guided many powerful cultivators to comprehend the essence and enter the Supreme Realm.

"Nonsense! Absurd!"

"The essence of the rules is a personal understanding. How can it be taught by others?"

"Who is this person you speak of?"

Qi Yuan's words sparked discussion and confusion among those present.

Among them, a man cloaked in a purple robe seemed startled upon hearing Qi Yuan's words, as if he had heard something terrifying.

He looked at Qi Yuan with a mix of fear and skepticism.

PS: The pace has been significantly increased, and many subplots and branches have been cut. This chapter is likely the end of this arc, and we'll return to the Canglan World.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end