https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-35-Consuming-Earth-Spirit-Treasure/12988638/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-37-The-Sparring-Match-and-Its-Consequences/12988642/
Chapter 36: February 5th, The Dueling Competition
Chapter 36: February 5th, The Dueling Competition
This trip to the wilderness, including the travel time, took about two months.
From the beginning of the twelfth month to the end of the first month, spring is about to arrive.
After the snow melts, a truly new year begins.
Su Chen recalled that before his departure, Master Ji Sheng had mentioned something to him.
The sect will hold a competition for new disciples after the arrival of spring.
There will be rewards, and even if one loses, there will still be consolation prizes.
Su Chen thought he should take this competition seriously.
As he lacked resources, it would be good to obtain more rewards.
Moreover, he needed to change the impression the middle and upper levels of the sect had of him.
To continue his path in Tiangang City, he needed opportunities.
If he was constantly mistreated and neglected, opportunities would be scarce.
This competition was a great chance to showcase himself.
In the courtyard, Su Chen spent these days consolidating his cultivation.
The enhancement from the Emerald Superior Fruit was based on strengthening his foundation.
Su Chen could clearly feel the benefits of this.
After consuming the Emerald Superior Fruit, when he used the Profound Heaven Heart Sutra to temper his body, his endurance increased significantly.
Even without activating the Indomitable Spirit Divine Destiny, Su Chen could now easily withstand those tempering trials.
This was the power of a solid foundation.
Some geniuses, when cultivating their martial arts, grasped it quickly and rarely made mistakes.
This was because their foundations, cultivated from a young age, were much stronger than others.
After consuming the Emerald Superior Fruit, Su Chen's foundational strength should no longer be inferior to others.
Most likely, it would even surpass many others by a significant margin.
During this time, Su Chen stayed in the courtyard, tending to his own affairs.
The herbs he collected were hung up to dry in the wind.
When he had time, he would exchange them for contribution points.
Senior Brother Wu Yi, Senior Sister Yao Xiaoyu, and the others were probably also busy with their cultivation.
Spring was approaching, and soon, there wouldn't be as much time for cultivation.
The sect's elders and hall masters would also have various affairs to attend to.
Su Chen didn't want to disturb them, as everyone had their own tasks to focus on.
Before spring arrived, he would take the time to organize everything.
This trip to the wilderness had actually yielded quite a lot of gains.
There were dangers, but he was rescued by a senior immortal maiden, making it a thrilling yet safe journey.
The most surprising thing was the Lin Family Blade Art.
When Su Chen first learned this blade art, he thought it was ordinary, just a simple Lin family heirloom.
At most, it was a bit faster than other blade arts.
But when he used it in the wilderness against the dog demon, he finally understood its profundity.
This method of feinting and changing attacks was not ordinary at all.
In battles between experts, a slight mistake could lead to a huge gap.
If an opponent was lured by a feint and their defense was breached, they would essentially be defeated.
In the courtyard, Su Chen spent time specifically studying the Lin Family Blade Art.
Many of its moves were intentionally designed to create openings and expose flaws.
Su Chen initially thought it was just not exquisite enough.
Now, it seemed that his previous understanding had been insufficient.
As the weather gradually warmed, the snow began to melt before their eyes.
Outside the city, everything was wet and soggy, and spring was returning as the snow melted.
The once bare tree branches began to sprout new buds.
The vibrant spring had arrived, but so did the disturbances from demonic creatures.
On February 2nd, Su Chen received a message.
He was asked to go to the pavilion tomorrow, where Master Ji Sheng would inform him about the new disciples' dueling competition.
After the competition, the instructors would usually lead the disciples on missions for a year to cultivate them.
However, Mr. Ji Sheng probably wouldn't be so diligent.
It doesn't matter either, as long as he doesn't hinder me like Ouyang Chuan.
After resting for a night, Su Chen went to the pavilion early the next day.
He encountered some fellow sect members who had arrived early, all with curious expressions, eager to chat with Su Chen.
They had heard that Su Chen ventured into the wilderness during the cold winter.
One by one, they came to inquire about Su Chen's harvest and how much he had gained.
Su Chen concealed the Emerald Superior Fruit, but shared his other findings, such as the White Pine Grass.
Upon hearing that Su Chen had gathered so many herbs during the winter, the crowd couldn't help but feel envious.
These herbs were quite valuable, and it would take an ordinary disciple four to five months of missions to earn enough contributions for them.
But thinking about it, he dismissed the idea.
After all, when carrying out missions and guarding the front lines, one would be worried about those demonic creatures.
Not to mention, personally entering such a dangerous place.
At the third hour, two quarters past, Mr. Ji Sheng arrived with a lazy expression.
He was two hours late, but everyone seemed accustomed to it.
If Ji Sheng were to arrive on time, it would probably be due to some major event, which might cause concern.
Seeing Su Chen, a smile appeared on Ji Sheng's face.
"It's good that you returned safely. I was afraid you might encounter danger and never come back."
Su Chen slightly bowed in greeting, "Thank you for your concern, senior. I didn't venture too deep and didn't encounter too much danger."
"I had advised you to avoid the Mao Family Valley, and thankfully you're not the type to ignore advice.
Recently, a major event occurred there.
A Heavenly Demon fought with many powerhouses, and those who were slightly weaker have already been injured."
Ji Sheng spoke with a hint of amusement, as if sharing an interesting anecdote.
Hearing the mention of a Heavenly Demon, those around them couldn't help but reveal a trace of worry.
If a Heavenly Demon were to attack, one could only imagine how many lives would be lost.
"Rest assured, Heavenly Demons are very intelligent and value their lives.
They have no interest in attacking our sect.
But this time, that Heavenly Demon seemed to have gone mad, and during the attack, it even showed signs of fighting to the death. I wonder what provoked it."
As Ji Sheng spoke, he waved his hand, signaling for everyone to return to their seats.
Hearing this, Su Chen's heart sank with a clear understanding.
It was because he had taken the Emerald Superior Fruit.
The Heavenly Demon, having guarded its treasure for years, naturally went mad when it was taken away.
Su Chen had no regrets about taking the fruit and wouldn't leave it for the demon to consume.
However, with the demon's madness and injuring others, Su Chen felt a hint of worry.
Those powerhouses had taken the blow in his stead.
There was also a senior who had saved him before.
Su Chen shook his head slightly, trying to push these thoughts aside.
No matter how he thought about it, he couldn't change anything or offer any help.
On the platform, Mr. Ji Sheng began to explain the upcoming new disciples' martial arts tournament.
The time was approaching, on the 5th of the second month.
In two days, the tournament would commence.
"Everyone, relax. There's no need to be too tense.
If you feel you're not a match for your opponent, you can choose to concede.
Furthermore, upon conceding, the sect will award you with a Qi Condensation Pill.
Overall, just don't be absent."
After finishing his speech, Ji Sheng lazily sat down.
"If there are any questions, feel free to ask now.
The tournament carries some risk, and in case of accidental injuries, you might be bedridden for a while."
(End of Chapter)
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