Chapter 53

Yuan Yao: "……"

On the way back to Heaven Martial Peak, passing disciples of the Carefree Sect would greet Yuan Yao and her companions.

At the foot of Heaven Martial Peak, a tall figure appeared.

"Master!"

Yuan Yao shouted excitedly.

The tall figure slowly turned around, revealing a slender figure, with silver hair like a waterfall cascading down, lightly brushing his face, making his jade-white, extraordinarily handsome visage.

Just standing there silently, he exuded an aloof, proud aura, like an immortal descended to the mundane, transcendent and unworldly.

"Master!" Cang Li and Ying Wuji also shouted.

Afterward, they quickly approached.

And Lu Xiangxiang, who had fallen behind, also quickened her pace to catch up.

Qian Jueshan immediately noticed Yuan Yao's pallid complexion and the strong medicinal and bloody smell on her, his brows slightly furrowed.

"Master, did you come specially to pick us up?" Yuan Yao trotted up to Qian Jueshan, a smile in her eyes.

"Mm." Qian Jueshan said, pulling her hand over and feeling her pulse.

Qian Jueshan sensed that her internal energy, though still somewhat disordered, had gradually calmed; it was clear her previous injury… was severe. Moreover, she had surely faced mortal danger, triggering a life-saving talisman.

His heart sank slightly; thinking of her suffering outside, he suddenly felt reluctant to let her continue on the path of cultivation.

Seeing her master's expression off, Yuan Yao cautiously said, "Master, who goes out for training without getting hurt?"

Qian Jueshan raised his brows slightly, "Still want to go out for training?"

"Of course." Yuan Yao immediately replied with a smile, "I still want to train in many places, and I also want to participate in this year's Ninth Province Sect Grand Competition!"

"You want to join the Ninth Province Sect Grand Competition?" At that moment, Cang Li overheard as he approached, somewhat shocked.

Yuan Yao glanced at Cang Li, lifting her chin in a tsundere manner.

"Yeah."

Ying Wuji said, "To participate in the Ninth Province Sect Grand Competition, one must first pass the Carefree Sect's internal selection; in other words, vie for a quota to join the competition."

Yuan Yao didn't quite grasp the quota rule, "Then how many quotas does our Carefree Sect have for the Grand Competition?"

"Thirty." Qian Jueshan said softly, "Among them, young disciples aged thirteen and under twenty-five have a chance to compete for the Grand Competition quotas. However, your eldest senior brother and the others already have fixed quotas."

"Fixed quotas?" Yuan Yao looked at Qian Jueshan, puzzled.

Qian Jueshan continued, "Any young disciple at Golden Core Realm or above can obtain a fixed quota."

In the cultivation world, the levels are: Qi Refining Realm, Foundation Establishment Realm, Golden Core Realm, Nascent Soul Realm, Spirit Transformation Realm, Void Refinement Realm, Body Integration Realm, Great Perfection Realm, etc.

Yuan Yao thought, "Then wouldn't that mean a lot of people get fixed quotas?"

Qian Jueshan chuckled, "It's neither many nor few. Disciples in this age bracket who reach Golden Core Realm are already considered geniuses. If you want to join the Ninth Province Sect Grand Competition, you'll compete for quotas in the sect's internal tournament a month from now."

"Do I need to register?"

"You can register on your identity jade tablet."

At this moment, Lu Xiangxiang raised her head to look at Qian Jueshan and said, "Master, I also want to participate in the Ninth Province Sect Grand Competition."

Qian Jueshan heard the sound, looked at Lu Xiangxiang, and nodded.

"Then you can register together."

Ah Yan has already sent word telling me they're heading to Cloudy Dark City for a rescue. Let's go back first.

"Yes, Master." The few replied.

They followed Qian Jueshan's steps up Heaven Martial Peak.

Yuan Yao walked beside Qian Jueshan.

"Is there an injury on your foot?" Qian Jueshan keenly noticed her gait was different from usual.

Yuan Yao didn't hide it, "Yes."

Her foot injury was caused by that bastard Xie Yan!

Qian Jueshan frowned, secretly sending a message to the Second Elder.

Yuan Yao walked along excitedly, muttering, "Master, entering this secret realm truly opened my eyes! There are actually so many spiritual beasts hidden inside! But… if I had to say which spiritual beast is the most unbearable, it's definitely the Locust Monster. Just thinking of its slimy, damp appearance makes my goosebumps fall all over the ground."

As she spoke, she produced five green keys from her bosom as if by magic, beaming at Qian Jueshan, "Master, look! These are the inheritance keys I received from Senior Nie Lie! Actually I have six of these keys in total—I've just used one of them…"

Seeing her so happy, Qian Jueshan's brows and eyes unconsciously softened.

Cang Li interjected, "Master, you don't know, those grave-guarding corpses, in order to give the inheritance keys to little junior sister, chased her all the way, nearly scaring her witless."

Qian Jueshan glanced at them, "You guys don't have any?"

"No." Cang Li shook his head, palms together, sighing lightly, "After all, little junior sister is just lovable."

Yuan Yao puzzled, "But I don't have a secret treasure key, while they do!"

Lu Xiangxiang watched them chatting and laughing, momentarily dazed, because she and they had once shared such joyful times.

But now it seems they just regard her as Yuan Yao.

Finally arriving at the Hall of Heavenly Destiny, Qian Jueshan waved his hand, indicating the others should return to rest first, while keeping Yuan Yao behind.

Cang Li and Ying Wuji exchanged a glance, said nothing more, and turned to leave.

As for Lu Xiangxiang, she pursed her lips, hesitant, yet still silently followed the two's steps.

After they had walked away, Qian Jueshan looked at Yuan Yao with a solemn expression and said softly, "Earlier, I received a message from Lingwei saying your injury is serious. If not treated promptly, it could leave a lasting ailment. Therefore, I have decided to immediately take you to Heaven Learning Peak for the Second Elder to treat you."

Yuan Yao's heart warmed; she was about to speak to decline, saying "No need for such trouble," when suddenly a gentle yet warm breath brushed over her face, like a spring breeze, making her feel comfortable and at ease.

In the blink of an eye, the scene before her changed—

They had already arrived at the medical pavilion of Heaven Learning Peak.

"Greetings, Third Elder." The disciples of Heaven Learning Peak, upon seeing Qian Jueshan and Yuan Yao, were slightly startled in their hearts and respectfully performed a salute.

Qian Jueshan gave a slight nod, then led Yuan Yao into the medical pavilion.

A man who looked to be about thirty years old walked up from ahead; he stepped forward, first making a bow and clasped-fist salute to Qian Jueshan, saying, "Third Elder, Second Elder is waiting for you inside."

"Departure Instructor," Yuan Yao called out with a smile.

Hearing that, the Departure Instructor also returned a smile, "Long time no see, little Yuan Yao."

Just then, the medicine room's somewhat antiquated heavy door suddenly gave a slight sound, slowly pushed open by Qian Jueshan; he turned his head, "Yao Yao."