Chapter 921

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Protagonist:

Xu Zhangqing

Afterwards, Xu Zhangqing waved his hand broadly: "The Grand Competition continues!"

Immediately after, the originally interrupted Grand Competition commenced once more, and the contests on the Dueling Platform grew increasingly fierce.

As time passed, in the end Zhou Chang, this man past fifty, relying on the exquisite coordination of Four-Element Arts, advanced through every barrier, decisively defeating numerous Qi Refining Late Stage and even Foundation Establishment Early Stage disciples, and seized first place in the Outer Sect Grand Competition.

Xu Ying performed creditably, obtaining third place.

As for the Inner Sect side, Shi Pojia, Su Che, Lu Yan, Lin Han and others vied for first place.

Shi Pojia's physical defense was extremely high.

Su Che's speed was swift as a ghost.

Lu Yan's comprehension was heaven-defying, able to replicate and unravel opponents' techniques.

Lin Han's Ice System Spells were incomparably sharp, advancing with irresistible momentum all the way.

In the end, Lin Han, relying on the might of the Cold River Snow Art, defeated Shi Pojia and the others, claiming first place in the Inner Sect Grand Competition.

Shi Pojia, Lu Yan, Su Che, Zhao Lei and others ranked second, third, fourth, and fifth respectively.

That the first few could achieve such results was no surprise to anyone.

Either they had aptitude, or comprehension, or extraordinary talent.

The most unexpected person, however, was Zhao Lei with his Thunder Spirit Root.

This Mutant Spirit Root dark horse rose suddenly, and while no one was paying attention, he defeated several quite well-known Inner Sect disciples.

The Grand Competition concluded, and next came the award ceremony.

Xu Zhangqing personally bestowed upon these people Spirit Stones, Cultivation Methods, Spirit Tools, and many other rewards.

Lin Han looked at the Breaking Barrier Pill in his hand that could shatter shackles, suddenly shook his head, and said with an utterly unconcerned expression: "I don't need this thing, you all take it."

Having spoken, he casually tossed the Breaking Barrier Pill aside, then swaggered off.

The surrounding people, seeing this, were all stunned dumb.

"This is a Breaking Barrier Pill worth tens of thousands of Middle-grade Spirit Stones!"

"This person, isn't he a bit too arrogant?"

"What are you standing there for? Snatch it!"

Instantly, a single Breaking Barrier Pill triggered a scramble among hundreds and thousands of people.

Seeing this scene, Li Sancai was furious, feeling this son did not respect the sect or his elders.

Xu Zhangqing smiled faintly, and instead did not mind.

Although discarding the sect's reward was slightly improper, Lin Han was indeed outstanding.

The current Qingmu Sect needed just such young people to serve as its face.

……

……

After a period of time, Xu Zhangqing returned to his cultivation chamber.

The Xuan Tu Emperor Monarch's Cave Abode, he was deeply tempted by it.

Although, inside were mostly Earth System Spells and cultivation resources.

But the Qingmu Sect recruits disciples widely, having disciples of every Spiritual Root.

If benefits could be obtained, it would greatly benefit the sect's future development.

Moreover, with Xu Zhangqing's current ability, the killing arrays and puppets in the Cave Abode posed not the slightest threat; seizing the opportunity and inheritance would be as easy as flipping one's hand.

But he thought back and forth, and felt the sect's foundation was still shallow, and someone had to hold down Fengrao Commandery.

If he left rashly, what if the Jiuyou Sect took the chance to retaliate, or other forces ambushed the Qingmu Sect? The consequences would be unthinkable.

After pondering for a long time, Xu Zhangqing considered the matter clearly.

He gave up the idea of personally going to the Secret Realm.

He planned to have the Spirit Plant Puppet Xu Jiuyou disguise himself as him.

And not only that, he would also have Nu Tu go along.

Not to mention, Xu Jiuyou possessed Nascent Soul Stage strength, enough to pass off the fake as real.

The key was, Nu Tu was not only an Earth Spirit Root, but also a powerful Array Master.

Such a combination was sufficient to handle any situation.

Soon, Xu Zhangqing summoned the two and instructed: "Remember, in all matters you must be cautious.

We appear to be cooperating with the Jiuyou Sect, but in reality we could turn hostile at any moment.

Therefore, when it's time to act, be decisive; show no mercy, do not stay your hand."

Xu Jiuyou knelt on one knee: "I obey!"

Nu Tu nodded slightly: "Lord, rest assured."

In the following time, the entire Qingmu Sect was preparing for the Secret Realm journey.

One, select suitable disciples.

Two, equip the disciples with ample Pills, Spirit Tools, and Spirit Talismans.

During this period, everyone was speculating whether the Jiuyou Sect would retaliate.

After all, the Deputy Sect Master was publicly punished by Xu Zhangqing into a Black Tree; such a strange and great humiliation, swapped for any cultivation power, would not let the matter rest.

Surprisingly, a month passed, yet the Jiuyou Sect showed no movement whatsoever.

They neither sent anyone to provoke, nor was there any unusual activity.

As if Biluo, this person, was of no consequence to them.

No one knew whether the Jiuyou Sect feared Xu Zhangqing, or had other schemes.

……

……

The one-month deadline had arrived, and the team heading to the Xuan Tu Emperor Monarch's Cave Abode was fully assembled.

Shi Pojia and Lu Yan were prominently among them.

Lin Han, who had won first place in the Inner Sect Grand Competition, was likewise going.

Although the Xuan Tu Emperor Monarch's Cave Abode primarily targets Earth Spirit Root holders and Body Cultivators.

For disciples of other Spiritual Roots, it is equally an opportunity for tempering.

Xu Jiuyou, disguised as Xu Zhangqing, wore a green robe, his expression calm and steady, Nascent Soul pressure swirling around him; his every move was identical.

The team stood ready to depart; Xu Jiuyou stood at the very front and declared in a loud voice: "Depart!"

As his words fell, the Tai Yi Green Lotus Mount rose into the air and sped toward the depths of Dongyu.

Along the way, they successively encountered several groups of cultivation forces heading to the Secret Realm.

There were disciples of medium and small sects, as well as alliances formed by Noble Family Children and Loose Cultivators.

Seeing the Qingmu Sect's grand momentum and "Xu Zhangqing" personally leading the team, every force revealed wariness and actively gave way, none daring the slightest provocation.

Therefore, the whole journey was smooth sailing, without any mishap.

After speeding for several days, the crowd arrived at the location of the Xuan Tu Emperor Monarch's Cave Abode — the Xuansu Mountain Range.

Gazing from afar, the entire mountain range was shrouded in dense Earth Qi.

Spiritual Energy was chaotic beyond measure; the ground was cracked everywhere.

Streams of earth-yellow Qi surged from the fissures, rushing straight into the clouds.

At the center of the Xuansu Mountain Range, a Cave Abode entrance loomed faintly within the Earth Qi.

The entrance stood ten zhang high, its whole body condensed from Earth Qi; faint Spiritual Runes appeared on it, emitting a vast pressure that made one dread at first sight.

At the entrance, Earth Qi surged and rolled.

The currents now condensed into earth thorns, now transformed into rolling mud waves.

And around the entrance, members of the major forces of Dongyu had long since gathered.

Some were led by Sect Masters, some by Elders.

A glance revealed a dense multitude, yet orderly.

Each major force occupied a side, mutually vigilant, eyes full of greed and wariness.

Although occasional verbal clashes occurred between forces, no one dared to lightly make a move.

When it comes down to it, everyone came for the Xuan Tu Emperor Monarch's inheritance and opportunities; no one wanted to suffer losses before entering.

As time passed, the Cave Abode entrance still had not opened.

But Earth Qi kept leaking out, and the ground's cracks grew larger and larger.

The earth-yellow Qi currents grew ever denser, to the point that faint golden light could be seen mixed within the currents.

The faintly visible Spiritual Runes, with the surging of Earth Qi, shone ever more brilliantly.

And the appearance of the Qingmu Sect team instantly drew the gaze of the entire field.

After all, in the whole of Dongyu, only three forces are the strongest.

One, the Qingmu Sect.

Two, the Jiuyou Sect.

Three, the Mother Worm Sect.

The crowd's eyes toward "Xu Zhangqing" held both reverence and wariness.

After all, a month ago, Xu Zhangqing subdued the Jiuyou Sect's Deputy Sect Master before everyone's eyes.

This matter had long spread throughout Dongyu; now everyone knows how strong this "Spirit Farmer" is, therefore no one dares to lightly provoke him!