Chapter Nine, Annual Examination

In the distance, the sound of a bell echoed softly, awakening Zhen Guan, who realized that the examination of the year had already begun elsewhere. He stood up, feeling momentarily dazed, still unable to comprehend what had transpired. When he turned to look back, he saw that the other two junior disciples remained kneeling on the ground, not daring to rise.

How could I have known, Mingxin Dao: "Senior Brother! Before I came here, I had already gone to borrow the sword from Sister Yinyin. Who would have thought that upon hearing the words 'Thousand-Year Ironwood Sword,' she suddenly flew into a rage and actually threw me out!"

At this moment, Yu Xu faintly remarked: "The disciples of the Jing Xiao Zhen Ren truly exude a formidable killing intent."

In the midst of the fierce battle, Mingxin suddenly switched his sword to his left hand, while his right hand formed a spell gesture. With the tips of his two fingers, he pricked himself, causing several drops of fresh blood to flow out. He took out a piece of dark yellow talisman paper from his bosom, used his blood-stained fingers to pierce the talisman, and then shouted loudly: "Let me show you my divine power!"

At this moment, Zhang Yinyin was throwing a tantrum in the study, smashing things violently. The maids were dodging everywhere, yet they did not dare to leave the room, trembling in fear.

This time, she was more cautious, slowly sitting down while supporting herself on the sandalwood dressing table. The reflection in the mirror, with its flower-like beauty, was currently gritting its teeth, somewhat diminishing its charm. However, Zhang Yinyin could not care about that; she fiercely made a sword gesture in the mirror and gritted her teeth, saying: "I will repay this great enmity tenfold, Ji Ruocheng, you wait for me!"

Since the use of the Liekui sword was initiated, after several strikes, Ji Ruocheng managed to turn the unfavorable situation around

Ming Xinyan's eyes lit up again, and he whispered, "Thank you, Senior Brother Xie Mingyun"

At this moment, the fierce wind was like a knife, and the sand and stones fell like rain. In front of him, a wooden sword, infused with the might of wind and thunder, was coming at him. In an instant, Ji Ruocheng found there was nowhere left to dodge or evade. Just as he was about to be gravely injured at the hands of Mingxin, a loud bang echoed in his mind, as if he had returned to the vast, sandy Gobi beyond the Great Wall, and that Mingxin appeared to him as nothing but a wicked, plump sheep.

At this moment, another person behind the two true practitioners said: "This individual indeed appears to lack profound cultivation, yet what is remarkable is their keen spiritual perception, capable of sensing the aura of the Guardian True Practitioner. Hmm, it seems they possess latent wisdom yet to be revealed, and are likely to be a late bloomer of great potential."

The young Taoist stared at Hanyan and said slowly, "Hanyan, are you really so heartless?"

As soon as the words were only halfway spoken, Master Ziyang fell silent, finding it hard to believe even upon reflection, and thus shook his head again

He pondered for a while, then counted on his fingers for quite some time, finally wiping the cold sweat from his forehead and murmuring: "The Eight Meridians True Person has actually reached seven! Fortunately, fortunately, the Great Hidden True Person did not come..."

This contest was surprisingly lengthy. Ji Ruocheng adopted a defensive stance, while the flames on the Bagua plate flickered. Wherever he stepped, the corresponding hexagram on the plate would light up. The disciple from the North Pole Palace felt as if the three-foot radius around Ji Ruocheng had suddenly transformed into a different world, with winds rising and falling, moments of turbulence followed by countless undercurrents, making it seem ever-changing. His wooden sword had to penetrate within three feet of Ji Ruocheng to maintain its momentum, requiring him to exert additional force. Thus, with each thrust, he had to expend an extra three parts of true essence. In contrast, Ji Ruocheng utilized the Xuan Iron Bagua plate to harness the energy of heaven and earth, even borrowing a fraction of the disciple's spiritual power, making it much easier for him. However, Ji Ruocheng was determined to remain on the defensive, refusing to engage despite the North Pole Palace disciple's attempts to provoke him, clearly intending to wear him down.

Master Yunfeng nodded and said approvingly, "It is rare for you to be so free of a competitive spirit, which aligns perfectly with the essence of cultivation." As he spoke, he glanced around and noticed that the courtyard was filled with children, so he lowered his voice a bit, patted Ji Ruocheng on the shoulder, and said, "Focus on the annual examination and do not worry too much. I, your senior brother, am rather dull-witted; I sought the Dao at six and only passed the annual examination at forty-nine. Although you started your journey late, your progress is far faster than that of ordinary disciples. As long as you continue to work hard in the future, your achievements will naturally be limitless"

A pale white flame instantly incinerated the talisman paper, and a loud roar echoed through the scene. Suddenly, a fierce black wind arose, cutting like a knife, and countless flying sands and stones appeared out of nowhere, displaying an overwhelming force. A careless encounter with the sand and stones could result in severe injuries, ranging from lacerations to broken bones. This is not merely a wind and sand talisman, but a more powerful wild sand talisman!

The Jade Void True Person coldly said: "Since the perpetrator has employed the Tai Chi Tiangang Formula of the Chonglou Sect, let the Chonglou Sect hand over the murderer. If they dare not comply, hum, does my sect's celestial weapon, the flying sword, only slay demons?"

Today, the esteemed Ziyang Zhenren unexpectedly came to observe the annual examination of the disciples in the Sacred Spirit Realm. Although the chief examiner Daoist has lived for fifty-five years, he has never witnessed such an event before

Senior Brother Mingyun, you must help me this time

Is everything alright? That Daoist priest appeared fierce and menacing. First, he asked me where I had hidden the items, then he inquired whether I had thrown everything into the bottomless abyss beneath Taichang Peak. Of course, I replied that I had not! He kept asking questions but could not extract any information, so he left on his own. I thought everything was fine, but to my surprise, he returned shortly after, claiming that I was insincere in my reflections and that I would be confined in the quiet room for another six months! Moreover, he stated that this matter had already been approved by Master Ziqing!

Ji Ruocheng did not dodge; instead, he straightened his waist and thrust the wooden sword back against her. The wooden sword could not withstand such force and broke into two with a loud crack. The girl gasped in surprise, never expecting such a result. Just as she was at a loss for what to do, Ji Ruocheng had already turned around, raised a finger towards her, and a fierce wind rushed towards her, carrying countless scorching, invisible fine sands!

Even though Master Yu Xuan possesses profound Taoist skills, upon hearing this, a faint blush immediately appeared on her jade-like face, and the corners of her Daoist robe's sleeves fluttered without wind. She seemed to be nailed to the chair, utterly motionless, merely raising her eyes to gaze at the sky, as if she had suddenly transformed into a stone statue. After a moment, Master Yu Xuan slowly said: "What you said, Master Tai Yin, is not correct. Zhen Guan is a disciple of Master Tai Wei, so if we are to speak of a gaze like a torch, we must give credit to Master Tai Wei instead."

Zhen Guan suddenly realized and, feeling ashamed, said: "It is indeed my junior brother who has the foresight. Alas, the eight true persons are watching from above, and I am also afraid of making a mistake in identifying the person, which would be difficult to explain. Since that is the case, I have my own considerations. Ji Ruocheng has just entered the Taiqing Ling Sheng realm, and his Dao cultivation is inferior to that of the other disciples. The next competition will be held under the watchful eyes of everyone, and we are powerless to intervene. However, in the areas of scripture interpretation, talisman drawing, preaching, and miscellaneous arts, we should give high evaluations, at least allowing him to return with the first place in this year's Taiqing Ling Sheng examination."

"What others say is not necessarily credible."

The Ziyang True Man coughed once and stroked his beard, saying: "The Taiji Tiangang Arrow Technique is merely a method for utilizing true essence; it is not difficult to drive this technique with the cultivation of our sect's Sanqing True Scripture. Our thorough search has yielded no results, which clearly indicates that this person is a demonic spy who has been secretly planted in our Daoist Moral Sect since childhood. In recent years, our sect has been too broad in accepting disciples, often only considering talent and neglecting character and background, which indeed poses a significant problem."

Only after completely wiping the green sword in his hand did Ming Yun raise his head and ask, "Is it another matter concerning Ji Ruocheng?"

As the chief examiner was about to sing the praises of the commencement of the annual examination, the hall door behind him opened, and Master Ziyang entered slowly. He hurriedly set down the red brush and the register in his hand, rushed forward to pay his respects, and said: "I did not know that Master Ziyang had arrived, and I failed to welcome you. Please forgive me, Master."

On this morning, the great bell of the Qingyin Pavilion in the Supreme Taoist Palace rang twelve times, marking the passage of time, and in the blink of an eye, another year has passed

"No problem!" Zhang Jingxiao waved his hand slightly and went upstairs on his own. Zhen Guan, still shaken, thought to himself: "Today, Ming Yun and Zhang Yinyin are also participating in the annual examination. Why would Master Jingxiao come here instead of supporting his esteemed disciple or beloved daughter?"

At this moment, the sky was just beginning to brighten, and the morning mist had not yet dissipated. In the Supreme Taoist Palace, groups of young disciples, under the guidance of the officiating Taoist priests, were dispatched to various examination grounds, standing quietly in wait. Once the eight true beings, including Ziyang, lit incense and set up the altar to offer prayers to heaven and earth, the annual examination of the Taoist sect was about to commence.

Her cultivation was not high, and she could not possibly unleash such formidable power with the Tai Chi Heavenly Gang Arrow Technique. The true spy must be someone else. Therefore, Master Ziqing immediately brought her corpse back to the Shura Hall, personally set up an altar, and performed a ritual to retrieve her dissipated soul from the Nine Nether and Ten Earths for questioning

Yu Xuan snorted and said, "I see that this Dan Sha Jue's energy operation is interrupted and not continuous, its function is biased and not complete, it is likely specifically designed to restrain certain Daoist techniques, isn't it"

On the fourth floor, Master Taiyin suddenly opened his eyes, let out a cold laugh, and said: "This True View indeed possesses profound wisdom; Master Yuxuan's discerning eye is impeccable, and his ability to perceive others can truly be said to be the foremost among the Daoist masters."

Ming Yun usually had a great fondness for this junior disciple. At that moment, he comforted him for a while and then asked, "Have you informed Master Jing Xiao about this matter?"

The fourth floor was enveloped in a profound silence, with a faint chill of the wind lingering.

Gu Shouzhen is easygoing and does not emphasize decorum and ostentation like other real people. He smiled and said, "If Ruchen can devise another method and apply the innate hexagrams in this way, even I would not have thought of it. Such intelligence is indeed rare! Speaking of which, this Xuan Tie Bagua plate, which is impervious to water and fire, is quite square and could actually serve well as a shield."

Having said that, Zhang Yinyin flicked her water sleeves and kicked open the back door of the study, heading straight to her bedroom in the backyard. Even after entering the room, her anger had not diminished in the slightest. She strode to the dressing mirror and sat down heavily. However, as soon as her bottom touched the brocade stool, she let out a cry of pain and immediately sprang back up.

At this moment, a sudden surge of black mist rose in the courtyard. Before long, a flame flickered up, as it turned out that Ji Ruocheng had defeated the two disciples of the Taiji Palace and the Yangming Palace with the remaining two Xuandu Soul Locking Talismans and the Yangyan Talismans. It was only at this point that the True Man of Taiwei stroked his beard and smiled, showing a hint of satisfaction.

Jing Xiao merely let out a hum

This time, Daoist Zhenguan personally came to assess Ji Ruocheng. He pondered that Ji Ruocheng hailed from the lineage of the Tai Chang Palace under the guidance of Master Ziyang, so the questions posed were somewhat related to the Tai Chang Palace. Ji Ruocheng had received instruction from the Eight Veins of Realms, which meant he had spent one year less in his pursuit of the Dao compared to ordinary disciples. However, his responses were standard and conventional. Although he did not leave Daoist Zhenguan with a sense of astonishment, he excelled in breadth of knowledge compared to other disciples.

The expression on Jing Xiao's face grew even more unpleasant. Ming Xin's behavior was improper and lacked decorum, making it evident that he, as a disciple of the Tai Xuan Peak, was truly uncultured. Moreover, Ji Ruochen was using the Liekong Sword, bestowed by the Jade Void Real Person, to counter his Great Five Elements Sword Technique. Therefore, regardless of the outcome of this competition, it would be difficult for him to save face.

The system of the Daoist sect's annual examination is divided into literary and martial assessments. The literary assessment consists of four components: interpretation of scriptures, symbolic diagrams, preaching, and miscellaneous skills. The martial assessment is much simpler, as it involves skill competitions in the arena. In the interpretation of scriptures, the chief examiner designates a passage of scripture for the disciples to explain its meaning. The symbolic diagrams include spiritual diagrams, treasure records, talismans, and incantations. Preaching involves the chief examiner presenting a topic for the disciples to express their views. The miscellaneous skills encompass a wide range, including alchemy, divination, and feng shui.

At this moment, since Mingxin has activated the Yimu sword energy, the charge of negligence against the disciple by Master Jingxiao is inescapable

Everyone present is well aware that Taiyin has a peculiar temperament, and thus they all smile in silence. Taiyin does not say much either; he finds a seat for himself, closes his eyes, and concentrates, quietly awaiting the commencement of the annual examination

Ji Ruocheng was taken aback and said softly, "It is true that I lost something, but I never said you took it, so how can this be called an accusation? You have violated the rules, and it is only natural that you face punishment; what is there to be dissatisfied about? After all, this is not the first time you have sought trouble with me. You can come whenever you wish, but do not speak so sanctimoniously. If you provoke me again next time, it will not be as simple as just a few months of punishment."

***

As the two exchanged formal greetings, Ming Xin suddenly gritted her teeth and whispered, "Ji Ruochen, you shameless scoundrel, how dare you accuse me of stealing your things! You've made me suffer greatly! Just wait, once I defeat you, I will naturally come to settle the score with you in three months!"

At this moment, the Supreme Being of the Arctic Palace suddenly snorted and said, "In the midst of your competition and strife, how can one discern the act of accepting disciples? It is better not to mention this matter; even if mentioned, it would be futile."

Ming Yun smiled and said, "You and I are originally from the same sect, so there is no need for thanks. By the way, I heard that Junior Sister Yin Yin recently acquired a thousand-year-old ironwood sword. You might as well borrow it quietly, since she won't win many matches anyway, and such a spiritual sword would be of no use to her. Moreover, even if Master Jing Xiao were to find out about this, she would be completely powerless to do anything about it."

After Ruochen agreed, Daoist Yunfeng glanced at the time approaching and gave him another round of reminders before leaving on his own

However, Ming Yun merely smiled slightly and said, "Such spiritual materials and celestial objects, no matter how precious and rare, are merely external possessions and cannot be regarded as one's own cultivation. Fairy Ji Bing has just advanced to the realm of Taiqing Xuan Sheng yesterday; we entered the path at the same time, and now her Dao cultivation is a whole level higher than mine, making comparison impossible. With Xuan Huang Sha, I might very well surpass Monk Li Xuan Zhen and Qiu Shui, but even without it, I may not necessarily lose. I have already decided not to use any magical treasures for this year's assessment; I will rely solely on this three-foot green blade to engage with my fellow disciples, so feel free to use the Xuan Huang Sha."

Ji Ruocheng and Mingxin were fully focused on their duel, completely unaware of the profound intricacies involved. Mingxin, driven by a singular desire to win, began to manifest a glow on her wooden sword, accompanied by the gradually rising sounds of wind and thunder. Ji Ruocheng felt a chill in his heart, realizing that Mingxin was progressively employing the Great Five Elements Sword Technique. This technique is immensely powerful, easy to learn yet difficult to master; once it goes out of control, it often results in the complete expenditure of one's true essence in a single strike. Ji Ruocheng had suffered greatly from this technique on several occasions; had it not been for the Disengagement Immortal Technique he possessed, he would have long been severely injured at the hands of Zhang Yinyin. However, in this arena of competition, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, how could he dare to use the Disengagement Technique?

The various masters exchanged glances, remaining silent. The implication of Master Ziyang's words was very clear: accepting disciples widely without discernment naturally leads to a mix of good and bad, making it all too easy for a few spies to infiltrate. However, the root cause of the indiscriminate acceptance of disciples lies in the rivalry among the sects, each vying for talented young disciples.

Ji Ruocheng did not wait long before hearing the Taoist priest call his name, so he followed more than ten children to a side room.

Ming Yun let out a light sigh, set down the long sword in his hand, and looked at Ming Xin, saying: "You have just finished reflecting in the quiet room, why do you want to stir up trouble again? I do not believe that Ji Ruochen is as reckless and flamboyant as you say, so why must you repeatedly entangle yourself with him? Last time, he informed Master Ziqing about the sword comparison. Although there were some unkind words exchanged, we did force him to test the sword, violating the sect rules first. In fact, he has the upper hand in this matter. It would be best if we could let this matter rest here."

Hanyan still floated gracefully, saying: "The Dao is inherently indifferent, so where does the notion of absolute indifference come from? Your future is promising; why risk it by getting entangled in matters of affection, potentially ruining your cultivation and future? It is getting late, and Master Yuxuan has matters to discuss with me. I must return to the Dan Yuan Palace. I kindly ask you to return to your peak and rest; forgive me for not seeing you off."

As night began to fall, the ethereal clouds and auspicious mists that permeated the Palace of Supreme Virtue suddenly stirred slightly, and a woman enveloped in smoke emerged from within. She walked slowly along the jade-green avenue, then turned left and ascended the stone path leading to the Palace of Dan Yuan

The Ziyang True Man, who had spent the longest time with Ji Ruocheng, stroked his beard and pondered: "In my opinion, this strike was purely executed with human strength, without the slightest movement of true essence; it resembles the technique of someone striking from behind with a blunt object..."

The young Taoist and Hanyan gazed at each other for a long time, seemingly sharing a bitter smile, before the former finally spoke first: "Hanyan, it has recently been rumored that you have been getting quite close to a new disciple of the Taichang Palace, Ji Ruocheng. Is there any truth to this?"

The junior brother let out a cold laugh and said, "Brother Zhenguan is truly confused. The true immortals possess vast powers; how could we possibly fathom their thoughts? Moreover, with our meager skills and limited vision, how can we discern whether Ji Ruocheng has any talent? I have heard that all eight true immortals have taken Ji Ruocheng as their disciple, a distinction that no other disciple has ever received. Now, the eight true immortals are not even attending Ji Bingxian's annual examination, yet they have suddenly gathered here. It can only be for Ji Ruocheng; who else could it be for?"

The Ziyun True Person chuckled lightly, offering no response, giving the Yuxuan True Person a tacit acknowledgment. The Yuxuan True Person's face was as cold as frost, unsure of what to say when suddenly a flash of lightning illuminated the courtyard, accompanied by the astonished cries of countless children, as a pale blue lightning bolt descended from the sky.

***

Originally, I was in seclusion for contemplation, and the forty-ninth day was approaching. Unexpectedly, Ji Ruocheng suddenly informed the masters that many magical artifacts were missing from his room, and then he mentioned the date when the artifacts were lost. Coincidentally, that night I visited the Taichang Palace, intending to question Ji Ruocheng about his breach of promise, but I found no one in his room. The Taoist from Taichang Palace reported to the masters that on that day, I was the only one who had entered Ji Ruocheng's residence, and then the Taoist from the Shura Hall came to ask me where I had hidden the stolen artifacts.

The Taiwei Zhenren sat still, and after a long while, he slowly hummed a sound. The sound was not loud, yet it carried an undertone of wind and thunder.

The system of annual examinations in the Daoist sect is primarily aimed at young disciples who have yet to attain the Nine Realms of Supreme Clarity. Although they are referred to as young disciples, the True Scriptures of the Three Pure Ones possess boundless supernatural powers, and the difficulty of cultivating each realm far exceeds that of the previous one. Therefore, even though all the disciples accepted by the Daoist sect are individuals of exceptional talent and have the affinity for cultivation, there are still many who begin their practice at the age of five or six and continue to participate in the annual examinations well into their fifties.

The sword technique is out of control

However, this child is not much more skilled than Ji Ruocheng, and lacks Ji Ruocheng's practical experience. Therefore, after a few moves, he was outsmarted by Ji Ruocheng and was pushed out of the testing arena.

Ji Ruocheng did not think too much, rising on tiptoe, bending down, as if transforming into a wisp of light smoke. With a slight bow of the head, he evaded the wooden sword in front of him, taking several large steps to slip behind Mingxin. His footsteps were silent, his figure ghostly and enchanting, devoid of any trace of human presence!

Entering the Taiping Supreme Sacred Realm is actually quite easy for beginners; even somewhat foolish disciples can achieve it in two or three years. Ji Ruocheng, being tall and robust, appears even taller than the average eighteen-year-old, making him exceptionally conspicuous among a group of young Taoist children, most of whom are only eleven or twelve years old.

As he approached, it was evident that he was somewhat agitated, striding towards Hanyan. With a graceful wave of her slender hand, three water arrows appeared out of thin air, shooting directly onto the stone path in front of him. The young Taoist immediately halted in his tracks, staring in astonishment at Hanyan.

At this moment, Ji Ruochen focused intently to engage in battle. With a twist of the wooden sword in hand, he thrust to the east and blocked to the west. The sword's intent was ancient and simple; although his true essence was weak, it still emanated a formidable presence akin to that of the heavens and the earth. This was precisely the Liekong Sword taught by the Real Person of Yuxu.

The young Taoist's expression changed momentarily, but he soon furrowed his brows and said: "However, Master Yu Xuan has taught both of you simultaneously several times in the Supreme Taoist Palace. Your cultivation and skills are vastly different from Ji Ruocheng's. What coursework requires you to study together? I believe Master Yu Xuan's actions may have ulterior motives. Has she mentioned anything to you?"

In the blink of an eye, a moment has passed, and both individuals are already drenched in sweat, yet the oppressive stalemate remains unchanged. The disciple from the Arctic Palace wields his sword with increasing feebleness, having already cursed Ji Ruocheng's despicable and shameless tactics countless times in his heart for resorting to such underhanded methods

Jing Xiao Zhenren snorted and fell silent. How could he not know that the Great Five Elements Sword Technique should not be used lightly when one's cultivation is insufficient? He often admonished his disciples about this. However, even Zhang Yinyin could not control the Great Five Elements Sword Qi, and with Mingxin's inferior cultivation, he was even less capable of using the Great Five Elements Sword Technique

At this moment, Mingxin gritted his teeth, drawing his sword like the wind, the wooden sword already enveloped in a faint azure light. Ji Ruocheng was fully focused on the battle, not daring to show even the slightest negligence. He had experienced the Great Five Elements Sword Technique multiple times and knew that unleashing such sword energy was already the limit for Mingxin; if he were to further channel the sword energy, it could very likely spiral out of control.

The Master Ziyun is adept in alchemy, and for him, the principles of medicine and pharmacology are merely trivial details. It is indeed quite rare to find aspects that even the Master Ziyun cannot fully comprehend.

This matter has been settled, and all the esteemed individuals have dispersed one by one. However, since the Taiji Tiangang Formula can be activated by the Three Pure Scriptures, it is naturally also possible for it to be influenced by the true essence of other sects. This layer of complexity is thus omitted from further discussion

At this time, Master Yu Xuan was not in the Dan Yuan Palace, but was in the Hall of Xiyi at the Supreme Taoist Palace, discussing matters with various Realms of the Pulse.

He let out a soft grunt and said, "The seven true ones have all arrived, how could I not come? If I do not come, how would I know if there is anything mysterious or strange among them?"

She let out a cry, being struck back several steps by countless cinnabar particles, and fell to the ground outside the arena; at this point, she had already lost.

All the masters fell silent, their faces resembling cold frost. The influence of the Daoist sect was formidable, and all the masters were figures of great stature, akin to the North Star and Mount Tai. At this moment, having suffered such a setback, they were extremely displeased in their hearts

After Zhang Yinyin vented her anger, she raised her hand and pointed at several maidservants, shouting: "Listen up, from now on, anyone who dares to mention the words 'Thousand-Year Ironwood Sword' in my presence will be beaten out with sticks! Now you all stay here, and without my orders, no one is allowed to enter the back courtyard!"

Ming Xin Qi Dao: "Senior Brother, that Ji Ruochen speaks of benevolence and morality, but in reality, he is nothing but a despicable person! Do not be deceived by him! In the past, we bullied him, but this time, he has truly slandered me!"

As Ji Ruocheng was engaged in battle, his feet suddenly faltered. He formed a hand seal and began to chant a spell. How could the girl allow him such an opportunity? Like a wisp of smoke, she circled around to Ji Ruocheng's back, and her wooden sword struck his back with the swiftness of lightning. However, the tip of the sword produced a muffled thud upon impact, not resembling the piercing of flesh and blood at all, but rather akin to striking a piece of rotten wood.

At this moment, seeing that the disciples at the door were behaving improperly, Master Jingxiao's expression had already turned somewhat grim

Mingxin exclaimed: "If I take anything from him, may I never glimpse the Great Way for ten thousand years! Senior Brother, I have only been to his place once, and it just so happened that on that very day, he lost many things. How can there be such coincidence in the world? Moreover, if I were to take so many of his treasures, how could I possibly escape from the Taichang Palace? I have not yet reached the realm of controlling qi to fly in the air"

Mingxin nodded slightly, crying even harder: "Master Jingxiao scolded me severely, and then said that if I could achieve great success in the disciples' examination of the Taijing Ling Shengjing this year, he would reduce my three months of reflection. However, Master Jingxiao does not allow any disciples to assist me, leaving me truly helpless, which is why I secretly came to seek my senior brother's help."

The cultivation of Master Jingxiao is remarkably profound. With just a glance at the arena, he remarked: "The few techniques employed by Ruochen, which are derived from the Liexie Sword, are taken out of context and deviate from the original intent of the Liexie Sword. I fear they may have been created on a whim by Master Yuxu, correct?"

At this moment, the palace gate emitted a soft sound again

The voice of the stout Taoist resonates like a bell, echoing endlessly in the Tide Sound Pavilion, truly fluctuating like the ebb and flow of the tides.

The examination venue was set in the courtyard, which was divided into twenty testing areas by small yellow silk flags. It was not until Jing Ruocheng stepped onto the field that he realized his opponent was a child who appeared to be only eight or nine years old. Disciples of the Daoist Sect, upon reaching the Spirit Sage realm, could begin to transform their true essence into external force. Thus, although these children seemed frail, once they activated their true essence, their strength was considerable. By the time they reached perfection, their power could rival that of a strong adult man.

She came to a halt, calmly gazing at the young Taoist without uttering a word, waiting for him to make way.

Although Ji Ruocheng was using the Liekong Sword, specifically designed to counter the Great Five Elements Sword Technique, the disparity in their cultivation levels was vast. With each contact of the wooden sword, he would tremble all over and stagger backward. Mingxin, fueled by the thrill of battle, had bloodshot eyes and, taking advantage of his position, relentlessly swung his sword in pursuit, completely forgetting to control the Five Elements Sword Qi. In the blink of an eye, Ji Ruocheng was struck by several swords; although he managed to block them, the residual force from Mingxin's sword still caused him considerable pain.

This courtyard is named Chaoyin Garden, consisting of three sections, with the main building having four floors. It is located in a corner of the Taishang Daode Palace, spacious yet secluded, making it an ideal place for the annual examinations of young disciples. Those disciples with higher realms have already mastered the ability to create powerful talismans, thus their examinations are either held in places with numerous formations and restrictions or directly moved to the back mountain. At this moment, three chief examiners are seated on the second floor of the main building, finalizing the roster in their hands and counting the number of disciples.

Ziyang Zhenren waved his hand and smiled, saying: "No problem, you go ahead and preside over the annual examination, I will go upstairs to observe on my own."

With smoke rising slowly, carrying a heavy mist of water and clouds, she walked towards the suspension bridge leading to the Dan Yuan Palace. Her expression was calm and serene, as if nothing had ever happened.

Zhen Guan called a halt to the competition, reprimanded Ming Xin for a few moments, and then allowed both parties to restart.

This time, it was Mingxin who was taken aback, saying: "Xuanhuang sand? Senior brother, this is not acceptable!"

He suddenly leaped up and dashed into the thick smoke and clouds outside of Mogan Peak

In a state of panic and fright, Zhen Guan knelt in the wrong direction, inadvertently presenting his backside towards Tai Yin Zhen Ren. Tai Yin Zhen Ren let out a heavy grunt, waved his sleeve, and ascended the stairs on his own

The expression on the face of Master Yuxuan in the main building turned quite unpleasant. He turned to Master Ziyun and said, "Congratulations, Master, on creating a new technique! I just wonder what this technique is called"

This person... is called Ji Ruocheng, right?" Zhen Guan flipped through the roster in his hand and asked in a low voice, "I have heard that he has quite good talent, having achieved the Taiqing Zhi Sheng realm in just four to five months. However, this is still not comparable to Li Xuanzhen and the others, and it is even more difficult to compare with Ji Bingxian and the disciple of Boyang from back then. How could he be regarded so highly by the real people?

Zhen Guanshin increasingly felt uncertain and suspicious, slowly standing up and staring blankly at the staircase

Zhen Guan lay on the ground, not daring to raise his head. Upon hearing this compliment, he felt both astonished and delighted, his voice trembling as he said: "Thank you, Master Yu Xuan, for your praise"

Zhen Guan trembled all over, did not raise his head, and directly turned around to kneel down, saying: "I respectfully welcome the true person!"

Mingxin, still possessing the heart of a child, felt wronged. At that moment, provoked by Ji Ruocheng, anger surged within him, and he immediately thrust his sword forward. This strike came unexpectedly; although fueled by rage, it was no different from a sneak attack. Just as Ji Ruocheng was taken aback, the tip of the wooden sword had already reached his face! He rolled to the side just in time to narrowly evade the blow.

On the fourth floor, the seven true persons were already seated. At this moment, upon seeing the Grand Master Taiyin arrive, Master Ziyang immediately smiled and said: "I told you that Grand Master Taiyin would come as well. Master Shouzheng, this time you have lost."

The expression on the face of the Master of the Main Building, Tai Yin Zhenren, had already turned somewhat unpleasant, and he could no longer restrain himself, saying: "So this is how the innate hexagram of Shou Zhen Zhenren is utilized"

The three true immortals were right before him, and Zhen Guan did not dare to raise his head. Suddenly, he heard one person say: "It is rare for all three true immortals to be here; let us go upstairs now!" The voice belonged to Yu Xu Zhen Ren.

Although it is difficult to go against the master's orders, Han Yan has his own views. As for what Master Yu Xuan has instructed, I am afraid I cannot disclose that.

Ji Ruocheng pondered for a moment, already formulating a plan in his mind. He gestured to check the sky and calculated the direction before bowing to the disciple, indicating that the competition could begin. After the presiding Daoist gave the command, Ji Ruocheng returned the wooden sword to his back and instead took out a black iron-made bagua plate, stepping onto the hexagram positions and gradually moving around the disciple.

Several real people debated back and forth, but since Master Ziyun also did not know the origin of Ji Ruocheng's meridian injury, and they usually seldom studied alchemy, their discussions were naturally in vain

In the blink of an eye, the four assessments have concluded, and it is now time for the next competition of skills

Seeing both junior disciples nodding, Zhen Guan further advised that this matter was of great importance and that it must never be disclosed afterwards. Subsequently, Zhen Guan summoned a stout Daoist, and after giving a brief instruction, the Daoist walked to the second-floor terrace, gently circulated his true essence, and sang aloud: "The annual examination ... begins!"

Mingxin nodded slightly; after all, he was just a child. Having suffered such a great injustice, his eyes turned red, and tears were about to fall. He sobbed, "I was specially allowed to come out for seven days for this year's examination, but after the exam is over, I will be locked up again!"

With a loud thud, he fell to the ground again, repeatedly saying: "Disciple did not mean it this way! Please forgive me, Master Taiyin! Forgive me!"

At that moment, on the second floor, Brother Zhen Guan noticed that no one was paying attention around him. He opened a test paper and quietly handed it to Zhen Guan. Upon receiving it, Zhen Guan saw that it was the four essay questions from Ming Xin's test. He then opened Ji Ruochen's test paper, compared the two, and immediately took up his pen to make a few corrections on Ming Xin's paper, lowering the evaluation by one rank. As a result, even if Ji Ruochen lost to Ming Xin in the competition, he could still secure the first place in the annual examination.

At this moment on the second floor, Zhen Guan had summoned the two junior brothers who were assisting in the examination, and the three of them sat down at the front of the stage. Zhen Guan waved away the young Taoist attendant from upstairs, lowered his voice to a whisper, and said: "Junior brothers, all eight true immortals are upstairs. What do you think, with such a grand setup, what could be the purpose?"

Zhen Guan felt a surge of true essence throughout his body, rising and falling like the tide, stirring his heart and unsettling his mind. It is important to note that the De Zong sect is vast and its rules are strict; he has been a member for nearly fifty years and has never been this close to seven true masters at once. Each of these masters possesses extraordinary abilities, and now gathered above him, their proximity might allow Zhen Guan to absorb a bit of their spiritual energy over the course of several hours, potentially advancing his cultivation by a small step.

He raised his legs high and stepped lightly, moving through the vast expanse of sand and gravel, just like a fish gliding through a gap, leaving no trace behind

Jing Xiao Zhenren glanced at each of the other Zhenren, all of whom wore serious expressions, furrowing their brows in deep thought, yet none spoke a word. Ji Ruocheng's strike was utterly natural, shifting in countless ways, without moving true essence or revealing any vitality. Although all the Zhenren were well-versed and knowledgeable, none could discern the exact technique employed by Ji Ruocheng.

With a mind as clear as the heart, he wielded his sword like the wind, and amidst the strikes, there was a hidden sound of thunder. The Five Elements Sword Technique was executed with great proficiency, its transformations unpredictable. He was determined to win this sword competition and secure the top position in the annual examination, hoping to reduce his six months of wall-facing to just three. Thus, he exerted all his strength from the very beginning.

In the blink of an eye, it is already the tenth day of the first lunar month. On this day, heavy snow falls over Xixuan Mountain, yet the peaks of Mogan and the surrounding Twelve Peaks, where the Nine Palaces are built, remain lush and green, presenting a scene reminiscent of the southern regions.

"The Thunderous Symbol of One Breath? How could he possibly draw this Heavenly Heart Symbol?" The Ziyun True Person displayed a look of astonishment. He then suddenly realized, turning to glare at the Taiwei True Person, and said, "You truly are willing to part with it!"

Ming Yun furrowed her brows and said, "Have you taken anything from him?"

It turned out that the one who entered was the Tawei Zhenren. The chief examiner, Daoist Zhenguan, is indeed a direct disciple of the Tawei Zhenren, a true inheritor of his teachings. With a wave of his hand, Tawei Zhenren simply said, "Get up," and walked over to greet Ziyang Zhenren, ascending the stairs together with arms linked.

Standing opposite was Mingxin, who said with great indignation: "Who else could it be but him?"

Ziyun stroked his beard and said: "The True Keeper is entirely composed and moist, the precious light is contained yet not revealed, the celestial aura is restrained yet not emitted. The foundation of the Dao is not merely stable; in my view, it will not take ten years for the True Keeper to make further progress."

At this moment, a young disciple lay before Ji Ruocheng, his face completely charred. He was a disciple of the Ziyun Real Person from the Tianguan Palace. This disciple originally possessed profound cultivation, having nearly perfected his attainment in the Spirit Saint realm, but he never expected that Ji Ruocheng would casually summon a Thunderbolt Talisman with a wave of his hand. How could he withstand the might of the Heavenly Heart's True Talisman and its falling thunder? He was struck down in an instant.

At this moment, when the Ziyang True Person inquired, the Ziqing True Person merely shook his head. Since the soul of that female disciple could not be captured, all clues regarding this matter were completely severed

Ming Yun was also taken aback and said, "Is there really such a thing? Never mind, don't be anxious. Tomorrow I will go borrow a sword from her and inquire further about what exactly is going on."

Xuanhuang sand is an extremely rare spiritual material, found only in a few regions of the southern barbarians. Utilizing it to assist in practicing the Great Five Elements Sword Technique of Tai Xuan Peak can yield remarkable results with half the effort. However, to draw a Wind and Sand Talisman, one must possess at least the cultivation level of the Taiqing True Sacred Realm, which is two levels higher than Mingxin's current Dao attainment. Only by infusing the Xuanhuang sand into the talisman water can Mingxin hope to draw the Wind and Sand Talisman.

Ji Ruocheng held a wooden sword horizontally with both hands, using it like a stick, and silently struck Mingxin on the back of the head. Mingxin let out a muffled groan, rolled her eyes, and collapsed to the ground on the spot

Both Taoists, one on the left and one on the right, were still drenched in cold sweat. At this moment, one of them, being a bit more astute, quietly pointed down towards the courtyard. Zhen Guan followed the direction of his finger and saw Ji Ruochen standing under the corridor of the side hall, standing out among a group of children like a crane among chickens

Ziyun stroked his long beard and smiled, saying: "This is something I stumbled upon in the 'Golden Record of the Former Emperor,' which I have named the 'Dan Sha Jue.' It is merely a playful creation, and Master Yuxuan need not take it seriously"

Upon hearing the term "Shishu," the young Taoist's expression finally changed dramatically. His hands trembled as he pointed at Hanyan, yet he could not utter a word, only saying: "Good... good..."

Mingxin left quietly and submissively

However, the look of surprise had not yet faded from his face when another person walked in from outside the palace door. The chief examiner, having just gotten up from the ground, suddenly knelt down again with a thud, performing a grand salute, and prostrated himself, saying: "I did not know that Master Taiwei had arrived. I, the disciple, truly failed to welcome you from afar. Please punish me, Master!"

At this moment, the disciple of the Arctic Palace in the courtyard exerted himself to thrust his wooden sword, but after another failed attempt, he could no longer hold on. Leaning on the sword for support, he managed to stay upright. His robe was soaked with sweat, and he gasped for breath like a fish thrown onto the shore, unable to even utter the words of surrender. In contrast, Ji Ruocheng, though also exhausted, stood firm and clearly still had the strength to fight. Ji Ruocheng, after all, was much older and had a distinct advantage in stamina. In contrast, Ji Ruocheng, though also exhausted, stood firm and clearly still had the strength to fight. Ji Ruocheng, after all, was much older and had a distinct advantage in stamina

Ziyang Zhenren nodded and then asked Ziqing Zhenren, "Is there any progress regarding the matter of the spy?"

The examinations are conducted in the nine courtyards of the Supreme Taoist Palace, according to the differing levels of the disciples. Disciples from various sects are dressed in different colors, quietly awaiting the chief examiner to call their names

The young Taoist's expression changed, showing a hint of anger, yet he still spoke gently: "Hanyan, you have changed somewhat recently. I have tried to see you several times during this period, but you have consistently refused to meet me. This time, I waited for quite a while on your way back to the palace before finally seeing you. What is the reason for this? Is it because of the instructions from Master Yuxuan, or is it truly for that Ji Ruocheng?"

In the Hall of Xi Yi, the ethereal aura swirls, and the mist is faintly visible, perhaps due to the gathering of the Eight Veins True Person. At this moment, the Purple Cloud True Person is stroking his beard and says: "If Chen's injury is not serious, he has almost recovered in these few days. However, there is one matter that remains unclear to me, which I have been unable to comprehend."

This match is the final contest of this year's examination, with both sides having won every battle. Therefore, the victor of this match will be recognized as the foremost in the realm of spiritual sanctity. Although he has rested for a moment and taken a pill to replenish his energy, Ji Ruocheng still appears somewhat pale. His opponent, Mingxin, does not seem to be in much better condition either.

The eight true immortals upstairs opened their eyes, observing the contest taking place in the arena. The young disciples in the courtyard were engaged in fierce battles, while the tense preparations outside went unnoticed by the eight true immortals above.

However, as the clouds parted and the mist dissipated ahead, a young Taoist priest gradually emerged, standing squarely in her path. The priest was tall and handsome, appearing to be in his early twenties, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, exuding a natural authority. His complexion was like jade, and a faint radiance shimmered beneath his skin, indicating that his cultivation was quite advanced. Cultivators who reach a certain level often possess techniques to maintain their youthful appearance, making it difficult to discern their true age based solely on looks.

This action, Ji Ruochen did not know how many times he had performed it. After flipping Mingxin over, he naturally pointed at him and shouted, "You fat ... ... "

However, he had long since grown accustomed to such matters. During his time as a servant at the Dragon Gate Inn, what grievances had he not endured? The innkeeper once said, a true man can bend and stretch; although we are not true men, we too must be able to bend and stretch

After a moment of silence, Master Jingxiao said: "Esteemed masters, have you discerned the technique that Ruocheng just employed?"

Next, his opponent was a female disciple from the Dan Yuan Palace, appearing to be around twelve or thirteen years old. Her cultivation was significantly higher, her figure graceful like an immortal, as if she were walking on waves. The wooden sword in her hand vibrated incessantly, and with each swing, it conjured numerous sword shadows, creating a visually pleasing spectacle. In comparison, Ji Ruocheng was lacking in both cultivation and agility, and after being circled around by her several times, he became somewhat flustered, unsure of how to deal with the myriad of sword shadows attacking him.

After half a year of reflection, Ming Yun was also taken aback

Fortunately, Ji Ruocheng had quick wits; as soon as the words left his mouth, he realized they were incorrect and managed to swallow back the word 'sheep' into his stomach

After a brief rest, with a command from Zhen Guan, more than ten Taoists removed the yellow silk flags that divided the testing area. Ji Ruocheng slowly walked into the arena, and standing opposite him was Mingxin

The Supreme Master of the North Pole Palace, the True Man of Great Hiddenness, diligently studies the original texts of the Daoist canon, wholeheartedly aiming at the fundamental essence of the Dao. As a result, his disciples are proficient in various fields of knowledge, unlike those from other palaces who each have their own strengths. Consequently, Ji Ruocheng finds himself at a loss on how to restrain the disciples of the North Pole Palace. He observes that this young individual possesses a calm demeanor and substantial Daoist cultivation, clearly making him a formidable opponent

Before Mingxin was about to leave, Mingyun suddenly recalled something and cautioned, "Junior Brother, I have heard that Ji Ruocheng has also entered the Ta Qing Ling Sheng realm. If you encounter him in the year-end examination, you must not recklessly use the Great Five Elements Sword Technique, as you are still unable to control the Five Elements Sword Qi"

As soon as he spoke, several of the true practitioners showed some embarrassment, for the Arctic Palace has never been one to compete with the various sects. This time, the Grand Master of the Supreme Hidden Sect struck a nerve, leaving them at a loss for words

The chief examiner was immediately taken aback. The annual examination is an opportunity for the elders of the sect to assess the younger disciples, which is why the elders do not necessarily have to observe the examinations of disciples with profound skills; they often select those examinations that interest them. Although the Dao De Sect has a flourishing lineage, it typically takes around ten years to see one or two exceptionally talented individuals emerge. Ji Bingxian, Li Xuanzhen, Shang Qiushui, and Ming Yun all joined the Dao De Sect nine years ago, and within a single year, four disciples with great potential appeared consecutively. Such a remarkable occurrence is indeed rare. Therefore, in previous years, the elders mostly focused on observing the examinations of these four individuals. Disciples who have not yet reached the third stage of the Taiqing formula in foundational cultivation possess too low a level of skill, making it difficult to discern anything from their performances.

This time, it was Gu Shouzhen who was taken aback! He was stunned for a moment before turning to the Ziyun Daoist behind him and asking, "Brother Ziyun, did my Dao foundation just show signs of instability?"

It was not until the two real figures disappeared at the end of the staircase that Daoist Zhenguan finally stood up, his heart filled with uncertainty. He had just been pondering why the entrance examination of this disciple would attract the attention of two real beings when he heard a soft sound from the hall door behind him

As the wind and sand rose, Ji Ruocheng immediately sensed that trouble was brewing. Sure enough, the wooden sword in Mingxin's hand shone brightly and struck towards him like lightning

Ziyun Zhenren first cast a glance at Jingxiao Zhenren before speaking in a measured tone: "If Ruocheng's right chest has been pierced by a thousand-year ironwood sword, it is merely a flesh wound and not of great concern. According to Ruocheng's account and what the various Zhenren have personally observed at the sword forging platform, it seems that the assailant employed the Taiji Tiangang Arrow Technique of the Chonglou Sect. However, despite Ruocheng's meridians being completely injured, his true essence appears to be even more vigorous, which is the aspect I find perplexing. Although the Taiji Tiangang Arrow is fierce and domineering, it is somewhat crude and should not be capable of inflicting such extensive damage to the meridians."

The Ziyang True Man, upon seeing this, stroked his beard and said: "I, as a follower of the Dao of Virtue, have always believed in winning people over through virtue, but it is also necessary to use thunderous means to eliminate demons and subdue evil. What the Yuxu True Man said is indeed correct. Here is what we will do: tomorrow I will send someone to the Chonglou Sect, giving them one month to hand over the person. Otherwise, we shall pay a visit to the mountain gate of the Chonglou Sect."

At this moment, it is already the harsh winter. The Supreme Taoist Palace is enveloped in a layer of faint mist throughout the day. This mist is formed by the gathering of formations, capable of absorbing spiritual energy and dispelling the chill, and is not ordinary cloud or mundane dust

Although Ji Ruocheng's cultivation was at the lowest level, his magical tools and spells were indeed formidable, and he possessed means to counter the various sects' techniques. In a short time, he achieved consecutive victories, demonstrating an unstoppable momentum. After a brief rest, standing before him was a disciple from the North Pole Palace.

Just as Zhen Guan's words fell, a voice suddenly sounded from behind: "Am I not allowed to come?"

On the day when Ji Ruochen was severely injured and fell to the ground, he was immediately discovered by the patrolling Taoist priests, who promptly reported it to the True Man of the various sects. What extraordinary powers the eight True Men possessed! After a brief inspection of the Sword Forging Platform, they were already aware of the situation that day. They immediately arranged for trusted individuals to conduct thorough investigations within the entire sect. By the early hours of the morning, they discovered a female disciple who possessed the Tai Chi Heavenly Gang Arrow Technique. She was extremely vigilant and, sensing something was amiss, took poison to end her life. By the time the True Men arrived, her spirit had already departed.

How should this be interpreted

Since witnessing Ji Ruocheng defeat Ziyun Zhenren at Tianguang Palace using the techniques he had taught, Taiwei Zhenren remained seated with a solemn demeanor, pretending not to hear what Ziyun Zhenren was saying. He harbored another concern; it seemed that the Zhenren had privately imparted numerous techniques to Ji Ruocheng in order to suppress other factions. At this moment, he could not afford to feel complacent. What if his own disciples from Sikong Palace were to fall into Ji Ruocheng's hands as well?

Ming Yun comforted Ming Xin with a few words, stating that his nature was restless, and that reflecting quietly in a serene room would greatly benefit his cultivation progress, advising him not to be overly concerned about external matters. He then pondered and said: "You have nearly perfected the Pure Spirit Sacred Art; it should not be too difficult for you to excel in the upcoming examinations. Here, I have some Xuan Huang sand; take it and draw three Wind and Sand Talismans, which should ensure your victory in three matches."

Under the glazed lamp, Ming Yun was seated before the table, holding a piece of white silk, completely absorbed in polishing the green-edged long sword in front of him. Although it was merely an ordinary steel sword, his focused demeanor made it seem as if he were polishing an exceptionally rare celestial artifact.

Ming Xin smiled and said, "Don't say it's you; even I am far from reaching this realm. If you tell the Taoist priests of the Shura Hall what you just said, won't that resolve the issue?"

Zhen Guan was taken aback, and like a whirlwind, he turned around. As soon as he recognized the visitor, he immediately knelt down on the ground and exclaimed: "I failed to welcome the esteemed Jing Xiao Zhen Ren from afar, please bestow your punishment upon me!"

Ji Ruocheng shook his head and said, "It won't matter. Cultivation depends entirely on oneself; whether others progress quickly or slowly has no bearing on me"

Over the years, the annual assessments have become a competition among various sects, primarily for the sake of a hollow reputation rather than any tangible benefits. These young disciples possess limited abilities, and their victories often hinge on the quality of the magical artifacts and talismans they employ. However, all magical artifacts and talismans used in the assessments must be crafted by the disciples themselves. Consequently, the contests among novice disciples frequently devolve into a matter of how much capital one is willing to invest, which directly correlates to the outcomes achieved. To expend precious resources such as Xuanhuang Sand merely to secure a victory in the second-tier assessment of the Taiqing Ling Sheng realm can only be regarded as a significant loss of one's investment.

Mingxin used all the Xuanhuang sand to create a wild sand talisman, waiting for this very moment. He raised his wooden sword, intending to completely defeat Ji Ruocheng. However, the wooden sword in Mingxin's hand suddenly emitted a buzzing sound, and the blue light surged dramatically, instantly absorbing all of Mingxin's true essence. It slipped from the palm of his hand and, like a swimming dragon, darted towards Ji Ruocheng on its own

As soon as Master Yuxu spoke, several other masters immediately echoed his sentiments

His heart was filled with shock and despair, fully aware that he had caused a great disaster. For a moment, he stood there in a daze, unsure of what to do. However, when he looked up, he was astonished to find that the wooden sword had struck nothing but air, and amidst the swirling sand and wind, Ji Ruocheng's figure had long since vanished.

Enveloped in a faint mist of smoke, she still appeared indifferent, exuding a chill that seemed to keep others at bay. She slowly withdrew her delicate hand and said: "Apart from the great path, there is nothing else in my heart; please do not disturb me any further"

Under the gaze of countless eyes, Ji Ruocheng remained calm and composed, examining the wooden sword talisman as if no one were beside him. At this moment, Daoist Yunfeng entered from the courtyard gate, walking directly to Ji Ruocheng and smilingly asked, "Ruocheng, as you have just entered the realm of Ta Qing Ling Sheng, do you feel nervous knowing that your opponents in the year-end examination have deeper cultivation than you?"

The Jade Void Real Person smiled and said: "What the Jingxiao Real Person said is indeed correct. The Great Five Elements Sword Technique of Tai Xuan Peak is profound and extensive, rare in the world. Hasn't Ruo Chen been injured several times under the Great Five Elements Sword Technique? I am only teaching him these few sword moves for his own protection"

As the sword energy of Mingxin in the arena grew stronger, the expression on the face of Master Jingxiao became increasingly grim