"Considering your decent performance this time, I'll spare your life—for now."
After withdrawing the flame barrier, Gu He smirked and glanced at the Protector Wu.
Upon hearing this, the previously despondent Protector Wu was overjoyed and hastily exclaimed, "Thank you for your mercy! I swear, once I leave, I will never reveal any information about you—"
Clearly, the Protector Wu had misunderstood. He continued making fervent promises before Gu He.
"Leave?"
"Who said I was letting you go?"
Gu He's expression turned peculiar.
'Had this protector been fooled by his own delusions?'
'At this point, sparing his life was already leniency—yet he still expected freedom?'
'He really doesn't seem all that bright.'
"You're… not releasing me?"
"You intend to keep me imprisoned?!" The Protector Wu's face twisted in fury as he roared.
"Did you think I'd just let you walk away?" Gu He sneered.
Without giving the Protector Wu a chance to curse, he waved his hand, summoning a suction force that dragged the soul back into the jade bottle.
Then, he infused it with invisible flames, sealing it shut while maintaining a scorching heat—ensuring the Protector Wu's soul remained in a state of perpetual torment.
Once the sealing was complete, Gu He exhaled deeply, his expression turning solemn.
He knew the Protector Wu's words had only revealed a fraction of the Hall of Soul's immense power. Yet even this glimpse filled him with dread.
At his current strength, he stood no chance against the Hall of Soul.
"If only I had a powerful backer…"
The thought made Gu He sigh helplessly. His low-profile demeanor and reluctance to reveal his true strength stemmed from fear of drawing the Hall of Soul's attention.
Right now, he had no allies—only his own power. If he carelessly exposed himself and provoked the Hall of Soul, the consequences would be disastrous.
But with a formidable backer, even revealing his strength wouldn't be an issue.
Unfortunately, such backing was nearly impossible to find. In the Dou Qi Continent, few forces could make the Hall of Soul hesitate.
With another sigh, Gu He steeled himself.
Since he had no support, he could only rely on himself.'
Until he grew strong enough, he would never recklessly oppose the Hall of Soul.
Shaking off his thoughts, Gu He retrieved the two volumes of the Soul Secret Art and began studying them intently.
…
Three Days Later
Time flew, and soon, the long-awaited Inner Sect Disciple Ranking Competition of the Misty Cloud Sect commenced.
The Inner Sect Competition was the most anticipated event of the year for the Misty Cloud Sect.
During this grand tournament, the elite inner disciples—rarely seen on ordinary days—and the elusive elders would all make their appearances.
The competition was exclusively for inner disciples who had reached the Dou Practitioner level and were below a certain age. Those still below the Dou Practitioner could only watch as spectators.
Even among the elite, the numbers were considerable. Statistics showed 1,024 inner disciples had reached the Dou Practitioner realm.
The ranking competition followed an elimination system—two disciples would duel, with the winner advancing and the loser eliminated.
The participants ranged from One-Star Dou Practitioner to Nine-Star Dou Practitioner, with higher cultivation levels being rarer.
One-Star Dou Practitioners made up over half, totaling 549.
Two-Star and Three-Star Dou Practitioners accounted for about two-thirds, with 321 participants.
Four-Star Dou Practitioner were far fewer, only 114.
Beyond that, the numbers dwindled to just a few dozen.
To prevent high-level disciples from eliminating each other too early, a special lottery system was in place:
The highest-level disciples would be matched first against the lowest-level ones.
Only after all lower-tier disciples had been drawn could they face others of similar strength.
With 1,024 participants, each round would halve the number, requiring ten rounds to determine the final victor.
If an odd number remained in any round, one disciple would receive a bye, automatically advancing to the next stage.
…
The Day of the Competition
The Inner Sect Square buzzed with excitement, packed with thousands of disciples.
Eight arenas now stood in the square, arranged in two even rows.
On the eastern side of each arena was a spectator stand with eleven seats—reserved for an outer sect elder and ten deacons overseeing the matches.
The Misty Cloud Sect's inner sect consisted of ten peaks, each led by an inner sect elder (Peak Master), assisted by two outer sect elders (Vice-Peak Masters) and several deacons responsible for disciple management.
For fairness, each arena had an outer sect elder presiding, with deacons from every peak acting as witnesses.
At the forefront of the square stood a grand viewing platform, where the ten Peak Masters and select outer sect elders could observe all matches at once.
"Who do you think will take first place this time?"
"No question—Senior Sister Nalan! Rumor has it she's already a Six-Star Dou Practitioner, and as the Sect Master's personal disciple, she's the obvious favorite."
"Don't underestimate Senior Brother Yun Luo, the Grand Elder's grandson. Last year, he broke through to the Two-Star Dou Practitioner. Aside from Senior Sister Nalan, no one can match him!"
"Senior Brother Lin Hao is also a strong contender. As the Second Elder's direct disciple, he ranked in the top ten last year. After a year of training, he might even surpass Senior Brother Yun!"
"In my opinion, the top three are already set: Senior Sister Nalan, Senior Brother Yun, and Senior Brother Lin''. There's no real competition beyond that."
...
"Have you heard? The Sect Master won't be attending this Inner Sect Competition. Instead, Elder Gu He will preside over it!"
"Elder Gu He?"
At the mention of this name, the faces of the Misty Cloud Sect's inner disciples immediately filled with reverence.
Within the Misty Cloud Sect, Pill King Gu He's reputation was nearly on par with Sect Master Yun Yun.
Thus, when the inner disciples learned that Gu He would host the competition, far from being disappointed, many were thrilled.
The disciples of Misty Cloud Sect knew well that the Sect Master no longer accepted disciples. Even if they performed exceptionally in the competition, they wouldn't be taken under her wing.
But Elder Gu He was different.
Lately, every time Gu He ventured out, he returned with a new disciple. This had earned him a reputation as a masterful mentor, spreading throughout the Misty Cloud Sect.
It also gave many ambitious disciples the confidence to think, "If I try hard enough, I might become his disciple too."
Moreover, Elder Gu He was a sixth-grade alchemist. Catching his eye would be akin to stepping into the heavens in a single stride.
"I also heard that Elder Gu He won't just preside over the competition—his disciples will participate as well."
"What? You mean Senior Brother Liu Ling and Senior Sister Little Fairy Doctor are joining the Inner Sect Competition?"
"But they're alchemists! Why would they compete in a martial contest?"
"I'm not sure about that… Still, while I can't match them in pill refinement, in a direct fight, Senior Brother Liu Ling might not be my match."
Before the ranking matches began, the inner disciples had already gathered around the arenas, buzzing with discussion.
The subjects of their conversations were all prominent figures among the inner disciples.
As Gu He's disciples, Liu Ling and Little Fairy Doctor naturally became topics of debate. However, no one considered them on the same level as the top-tier fighters—let alone compared to Nalan Yanran, the Misty Cloud Sect's proclaimed Number One Genius.
When speculating about the outcome of a match between Liu Ling, Little Fairy Doctor, and Nalan Yanran, the inner disciples overwhelmingly favored Nalan Yanran.
"Look! Senior Brother Yun, Senior Brother Lin, Senior Brother Zhang… the elite inner disciples have arrived!"
A commotion erupted in the square.
Sure enough, the elite disciples participating in the ranking competition strode into the arena.
Accompanying them were several elders and deacons, led by the Misty Cloud Sect's Great Elder, Yun Leng.
Between the platforms in front of the square lay an open space reserved exclusively for the elite disciples. Ordinary disciples didn't dare step into this area.
Each elite disciple bore a number, ranked from 1 to 1,024 based on their cultivation level.
The elders and deacons accompanying them proceeded directly to the eight eastern stands.
Great Elder Yun Leng, flanked by two elders, approached a long table at the front, atop which rested a wooden box.
"Has Elder Gu He not arrived yet?"
Yun Leng swept his gaze around and asked the Second Elder beside him with a hint of impatience.
The Second Elder shook his head helplessly.
Frowning, Yun Leng's expression darkened slightly.
He had long been dissatisfied with Sect Master Yun Yun's decision to let Gu He preside over the competition.
Logically, even if the Sect Master was unavailable, he, as the Great Elder, should have been the one to oversee the event.
Since when was it Gu He's turn?
Of course, despite his displeasure, Yun Leng dared not voice it.
After all, Gu He was a sixth-grade alchemist. Offending him over such a trivial matter wasn't worth it.
"Elder Gu He has arrived!"
Just then, the crowd stirred.
The Great Elder turned and saw Gu He, clad in white robes, gliding toward them. Behind him followed three figures: Little Fairy Doctor, Nalan Yanran, and Liu Ling.
"Great Elder, forgive my tardiness." Gu He stepped forward, offering a polite smile.
Despite his irritation, Yun Leng forced a flattering grin. "Not at all, Elder Gu He. The competition hasn't yet begun—you're right on time."
Gu He nodded. "Since everyone is present, let us begin. The Great Elder is familiar with the procedures. Please announce the rules."
Yun Leng smiled and agreed.
After assigning numbers to Nalan Yanran and the others, the Great Elder faced the square and declared in a booming voice:
"The rules of this Inner Sect Grand Competition remain unchanged from previous years. All participants are already aware of them."
He gestured to the wooden box before him. "Inside are the numbers of all competing disciples. Beginning with Number 1, each will draw an opponent's number from this box. The eliminated will be announced by this elder. The Inner Sect Grand Competition begins now!"
Following Yun Leng's announcement, the first-ranked disciple stepped forward.
Gu He observed the young man—a white-clothed youth of about sixteen or seventeen.
He recognized him: Yun Luo, the Great Elder's grandson and one of the Misty Cloud Sect's promising talents.
Unfortunately, he still didn't meet Gu He's standards for discipleship.
Yun Luo drew a token and handed it to Yun Leng.
"First round, Match 1: Number 1, Yun Luo, versus Number 799, Huang Tao—Arena 1!"
A deacon nearby recorded the match.
Among the elite disciples, a seventeen-year-old youth paled—his number was 799.
Huang Tao's luck was abysmal. Drawing Yun Luo, the top-ranked disciple, meant certain defeat. He would be eliminated in the first round, left to compete for the 508th spot.
Yun Luo and Huang Tao proceeded to Arena 1.
Next, the second-ranked disciple drew his opponent.
"First round, Match 2: Number 2, Zhang Long, versus Number 833, Li Yuan—Arena 2!"
The matches continued swiftly:
Match 3: Number 3, Lin Hao, vs. Number 468, Zhao Pu—Arena 3.
Match 4: Number 4, Lin Wuying, vs. Number 1,003, Xie Dong—Arena 4.
Match 5: Number 5, Li Yichang, vs. Number 941, Ding Yongsheng—Arena 5.
Match 6: Number 6, Liang Zhong, vs. Number 988, Lou Jiaxiang—Arena 6.
Match 7: Number 7, Ma Tao, vs. Number 563, Chen Wentao—Arena 7.
Match 8: Number 8, Gu Xi, vs. Number 497, Gao Li—Arena 8.
From Numbers 1 to 8, elite disciples drew one-star Dou Practitioner opponents. The faces of those selected were grim.
Of the 1,016 participants, 549 were one-star Dou Practitioners, while 467 were two-star Dou Practitioners and above. After 467 matches, 82 disciples—those at the seven-star level—would remain.
These 82 would battle within their own realm, with 41 advancing.
Since true cross-realm geniuses were rare, most could only compete against peers of similar strength.
Those drawn early faced either certain defeat or a slim chance of victory. Thus, the one-star Dou Practitioners wore expressions of despair, while those yet to be chosen wavered between relief and dread.
The early matches concluded swiftly. Without exception, the one-star Dou Practitioners either conceded immediately or were swiftly defeated by higher-ranked opponents.
As the lot-drawing reached the three-star Dou Practitioners, the results remained the same—one-star Dou Practitioners fell quickly.
Only when two-star Dou Practitioners began drawing did the battles lengthen, the pace slowing noticeably.
"First round, Match 466: Number 466, Liu Ling, versus Number 689, Gu Jiang—Arena 2!"
Over an hour later, it was finally Liu Ling's turn.
Assigned a lower number, he had waited patiently. Now, he stepped forward and drew a token—Number 955.
"First round, Match 467: Number 467, Liu Ling, versus Number 955, Qu Xiang—Arena 3!"
Liu Ling strode to Arena 3, where his opponent, Qu Xiang, already awaited.
A crowd gathered, eager to witness the prowess of Pill King Gu He's disciple.
Qu Xiang felt a mix of nervousness and excitement.
On one hand, Liu Ling's reputation preceded him. On the other, defeating him would skyrocket Qu Xiang's standing—and perhaps even attract Gu He's favor.
"Senior Brother Liu Ling, I seek your guidance," Qu Xiang said, raising his sword respectfully.
Liu Ling smiled faintly. "After you."
Qu Xiang insisted, "Senior Brother, you first."
Liu Ling's grin widened. "Junior Brother, if I strike first, you won't get a chance to act."
Qu Xiang's eye twitched. The condescension stung, igniting a smoldering anger.
Without further courtesy, he bent his knees slightly—then exploded forward like a leopard, his sword flashing toward Liu Ling's chest.
"Leopard's Pounce!"
The strike was swift, seamless—a blur of motion that left the onlookers breathless.
Yet Liu Ling remained unperturbed.
With a faint smile, he activated Advanced Black agility-type Dou Technique: Treading the Wind—a dou technique Yun Yun had gifted Gu He, who then passed it to Liu Ling.
Dodging effortlessly, Liu Ling summoned the Purple Eagle Flame within him. A piercing eagle cry echoed as a violet flame erupted from his fingertips, hurtling toward Qu Xiang.
"Black Rank High-Level Combat Skill: Extreme Yang Finger!''
The attack was too fast to evade. Qu Xiang took the hit squarely, tumbling across the arena.
Liu Ling had held back—using only 30% of his strength. A full-force strike would have been fatal.
"I yield! Senior Brother Liu Ling, I yield!" Qu Xiang cried, clutching his injury.
Liu Ling smirked and fluttered off the stage.
On the elders' platform, Gu He's lips twitched.
'This brat really knows how to show off.'
News of Liu Ling's one-strike victory spread like wildfire, cementing his fame.
Little Fairy Doctor and Nalan Yanran followed suit, each dispatching their opponents in a single move.
At their current strength, no inner disciple stood a chance against them.
…
Three Days Later
The Inner Sect Grand Competition reached its third round, with only eight elite disciples remaining—including Nalan Yanran and Gu He's disciples.
The final rankings were unsurprising:
Little Fairy Doctor (Four-Star Dou Grandmaster Realm) — Champion.
Liu Ling (Nine-Star Dou Master) — Runner-up.
Nalan Yanran (Nine-Star Dou Practitioner) — Third Place.
The outcome left the Misty Cloud Sect's disciples and elders in disbelief.
'Two alchemists took the top spots?'
'Even Senior Sister Nalan only placed third?'
…
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