Chapter 71 Xin Ruyin Takes the Stage! A Crushing Victory!
three days later.
The morning sun shone on the Taiyue Mountains, dispelling the thin mist in the mountains.
The mountains appeared exceptionally verdant under the sunlight, and the waterfalls and streams shimmered with crystal-clear light. Occasionally, a few birds would flit by, emitting clear and melodious calls.
The air is filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees, mixed with a faint spiritual energy, which makes people feel relaxed and happy.
Several people had already gathered on an open space outside Green Wave Cave.
This open space is about several tens of feet square, with a flat surface paved with fine bluestone slabs, clearly having been carefully prepared.
Several ancient pine trees are planted around the area, their gnarled branches blocking out the sun, adding to the tranquility of this open space.
Several blue stones are placed under the pine trees, providing a place for people to rest. In the center of the open space, there is a long table made of rosewood, on which are placed teacups, spiritual fruits, and several plates of exquisite snacks.
Li Huayuan stood with his hands behind his back, wearing a blue Taoist robe, looking relaxed.
The morning sunlight shone on him, giving him a golden halo and making him appear even more otherworldly.
Behind him stood a group of disciples including Yu Kun, Liu Jing, Song Meng, Wu Xuan, and Zhong Weiniang, who were whispering among themselves.
Han Li stood to the side, his expression calm, but a thoughtful look flashed in his eyes.
He looked around but didn't see Zhou Ding, which made him a little puzzled.
Why hasn't Senior Brother Zhou arrived yet?
Yu Kun asked Li Huayuan in a low voice, "Master, Junior Brother Zhou hasn't arrived yet. Should we send someone to urge him?"
Li Huayuan shook his head, his expression calm.
"No rush, that old Taoist priest Fuyunzi hasn't arrived yet."
His voice was calm, revealing no emotion.
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a whooshing sound came from the horizon.
A white streak of light rushed over at great speed, arriving in an instant and landing steadily on the open ground.
It was the Divine Wind Boat.
Zhou Ding stood at the bow of the boat, dressed in a blue robe, exuding composure.
The morning sunlight shone on him, giving him a golden halo that made him appear even more extraordinary.
Standing behind him was Xin Ruyin, dressed in a light blue dress, her long hair simply tied back with a white jade hairpin in her hair, and her face lightly made up, making her look dignified and elegant.
The two jumped off the flying boat. Zhou Ding put away the Divine Wind Boat and walked forward with Xin Ruyin.
"Disciple greets Master."
Zhou Ding bowed respectfully to Li Huayuan, his voice clear and firm.
Xin Ruyin quickly followed suit, her voice soft and slightly nervous: "Xin Ruyin greets Master."
Her voice, though soft, reached everyone's ears clearly.
Li Huayuan's gaze fell on Xin Ruyin, a scrutinizing glint in his eyes.
He had never seen this woman before.
He carefully examined Xin Ruyin.
This woman has delicate features, a gentle temperament, and dignified manners; she is quite nice.
But cultivation level...
Although his aura was relatively stable, he was still only a Qi Refining stage cultivator.
He frowned slightly.
Zhou Ding is his disciple, with a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation level. He has good talent and a solid foundation, and is expected to form his core in the future.
Such a disciple should find a female cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage as his Daoist partner, to support each other and progress together.
What use is it to find a woman who is at the Qi Refining stage?
What else can I do besides holding others back?
However, this was Zhou Ding's private matter, and he had no interest in interfering too much.
Each disciple has their own destiny, and as the master, he will not interfere as long as the disciple does not do anything to disgrace the sect.
Moreover, this woman doesn't seem to be the frivolous type. Since Zhou Ding chose her, he must have his reasons.
He hummed in response and then looked at Xin Ruyin again.
Xin Ruyin sensed Li Huayuan's faint aloofness, her heart tightened slightly, and the smile on her face stiffened.
She knew that as a Qi Refining cultivator, she was nothing in the eyes of a Core Formation cultivator.
To receive even a response is already a favor, given Zhou Ding's influence.
She took a deep breath, suppressed her disappointment, and stepped back behind Zhou Ding, standing quietly.
Zhou Ding noticed her emotions and quietly reached out to shake her hand.
Those palms were warm and dry, offering a silent comfort.
Xin Ruyin felt a warmth in her heart, and the smile on her face became more natural.
Han Li nodded slightly when he saw Xin Ruyin.
He had met Xin Ruyin before and knew that she was Zhou Ding's Daoist partner. However, he was puzzled as to why Senior Brother Zhou had brought his sister-in-law to the competition today.
But he didn't ask any further questions.
Senior Brother Zhou has his own reasons for doing things.
Yu Kun and the others also looked at Xin Ruyin with curiosity, their eyes filled with a hint of inquiry.
……
Half an hour later, another whooshing sound came from the horizon.
A blue flying boat soared through the air at an astonishing speed and landed steadily on the open ground.
Several people jumped off the flying boat; it was Fuyunzi and his disciples.
Fu Yunzi still had the same white hair and youthful face, with snow-white hair and a ruddy complexion like a middle-aged man.
He was dressed in a gray Taoist robe, with a gourd of wine hanging from his waist. He walked forward in a swagger, his steps steady, showing no signs of being an old man.
He was followed by the woman in red and three other male disciples.
"Haha, Li Huayuan, this humble Taoist has arrived!"
Fu Yunzi walked forward with a loud laugh, his voice so loud that the pine needles on the surrounding pine trees fell in a rustling sound.
His gaze swept over the disciples behind Li Huayuan, then lingered for a moment on Xin Ruyin beside Zhou Ding, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.
Who is this woman in the Qi Refining stage?
But without asking any further questions, he shouted, "Alright, now that everyone's here, let's begin the competition!"
Li Huayuan nodded without saying anything more.
"Let's start the first round with a test of pills."
He looked at Han Li, his eyes filled with expectation.
"Han Li, it's your turn to refine the pills."
Han Li stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Yes, Master."
His voice was calm, without the slightest hint of tension, as if this were just an ordinary alchemy practice.
Fu Yunzi also looked at the woman in red.
"Zixi, go ahead."
Zixi nodded and walked forward expressionlessly.
She remained aloof, her red dress standing out in the sunlight, highlighting her snow-white skin and delicate features, yet she remained as cold as ice.
She walked to the center of the open space, took out a purplish-red alchemy furnace from her storage bag, and placed it on the ground.
The alchemy furnace had three legs and two handles, and its body was engraved with intricate cloud patterns, with a faint spiritual light flowing around it. It was clearly a magic artifact of good quality.
The lid of the stove is carved with a phoenix spreading its wings as if about to take flight, lifelike and exquisitely crafted.
Han Li didn't waste any words. He took out a bluish-gray alchemy furnace from his storage bag and placed it on the ground as well.
His alchemy furnace looked much more ordinary, with a bluish-gray body, no decorations, and a smooth surface with a faint, warm luster, clearly an old object that had been used countless times.
The two alchemy furnaces placed side by side present a striking contrast.
Zixi's alchemy furnace was magnificent and exquisite, while Hanli's alchemy furnace was simple and unadorned.
Zi Xi looked at Han Li's alchemy furnace, a hint of disdain flashing through her mind.
What good pills can be refined from this broken furnace?
Li Huayuan glanced at the two of them and said, "Let's refine the Rejuvenation Pill."
The Spirit Restoration Pill is a commonly used elixir among Foundation Establishment cultivators, used to quickly restore their mana.
The formula is simple, the ingredients are common, and most Foundation Establishment stage alchemists can make it.
It would be suitable to use it as the first round of the competition.
Han Li nodded.
Zixi nodded as well.
The two simultaneously took out the elixirs from their storage bags and began refining them.
Han Li's movements were extremely skillful.
He picked up a resurrection plant, gently plucked a leaf, his movements were light and precise, and each leaf was intact.
Then other auxiliary materials are added, and the amount of each ingredient is measured with absolute precision, as if it had been measured with a ruler.
Every movement was fluid and seamless, without the slightest superfluity, as if it had been rehearsed hundreds of times.
He has refined the Rejuvenation Pill so many times that he has lost count.
With the existence of the little green bottle, he has no shortage of elixirs and is not afraid of trying and making mistakes.
Over the years, he has relied on consuming large quantities of spiritual herbs to develop extremely skilled alchemy techniques.
He had refined every type of elixir he could make at least a hundred times.
Every failure is a learning experience.
Every success is an accumulation of experience.
His failures taught him where he was prone to making mistakes.
His successful experiences taught him how to do better.
Now, his alchemy skills far surpass those of other cultivators of the same level.
Fu Yunzi watched Han Li's actions, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
"This kid... his technique is so skilled."
Although he was a Core Formation cultivator, he was not skilled in alchemy. He could only see that Han Li's movements were smooth, but he could not see anything deeper.
However, the disciple he brought, Zixi, was the most skilled alchemist among the younger generation of the Qingxu Sect, and he believed that Zixi would not lose.
Zi Xi's movements were equally skillful, but she was still a little less adept than Han Li.
She paused slightly each time she added ingredients, as if calculating something.
His brows were slightly furrowed, his lips were lightly pursed, and his expression was focused and serious.
Han Li, on the other hand, didn't need to calculate anything; everything was under his control.
His movements were as fluid as water, as if these steps were etched into his very bones.
Time passed by, second by second.
The open space was silent, save for the occasional hissing sound from the alchemy furnace and the distant chirping of birds.
Everyone held their breath, watching the two's movements.
Li Huayuan stood with his hands behind his back, his face calm, but a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.
Han Li's performance was even better than he had expected.
Fu Yunzi frowned slightly, a vague unease creeping into his heart.
How come this kid is so skilled?
Seeing this, Zixi's forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat. She gritted her teeth and sped up.
But Han Li's movements remained unhurried, as if everything was under control.
About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn—
Han Li was the first to stop moving.
He raised his hand and waved it open, causing the lid of the alchemy furnace to burst open, instantly filling the entire open space with a rich medicinal fragrance.
The aroma of the medicine was rich and pure, invigorating anyone who smelled it.
Inside the alchemy furnace lay eight round pills, each one crystal clear and emitting a faint blue light, like eight blue pearls.
The Rejuvenation Pill is complete!
Eight pills, all fully grown!
Fu Yunzi's pupils contracted.
Full Dan?
This kid actually refined a full-strength pill?
He stared at the eight pills in disbelief, a storm raging within him.
Refining Spirit-Returning Pills: five pills are considered acceptable, seven are outstanding, eight...
He stared at the eight pills in disbelief, a storm raging within him.
Refining Spirit-Returning Pills: five pills are considered acceptable, seven are outstanding, eight...
That would require the skill of a master.
Zi Xi's expression changed, and her movements faltered slightly, almost causing her to knock over the alchemy furnace.
She gritted her teeth, took a deep breath, forced herself to calm down, and continued refining.
But her hands were already trembling slightly.
A moment later, she also stopped moving.
The lid of the alchemy furnace was lifted, revealing five pills inside. They were of good quality, but two fewer than Han Li's.
Six against eight.
The outcome is decided.
Li Huayuan smiled slightly and looked at Fuyunzi.
"Old Daoist Fuyunzi, my disciple Han Li should win this first round."
His voice was calm, yet it carried an undisguised smugness.
Fu Yunzi's expression was somewhat unpleasant, but he still forced a smile and said, "What's the rush? We haven't even checked the quality of the pills yet! What's the use of quantity? What if the quality is poor?"
He still held onto a sliver of hope.
What if Han Li's pills aren't of good quality?
What if Zixi's pills are of even better quality?
Six superior stones are not necessarily inferior to eight inferior stones.
Li Huayuan didn't argue, he just nodded.
"Let's take a look."
The two stepped forward and each picked up the pills refined by Han Li and Zi Xi, examining them carefully.
Li Huayuan picked up a Spirit Recovery Pill refined by Han Li and examined it closely in the sunlight.
The pills were smooth and round. It has a pure color and a smooth, mirror-like surface without any flaws.
He took a gentle sniff; the medicinal fragrance was rich and pure, without any off-flavors.
It is of the highest quality, and the best of the best.
He then picked up Zixi's pills and examined them carefully in the same manner.
The pills were round and smooth, with a good color and a strong medicinal aroma, but they were still inferior to Han Li's.
There are a few fine lines on the surface, which are traces left by the lack of precise control over the heat.
Both are top-quality, but the difference is obvious.
Fu Yunzi's face turned even uglier.
Zi Xi's face turned deathly pale, she bit her lower lip, her eyes filled with resentment.
She looked at Han Li, then at the eight pills, her fingers gripping her sleeves tightly until her knuckles turned white.
She lost.
We lost completely.
Li Huayuan stopped smiling and looked at Fuyunzi.
"Old Taoist, any objections to this first round?"
Fu Yunzi opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing.
With the facts laid bare, what else can he say?
He waved his hand dismissively and said, "Alright, alright, you win. Let's start the next round!"
Li Huayuan nodded.
"The second round will be a contest of formations."
He looked at Zhou Ding.
Zhou Ding stepped forward, but did not immediately respond. Instead, he looked at Li Huayuan, cupped his hands, and said, "Master, let Ruyin go this round. Her mastery of array formations far surpasses that of this disciple."
Upon hearing this, everyone present was taken aback.
Li Huayuan frowned and his gaze fell on Xin Ruyin.
This Qi Refining stage woman's mastery of array formations far surpasses Zhou Ding's.
Zhou Ding is a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator. Although Li Huayuan is not clear about his array formation skills, he imagines they are not too bad.
But Xin Ruyin is only at the eighth level of Qi Refining, how high can her mastery of array formations be?
He looked at Zhou Ding with a scrutinizing gaze.
Are you sure?
Zhou Ding nodded, his expression calm.
"This disciple is certain."
His voice was calm, without the slightest hesitation.
Li Huayuan remained silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping back and forth between Zhou Ding and Xin Ruyin.
He knew Zhou Ding's personality.
This disciple has always been steady and reliable.
Since he dared to let Xin Ruyin take the stage, he must have some confidence.
He nodded.
"Then you can go on stage."
Upon hearing this, Xin Ruyin stepped forward and gave Li Huayuan a graceful bow.
"Thank you, Master."
Her voice was soft yet confident, without the slightest hint of stage fright.
Fu Yunzi frowned even more as he watched this scene.
He looked Xin Ruyin up and down, his eyes full of doubt.
Is this Qi Refining stage woman Li Huayuan's disciple?
He looked at Li Huayuan and asked, "Fellow Daoist Li, is this also your disciple?"
Li Huayuan nodded.
"He is merely a disciple in name only."
Fu Yunzi was filled with doubt and unease.
Li Huayuan sent a Qi Refining stage disciple to the competition. Could this woman be extraordinary?
But since things had come to this, he couldn't say anything, and could only turn around to look at the scholar behind him.
"Shuhang, you're playing this round."
The scholar-like man, Li Shuhang, stepped forward, confidently cupping his hands and saying, "Yes, Master."
He looked at Xin Ruyin, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes.
How dare a mere Qi Refining cultivator presume to compete with me in array formations?
He was the most skilled disciple in formations in the Floating Cloud Sect. With his early Foundation Establishment cultivation, he had studied formations for many years and was quite famous within the sect.
His formations were praised even by the elders in the sect.
What makes this Qi Refining stage woman compare to him?
He walked to one side of the open space, stood with his hands behind his back, and looked arrogant.
Li Huayuan looked at the two of them and announced the rules.
"In this round, no array devices will be used. Each player will set up their strongest array, and the winner will be determined by the power of their array."
Not using array tools means that one can only rely on one's own array skills and array materials to inscribe runes and set up array bases on the ground.
This places higher demands on mages and tests their true skills even more.
Xin Ruyin and Li Shuhang nodded at the same time.
The two walked to one side of the open space and began to set up their formation.
Li Shuhang acted quickly.
He took out some array materials from his storage bag and drove them into the ground in specific directions.
As each piece of spiritual material was driven into the ground, a faint golden light shimmered and gradually coalesced into a mass.
He set up the formation while inscribing runes, clearly confident in his plan.
His movements were fluid and natural, each step perfectly memorized, as if he had practiced it a thousand times.
Fu Yunzi nodded in satisfaction as he watched Li Shuhang's actions.
"Shuhang has probably set up the Lesser Golden Light Array. This array can withstand attacks from late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators and is considered top-tier among Foundation Establishment arrays. With this array, victory is assured."
He looked at Xin Ruyin and saw that she was calm and unhurried. First, she drew some runes on the ground, and then she took out some spiritual materials and put them into the ground.
"The Five Elements Formation?"
After watching for a while, Fu Yunzi couldn't help but sneer inwardly.
This little girl who practices Qi cultivation is actually setting up a Five Elements-based formation.
How dare a mere Qi Refining cultivator presume to set up a complex array based on the Five Elements?
The Five Elements Formation involves the interactions of the five elements, and its variations are numerous. It requires an extremely high level of mastery of formation techniques from the person setting it up, which has already reached the Core Formation stage.
Even among Foundation Establishment stage array masters, very few can set up a true Five Elements array.
Even he himself wouldn't dare say he could set up a true Five Elements Formation.
This woman in the Qi Refining stage has only brought shame upon herself.
Li Huayuan was equally puzzled.
He watched Xin Ruyin's movements, his brows furrowing slightly.
The formation set up by this woman was indeed a Five Elements Formation.
Those rune lines, with faint five-colored light flowing around them, are indeed the characteristics of the Five Elements Formation.
But with her Qi Refining stage cultivation, what kind of decent Five Elements Formation could she possibly set up?
He looked at Zhou Ding, only to see that Zhou Ding's expression was calm, his gaze focused on Xin Ruyin, with no trace of worry in his eyes, but rather a hint of expectation and pride.
His doubts deepened.
What on earth is this kid up to?
Han Li's eyes lit up.
He looked at the rune lines that Xin Ruyin had drawn, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.
He felt like he had seen those runes somewhere before.
The direction of those lines, the position of those nodes, the structure of those runes... all gave him a sense of familiarity.
A moment later, his pupils contracted slightly.
"Could what my sister-in-law set up be... the Five Elements Mystic Light Array?!"
A storm raged within him.
The Five Elements Profound Light Array is a formation that can withstand attacks from Core Formation cultivators!
The Five Elements Profound Light Array that he had previously traded with Zhou Ding had spiritual energy nodes that were exactly the same as those depicted by Xin Ruyin in front of him!
But how could that be?
Xin Ruyin is only at the eighth level of Qi Refining, how could she possibly set up the Five Elements Mystic Light Array?
The complexity of that formation was such that even a Foundation Establishment stage formation master might not be able to set it up successfully.
How could she, a Qi Refining stage cultivator, possibly be like this?
He looked at Xin Ruyin in disbelief, then at Zhou Ding, a flood of questions welling up in his mind.
But he quickly suppressed his shock and continued watching.
……
Time passed by, second by second.
Li Shuhang's formation has been completed.
That was a small golden light array, a layer of pale golden light screen covering an area of several feet, with runes flowing on the screen, exuding a tough and heavy aura.
Although it cannot compare to Zhou Ding's Five Elements Profound Light Array, it is indeed considered top-tier among Foundation Establishment stage arrays.
He nodded in satisfaction and looked at Xin Ruyin.
He was stunned when he saw it.
Xin Ruyin's formation is also gradually taking shape.
It was a five-colored light curtain, with gold, cyan, blue, red, and yellow rays flashing and flowing endlessly, like five dragons weaving through the light curtain. On the light curtain, countless fine runes were layered upon each other, interlocking to form a perfect closed loop.
Each rune emitted a faint spiritual light, interconnected and echoing each other.
That aura was as heavy as a mountain and as deep as an abyss.
After a moment, Li Shuhang spoke first.
"Master, I have completed the formation."
His voice was confident, but when he looked up, he saw Fu Yunzi's gloomy face.
He was taken aback, not understanding why.
Fu Yunzi's face was clouded with gloom, as if he were about to explode at any moment.
Li Shuhang subconsciously looked in Xin Ruyin's direction, and his pupils immediately contracted.
This is……
Five Elements Mystic Light Array?!
He stared at the array in disbelief, a storm raging within him.
How could a woman in the Qi Refining stage possibly set up the Five Elements Mystic Light Array?
This is impossible!
Fu Yunzi stared at the gradually forming five-colored light screen, a hint of shock flashing in his eyes.
With his keen eyesight, he naturally recognized that this was the Five Elements Mystic Light Array.
In terms of power, the Lesser Golden Light Array is no match for the Five Elements Mystic Light Array.
One can withstand the late Foundation Establishment stage, while the other can withstand the early Core Formation stage; they are not even in the same league.
He was shocked. Where did Li Huayuan find such a talented disciple?
Having refined his Qi cultivation, he set up the Five Elements Mystic Light Array.
How is that possible?
He looked at Li Huayuan, his eyes filled with disbelief.
Li Huayuan was also feeling uneasy.
He looked at the Five Elements Mystic Light Array set up by Xin Ruyin, then at Zhou Ding, his eyes filled with scrutiny.
Just how many secrets is this disciple hiding?
"Master, I've finished too."
Her voice was soft yet confident, and a faint smile appeared on her face.
Li Huayuan smiled and looked at Xin Ruyin with admiration in his eyes.
"very good."
He looked at Fuyunzi with a broad smile.
"Old man, I've won this round again."
Fu Yunzi's face was extremely ugly, and he glared fiercely at Li Shuhang.
"waste!"
Li Shuhang's face turned deathly pale as he looked at the Five Elements Profound Light Array set up by Xin Ruyin, his Dao heart almost collapsing.
He lost.
He lost to a woman in the Qi Refining stage.
How is that possible?
His body trembled slightly, his lips quivered, but he couldn't utter a word.
At this moment, the burly man stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Master, let me play the third round. I will definitely help you win it back!"
Fu Yunzi angrily retorted, "What's the point of continuing?! Best two out of three, we've already lost!"
The burly man was taken aback and awkwardly retreated.
Li Huayuan looked at Fuyunzi and smiled, "Fellow Daoist Fuyunzi, shall we continue with these three rounds?"
He had already made up his mind that he would instruct his disciples to deliberately let the old Taoist priest off the hook in the third round, so as not to embarrass him too much.
After all, they are all from the seven factions of Yue, and they will run into each other all the time, so there is no need to offend them to death.
Fu Yunzi's face darkened, and he said irritably, "Continue my ass!"
He took out a storage bag from his pocket and threw it hard at Li Huayuan.
"A bet's a bet, here you go!"
After saying that, he waved his hand and turned to leave with several disciples.
The disciples' escape lights quickly disappeared into the distance.
Li Huayuan looked at the storage bag in his hand and couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Although this old Taoist priest has a bad temper, he has a decent gambling spirit."
He put away his storage bag, turned around and looked at the disciples. His gaze lingered on Han Li for a moment, then fell on Xin Ruyin, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
"You did a great job today. Especially Han Li and..."
He paused, then looked at Xin Ruyin.
"What's your name?"
Xin Ruyin quickly bowed.
"Disciple Xin Ruyin."
Li Huayuan nodded.
"Xin Ruyin, your mastery of array formations is extraordinary. Would you be willing to become my disciple and formally become a disciple of Huangfeng Valley in the future?"
"Once you have established your foundation, you may become my formal disciple."
Xin Ruyin was taken aback and looked at Zhou Ding.
Zhou Ding smiled slightly and nodded.
Xin Ruyin was overjoyed and quickly bowed.
"This disciple is willing! Thank you, Master!"
Li Huayuan nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Han Li.
"Han Li, your alchemy skills have also performed well this time. Your master is very pleased."
Han Li quickly bowed.
"Thank you for the compliment, Master."
Li Huayuan then looked at Zhou Ding, his gaze carrying a deeper meaning.
"Zhou Ding, you've found a good Daoist partner."
Zhou Ding smiled slightly.
"Master, you flatter me."
Li Huayuan nodded and said nothing more.
He waved.
"Go back now. That's enough for today."
"Come to my cave tomorrow to collect your reward."
The disciples responded in unison and dispersed.