Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.
On this day, the vast plaza before the main hall of the Lingyue Sect bustled with disciples. Not all were here to compete; most were spectators.
Groups of outer disciples whispered amongst themselves on the periphery. Only the spacious area directly before the hall steps remained clear and quiet. The watching disciples had respectfully withdrawn to form a ring, leaving the center space exclusively for the competitors.
Dozens of participants had already gathered there. Most were inner disciples, with a few outer disciples mixed in. Without exception, all possessed cultivation at the 8th level of Foundation Building or higher. Several had even reached the Great Perfection of Foundation Building.
Di Xuan stood among the latter group. He had achieved Great Perfection months prior and had since devoted himself to secluded cultivation under Zhou Xiantai's guidance. Forming a Golden Core proved elusive, however. Months of isolation yielded no breakthrough. The imminent opening of the Blackmist Herb Valley drew him out. He sought fortune there.
Beside Di Xuan, as ever, stood Xue Ziqi. Surprisingly, Xue intended to compete, indicating he, too, had reached the 8th level of Foundation Building.
Xue Ziqi scanned the senior disciples nearby, unease flickering in his eyes. He turned to Di Xuan. "Senior Brother Di... do you really think... I stand a chance?"
Di Xuan shot him a sidelong glance, his lip curling slightly. "Look at you, losing nerve before the contest even starts? Relax. Honestly, your pill-refining talent is genuinely good. In just half a year, you've reached a level many take one or two years to achieve. You're not far behind some inner disciples. Perform well today, and hope remains."
Xue Ziqi seemed slightly reassured by this. A spark of anticipation lit his face. "Senior Brother Di, don't worry! I'll give it my all! I'll strive to earn a spot and accompany you to the Blackmist Herb Valley!"
Di Xuan gave a noncommittal nod. His gaze shifted to a young man with a kindly face standing ahead of them. He spoke respectfully. "Senior Brother Xu, the time is almost here, isn't it? Should we begin the registration?"
The young man, who appeared no older than thirty, was Xu Huaishan, the Sect Leader's chief disciple. Though his appearance was youthful, he was actually in his forties – still young for a cultivator. His strength was at the Early Golden Core stage. Having visited the Blackmist Herb Valley five years prior, he wasn't participating this time. Today, he was overseeing the competition.
Xu Huaishan swept his gaze across the assembled disciples and nodded slightly. "Very well. Let us begin."
He addressed the group of several dozen. "Registration commences now. Line up in order." He then turned to a thick-browed young man beside him. "Xiao Wu, you handle the records."
"Yes, Senior Brother!" The young man called 'Xiao Wu' acknowledged. He retrieved paper and brush from his storage ring and began meticulously recording the information of each disciple stepping forward to register.
...
"Oh no! Registration's almost over! Junior Brother Lin, hurry!!"
A frantic shout suddenly pierced the air at the edge of the plaza just as the registration was winding down. A portly figure shoved through the crowd, heading towards the center, followed closely by a young man whose expression remained utterly calm.
The burly figure stumbled into the cleared space before the hall steps, instantly becoming the focus of dozens of eyes turning his way. Flushing with embarrassment, he hurried forward, offering Xu Huaishan an ingratiating smile. "Ahem... Greetings, Senior Brother Xu! Greetings, esteemed senior brothers! I... I'm here to register for the competition! Apologies for my tardiness..."
"Fei Biao?" Xu Huaishan frowned slightly in recognition. "Go and wait your turn for registration."
"Yes, yes, of course..." Fei Biao bobbed his head rapidly. He turned to the figure behind him. "Junior Brother Lin, let's get in line."
Only then did the crowd notice the person trailing behind Fei Biao. Di Xuan and Xue Ziqi spotted the newcomer simultaneously. Xue Ziqi gasped involuntarily, his voice laced with shock, venom, and fear. "Lin Feng!!"
Xue Ziqi froze, staring at Lin Feng.
Lin Feng's eyes also found Di Xuan and Xue Ziqi, but he showed no reaction. He simply walked with Fei Biao to the end of the registration queue and waited in silence.
Soon, it was Lin Feng's turn. He addressed the recording disciple. "Disciple Lin Feng of the South Courtyard, currently serving as caretaker of the Spirit Beast Garden. My apologies for the trouble, Senior Brother."
"Hmph! A mere low-grade fire spiritual root, and you actually dare to compete?" A sneering voice cut through the air. Everyone turned, surprised to see it was Di Xuan, the top disciple of the South Courtyard. Many looked curiously between Di Xuan and Lin Feng, whispers starting up. "Are you certain you've reached the 8th level of Foundation Building? Don't embarrass yourself later!"
Lin Feng ignored the pointing fingers and murmurs. He calmly met Di Xuan and Xue Ziqi's gazes, his voice level. "That's hardly your concern, Senior Brother Di. While my aptitude may be lacking, I've been fortunate. The Vice-Sect Master and Elder Guo rewarded me with several Xuanyang Pellets. Through sheer luck, I managed to reach the 8th level." A faint, almost imperceptible edge entered his tone. "In fact, I owe you thanks, Senior Brother Di. Had you not assigned me to the Spirit Beast Garden, this opportunity might never have arisen."
He knew his rapid advancement would raise eyebrows, so he offered this 'explanation' upfront.
"The Vice-Sect Master and Elder Guo rewarded you with Xuanyang Pellets?!" Di Xuan's eyes narrowed in surprise. However, the reason quickly dawned on him. He knew about the advancements of the Purplecrest Thunder Crane and the Shadowfang Direwolf, though he hadn't known Lin Feng received pellets as a reward. Lin Feng's words clarified it.
"He... he actually reached the 8th level?! That... that's impossible!" Beside Di Xuan, Xue Ziqi's mind reeled. Utter disbelief flooded his eyes. He had pushed himself relentlessly for half a year, barely reaching the 6th level a month ago. Desperate for a chance at the Blackmist Herb Valley trial in this competition, he had paid a steep price to acquire two Xuanyang Pellets, forcibly pushing himself to the 8th level. He thought he had finally left his 'enemy', Lin Feng, far behind, planning to seek revenge later. To discover Lin Feng was not lagging behind was a devastating blow.
Di Xuan's initial surprise quickly morphed back into open contempt. "So, it was all thanks to Xuanyang Pellets. Typical for someone with trash-tier aptitude... But you think reaching the 8th level guarantees you a trial spot? Utterly delusional!"
"..." Lin Feng regarded Di Xuan with mild puzzlement, unsure why the senior disciple had become so openly hostile. He was unaware of the depths of Di Xuan's resentment. It stemmed not only from failing to acquire the Luminous Rattan Vine from Lin Feng back then but also from the memory of Jie Feiyuan visiting Lin Feng frequently. In Di Xuan's mind, there might even be something improper between Lin Feng and Jie Feiyuan, fueling his deep-seated animosity.
"Elder Wen is here!"
A hushed exclamation from a nearby disciple instantly silenced the plaza. All conversation ceased. Every face turned towards the great hall entrance, expressions filled with profound respect.
A figure emerged: an elderly man with flowing white hair and an imposing, immortal-like demeanor. He wore a deep purple robe. His steps were measured, his expression serene yet radiating undeniable authority. This was Wen Mochen, the Great Elder of the Lingyue Sect, a mighty cultivator at the Great Perfection of the Golden Core stage.
Wen Mochen descended the steps. Xu Huaishan stepped forward to meet him. Wen Mochen's voice was calm but carried easily across the silent plaza. "Have all participants for the competition been registered?"
Xu Huaishan bowed respectfully. "Reporting to Elder Wen, all have been registered. Thirty-nine participants in total. They are all assembled here."
Wen Mochen's sharp eyes swept over Di Xuan and the other disciples standing respectfully below the steps. He seemed to verify their cultivation levels—all at least the 8th level of Foundation Building—with a single glance. He gave a slight nod. "Arrange for them to proceed to the side hall."
"Yes, Elder Wen." Xu Huaishan acknowledged. He turned to address the crowd, his voice clear and commanding. "All competitors, follow me to the side hall immediately. Non-participants are forbidden to follow."