Chapter 165

Yang Lingshu stared at the line of words for a long time.

Noticing this, Lv Fangxuan leaned over to look. When he read Yang Lingqing’s final instruction, his brow furrowed in confusion.

After a long while, Yang Lingshu closed the letter.

“Fangxuan, what do you think the Master intended with this letter?”

“Young Master, the Master’s mind is as deep as the ocean. I cannot decipher it.”

Lv Fangxuan pressed his lips together before adding, “But in my humble opinion, perhaps she needs to receive important guests upon returning home? That might explain why she emphasized grooming your appearance.”

“Hmm, that seems reasonable. Otherwise, she would’ve mentioned this when I first entered the Path of Cultivation.”

Yang Lingshu nodded, committing this to memory as he stored the letter away.

“Has the date for the Dual Sect Competition been decided?” he asked.

Having a companion cultivator came with advantages. Yang Lingshu could remain on the peak cultivating peacefully while avoiding social visits and chores.

All matters first passed through Lv Fangxuan at the foot of the mountain, who filtered out trivialities and reported only essential information.

“Young Master, the sect confirmed it will occur one month from now.”

“One month.”

Yang Lingshu murmured the words, mentally calculating timelines.

Joining the sect meant this competition couldn’t be avoided.

Both Wanhuamen and Daoyuanshan recruited disciples every Ten Years.

Their decade-long rivalry had become a century-old tradition.

The event allowed both sects to evaluate disciples’ progress, identify promising talents, and let young disciples demonstrate their abilities.

Yang Lingshu’s senior brother Xiao Yize would attend, and both would represent Heavenly Travel Peak in the competition.

Since they belonged to different divisions, Yang Lingshu only needed to compete among new disciples.

Yet Mo Xian had already reminded him:

“Disciples of Heavenly Travel Peak never settle for second place.”

The message was clear—he must claim first place.

“Master’s bluntness is refreshing. No need for guesswork.”

Yang Lingshu chuckled faintly.

Though not naturally competitive, he resolved to secure the top spot among new disciples as ordered.

His current cultivation level had reached the fourth level of Gathering Qi, placing him far above most peers.

From recent observations, only Han Jingyi and Ge Yan within Wanhuamen warranted slight caution—others posed no challenge.

But in one month’s time, even those two would cease to be threats.

The insights bestowed by the Immortal Master had accelerated his grasp of cultivation methods, brushing against the threshold of the Way of Spiritual Manipulation.

Another month of practice would ensure his mastery.

“Master, I heard Daoyuanshan has an outstanding new disciple this year.”

“Oh? How capable?”

“Peak fourth-level Gathering Qi. During Talent Testing, the Treasure Pearl showed purple-gold radiance!”

Lv Fangxuan answered.

“Purple-gold.”

Yang Lingshu murmured, “Truly impressive, surpassing me.”

Though purple-gold talent fell short of Qiu Ran and Xiao Yize, it still ranked among the best of their generation.

Having joined the sect two months prior, this disciple would undoubtedly reach Fifth Level before next month’s competition.

Seeing Yang Lingshu’s calm demeanor, Lv Fangxuan understood.

The master wouldn’t lose to this rival!

Fifth Level might seem daunting, but his master would devise a strategy when the time came.

“You must strive harder in this competition,” Yang Lingshu told Lv Fangxuan. “Secure a high rank to claim that cleansing elixir you’ve coveted from me.”

Lv Fangxuan’s eyes sparkled. “Fangxuan will spare no effort!”

“Good. Stay at the Inner Door to cultivate next month instead of coming here.”

“Yes! Thank you, Master!”

Descending Heavenly Travel Peak, Lv Fangxuan began his lengthy mountain trek.

Living at the peak’s base, his daily commute to Inner Door training required crossing two ridges – a half-hour journey he didn’t mind. This routine served his master’s convenience while strengthening his legs and stamina.

The Wanhuamen-Daoyuanshan competition stood as a major event in Zhuhu Dynasty.

Though less prestigious than Li Yuande’s Gathering Qi to Condensing Essence performance, it still drew prominent factions with their disciples.

Young observers like Yang Lingrui remained after the performance.

Merely standing on the Viewing Platform proved their talent and strength.

Within twenty years, these youths would form the dynasty’s new elite, earning Tiger-Chasing faction’s attention.

The dynasty filled their schedule with activities, ending with the sect competition.

Yang Lingrui seized this chance to expand his horizons:

– Attending West Concubine’s banquet

– Watching the famed knife-fire display at royal martial academy

– Joining noble ladies’ wedding in imperial capital

– Touring the dreaded Prison

– Hearing teachings from a Spirit Communication master

…

Now during ten-day rest before ChengTian Academy visit, anticipation grew.

The academy schedule included Enlightenment Stone interaction – a Spirit Communication level treasure matching Western Expedition of Illusion Stone’s grade, far surpassing Moon Watching City’s Golden Scales Ceremony stone.

Condensing Essence level stones required sufficient comprehension for benefits, but Spirit Communication stones possessed guiding sentience. Any cultivator could gain insights, varying only in depth.

Though Li Yuande’s performance gave many revelations, most remained undigested. This stone might spark breakthroughs.

Yang Lingrui burned to touch it.

Firstly, to assess it for his Immortal Master.

Secondly, he could barely restrain his cultivation!

After Chen Yang interpreted Li Yuande’s insights into “Secrets of Ascending the Twelve Levels of Gathering Qi”, Yang Lingrui’s talent ignited.

Combined with fivefold spiritual energy in dynasty-provided quarters, his cultivation rocketed upward.

Initially dismissing rapid progress, he soon realized his error – he’d underestimated both Li Yuande’s insights and his own talent.

While others rested, he grew uneasy.

The Ascending Secrets accelerated his growth alarmingly!

During selection observation, he’d just reached Eighth Level.

Now, barely two months later, his cultivation surged like raging torrents toward Ninth Level!