Chapter 92: To Pursue Invincibility Among Equals, or to Crush with Overwhelming Power

Just as the masters of the Central Continent sought to temper their disciples’ minds, so too did the words of Cao Xuan seem perfectly reasonable to the peak lords. Indeed, if he evaded this challenge now, what of the future? How could a genius like Cao Xuan shrink back here? Upon hearing his declaration, Li Yao was moved beyond words, while Ye Caixuan and Xing Mengfan revealed expressions of admiration. Not only that, Jin Tiehua and Liu Yu also clenched their fists in determination. For while Xian Xiangqiu doubted Cao Xuan, she had utterly disregarded them, which was something these fellow direct disciples could not tolerate.

Yu Wan, observing Cao Xuan’s composure, sighed lightly. He had spoken with such conviction—what more could a master offer at this moment but encouragement? She put away the token. “I’ll hold onto this for now.”

“Don’t mind your little uncle’s blunt words—he speaks for our own good!”

“At this Azurecloud Gathering, should you find the situation impossible, simply yield!”

“Cultivation is often about striving, but there are also times when not contending is the wisest course.”

Yu Wan gestured to the sky, where several powerful figures had just flown by, and remarked calmly, “Those born in the Central Continent possess innate advantages over us.”

“If you can guard against arrogance and impatience, break through to the Golden Core in Azurecloud Mist Cave, and condense more patterns, you might even reach Nascent Soul!”

“When you attain Nascent Soul, what does it matter if the Central Continent’s prodigies are invincible among their peers? Not only Foundation Establishment, even Golden Core peak cultivators will be no match for you!”

It was rare for Yu Wan to speak at such length, but she had discerned Xian Xiangqiu’s intent. Assigning Azurecloud Mist Cave to Cao Xuan was the most profitable choice, signaling that she believed he could surpass herself. If he suffered a setback now and missed the chance to break through, even if he did reach Golden Core, it might be ordinary—forever hopeless for Nascent Soul.

For Yunzhou, having a Nascent Soul cultivator outweighs having two Golden Core experts; all would choose the former! Besides, Yu Wan possessed her own pride, and after contending with Cao Xuan for so many days, her foundation was equally robust.

Previously, within Azurecloud Sect of Yunzhou, she could not guarantee breaking through to Golden Core. Like many Foundation Establishment peak cultivators, she might remain one step short, unable to cross, until her lifespan ended. Now, however, even if her Golden Core patterns were few, she could confidently assure her breakthrough.

Cao Xuan nodded, offering no rebuttal to Yu Wan’s words.

Though he had little actual combat experience, he did not believe his “Heavenly Gang Flowing Steps,” “Azure Sky Sword,” or “Golden Body Shield” were inferior to those of the Central Continent. In simulated trials, he even felt that the sects where these techniques originated were not necessarily weaker than the Six Great Holy Lands of the Central Continent. Of course, each realm of cultivation was a world apart; when he advanced from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment, he felt as much. Though cultivation extolled “scientific” progress, reality was often anything but. The power of Foundation Establishment far exceeded what Qi Refining cultivators could imagine. Unless their true essence was exhausted, a Qi Refining cultivator could never hope to defeat a Foundation Establishment expert head-on.

Thus, in Cao Xuan’s mind, the powerful sects simulated by the system might rival or even surpass the Six Great Holy Lands—or perhaps be only on par with second-tier forces. So when he said he would try, it was truly a trial.

To Cao Xuan, one could lose in combat, but never shrink before the fight. Moreover, he was not without hope; the talent “Admonition Domain (Fragmented)” was not to be underestimated.

He thought to himself, “Surely there aren’t any ‘grandmasters’ of Foundation Establishment out there who can shatter domains themselves?”

Yu Wan saw Cao Xuan nod in agreement and breathed a sigh of relief. She had been worried he might let youthful pride drive him to reckless confrontation.

Within Azurecloud Sect of Yunzhou, there were two teaching methods: one, like Demon-Expelling Peak, cultivated battle through battle; the other, like the rest, favored peaceful cultivation.

The Sect Leader of Yu, at Golden Core with five centuries of lifespan and frequent journeys to the Central Continent, understood the importance of defensive techniques. Yet he tailored his teaching to Yunzhou’s realities.

Yu Wan and Li Zhiyun exemplified these approaches. Though both were at Foundation Establishment peak, Yu Wan’s cultivation was unquestionably stronger. Yet in actual combat, Li Zhiyun could defeat Yu Wan in moments. The title “Azurecloud Demon-Breaking Blade” was well earned; despite her casual attire of exposed leather skirt armor, Li Peak Lord’s confidence stemmed from absolute strength. Whenever a demonic cultivator betrayed the slightest abnormality, they would be met with utter annihilation.

Conversely, once Yu Wan calmly advanced to Golden Core, she would command the clouds and rain—able to suppress Li Zhiyun with ease.

Thus, in Yu Wan’s view, it was better to break through steadily to higher realms than risk injury and fail to advance. Better to crush with cultivation than risk blood on the blade’s edge.

“All right, there’s no need for pessimism. Even if the competition is fierce, it’s the finals—we’re here to broaden our horizons, which is a good thing!”

“Cultivation can’t always be behind closed doors, right?”

Master Yuan Dan retained his genial demeanor, balancing the stability of the elders with acknowledgment of the youth’s drive.

Liu Yu and the other direct disciples felt some discontent. Though they often heard tales of Little Grandmaster Xian Xiangqiu, they had never met her. Now, her arrival seemed to dampen their spirits and dismiss their prospects, lowering their opinion of Xian Xiangqiu.

To them, Xian Xiangqiu seemed aloof and, not even finishing her speech before leaving, gave the impression of visiting a wealthy relative in the city only for the relative to ignore them completely.

Liu Yu summoned a flying sword; though its grade was not as high as the Azurecloud Sword gifted to Cao Xuan by Sect Leader Yu, it was still an excellent artifact.

“Brother Jin, shall we spar tonight for a warm-up?”

Not being part of Demon-Expelling Peak, the direct disciples only occasionally received sect assignments involving collaboration with that peak and thus rarely practiced combat. They were not wandering cultivators, so there was no need to fight at every moment, nor to be overtly competitive. Even after Cao Xuan joined the direct disciples over a year ago, apart from Ye Caixuan and Li Yao, the others had not even met, let alone conflicted.

Jin Tiehua scratched his head and grinned, “Sure, but you must go easy on me, Brother Liu!”

Liu Yu twirled his sword flower and waved reassuringly. Yet Jin Tiehua’s honest expression concealed a flash of sharp intent in his eyes, revealing that this chief disciple of Artifact-Refining Peak was not as simple as he appeared.

At that moment, Li Zhiyun beckoned, “Xiao Meng, come here!”

Xing Mengfan followed without hesitation.

The lodgings arranged by Xian Xiangqiu were a cluster of separate courtyards, spacious and typically reserved for Golden Core cultivators. Thus, Li Zhiyun selected a courtyard and brought Xing Mengfan along to train.

“I don’t care about the others, Xiao Meng—you must secure an Azurecloud Mist Cave spot for your master!”