Chapter 129: If You Don't Work Yourself to Death, Keep Working Until You Do!

Without the translation services of the little dwarf dragon, Jiang Yan was naturally clueless and unable to understand what the cat and the tiger were saying. However, it was clear that Big Yellow was nervous about meeting his partner's family for the first time.

Jiang Yan gently patted Big Yellow’s tiger head and laughed, "Come on, Big Yellow, Little White, let's go to the pool party and relax."

With that, Jiang Yan led them toward the barbecue grill. The meat sizzled enticingly on the rack, fat dripping down and filling the air with a savory aroma, as if hosting a feast for the senses.

When Yun Li saw Jiang Yan, his face lit up with joy. He carefully selected a few skewers grilled to a golden brown on an exquisite plate and handed them over. "Jiang Yan, try these."

Jiang Yan took them and tasted one, unable to help but praise, "Yun Li, your skills have truly inherited my legacy!"

Yun Li smiled bashfully, his heart blooming with joy at being complimented by his master. In truth, these grilling skills were indeed taught by the Demon Lord. That memory had long been etched deeply in his heart, dating back to his early days in the Demon God Palace...

"Awoo..."

A tiger's roar broke Yun Li's reverie. Big Yellow’s round eyes were fixed intently on the grilled meat, his mouth watering greedily. The scent was simply too tempting! At a time like this, who cared about maintaining an image?

Little White keenly sensed Big Yellow’s craving for the meat, leaped up, grabbed several skewers in its mouth, and offered them to Big Yellow. Thus, the cat and the tiger both joined the barbecue revelry.

The pool area was filled with laughter. Big Yellow and Yunyun quickly became familiar with one another. Perhaps because Yunyun was just a child, Big Yellow was particularly affectionate toward her, even letting her ride on his back to play.

It was not until the setting sun began to sink, painting the horizon like molten gold, that the pool party came to an end. Jiang Yan lay idly on a lounge chair, a glass of chilled watermelon juice in his hand, unable to help but sigh: "This kind of lazy, carefree life—not even the gods could make me trade it!"

...

As the date of the Grand Sect Tournament approached, with only three months left, the atmosphere across all sects grew tense. Yet, amidst this tension, Jiang Yan’s existence as a "slacker" stood out uniquely.

Every sect disciple who had heard of the genius youth Jiang Yan intensified their cultivation, taking him as their role model. Especially those who had witnessed Jiang Yan being baptized by lightning; their cultivation motto became: "As long as you don't grind yourself to death, keep grinding until you do!"

Within the Azure Cloud Sect, Bai Tao’s cultivation path had also reached a new turning point. Since the upgrade of his meteor hammer, his cultivation speed had seemingly gained wings. He was now at the peak of the Qi Refining stage, just a single step away from Foundation Establishment.

On the Azure Cloud Sect’s training grounds, Bai Tao and Qi Yu were sparring. Qi Yu was, after all, a Golden Core cultivator, far surpassing Bai Tao in level, and every clash subjected Bai Tao to immense pressure. However, Bai Tao did not retreat. Though he was knocked down time and again, his fighting spirit only grew more fervent.

In Bai Tao’s heart, there was an unshakable idol—Jiang Yan. Jiang Yan was not only gifted but possessed an indomitable spirit, always seizing every second to cultivate and constantly improve his strength. Bai Tao knew well that to break through the Foundation Establishment stage, he needed such a hardworking spirit and relentless effort. Qi Yu, as it happened, was a perfect sparring partner.

"Qi Yu, again!"

Bai Tao sprang up from the ground, the dust on his body failing to cover the gleam in his eyes as he launched another fierce charge at Qi Yu.

"Young Master, receive my move!"

Seeing his young master’s speed and explosive power growing with every encounter, Qi Yu felt his own fighting spirit ignited as well...

...

In the quiet valley of the Blue Sky Sect, Ouyang Xiu was in seclusion. His aura was like a mountain spring—calm and profound. Although he was currently only at the middle stage of the Golden Core realm, he could clearly feel that he was but a step away from the high stage.

Ouyang Xiu’s redoubled efforts were not without cause; they stemmed from one name: Jiang Yan. He had assumed he was the undisputed first in the new disciple rankings, only to find that a certain Jiang Yan from the Qilin Sect had silently surpassed him, relegating him to second place. He, Ouyang Xiu, had never been satisfied with second place!

The Qilin Sect sounded like a nameless, minor sect, yet that youth named Jiang Yan could cultivate at such an astonishing speed, leaving Ouyang Xiu both shocked and curious. To make a stunning debut at the upcoming Grand Sect Tournament and become the undisputed champion, Ouyang Xiu spared no cost, consuming numerous heavenly treasures provided by the Ouyang family.

Cultivating in this valley rich in spiritual energy, he was convinced he could break his limits and reach a new realm. Ouyang Xiu’s eyes burned like torches as he whispered into the void, "Jiang Yan, we shall certainly see who is superior at the Grand Sect Tournament..."