"I really don't know about any treasure, but I did obtain a space bag, perhaps the answer is inside," Li Lin hesitated for a moment but decided to first find the treasure. If Lan Ling was as good as her word, Li Lin was also very cautious and extremely interested in the treasure.
After saying this, Li Lin took out the space bag he had obtained from a member of the Furious Wolf Mercenary Group. After performing a blood recognition ritual and infusing it with his Qi, the bag revealed nothing but two dried pieces of parchment, seemingly made from the hide of some demon beast. Li Lin examined it and then took out one of the parchments. It was a map drawn with yellow lines, marking a red dot in the middle of a mountain range. On the back of the map was a white wolf's head symbol.
"So, it's the White Collar Mercenary Group's treasure map; the rumors are true," Lan Ling looked at the map in Li Lin's hand with surprise. "Do you know the origin of this map?" Li Lin asked, holding what seemed to be a treasure map.
"Of course," Lan Ling said lightly, concealing her surprise and glancing at Li Lin. "It seems you're not aware of the White Wolf Mercenary Group. The mountain range where the treasure is located is hard to find. Let's cooperate, split it fifty-fifty, and I won't seek revenge during this time."
"Okay, from now on, half of the treasure is yours," Li Lin said.
"Then let me see the treasure map," Lan Ling said.
"I'll hold onto it," Li Lin said, wary of Lan Ling possibly taking the treasure map and leaving him with no recourse.
"Afraid I'll run off with it?" Lan Ling said softly, then moved closer to Li Lin to study the treasure map carefully, her brow furrowing.
"What do you think?" After a moment, Li Lin asked.
"I've got a rough idea of the location. We can set off after my injuries heal in a couple of days," Lan Ling looked up at Li Lin.
"Let's set off now. If we delay, the Furious Wolf Mercenary Group might have seen the treasure map, and someone else could get there first," Li Lin said, concerned that Lan Ling's full recovery might complicate matters for him.
"You're afraid I'll kill you once I've recovered, aren't you? Rest assured, I promised I won't kill you during this time, and I won't," Lan Ling said with a blink and a slight smile.
"Really, if a woman's words were reliable, pigs could climb trees," Li Lin said lightly.
"A woman's words are reliable, pigs can climb trees," Lan Ling muttered, then loudly said, "Are you doubting my words?"
"I didn't say that. Let's go," Li Lin said lightly, knowing too well the reliability of a woman's words and how quickly some can turn on you.
"I've memorized the treasure map. Aren't you afraid I'll just go by myself and leave you behind? You wouldn't be able to do anything about it," Lan Ling said, her eyes gleaming mischievously, teasing Li Lin.
"Is that so? It's a pity that I've already figured it out. There are two treasure maps. The one you saw only shows the location of the treasure, but the one in my hands shows the map inside the treasure. There are bound to be some mechanisms in the treasure. Going in alone, I wonder if you have the strength to come out," Li Lin said, revealing another map in his hands and teasingly smiling at Lan Ling.
"Let's go," said Li Lin, and he began to walk towards the dense forest's outskirts.
"Hmph!" Watching Li Lin, Lan Ling stomped her foot, her cheeks puffing up in anger. After summoning a seal and gathering the Fiery Hawk into the Beast Bag, she had no choice but to follow behind Li Lin.
Feeling Lan Ling catch up, Li Lin smiled slightly. It was good that he had been cautious. Dealing with such a woman, it was absolutely necessary to be extra careful.
"Lil' brother Lin, are you really called Li Lin?" Lan Ling caught up and asked with a slight smile.
"A name is just a name. Call me whatever you like if it makes you happy," Li Lin replied lightly, but he remained on guard against Lan Ling, not wanting to be caught off guard.
"Interesting," Lan Ling looked at Li Lin, her beautiful eyes swirling, then asked, "Are you a tri-elemental warrior with defensive martial skills? Are you a disciple of one of the three sects and four schools? Which sect or school do you belong to?"
"No sect, no school," Li Lin said.
"Is that so? I feel like you're lying to me. By the way, why don't you look at me? Am I not pretty enough?" Lan Ling asked with a flash in her beautiful eyes.
Li Lin stopped walking, looked Lan Ling up and down, and said, "I've looked at you. Are you satisfied now? If there's nothing else, let's hurry up."
"You..." Lan Ling glared at Li Lin but was unable to say anything.
The two of them walked out of the dense forest, stepping on dead branches and leaves that crackled underfoot. Looking in the direction inside the mountain range, Lan Ling said, "We need to head south. The location on the map is to the south."
"Let's go," Li Lin said lightly, and the two of them cautiously headed south, not daring to be careless. The mountain range was not only inhabited by monsters but encountering other people could also mean facing enemies.
At the Yunyang Sect, there was great excitement. Three thousand new disciples had arrived some time ago, each with exceptional talent. Talent, to some extent, also indicated future cultivation level. With a bit of effort, anyone could eventually become a strong practitioner.
Among the three thousand new disciples, five were directly made personal disciples, all of whom were Spirit Practitioners. Qin Tianhao was one of them. For Spirit Practitioners, all major sects were eagerly recruiting.
This was due to the scarce number of Spirit Practitioners. Among the three thousand new disciples at Yunyang Sect, there were only five Spirit Practitioners, highlighting how rare they were. Given their importance, it was natural for Spirit Practitioners to hold a higher status than martial practitioners.
Every three years, during the new disciple induction at Yunyang Sect, besides Spirit Practitioners, ten disciples were selected to be personal disciples. Out of three thousand people, everyone aimed for these ten spots. The talent of these ten had to be exceptional, as becoming a personal disciple meant being among the best of the best. This selection brought great fame to Qingyun Town within the Yunyang Sect. Among the four individuals from Qingyun Town who joined the sect, all were made personal disciples: Li Shaohu, Qin Tianhao, Yang Miao, and Du Gu Binglan. These four were now among the ranks of Yunyang Sect's personal disciples.
The remaining people could only sigh. However, it wasn't without opportunity. Every cohort of new disciples, after three years, would have another chance to become personal disciples.
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Among the new disciples in Yunyang Sect, each cohort would have a Tiger List with one hundred spots. When the time comes, the top hundred on the list would have ten more slots available to become personal disciples of Yunyang Sect.
Yunyang Sect initially selects the ten individuals with the best talent for cultivation. However, among the general disciples, there are often those on the Tiger List who, after three years, are stronger than the personal disciples or at least not weaker. This potential is naturally something Yunyang Sect wouldn't ignore. Hence, after three years, another ten slots will be available. Those who initially failed have this three-year opportunity to compete for entry into the ranks of Yunyang Sect’s personal disciples, which offers much greater benefits than being a regular disciple.
Yunyang Sect is located within a vast mountain range, where the peaks are extraordinarily high, piercing through the clouds like islands floating in the sky. Occasionally, streams flow through the mountains, forming waterfalls and ravines. The mountain range is filled with dense spiritual energy, making it an extraordinary place. Practicing in the mountains of Yunyang Sect offers many more benefits than the outside world.
In the early morning, with the east slightly brightened, under the pale sky, the mountains stand dark and solemn. With the sunrise, the peaks are bathed in a faint red glow, surrounded by green mountain tops and rising mist, presenting a stunningly beautiful landscape.
Among the peaks, two figures sit on a rock. Both women, around eighteen or nineteen, one beautiful and the other with delicate features, one of them, Du Gu Binglan, has a conspicuous red blotch on her face, sitting alongside Cuiyu.
"Do you think Li Lin will survive?" Cuiyu asked, gazing into the distance with a somewhat vacant look.
"I don't know. The cliff was too deep. Do you miss him?" Du Gu Binglan asked Cuiyu with a slight smile, resting her cheek in her hand, also staring into the distance.
"What are you talking about? I just find him very unique. It would be a pity if he were harmed at such a young age," Cuiyu retorted with a glare at Du Gu Binglan.
"He is unique. It would indeed be a pity if he died. But, your daydreaming lately, I guess it's all because of him. Just don’t forget, you are..." Du Gu Binglan said with a faint smile, reminding Cuiyu of something.
"Alright, I know my limits," Cuiyu lightly said, a special look flashing in her beautiful eyes.
"Today is the day for the three-year disciples to compete for the personal disciple slots. Let’s go watch," Du Gu Binglan suggested lightly.
"That sounds good, to see the strength of Yunyang Sect," Cuiyu agreed, and the two left the peak.
In a large valley plaza among the mountains, surrounded by green hills and numerous palace-like buildings scattered across the mountains, the valley was bustling with thousands of people gathered around. At the center, on a stone platform, stood a figure.
This figure, with ink-black hair flowing down her back, wore a red palace dress that outlined her exquisite figure, adorned with a string of pearls around her neck. Her attire was not extravagant, yet it exuded elegance and nobility. She was Li Wushuang.
Facing Li Wushuang was a young man in his twenties, wearing a white robe, with deep eyes calmly watching Li Wushuang.
"Wei Song is ranked ninth on the Tiger List, a strong contender, while Li Wushuang is only seventeenth. It might be difficult for her to challenge successfully."
"This is the last match, with only one personal disciple slot left. Whoever wins will become a personal disciple. Wei Song seems to have a much better chance."
"It's not certain, though. When Li Wushuang returned from Qingyun Town, she was only thirty-sixth on the Tiger List. After a series of challenges these past few days, she's moved up to seventeenth. Maybe she has a chance to defeat Wei Song today."
"Wei Song is a fourth-level martial master, while Li Wushuang is only a third-level. There's a significant difference. Let's see."
"..."
"Let's begin. This is the last slot. Whoever wins will become a personal disciple of the sect."
On the judges' stand, an elder-looking figure from Yunyang Sect announced the start.
"Sister Wushuang, do you think you can defeat me?" the young man in white asked, gazing at Li Wushuang.
"Let's find out," Li Wushuang said, her qi beginning to fluctuate, her eyes calm.
"Then I won't hold back," the young man in white said lightly. As his words fell, his qi surged out, his hands forming a seal, and a punch was launched instantly. His fist, covered in blue water-attributed qi, aimed directly at Li Wushuang with a sharp wind-breaking force.
With a slight twist of her hand, Li Wushuang's hand seals changed, and wooden spikes wrapped around her hand, clashing with Wei Song's fist.
"Boom!"
A thunderous sound echoed on the open stone platform, drawing many sideways glances. Visibly, the wooden spikes in Li Wushuang's fist seal penetrated a layer of waves but could not advance further upon meeting Wei Song's fist.
The two fist seals lasted for a moment, with Li Wushuang lightly stepping back a few steps, her hand seals suddenly changing, and the Qing Moon Sword appeared in her hand. With a flash in her beautiful eyes, qi poured into the sword, and sword light erupted.
Wei Song also rapidly retreated, then charged forward with a clenched fist.
The two immediately entangled, their figures darting about as attacks spread out, occasionally causing huge sonic booms. Their strength, among the disciples of their cohort, was also among the foremost, drawing amazement from the others.
After about twenty rounds, Li Wushuang took a breath and executed a sword technique, sending out a swath of sword light that traced several pentagram-like points in the air, tearing through the spatial currents with a somewhat terrifying force, twisting towards Wei Song.
"It's the Li family's Yellow Level wood technique, the Wooden Star Sword Technique," someone in the crowd, including Yang Man and Wang Liang, noted, their expressions changing slightly. This Yellow Level beginner technique, one of the Li family's signature martial arts, was presumably only mastered by Li Wushuang upon her recent return. "It seems to be a Yellow Level technique," many in the audience exclaimed, sensing the terrifying aura of the sword move.
Although everyone had been at Yunyang Sect for three years, the highest technique they could practice was Star-level high-grade. Yellow Level techniques were only accessible to personal disciples or those who had reached the Martial Soul stage, who could then learn Yellow Level beginner and intermediate techniques. As for Yellow Level advanced techniques, they were even more exclusively reserved for personal disciples, highlighting the advantages personal disciples had.
Wei Song appeared somewhat surprised at this time. Although he was slightly stronger than Li Wushuang in terms of strength level, the Yellow Level technique she was using was extraordinary. In the space before him, under the engulfment of sword qi, the air burst open with tremendous wind pressure, making Wei Song's hair fly back and his clothes flutter noisily.
At this moment, Wei Song, looking up slightly at Li Wushuang, had always practiced physical attacks without using weapons, a fact well known among the sect members. His attack power was not inferior to that of weapons.
With his hands clenched into fists, water-attributed qi surged around Wei Song, causing the surrounding air to tremble and shake. Then, in front of him, a giant water python made of qi formed.
This water python, over forty meters long with a thickness comparable to a bowl at its thickest point, mixed with a terrifying wind, struck at Li Wushuang like a living creature. As it moved through the air, it even produced a sharp sonic boom, dispersing the air currents around it, and exerted a formidable pressure.
"Star-level high-grade technique, Spirit Snake Plays in Water."
"This is one of Wei Song's signature moves, powerful and decisive. It seems Wei Song intends to settle the outcome with this move."
As the crowd exclaimed again, Wei Song had managed to rank among the top ten on the Tiger List over these three years thanks to this technique.
The two attacks collided amidst the crowd's astonishment. Li Wushuang's sword light sliced through the void, cleaving at the giant water python. From afar, the air currents were visibly dispersed, as if completely cutting through the air, with the space through which the sword light passed appearing twisted.
Wei Song's condensed water python churned, also stirring the space, wrapping towards the sword light, with the entire space trembling.
"Whiz, whiz, whiz..."
"Bang, bang..."
Continuous sounds of space being torn apart rang out, followed by a series of sonic booms and turbulent qi. The entire huge stone platform was like hit by a tornado, lifting a spray of water, as if a fine rain suddenly poured down from mid-air.
The turbulent qi slowly split the vast water surface. Li Wushuang's sword qi was clearly extraordinary. A Yellow Level beginner technique was indeed much stronger than a Star-level high-grade technique, but the sword shadows Li Wushuang condensed were also rapidly fading.
"Wooden Vines Binding."
A sharp rebuke sounded from amidst the turbulent qi, and at that moment, Li Wushuang's face turned pale. Vines, thick as thumbs, materialized out of thin air, wrapping towards Wei Song from all directions, forming a dense network of vines in front of him like a cocoon of tree vines. These dense flashes of green light arrived in an instant, and before Wei Song could steady himself, he was enveloped by vines from all sides.