"Senior Brother Lu! You seem quite nervous! Looks like you know you're bound to lose this bet!" Fu Boren, the Peak Lord of Heavenly Splendor Peak, chuckled as he glanced at Lu Mingshi, not forgetting to tease him.
"Lose? You old rascal, the results aren't even out yet, what are you so smug about?" Lu Mingshi rolled his eyes and glared at Fu Boren with annoyance.
As the other had said, he was indeed feeling particularly anxious.
This outcome was crucial to the bet between him and Heavenly Splendor Peak.
Losing the Cold Jade was a minor issue, but if they lost everything, it would be a huge disgrace for Luofu Peak.
Fu Boren was about to speak, still smiling, when suddenly an Elder shouted, "Someone's coming out!"
As soon as the Elder's voice fell, the ancient teleportation formation lit up.
A flash of light, and thirty-five figures appeared in the center of the formation.
Each of these people looked calm and composed, gathering together as soon as they emerged, clearly a group. Their clothes were tattered and bloodstained, evidence of a fierce battle.
After coming out, the thirty-five quickly scanned their surroundings, then focused their gaze on the Great Elder of Heavenly Unique Peak. They swiftly approached, respectfully saluted the Great Elder, and then stood silently behind him.
The Great Elder gently stroked his beard, nodded slightly at the group, and a satisfied smile spread across his face.
Heavenly Unique Peak sent in thirty-five people, and thirty-five returned.
The other Peak Lords and Elders exchanged glances, their eyelids twitching with surprise.
Soon after, the teleportation formation continued to light up. Disciples from various peaks appeared one after another.
Most of these disciples were in groups of three or five, though a few were alone. Many bore injuries, some severe, with broken arms or legs, looking quite tragic.
Their expressions varied widely; some were grinning from ear to ear, others were downcast and dejected, while some appeared relieved and grateful.
After emerging, they each sought out their respective peak's location and quickly returned.
The Peak Lords and Elders remained expressionless, showing no emotion at the appearance of these disciples.
An hour later, more than half of the disciples from each peak had returned.
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Except for Luofu Peak.
Behind Lu Mingshi, only five servant disciples had returned, each with a worried expression, clearly having gained little.
Seeing this, Fu Boren immediately spoke up with a smile, "Senior Brother Lu, if I recall, you had over a hundred disciples participating in the trial, right?"
"Why have so few returned? Is this newcomer trial really that difficult? If you ask me, maybe Luofu Peak should just skip the next one."
Looking at the number of people returning to each peak and then at the few behind him, Lu Mingshi's wrinkled face was already scrunched up.
But hearing Fu Boren's words, he snorted coldly and retorted, "Hmph! Not everyone has come out yet, why are you in such a hurry?"
"Senior Brother, you really need to work on that stubborn streak of yours! Even if everyone comes out, I doubt Luofu Peak will have many left," Fu Boren laughed, his eyes scanning the formation for something.
Lu Mingshi's face darkened, about to speak again.
At that moment, more than ten beams of light flashed on the formation.
Lu Mingshi looked over anxiously, but when he saw who emerged, his face fell instantly.
Over ten weary figures, led by a disciple in red, trudged towards the Heavenly Splendor Peak's group, looking dejected.
Ye Liangchuan, holding the Purple Thunder Sword, walked at the front, looking particularly anxious and worried.
Seeing Ye Liangchuan and the others return alive, Fu Boren was initially pleased. But noticing their troubled expressions, his heart skipped a beat.
Could something have gone wrong?
Just as he was about to call Ye Liangchuan over to inquire, Lu Mingshi's voice reached his ears again.
"Fu Boren, you actually let a disciple bring a Low Grade Spiritual Artifact to the trial?" Lu Mingshi's gaze was fixed on the Low Grade Spiritual Artifact in Ye Liangchuan's hand, too preoccupied to notice their expressions.
His words drew the attention of the other peak leaders, their eyes flashing with surprise.
Bringing such an artifact to the trial was practically cheating.
Hearing this, Fu Boren temporarily set aside his doubts, seeing the Purple Thunder Sword intact.
Turning to Lu Mingshi, Fu Boren smiled and said, "Senior Brother, the trial rules don't prohibit bringing Spiritual Artifacts! You can still concede now, before you lose too badly and lose face!"
"Pah! Just because you brought a Spiritual Artifact, you think you've won? One might think your disciple brought an Immortal Artifact!"
Lu Mingshi's face grew even darker, his eyes nervously watching the teleportation formation, though his words remained defiant.
As he spoke, two more beams of light flashed on the formation, revealing a handsome young man and woman.
Both looked shaken, covered in wounds, and the two swords they had previously carried were gone, clearly having gone through a fierce battle.
After emerging, they looked towards Lu Mingshi and quickly headed to Luofu Peak's location.
Seeing them, Lu Mingshi visibly relaxed, the tension in his heart easing.
"How did it go?" he asked as Han Yu and Xiao Yue returned.
Han Yu, covered in dust, opened his mouth but said nothing.
"Not very optimistic," Xiao Yue replied with a bitter smile, shaking her head.
"No matter, coming back alive is more important than anything. You've worked hard."
Lu Mingshi's expression stiffened, his mood sinking further. But he quickly pulled himself together, patting their shoulders in encouragement.
Not far away, Fu Boren's smile widened at the sight.
"Senior Brother, it seems Luofu Peak didn't fare well. Are you sure you want to continue this bet?" Fu Boren grinned.
"Hmph! Look at you gloating, it's not over yet! Are you in a hurry to reincarnate?" Lu Mingshi rolled his eyes, retorting with irritation.
He had little hope left, but he wouldn't admit defeat easily.
Time passed slowly.
Fewer and fewer disciples emerged from the formation.
At Heavenly Melody Peak's location, two beautiful Elders exchanged worried glances.
Behind them, many female disciples had already returned. In terms of survival rate, they were second only to Heavenly Unique Peak.
But Peak Lord Shen Miaoyin had yet to appear, causing them great concern.
Just as they were growing restless with worry, several beams of light flashed on the formation.
Two striking figures appeared, immediately drawing many eyes.
One was the Chu-named female cultivator, Chu Hongyue. The other was Shen Miaoyin, who had crossed paths with Su Shi'er.
After emerging, they quickly scanned their surroundings, then walked calmly towards Heavenly Melody Peak and Falling Anser Peak.
Seeing Shen Miaoyin appear, the leading Elder of Heavenly Melody Peak visibly relaxed.
She immediately went forward, taking Shen Miaoyin's arm and asking with concern.
This scene puzzled the other peak leaders.
Though Shen Miaoyin was a Peak Lord, she rarely showed herself, often appearing under the guise of a treasure called the Misty Veil.
Thus, even though they had worked together for years, none recognized the stunning beauty before them as the Heavenly Melody Peak Lord they knew.
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