Chapter 60

Bai Yueli seemed to have only happened to look in this direction. Very soon, she shifted her gaze away. Fu Yan paused slightly, then also withdrew her own gaze as if nothing had happened.

Seeing that everyone had quietly sat down inside the light barrier Elder Lin had set up, Bai Yueli at the front turned again and spoke with the two elders.

Very soon, everyone saw Elder Xu at the very front lift his hand slightly, seeming to shout to the Wind Turtledove Beast beneath them, “Set off!”

In the next second, everyone felt the enormous Wind Turtledove Beast instantly move. In almost a single breath, the inner sect’s mountain peaks had already fallen far behind everyone.

Above the sea of clouds, many of the disciples were riding the Wind Turtledove Beast for the first time. They could not help curiously looking around while quietly feeling this terrifying speed.

Although Fu Yan was also riding this Wind Turtledove Beast for the first time, she did not have much curiosity. She merely quietly gazed at the distant sea of clouds, sensing the speed of the surrounding air currents.

No wonder Elder Lin had specially condensed a protective light barrier. If they had to rely on their own protective true essence to withstand this kind of high-altitude, extreme-speed airflow, then by the time they reached the Fengling Sect, everyone would probably be completely exhausted.

Although the competition would not begin the moment they landed, if disciples from other sects saw them in that state, it naturally would not look good.

Who knew how others might laugh behind their backs?

Now that they had this protective light barrier, everyone on the Wind Turtledove Beast’s back looked perfectly at ease. They could not feel even the slightest pressure from the intense airflow. Everyone Read on BaiLianTalesalso wore expectant expressions, clearly preparing to show their brilliance in this competition.

Although the Wind Turtledove Beast’s speed was indeed fast enough, reaching the Fengling Sect still required nearly half a day. While they relaxed their minds and admired the mountains and rivers of the Northern Region below, Fu Yan naturally had no great interest in doing the same.

Thinking of how the talented disciples of the entire Northern Region were soon going to enter the secret realm and explore, Fu Yan swiftly began meditating and cultivating on the Wind Turtledove Beast’s back, circulating her body-tempering movement method throughout her body.

The few people beside her were somewhat surprised when they saw this.

“Senior Sister Fu really works too hard. She refuses to slack off even during this short bit of time. She’s actually cultivating again.”

“As expected, even geniuses need effort to achieve success. I should consolidate my strength too. In this sect competition, I absolutely cannot let others see me as a joke!”

“Hm? Why has everyone started meditating and cultivating? Is there really a need to work this hard? No, I can’t let my rank drop again!”

“…”

What Fu Yan did not know was that her casual meditation and cultivation had actually put no small amount of pressure on everyone. They also felt embarrassed to continue leisurely relaxing, so they hurriedly began meditating and cultivating, consolidating their own strength.

Seeing that more than half of the disciples behind them had begun cultivating, Elder Xu at the front could not help smiling in relief. He immediately transmitted praise to Elder Lin beside him. “Truly, the younger generation is formidable. The Shuiling Sect’s future depends on them!”

Elder Lin naturally nodded in agreement as well.

“However, that disciple named Fu Yan is indeed a good seedling. She has both opportunity and diligence. I believe she will achieve great things in the future. For our Shuiling Sect to obtain such a disciple can be considered a fortunate matter.” As Elder Xu spoke, his gaze could not help falling on Fu Yan behind them. Only then did he slowly voice his thoughts.

“Indeed.” Elder Lin also followed his gaze and glanced at Fu Yan, then said lightly, “Although this girl’s aptitude is relatively ordinary, her comprehension ability is extremely high. It is only that she is still too young.”

Elder Xu paused, naturally understanding what Elder Lin meant. “Mm. If she were given another three years to participate in the next sect competition, I believe she would certainly help spread our Shuiling Sect’s reputation then. But this year, our Shuiling Sect should not be ranked at the bottom either.”

“As expected, we truly are old now. The speed at which the Northern Region’s younger generation is rising is indeed astonishing.” Elder Lin withdrew his gaze and could not help sighing slowly. Although the words sounded like a joke, his face was also full of smiles.

Hearing this, Elder Xu also smiled.

Bai Yueli behind them did not know what they were saying, but seeing them both look toward Fu Yan, she could more or less guess. It seemed Fu Yan’s strength had already received the sect’s attention.

This was good too. She believed the sect would slowly begin nurturing Fu Yan afterward.

At this moment, Fu Yan naturally did not know what had happened in front. She was still cultivating her body-tempering movement method. After all, she had been stuck at the first layer for a very long time, so naturally, she hoped to break through to the second layer of body tempering as soon as possible.

As for the body-tempering movement method she cultivated, Fu Yan was not afraid of the sect elders seeing it. This kind of movement method could not be hidden. As long as she had used it before, those old monsters would naturally be able to sense it.

Since it could not be hidden, Fu Yan had no intention of hiding it. Because she had discovered that the Frost Tempering [Read on BaiLianTales]Body Art was somewhat special. When cultivated to the first layer, what it displayed was no different from an ordinary fourth-grade body-tempering movement method.

Although a fourth-grade body-tempering movement method could still be considered precious, the value Fu Yan herself had displayed had already far surpassed the body-tempering movement method. So as long as those people in the sect had even the slightest judgment, they would not ask too much.

Opportunity was already a personal matter. In truth, sects generally would not interfere unless your opportunity was enough to make the entire sect envious. A fourth-grade body-tempering movement method was clearly far from reaching that value.

So Fu Yan naturally had nothing to fear.

The half-day journey went fairly smoothly. Everyone did not encounter any attacks from flying demon beasts either. It passed almost in the blink of an eye. Just after noon, their group could already see the shadow of the Fengling Sect below.

The Fengling Sect was unlike the Shuiling Sect, which only had three peaks soaring straight into the clouds. Instead, it was formed from many continuous medium-sized peaks. Looking from afar, it also had a unique charm.

Very soon, Elder Lin signaled for the Wind Turtledove Beast to slowly descend toward the Fengling Sect below. At this time, Fu Yan naturally quickly woke from meditation. She slowly climbed to her feet and lowered her eyes to look beneath them.

The entrance to the Fengling Sect was on the foremost mountain peak. From far away, one could see the sect’s gate plaque, which looked exceptionally grand and domineering. At this moment, many administrative disciples were already waiting at the entrance. They should all be here to welcome the various sects.

A gust of wild wind swept backward, and the Wind Turtledove Beast steadily stopped in the low air above the entrance.

Below, three administrative disciples of the Fengling Sect instantly gathered forward and saluted the two elders on the Wind Turtledove Beast. “Welcome, elders and disciples of the Shuiling Sect. Forgive us for not greeting you from farther away!”

Elder Lin and Elder Xu did not say much. They merely turned back to look at everyone and said lightly, [read the original at bailiantales.com]“We have arrived at the Fengling Sect. Everyone, go down.”

As they spoke, the two elders were the first to fly down from the Wind Turtledove Beast’s back, landing steadily on the mountain peak at the entrance. Seeing this, everyone immediately jumped down one after another as well.

After everyone had landed safely, Elder Xu turned back to look at the Wind Turtledove Beast and whistled. The Wind Turtledove Beast then swiftly flew up again, following the original path back. It charged into the sea of clouds and vanished completely.

Everyone was not worried either. Presumably, when they returned, the Wind Turtledove Beast would be summoned back again.

Seeing this, the three administrative disciples of the Fengling Sect swiftly came forward and said to Elder Lin and Elder Xu, “We have already prepared the Shuiling Sect’s lodgings. Seniors, please follow us this way.”

As they spoke, they took the lead and guided everyone ahead.

What the Fengling Sect lacked least was mountain peaks. So for this sect competition, they had specially emptied several mountain peaks to be used as residences for disciples of the various major sects.

Fu Yan’s group was soon brought to a mountain peak with green hills and clear waters. The surroundings were full of lush trees. Streams gurgled through the forest, flowers bloomed all across the ground, and birdsong was especially clear and bright. It truly looked like a scene from a mortal paradise.

“The Fengling Sect’s scenery is too beautiful. After entering this mountain peak, it gives people a feeling of complete refreshment.”

“Indeed. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth here is also abundant. It truly is a good place for cultivating immortality!”

“…”

On the mountain peak, just like in the Shuiling Sect, there were many small wooden houses and bamboo houses scattered about. For Fu Yan and the others to live here, there was more than enough room.

“Seniors and fellow disciples, during the sect competition, you may stay freely on this mountain peak. Tomorrow will be the opening ceremony of the competition. Everyone may rest first, or you may also stroll around our Fengling Sect. We will not disturb you any longer.” After the three administrative disciples casually gave everyone some instructions, they hurried back down the mountain.

Elder Lin and Elder Xu also did not say much. They merely glanced casually around, then instructed everyone to choose their residences freely.

As soon as the words fell, everyone swiftly scattered.

At the very front was a small set of halls. Needless to say, that was naturally prepared for the elders leading each sect’s team, so no one was tactless enough to run over there.

Fu Yan had always liked quiet places, so she was not in a hurry to choose a residence. Instead, she casually looked around, until Bai Yueli’s figure suddenly appeared in her field of vision.

Bai Yueli walked alone toward the mountain peak on the left. Judging by her appearance, she was probably also preparing to casually find a residence. Fu Yan paused, then could not help lifting her feet and following.

Very soon, Bai Yueli chose a slightly secluded bamboo house. Fu Yan thought for a moment and also chose an empty wooden house nearby. One was on the left and the other on the right, making them look somewhat like neighbors.

The wooden house had likely already been cleaned by the Fengling Sect’s disciples. Inside and outside, it was spotless. A small flowerbed had even been planted in the courtyard. The moment she entered, a faint fragrance seeped refreshingly into her heart and lungs.

After simply taking a look, Fu Yan directly pushed open the door and entered.

After resting casually in the room for a while, Fu Yan came out and prepared to find Bai Yueli. Unexpectedly, the moment she went out, she saw a disciple of the Fengling Sect come over to invite Bai Yueli to attend some kind of exchange gathering.

Fu Yan listened to a couple of sentences from the side and roughly understood that this exchange gathering was a gathering for the top geniuses of the entire Northern Region. In other words, it was a tea gathering between the number one disciples of each sect, where they would discuss their insights on the path of cultivation.

In truth, although it was called a friendly exchange gathering, it was probably just the geniuses of each sect wanting to understand each other’s strength beforehand so they could be somewhat mentally prepared for tomorrow’s competition.

To put it plainly, this exchange gathering represented a sect’s face. Although everyone knew what schemes were being played in their hearts, they still could not avoid attending.

Precisely because of this, after seeing Bai Yueli leave with that person, Fu Yan could only shrug helplessly.

Only, just as Fu Yan was preparing to return to her room and continue cultivating, she suddenly sensed the strand of black qi in her qi sea move again. This sensation made her pause slightly.

The last time the black qi had stirred was during that beast tide, when it had absorbed the power of a third-level demon beast. After that, it had stayed quiet for half a month. Yet now, it suddenly showed movement again, making Fu Yan take it seriously.

It seemed that there was something in the Fengling Sect attracting it.

As if to confirm Fu Yan’s guess, the black qi moved again at this time, seeming to point out a direction and urge Fu Yan to quickly bring it over.

Thinking of this, Fu Yan, who had just stepped into the wooden house with ​read the original at bailiantales.com​her right foot, withdrew it again. She gently closed the wooden door and ultimately still left her courtyard.

Perhaps because the black qi’s goodwill toward her was growing stronger and stronger, for some reason, Fu Yan had suddenly become less afraid that it would harm her. Instead, she had a feeling that she had to seize this opportunity.

If this black qi could be used by her, it truly would be an enormous opportunity.

Precisely because of this, after Fu Yan left her wooden house, she directly went down the mountain, then walked in the direction indicated by the black qi.

Because tomorrow was the sect competition held once every three years, the Fengling Sect’s interior was now already filled with all kinds of people. Disciples from other sects could be seen everywhere, and almost every one of them was at late Illumination stage or above. At a glance, they were all first-rate experts.

In order to fulfill their duties as host, the Fengling Sect had naturally opened all the other mountain peaks unconditionally to outsiders, aside from the relatively important confidential areas. So Fu Yan strolling about casually would naturally not draw any suspicion.

Very soon, following the direction indicated by the black qi, Fu Yan finally arrived at the connection between two mountain peaks. This place was like a long tunnel, and many disciples from various sects were already gathered around it. The place the black qi pointed to was precisely the deepest part of this place.

Looking at this strange place, Fu Yan did not show any particular expression. Like the crowd ahead, she walked over with a curious look. As soon as she approached, she heard an administrative disciple of the Fengling Sect introducing this place to everyone.

“Everyone, this is the place our Fengling Sect disciples use to temper their minds. It is called the Killing Intent Road. I believe everyone has heard of it before.” That administrative disciple pointed at the long road behind him and slowly spoke.

Killing Intent Road?

This name left an impression on Fu Yan. Because the male lead belonged to the Fengling Sect, the original book had spent quite a lot of ink describing the Fengling Sect.

And this Killing Intent Road was something Fu Yan still remembered.

Compared to the Shuiling Sect, the Fengling Sect had already existed for several thousand years. Several Earth Immortal-level experts had also once appeared among them. It seemed there had also been a True Immortal, though Fu Yan could not remember clearly.

Those things were not important. What mattered was that the Fengling Sect had once joined forces to fight an ancient ferocious beast. It was said that this ferocious beast’s strength was no weaker than those below Earth Immortal level, so that battle had also been extremely difficult.

However, in the end, the Fengling Sect still successfully chopped off one of the ferocious beast’s arms. This arm then became a symbol of victory for the Fengling Sect. So in the end, after the sect elders made a decision, they kept the arm and placed it between two mountain peaks, adding a seal over it.

However, as time passed, the power of the seal weakened considerably. The killing intent inside the ferocious beast’s arm slowly leaked out and gradually formed the current Killing Intent Road.

Precisely because that ferocious beast’s strength was no weaker than those below Earth Immortal level, even though it was only an arm, the killing intent emanating from it was exceptionally domineering. For cultivators whose Dao hearts were unstable, this killing intent could completely crush their minds.

Thus, this place became somewhere sect disciples used to temper their Dao hearts and willpower. The method was also very simple: starting from the entrance of Killing Intent Road, one walked inward step by step. The farther one walked, the firmer one’s will.

The path of cultivation was not only about strength. A firm will could allow one to remain unaffected by any bewitching secret art, and one’s Dao heart would also become increasingly steady.

Just as Fu Yan finished recalling the origins of Killing Intent Road, the administrative disciple over there had already finished introducing it to everyone. He then continued, “Killing Intent Road was originally a place unique to our Fengling Sect for tempering the mind. However, to welcome everyone here for the sect competition, Killing Intent Road will be freely opened today.”

Fu Yan’s gaze could not help falling on the deepest part of Killing Intent Road. Clearly, she could sense that the black qi was unauthorized copyextremely interested in that place.

“However, please keep some words firmly in mind. If this is your first time challenging it, you must steady your mind. You absolutely must not force yourself to take a few extra steps, because those few steps could very likely cause your mind to be affected by the killing intent and turn you into a foolish madman. Over the years, examples like this have happened in our Fengling Sect.” The administrative disciple before them continued kindly explaining a fact.

“Is it really that frightening? Then you still let disciples temper themselves there?” someone asked in doubt.

The administrative disciple could not help smiling. “On the path of cultivation, if one wants to become powerful, how can there be any shortcut? As the saying goes, fortune is sought amid danger. That is exactly the principle. So disciples who wish to challenge it, please act according to your abilities. If any accident occurs, we will not bear responsibility.”

“It’s only the arm of a ferocious beast. So many years have passed. I don’t believe the killing intent left inside it can still be so powerful.” Someone clearly did not quite believe it and thought the Fengling Sect was only making things sound mysterious, so he prepared to challenge it and try.

At this moment, quite a few people on Killing Intent Road had already revealed eager expressions. Very soon, someone had already taken the first step.

In only half a quarter of an hour, the previously empty Killing Intent Road was already filled with many figures. There were disciples from all kinds of sects, and there were also disciples of the Fengling Sect itself.

Fu Yan also saw a familiar figure. It was precisely Dong Chenghui, who had competed with her a few days ago.

Even disregarding the black qi’s intention, Fu Yan herself had also developed great interest in this Killing Intent Road. Since she had finally come here, she naturally prepared to challenge it.

Thinking of this, Fu Yan did not hesitate too much. Very soon, she arrived at the entrance of Killing Intent Road. After taking a deep breath, she finally stepped out with her first step.

The first step had nothing unusual about it.

By the tenth step, Fu Yan finally felt an almost imperceptible killing intent drifting through the air. However, it did not have much effect either.

At the hundredth step, the killing intent here had already become denser. But to ordinary late Illumination-stage cultivators, it still did not have much effect.

After around three hundred meters, Fu Yan had already seen people around her covered in sweat. Some of the weaker ones seemed to have bodies that were trembling. However, she only felt a little pressure. She did not care and continued walking forward.

After five hundred meters, there were now fewer than ten people around her. The terrifying killing intent in the air made one feel as if they were standing on a battlefield, with countless people around them launching attacks toward them.

…

Just as Fu Yan continued walking forward, on a mountain peak opposite Killing Intent Road, halfway up the mountain, there happened to be an elegant pavilion jutting out. At this moment, seated inside the pavilion were the top geniuses of the various sects.

Bai Yueli’s figure was also quietly seated at the side.

This so-called exchange gathering was actually not very interesting. Ever since Bai Yueli arrived, she had been listening to them chat the entire time. Only when they occasionally mentioned cultivation insights would she say a few words.

Time slowly passed like this. Just as Bai Yueli lifted her teacup and took a sip of tea, someone suddenly looked toward Killing Intent Road opposite them and said with leisurely interest, “Brother Ouyang, is that the famous Killing Intent Road of your Fengling Sect?”

After Ouyang Xun heard this, he could not help raising his [Read on BaiLianTales]eyes and looking into the distance. Only then did he nod and say, “Brother Lin is correct. That is Killing Intent Road.”

“I heard Brother Ouyang walked one thousand meters on Killing Intent Road. Truly admirable,” Wang Qingyang suddenly chimed in.

“Haha, Brother Wang is too polite. Our Fengling Sect’s highest record is one thousand two hundred meters. Mine does not count for much.” Ouyang Xun did not seem to care about this empty reputation. His words were especially modest.

However, everyone present knew very clearly that the record of walking one thousand two hundred meters belonged to a genius from eight hundred years ago. In recent years, only Ouyang Xun alone had reached one thousand meters.

“Indeed. I heard that not long ago, someone in your esteemed sect also walked a record of one thousand two hundred meters,” Shen Chanyi at the side suddenly said.

Hearing this, Ouyang Xun’s face immediately darkened slightly. However, he did not reveal any extra expression and quickly returned to his original appearance. “Fairy Shen, could you have remembered wrongly? When did our Fengling Sect produce such a powerful expert?”

After he finished speaking, the gazes of those in the pavilion watching the show could not help landing on Shen Chanyi. Everyone seemed to have finally found something interesting.

Hearing this, Shen Chanyi merely smiled faintly. Her bright eyes were also breathtakingly beautiful. Her red lips parted slightly as she said, “I only heard it from others as well. It seems that yesterday, a disciple of the Fengling Sect named Fang Yu walked a record of one thousand two hundred meters in one go. Could it be… Senior Brother Ouyang has not heard of it yet?”

Fang Yu. When he heard this name, Ouyang Xun was indeed slightly stunned. It seemed this Fang Yu had indeed been performing well in every match recently. However, Ouyang Xun had always been proud. How could he pay attention to such things?

“Is that so?” Under everyone’s gazes, Ouyang Xun could only answer with a smile that did not reach his eyes.

Everyone in the pavilion was among the strongest of the Northern Region’s younger generation. Naturally, stolen content none of them particularly liked one another. So now, seeing Ouyang Xun suffer embarrassment, everyone was naturally happy to watch.

“Ah, it seems someone over there has already walked eight hundred meters!”

No one knew who suddenly said this in surprise. Immediately, everyone was drawn into looking toward Killing Intent Road opposite them.

When Bai Yueli raised her eyes and looked over, she happened to see Fu Yan’s figure.