Chapter 27
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In the arena, a fiendish monster was transformed from the sound of qin and passed through the five layers of nesting dolls. It was towering, ferocious and immediately trampled Xu Meng and the other four.
Xu Meng's cultivation level was the highest, but his body was also shocked.
The other four people were even more violently shaken. Their faces were pale, their nose and mouth were bleeding, and they fell to the ground!3
Everyone gasped.
The ruling elder could not help but look at Lu Yizhou.
Yunwu Peak looked for some foreign swordsmen as help, but they couldn't even get up.
Xu Meng's expression on the stage changed dramatically.
If it weren't for his high cultivation, he might have fallen at this moment.
He took a deep breath and held his sword to concentrate. Only then did he stabilize his chaotic and trembling sea of consciousness.
Xu Meng's face was solemn. "This is not a Hundreds of Birds Facing the Phoenix. I have fought thousands of times and never seen this qin art. What is it called?"
Lu Yizhou held his qin and smiled, "Well, no. My second senior sister told me..."
Su Yu, who was below the ring, covered her face.
"This qin art is called Seven Relish."
As soon as Lu Yizhou finished speaking, he smiled and fell on his back for a moment.
His sea of knowledge was exhausted, and he had already lost his strength.
Hang Wan'er hurried forward to catch him.
The Judgment Elder waved his sleeves and sent him and the four people from Yunwu Peak, who fell earlier, out of the stage.
On the seat, Wei Zhao looked at Su Yu in a complicated way. "Fourth Junior Brother understands a lot from Second Senior Sister's Seven Relish elixir. He is not good at fighting. However, now against Xu Meng, one against five, his qin skills are very refined. He really understood the true meaning of Second Senior Sister's Seven Relish."
'It's just Three Sets of Ducks...'
Su Yu: "Cough."
She just looked at it, and she really felt very familiar.
Unexpectedly, it really is that thing.
She pressed her twitching eyebrows.
Chinese cuisine has wisdom, tradition, and history.
In modern times, there are scientific theories of physiochemical chemistry and nutrition to enhance cooking skills further.
But those who know how to cook can learn by analogy.
The wisdom and truth contained in the explanation of food can be used to compete in this world of cultivating immortals... Of course, it is also possible.
In this regard, Master Su is not humble at all.
"He learned well. We will give him 2,000 contribution points." Su Yu is generous. She has always fully affirmed the progress of her deputies.
Hang Wan'er looked at the unconscious fourth senior brother with envy and admiration.
"Senior brother, what kind of qin technique is this? I have never seen it in my qin lessons."
Lin Zhen, who was sitting in his seat, looked at his senior brother beside him.
"It's all put together. What was it..."
'Those demon hooves... the Hoof Flower elixir?'
After half a minute, he put his slender fingers on his forehead, raised his head, and sneered.
Lin Zhen: "?"
'It's over. Brother has lost his mind.'
'If you don't know, then you don't know. Why do you have to laugh?'
"Who said Nanxun didn't have any qin art after Nascent Soul." Qian Qingqiu kept laughing, "It's a big mistake."
Lin Zhen looked blank.
Zhu Ying didn't quite understand, but her face was full of joy. "It seems that Zhiqiong Peak has a chance to win."
However, Qian Qingqiu stopped smiling. He frowned and looked at the ring.
Only Xu Meng is left.
'The last person.'
'But the most difficult one.'
'Zhiqiong Peak, what other surprises do you have?'
Under the ring, Hang Wan'er also looked at Xu Meng while biting her lip. "The precious Exploding Clam Armor has been exhausted as well. It can no longer resist the blow from a Golden Core."
Xu Meng is in the late stage of the Golden Core.
And they only have Yan Yan and Yu Dong who are in Foundation Building. They don't have any magic weapon to defend against a Golden Core. They can only rely on themselves.
Wei Zhao's expression was solemn, but he calmed down quickly. "It's a blessing to be able to get to this point. As the second senior sister said, if not this year, we still have next year."
Hang Wan'er pursed her red lips. She didn't want to lose.
She looked at Su Yu secretly with a hint of hope in her eyes.
'Second Senior Sister... Is there any other way?'
Since she returned to the mountain, Second Senior Sister has always been able to do things that others cannot.
"Senior sister—" Hang Wan'er is eager to ask.
What a chef can do is only excel in the dish that is brought to the table of diners.
Working hard in the back kitchen is what a chef is all about.
After serving, it's up to the diners to judge.
Su Yu rested her cheek on one of her hands and flipped through the monsters' encyclopedia with the other. She said with a calm expression, "You have done your best. Now you obey your destiny."
'Second Senior Sister has no other way.'
Even though Hang Wan'er had already felt it, she still couldn't hide her disappointment.
Sure enough, on the ring, Xu Meng raised his knife arrogantly.
"You are indeed able to fight against a Golden Core."
Xu Meng grinned.
Even he never thought that Zhiqiong Peak has so many ways.
The two sword cultivators lent by Chen Shuxin were vulnerable and useless in front of a foundation-building qin player. It was absurd!
"I admire you all very much, but it was unfortunate. If Wei Zhao advances to a Golden Core, maybe you still have hope..."
"Just come over. Don't talk nonsense." Yu Dong opened his spatial storage bag and began to swallow medicine.
Xu Meng chuckled, "Want to replenish spiritual power? Useless!"
He slapped Yu Dong with one slash.
"It's useless for you to take any pills!"
Even if Yu Dong had replenished his spiritual energy to the peak, he was coerced by his golden core aura and thrown out.
With one blow, Xu Meng slapped him and another Qi Refining junior out of the ring together.
Yan Yan was caught off guard, and his face changed suddenly.
"It's your turn."
Xu Meng frowned.
"It turns out that you have already passed the Heart Interrogation Sword Formation, but it's not enough. You are still too weak. We are a big gap away—"
Before he finished speaking, he saw Yan Yan smile wryly. "Yeah, we are too far off."
'Idiot, do you only understand now?'
Xu Meng sneered, but as soon as he raised his sword, he saw Yan Yan suddenly turn around and walk in front of the Judgment Elder.
Xu Meng was stunned. "What? Are you going to admit defeat?"
He stopped his sword.
But he heard Yan Yan say, "Elder, according to the sect rules, if a disciple wants to break through in the middle of the competition, what would happen?"
The Judgment Elder looked at Yan Yan suddenly with a pair of bright eyes. But after examining for a moment, his eyebrows twitched slightly. "If you want to break through, the competition will be suspended. After your promotion is completed, we will continue."
"Which of you want to break through?"
Xu Meng stared at him. "Yan Yan, you can't delay time. You have just reached the middle stage of foundation building, and you haven't reached the threshold to level up to the later stage."
He can cut him with a single knife.
However, just as he was about to move, Yan Yan sat down with his knees crossed.
"I'm going to break through, now."
The ruling elder immediately held down Xu Meng's blade.
He was about to open his mouth when he saw Yan Yan looking down and taking out a bowl, two bowls, three bowls from his storage bag... a total of twelve bowls of soup with a faint golden shimmer.
Xu Meng: "!"
The Judgment Elder: "...?"
All the brothers and sisters of Zhiqiong Peak looked at Su Yu.
Su Yu reached out and covered her forehead.
'This child is too old to be controlled.'
Master Su let out a slow breath, "No wonder, even though we have been buying new bowls lately, the old bowls are missing one by one."
'It's all hidden in his storage bag.'
Hang Wan'er looked at the stage, and her red lips couldn't close.
Why didn't she think of using it together?
Male swordsmen are really cunning.
On the ring, Yan Yan kept raising the big bowls with his left and right hands and drank them in one gulp. His speed was very fast, and the crystal clear soup kept rolling down the corner of his mouth.
"What is he doing? Is he crazy?"
"Deceiving the elders and interrupting the competition under the guise of a breakthrough will not only result in the loss of Zhiqiong Peak, but next year, they will deduct their time of delay and double the punishment!"
Everyone felt suffocated while watching him move.
"So what is he drowning in? What is he drinking? Don't tell me it's watered Spirit Gathering powder!"
But while speaking, a deep musky fragrance from the deep mountain wafted from the ring. When they talked, it diffused into their nose and mouth.
It caused saliva to flow from their lips and teeth subconsciously.
They couldn't help but tug their tongues between their teeth.
Unfortunately, there is only fragrance and no taste, which is regrettable.
They couldn't help but move their eager eyes to the ring from Yan Yan, who was sitting cross-legged... towards the big bowls of different sizes.
'What is that?'
They couldn't help but move their gazes to Yan Yan's throat.
On the stage, Xu Meng couldn't help but show a hint of fascination.
But after feeling that his Dantian was running, he suddenly sobered up and stared at Yan Yan.
He saw him pouring in bowls after bowls, and the spiritual power of his whole body was surging. His cultivation is rising layer by layer!
The middle-late stage of foundation building, the peak of middle stage foundation building...
Xu Meng was shocked and angry. "Elder, he violated the rules. He is taking elixirs to improve his cultivation!"
"What?"
Everyone was shocked.
Then they looked at Yan Yan and were stunned.
"He is almost at the late stage of foundation building! How is it possible!"
"What is he drinking!? How can a spirit gathering powder have such a quick effect! His cultivation is still soaring!"
Qian Qingqiu in the audience was stunned.
"Senior brother, I finally understand why you formed an alliance with Zhiqiong Peak." Lin Zhen was enlightened.
Zhu Ying nodded along like a chicken pecking at rice. "He was rising almost three small realms and could break through on the spot. We definitely have to ally with them."
Qian Qingqiu: "..."
That was not what he thought back then.
In the ring...
A trace of complexity flashed on the face of the Judgment Elder. He pondered for a while, then looked at Xu Meng. "Nanxun did not prohibit taking elixirs in the ring. I can make the decision in the time you wait. I will double it later as compensation for you."
Xu Meng: ...
The other party's cultivation base is raised layer by layer.
However, when he was anxious, Yan Yan finally drank all the dozen or so bowls he took out. His cultivation stopped at the late stage of the foundation building.
He looked rosy and stood up.
Xu Meng clenched his sword and slashed toward him immediately.
However, Yan Yan took out eight or nine trembling plum-shaped elixirs from his storage bag and inhaled them all.
Then he took out a plate containing more than a dozen small amber sword-like candies the size of thumbs, and put them all into his mouth.1
Xu Meng: "..."
The Judgment Elder: "..."
Su Yu: "..."
Xu Meng gritted his teeth and slashed down.
Ten mountains-like swords suddenly fell from the sky.
However, white smoke came out of Yan Yan's head for a moment. His spiritual energy was transpiring.
The two-foot dragon scale sword in his hand roared softly and released one-inch-wide sword light.
The Unity of Swords!
Ten Mountains, Nine Mountains, Eight Mountains...
Eighteen swords, nineteen swords, twenty swords...
Within one breath, the shadow of Xu Meng's sword dropped to the eighth layer, but Yan Yan's sword formation increased gradually!
Xu Meng's eyes were almost splitting. "You sucked my sword intent! You have cultivated to the peak of the third-level Guiyi swordsmanship?! You have been hiding your strength!?"
Yan Yan didn't reply a word, but his sword moves continued.
Guiyi Swordsmanship's third-level move, with twenty-seven swords floating in the air behind him!
He pressed it down in one fell swoop to break the last mountain of swords!
The cold sword in Xu Meng's hand broke into two pieces from the middle with a crisp ding.
The tip of the sword fell to the ground.
For a sword cultivator, their sword is a part of their body.
If their sword is destroyed, their body will get hurt as well.
Xu Meng's hands shook. His wrists were broken, and blood was flowing from his mouth.
He staggered back.
He was wearing a black suit, but a straight line of blood burst out from his chest in an instant.
He was stunned for a moment and fell on his back.
The crowd was shocked.
A healing spell fell on Xu Meng in an instant.
"Zhiqiong Peak—" The elder judge sighed, "Victory."
As soon as his word stopped, Yan Yan, who was standing, also spurted out a mouthful of blood and fell into the ring.
His face was like paper, but he tightly held the sword in his hand.
'Second Senior Sister, I did it.'
'I am not a fish!'1
---
Ten floors higher than where Zhiqiong Peak is.
"Senior Brother Chen, thank you for your advice. I have gained some insight after fighting you."
Chen Shuxin pulled a sword move and finished his posture. He smiled and nodded at the respectful disciple in front of him. His smile did not stop until the other party got off the ring to heal his injuries.
"Is it the end of Zhiqiong Peak's challenge?"
Chen Shuxin returned to his special seat, picked up a teacup with a light smile, and asked his younger brother who came back to report.
He didn't bother to pay attention to it, but according to the rules of the competition, he had to fight in person, so he couldn't go down to watch the wonderful scene today.
"How was Zhiqiong Peak defeated? Tell me carefully."
The apprentice brother who was asked was stunned for a moment. Then he said embarrassedly, "Senior apprentice... They got their third-rank position."
"Huh?" Chen Shuxin took a sip of tea.
"Who are you talking about, Tiegang Peak or Yunwu Peak?"
The junior brother opened and closed his mouth without any words. Finally, he opened his mouth in embarrassment.
"Senior brother... I'm talking about Zhiqiong Peak."
"?"
"Zhiqiong Peak has kept their third-class rank."
With a snap, the teacup in Chen Shuxin's hand suddenly shattered.
---
"Don't worry."
"Didn't the elder say that it's just that the mobilization of spiritual qi was too fierce, resulting in a temporary lack of qi and blood?"
"We will fix it. What are you panicking about?"
After saying that, she took out her iron wok.
All the younger brothers and sisters opened their mouths.
But now it seems like they are used to it, so they are not surprised.
"Let's go. Fortunately, we didn't challenge them anymore. I know they still have more elixirs!"
"God, they're starting to dig out their storage bag again... Is there any spiritual vein buried under the Zhiqiong Peak? Why do they suddenly have the money to buy so many elixirs!"
"Hey, she, why did she pull out a wok?"
"!?"
A group of people watched secretly and were dumbfounded at first sight.
'They are making elixirs in a wok... No, it's even more outrageous than Yan Yan's bowl!'2
---+
Translator Notes:
For those who can't visualize the fight between music and swords, below is a clip from Kungfu Hustle (2004) - see 2:22
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
In the arena, a fiendish monster was transformed from the sound of qin and passed through the five layers of nesting dolls. It was towering, ferocious and immediately trampled Xu Meng and the other four.
Xu Meng's cultivation level was the highest, but his body was also shocked.
The other four people were even more violently shaken. Their faces were pale, their nose and mouth were bleeding, and they fell to the ground!3
Everyone gasped.
The ruling elder could not help but look at Lu Yizhou.
Yunwu Peak looked for some foreign swordsmen as help, but they couldn't even get up.
Xu Meng's expression on the stage changed dramatically.
If it weren't for his high cultivation, he might have fallen at this moment.
He took a deep breath and held his sword to concentrate. Only then did he stabilize his chaotic and trembling sea of consciousness.
Xu Meng's face was solemn. "This is not a Hundreds of Birds Facing the Phoenix. I have fought thousands of times and never seen this qin art. What is it called?"
Lu Yizhou held his qin and smiled, "Well, no. My second senior sister told me..."
Su Yu, who was below the ring, covered her face.
"This qin art is called Seven Relish."
As soon as Lu Yizhou finished speaking, he smiled and fell on his back for a moment.
His sea of knowledge was exhausted, and he had already lost his strength.
Hang Wan'er hurried forward to catch him.
The Judgment Elder waved his sleeves and sent him and the four people from Yunwu Peak, who fell earlier, out of the stage.
On the seat, Wei Zhao looked at Su Yu in a complicated way. "Fourth Junior Brother understands a lot from Second Senior Sister's Seven Relish elixir. He is not good at fighting. However, now against Xu Meng, one against five, his qin skills are very refined. He really understood the true meaning of Second Senior Sister's Seven Relish."
'It's just Three Sets of Ducks...'
Su Yu: "Cough."
She just looked at it, and she really felt very familiar.
Unexpectedly, it really is that thing.
She pressed her twitching eyebrows.
Chinese cuisine has wisdom, tradition, and history.
In modern times, there are scientific theories of physiochemical chemistry and nutrition to enhance cooking skills further.
But those who know how to cook can learn by analogy.
The wisdom and truth contained in the explanation of food can be used to compete in this world of cultivating immortals... Of course, it is also possible.
In this regard, Master Su is not humble at all.
"He learned well. We will give him 2,000 contribution points." Su Yu is generous. She has always fully affirmed the progress of her deputies.
Hang Wan'er looked at the unconscious fourth senior brother with envy and admiration.
"Senior brother, what kind of qin technique is this? I have never seen it in my qin lessons."
Lin Zhen, who was sitting in his seat, looked at his senior brother beside him.
"It's all put together. What was it..."
'Those demon hooves... the Hoof Flower elixir?'
After half a minute, he put his slender fingers on his forehead, raised his head, and sneered.
Lin Zhen: "?"
'It's over. Brother has lost his mind.'
'If you don't know, then you don't know. Why do you have to laugh?'
"Who said Nanxun didn't have any qin art after Nascent Soul." Qian Qingqiu kept laughing, "It's a big mistake."
Lin Zhen looked blank.
Zhu Ying didn't quite understand, but her face was full of joy. "It seems that Zhiqiong Peak has a chance to win."
However, Qian Qingqiu stopped smiling. He frowned and looked at the ring.
Only Xu Meng is left.
'The last person.'
'But the most difficult one.'
'Zhiqiong Peak, what other surprises do you have?'
Under the ring, Hang Wan'er also looked at Xu Meng while biting her lip. "The precious Exploding Clam Armor has been exhausted as well. It can no longer resist the blow from a Golden Core."
Xu Meng is in the late stage of the Golden Core.
And they only have Yan Yan and Yu Dong who are in Foundation Building. They don't have any magic weapon to defend against a Golden Core. They can only rely on themselves.
Wei Zhao's expression was solemn, but he calmed down quickly. "It's a blessing to be able to get to this point. As the second senior sister said, if not this year, we still have next year."
Hang Wan'er pursed her red lips. She didn't want to lose.
She looked at Su Yu secretly with a hint of hope in her eyes.
'Second Senior Sister... Is there any other way?'
Since she returned to the mountain, Second Senior Sister has always been able to do things that others cannot.
"Senior sister—" Hang Wan'er is eager to ask.
What a chef can do is only excel in the dish that is brought to the table of diners.
Working hard in the back kitchen is what a chef is all about.
After serving, it's up to the diners to judge.
Su Yu rested her cheek on one of her hands and flipped through the monsters' encyclopedia with the other. She said with a calm expression, "You have done your best. Now you obey your destiny."
'Second Senior Sister has no other way.'
Even though Hang Wan'er had already felt it, she still couldn't hide her disappointment.
Sure enough, on the ring, Xu Meng raised his knife arrogantly.
"You are indeed able to fight against a Golden Core."
Xu Meng grinned.
Even he never thought that Zhiqiong Peak has so many ways.
The two sword cultivators lent by Chen Shuxin were vulnerable and useless in front of a foundation-building qin player. It was absurd!
"I admire you all very much, but it was unfortunate. If Wei Zhao advances to a Golden Core, maybe you still have hope..."
"Just come over. Don't talk nonsense." Yu Dong opened his spatial storage bag and began to swallow medicine.
Xu Meng chuckled, "Want to replenish spiritual power? Useless!"
He slapped Yu Dong with one slash.
"It's useless for you to take any pills!"
Even if Yu Dong had replenished his spiritual energy to the peak, he was coerced by his golden core aura and thrown out.
With one blow, Xu Meng slapped him and another Qi Refining junior out of the ring together.
Yan Yan was caught off guard, and his face changed suddenly.
"It's your turn."
Xu Meng frowned.
"It turns out that you have already passed the Heart Interrogation Sword Formation, but it's not enough. You are still too weak. We are a big gap away—"
Before he finished speaking, he saw Yan Yan smile wryly. "Yeah, we are too far off."
'Idiot, do you only understand now?'
Xu Meng sneered, but as soon as he raised his sword, he saw Yan Yan suddenly turn around and walk in front of the Judgment Elder.
Xu Meng was stunned. "What? Are you going to admit defeat?"
He stopped his sword.
But he heard Yan Yan say, "Elder, according to the sect rules, if a disciple wants to break through in the middle of the competition, what would happen?"
The Judgment Elder looked at Yan Yan suddenly with a pair of bright eyes. But after examining for a moment, his eyebrows twitched slightly. "If you want to break through, the competition will be suspended. After your promotion is completed, we will continue."
"Which of you want to break through?"
Xu Meng stared at him. "Yan Yan, you can't delay time. You have just reached the middle stage of foundation building, and you haven't reached the threshold to level up to the later stage."
He can cut him with a single knife.
However, just as he was about to move, Yan Yan sat down with his knees crossed.
"I'm going to break through, now."
The ruling elder immediately held down Xu Meng's blade.
He was about to open his mouth when he saw Yan Yan looking down and taking out a bowl, two bowls, three bowls from his storage bag... a total of twelve bowls of soup with a faint golden shimmer.
Xu Meng: "!"
The Judgment Elder: "...?"
All the brothers and sisters of Zhiqiong Peak looked at Su Yu.
Su Yu reached out and covered her forehead.
'This child is too old to be controlled.'
Master Su let out a slow breath, "No wonder, even though we have been buying new bowls lately, the old bowls are missing one by one."
'It's all hidden in his storage bag.'
Hang Wan'er looked at the stage, and her red lips couldn't close.
Why didn't she think of using it together?
Male swordsmen are really cunning.
On the ring, Yan Yan kept raising the big bowls with his left and right hands and drank them in one gulp. His speed was very fast, and the crystal clear soup kept rolling down the corner of his mouth.
"What is he doing? Is he crazy?"
"Deceiving the elders and interrupting the competition under the guise of a breakthrough will not only result in the loss of Zhiqiong Peak, but next year, they will deduct their time of delay and double the punishment!"
Everyone felt suffocated while watching him move.
"So what is he drowning in? What is he drinking? Don't tell me it's watered Spirit Gathering powder!"
But while speaking, a deep musky fragrance from the deep mountain wafted from the ring. When they talked, it diffused into their nose and mouth.
It caused saliva to flow from their lips and teeth subconsciously.
They couldn't help but tug their tongues between their teeth.
Unfortunately, there is only fragrance and no taste, which is regrettable.
They couldn't help but move their eager eyes to the ring from Yan Yan, who was sitting cross-legged... towards the big bowls of different sizes.
'What is that?'
They couldn't help but move their gazes to Yan Yan's throat.
On the stage, Xu Meng couldn't help but show a hint of fascination.
But after feeling that his Dantian was running, he suddenly sobered up and stared at Yan Yan.
He saw him pouring in bowls after bowls, and the spiritual power of his whole body was surging. His cultivation is rising layer by layer!
The middle-late stage of foundation building, the peak of middle stage foundation building...
Xu Meng was shocked and angry. "Elder, he violated the rules. He is taking elixirs to improve his cultivation!"
"What?"
Everyone was shocked.
Then they looked at Yan Yan and were stunned.
"He is almost at the late stage of foundation building! How is it possible!"
"What is he drinking!? How can a spirit gathering powder have such a quick effect! His cultivation is still soaring!"
Qian Qingqiu in the audience was stunned.
"Senior brother, I finally understand why you formed an alliance with Zhiqiong Peak." Lin Zhen was enlightened.
Zhu Ying nodded along like a chicken pecking at rice. "He was rising almost three small realms and could break through on the spot. We definitely have to ally with them."
Qian Qingqiu: "..."
That was not what he thought back then.
In the ring...
A trace of complexity flashed on the face of the Judgment Elder. He pondered for a while, then looked at Xu Meng. "Nanxun did not prohibit taking elixirs in the ring. I can make the decision in the time you wait. I will double it later as compensation for you."
Xu Meng: ...
The other party's cultivation base is raised layer by layer.
However, when he was anxious, Yan Yan finally drank all the dozen or so bowls he took out. His cultivation stopped at the late stage of the foundation building.
He looked rosy and stood up.
Xu Meng clenched his sword and slashed toward him immediately.
However, Yan Yan took out eight or nine trembling plum-shaped elixirs from his storage bag and inhaled them all.
Then he took out a plate containing more than a dozen small amber sword-like candies the size of thumbs, and put them all into his mouth.1
Xu Meng: "..."
The Judgment Elder: "..."
Su Yu: "..."
Xu Meng gritted his teeth and slashed down.
Ten mountains-like swords suddenly fell from the sky.
However, white smoke came out of Yan Yan's head for a moment. His spiritual energy was transpiring.
The two-foot dragon scale sword in his hand roared softly and released one-inch-wide sword light.
The Unity of Swords!
Ten Mountains, Nine Mountains, Eight Mountains...
Eighteen swords, nineteen swords, twenty swords...
Within one breath, the shadow of Xu Meng's sword dropped to the eighth layer, but Yan Yan's sword formation increased gradually!
Xu Meng's eyes were almost splitting. "You sucked my sword intent! You have cultivated to the peak of the third-level Guiyi swordsmanship?! You have been hiding your strength!?"
Yan Yan didn't reply a word, but his sword moves continued.
Guiyi Swordsmanship's third-level move, with twenty-seven swords floating in the air behind him!
He pressed it down in one fell swoop to break the last mountain of swords!
The cold sword in Xu Meng's hand broke into two pieces from the middle with a crisp ding.
The tip of the sword fell to the ground.
For a sword cultivator, their sword is a part of their body.
If their sword is destroyed, their body will get hurt as well.
Xu Meng's hands shook. His wrists were broken, and blood was flowing from his mouth.
He staggered back.
He was wearing a black suit, but a straight line of blood burst out from his chest in an instant.
He was stunned for a moment and fell on his back.
The crowd was shocked.
A healing spell fell on Xu Meng in an instant.
"Zhiqiong Peak—" The elder judge sighed, "Victory."
As soon as his word stopped, Yan Yan, who was standing, also spurted out a mouthful of blood and fell into the ring.
His face was like paper, but he tightly held the sword in his hand.
'Second Senior Sister, I did it.'
'I am not a fish!'1
---
Ten floors higher than where Zhiqiong Peak is.
"Senior Brother Chen, thank you for your advice. I have gained some insight after fighting you."
Chen Shuxin pulled a sword move and finished his posture. He smiled and nodded at the respectful disciple in front of him. His smile did not stop until the other party got off the ring to heal his injuries.
"Is it the end of Zhiqiong Peak's challenge?"
Chen Shuxin returned to his special seat, picked up a teacup with a light smile, and asked his younger brother who came back to report.
He didn't bother to pay attention to it, but according to the rules of the competition, he had to fight in person, so he couldn't go down to watch the wonderful scene today.
"How was Zhiqiong Peak defeated? Tell me carefully."
The apprentice brother who was asked was stunned for a moment. Then he said embarrassedly, "Senior apprentice... They got their third-rank position."
"Huh?" Chen Shuxin took a sip of tea.
"Who are you talking about, Tiegang Peak or Yunwu Peak?"
The junior brother opened and closed his mouth without any words. Finally, he opened his mouth in embarrassment.
"Senior brother... I'm talking about Zhiqiong Peak."
"?"
"Zhiqiong Peak has kept their third-class rank."
With a snap, the teacup in Chen Shuxin's hand suddenly shattered.
---
"Don't worry."
"Didn't the elder say that it's just that the mobilization of spiritual qi was too fierce, resulting in a temporary lack of qi and blood?"
"We will fix it. What are you panicking about?"
After saying that, she took out her iron wok.
All the younger brothers and sisters opened their mouths.
But now it seems like they are used to it, so they are not surprised.
"Let's go. Fortunately, we didn't challenge them anymore. I know they still have more elixirs!"
"God, they're starting to dig out their storage bag again... Is there any spiritual vein buried under the Zhiqiong Peak? Why do they suddenly have the money to buy so many elixirs!"
"Hey, she, why did she pull out a wok?"
"!?"
A group of people watched secretly and were dumbfounded at first sight.
'They are making elixirs in a wok... No, it's even more outrageous than Yan Yan's bowl!'2
---+
Translator Notes:
For those who can't visualize the fight between music and swords, below is a clip from Kungfu Hustle (2004) - see 2:22
In the arena, a fiendish monster was transformed from the sound of qin and passed through the five layers of nesting dolls. It was towering, ferocious and immediately trampled Xu Meng and the other four.Xu Meng's cultivation level was the highest, but his body was also shocked.The other four people were even more violently shaken. Their faces were pale, their nose and mouth were bleeding, and they fell to the ground!3Everyone gasped.The ruling elder could not help but look at Lu Yizhou.Yunwu Peak looked for some foreign swordsmen as help, but they couldn't even get up.Xu Meng's expression on the stage changed dramatically.If it weren't for his high cultivation, he might have fallen at this moment.He took a deep breath and held his sword to concentrate. Only then did he stabilize his chaotic and trembling sea of consciousness.Xu Meng's face was solemn. "This is not a Hundreds of Birds Facing the Phoenix. I have fought thousands of times and never seen this qin art. What is it called?"Lu Yizhou held his qin and smiled, "Well, no. My second senior sister told me..."Su Yu, who was below the ring, covered her face."This qin art is called Seven Relish."As soon as Lu Yizhou finished speaking, he smiled and fell on his back for a moment.His sea of knowledge was exhausted, and he had already lost his strength.Hang Wan'er hurried forward to catch him.The Judgment Elder waved his sleeves and sent him and the four people from Yunwu Peak, who fell earlier, out of the stage.On the seat, Wei Zhao looked at Su Yu in a complicated way. "Fourth Junior Brother understands a lot from Second Senior Sister's Seven Relish elixir. He is not good at fighting. However, now against Xu Meng, one against five, his qin skills are very refined. He really understood the true meaning of Second Senior Sister's Seven Relish."'It's just Three Sets of Ducks...'Su Yu: "Cough."She just looked at it, and she really felt very familiar.Unexpectedly, it really is that thing.She pressed her twitching eyebrows.Chinese cuisine has wisdom, tradition, and history.In modern times, there are scientific theories of physiochemical chemistry and nutrition to enhance cooking skills further.But those who know how to cook can learn by analogy.The wisdom and truth contained in the explanation of food can be used to compete in this world of cultivating immortals... Of course, it is also possible.In this regard, Master Su is not humble at all."He learned well. We will give him 2,000 contribution points." Su Yu is generous. She has always fully affirmed the progress of her deputies.Hang Wan'er looked at the unconscious fourth senior brother with envy and admiration."Senior brother, what kind of qin technique is this? I have never seen it in my qin lessons."Lin Zhen, who was sitting in his seat, looked at his senior brother beside him."It's all put together. What was it..."'Those demon hooves... the Hoof Flower elixir?'After half a minute, he put his slender fingers on his forehead, raised his head, and sneered.Lin Zhen: "?"'It's over. Brother has lost his mind.''If you don't know, then you don't know. Why do you have to laugh?'"Who said Nanxun didn't have any qin art after Nascent Soul." Qian Qingqiu kept laughing, "It's a big mistake."Lin Zhen looked blank.Zhu Ying didn't quite understand, but her face was full of joy. "It seems that Zhiqiong Peak has a chance to win."However, Qian Qingqiu stopped smiling. He frowned and looked at the ring.Only Xu Meng is left.'The last person.''But the most difficult one.''Zhiqiong Peak, what other surprises do you have?'Under the ring, Hang Wan'er also looked at Xu Meng while biting her lip. "The precious Exploding Clam Armor has been exhausted as well. It can no longer resist the blow from a Golden Core."Xu Meng is in the late stage of the Golden Core.And they only have Yan Yan and Yu Dong who are in Foundation Building. They don't have any magic weapon to defend against a Golden Core. They can only rely on themselves.Wei Zhao's expression was solemn, but he calmed down quickly. "It's a blessing to be able to get to this point. As the second senior sister said, if not this year, we still have next year."Hang Wan'er pursed her red lips. She didn't want to lose.She looked at Su Yu secretly with a hint of hope in her eyes.'Second Senior Sister... Is there any other way?'Since she returned to the mountain, Second Senior Sister has always been able to do things that others cannot."Senior sister" Hang Wan'er is eager to ask.What a chef can do is only excel in the dish that is brought to the table of diners.Working hard in the back kitchen is what a chef is all about.After serving, it's up to the diners to judge.Su Yu rested her cheek on one of her hands and flipped through the monsters' encyclopedia with the other. She said with a calm expression, "You have done your best. Now you obey your destiny."'Second Senior Sister has no other way.'Even though Hang Wan'er had already felt it, she still couldn't hide her disappointment.Sure enough, on the ring, Xu Meng raised his knife arrogantly."You are indeed able to fight against a Golden Core."Xu Meng grinned.Even he never thought that Zhiqiong Peak has so many ways.The two sword cultivators lent by Chen Shuxin were vulnerable and useless in front of a foundation-building qin player. It was absurd!"I admire you all very much, but it was unfortunate. If Wei Zhao advances to a Golden Core, maybe you still have hope...""Just come over. Don't talk nonsense." Yu Dong opened his spatial storage bag and began to swallow medicine.Xu Meng chuckled, "Want to replenish spiritual power? Useless!"He slapped Yu Dong with one slash."It's useless for you to take any pills!"Even if Yu Dong had replenished his spiritual energy to the peak, he was coerced by his golden core aura and thrown out.With one blow, Xu Meng slapped him and another Qi Refining junior out of the ring together.Yan Yan was caught off guard, and his face changed suddenly."It's your turn."Xu Meng frowned."It turns out that you have already passed the Heart Interrogation Sword Formation, but it's not enough. You are still too weak. We are a big gap away"Before he finished speaking, he saw Yan Yan smile wryly. "Yeah, we are too far off."'Idiot, do you only understand now?'Xu Meng sneered, but as soon as he raised his sword, he saw Yan Yan suddenly turn around and walk in front of the Judgment Elder.Xu Meng was stunned. "What? Are you going to admit defeat?"He stopped his sword.But he heard Yan Yan say, "Elder, according to the sect rules, if a disciple wants to break through in the middle of the competition, what would happen?"The Judgment Elder looked at Yan Yan suddenly with a pair of bright eyes. But after examining for a moment, his eyebrows twitched slightly. "If you want to break through, the competition will be suspended. After your promotion is completed, we will continue.""Which of you want to break through?"Xu Meng stared at him. "Yan Yan, you can't delay time. You have just reached the middle stage of foundation building, and you haven't reached the threshold to level up to the later stage."He can cut him with a single knife.However, just as he was about to move, Yan Yan sat down with his knees crossed."I'm going to break through, now."The ruling elder immediately held down Xu Meng's blade.He was about to open his mouth when he saw Yan Yan looking down and taking out a bowl, two bowls, three bowls from his storage bag... a total of twelve bowls of soup with a faint golden shimmer.Xu Meng: "!"The Judgment Elder: "...?"All the brothers and sisters of Zhiqiong Peak looked at Su Yu.Su Yu reached out and covered her forehead.'This child is too old to be controlled.'Master Su let out a slow breath, "No wonder, even though we have been buying new bowls lately, the old bowls are missing one by one."'It's all hidden in his storage bag.'Hang Wan'er looked at the stage, and her red lips couldn't close.Why didn't she think of using it together?Male swordsmen are really cunning.On the ring, Yan Yan kept raising the big bowls with his left and right hands and drank them in one gulp. His speed was very fast, and the crystal clear soup kept rolling down the corner of his mouth."What is he doing? Is he crazy?""Deceiving the elders and interrupting the competition under the guise of a breakthrough will not only result in the loss of Zhiqiong Peak, but next year, they will deduct their time of delay and double the punishment!"Everyone felt suffocated while watching him move."So what is he drowning in? What is he drinking? Don't tell me it's watered Spirit Gathering powder!"But while speaking, a deep musky fragrance from the deep mountain wafted from the ring. When they talked, it diffused into their nose and mouth.It caused saliva to flow from their lips and teeth subconsciously.They couldn't help but tug their tongues between their teeth.Unfortunately, there is only fragrance and no taste, which is regrettable.They couldn't help but move their eager eyes to the ring from Yan Yan, who was sitting cross-legged... towards the big bowls of different sizes.'What is that?'They couldn't help but move their gazes to Yan Yan's throat.On the stage, Xu Meng couldn't help but show a hint of fascination.But after feeling that his Dantian was running, he suddenly sobered up and stared at Yan Yan.He saw him pouring in bowls after bowls, and the spiritual power of his whole body was surging. His cultivation is rising layer by layer!The middle-late stage of foundation building, the peak of middle stage foundation building...Xu Meng was shocked and angry. "Elder, he violated the rules. He is taking elixirs to improve his cultivation!""What?"Everyone was shocked.Then they looked at Yan Yan and were stunned."He is almost at the late stage of foundation building! How is it possible!""What is he drinking!? How can a spirit gathering powder have such a quick effect! His cultivation is still soaring!"Qian Qingqiu in the audience was stunned."Senior brother, I finally understand why you formed an alliance with Zhiqiong Peak." Lin Zhen was enlightened.Zhu Ying nodded along like a chicken pecking at rice. "He was rising almost three small realms and could break through on the spot. We definitely have to ally with them."Qian Qingqiu: "..."That was not what he thought back then.In the ring...A trace of complexity flashed on the face of the Judgment Elder. He pondered for a while, then looked at Xu Meng. "Nanxun did not prohibit taking elixirs in the ring. I can make the decision in the time you wait. I will double it later as compensation for you."Xu Meng: ...The other party's cultivation base is raised layer by layer.However, when he was anxious, Yan Yan finally drank all the dozen or so bowls he took out. His cultivation stopped at the late stage of the foundation building.He looked rosy and stood up.Xu Meng clenched his sword and slashed toward him immediately.However, Yan Yan took out eight or nine trembling plum-shaped elixirs from his storage bag and inhaled them all.Then he took out a plate containing more than a dozen small amber sword-like candies the size of thumbs, and put them all into his mouth.1Xu Meng: "..."The Judgment Elder: "..."Su Yu: "..."Xu Meng gritted his teeth and slashed down.Ten mountains-like swords suddenly fell from the sky.However, white smoke came out of Yan Yan's head for a moment. His spiritual energy was transpiring.The two-foot dragon scale sword in his hand roared softly and released one-inch-wide sword light.The Unity of Swords!Ten Mountains, Nine Mountains, Eight Mountains...Eighteen swords, nineteen swords, twenty swords...Within one breath, the shadow of Xu Meng's sword dropped to the eighth layer, but Yan Yan's sword formation increased gradually!Xu Meng's eyes were almost splitting. "You sucked my sword intent! You have cultivated to the peak of the third-level Guiyi swordsmanship?! You have been hiding your strength!?"Yan Yan didn't reply a word, but his sword moves continued.Guiyi Swordsmanship's third-level move, with twenty-seven swords floating in the air behind him!He pressed it down in one fell swoop to break the last mountain of swords!The cold sword in Xu Meng's hand broke into two pieces from the middle with a crisp ding.The tip of the sword fell to the ground.For a sword cultivator, their sword is a part of their body.If their sword is destroyed, their body will get hurt as well.Xu Meng's hands shook. His wrists were broken, and blood was flowing from his mouth.He staggered back.He was wearing a black suit, but a straight line of blood burst out from his chest in an instant.He was stunned for a moment and fell on his back.The crowd was shocked.A healing spell fell on Xu Meng in an instant."Zhiqiong Peak" The elder judge sighed, "Victory."As soon as his word stopped, Yan Yan, who was standing, also spurted out a mouthful of blood and fell into the ring.His face was like paper, but he tightly held the sword in his hand.'Second Senior Sister, I did it.''I am not a fish!'1---Ten floors higher than where Zhiqiong Peak is."Senior Brother Chen, thank you for your advice. I have gained some insight after fighting you."Chen Shuxin pulled a sword move and finished his posture. He smiled and nodded at the respectful disciple in front of him. His smile did not stop until the other party got off the ring to heal his injuries."Is it the end of Zhiqiong Peak's challenge?"Chen Shuxin returned to his special seat, picked up a teacup with a light smile, and asked his younger brother who came back to report.He didn't bother to pay attention to it, but according to the rules of the competition, he had to fight in person, so he couldn't go down to watch the wonderful scene today."How was Zhiqiong Peak defeated? Tell me carefully."The apprentice brother who was asked was stunned for a moment. Then he said embarrassedly, "Senior apprentice... They got their third-rank position.""Huh?" Chen Shuxin took a sip of tea."Who are you talking about, Tiegang Peak or Yunwu Peak?"The junior brother opened and closed his mouth without any words. Finally, he opened his mouth in embarrassment."Senior brother... I'm talking about Zhiqiong Peak.""?""Zhiqiong Peak has kept their third-class rank."With a snap, the teacup in Chen Shuxin's hand suddenly shattered.---"Don't worry.""Didn't the elder say that it's just that the mobilization of spiritual qi was too fierce, resulting in a temporary lack of qi and blood?""We will fix it. What are you panicking about?"After saying that, she took out her iron wok.All the younger brothers and sisters opened their mouths.But now it seems like they are used to it, so they are not surprised."Let's go. Fortunately, we didn't challenge them anymore. I know they still have more elixirs!""God, they're starting to dig out their storage bag again... Is there any spiritual vein buried under the Zhiqiong Peak? Why do they suddenly have the money to buy so many elixirs!""Hey, she, why did she pull out a wok?""!?"A group of people watched secretly and were dumbfounded at first sight.'They are making elixirs in a wok... No, it's even more outrageous than Yan Yan's bowl!'2---+Translator Notes:For those who can't visualize the fight between music and swords, below is a clip from Kungfu Hustle 2004 - see 2:22
