89: Mountain and River Conference【Please subscribe】

"Junior Brother, the tournament starts tomorrow. You must perform well and definitely try to get on the rankings." Chen Qi took a sip of tea and said with a smile.

"I will do my best." Han Li nodded.

"Tomorrow is just the preliminary stage. With Junior Brother's ability, there will definitely be no problem," Fifth Senior Sister Huangfu Yanran said.

"Junior Brother's Qi and blood are strong, so his strength won't be lacking. Getting on the rankings is definitely not a problem," Fourth Senior Brother Duan Ye said indifferently.

"Although Senior Brother and Third Junior Brother aren't here, we're here to support you. Go all out in the fight," Second Senior Brother Baili Changqing said, patting his shoulder.

"Right, Junior Brother, don't feel pressured. It's no big deal." Duan Ye nodded.

"Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, rest assured, I will not bring shame to Yuhua Peak." Han Li smiled.

"It's good to have that confidence." Baili Changqing laughed heartily.

"Junior Brother, if you meet a Disciple from Tiandu Peak at the tournament, you can give them a good beating." Duan Ye looked at him and said.

Han Li: "?"

Hearing this, Han Li looked at Duan Ye with a puzzled expression.

A good beating... Could it be that Fourth Senior Brother has some grudge with Tiandu Peak?

"What beating? Just don't kill them; leave them with one breath." At this moment, Baili Changqing also spoke.

Han Li: "??"

Do both of these Senior Brothers have a grudge with Tiandu Peak?

"Second Senior Brother, Fourth Senior Brother, why is this?" Han Li looked at the two.

Duan Ye took a sip of tea, put down his teacup, and said with a gloomy expression, "Junior Brother, do you know that Yuhua Peak was almost disbanded back then?"

"...I know, Senior Brother mentioned some of it." Han Li nodded.

He roughly knew some of it. Back then, an Elder Peak Revered Master proposed to disband Yuhua Peak, but later the Sect Revered Master ordered it to be retained.

However, Han Li did not know the specific details. Senior Brother had only mentioned it in a few words.

"The one who proposed to disband Yuhua Peak back then was the Peak Revered Master of Tiandu Peak, Luo Xuan!" Duan Ye said.

"What!"

Hearing this, Han Li's gaze instantly sharpened.

"If Senior Brother hadn't appeared and directly confronted the Tiandu Peak Revered Master back then, Yuhua Peak would likely have been disbanded," Duan Ye said again.

"So that's how it is!" Han Li gripped the teacup in his hand.

"Senior Brother, why are you saying this? Isn't this putting pressure on Junior Brother?" Huangfu Yanran frowned.

"I can't swallow this anger. This is an opportunity to give them a good thrashing. Besides, the guys from Tiandu Peak are all cut from the same cloth, and it's a good time to teach them some manners," Duan Ye said indifferently.

"In that case, I have no problem. Senior Brother, rest assured, I guarantee that if I encounter Disciples from Tiandu Peak, I will make sure they all leave lying down." Han Li took a sip of tea and put down his teacup.

"Haha, good, Junior Brother. Go all out. Don't worry about anything else. If the sky falls, your Senior Brother is still here." Second Senior Brother laughed heartily.

Duan Ye looked at Han Li, spread his hand, and a red light flashed.

A fiery red long spear appeared in his hand, exuding a powerful Spiritual Artifact aura. It was indeed a High Grade Spiritual Artifact.

"Buzz—!"

True Qi surged, and the fiery red long spear in his hand instantly flew to Han Li's front.

"Junior Brother, you Cultivate spear arts. This spear is called the Fire Tipped Spear. It comes with a fire attribute, which suits you. After refining it, it can also enhance your strength. Consider it a gift from your Senior Brother."

Duan Ye's voice rang out. Han Li looked at the Fire Tipped Spear before him, which emitted a scorching aura.

"Senior Brother, this..."

"Take it. When the time comes, just give those brats from Tiandu Peak a good thrashing." Han Li hadn't finished speaking when Duan Ye interrupted him.

"...Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Han Li didn't act coy and accepted the Fire Tipped Spear.

The power of a High Grade Spiritual Artifact like the Fire Tipped Spear was incomparable to a Medium Grade Spiritual Artifact.

At the very least, it could increase the power of his spear arts several times over.

"Come, have some tea."

Baili Changqing raised his cup, and the few of them simultaneously raised their teacups and took a sip, resuming their conversation... An hour later, the few of them dispersed, but they did not leave Yuhua Peak. They all stayed at Yuhua Hall. Early tomorrow morning, they would head to the Mountain and River Tournament venue with Han Li.

Inside the Cultivation room, Han Li sat cross-legged on the spot, the Fire Tipped Spear before him emitting waves of scorching heat.

It was like a red-hot branding iron.

"Buzz!!!"

The Fire Tipped Spear vibrated, and visible red air currents emanated, a powerful Spiritual Artifact aura enveloping the entire Cultivation room.

At this moment, Han Li raised his hand, and the Fire Tipped Spear automatically flew into his hand.

After more than two hours, Han Li had completely refined it.

"A High Grade Spiritual Artifact, its power is indeed impressive."

Holding the Fire Tipped Spear, Han Li could feel the aura contained within the spear body.

High Grade Spiritual Artifacts were typically only used by a very small number of Inner Sect Disciples, while most used Low Grade Spiritual Artifacts, and some used Medium Grade Spiritual Artifacts.

Han Li's Dragon Pattern Spear was given to him by his Revered Master when he first joined the Sect.

At that time, for him, a Medium Grade Spiritual Artifact couldn't even unleash one-tenth of its power.

Spiritual Artifacts are powerful, but they also require a certain level of Cultivation to activate.

His True Qi was abundant, so activating the Fire Tipped Spear was no problem at all.

Performing the Life-奪ing Spear Technique would also reach a higher level.

He brandished the Fire Tipped Spear, and the air seemed to be incinerated.

Its inherent fire attribute further enhanced the power of the Fire Tipped Spear.

After refining the Fire Tipped Spear, Han Li stepped out of the Cultivation room and returned to his room... Dawn broke, and the eastern sky brightened.

"Clang!"

"Clang!"

"Clang!"

...Nine deep bell tolls rang out from a Peak of the Qingyuan Sect.

The deep bell tolls echoed throughout the entire Qingyuan Sect!

The quiet Qingyuan Sect instantly became lively.

The Mountain and River Tournament begins today!

At Yuhua Hall on Yuhua Peak, Han Li and several Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters gathered.

Gazing into the distance, Han Li seemed to vaguely see the bustling scene.

The annual grand event.

It was also an eagerly anticipated event for many Inner Sect Disciples.

The Mountain and River Tournament venue was located in an area east of the Qingyuan Sect.

The venue was vast, covering a very large area.

"Junior Brother, we're counting on your performance!" Chen Qi patted Han Li's shoulder and said with a smile.

"Take down Tiandu Peak!" Second Senior Brother boomed.

"Junior Brother, don't go easy on any pretty female Disciples you meet, lest you lose." Huangfu Yanran teased.

"..."

"It's about time. Let's go."

Baili Changqing was the first to speak, stepping out of Yuhua Hall. With a wave of his hand, a white jade-like flying ship appeared before them.

He took a step and directly boarded the white jade flying ship. Han Li and the others followed closely behind, ascending together.

"Whoosh—!"

The white jade flying ship directly broke through the air and headed towards the eastern venue.

Standing on the white jade flying ship, Han Li could see many Disciples heading towards the venue from all directions.

In a short while, spanning dozens of miles, Han Li and the others arrived outside the venue on the white jade flying ship.

The Mountain and River Tournament venue was enormous, with numerous elevated platforms standing within it, serving as competition arenas.

The entire venue was arranged in a circular fashion, with seating surrounding it, enclosing the arena.

It was also divided into sections; those who could sit were Elders, deacons, and some True Disciples of the Sect.

Outer Sect Disciples could only stand and watch.

By the time Han Li and his companions arrived, many figures had already appeared at the Mountain and River Tournament.

People were bustling about, a dense, dark mass.

It was a scene of clamor.

The appearance of the white jade flying ship also attracted many people's attention.

Baili Changqing controlled the flying ship to descend, and Han Li and the others followed, stepping down from the ship.

"There are really a lot of people!"

Stepping off the flying ship and looking at the lively venue, Han Li clicked his tongue.

The annual Mountain and River Tournament had finally begun.

Disciples from the thirty-six Peaks also arrived one after another.

"Let's go in." Baili Changqing said, putting away the white jade flying ship, and strode towards the venue.

Han Li and the others followed behind him.

"Junior Brother, this is a True Qi Medicinal Pill. It can quickly restore your True Qi. Take it." As they advanced, Huangfu Yanran took out a small porcelain bottle and handed it to Han Li.

Han Li nodded and put away the small porcelain bottle.

Upon entering the venue, Han Li parted ways with his Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, heading to another part of the venue.

The Mountain and River Tournament was divided into two stages.

Preliminaries and official matches!

Thousands of Inner Sect Disciples would be selected during the preliminary stage, with one hundred advancing to the official matches.

These one hundred precisely corresponded to the top one hundred elite Disciples on the Mountain and River Rankings.

The preliminaries were just the beginning of the Mountain and River Tournament, but they were also a crucial part.

The official matches would then begin, pitting contestants against the one hundred Disciples on the Mountain and River Rankings.

To determine the top one hundred!

Passing this stage meant entering the Mountain and River Rankings.

Even if it was just the last place, there would still be rewards.

The higher the ranking, the more generous the rewards.

This was also the Sect's incentive policy for its Disciples.

Everything had to be earned by oneself.

In the preliminaries, Disciples on the Mountain and River Rankings would not participate; they would only make their move in the official matches.

Only by passing the preliminaries would one be qualified to compete against the elite Disciples on the Mountain and River Rankings.

Han Li was also very clear about the rules of the Mountain and River Tournament.

If a participant voluntarily concedes, the opponent is not allowed to continue attacking.

The Mountain and River Tournament does not permit deaths.

However, severe injuries are definitely unavoidable...

Arriving at another end of the venue, Han Li and a group of Inner Sect Disciples each received their respective number plates.

A jade number plate.

His number plate was also very auspicious.

Number 666!

After receiving his number plate, Han Li and the Inner Sect Disciples went to the waiting area of the venue.

Sitting on a chair, Han Li looked out; most of the Elders and deacons were already present.

Some True Disciples had also arrived.

However, Han Li didn't recognize most of them.

From the distant seats, Han Li spotted the figures of several Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters.

After a glance, Han Li withdrew his gaze.

Looking around, more than half of the Inner Sect Disciples had already arrived.

The Qingyuan Sect had over three thousand registered Inner Sect Disciples.

After the preliminary rounds, over ninety percent would be eliminated.

Only one hundred people would enter the official competition, and no one would easily concede.

The opening was already at its Peak!

Today's battles would undoubtedly be very intense.

No one was willing to give way easily.

"Han Li, we meet again."

Just then, a voice came.

Han Li turned his head to look, and a graceful figure appeared before him.

It was Yang Qi.

She carried a unique fragrance of a young girl, exuding youthful vitality.

Her figure was slender, her breasts full, and she had developed even more perfectly.

However, what Han Li cared more about was her strength.

Her cultivation was similar to his, also at the Late Stage Vein Opening Realm, but as for how strong she truly was, that remained unknown.

"Long time no see." Han Li nodded in response.

Yang Qi sat down beside him, looked at him, and said, "Seeing how calm and composed you are, it seems you're very confident about this Mountain and River Tournament."

"It's alright, it's just the preliminary round, no need to be too nervous." Han Li said indifferently.

Hearing this, Yang Qi's bright eyes flashed: "Quite a boast, out of thousands of Disciples in the preliminary round, only one hundred can advance."

"We'll only know after fighting. It's not just about cultivation, but comprehensive strength in all aspects." Han Li replied.

"It seems you're very confident." Yang Qi smiled.

"Confidence is necessary; the outcome is still undecided." Han Li replied.

"Well said." At this moment, a voice came, and a chubby man stepped forward to stand before the two of them.

Han Li and Yang Qi looked over simultaneously; the speaker was also an acquaintance, one of the Geniuses who had entered the Sect at the same time, Chen Dongfeng.

Beside him was another person, Bai Wushuang!

The two came forward and sat down directly.

Han Li looked at the two of them.

Chen Dongfeng had already broken through to the Tōngmài Realm Peak, and his aura was profound.

The other person, Bai Wushuang, was also at the Late Stage Vein Opening Realm.

His aura was equally profound.

The four had entered the Sect at the same time, with Chen Dongfeng having the highest cultivation initially, and he still did now.

"The outcome is still undecided, who wins and who loses is all unknown. This time, it's time to sharpen our blades." Chen Dongfeng laughed heartily.

"It seems Senior Brother Chen is very confident!"

Yang Qi said with a smile.

"It's just the preliminary round, of course I am. If I can't even pass the preliminary round, then there's no talk of entering the Mountain and River Rankings." Chen Dongfeng said.

Then, he looked at Han Li and said, "I saw you last time, but unfortunately, you ran too fast, and I didn't get a chance to say hello."

Han Li: "?"

"When did you see me?" Han Li asked, surprised, looking at Chen Dongfeng.

"About a month ago, I had just returned to the Sect, and you had just left." Chen Dongfeng said.

Han Li's thoughts raced like lightning, quickly turning.

He roughly understood the time.

It should have been during his last mission.

"We all entered the Sect at the same time. I hope you all can make it to the official competition; perhaps we can even spar then." Chen Dongfeng said with a smile.

"It's a fierce competition, it might not be that easy." Yang Qi said.

"I should be fine." Bai Wushuang said.

"I think, barring any accidents, we should meet." Han Li smiled...

Time flowed by little by little.

Most of the over three thousand Inner Sect Disciples had also arrived.

Deacons from all sides, Elders, and countless Outer Sect Disciples; the entire venue was a sea of people.

Just as it reached the hour of Si, a deep bell rang out, echoing throughout the venue.

The bustling venue instantly quieted down.

On the central high platform of the venue, the Grand Elder's figure appeared.

There were also two Innate Realm Elders behind him.

Everyone's gaze was focused on the central high platform.

The Grand Elder's gaze swept across the entire venue, and his booming voice rang out: "The annual Mountain and River Tournament has arrived again. This time, I hope that the numerous Inner Sect Disciples can have even more outstanding performances. Now, on behalf of the Qingyuan Sect, I officially announce that the Mountain and River Tournament has begun!"

"Clap clap clap~"

Earth-shattering applause erupted, thunderous applause, and the atmosphere of the entire venue instantly reached its Peak.

Afterward, the Grand Elder stepped down from the central high platform, and the Elder in charge of hosting the Mountain and River Tournament waved his hand. A white light shot up, and a several-zhang large Spiritual Mirror hung in the air, displaying dense numbers of number plates.

Each number corresponded to an Inner Sect Disciple's name.

After the presiding Elder announced the rules, the deep bell rang again.

The numbers on the Spiritual Mirror instantly changed, and number plates appeared one by one. In front of each number plate, a larger number appeared, representing the corresponding arena.

There were thirty-three arenas in total.

When the number plates appeared, Disciples stood up one by one and stepped into the arenas.

Thirty-three arenas, sixty-six Disciples!

The Spiritual Artifact automatically arranged the competitors according to their respective strengths.

There was no situation where one was at the Early Stage Vein Opening Realm and another at the Tōngmài Realm Peak.

The difference was not significant.

The rule for the preliminary round was a time limit of one quarter of an hour; if the time was exceeded, victory would be decided by points.

Defeat meant elimination!

Everyone's gaze was focused on the arenas.

Han Li also watched the Disciples on the various arenas.

In the first round, most of the Disciples' cultivation was around the Early Stage Vein Opening Realm.

Although there were over three thousand Inner Sect Disciples, those who could reach the Peak were still a minority.

The first round was just an appetizer.

Sixty-six Disciples went on stage, and the arenas simultaneously activated their barriers, completely covering them.

The barriers on the arenas could withstand the attacks of Xiantian martial artists.

As the barriers activated and the bell rang, the battles instantly began.

Various martial arts bloomed.

Han Li watched the battles, his expression unchanged, surveying the entire situation.

Battles at the Early Stage Vein Opening Realm were no longer enough for him to watch.

Even without using any martial arts, Han Li could easily crush them.

The fundamental gap was too large.

Spiritual Artifacts clashed; the first round of clashes was also very intense.

Although his strength surpassed theirs, Han Li did not close his eyes to rest during the battles.

Everyone's fighting style was different, and others' fighting styles also offered points for reference.

"Bang--!"

The first to be eliminated was from Arena Number One; a Disciple was defeated.

The defeated Disciple fell unconscious, the barrier disappeared, and specialists quickly carried the unconscious Disciple away for treatment.

With the elimination from Arena Number One, the other arenas also quickly determined their winners.

Within half a quarter of an hour, half of the arenas had seen eliminations, and more than a dozen Disciples had won.

At the end of one quarter of an hour, the thirty-three victorious Disciples were beaming, while the defeated ones looked dejected.

Thunderous applause erupted.

The victorious Disciples returned to their seats, and one by one, they began to recover with Medicinal Pills.

Han Li's gaze once again turned to the Void Realm Spiritual Mirror. The numbers on the Spiritual Mirror changed again, and new numbers appeared one by one.

The second round began!

...An hour passed, and seven rounds of competition had already taken place.

More and more Disciples were eliminated.

Among them, Yang Qi also participated in one round and successfully won without incident.

As the bell rang, after seven rounds, the Void Realm Spiritual Mirror changed, and numbers appeared one by one.

Han Li looked at the Spiritual Mirror, and numbers appeared one by one.

"Buzz--!"

The number plate in his hand suddenly vibrated. Han Li looked at the jade number plate in his hand, which displayed a number: Ten!

Representing the arena number!

"Junior Brother Han, it's your turn!"

Chen Dongfeng looked at Han Li and said, and Yang Qi and Bai Wushuang also looked at him.

Han Li then stood up and went directly to Arena Number Ten.

"Little Junior Brother is up!"

In the distance, from their seats, Chen Qi and the others looked towards Arena Number Ten, where Han Li was.