409: The competition begins

The Soul Handprint just stopped there, right in front of Lu Xingchen, not moving a single step forward.

The white lotus collided with the Soul Handprint, failed to shake it in the slightest, and quickly vanished.

Lu Xingchen retracted his palm and said in a shocked tone, "Holy crap, Little Xue is amazing. Your Soul Power has already reached the Peak of the Spirit Realm Middle Stage, only a Breakthrough away from a new opportunity."

"You've only been in the Lingyun Sect for a year, yet you've achieved such great accomplishments. You're truly a Prodigy!"

Mu Ruxue was slightly stunned.

She had originally thought her performance was merely passable, but she hadn't expected to receive such high praise from her teacher.

"Really? Am I really that amazing? I thought I had embarrassed my teacher!"

Lu Xingchen chuckled, "Your performance is already very good. For the New Disciple Grand Competition, I only have one requirement, and that is to be the champion. If you can't get the championship, then just wait for me to deal with you!"

Hearing this, a hint of seriousness appeared on Mu Ruxue's Face. She nodded heavily and said in a deep voice, "Teacher, don't worry, I will definitely get the championship!"

"Good, I believe you!"

Lu Xingchen couldn't help but fantasize in his heart.

When the moment arrived for Mu Ruxue to become the champion, what kind of expressions would the other Peak Masters and Elders have?

After all, when he first took in Little Xue, they had been extremely mocking.

"There are still three days left. If you have any requests, feel free to make them. I'll do my best to help with what I can!"

Mu Ruxue nodded slightly and said softly, "Teacher, there is indeed one thing I need your help with. Regarding the 'Dustless Land,' I haven't learned it yet. This Word Spirit is very practical; it can defend against both Soul attacks and Qi attacks simultaneously. But the difficulty of releasing it is too high, and I haven't succeeded."

Lu Xingchen nodded slightly: "The 'Dustless Land' is indeed too difficult for new Disciples. In these three days, I will personally teach you. Besides the 'Dustless Land,' there are other commonly used Word Spirits that I will also teach you. How much you can learn depends on your ability!"

Hearing this, Mu Ruxue jumped up happily and said with a smile, "Yay yay yay, Teacher is just too good!"

For the next three days, Lu Xingchen accompanied Mu Ruxue the entire time, helping her master Word Spirit Power.

At the same time, the results of the Alchemy Competition were also spread by the Medicine King Valley and the young Alchemists who participated.

Lu Xingchen, fighting one against three, defeated three Yao Beasts of the "eighth rank, eighth star," becoming a legend whispered among the people.

Being able to fight a Yao King in martial arts, refine an eighth-grade pill in scholarly pursuits, and even defeat Peng Yu—this was simply unheard of.

Through word of mouth, the eight prodigies of the central province became the nine prodigies of the central continent.

Four Dragons, Three Phoenixes, One Rising Sun, One Pill King.

This Pill King, of course, referred to Lu Xingchen.

In everyone's eyes, he was "Lu Dazhuang."

Lu Xingchen had no intention of caring about these trivial matters; he wholeheartedly focused on teaching Mu Ruxue to Cultivate.

It was just a false reputation, nothing significant.

The title of "nine prodigies of the central continent" would only bring him more hatred, with no other use.

Three days passed quickly, and the New Disciple Grand Competition officially began.

Liu Ruyan had resigned from the position of Sect Master, but still retained the position of Vice Sect Master. This New Disciple Grand Competition was also organized by her.

The Sect Disciples had set up arenas and stands in the Sect Plaza in advance. All Disciples within the Lingyun Sect, except those in secluded Cultivation, participated.

After all, the New Disciple Grand Competition showcased the strength of newly inducted Disciples. If there were outstanding performers, they might soar to great heights in the future.

Getting to know such Prodigies early would only be beneficial for future Cultivation.

Liu Ruyan and the Seven Peak Masters were already in their places.

As for Jiang Taishen, he did not attend.

His Realm had already reached the Heaven Realm Mid-stage. These minor skirmishes among new Disciples in the Spirit Realm were not worth his time or attention.

As Lu Xingchen walked towards the high platform, Liu Ruyan and the other eight Peak Masters all stood up and saluted, their gazes filled with awe.

The news of Lu Dazhuang winning the title of Pill King had spread throughout the Nine Provinces, and he had even become a member of the nine prodigies of the central continent. He was truly the Face of the Lingyun Sect, so everyone couldn't help but revere him.

Lu Xingchen, however, didn't take these minor matters to heart. He chuckled, "You all don't need to be so polite, please sit down!"

Hearing his words, these high-ranking officials of the Lingyun Sect dared to sit down.

Liu Ruyan waved at Lu Xingchen and said softly, "Junior Brother, come, sit next to me!"

Lu Xingchen didn't refuse either. He walked over to Liu Ruyan and sat next to her.

No one had any objections to him occupying the center seat.

Li He, the Sect Master of the Spirit Talisman Sect, was a spirited old man, also sitting beside Liu Ruyan.

Seeing Lu Xingchen seated, he patted Lu Xingchen's shoulder and said with a smile, "Big Strong One, you're quite good! To have obtained the title of Pill King, I, Li He, am proud of you. Jiang Taishen will surely be happy for you too when he finds out."

Lu Xingchen cupped his hands in salute and chuckled, "It was just luck. Elder Li He, you are a Senior in our Lingyun Sect; even my teacher calls you Senior. How dare I, Lu Dazhuang, be disrespectful."

Hearing Lu Xingchen's flattery, Li He also laughed heartily.

"Hahaha! You boy are quite good with words. When I was young, I did give Jiang Taishen a few pointers. Later, when I got older and needed a place to retire, he invited me to the Lingyun Sect. Unfortunately, my Aptitude was mediocre, and he quickly surpassed me. Now, I'm not even as good as a junior like you."

Lu Xingchen chuckled, "Senior Li He, there's no need to worry. With Teacher as your backer, you can live a carefree life. Being good at judging people is also a part of strength."

"Hahaha, you boy really know how to talk. These are ten eighth-grade spirit talismans I made, I'll give them to you. You're not allowed to refuse, this is an Elder's affection for a Junior!"

Lu Xingchen was about to refuse, but Li He's remaining words stopped him.

In his helplessness, he could only accept them.

After Li He, the other Seven Peak Masters all came forward to chat and present gifts.

Lu Xingchen didn't want to hurt their Face either. He accepted all the polite words but didn't take any of the gifts.

Besides Peak Master Li He, he didn't want to owe anyone else a favor!

Half an hour later, all the participating Disciples had arrived, totaling over a hundred.

Liu Ruyan stood up, magnified her voice with Qi, and loudly proclaimed, "Welcome everyone to the New Disciple Grand Competition! To have passed through layers of selection and entered the Lingyun Sect means you are all Prodigies. And now, it's time to test the results of your year of Cultivation!"

"I announce the rules of the competition: it will be an elimination-advancement style. Both sides will duel one-on-one. The winner advances, and the loser is eliminated, until the final champion is decided."

"Please note, the Grand Competition will conclude today, which means you will Face more than one opponent, and more than one battle!"