670: Chapter 67 Lu Xueqi and Biyao (49)

Thunderous cheers echoed continuously on the main Peak of Qingyun Sect, and Su Han's name was etched like a brand into the hearts of every Disciple present. The Disciples of Tianya Peak, who had long been looked down upon by other Peaks, now had tears in their eyes as they hoarsely shouted their Senior Brother's name.

Su Han propped himself up with the tianya sword, his chest heaving violently. That one sword strike, 'Heaven-Opening,' had almost drained all his power, even overdrawing some of his vitality. He could feel his Senior Sister's aura within the sword's inner space becoming extremely faint, and his heart tightened involuntarily.

"Little fellow, I'm fine. I just over-expended myself and need to fall into a deep slumber for a while." His Senior Sister's voice rang in his mind, carrying an undeniable weariness. "You did very well, even better than I imagined."

"Senior Sister," Su Han replied in his mind, but he felt his consciousness also beginning to blur.

Just then, a green figure drifted down and landed on the arena. It was Sect Master Yun Qingzi. His gaze towards Su Han was filled with admiration, and with a raise of his hand, a gentle Star Power flowed into Su Han's body.

"This is the 'Life-Giving Creation Pill,' it can help you restore your Origin Qi." Yun Qingzi took out an olive-sized, emerald green Medicinal Pill from his sleeve. The pill's surface had nine natural patterns, emanating a rich vital essence.

Below the stage, there was an immediate chorus of gasps.

"A Nine-Pattern Life-Giving Creation Pill! This is an Earth Rank High Grade Medicinal Pill!"

"The Sect Master is so generous! Even core Elders might not get one of these pills in a year!"

"Su Han really hit the jackpot this time. Not only did he win first place in the tournament, but he also received such a heavy reward!"

Su Han took the Medicinal Pill and swallowed it without hesitation. The pill melted upon entering his mouth, transforming into a warm current that surged through his limbs and bones. His previously depleted Meridians quickly began to regain vitality, and the sharp pain in his chest slowly subsided.

"Thank you, Sect Master." Su Han bowed respectfully.

Yun Qingzi smiled and nodded: "No need for formalities, this is what you deserve. To defeat Ye Wuhen, a Middle Stage Star Palace Realm cultivator, with Peak Star Wheel Realm cultivation, such a feat is rare in the thousand-year history of our Qingyun Sect."

He turned to face the entire audience, his voice like a grand bell resonating through every corner: "I announce that this Seven Peaks Tournament is officially concluded. First place, Su Han of Tianya Peak, is rewarded with one Earth Rank High Grade Cultivation Technique, one hundred thousand Star Points, and the qualification to Cultivate in the 'Qingyun Secret Realm' for one month!"

"Second place, Ye Wuhen of Tianshu Peak, is rewarded with one Earth Rank Medium Grade Cultivation Technique, fifty thousand Star Points, and entry into the 'Qingyun Secret Realm' for half a month."

"Third place, Mu Qingxue of Yuheng Peak."

As Yun Qingzi announced the rankings and rewards one by one, gasps of astonishment occasionally erupted from below the stage. Especially when the words "Qingyun Secret Realm" were heard, even the Elders on the high platform showed a hint of envy in their eyes.

The Qingyun Secret Realm is the foundation of the Qingyun Sect, an independent Small World discovered by the founding Ancestral Master, Sect Leader Qingyunzi. Within the Secret Realm, not only is the Star Power concentration more than ten times that of the outside world, but it also contains various Legacies and Opportunities left by the Ancestral Master. Ordinary Disciples might not even have the chance to enter once in their entire lives, yet Su Han had obtained the qualification to Cultivate for a whole month!

After completing the announcements, Yun Qingzi looked at Su Han: "Three days from now, come to Qingyun Hall. This Yun Qingzi will personally select a Cultivation Technique for you and open the Secret Realm entrance."

"This Disciple obeys." Su Han responded respectfully.

Yun Qingzi nodded in satisfaction, then gave him a deep look before transforming into a streak of light and disappearing. The other Elders also left one after another, though each of them gave Su Han a few extra glances before leaving, their thoughts varied.

Once the important figures on the high platform had left, the Disciples below the stage could no longer hold back, swarming forward to surround the arena completely.

"Senior Brother Su! Congratulations, Senior Brother Su, on winning first place!"

"Senior Brother Su, what was that last sword move called? It was incredible!"

"Senior Brother Su, could you give me some pointers on my swordplay?"

Facing his enthusiastic Senior and Junior Brothers, Su Han could only respond to them one by one. He noticed a gaze in the crowd that was particularly complex—it was Ye Wuhen. The favored son of Tianshu Peak still had a pale face, but the arrogance in his eyes was gone, replaced by a profound depth.

Their gazes met in the air. Ye Wuhen nodded slightly, then turned and left, his figure appearing somewhat lonely.

"His state of mind wasn't broken; instead, he gained some insight. He will surely achieve great things in the future." His Senior Sister's weak voice echoed in Su Han's mind. "This person is not simple. If he is a friend, it is fortunate; if an enemy, it is dangerous."

Su Han silently committed it to memory.

After finally extricating himself from the crowd, Su Han had just stepped off the arena when a white figure blocked his path.

"Senior Sister Mu." Su Han smiled slightly.

Mu Qingxue scrutinized him, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes: "Your injuries—"

"It's nothing. The Sect Master's Life-Giving Creation Pill is incredibly effective. I'll recover completely after a few days of rest." Su Han waved his hand, then said seriously, "I must also thank Senior Sister for your earlier guidance. Otherwise, I would not have been able to gain a deeper understanding of Sword Intent in such a short time."

Mu Qingxue gently shook her head: "That's because your Comprehension Ability is high. I merely mentioned 'Sword Intent is like flowing water,' and you were able to comprehend the Profound Truth of life from it. Such talent..." She paused, a complex look flashing in her eyes. "I originally thought Ye Wuhen was invincible among his peers, but I didn't expect you to be even more of a Prodigy than him."

The two walked side by side towards Tianya Peak. Along the way, the Disciples they encountered all cast admiring glances, and many female Disciples looked at Su Han with eyes full of peculiar brilliance.

"Oh, right, there's something I need to remind you about." Mu Qingxue suddenly stopped, her expression serious. "You need to be careful of Elder Ling Xiaotian."

Su Han's eyes narrowed: "Elder Ling?"

"Indeed." Mu Qingxue lowered her voice. "Today you defeated Ye Wuhen, ruining Tianshu Peak's plan to consecutively win first place in the tournament. And Elder Ling's relationship with Ye Wuhen is far more than just master and Disciple."

"Senior Sister means?"

"Ling Xiaotian is Ye Wuhen's maternal uncle." Mu Qingxue's words were startling. "This is also one of the reasons why Tianshu Peak's resources always lean towards Ye Wuhen. Today, you not only defeated Ye Wuhen, but you also broke his Qing Yun Dharma Idol in full view of everyone. This is equivalent to slapping Ling Xiaotian's face."

Su Han's brows furrowed slightly. He had long expected to offend Ling Xiaotian, but he hadn't realized they had this additional connection.

"Thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister. I will be careful."

Mu Qingxue nodded. After a moment of hesitation, she took out a jade pendant from her bosom and handed it to Su Han: "This 'heart-clearing pendant' has the effect of calming the mind, focusing the spirit, and resisting Heart Demons. Although the Qingyun Secret Realm is good, it also hides dangers. It might be useful if you take it with you."

The jade pendant felt warm and smooth to the touch, perfectly white and flawless. The front was carved with the character "Qing," and the back had intricate Formation patterns. Su Han could feel the pure Star Power contained within, clearly not an ordinary item.

"Senior Sister, this is too precious."

"Take it." Mu Qingxue, without allowing for argument, pressed the jade pendant into his hand. "Anything I, Mu Qingxue, give away is never taken back." With that, she turned and left, disappearing into the depths of the bamboo forest after a few leaps. (End of chapter)