Chapter 45: Overwhelming Favorability

The morning light had just begun to peek through, and the sea of clouds was roiling.

Primordial Origin Holy Land, atop Purple Bamboo Peak.

The heavy palace doors of Cold Moon Palace, which had been tightly shut all night, finally emitted a soft creak and slowly opened a crack.

A tall and straight figure squeezed out from the gap in the door, looking slightly unsteady.

Su Ye held onto the pristine white jade wall tightly with one hand, while his other hand naturally braced his lower back. Although he tried his best to maintain his usual cold and indifferent expression, the slight twitching of his mouth betrayed his true physical state at this moment.

"Hiss..."

The sound of him sucking in a cold breath was exceptionally clear in the silent morning.

Su Ye glanced back into the deep, dark depths of the sleeping quarters, a complex look of both lingering fear and lingering aftertaste flashing in his eyes.

"Three hundred years... three hundred years of accumulation is truly no joke."

He muttered to himself, feeling his legs trembling slightly, as if he had just experienced a battle of life and death.

Although the Yin Yang Creation Scripture is a supreme Holy Rank Dual Cultivation manual, only those who have experienced it can understand its dangers and ecstasy.

Even though he is now at the fifth level of the Nascent Soul Stage and possesses Heavy Pupils, facing the unreserved "demands" and "gifts" of a Tribulation Transcendence Stage Great Power, he still felt somewhat overwhelmed.

Was the Revered Master from last night still the aloof and ethereal Peak Master of Purple Bamboo Peak from usual?

She was clearly a deep-sea Dragon that had finally received sweet rain after a long drought; she was incredibly clingy and equally wild.

If not for the System notifying him that it was dawn and the Grand Competition was about to begin, he would probably still be tightly wrapped in those lotus-root-like jade arms, unable to extricate himself from that den of tenderness.

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for engaging in deep Soul communication with the female protagonist of Luck, Leng Yueli. Gained cultivation feedback, current experience points +50000."

"Ding! The host's body is in a 'depleted' state. It is recommended to consume highly nourishing items."

Listening to the teasing tone of the System in his mind, Su Ye rolled his eyes in annoyance.

Depleted?

I am exhausting myself for the future of Purple Bamboo Peak!

He took a deep breath, circulated the vast, sea-like Qi within his body, and forcibly suppressed the soreness that was spreading from his waist to his entire body.

He tidied his slightly disheveled clothes and straightened the jade pendant that symbolized his status as the Head Disciple.

When he lifted his head again, Su Ye had already returned to the appearance of a handsome, gentle, and jade-like Senior Brother.

Except for his pace being a tiny bit slower, others would definitely not be able to notice anything amiss.

"It's time to go down the mountain."

Su Ye tapped his toes lightly on the ground, enduring the soreness in his thigh muscles, and transformed into a streak of light, speeding towards Tianyuan Square at the foot of the mountain.

Tianyuan Square was buzzing with noise.

After a night of rest and fermentation, the number of spectators today had not only not decreased but had actually increased several times compared to yesterday.

Besides Outer Sect Disciples, many inner sect elites, and even True Disciples had rushed over upon hearing the news.

Everyone's gaze was focused on the largest arena in the center.

The grand finale that was interrupted yesterday—Jiang Wanyin of Purple Bamboo Peak versus Li Xiuluo of Blood Fiend Peak—was about to begin.

"Senior Brother! Over here!"

As soon as he landed, a crisp and pleasant voice reached his ears.

Su Ye looked in the direction of the voice and saw Qin Yurou standing on her tiptoes, waving her little hand vigorously.

Beside her, Lin Qingzhu stood quietly like an orchid in an empty valley, while today's protagonist, Jiang Wanyin, was dressed in a red martial outfit, like a burning fire.

Su Ye walked over slowly, trying his best to make his steps look steady.

"Senior Brother, why are you only just arriving?"

Qin Yurou leaned forward, her big, watery eyes scanning him, and suddenly she wrinkled her little nose. "Eh? Senior Brother, why do you have a scent... it seems to be that cold fragrance Revered Master uses?"

Su Ye's heart skipped a beat. Is this little girl's nose that of a dog?

"Cough, cough."

He coughed twice without changing his expression and reached out (with a very small movement) to pat Qin Yurou's head.

"I went to pay my respects to Revered Master early this morning to listen to her teachings, so I naturally picked up some of the scent."

"Oh... I see." Qin Yurou nodded, half-understanding, and didn't probe further.

Lin Qingzhu, who was on the side, narrowed her eyes slightly.

She was very observant and keenly noticed that although Su Ye's aura was steady, his right hand was vaguely supporting his lower back, and although his complexion was fair, it held an unnatural paleness.

That is... a sign of Qi and blood depletion?

"Senior Brother, are you alright?"

Lin Qingzhu asked softly, her tone filled with some concern, "Did you... not sleep well last night?"

Hearing this, the corner of Su Ye's mouth twitched slightly.

Sleep well?

I didn't sleep at all!

"It's nothing."

Su Ye waved his hand and said with feigned profundity, "I had some insights last night and spent the whole night cultivating a Divine Ability, so I'm just a bit tired."

After speaking, he quickly changed the subject and cast his gaze toward Jiang Wanyin, who had been silent.

"Second Junior Sister."

"Senior Brother."

Jiang Wanyin raised her head. Those phoenix eyes, which usually carried a bit of pride and impatience, now held a rare calmness.

That was the confidence that only comes after truly mastering power.

After the "enlightenment-like" transmission of power from Su Ye last night, her comprehension of the Nine Revolutions Heaven Burning Art had reached an outrageous level.

Although it was only a glimpse of the basics, for a battle at the Golden Core Stage, it was already a dimensional strike.

"How do you feel?" Su Ye asked with a smile.

"My condition is better than ever."

Jiang Wanyin gripped the crimson whip in her hand, a flash of fiery Battle Intent in her eyes, "Thanks to Senior Brother's... guidance last night."

When she said the word "guidance," her pretty face flushed slightly, evidently recalling the ambiguous time they spent alone in that sealed room last night.

Although nothing substantial had happened, the trembling sensation of their Souls and Qi merging still made her heart ripple even now.

"Good."

Su Ye nodded with satisfaction, "Go, no need to hold back."

"Since this Li Xiuluo claims to be 'slaughtering people like hemp,' let him know what it means to 'burn the heavens and boil the seas'."

"Yes!"

Jiang Wanyin cupped her hands heavily, then spread her red robes, soaring into the sky like a Fire Phoenix, landing steadily in the center of the arena.

Boom!

With her entrance, the atmosphere of the entire venue was instantly ignited.

On the other side of the arena, a gloomy and terrifying aura also descended.

Li Xiuluo.

This person was dressed in a dark red robe, carrying a huge blood-colored scimitar on his back. He looked like an evil ghost that had crawled out of a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, emitting a nauseating smell of blood from his entire body.

He was the most outstanding Disciple of this generation of Blood Fiend Peak, at the Peak of the fifth level of the Golden Core Stage. It was said that he had once single-handedly slaughtered a bandit stronghold full of Foundation Establishment Cultivators, and his methods were extremely cruel.

"Hehehe..."

Li Xiuluo landed on the arena, his turbid, yellowish eyes staring fixedly at Jiang Wanyin, and he stuck out his scarlet tongue to lick his cracked lips.

"The little lass from Purple Bamboo Peak, you look quite pretty."

His voice was hoarse and unpleasant, like metal scraping against metal, "It's a pity, this delicate skin and tender flesh, I'm afraid it will be chopped into mud by my 'Blood Drinking Blade' in a moment."

"Tell me, should I cut off your left hand first, or should I scar that pretty little face of yours first?"

Facing such blatant provocation and humiliation, the Disciples of Purple Bamboo Peak below the stage were instantly furious.

"This Li Xiuluo is too arrogant!"

"Senior Sister Jiang, kill him!"

However, Jiang Wanyin, who was at the center of the storm, was surprisingly calm at this moment.

She just looked at Li Xiuluo coldly, as if she were looking at a corpse that had already been charred.

This look made Li Xiuluo feel extremely uncomfortable.

"Pretending to be mysterious!"

Li Xiuluo snorted coldly, the blood Qi around his body erupted, and he instantly turned into a blood-colored afterimage, shooting violently towards Jiang Wanyin.

"Since you won't speak, then go to Hell and tell the King of Hell!"

"Blood Fiend Slash!"

Rumble!

The huge blood-colored scimitar descended with a shrill sound of ghosts wailing and wolves howling.

This strike was powerful and heavy, wrapped in rich, corrosive blood Qi. If an ordinary third-level Golden Core Cultivator were to touch even a little bit of it, they would likely turn into pus instantly.

"So fast!"

The crowd below exclaimed.

However, Jiang Wanyin did not move a muscle.

It wasn't until the blood-colored blade light was less than three feet above her head that she slightly lifted her eyelids.

Her red lips parted slightly, spitting out two words:

"Too slow."

Before the words had even faded, a terrifying high temperature suddenly erupted from within her body.

Her originally black hair was instantly tinged with a faint golden glow, and within her pupils, two golden fire lotuses slowly rotated.

Li Fire, rise!

Jiang Wanyin flicked her wrist.

Crack!

The crimson long whip in her hand seemed to come alive, emitting a deafening crack as it instantly transformed into a winding, coiling flame dragon.

The whip struck first despite being launched later, landing with pinpoint precision upon the blood-colored scimitar.

Clang!

The sound of metal clashing rang through the sky, and sparks flew in all directions.

Li Xiuluo felt a mountain-toppling force travel up the handle of his blade; the web between his thumb and forefinger instantly split open, and he was sent flying backward for dozens of meters.

What?!

Li Xiuluo steadied himself, looking at his trembling right hand with disbelief in his eyes.

How could this woman have such immense strength?

And...

He looked down at his natal Spiritual Artifact, the "Blood Drinking Blade," and saw that the blade, originally as smooth as a mirror, now bore a charred mark that was still emitting wisps of white smoke.

My blade...

Li Xiuluo felt unbearable heartache, followed immediately by monstrous rage.

I'm going to kill you!

He roared at the sky, pouring out all his spiritual power without reservation. Wrapped in a thick cloud of blood mist, he seemed to transform into a blood-colored demon god.

Blood Demon Disintegration Technique!

Die!

Li Xiuluo charged again. This time, his speed was more than double what it had been before. The sky was filled with overlapping blood shadows, making it impossible to distinguish reality from illusion, sealing off all of Jiang Wanyin's escape routes.

On the viewing platform, the several Elders responsible for arbitration slightly changed their expressions.

Oh no, this Li Xiuluo is risking everything!

This is an Advanced Profound Rank Divine Ability that burns essence blood to exchange for explosive power. I fear Jiang Wanyin is in danger!

However, Su Ye, sitting in the exclusive seat of the Tingtao Pavilion, merely leaned lazily against the back of his chair (taking the opportunity to adjust his sitting posture to alleviate his lower back pain), a sneer of disdain playing on his lips.

Does the light of a firefly dare to compete with the brilliance of the moon?

On the arena stage.

Facing the overwhelming blood shadows, Jiang Wanyin did not retreat; instead, she took a step forward.

With this step, the bluestone floor beneath her feet instantly melted into magma.

Since you want to play with fire, this lady will oblige you.

Jiang Wanyin took a deep breath, and the golden characters that Su Ye had taught her last night appeared in her mind.

The Nine Revolutions Heaven Burning Art, First Revolution—River Burning!

Boom!

With Jiang Wanyin as the center, a golden flame storm suddenly erupted and soared into the sky!

This flame was no ordinary fire, but "Zhurong Golden Fire" which contained a trace of the will of the ancient Fire God Zhurong. It was supremely rigid and yang, and incomparably domineering!

The moment the golden flame appeared, the moisture in the air was instantly evaporated, and the space itself appeared visibly distorted.

Those blood shadows filling the sky were like snow encountering a scorching sun; before they could even scream, they instantly dissolved and disintegrated!

Ah—!!!

A miserable, shrill scream emanated from the center of the blood mist.

Li Xiuluo's protective blood energy, which he was so proud of, was as thin as paper before this golden flame and was instantly burned away completely.

His clothes, hair, and eyebrows were turned to ashes in an instant.

Had he not been wearing a High Grade Profound Rank protective inner armor, he would likely have been reduced to a charred corpse in that instant.

What... what kind of flame is this?!

Li Xiuluo was terrified, rolling frantically on the ground like a flaming ball, trying to extinguish the fire on his body.

But the more he struggled, the tighter the golden flame clung to him, as if it wanted to burrow into his bone marrow.

Is this the extent of your strength?

Jiang Wanyin held her long whip and walked out of the sea of fire step by step.

Her red robes appeared even more vibrant and striking in the reflection of the firelight, making her look like a Valkyrie in command of flames, dignified and inviolable.

Too weak.

She looked coldly at Li Xiuluo, who was wailing on the ground, without a shred of pity in her eyes.

Didn't you say just now that you wanted to scar my face?

Jiang Wanyin lightly flicked her wrist, and the long whip, like a venomous snake striking, instantly coiled around one of Li Xiuluo's legs.

Up!

She cried out delicately and exerted force with her arm, actually swinging Li Xiuluo's sturdy body up and smashing him fiercely into the ground.

Bang!

The earth shook, and debris flew.

A large crater was smashed into the arena stage.

This lash is for the innocent Souls who died by your hands!

Crack!

The long whip fell again, lashing across Li Xiuluo's back, tearing his skin and flesh, and the smell of burning flesh permeated the air.

This lash is to teach you to keep your mouth clean from now on!

Crack!

This lash is to let you know that Purple Bamboo Peak cannot be insulted!

Crack! Crack! Crack!

The dull sound of lashing, accompanied by Li Xiuluo's increasingly faint screams, echoed throughout the entire Tianyuan Square.

The entire venue was deathly silent.

Everyone watched this scene, dumbstruck.

Is this really a martial arts sparring match?

This is simply a one-sided slaughter!

Is this the Jiang Wanyin who was rumored to be just a vase?

Is this the weak woman at the Golden Core Stage?

This is clearly a Tyrannosaurus Rex in human skin!

On the viewing platform, the hand of Xuanjizi, the Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall, stroking his beard suddenly paused, and he almost pulled out a few strands.

What... what kind of Cultivation Technique is this girl using?

A burst of sharp light exploded in his cloudy old eyes, "That golden flame... it actually has a trace of the Dao's essence? Even an Earth Rank Supreme Grade fire-type Cultivation Technique couldn't possibly have such power!"

On the other side, an Elder dressed in red robes was so excited that he stood up directly.

He was an Elder of the Holy Land's Artifact Refining Hall and an expert in playing with fire himself.

Incredible... simply incredible!

The red-robed Elder stared fixedly at the flames on Jiang Wanyin's body, his breathing rapid, "That level of purity in a flame—even my own natal true fire is slightly inferior! This girl... if this girl came to my Artifact Refining Hall, I would be willing to teach her everything I know!"

On the arena stage.

Li Xiuluo was no longer moving at all.

He lay limp at the bottom of the crater like a dead dog, his body charred black, his breath fading; if not for his chest still rising and falling slightly, he would likely have been declared dead.

Jiang Wanyin retracted her long whip, and the terrifying golden flames around her body slowly receded into her.

She panted slightly, a layer of fine sweat seeping from her forehead, but her beautiful eyes were frighteningly bright.

She had won.

She had really won.

And she had won so thoroughly and so decisively!

She subconsciously turned her head to look in a certain direction on the viewing platform.

There, that familiar white figure was smiling at her and gently nodding.

In that instant, Jiang Wanyin felt all the fatigue in her heart vanish, and a great sense of sweetness and pride flooded her heart.

Senior Brother is watching me!

I didn't lose face for Senior Brother!

In this battle, Jiang Wanyin of Purple Bamboo Peak is the winner!

With the referee's loud shout, the entire venue suddenly erupted into thunderous cheers.

Senior Sister Jiang is mighty!

Purple Bamboo Peak is awesome!

Too cool! That lash was so satisfying!

Listening to the overwhelming praise around him, the smile on Su Ye's lips grew even wider.

Ding! Jiang Wanyin has defeated the villain Li Xiuluo, her state of mind has broken through, and her admiration for the host has increased significantly. Current Favorability +2 (Max 100). Congratulations to the host for completely conquering Jiang Wanyin!

Ding! Reward: 5000 villain points, 200 Luck points.

Ding! Detected that Jiang Wanyin's favorability is at maximum value. Triggering special reward: Top-grade Fire Spirit Root affinity sharing (host's fire-type Spell power increased by 50%).

Su Ye comfortably narrowed his eyes.

Favorability is maxed out, huh...

Doesn't that mean that, besides Revered Master, this little chili pepper can also...

Ahem.

Su Ye hurriedly stopped this somewhat dangerous train of thought, subconsciously rubbing his lower back which was still aching faintly.

There will be plenty of time in the future, plenty of time.

The most urgent priority now is to nurture his body back to health.

Otherwise, with all these wolves and tigers, who could handle it?

Let's go.

Su Ye stood up and said to Lin Qingzhu and Qin Yurou, who were already dumbfounded beside him.

We should go and welcome your Second Senior Sister's triumphant return.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his robes fluttering, fully displaying the demeanor of an expert.

But in the moment he turned, he quietly and very quickly braced himself against the wall.

This damn back...

Tonight, I must have that girl Yurou stew some All-Encompassing Vitality Soup.