This grand hall, occupying a vast area, was specifically constructed by the Heavenly Mystery Divination Sect for hosting distinguished guests.
The hall covered a wide expanse, its interior adorned with beautiful and innovative landscaping, featuring rockeries, flowing water, pavilions, and towers, with nothing lacking.
Even more commendable was the profound spiritual energy contained within the air.
Upon arriving at the plaza in front of the hall, Wu Tao narrowed his eyes slightly. He observed over a dozen young individuals on the spacious, flat ground.
Among these dozen or so people were both men and women.
Unsurprisingly, these individuals were all cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage, with most being in the late stage of Foundation Establishment.
...
"Haha, Fairy Lan, you've arrived as well."
A handsome youth, engaged in lively conversation among the crowd,’s eyes lit up upon spotting Lan Yingxiang. He stood up and said with a smile.
"Heh heh, it seems Brother Cao, I have arrived late."
Lan Yingxiang waved her hand gracefully upon hearing this. In the next second, she whispered to Wu Tao, "This person is the host of this gathering. His name is Cao Yu, and he is one of the disciples of the Heavenly Mystery Divination Sect's sect leader. He is currently at the peak of the late Foundation Establishment stage and possesses very formidable strength."
Hearing this, Wu Tao cast a glance at him. Cao Yu was well-proportioned, his essence contained, his gaze as gentle as a spring breeze. He wore a purple robe, appearing unfathomably deep.
"I knew who it was, it's Lan Yingxiang. It's been a long time, and your strength is still like this, stuck at the middle Foundation Establishment stage. You've truly achieved something."
A beautiful woman beside Cao Yu uttered a mocking voice.
This woman had a melon-seed shaped face, long and slender eyebrows, and large eyes. Her red hair complemented her red uniform, and the exposed fair skin on her chest added to her fiery and untamed aura, her face carrying an expression of cold arrogance.
Lan Yingxiang pouted upon hearing this and then said, "So-so. How can it compare to you, the eldest daughter of the Yuan family, unparalleled in talent and renowned far and wide."
"It’s good that you're sensible. By the way, who is this young fellow beside you? I've never seen him before. You're not treating this as an ordinary tea party where anyone can enter, are you?"
...
Upon hearing this, the smile vanished from Lan Yingxiang's face. Her expression darkened, and she replied somewhat impatiently, "I brought him, so he naturally has the qualifications. It's not for someone surnamed Yuan like you to manage."
"Oh, do tell."
Cao Yu was also somewhat curious about Wu Tao. He believed Lan Yingxiang wouldn't casually bring someone irrelevant.
Lan Yingxiang introduced him to the crowd, "He is an inner disciple of the Grand Unity Immortal Sect from Qingzhou. His swordsmanship is extremely formidable, and he has comprehended sword intent."
"Sword intent?"
Upon hearing the words "sword intent," everyone's gaze focused.
Cao Yu smiled, "The offensive power of sword cultivators is unparalleled among those of the same realm. Coupled with comprehending sword intent, he indeed has the qualifications to participate in the gathering. Come, this way please."
Facing everyone's gaze, Wu Tao remained unperturbed and found a seat.
"I thought he was so capable, just a sword cultivator? What's so amazing about that?"
"Honestly, in the cultivation world, first is fate manipulation, second is luck interception, third is alchemy, fourth is artifact refining, fifth is vein finding, sixth is talisman making, seventh is formations, eighth is beast taming, ninth is puppet crafting..."
"Apart from these nine auxiliary inheritances, are cultivators who practice other inheritances not just battle maniacs relying on their own combat power? What's there to be proud of?"
Yuan Jing took a sip of tea and said dismissively.
Yuan Jing's remark drew angry stares from a group of young male prodigies around her, as many of these male prodigies had also achieved their current status through their own combat prowess.
In their view, Yuan Jing was casting aspersions.
On the surface, she was scolding the newcomer, but in reality, she was scolding them.
However, given that Yuan Jing was a woman, they refrained from further action to avoid giving cause for criticism.
Sitting directly beside Wu Tao, Lan Yingxiang whispered to him, "That person named Yuan Jing is the daughter of the patriarch of the powerful Yuan family in Xiguo. Although she's a bit arrogant, her strength is considerable."
"She is currently at the peak of the late Foundation Establishment stage and also cultivates the art of talisman making. Putting aside her personality issues, she is indeed a female prodigy of her generation."
Lan Yingxiang had brought Wu Tao partly with other subtle intentions, such as letting people know that she had many formidable friends.
...
"Everyone, I, Zhang Wan'er, am late."
At this moment, a clear voice echoed from outside the plaza. Soon, a young woman in black slowly walked in.
Judging by her appearance, she was around twenty-something, with a graceful and slender figure, exuding charm. She possessed an air of both celestial and demonic qualities, a beauty that could topple nations.
"Zhang Wan'er, why is she here too?"
Wu Tao's pupils suddenly constricted. The grievances and entanglements between him and Zhang Wan'er were something that only they, the two involved parties, could truly understand.
Lan Yingxiang, being a woman herself, felt a slight sense of hostility towards the captivating Zhang Wan'er and let out a cold snort.
Lan Yingxiang whispered to Wu Tao, "Zhang Wan'er is an inner disciple of the Demonic Heavenly Sect. She is skilled in ghost control techniques. It is said that she once had a fortunate encounter and obtained a curse technique from the ancient era. Her combat power is incredibly terrifying, and she has killed many renowned prodigies among her peers."
"Do you even need to tell me? I know her better than you do," Wu Tao thought to himself, rolling his eyes inwardly.
However, outwardly, Wu Tao remained composed, nodding slightly to indicate that he understood and would be vigilant.
Lan Yingxiang continued to instruct him, "I know that the Grand Unity Immortal Sect and the Demonic Heavenly Sect have always had a poor relationship."
"However, here, we should still show some respect to Cao Yu, as he holds Zhang Wan'er in high regard. We should try to avoid conflict with her."
...
Zhang Wan'er's appearance caused the atmosphere in the plaza to become subtly charged. All the men who considered themselves to have a chance straightened their attire and postures, striving to present their best selves to her.
The few young women present snorted coldly, feeling displeased. Yet, they had to admit that in terms of temperament and figure, they were slightly inferior to Zhang Wan'er.
As for their looks, one glance was enough to discern who among the many women in the plaza was the most beautiful and who was the least.
Cao Yu gazed at Zhang Wan'er's voluptuous figure, a fiery glint in his eyes. However, mindful of Yuan Jing beside him, he dared not be overly enthusiastic.
Cao Yu could only smile, raise his cup in a toast, and say, "Fairy Zhang's arrival is unexpected. I shall punish myself with a drink later to atone for my lack of foresight."
Zhang Wan'er turned back and smiled, her beauty enchanting.
With a simple gesture, she made many of the surrounding men feel a sense of...
Zhang Wan'er slowly and softly said, "Fellow Daoist Cao is too kind. Just call me Wan'er."
"Alright, Wan'er, sit here." Cao Yu slightly raised his left hand, gesturing for Zhang Wan'er to sit beside him.
As instructed, she sat beside Cao Yu, picked up the tea that had just been served, and took a gentle sip.
Immediately, her beautiful eyes scanned the surroundings. Seeing Yuan Jing with an expression of jealousy written on her face, a hint of disdain flashed in her eyes.
She then noticed Wu Tao on the periphery and couldn't help but feel a little surprised. How had this fellow come from Qingzhou to Liangzhou!
This gathering held no particular significance.
The purpose of the gathering was to provide a venue for everyone to exchange pleasantries or share their experiences, broadening their horizons.
Of course, as young prodigies from various immortal sects, achievements in cultivation and combat power were undoubtedly the paramount themes, unchanging through the ages.
...
"Brother Zhou, I heard that your Vajra Yuan Qi Technique has reached the ninth level. I wonder about its power? It must be formidable!"
"The Vajra Yuan Qi Technique is one of the supreme arts of my Vajra Body Tempering Sect. Its power is naturally not weak. Your Linchuan Overlord Blade may not be able to break through my defenses."
"Oh, in that case, let's spar a few moves and see if your Linchuan Overlord Blade is mightier or if my Vajra Yuan Qi Technique is stronger."
"As you wish!"
As they chatted, a few individuals couldn't resist the urge and decided to spar.
In response, Cao Yu, as the host, was well-prepared. He cleared a large area for the two, then smiled and said, "Brothers, please grant me some face and stop after a few moves to avoid harming our harmony."
"Don't worry, I won't hurt him."
"I will also go easy on my blows."
These two seemed to have a pre-existing rivalry and a desire to one-up each other, their tones sharp and unyielding.
Seeing this, Cao Yu gave a wry smile and no longer interfered.
Rumble!
In the open space, the two who had challenged each other had already exchanged a move.
Zhou Chunyu's body swelled as if inflated, transforming into a giant of three to five meters. Not only that, but his entire body was shrouded in a golden light.
Zhou Chunyu unleashed all his strength, transforming it into the most ferocious punch, and struck forward.
As his fist was thrown, explosive sounds emanated from thin air, and a torrent of blood mist rose from the ground.
Opposite him, Su Long’s long hair fluttered. He immediately retrieved a remnant treasure from the ancient era from his storage bag.
With a saber in hand, Su Long conjured a sky full of saber energy in an instant. In a flash, an inexplicable aura emerged from him.
Terrifying saber energy slanted downwards. In an instant, fierce saber energy flashed, accompanied by a strong gust of wind, and it chopped forward.
In that instant, a black long saber collided with a golden fist, emitting a loud clang of metal on metal.
Lan Yingxiang, sitting beside Wu Tao, explained, "Zhou Chunyu is the top expert among the younger generation of the Vajra Body Tempering Sect in the Gaul Kingdom."
"The one wielding the Linchuan Overlord Blade is Su Long, a disciple of the sect leader of the Overlord Blade Flame God Sect in Henglong Kingdom. The two have a rivalry, but their strengths are not far apart. Today, it is truly unknown who will gain the upper hand and defeat their opponent."
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