"Oh? Late-stage Foundation Establishment?"
Upon hearing Long Yuling's introduction, Lin Chen couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Although the person was entirely covered by a black robe, making his cultivation level unreadable, Lin Chen was now a proper Core Formation stage cultivator. Naturally, he knew that this person was hiding his true cultivation!
What late-stage Foundation Establishment? This person, like him, was clearly a Core Formation stage cultivator!
He had reached the Core Formation stage before the age of thirty, relying on the Nine Dragon Ring. But for this person to also achieve Core Formation stage cultivation at this age was not simply a matter of talent!
Setting aside talent, the Golden Tempering Pill alone was enough to stump many people.
Yet, this He Honghui was still able to reach the Core Formation stage, which indicated that he must have the backing of some powerful force.
At the very least, the He family was absolutely incapable of providing such support to He Honghui at the moment.
"What? Are you saying his cultivation is not late-stage Foundation Establishment?"
Hearing Lin Chen's words, Long Yuling was very perceptive and grasped the key point. Judging by Lin Chen's expression, he must have discovered something extraordinary.
"Of course not, this person is a genuine Core Formation stage cultivator."
Lin Chen smiled coldly. If it weren't for the aura he inadvertently released while cultivating earlier, he might not have discovered that this person had secretly concealed his cultivation.
"What? A Core Formation stage cultivator? Then how could my Sky Peeking Mirror not see through his cultivation?"
Long Yuling was stunned upon hearing Lin Chen's words. Her treasure, the Sky Peeking Mirror, could see through all disguises of cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage.
Yet now, it couldn't even detect a Core Formation stage cultivator hiding his cultivation?
"That cloak of his should also be a rare treasure."
After a brief contemplation, Lin Chen had an answer.
If an artifact like the Sky Peeking Mirror couldn't discern the depth of his power, it could only be that cloak.
It seemed this Zhejiang cultivator martial arts competition was not as simple as he had imagined! Winning first place might not be as easy as he thought.
More importantly, if even the Zhejiang provincial competition was filled with so many experts, wouldn't the future Southwest cultivator martial arts competition have even more?
The top ten might truly be difficult to achieve!
But no matter what, for the sake of that high-grade spiritual artifact alchemy furnace, he had to give it his all, right?
"Then what do we do? I don't know the effects of that cloak. You are both Core Formation stage cultivators. If you fight him, you'll be at a disadvantage!"
Hearing Lin Chen's analysis, Long Yuling's heart grew anxious.
The fact that the cloak could prevent the Sky Peeking Mirror's detection meant it was at least a treasure of the artifact level!
If Lin Chen were to fight He Honghui, he would truly be at a disadvantage!
"It's fine, the cart will find its way when it reaches the mountain. We'll take it one step at a time."
Lin Chen shook his head slightly, a sense of helplessness washing over him. He didn't lack cultivation techniques or pills, but his combat weapons were far inferior to others.
Although the Spirit Snake Sword in his hand was a mid-grade spiritual artifact, which was quite good compared to ordinary cultivators, it was still far from being on par with those from true aristocratic families!
Liu Huaiyu, standing beside him, also held a sword, which was clearly no ordinary item, at least a top-grade spiritual artifact sword.
There was indeed a significant gap between the two.
"Alright, we've arrived at the Long family's place. Thus, the Zhejiang provincial cultivator martial arts competition officially begins."
"This cultivator martial arts competition allows a maximum of three cultivators to participate from each sect and family."
"The first round will be a free-for-all. All cultivators will ascend the arena, and everyone will attack freely. The remaining thirty people on the stage will proceed to the next round!"
The person in charge of hosting this martial arts competition did not engage in excessive pleasantries or lengthy speeches. Everyone knew that they were here today to fight.
Since they were here to fight, why bother with so many unnecessary words?
"Now, all participating cultivators are requested to proceed to the front of the arena to collect their identity plaques. The plaques can withstand one attack for you. Once the plaque is shattered, the cultivator is eliminated."
"However, please note that the plaques can only withstand one full-powered strike from a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator. If your opponent's cultivation is far superior to yours, it is best to have self-awareness and surrender early."
Subsequently, led by Long Yuling, Lin Chen and another Long family disciple also received their identity plaques.
The other Long family disciple, though displeased with Lin Chen, had no choice. This was the explicit command of their young lady, so what could they say?
After all, in recent years, the Long family's strength had been at the bottom among these aristocratic families, so who would participate anyway? It would only be embarrassing.
"Lin Chen, how should we fight later? Strike first, or sit back and watch the tigers fight?"
After entering the arena, Long Yuling immediately turned to Lin Chen and asked.
"Hehehe, let's go find Senior Sister and hug her leg first!"
Hearing Long Yuling's words, Lin Chen chuckled softly, then led Long Yuling and Long Yun towards the corner of the arena where Senior Sister Zhang Ying was located.
"No way? Aren't you the expert our young lady invited? Why do you still need to find someone to cling to?"
Long Yun, the other Long family disciple, immediately grumbled.
He had originally thought that this Lin Chen, despite only having mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, must have some special means, right?
But now? This kid was leading them to find some Senior Sister?
Finding a Senior Sister was one thing; after all, in such a free-for-all arena match, finding a strong ally would be greatly beneficial.
But in that corner, there was only a female cultivator at the mid-stage Foundation Establishment!
Could it be that this seemingly frail woman was the Senior Sister that Lin Chen mentioned?
"Senior Sister."
Lin Chen ignored Long Yun's words beside him and greeted Zhang Ying warmly upon reaching her.
"Hello, Senior Sister."
Long Yuling had met Zhang Ying before. Although she didn't know Zhang Ying's capabilities, how could someone called "Senior Sister" by a Core Formation stage cultivator like Lin Chen be an ordinary person?
"Miss Long, hello."
Zhang Ying politely returned the greeting.
"Beautiful lady, your sect, are you the only one participating?"
Long Yun, after searching for a while and not finding any companions for Zhang Ying, swallowed and asked.
Now, every aristocratic family and sect was looking for their allies. Some had already allied with several families and sects, with the largest groups reaching over twenty people!