Cheng Qi thought of the person who just competed with Li Tianyan and whispered in his ear, “Young master, do you think Tao Feiwen is a member of Shura Sect?”

Li Tianyan shook his head, “I’m not sure, but I feel he is more like a spoiled person.”

Tao Feiwen was the son of the sect master of Biluo Immortal Sect. It was impossible for him to work for Shura Sect. If he were from Shura Sect, it would imply something wrong with the entire Biluo Immortal Sect, including the sect master. However, Biluo Immortal Sect had stood for thousands of years and ranked second in the Hengwu Continent. Could Shura Sect really wield such influence?

Li Tianyan had already won three games, securing the first spot in the competition. However, the other disciples of Tianfan Immortal Sect had all lost and needed to compete in the fourth round.

As the third round neared its conclusion, more and more cultivators achieved three consecutive victories. Among the direct disciples of Haoyue Immortal Sect, there were many talents nurtured by various factions, each with their unique styles.

Notably, Wei Yang of Haoyue Immortal Sect became the second person to achieve consecutive wins after Li Tianyan. Xie Haocui, acclaimed as a peerless genius, also secured three victories in a row. Even Liu Zhou from Biluo Academy, though not exceptionally bright, managed to win all three matches. The same success was shared by the senior disciple of Feiyun Villa and the young sect master from Fentian Sect in the Western Region.

Were it not for Li Tianyan’s extraordinary performance, the Southern Territory might have fallen behind significantly this time. Ji Hexuan and Huo Xing, although not weak, faced stronger opponents and had only secured two wins each. One more victory would secure their spots as well.

Hidden in the clouds and mist of the void, the Core Formation elders closely observed the competition. Their reactions varied—some satisfied, others displeased—upon seeing the performance of each sect’s disciples.

“Tianfan Immortal Sect is truly in luck to have Li Tianyan,” remarked the Supreme Elder of the Biluo Immortal Sect, reflecting on the lack of response from the messenger who recruited Li Tianyan and noting his acquisition of Tao Feiwen’s magic weapon in the arena.

“Forget the other factions, even Haoyue Immortal Sect is overshadowed this time,” added the elder, addressing someone from Haoyue Immortal Sect.

Su Yu maintained his gentle smile as he spoke to Elder Wei, “Thank you. I’m curious, Elder Wei, whether Biluo Academy’s strategy this time was influenced by Biluo Immortal Sect or their own initiative.”

Elder Su Yu was referring to the tactics used by the disciples of Biluo Academy—specifically, their sneak attacks aimed at destroying opponents’ Dantian. While these tactics weren’t explicitly prohibited by the conference rules, many Core Formation elders had taken notice. Upon Su Yu’s mention of it, attention turned toward the elders of Biluo Immortal Sect.

“There are also disciples from Lianhua Pavilion. Didn’t Sect Master Xuan Zhen suspect an evil cultivator infiltration before? Perhaps these disciples can be investigated,” Elder Yun’e of Feiyun Villa suggested, his disciple having been affected by the incident.

Lianhua Pavilion Master responded sharply, “What do you imply, Elder Yun’e? Injuries in battle are common practice. My disciples have not violated any rules. Are you suggesting they are incapable of cultivation and harboring evil?”

Elder Wei from Biluo Immortal Sect quickly interjected, “Speaking of damaged Dantian, disciples from Tianfan Immortal Sect are also involved. They should be scrutinized as well. Shall we interrogate them?”

Before Lianhua Pavilion Master could reply, Su Yu intervened, “Li Tianyan has only retaliated after his opponents aggressively targeted his Dantian in each instance. He acted in self-defense.”

.

Among the Core Formation elders, conversations continued, largely unheard by the competitors below. The competition had entered its final stage, testing the endurance and explosive power of the cultivators.

Though visibly fatigued, none of the contestants were willing to forfeit their chance at securing a spot.

The intense competition among the foundation-establishment cultivators spanned four days. At noon on the fourth day, the final spot was claimed. With that, all one hundred participants were confirmed for the journey to the Canghong Secret Realm.

In addition to Ji Hexuan and Huo Xing, Tianfan Immortal Sect secured quotas for eight other disciples, making their total number of foundation-establisment qualifiers higher than expected.

Haoyue Immortal Sect maintained its lead with seventeen spots, followed by twelve from Biluo Academy, six from the Northern Region, and four from the Southern Region.

Due to Li Tianyan’s altercation with Yao Zhu, Lianhua Pavilion managed to secure only one spot. Tao Feiwen, who lost his magic weapon during the competition, also suffered several consecutive losses.

After the competition, the first priority for all foundation-establishment cultivators was to return to their rooms to meditate and regulate their breathing. It was announced that the opening time of Canghong Secret Realm was rescheduled, potentially allowing them to depart at any moment. Adjusting their condition quickly was essential to prepare for the challenges ahead in the secret realm.

The Canghong Secret Realm opened once every hundred years for a duration of five months. Despite its abundance of rare treasures, the dangers within made caution imperative for all cultivators.

Li Tianyan, having expended little energy during his three matches, focused upon returning to his room to craft talismans. Given the impending journey into the secret realm, he recognized the crucial need for talismans and life-saving medicinal pills.

Less than a day after the competition concluded, disciples from Tianfan Immortal Sect knocked on Li Tianyan’s door. Cheng Qi greeted them upon opening, finding Sang Zixin and several other qi-condensation cultivators at the door.

Sang Zixin, petite yet cunning in combat, had also secured a spot in the secret realm this time.

“Senior Brother Cheng, do you have any spare pills to sell us?” Sang Zixin asked with a mischievous grin.

They had exchanged many medicinal pills when leaving the sect, but after using some during the competition, they hoped to trade with Cheng Qi again.

“Yes, and I also have Sky Thunder Talismans available,” Cheng Qi replied, knowing Li Tianyan had prepared a surplus of talismans not just for himself.