After giving them a full tour of the Holy Land, Li Fu led the five disciples to the Sacred Arena, where the tournament for new disciples of the Holy Land of the Immortal River was to take place. This was the stage upon which they would unveil their true potential.
Disciples from the other peaks had already begun to gather, including those designated as direct disciples, core disciples, and outer disciples.
Mu Nansi herself arrived to observe the tournament in her capacity as the Sect Master. Once she saw that everyone had arrived, she immediately stepped forward to deliver the opening speech, officially commencing the tournament for the outer disciples.
"Today marks a significant day for every new disciple. Those who prove themselves the strongest will earn resources and the opportunity to serve as representatives in the secret realm that will soon be opening. This trial is not merely a competition. It is a declaration of how far you are willing to go on the path of cultivation. So fight with everything you've got."
"The rules are simple. You will continue fighting until I decide otherwise. I won't tell you how many must survive to pass this round. All you must do is fight. Whether you form alliances or walk the path alone like a lone wolf is your choice. Your sole objective is to survive for as long as possible. You needn't worry about safety. Within the secret realm, death will not be permanent. Any disciple killed will be immediately expelled from the dimension. Is that understood?"
All the disciples shouted in unison, "Understood, Sect Master!"
As her words ended, a brilliant light surged forth from the massive arena. The surrounding space shimmered with runes, and the battlefield began to transform. In an instant, every disciple was transported into a special dimension a vast primeval forest. Outside, the disciples of the Holy Land observed the unfolding scene through a colossal energy mirror projecting everything from within.
Inside the forest, the new disciples had been scattered across various points throughout the realm. When the signal to begin the battle sounded
Boommmmmmmmm!
An earth-shattering explosion echoed through the area. Several disciples had already grouped together and rushed to strike at those they deemed stronger. Their strategy was to eliminate as many threats as possible before the battle became even more perilous.
Some groups of outer disciples joined forces to assault the direct disciples, whom they saw as the greatest threats. Han Ming's five disciples were among those immediately targeted by the newcomers.
Lei Chen unleashed his spiritual power, effortlessly deflecting all incoming attacks. His fist shot forward, sending the enemies flying dozens of meters away. A wave of sacred aura burst forth from his body, and a sword materialized in his hand.
Rong Lixian darted around with blinding speed. The power of the Nine Heavens Golden Dragon radiated from her as golden spiritual energy enveloped her body. Each strike of her hand caused an enemy to vanish in an instant. Whether they were at the Golden Core level or the Initial Spirit stage, none could withstand her blows.
Su Baining released her icy power, turning the area around her into a frozen domain. Anyone who approached was instantly immobilized before being cleaved down by a pale blue scythe. Every one of her movements was sharp and flawless, striking only at vital points and eliminating her opponents with a single blow.
Hao Yang wielded the power of the Sacred Sun, incinerating any enemy that dared to charge at him. Deep crimson flames engulfed his fists, and with each punch, his enemies were reduced to ashes. His fire began to spread wildly, setting the entire forest ablaze.
Feng Huangjun stood against a group of ambushers. Yet his body moved as though it had no physical form. The power of the Void allowed him to slip through every attack with ease. In the next moment, the bodies of those who struck at him were gruesomely torn apart, dismembered with terrifying precision.
Baili, the Peak Master of the War Peak, spoke up.
"Han Ming's disciples move far too flawlessly. They're not fighting to win they're killing. And they aim only for the vital points. It's nearly impossible for the others to defend themselves against that."
Chen Xingtian, the Peak Master of the Sword Emperor Peak, spoke up.
"Each of Han Ming's disciples has already reached the ninth level of the Golden Core Realm in just seven days. Just how many resources has that venomous snake been hoarding all these years?"
Mu Nansi, who had been observing the battle from outside, nodded in agreement.
"It's not just that their cultivation levels have risen abnormally fast. Their foundations are far sturdier than normal. Even my own disciples at the same stage probably wouldn't be able to compare."
Chen Xingtian gave a faint smile and continued, "And what of the matter you discussed with the Ancestor? How did that turn out?"
Baili took a light sip of tea, his mind drifting back to six days prior, when Han Ming had shared his insights on cultivation. From the fourteen stages of Qi Gathering, to the Crimson Foundation Establishment, to the formation of 82 Golden Cores, and even five more major realms beyond that this knowledge, aside from Han Ming himself and his five disciples on Pure Light Peak, was known only to the five peak masters, the Sect Master, the Great Elders, and the Vice Elders.
However, the conditions required to cultivate according to Han Ming's method were far too demanding. It was already difficult to find someone with a ten-star comprehension level, but that alone wasn't enough. One also needed an Emperor-grade body and had to train with an Emperor-level manual. At present, only the Sect Master's direct disciple, Xia Lanyi, was capable of following this path. She had reached the fourteenth stage of Qi Gathering, established the Crimson Foundation, and formed 77 rainbow-colored Golden Cores all in just six days.
There were also other disciples who could be trusted, having sworn an oath not to reveal this secret. They had been brought forth by the other Peak Masters. Among those at the Qi Control Realm, none had yet reached the fourteenth stage only the thirteenth or twelfth. Due to the significance of this matter, the Sect Master had immediately consulted with the Ancestor following its discovery.
Mu Nansi smiled faintly and spoke softly.
"I'll make the announcement once today's events have concluded and everyone involved has gathered."
When Baili and Chen Xingtian heard her words, quiet smiles crept onto their faces. For today was not merely the tournament of new disciples, but also the day they would finally settle a long-standing grudge on behalf of Pure Light Peak… The sorrow of that day still remained etched in their hearts, never to be forgotten.
Inside the trial dimension, Ye Lin, a disciple from Heavenly Bamboo Peak, was fleeing with all his might as a massive fireball plummeted from the sky. The forest around him was nearly engulfed in flames. The blazing heat scorched even the air it passed through. Ye Lin had never experienced a situation like this before.
Ever since his master had awoken from slumber, he had never once lost a battle neither within his former sect nor in his home continent. And yet now, even an ordinary disciple of the Holy Land made him feel as though he had to exert more strength than ever before.
Atop a tall tree, Lan Xingyue, another disciple of Heavenly Bamboo Peak, stood with arms crossed, gazing down at the field of ice below. It was littered with the corpses of fallen disciples. She shook her head slightly and murmured to herself.
"As expected of the Holy Land of the Immortal River. Even from the lower world, they can build foundations this strong… Still, I was right to choose this place."
And in that moment, her figure slowly faded from the treetop, as if she had never been there to begin with.
Two hours passed.
The battle within the forest came to an end. All surviving disciples were instantly transported out of the trial dimension including all five of Han Ming's disciples. Every one of them emerged among those who remained.