Chapter 77
Under the mysterious and oppressive aura of Broken Hearts Cliff, a rare event was unfolding. Because two disciples from Broken Hearts Cliff made it to the top ten in merits, they were each granted a special spot in the tournament. This increased their chances of victory considerably, even if they didn’t win overall, they would still reap some benefits.
In the selection process, thirteen individuals would be reduced to seven, and then seven would whittle down to four. If luck was on their side, there's a chance to skip two rounds straight to the semifinals, and then from four, two would be chosen, and finally, one would get the third place.
Jiang Hao, considering his options, respectfully asked his mentor for guidance on ranking the five treasured items up for grabs:
"Master, how would you rank the five items?"
Ku Wuchang, in his usual calm manner replied, "The Nine Suns Blade is first, the Magical Garment is second, the Nine Suns Departed Flame Technique is third, the Heavenly Star Spirit Technique is fourth, and the seed is fifth."
Jiang Hao felt puzzled that the Heavenly Star Spirit Technique only ranked fourth.
Picking up on his disciple's confusion, Ku Wuchang explained further, "The Nine Suns Blade is obviously formidable. The Magical Garment is valuable because it's not just useful in the Foundation Establishment phase; it can also be wielded in the Golden Core stage and almost by the Nascent Soul as well. Thus, it’s quite precious.
Although the Heavenly Star Spirit Technique is indeed impressive, it’s extremely difficult to cultivate and not as beneficial as the Nine Suns Departed Flame Technique, which yields faster and stronger results.
As for the seed, its value lies in its mysterious properties, though I sensed its life force is nearing depletion, and its spiritual energy won’t last for many more years. It helps Qi Refiners but is quite average for Foundation Establishment and of no use for Golden Core practitioners."
Understanding the logic, Jiang Hao thanked his master for illuminating his understanding.
Before leaving, Jiang Hao requested to learn a movement technique to aid in the upcoming competition. In most cases, a disciple needed to compete internally for a spot, but having already proved his merits, Jiang Hao was granted direct entry into the contest.
"The Demonic Sound Across a Thousand Miles is part of the same series as Demonic Sound Slash. It seems much easier to learn," Jiang Hao thought to himself as he departed with the manuals. Just like before, the knowledge was imparted once and then left for him to assimilate independently. There were no special privileges.
Jiang Hao could understand this, knowing well that learning the Demonic Sound Across a Thousand Miles was crucial for the tournament, giving him the respite needed to outlast his opponent strategically.
The following day, commotion filled Broken Hearts Cliff as arenas were set up to select the disciples worthy of participating. With all realms represented by two participants except for the mid-Foundation Establishment, Jiang Hao found the selections interesting, providing him an opportunity to gauge the strengths of those he might encounter in the future.
Seven days later, Jiang Hao left the arena for late-stage Golden Core practitioners. He noticed that these senior brothers and sisters did not seem to go all out. Employing techniques from the Seven Forms of the Heavenly Blade along with the Primordial Heaven Blade might clinch victory, but each of the ten late-stage practitioners possessed unique skills. Avoiding unnecessary battles was wise.
Taking a deep breath, Jiang Hao restrained any hint of arrogance, knowing well that overestimating oneself could lead to folly.
That night, Jiang Hao sped through the forest, his speed so great that a faint rumbling sound seemed to accompany him. However, a white blur surged past him effortlessly, quickly disappearing into the distance.
"Ever since breaking into the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, its speed has increased exponentially," Jiang Hao mused as he watched the white blur vanish. It was none other than the Deceptive Beast Rabbit, which had been demanding a new collar since its recent breakthrough. Jiang Hao dismissed these requests since mid-stage collars were excessively expensive, and he lacked the spirit stones for such purchases. "Perhaps later," he thought.
Despite inheriting a substantial amount of spirit stones from Senior Brother Mu Qi, Jiang Hao still felt impoverished. The trouble lay with his spirit herbs; they were difficult to sell and mostly ended up feeding the rabbit.
"Having learned Demonic Sound Across a Thousand Miles, it’s time to focus on crafting talismans," Jiang Hao decided. Should an opponent prove too formidable, he could always rely on the ten thousand sword talismans. Additionally, he needed to refine his mastery of the first and second forms of the Heavenly Blade while controlling the consumption of his Divine Ability.
Three weeks passed, leading up to the competition’s eve.
Han Ming visited Jiang Hao.
"We’re likely to face off again, Senior Brother Jiang. A perfect chance for a little sparring," Han Ming cheerily announced before leaving, confidence palpable in his stride.
"He's feeling quite capable," Jiang Hao mused internally. Han Ming had bested everyone at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage at Broken Hearts Cliff and earned a spot in the twelve mainline competitions.
“It's no wonder, favored by the land and blessed with ancestral inheritance, being a true disciple, rising swiftly in strength isn't unexpected," Jiang Hao pondered silently.
In the tranquil setting of his courtyard, Jiang Hao began honing his Crescent Moon Blade. Crafted with black for the body and white for the edge, it matched the Primordial Heaven Blade in size and weight, showcasing masterful craftsmanship. Adding the Crescent Moon Blades number two along with Demonic Sound Across a Thousand Miles and fifty ten-thousand-sword talismans, victory should be within reach.
"However, my opponents may be well-prepared too."
The next morning, Jiang Hao rose from his practice, watering the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower before moving towards the courtyard exit. The rabbit trailed him eagerly.
"Master, how about taking me along?"
"Why would I take you?" Jiang Hao asked, glancing down.
"Because Lord Rabbit is famous for speed. When your opponent appears, I'll strike first and quick, making it easy for you to finish them off. With me around, victory is assured," the rabbit boasted confidently.
Jiang Hao listened calmly and then commanded, "Take care of the Spirit Herb Garden."
"Leave it to me!" The rabbit replied without hesitation.
The grand competition was held at the center square of the Heavenly Sound Sect, hosting numerous arenas categorized by Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, and Nascent Soul.
Jiang Hao arrived at the Foundation Establishment area and examined the combat roster. Thirteen contenders in each stage, with Han Ming from Broken Hearts Cliff miraculously bypassing the mid-Foundation Establishment round.
"Truly blessed by Mountain and River Spirits. His luck is remarkable," Jiang Hao remarked, shaking his head indifferently. Spotting his upcoming opponent, Xin Yuyue of Thunder Fire Peak, her name felt familiar. It dawned on him she'd been a Senior Sister during their shared perilous descent into the demon cave. Surprisingly, she too had reached mid-Foundation Establishment.
With his spot designated at Arena Three, Jiang Hao proceeded there. Meanwhile, on the other end, Xin Yuyue exuded confidence as she reviewed the competition listings. She was a recent arrival to her current stage but had greatly benefited from battles on the Azure Sky Mountain, collecting an array of treasures. Her assets included the Crimson Phosphorus Sword, her Moon Frost treasured cloak, and a wealth of talismans. Relying on these, she planned to claim victory, perhaps acquiring the Heavenly Star Spirit Technique.
"With your recent lucky breaks, obtaining triumph shouldn’t be hard," commented a friendly Senior Brother at her side.
"Just fortunate," Xin Yuyue replied modestly.
Her first glance was for the wildcard spots, but her name wasn’t there. Then, she saw it at Arena Three against Jiang Hao of Broken Hearts Cliff, and her confidence wavered. How had he advanced to mid-Foundation Establishment so quickly?
“Jiang Hao? With luck, you’ve matched with someone who only collects opportunities but neither solidifies his cultivation nor excels in real battle. Congratulations, Junior Sister,” the voices around her buzzed with unwarranted admiration.
Even though these words stung, Xin Yuyue clenched her resolve. The Heavenly Star Spirit Technique meant too much to her. Perhaps, she still had a chance to win, she thought with renewed determination.