“Whoa... this newcomer is pretty arrogant, huh?”


    “Is the sixth level of Qi Refining enough to be this bold? Interesting.”


    “Heh... I just hope his strength matches his attitude. Being too flashy isn’t always a good thing.”


    Hearing these remarks, the surrounding disciples began watching the scene unfold with interest, their chatter filling the air.


    “????”


    Lu Yi listened to their words; his mind filled with question marks. He felt a little wronged—he had been trying to keep a low profile! If he really wanted to show off, he would have already started challenging others and racking up task rewards. Yet, these disciples were still judging him this way?


    At the same time, Lu Yi began reflecting on his behavior. Was he really being high-profile? After thinking it over, he concluded that he definitely wasn’t!


    While Lu Yi was contemplating, the eighth-level Qi Refining disciple in front of him was already looking blue in the face. He sneered, “Fine, fine! Since Junior Brother insists, let’s settle this with our swords!”


    With a clang, he drew his sword and pointed it at Lu Yi.


    Lu Yi grinned and quickly muttered to himself, “I need to defeat this opponent.”


    [Mission]: Defeat the eighth-level Qi Refining outer disciple (Progress: 0/1)


    Reward: Superior Qi Condensation Pills *20 / Perfect Qi Condensation Pills *2


    Accept? Yes/No


    Huh? The reward is better than defeating Lin Gang... Lu Yi was momentarily surprised, then guessed it might be because this opponent was stronger, increasing the mission’s difficulty. Hence, the reward was more generous?


    Feeling even more excited, Lu Yi thought, “The better the reward, the better it is!”


    He drew his sword and smiled. “Senior Brother, please guide me!”


    “Hmph!” The delicate-looking youth snorted, stepping forward swiftly like a serpent. His sword weaved a web of dazzling shadows as he lunged toward Lu Yi.


    The moment the attack began, Lu Yi realized that this senior brother was indeed stronger than Lin Gang.


    The Falling Leaf Sword Technique and Snake Steps were foundational techniques of the White Cloud Sect, and this senior brother had clearly mastered them well.


    If Lu Yi used the same tactics he had against Lin Gang, he would surely lose. But he remained calm. With a flow of spiritual energy, he activated the White Cloud Steps. His body seemed to lose weight, becoming ethereal, as he drifted backward with the force of the opponent’s sword wind.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Seeing this, the surrounding disciples widened their eyes, and some even stood up.


    “What?!”


    “That’s the White Cloud Steps? So, refined! Using only the sword wind for leverage, he managed that?”


    “White Cloud Steps at the mastery level? This junior brother is impressive!”


    Their shock hadn’t subsided when Lu Yi suddenly closed the distance with astonishing speed. His sword carried traces of pale white mist, soft yet sharp, enveloping the delicate youth.


    The youth’s pupils shrank, and he raised his sword to block with all his might.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    With each clash, the youth staggered back, quickly falling into a disadvantage.


    The surrounding disciples were stunned.


    “Sword Qi like mist?! This guy has brought the White Cloud Sword Technique to a state of perfection?!”


    “To refine foundational techniques to such a degree... his comprehension ability is incredible!”


    “No wonder he’s so confident. He has the strength to back it up.”


    “Wang Xinqi is going to lose!”


    Even the inner disciples wore expressions of disbelief.


    “Mastered White Cloud Steps and perfected White Cloud Sword Technique... When did such a talent appear in the outer sect?” A handsome, tall youth frowned.


    “Wang Xinqi’s techniques are already advanced, but unfortunately, his opponent is even stronger,” said an average-looking youth with folded arms, shaking his head.


    Nearby, a charming young woman looked at Lu Yi, her eyes shining. “This junior brother is so handsome!”


    The surrounding disciples: “????”


    They looked at the girl, bewildered. Everyone else was admiring his skills, and she was focused on his looks?


    Hmph, women are so superficial!


    Yet, as they turned back to Lu Yi, they had to admit—objectively speaking, this junior brother was indeed very good-looking.


    A cold-looking youth with twin blades on his back commented, “This junior brother’s cultivation level is a bit low. Otherwise, he’d be a serious contender in the upcoming competition.”


    Others nodded in agreement. Lu Yi’s display of skills had already put pressure on them. Perfected techniques like his were rare even among the strongest outer disciples.


    “Luckily, the competition is in half a month. Improving cultivation in such a short time will be difficult. But if this guy reaches the eighth level of Qi Refining by then, we might as well concede.”


    While they were talking, the battle reached its climax.


    Lu Yi hadn’t even used his full strength, but his performance was already overwhelming Wang Xinqi.


    Faced with mist-like sword qi, Wang Xinqi broke out in cold sweat, retreating repeatedly. Within moments, Lu Yi’s sword was at his throat.


    Lu Yi smiled as he sheathed his sword. “Senior Brother, thank you for the match.”


    Another two Perfect Qi Condensation Pills earned! Lu Yi was thrilled. More challengers like this, please!


    Wang Xinqi’s face was pale, and he bitterly cupped his fists toward Lu Yi. “I lost fair and square.”


    Seeing Wang Xinqi looking so dejected, Lu Yi felt a bit guilty. He was a good person, after all! They had no grudges, yet he had humiliated him like this... Would Wang Xinqi develop a mental block?


    Feeling kind-hearted, Lu Yi earnestly said, “Senior Brother, you’re very strong. Honestly, you’re the strongest opponent I’ve ever faced. I hope we can spar again.”


    Of course, Lu Yi had only fought two eighth-level Qi Refining cultivators—Lin Gang and Wang Xinqi.


    As for sparring, well, earning more task rewards sounded good to him.


    I’m such a good person, Lu Yi thought.


    Wang Xinqi’s expression eased. His eyes lit up as he smiled sincerely. “Junior Brother Lu Yi, your talent is truly unmatched. I admire your mastery of perfected techniques. Since you’re willing, I’ll be sure to seek your guidance in the future.”


    “Anytime!” Lu Yi replied cheerfully.


    Just then, a sword light streaked across the sky, landing on the preaching platform.


    A young female cultivator with black hair like flowing ink, wearing a white dress, and possessing an icy, peerless beauty appeared.


    Lu Yi was stunned. He remembered the preacher elder being an old man. How did he suddenly become a beautiful young woman?