Lu Yi chuckled softly. "Sister, your strength is exceptional. I toast to you."


    The two continued drinking and chatting until Donggong Mingyue finished refining the medicinal effects, marking the end of their gathering.


    Afterward, the three went their separate ways, and Lu Yi resumed his cultivation.


    In the following days, Lu Yi cultivated diligently. It is worth mentioning that due to his extraordinary talent, the sect made an exception for him, allowing him to focus solely on cultivation without taking on sect missions.


    In fact, the elders and sect master of White Cloud Sect preferred that Lu Yi avoid leaving the sect grounds too often.


    After all, the White Cloud Sect was still at war with the Blood Spirit Sect, and daily skirmishes continued to occur between disciples of both sects, creating chaos.


    Given Lu Yi''s astonishing talent, any danger he might face outside could result in an enormous loss for the sect.


    For Lu Yi, this was naturally good news. Without the burden of sect missions, he could focus entirely on cultivation.


    Having broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage from the thirteenth layer of Qi Refining and using Grand Dao Qi to establish his foundation, Lu Yi''s foundation was exceptionally solid. His cultivation speed in the Foundation Establishment stage was extremely fast.


    Coupled with using thousand-year spiritual milk for cultivation and practicing techniques from immortal scriptures, Lu Yi reached the second layer of Foundation Establishment within a month.


    Two months later, he advanced to the third layer.


    After one year, Lu Yi''s cultivation directly reached the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment. Such progress was unimaginable for most cultivators.


    Typically, it would take a Foundation Establishment cultivator ten years to break through a single minor realm. Even a genius cultivator could not achieve such terrifying speed.


    On this day, within Lu Yi''s cave dwelling, he sat cross-legged, surrounded by dense spiritual energy and swirling strands of transparent sword energy.


    Moments later, the sword energy dissipated, and the spiritual energy gradually calmed. Lu Yi opened his eyes.


    He exhaled gently, stood up, stretched, and smiled.


    "It''s finally time."


    Today was the day of the Foundation Establishment competition to select cultivators to enter the Eastern Forest Ruins.


    Lu Yi felt no pressure. Over the past year, his progress had been tremendous.


    Aside from reaching the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment, he had made significant advancements in other areas.


    He had practiced the Qi Refining chapter of the Immortal Sword Scripture, re-tempered the foundation established by the White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique, and advanced to the Foundation Establishment chapter.


    Using the monthly enlightenment opportunities provided by his master, he pushed the Foundation Establishment chapter to level 6, reaching the Perfection Realm.


    It was worth noting that this was an immortal scripture. Advancing to the Perfection Realm within just one year was an achievement rarely seen in history.


    The Immortal Sword Scripture''s Foundation Establishment chapter at the Perfection Realm provided incredible cultivation efficiency. This was one of the key reasons Lu Yi could break through realms so quickly within a year.


    Not only did his cultivation speed increase, but the immortal sword qi condensed by the Perfection Realm was also exceptionally powerful, far surpassing the White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique at its peak.


    In addition, Lu Yi practiced the Golden Core-level technique, the Seven Profound Sword Art, reaching level 8. While he had not yet tested its full power, it was undoubtedly formidable.


    He also focused on cultivating the Golden Core secret art, the Transformation Technique. Due to its complexity, and without using enlightenment opportunities, it had only reached level 6 so far.


    Lu Yi continued practicing the Thunder Jade Body Technique daily. Although his resources for body refinement were somewhat lacking compared to Qi cultivation, the Thunder Jade Body Technique could enhance physical refinement through the Intent of Thunder.


    With the addition of Blood Essence Pills, his progress, while not the fastest, was acceptable. He had reached level 5.


    Beyond these, Lu Yi also practiced several Foundation Establishment-level techniques and spells.


    Thanks to his exceptional talent, the White Cloud Sect granted him unrestricted access to the Scripture Pavilion. He could freely select any technique or spell for cultivation.


    At this point, Lu Yi''s strength had reached a formidable level. Even he was unsure of his limits when exerting his full power.


    Lu Yi stepped out of his cave dwelling and saw a flash of sword light landing outside. It was Liu Ningshuang.


    Dressed in elegant white robes, Liu Ningshuang appeared calm and graceful. She smiled faintly upon seeing Lu Yi. "Brother, are you ready?"


    Lu Yi nodded slightly. "Yes."


    Over the past year, Liu Ningshuang did not leave the sect often and did not enter long retreats. They had plenty of opportunities to interact.


    With Donggong Mingyue, the lively and cheerful presence, the three occasionally gathered for meals, growing closer than before.


    "With your strength, there shouldn’t be any problems," Liu Ningshuang said, nodding slightly.


    As they spoke, Donggong Mingyue arrived, grinning. "Brother, do your best today!"


    Donggong Mingyue had ultimately decided to delay her breakthrough to Foundation Establishment, choosing instead to focus on refining her foundation to reach the thirteenth layer of Qi Refining.


    This decision could significantly affect her future achievements and could not be taken lightly.


    Previously, Donggong Mingyue would have been satisfied with reaching the twelfth layer of Qi Refining. However, with the abundant resources provided by Lu Yi, including hundred-year spiritual milk and high-quality spiritual foods, her conditions had improved drastically.


    Given her remarkable talent, not pushing for the thirteenth layer would have been a waste.


    Since she had not broken through to Foundation Establishment, Donggong Mingyue naturally did not participate in the competition. Instead, she and Liu Ningshuang accompanied Lu Yi as spectators.


    "Little Mingyue is here. In that case, let’s go," Liu Ningshuang said.


    She took out her white jade boat, and the three boarded it. Transforming into a stream of light, they flew toward the central city.


    The Foundation Establishment competition took place in the plaza near the Trial Tower.


    When the trio arrived, they saw a crowd of disciples, some standing in the plaza and others floating in the air.


    Among them were Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, and even Nascent Soul cultivators.


    After all, the Eastern Forest Ruins opened only once every hundred years, attracting cultivators eager to witness the event.


    Lu Yi even noticed several elders observing from above, clearly interested in the proceedings.


    The plaza around the Trial Tower now had numerous arenas set up for the competition.


    As Lu Yi and his companions arrived, many disciples turned to look at them. Whether inner disciples or elders, all took notice.


    Ever since Lu Yi triggered heavenly tribulation during the Qi Refining stage, his reputation had surpassed even that of Liu Ningshuang, making him one of the most recognized figures in the inner sect.


    Whispers spread through the crowd.


    "It''s Brother Lu! He''s here."The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "Of course he is. The Eastern Forest Ruins only open once a century, filled with endless opportunities. With Brother Lu’s talent, entering it will make him even stronger in the future."


    "Opening once every hundred years, and Brother Lu happens to be here? His luck is incredible."


    "A genius who triggered tribulation during Qi Refining—how could his luck be bad?"


    No one doubted Lu Yi''s ability to qualify for the ruins.


    After all, Lu Yi had already reached the 23rd floor of the Trial Tower, proving he could defeat a third-layer Golden Core cultivator.


    Holding the top spot in the Foundation Establishment trial rankings, his position had remained unshaken.


    Who would question such strength?


    Liu Ningshuang smiled at Lu Yi. "Brother, go ahead. We''ll be watching from here."


    Lu Yi nodded, stepping down from his sword and walking into the plaza.


    There, numerous Foundation Establishment cultivators gathered, all participants in the competition.


    Since the sect had many Foundation Establishment disciples, the competition was restricted to the top 1,000 ranked in the Trial Tower to save time.


    This set the entry threshold high.


    Lu Yi had just landed when several Foundation Establishment cultivators greeted him with smiles.


    "Brother Lu, you’re here."


    "I hope I don’t end up facing you later, Brother Lu, or it’ll be tragic for me."


    "..."


    Lu Yi responded to each of them with a smile.


    At that moment, a familiar voice rang out, "Brother Lu!"


    Lu Yi turned his head and saw Jiang Fan approaching. Beside Jiang Fan were several other Foundation Establishment cultivators.


    Lu Yi smiled and said, "Brother Jiang Fan, long time no see."


    Jiang Fan looked Lu Yi up and down and said with emotion, "It really has been a while. I’ve been busy running around doing missions for cultivation resources lately."


    Lu Yi chuckled. "Brother Jiang Fan, your efforts have clearly paid off—you’ve already reached the third level of Foundation Establishment."


    The last time Lu Yi and Jiang Fan met was over six months ago. At that time, Lu Yi had just broken through, while Jiang Fan, Bai Yulong, and Tie Man had returned to the sect to rest and spent some time with Lu Yi.


    Back then, Jiang Fan was only at the second level of Foundation Establishment. Now, after six months, he had advanced by another level. This was a rather commendable cultivation speed.


    Lu Yi couldn’t help but marvel—as expected of someone with a postnatal Water Spiritual Body. Though not as gifted as an innate spiritual body, it’s still much faster than ordinary cultivators.


    Lu Yi recalled that Jiang Fan had only broken through to the Foundation Establishment realm a little over two years ago. Advancing to the third level of Foundation Establishment in just over two years—about one minor realm per year—was quite impressive.


    What surprised Lu Yi the most was that Brother Jiang Fan, with his third-level Foundation Establishment cultivation, had managed to rank among the top 1,000 on the trial leaderboard. This indicated that Jiang Fan’s combat strength far exceeded his current cultivation level.


    It was evident that Jiang Fan must have some trump cards of his own.


    The disciples standing nearby were also from Dark Water Peak and were Jiang Fan’s brothers and sisters. Seeing Jiang Fan being so familiar with Lu Yi, they were all astonished. They hadn’t expected Jiang Fan to have such a close relationship with Lu Yi, who was rumored to possess the bearing of an immortal.


    For a moment, the cultivators looked at Jiang Fan with thoughtful expressions.


    Being on good terms with Lu Yi must mean that Brother Jiang has exceptional talent too.


    The group silently resolved to strengthen their ties with Jiang Fan in the future.


    Lu Yi and Jiang Fan chatted about matters outside the sect, including Bai Yulong and Tie Man.


    Compared to Jiang Fan, Bai Yulong and Tie Man’s talents were slightly inferior. Over the past two years, despite their relentless efforts, risking their lives and gathering many resources, they had only managed to reach the second level of Foundation Establishment. While this was decent progress among the new inner disciples, the gap compared to older disciples was still quite significant.


    In terms of combat strength, the two couldn’t compare to Jiang Fan either, and they hadn’t made it into the top 1,000 of the trial leaderboards. Naturally, they missed the opportunity to enter the Eastern Forest Ruins.


    Jiang Fan expressed some regret about this. "This time, if I find any treasures suitable for Bai Yulong and Tie Man in the Eastern Forest Ruins, I’ll bring them back to help improve their strength."


    Lu Yi smiled. "Brother Jiang Fan, with such thoughtfulness, I’m sure Brothers Bai Yulong and Tie Man will be very touched."


    As the two continued talking and laughing, a figure suddenly appeared in the sky—it was Wu Qingfeng.


    Wu Qingfeng’s expression was stern and authoritative, completely different from the gentle demeanor he showed when he first met Lu Yi. He swept his gaze over the Foundation Establishment cultivators below and spoke calmly, "You all know the purpose of this competition. The Eastern Forest Ruins present an incredible opportunity for Foundation Establishment cultivators, but opportunities require strength to seize. Without strength, entering the ruins will only lead to death. If you want to enter the ruins, show your strength!"


    Wu Qingfeng gave some more encouraging remarks before announcing the start of the competition.


    The Foundation Establishment competition was similar to the previous outer sect competition that Lu Yi had participated in. Among the top 1,000 disciples, matches were conducted in pairs, with opponents determined by drawing lots—entirely dependent on luck.


    Lu Yi’s luck wasn’t particularly good. In the first round, he faced a ninth-level Foundation Establishment brother named Li Feng.


    Li Feng was handsome, with a gentle smile on his face. However, when he stepped onto the stage and saw Lu Yi approaching, his smile gradually faded.


    Seeing Li Feng’s look of despair, Lu Yi chuckled awkwardly. "Brother Li Feng, please advise me."


    Li Feng forced a smile, his expression more pained than crying. "...Brother, you’re too modest. I’ll admit defeat."


    Neither the disciples below nor the cultivators watching in the sky were surprised by this outcome.


    Wu Qingfeng and several elders looked at Li Feng stepping down from the stage and began discussing.


    "Li Feng’s luck was really bad."


    "Indeed, such a pity. Among the Foundation Establishment disciples of Red Flow Peak, he’s ranked in the top ten. Who knew he’d face Lu Yi in the first round?"


    "Luck is also a part of strength. The Eastern Forest Ruins don’t only offer opportunities—poor luck could mean death shortly after entering," Wu Qingfeng said calmly.


    "The Sect Master is right."


    "Luck is indeed important."


    "..."


    The competition progressed quickly, and after a few rounds, the top 100 rankings were decided.


    Every time Lu Yi''s opponents saw that their adversary was him, their faces immediately fell.


    There was no helping it. In their eyes, the strength Lu Yi displayed in the Trial Tower was completely unbeatable.


    One after another, they all simply surrendered without a fight.


    Regarding this, Lu Yi was not surprised. For him, participating in the competition was just a formality.


    What truly surprised Lu Yi was that Brother Jiang Fan had actually made it into the top 100.


    The disciples in the top 100 were basically all at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment or higher. Jiang Fan, who was only at the third level of Foundation Establishment, stood out exceptionally.


    Of course, Lu Yi was an exception.


    Lu Yi had watched Jiang Fan''s matches and noticed that he had mastered a rather impressive Golden Core technique. Its power was extraordinary, resembling surging waves that swept his opponents off the stage.


    Lu Yi inwardly sighed, ''As expected of someone with a Water Spiritual Body—his strength is indeed remarkable.''


    At that moment, Lu Yi suddenly thought of something and murmured to himself, ''I must defeat Brother Jiang Fan.''


    [Task] Defeat Jiang Fan.


    Reward: A strand of Water Intent, 1 drop of Ten-Thousand-Year Spiritual Milk.


    Accept: Yes/No


    Lu Yi''s eyes lit up, and he was filled with excitement.


    It had been a while since he last sparred with Brother Jiang Fan, and he hadn''t even issued a mission related to it. After all, the previous rewards for defeating Jiang Fan were too low, so Lu Yi had been too lazy to bother.


    Unexpectedly, now that Jiang Fan had awakened his Water Spiritual Body and advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage, the rewards had become so tempting?


    ''Wonderful!''


    A drop of Ten-Thousand-Year Spiritual Milk was already better than the rewards he got from his sister.


    Not only that, but there was also a reward of Water Intent.


    If he could comprehend the Water Intent, Lu Yi would have mastery over three types of intent.


    It seemed he would need to find some time to spar properly with Brother Jiang Fan.


    Oh, right—he still had a drop of Water Spiritual Liquid. Since he no longer needed it, he might as well gift it to Jiang Fan after returning from the Eastern Forest Ruins.


    By then, if Jiang Fan''s strength improved further, his sparring tasks might yield even better rewards.


    Jiang Fan defeated his opponent, stepped down from the stage, and returned to Lu Yi''s side. Seeing Lu Yi looking at him, he paused and asked with some confusion, "Brother Lu, what''s the matter?"


    Lu Yi smiled and said, "I''m just surprised that Brother Jiang Fan has improved so much in such a short time. It''s truly astonishing."


    Jiang Fan laughed heartily, "Brother, your words sound like you''re making fun of me. Compared to you, my progress is nothing."


    Lu Yi chuckled. "You can''t say that. Everyone has their own strengths. Brother Jiang Fan''s techniques were quite impressive—they really caught my attention. If we have time, we should spar again."


    Hearing this, Jiang Fan''s eyes lit up, and he smiled. "That would be great!"


    He had actually been hoping to spar with Lu Yi. After all, Lu Yi''s talent and strength were well-known, and sparring with him would be very beneficial.


    However, since there was a large gap in their strength before, Jiang Fan hadn’t had the courage to bring it up. He never expected Lu Yi to suggest it himself, so he naturally couldn''t refuse.


    Jiang Fan couldn’t help but feel touched. ''Brother Lu is so thoughtful. Is he trying to help me improve my strength?''


    Jiang Fan felt a surge of gratitude. ''Brother Lu’s kindness is as vast as a mountain.''


    The competition continued. After the top 100 were determined, the matches grew even fiercer.


    Even cultivators at the eighth and ninth levels of Foundation Establishment were starting to struggle.


    However, for the chance to enter the Eastern Forest Ruins, even those who knew they were outmatched had no choice but to give it their all. The battles became increasingly intense.


    Although Jiang Fan had refined his Golden Core technique to a considerable degree, he still found himself in dangerous situations.


    Just as Lu Yi was considering whether to lend him a hand, Jiang Fan suddenly took out an extremely powerful magical treasure.


    It was a slightly worn-looking white bottle. Large amounts of mysterious water spilled out from the bottle under Jiang Fan’s control, enabling both offense and defense. It was incredibly strong.


    Even cultivators at the peak of Foundation Establishment could not break through the water’s defenses.


    This drew quite a bit of attention.


    Lu Yi’s sharp spiritual perception, which was close to transformation, detected the formidable power contained within the small bottle. It might even pose a threat to low-level Golden Core cultivators.


    This was practically a top-grade magical artifact—possibly even approaching the strength of a lower-grade treasure.


    Lu Yi found this peculiar. ''This must be one of Brother Jiang Fan''s lucky encounters.''


    ''No wonder his name has the character for "Fan" in it—his luck really is extraordinary.''


    The treasure appeared slightly damaged, but if repaired, it might become even more powerful.


    Although Jiang Fan’s cultivation wasn’t quite enough to fully utilize the artifact, he still managed to break into the top 20.


    In the end, the top 20 were decided—Lu Yi and Jiang Fan were both among them. The remaining competitors included five cultivators at the peak of Foundation Establishment, while the rest were at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment.


    From start to finish, Lu Yi had not even needed to make a move. He couldn’t help but wonder if he had just been there as a spectator, feeling a bit helpless.


    As the competition concluded, Wu Qingfeng landed on the stage, swept his gaze over the twenty competitors, and spoke calmly:


    "The twenty of you will enter the Eastern Forest Ruins. Go back and make your preparations. We set out in one week."