Chapter 120: A Truly Evenly Matched Battle

It was rather unusual for Ao Yi, a Jie School disciple, to constantly stand among the Immortal Ascension Sect disciples below. Fortunately, the young prince was well aware that Li Changshou, acting as a merit agent for a certain Human School master, needed to keep his identity strictly confidential.

After Li Changshou telepathically advised him, Ao Yi chuckled, "We can catch up and chat properly after your sect's grand competition, Brother Changshou." With that, Ao Yi ascended on a cloud back to the Jade Platform, rejoining Sister Hanzhi and his senior brothers.

Shortly after, Sect Master Ji Wuyou emerged from the Jade Platform on a cloud. The disciples below and all sect members held their breath, and a profound silence fell over the mountain gate. Li Changshou carefully sensed the Sect Master's presence, noticing that his aura seemed somewhat unstable, perhaps indicating he was still recovering from an injury.

A moment later, Ji Wuyou began to speak, his voice echoing across the entire mountain gate:

"Ahem... On this auspicious day, young disciples recruited by my Immortal Ascension Sect over the past two centuries have gathered here... ahem, ahem... Today's internal grand competition is not solely about ranking your abilities. Your ranking serves primarily to encourage your cultivation; even if you fall behind temporarily, you might still surpass others later on. The demonic assault on our mountain feels as though it happened just yesterday. This humble Daoist witnessed your unwavering resolve to stand with the sect, and I was deeply gratified.

"Currently, the Three Sects Origin Assembly is about to commence, and my Immortal Ascension Sect, being a Daoist lineage established by the Human School's Pure Virtue Blessed Immortal and Honored Master Daoist Du'e, has been invited to attend. For this internal grand competition, those ranked among the Heavenly Dipper positions, or those recommended by an elder, will all be permitted to accompany this humble Daoist to the Central Divine Continent..."

As the Sect Master continued his lengthy discourse, Li Changshou subtly frowned. "The top thirty-six will all go to the Three Sects Origin Assembly?" Given the troublesome precedent of the previous Dragon Palace Demon Eradication Assembly, Li Changshou naturally wished to avoid any involvement in such 'grand events.' He merely desired to cultivate peacefully, hidden away in the mountains. What's more, as his cultivation steadily progressed, Youqin Xuanya became increasingly dazzling. He feared that during such an event, some infatuated man, blinded by obsession, might appear, demanding a duel with him, "Junior Sister Youqin's ordinary friend." That would be quite vexing.

Such assemblies were gatherings of formidable masters, and there was always a possibility that powerful figures, even those as eminent as the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan School, might be present. His subtle disguise might not be sufficient to deceive them. Should he attract undue attention, uncontrollable situations could easily arise.

'Perhaps I should aim to keep my ranking somewhere between thirty-seventh and fortieth.'

Just as Li Changshou was about to finalize this decision, he suddenly felt several pairs of eyes on him. He discreetly traced the sources of these gazes. They included Elder Wan Linyun on the Jade Platform, several familiar outer elders from the Hundred Mortal Hall, and a few radiant Heavenly Immortal realm elders who seemed to have 'rekindled their ambition.'

Li Changshou inwardly sighed. It seemed more practical to focus on further improving his *Tortoise Breath Calming Qi Art*. From the looks of it, he was destined to attend this Three Sects Assembly. His only recourse was to prepare diligently and proceed with extreme caution.

The internal grand competition proceeded step by step, following the established procedures. After the Sect Master finished, the Vice Sect Master spoke; then, after the Vice Sect Master concluded, the Grand Elders also had something to say. Finally, Elder Ge of the Hundred Mortal Hall stepped forward to officially announce the commencement of the assembly.

Two Grand Elders flew from the Jade Platform, their white hair dancing in the wind, their lean figures appearing ethereal and unique. Their four long sleeves billowed, scattering a vast expanse of starlight, creating a truly spectacular scene. The starlight transformed into individual jade slips, which slowly descended, allowing each disciple to receive one. Each jade slip bore a number, starting with one of the Ten Heavenly Stems (Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui), followed by three digits. Li Changshou's number was Ding 026, while Ling'e's was Xin 121. This numbering system was coincidentally similar to how Li Changshou labeled the 'small' treasure pouches he refined. If a jade slip lit up later, it signaled the wielder to enter the arena for a duel. In addition to their respective numbers, the jade slips also featured twelve blank squares; a victory would allow a disciple to illuminate one of them. These jade slips were a complete set of magical artifacts, difficult to craft, and thus bore a small inscription on their reverse side: "Do not damage. Return after the assembly. Loss or damage will result in suspension of provisions for half a year."

Presently, dozens of True Immortal realm deacons from the sect entered the arena first, positioning themselves along the outer perimeter. The two fellow disciples scheduled for the first duel had already entered, holding their glowing jade slips, and were awaiting their turn. Disciples, whether near or far, began to settle into their places. The more particular ones would produce meditation cushions or soft mats, while others simply sat on the ground, in close contact with nature.

"Senior Brother..." Ling'e quietly called out to him, retrieving two meditation cushions and a bamboo basket from her storage bracelet. She deliberately placed the cushions about half a *zhang* apart.

Li Changshou telepathically praised her, "Well done. You can reduce the 'Steady Character Scripture' by fifty recitations."

Lan Ling'e pouted immediately, whispering, "You mean senior brother, it's not like I did it just to write fewer scriptures!"

"Then I won't reduce it."

"Oh, wait, please don't..."

Li Changshou's eyes crinkled in a smile. He lifted the front of his Daoist robe and sat down beside his junior sister. No sooner had they settled down than, before Ling'e could even retrieve the snacks and cold tea she had prepared for days from the basket, two small white hands reached out from behind and furtively clutched the bamboo basket.

"Hehe, let this senior aunt see what delicious treats our Ling'e has made this time!" Jiu Jiu had stealthily approached, settling directly between them, and promptly uncovered the basket. Instantly, numerous gazes darted their way. Many disciples who had never seen Senior Aunt Jiu Jiu before were visibly shocked.

Li Changshou had anticipated this reaction, so he remained composed, closing his eyes to rest. Ling'e dutifully addressed her as "Senior Aunt," not daring to playfully scuffle with Jiu Jiu in front of such a crowd. She watched helplessly as the snacks she had painstakingly prepared disappeared into her junior senior aunt's hands.

From the disciples' perspective, Jiu Jiu and Ling'e together presented a delightful and harmonious sight. However, when Jiu Jiu shifted beside Li Changshou and asked him how he planned to duel later, the disciples' expressions subtly changed.

"As for how to duel, I can only adapt to the situation," Li Changshou said with a light chuckle.

Jiu Jiu didn't press the matter, offering a few words of encouragement before moving back to carefully guide Ling'e.

The duels continued one after another, and Li Changshou secretly observed each one with his immortal sense. While the duels of his fellow qi cultivators now held no practical reference value for him, some combat techniques that once seemed like divine guidance now appeared as clumsy as a baboon scratching its head. Nevertheless, observing more would help him maintain a more natural disguise later on.

In the seventy-ninth match of the first round, Ling'e entered the arena. Wielding several immortal treasures, she displayed a cultivation of Soul Transformation Ninth Stage, effortlessly suppressing a fellow disciple in the Void Return realm. Li Changshou was largely satisfied with Ling'e's performance and telepathically praised her a few times. Though Ling'e remained outwardly composed, her heart was undoubtedly blooming with joy.

Li Changshou continued to wait; his first-round duel didn't occur until late afternoon. In the three hundred sixty-second match, the jade slip in Li Changshou's hand gently vibrated and emitted a faint glow. A sect deacon simultaneously called out the number on his jade slip. Li Changshou stood up and flew on a cloud towards the dueling ground. Concurrently, a disciple flew out from beneath the 'Lin' banner, offering Li Changshou a slight smile.

Li Changshou's brow furrowed slightly. Having monitored Xianlin Peak for so many years, he naturally recognized this person. This was a gifted disciple from Xianlin Peak, ranked nineteenth within the sect, a second-stage Return to Dao realm cultivator, placing him just ahead of Li Changshou. What a coincidence? It was likely not a coincidence; previous matches had also pitted similarly ranked gifted disciples against each other. It seemed the elders intentionally arranged 'evenly matched' contests every half-hour.

Both landed simultaneously on the flat ground, which was augmented by a formation. Two sect deacons stepped forward, inspected the jade slips in their hands, and reminded them of the rule to 'stop once the opponent is incapacitated.' —Previously, disciples had accidentally injured fellow sect members because their duels became too intense to control. Once the two deacons confirmed everything was in order, they retreated. Li Changshou and the Xianlin Peak disciple simultaneously performed a Daoist bow. Just then, Li Changshou heard a telepathic message enter his ear:

"Senior Brother Li," the voice suggested, "why don't we fight all out today, without holding back?"

Li Changshou smiled at the suggestion, gave a slight nod, and streams of talismans flew from his sleeve. He would defend first, then counterattack! He certainly wouldn't admit defeat to a Xianlin Peak disciple, but he also wouldn't win too easily, given that their 'cultivations were similar.' This Xianlin Peak disciple had clearly done his homework, having previously studied the combat styles of the sect's top-ranked disciples. Furthermore, most within the sect had witnessed Li Changshou's previous spar with Ao Yi.

The Xianlin Peak disciple immediately activated three magical treasures: a lightning-attracting wooden sword in hand, a plum blossom hovering above his head, and a precious pearl orbiting his body. He exuded an extraordinary aura, his entire body fully protected without any blind spots. He then flew directly into mid-air and pointed his wooden sword at Li Changshou from a distance. Dozens of tiny lightning bolts erupted, coalescing into a thunderbird with a wingspan of over a *zhang*, which then swooped toward Li Changshou.

Li Changshou lightly tapped his feet, his body drifting backward. His hands swiftly formed seals, and seventy-two yellow paper talismans above his head condensed into an Earth-Fire Talisman Array. The talisman array unleashed pillars of fire, barely managing to disperse the thunderbird. By this time, Li Changshou's feet had already touched the ground again, and his body rapidly sank into the earth.

The Xianlin Peak disciple sneered at this sight. His hands swiftly activated a spell, casting an ice-sealing incantation, and a patch of ice immediately appeared on the ground, rapidly spreading outwards. As expected, he had come prepared. However, the Earth-Fire Talisman Array continued to unleash its power, completely unaffected, conjuring countless fire snakes that pursued the Xianlin Peak disciple. The precious pearl glowed intensely, and the red plum above his head descended with brilliant light, steadily protecting the Xianlin Peak disciple. For a time, fire sparks flew and lightning flashed. But Li Changshou had silently vanished, eluding his opponent's spiritual vision lock.

As the battle commenced, most disciples watched with keen interest, for it was indeed a true contest between Return to Dao realm qi cultivators. Li Changshou remained unhurried beneath the ground, controlling the talisman array to relentlessly harass his opponent. He decided to play it safe, engaging in a drawn-out battle with the Return to Dao realm disciple before securing a narrow victory.

After a period of intense combat, Li Changshou had discreetly replaced the talismans in his array twice. The precious light emanating from the Xianlin Peak disciple's treasures began to wane. While magical treasures were potent, they still required the user's own magical power to sustain their might. This disciple, simultaneously activating three treasures and still unable to locate Li Changshou, had been passively drawn into a prolonged battle. It was clear to everyone that although Li Changshou was using the somewhat ignoble advantage of earth遁, he had already secured victory.

Gradually, the Xianlin Peak disciple's face betrayed his urgency, and he suddenly called out loudly: "What, Senior Brother Li, do you only know how to cower underground? It's quite typical of your Little Qiong Peak's usual conduct!"

Many sect members and disciples frowned slightly, finding the Xianlin Peak disciple's remark rather impolite. Beneath the ground, Li Changshou's expression remained entirely unchanged. What good was a sharp tongue? Li Changshou would certainly not stoop to bickering over such trivialities with a fellow Return to Dao realm disciple. However, he also needed to consider how to react appropriately, especially since there was a known underlying animosity between the two peaks.

Thus... The talismans in the air subtly increased in number. From seventy-two, they transformed into one hundred and eight, and then continued to multiply, eventually reaching the number of three hundred and sixty, a full Zhou Tian. On the Jade Platform, Ao Yi raised an eyebrow; the power of this talisman array... He had experienced it himself, and it was quite formidable.

With three hundred and sixty talismans unleashing their power simultaneously, vast heavenly flames surged, and pillars of fire continuously crashed down. The Xianlin Peak disciple defended frantically, his three magical treasures' brilliance gradually dimming as they struggled to hold on. Just as he was about to make a desperate move and activate his precious pearl, he suddenly heard a fiery roar from behind him. He looked up to see the rolling heavenly fire above him had condensed into a massive foot, stomping directly down!

The Xianlin Peak disciple's expression shifted. He resisted with all his might, and though his magical power protected him, he was violently stomped downwards, his body plummeting rapidly! As the disciple was about to hit the ground, a nearby sect deacon prepared to declare the victor. In a flash, something suddenly emerged from the ground. It was thick at the top and narrow at the bottom, covered in sharp spikes. It effortlessly pierced through the layer of solid ice, extending half a foot, aimed directly at the falling figure.

A wolf-tooth club! The familiar magical artifact: the wolf-tooth club!

This Xianlin Peak disciple had very little magical power remaining and was now too weak to command his magical treasures! And that wolf-tooth club, whether by intent or accident, happened to be aimed precisely at his posterior, a spot where he wouldn't sustain serious injury.

A burst of blood, splashing three feet high! All the disciples collectively held their breath, while a group of female disciples nearby covered their eyes, daring not to look further. On the Jade Platform, Ao Yi unconsciously felt a chill run down his spine.

The wolf-tooth club retracted as soon as it drew blood, having inflicted only a minor punishment. But the disciple groaned, lay on the ground bleeding, his eyes rolled back, and he fainted from sheer indignation.

Li Changshou's figure slowly emerged from the side. His aura was weak and flickering, clearly from excessive magical power consumption. His hands were empty, with no sign of the terrifying magical artifact he had just wielded. Li Changshou looked at his opponent on the ground, frowned slightly, and remarked: "That should have been only a superficial injury. Why did Junior Brother faint? Senior Uncles and Senior Aunts, please check on him quickly!"

The two sect deacons who had already flown over both had somewhat darkened expressions. "Why did he faint...?" "You tell us why he fainted!"

Soon, the two deacons announced that the Xianlin Peak disciple had merely fainted from a surge of anger, suffering no serious injury. Only then did Li Changshou finally relax.

"Alas," he sighed, "this was truly an evenly matched battle." With that, and having received the deacon's permission, Li Changshou turned and flew on a cloud back to his seat. There, Jiu Jiu was holding onto Ling'e, the former convulsing with laughter while the latter struggled to maintain her composure.