85: Chapter 85 Qualifying Tournament, First Battle!

"Very good. At this speed, before the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm opens, I should be able to approach the Peak of the Second Level, and maybe even have a chance to charge for the Third Level."

Ye Chen clenched his fists, feeling the surging power within his body, his confidence growing.

He stood up and walked to an open space specifically cleared out inside the Immortal Cave to begin practicing his sword techniques.

The ice scar sword unsheathed, its sword light like mercury spilling on the ground, sometimes spreading out, sometimes splitting, and sometimes condensing into a single point.

Carrying the violent fury of ice and fire and the awe-inspiring desolation of extinction.

He integrated his newly broken-through cultivation and his insights into the Hunyuan One-Qi Art and the Soul-Shocking Spike into his sword moves.

The sword techniques became more fluid and sharp, faintly showing a hint of a master's poise.

The bitter cultivation continued.

After breaking through to the Second Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, Ye Chen did not slack off; instead, he became even more diligent.

He knew that in the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm, geniuses gathered and competition was fierce.

With his current strength, wanting to snatch the "crimson sun vermilion fruit" from the hands of Core Disciples...

...was still far from enough.

Besides his daily cultivation, he also began to consciously utilize his contribution points.

In the Sect's internal "Trading Market," he exchanged them for items that could temporarily boost his strength or save his life at critical moments.

Such as powerful Talismans and single-use Formation Plates.

As well as some rare Medicinal Pills that could quickly restore True Essence or heal wounds.

Although the prices were exorbitant, he now possessed a huge sum of money and could afford it.

During this period, Lin Dong, Duan Tianya, Zhao Feng, and others also came to Ziyun Peak to visit him.

Seeing that Ye Chen had not only returned safely but had also made great progress in his cultivation and moved into such a good place as Ziyun Peak...

The three were both happy for him and secretly amazed.

They also informed Ye Chen of some developments within the Sect.

Golden Flame Peak had indeed become much more well-behaved after his return; Chen Ao and the others seemed to be restrained by Elder Wang.

They no longer looked for trouble blatantly, but there were certainly many spies and small movements in secret.

Over at the Law Enforcement Hall, under the intervention of Vice Hall Master Yan...

The matters of Liu Feng's disappearance and the deaths of Yan Lie and Han Gang seemed to have been temporarily suppressed, with no further investigation into Ye Chen.

Clearly, Elder Li's deterrence and the value Ye Chen demonstrated had played a role.

And the news about Ye Chen completing a Desperate Mission, gaining Elder Li's favor, and moving into Ziyun Peak...

Also gradually spread within the Inner Sect.

It turned him from the previous "Special Grade of the Meridian Opening Realm" and "Troublemaker"...

Into a "Rising Star" with considerable potential and background, and public opinion of him shifted.

But there were still plenty of people who were jealous and waiting to see him make a fool of himself.

Ye Chen just laughed off these things. Others' opinions were irrelevant. Strength was the only hard truth.

In the blink of an eye, only the final half-month remained before the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm opened.

Ye Chen's cultivation had already stabilized at the Middle Stage of the Second Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, only one step away from the Late Stage.

His cultivation of the Hunyuan One-Qi Art...

Had allowed his control over True Essence to reach a brand new height.

The Ice Fire True Essence obeyed his every command, and the intent of Primal Chaos began to emerge.

The "Soul-Shocking Spike" had also been cultivated to the Peak of Minor Achievement, and the "Spirit Stab" he condensed was even more secretive and sharp.

It was enough to pose a substantial threat to the Divine Soul of Cultivators of the same level.

His sword techniques were even more thoroughly mastered, and the few ice-fire sword moves he created himself were incredibly powerful.

...

On this day, Ye Chen was in his quiet room, trying to combine the Divine Soul attack of the "Soul-Shocking Spike" with his own sword techniques.

Creating a move called "Startling Spirit Sword," hiding the Divine Soul attack within the sword moves to catch the enemy off guard.

Suddenly, the Immortal Cave's Restriction fluctuated; it was a transmission Talisman.

Ye Chen stopped his work and took the transmission Talisman. It was the voice of Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple.

"Junior Brother Ye, Elder Li requests your presence. Come to Cold Mist Pavilion quickly; there are important matters to discuss."

Elder Li summoned him?

Ye Chen's heart tightened; he didn't dare to delay and immediately straightened his clothes.

He left the Immortal Cave and hurried toward Danding Peak.

Arriving at Cold Mist Pavilion, Elder Li was still sitting by the Pill Furnace, but he wasn't refining pills today.

His expression was more serious than usual, and upon seeing Ye Chen, he gestured for him to sit.

"Ye Chen, the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm opens in half a month."

Li Yushan got straight to the point.

"This time, the Secret Realm is different from previous years. Not only might the 'crimson sun vermilion fruit' ripen early and increase in number, but in the depths of the Secret Realm, other anomalies seem to have appeared. There may be greater opportunities, but there may also be greater dangers hidden."

"The Sect has decided to expand the number of slots for entering the Secret Realm to fifty: thirty for the Inner Sect and twenty for Core Disciples. The selection method has also changed."

Ye Chen listened intently.

"It will no longer be entirely based on recommendations from each Peak. The thirty Inner Sect slots will be decided through a 'Qualification Arena Battle.' All Inner Sect Disciples in the Wheel Sea Realm and under twenty-five years of age may sign up to participate."

"The arena battle is divided into ten groups, and the top three of each group will obtain a slot. In other words, you need to fight your way into the top three among at least thirty competitors of the same level or even higher cultivation."

Li Yushan looked at Ye Chen.

"Your cultivation is not at an advantage among the Inner Sect Disciples. It could even be said to be on the low side. But I have seen your combat power; it far exceeds your cultivation."

"This arena battle is your only way to obtain a slot, and it's also an Opportunity for you to prove yourself and deter those petty people. Do you dare to participate?"

Qualification Arena Battle?

Competing on the same stage to fight for a slot.

A hint of Battle Intent flashed in Ye Chen's eyes.

This was exactly what he wanted!

Bitter cultivation behind closed doors was ultimately just theory.

He needed combat; he needed to test and temper himself in real competition!

"This Disciple is willing to go!"

Ye Chen didn't hesitate.

"Good!"

Li Yushan nodded.

"The arena battle will be held in five days at the 'Heavenly Cloud Platform.' The rules are simple: winners advance, losers are eliminated. Weapons, Talismans, and Medicinal Pills are not forbidden, but intentional killing is strictly prohibited."

"This is a test for you, but also an Opportunity. If you can fight your way into the top three and secure a slot with a Second Level of the Wheel Sea Realm cultivation, your reputation will be completely established in the Inner Sect. Those people from Golden Flame Peak will have to think twice if they want to move against you again."

"This Disciple will definitely go all out!"

Ye Chen said in a low voice.

"Mm. I know your combat power is extraordinary, but you must not underestimate your opponents. The Inner Sect is full of hidden talents; there are many Disciples at the Third and Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, and there might even be geniuses at the Fifth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm."

"You need to handle it carefully. Prepare well over these next few days and adjust your condition. If you need any Medicinal Pills or Talismans, you can find Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple."

Li Yushan exhorted.

"Yes, this Disciple understands."

Leaving Cold Mist Pavilion, Battle Intent surged in Ye Chen's heart.

Qualification Arena Battle... This would be his first truly public appearance in the Tianyun Sword Sect's Inner Sect.

It was also a key battle for him to fight for a Secret Realm slot, obtain resources, and gain a firm foothold.

"I must get a slot!"

Ye Chen clenched his fist.

This wasn't just for the "crimson sun vermilion fruit" or for Lin Qingxue.

It was also for himself, to carve out a path in this world where the strong are respected!

...

Returning to his Immortal Cave on Ziyun Peak, Ye Chen did not continue high-intensity cultivation.

Instead, he began to adjust his condition, reviewing and deducing everything he had learned from beginning to end.

At the same time, he also visited the Trading Market.

Using his last few contribution points, he exchanged for a small amount of rare Medicinal Pills that could provide an instantaneous burst of True Essence.

Or temporarily increase speed, just in case.

Five days passed in a flash.

On the morning of the fifth day, before dawn, Ye Chen had already risen.

He changed into a clean and sharp set of black martial attire, covered by an Inner Sect white robe, carefully wiped the ice scar sword, and carried it on his back.

He also sorted and stored the necessary Medicinal Pills, Talismans, Spirit Stones, and other items.

Pushing open the stone door of the Immortal Cave, the morning breeze carrying the unique fresh Spiritual Qi of Ziyun Peak blew against his Face.

Ye Chen took a deep breath, his eyes as sharp as an unsheathed sword.

"Heavenly Cloud Platform... here I come."

His figure moved, turning into a streak of light, heading toward the main Peak.

He sped toward the "Heavenly Cloud Platform," which symbolized the highest competitive stage for the younger generation of the Tianyun Sword Sect.

Today, he would use the sword in his hand.

On this arena under the watchful eyes of the public, to carve out a future for himself!

...

The Heavenly Cloud Platform was located on a huge cliff platform halfway up the main Peak, Heavenly Cloud Peak.

It was leveled from a single piece of black rock that resembled extraterrestrial iron.

It was three hundred zhang in length and width, incredibly sturdy, and its surface was covered with ancient Restrictions and Formations.

It was enough to withstand the full-force battles of Cultivators in the Wheel Sea Realm or even the Dao Palace Realm.

Surrounding the arena were ring-shaped spectator stands that rose in tiers and could accommodate tens of thousands of people.

At this moment, the stands were already a sea of people, with Inner and Outer Sect Disciples gathered, their clamor reaching the clouds.

The competition for Hundred Herbs Secret Realm slots every three years was a major event for the Sect, attracting all eyes.

And changing it to a public Qualification Arena Battle this time pushed the atmosphere to its Peak.

Countless Disciples craned their necks in anticipation, wanting to catch a glimpse of the Inner Sect geniuses.

They also wanted to see just how much true skill Ye Chen—who had been making waves recently and was rumored to have counter-killed a Fourth Level from the First Level of the Wheel Sea Realm—actually possessed.

And gained Elder Li's favor—actually possessed.

When Ye Chen arrived near the Heavenly Cloud Platform, he was also shaken by the grand scale of the scene.

Looking around, there was a dense mass of heads, with mixed auras of varying strengths.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and walked towards the entrance where the participating Disciples were registering.

A long queue had already formed at the entrance.

They were all Inner Sect Disciples who had come to sign up; the lowest cultivation was the First Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, while most were at the second or third level.

One could even see several experts whose auras clearly reached the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm.

Ye Chen's cultivation at the Second Level of the Wheel Sea Realm was completely unremarkable among them.

"Look, that's Qin Lie from 'Golden Flame Peak', at the Peak of the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm. It's said he has the strength to challenge for the position of a Core Disciple!"

"That's Liu Yiyi from 'Zixia Peak'. Her 'Purple Cloud Sword Technique' is superb, and she's also at the fourth level!"

"And Sun Hao from 'Rising Sun Peak', who Cultivates the 'Great Sun Heaven Burning Art'. He's peerlessly fierce and a favorite to win!"

"The one in black... seems to be Ye Chen? He actually came? He dares to sign up even at the Second Level of the Wheel Sea Realm?"

"Heh, there's going to be a good show. The people from Golden Flame Peak are definitely keeping an eye on him."

As the surrounding discussions reached his ears, Ye Chen's expression remained calm as he queued for registration.

He received a participation token engraved with "group d, Number Seven."

The arena battles were divided into ten groups: Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, and Gui, with about thirty people in each group.

Opponents were decided by drawing lots; the winner advanced while the loser was eliminated, until the top three of each group were determined.

Ye Chen was assigned to group d. Holding his token, he found the resting area for group d contestants.

The resting area was a temporary zone marked off to the side of the arena, where over twenty people were already waiting.

Their auras varied in strength, and they looked at each other with faint scrutiny and hostility.

Ye Chen's arrival attracted many gazes—some curious, some disdainful, and some indifferent.

He found a corner to sit cross-legged, closing his eyes to rest and adjust his state.

At the same time, he quietly released his Divine Sense to sense the auras of the other contestants in his group.

Soon, he locked onto several targets with relatively powerful auras.

One was a haughty young man wearing a crimson robe.

His aura was hot and explosive, at the Early Stage of the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm; he likely cultivated a fire-attribute technique.

Another was a young man in black with a long spear on his back and sharp eyes; his aura was steady and fierce, also at the Early Stage of the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm.

There was also a fair-skinned scholar holding an iron fan with a smile on his Face, whose aura was feminine and eerie.

He was also at the Early Stage of the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm.

These three were the ones with the highest cultivation in group d and were clearly favorites to advance.

Besides these three, there were five or six at the Third Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, while the rest were at the second or even first level.

Ye Chen's cultivation was in the lower-middle range of group d.

"group d Number Seven, Ye Chen, versus group d Number Twenty-two, Wang Meng! To Arena Number One!"

The referee's voice spread clearly throughout the venue via an amplification Formation.

It was his turn in the very first match.

Ye Chen opened his eyes, which were as calm as still water, stood up, and walked towards the arena numbered one nearby.

When he leaped onto the arena, a tower-like burly man also jumped up from the opposite side.

This person was eight feet tall with knotted muscles, bare-chested, and skin the color of bronze, radiating a sense of explosive power.

His cultivation was at the Peak of the Second Level of the Wheel Sea Realm.

Holding a heavy mountain splitting axe and possessing a fierce aura, this was Wang Meng.

"Ye Chen? I heard you've got a bit of a reputation?"

Wang Meng grinned, revealing forest-white teeth, but his eyes were full of provocation.

"Unfortunately, you've run into me, Wang Meng. Admit defeat and get down yourself to avoid physical pain and save some Face. Otherwise, I'll split you in half with one axe strike!"

Ye Chen did not reply, only slowly drawing his ice scar sword.

The blade was a deep blue, shimmering with a cold luster under the sunlight.

"Hmph, refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit!"

Seeing Ye Chen ignore him, a fierce light flashed in Wang Meng's eyes.

Wasting no more words, he roared and dragged his mountain splitting axe, charging at Ye Chen like a wild bull and swinging the axe down!

The axe wind whistled, carrying a momentum that could split mountains and shatter rocks—simple, crude, and direct!

Facing this heavy and powerful axe strike, Ye Chen did not meet it head-on.

His feet moved slightly with "Phantom Step," his figure sliding half a step to the left like a ghost, easily dodging the axe's edge.

At the same time, the ice scar sword turned into a streak of blue lightning.

It tapped with extreme precision on the joint between the axe handle and the head—the node where the power flowed.

"Ding!"

A crisp sound rang out.

Wang Meng only felt a strange, cold force transmit through his arm.

It caused his forward momentum to stall, and the axe head veered slightly off course.

He was startled in his heart—this Ye Chen had such a fast sword and such tricky insight!

"You have some skill! Again!"

Wang Meng roared, and the axe stance changed from a chop to a sweep, a 'Sweep of a Thousand Armies' aimed at Ye Chen's waist!

Simultaneously, his muscles bulged, and an earthy yellow light faintly flowed beneath his bronze skin.

He had clearly cultivated some kind of Body Refining technique, giving him startling defensive power.

Ye Chen remained unhurried.

His figure retreated again, and the ice scar sword drew an arc in front of him.

The ice-blue Sword Qi was like a water curtain, blocking the sweeping axe gale.

At the same time, he flicked a finger on his left hand, and a tiny gold-red spark...

...silently shot towards the position of Wang Meng's lower abdomen Dantian.

Wang Meng noticed the spark but didn't care; he was extremely confident in his Physical Body's defense.

He didn't even dodge, intending to tank it while preparing to launch an even more violent attack.

However, the moment that gold-red spark touched his skin—

"Sizzle!"

A faint burning sound.

The earthy yellow protective light on Wang Meng's body was actually pierced through instantly like paper!

The spark sank into his lower abdomen.

A strange force—hot, explosive, and carrying a purifying power—burst forth near his Dantian!

"Ah!"

Wang Meng let out a cry of pain.

He felt as if his lower abdomen had been scorched by a hot iron, and his Dantian Qi Sea shook violently.

His True Essence instantly became chaotic, the sweeping axe stance also faltered, and a huge opening appeared.

In the split second that this opening appeared, Ye Chen moved.

He no longer retreated, but instead stepped forward, the ice scar sword carrying a grim cold qi.

Like a venomous snake baring its fangs, it pierced directly towards Wang Meng's chest, which was wide open due to the pain!

"Not good!"

Wang Meng's Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering, he wanted to pull back his axe to parry, but his True Essence was chaotic, and his movement was half a beat slow.

The tip of the ice scar sword stopped three inches from his chest.

The cold Sword Qi stimulated his skin, causing a layer of goosebumps to rise.

"You lost."

Ye Chen's calm voice sounded.

Wang Meng's Face was deathly pale, and he was drenched in cold sweat.

Looking at the cold, shimmering sword tip in front of his chest...

...and feeling the stinging pain at his lower abdomen Dantian and the sluggishness of his True Essence, he knew the other party had shown mercy.

Otherwise, that sword strike would have been enough to pierce his heart.

Or that strange spark would have been enough to severely damage his Dantian.

"I... I admit defeat."

Wang Meng dejectedly lowered his mountain splitting axe and said bitterly.

He hadn't expected that he would lose so cleanly and decisively, failing to even withstand three moves from the opponent.

"group d Number Seven, Ye Chen wins!"

The referee announced loudly.

A burst of exclamations and discussions, though not particularly enthusiastic, rose from below the stage.

Wang Meng's strength in group d could only be considered upper-middle; Ye Chen's victory was within many people's expectations.

But winning so easily also gave people a new assessment of Ye Chen's strength.

In particular, that strange gold-red spark that could easily break through Wang Meng's defense caught the attention of many.

Ye Chen sheathed his sword, gave a slight nod to Wang Meng, leaped off the stage, and returned to the resting area.

He continued to close his eyes and regulate his breath, as if what had just happened was merely a trivial matter.

The subsequent matches continued.

In group d, those three favorite contestants at the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm also took the stage one after another.

They all defeated their opponents with crushing momentum, demonstrating powerful strength.

Especially that crimson-robed youth Qin Lie, whose 'Blazing Flame Palm Technique' was incredibly violent.

His opponent was sent flying by a single palm strike, spitting blood and falling unconscious, triggering a wave of exclamations.

Ye Chen observed silently.

This Qin Lie should be from Golden Flame Peak; seeing his ruthless strikes, he seemed to harbor a faint hostility towards Ye Chen as well.

The black-clad spearman and the white-clothed scholar were also not weak, each showing distinct characteristics in their moves.

The first round of matches soon ended; half of the thirty-plus people in group d were eliminated.

Ye Chen successfully advanced.

In the second round, Ye Chen's opponent was a Sword Cultivator at the Third Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, with sharp sword techniques and quite fast speed.

But facing Ye Chen's movement technique, which merged the essences of "Mist Transformation Steps" and "Phantom Step"...

...as well as his sword techniques that intertwined ice and fire, being unpredictable in their reality and illusion, the opponent still couldn't last ten moves.

Ye Chen used a move called "Ice Fire Overlapping Waves," which integrated the "Surging Wave Sword Intent," to send the opponent's longsword flying, forcing them to spit blood and admit defeat.

Ye Chen advanced easily once again.

This time, the gazes directed at him from below the stage were a bit more serious.

Winning two matches in a row, both cleanly and decisively, could no longer be explained by mere luck.

The third round, sixteen down to eight.

Ye Chen's opponent turned out to be that fair-skinned scholar holding an iron fan and smiling.

The feminine youth at the Early Stage of the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm was named "Bai Yu."

"Junior Brother Ye, please enlighten me."