21: Ascension Conference, Nangong Wan appears

Dawn was breaking, and inside the inn room, a faint, lingering enchanting aura still permeated the air.

Mo Fengwu nestled in Lin Feng's embrace, her skin warm and smooth like jade, carrying the unique coolness of a top-grade Ice Spiritual Root.

The circulation of Spiritual Qi within her body was several times smoother than before, and with every breath, she could feel traces of ice-attributed Spiritual Qi being absorbed into her body, transforming into her Cultivation.

"Husband, I feel much lighter, and my Cultivation speed has also increased," Mo Fengwu whispered, her voice tinged with languor.

Lin Feng gently stroked her hair, the System notifications having sounded several times last night, indicating a steady increase in both points and Dao Companion tacit understanding. He then spent some points to exchange for a few bottles of Medicinal Pills to assist Mo Fengwu's Qi Refinement Stage Cultivation.

"That's natural. A top-grade Ice Spiritual Root is no joke," he kissed her forehead. "Get up, and circulate the Ice Soul True Scripture I gave you yesterday a few more times to stabilize your Realm."

Yesterday, Lin Feng had specifically exchanged a set of ice-attributed Cultivation Technique for Mo Fengwu in the mall. It had also been improved by the System, making it perfectly suited for Mo Fengwu's top-grade Ice Spiritual Root.

Over the next few days, Spiritual Qi fluctuations were constant in the room. Mo Fengwu sat cross-legged, following Lin Feng's guidance, drawing the pure Spiritual Qi from the dissolved Medicinal Pills into her Meridians, refining her nascent Ice Spiritual Root repeatedly. A thin layer of frost gradually condensed around her, then quickly melted, a cycle that repeated continuously. Lin Feng acted as her Protector nearby, occasionally guiding her on the specifics of circulating the Cultivation Technique.

During breaks in Cultivation, Mo Fengwu would also take out Talisman paper and continue practicing Talisman crafting. With the enhancement of her top-grade Ice Spiritual Root, her control over Spiritual Qi greatly improved, and the previously difficult Talismanic structures became clearer. Although failures were still more common, the number of successful attempts and the quality of the Talismans showed significant improvement.

"Husband, look, I succeeded!" Mo Fengwu held up an "Ice Arrow Talisman" that radiated coldness, its runes fluid and Spiritual Qi stable.

Lin Feng took the Talisman, nodding in approval: "Not bad, much better than last night. Practice more, and it will be a powerful means in the future."

Night fell, with stars twinkling outside the window. The atmosphere in the room once again became fervent. Cultivators, with their abundant energy, required no sleep, especially with the enhancement of Dual Cultivation. The daytime Cultivation seemed only to serve for deeper intimacy at night.

Mo Fengwu's cool demeanor brought by her top-grade Ice Spiritual Root, combined with her innate charm, possessed a fatal attraction.

"Husband... are you still going...?" Her voice trembled, unable to be suppressed.

The man's self-esteem made Lin Feng let out a low growl, his blood surging throughout his body, pushing her to a new climax. Ice and fire, an extreme collision, brought both of them an indescribable pleasure.

Thus, with daytime Cultivation and Talisman crafting, and nighttime Dual Cultivation and intimacy, both their Realms and relationship rapidly improved. With the help of her top-grade Ice Spiritual Root and System Medicinal Pills, Mo Fengwu's Cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds, reaching close to Qi Refinement ninth layer in just a few days. Lin Feng, nourished by Dual Cultivation and System rewards, had his Foundation of Qi Refinement Perfection even more solidified, ready to Foundation Establishment at any time.

At the same time, in the Black Forest outside Tai Nan Valley, a life-and-death struggle was unfolding.

The forest under the night sky was eerie and terrifying, with tree shadows flickering like ghosts.

Han Li lay hidden on a branch of a giant tree, his aura suppressed to the extreme. Not far below, three Loose Cultivators were cautiously searching. Their faces showed greed and wariness.

"Where did that kid run off to? I clearly saw him come this way!" one of them cursed in a low voice.

Another sneered: "Anyone who dares to come to the Black Forest alone must have some means of survival. But those things on him, if we brothers share them, it'll be enough for a good time."

A glint of coldness flashed in Han Li's eyes. These days, he had encountered several waves of such ambushes. Tai Nan Valley was a mixed bag, and many Loose Cultivators would target Cultivators who appeared to possess treasures or good Aptitude. Relying on his familiarity with the Black Forest's terrain and his caution, he had repeatedly turned danger into safety, even counter-killing a few people.

He had acquired a few low-grade Magical Artifacts, some Spiritual Plants, and dozens of Spirit Stones. All together, the total value was barely over a hundred Spirit Stones. Among Loose Cultivators, this was indeed not considered poor; it could even make some people take risks. But Han Li knew well that this small fortune was nothing compared to Sect Disciples, let alone those Prodigies and Saintesses who possessed extraordinary treasures.

He gripped the Talismans in his hand, which he had plundered from the dead Loose Cultivators. Although low-grade, they could save his life or kill enemies at critical moments. He was like a leopard waiting for an Opportunity, patiently biding his time for the best moment to strike.

The Loose Cultivators below were getting closer and closer, and a sharp glint flashed in Han Li's eyes. He suddenly leaped down from the tree, instantly activating several Fireball Talismans in his hand.

"Seeking death!" The three Loose Cultivators didn't expect Han Li to dare to attack proactively, and in their haste, they summoned their respective Magical Artifacts and Talismans to meet the challenge.

Within the confined space, the Spiritual Light of Spells burst forth, and banging sounds echoed incessantly. Han Li's movements were agile, using the cover of the trees to constantly move around, looking for their weaknesses. His fighting style was simple and efficient, not seeking flashiness, only seeking to kill the enemy.

After a quarter of an hour, the battle subsided. The three Loose Cultivators lay in pools of blood, with traces of being burned by fireballs on their bodies. Han Li's face was pale, having consumed a lot of energy, but there was no pity in his eyes.

He quickly stepped forward, skillfully taking the Storage Pouches from the three men, then cast three Fireball Spells to destroy the bodies and erase all traces, before using a cleansing Spell to wipe away the blood and dust from his face.

"I hope for a good harvest this time." He opened the Storage Pouches and counted the contents: Spirit Stones, Talismans, low-grade Magical Artifacts, and some miscellaneous items. He kept the useful ones and discarded the useless ones.

He looked up at the night sky; the moonlight was gradually setting. The Ascension Gathering was about to begin tomorrow morning. He had to hurry. He knew that the true Opportunity of Tai Nan Valley was the Ascension Gathering. He needed to join a Sect to obtain more systematic Cultivation resources and Cultivation Techniques. As Old Devil Han, who possessed the small green bottle, the most important thing was to use the School to obtain Spiritual Plant seeds for accelerated growth.

At dawn, outside Tai Nan Valley, it was already a sea of people. Loose Cultivators and Family Disciples from all over Yue Country surrounded the valley entrance, making it impassable. The noisy human voices, Spiritual Qi fluctuations, and various auras mingled together, forming a massive torrent. Everyone eagerly looked forward to the start of the Ascension Gathering.

The Seven Sects of Yue Country—Huangfeng Valley, Yanyue Sect, Spirit Beast Sect... their respective banners fluttered in the wind, standing in the most conspicuous positions at the valley entrance. The Sect Disciples, dressed in uniform robes, exuded an extraordinary aura, forming a stark contrast with the crowded Loose Cultivators around them.

At the front of the crowd, the leading Cultivators from the Seven Sects, responsible for this recruitment, had already arrived.

At the forefront was an exquisitely beautiful woman in a white gauze dress, with a cool temperament. It was Nangong Wan of the Yanyue Sect, who was in charge of presiding over this Seven Sects event. Her eyebrows were like paintings, her eyes like water, her beauty captivating, yet with a hint of icy aloofness that kept people at a distance.

And her Core Formation Cultivation, enveloped in a faint Spiritual Light, made the Cultivators below the stage dare not look directly at her.

Beside Nangong Wan, Core Formation Cultivators from other Sects also took their seats, all with extraordinary bearing.

Here, they were the Dominators who decided the fates of countless Loose Cultivators.

In the crowded mass, two figures slowly moved forward.

Lin Feng wore a green robe, with a jade pendant hanging from his waist, and his hair was tied up with a jade hairpin. His face was handsome, and his demeanor was extraordinary.

He held Mo Fengwu's hand. Today, Mo Fengwu wore a light blue long dress, which made her already delicate appearance even more ethereal and refined. The cool temperament brought by her top-grade Ice Spiritual Root made her seem like a Fairy who had mistakenly entered the mortal world.

Lin Feng did not deliberately release pressure with the Nine Revolutions Breathing Earth Pearl; he merely naturally exuded his profound Spiritual Qi, which was comparable to the Foundation Establishment Stage.

The surrounding Loose Cultivators, feeling this astonishing Spiritual Qi, and seeing the material of their robes and their extraordinary demeanor, immediately concluded that these were Core Disciples of some prominent Family or elite Disciples of some Sect.

"Move aside quickly!"

"Such young Foundation Establishment Cultivators!"

Amidst the discussions, the crowded mass began to part to both sides in front of them, actively creating a path for Lin Feng and Mo Fengwu. Thus, amidst countless envious, reverent, and jealous gazes, they easily walked to the very front row, right next to the Cultivator seats of the Seven Sects.

Lin Feng glanced in Nangong Wan's direction, his gaze lingering on her cool face for a moment.

Nangong Wan seemed to sense something and subtly glanced over, but when her gaze fell on Lin Feng, her pupils constricted.

She could sense that the Spiritual Qi Lin Feng exuded was actually only Qi Refining Perfection, and this layer of Cultivation was merely a disguise. Beneath the disguise was a powerful aura no less than her own. She couldn't help but ponder Lin Feng's purpose in coming here.

Could he be from the Demonic Path?

"Detected important plot female supporting character [Nangong Wan]. Due to the special nature of her Cultivation Technique, the Su Nv Reincarnation Skill, she has seen through the host's Cultivation. The Nine Revolutions Breathing Earth Pearl's second layer of disguise has been automatically activated to Core Formation Perfection."

Lin Feng's heart tightened, but his expression remained calm. He led Mo Fengwu to an empty seat in the front row. This position offered an excellent view, allowing them to take in the entire Ascension Gathering venue.

...

At this moment, Han Li was rushing from the direction of the Black Forest. He had not slept all night and had experienced a fierce battle, his face showing some fatigue. When he arrived at the Tai Nan Valley entrance, he found it already packed with a large number of Cultivators, with no room to stand.

He scanned around, trying to find a position where he could clearly see the situation inside. But the valley entrance was teeming with people, densely packed, making it impossible to squeeze in. He could only retreat, his gaze finally falling on a tall willow tree in the distance.

Han Li was agile; with a few leaps, he climbed onto the tree trunk, found a branch with a relatively open view, and squatted down. He gasped for breath, looking towards the valley entrance.

He saw the Cultivators of the Seven Sects, saw Nangong Wan's stunning figure, and also saw Lin Feng and Mo Fengwu standing in the very front row.

Although far away, Lin Feng and Mo Fengwu's outstanding demeanor, and the scene of the surrounding Cultivators actively making way for them, clearly fell into Han Li's eyes.

"What is this person's Cultivation?" Han Li's heart tightened. He couldn't discern Lin Feng's exact Cultivation, but he could feel the powerful Spiritual Qi fluctuations emanating from him, at least Qi Refinement Perfection, and very likely Foundation Establishment Stage. Looking at the woman beside him, her figure was graceful, her face covered by a thin veil, and her cool aura was also quite extraordinary.

Who was he? To make so many Cultivators willingly make way? A hint of doubt arose in Han Li's heart. He considered himself quite good among Loose Cultivators, but the aura the man in front of him exuded was something he had never seen in a Cultivator of the same rank.

He squatted on the tree, silently watching the scene in front of him, feeling a faint sense of unwillingness in his heart. He had gone through life-and-death struggles just to barely make it here, only to be able to watch from afar. Yet some people seemed to effortlessly gain a position that commanded everyone's attention.