3: The dashing son of the sect leader (Part 2)

The two-year period had come to an end.

His time as a transfer student at Cangyun Academy had come to a close.

Li Yun did not linger and returned directly to the Qingyun Sect.

When he stood before the Sect's main hall once again, his entire Aura was completely different from two years ago.

Restrained and profound, he was like an ancient well whose bottom could not be seen.

"Yun'er, you're back."

Li Wei, the Sect Master of Qingyun and also his father, personally came out to greet him.

His face carried excitement and relief that were hard to conceal.

Li Wei could feel that the spiritual energy within his son's body was so vast it shocked even him.

"Father."

Li Yun nodded slightly.

Father and son entered the hall and dismissed the attendants.

"What Realm are you at now?"

Li Wei's voice trembled slightly.

"Spirit Nurturing Realm Seventh Level."

Li Yun's answer was plain and indifferent.

Li Wei's body shook violently; he was immensely shocked, followed by wild joy.

A twenty-year-old at the Spirit Nurturing Realm Seventh Level!

What kind of concept was that?

In the entire Shenwu Empire, among the younger generation, those who could reach this height were few and far between.

His son's future achievements would be limitless.

The Qingyun Sect was about to rise!

"Good! Good! Good!"

Li Wei said "good" three times, pacing back and forth in excitement.

"With your current cultivation, being a Sect Elder would be more than enough."

Li Yun did not respond.

An Elder?

His goals were far beyond that.

"By the way, there is a major matter I need to discuss with you."

Li Wei calmed his emotions, and his expression became serious.

"The Empire's once-every-five-years event, the Shenwu Grand Competition, is about to begin."

"Shenwu Grand Competition?"

Li Yun's brow quirked.

He remembered that in his previous life, this period should have been the Imperial Academy Competition.

"Correct," Li Wei explained. "This competition is different from before; it is no longer limited to academies. The Imperial Family has issued a decree that whether it is Sect forces, children of noble families, or Loose Cultivators, as long as they are under twenty-five and have reached at least the Seventh Level of Yang Qi Realm, they can participate."

"The scale has expanded that much?"

"Yes, it's said to be because of constant friction at the Empire's borders recently. The Imperial Family wants to use this Opportunity to select a group of true geniuses to join the military or various key locations."

A trace of bitterness appeared on Li Wei's face.

"Our Qingyun Sect... you know the situation. Besides you, the highest cultivation among the other Disciples is only the Eighth Level of Yang Qi Realm. Going there would just be cannon fodder."

"So, this time, I hope you can represent the Qingyun Sect in the competition."

A sharp light flashed in Li Yun's eyes.

To him, this was a perfect Opportunity.

An Opportunity to make a name for himself and obtain more resources and opportunities.

"I'll participate."

His answer was crisp and decisive.

Four months later, Li Yun successfully broke through to the Spirit Nurturing Realm Ninth Level.

The Imperial Capital.

This grandest city of the Shenwu Empire was now more bustling than ever.

Countless Flying Boats and Magical Artifacts bearing different flags shuttled through the air. Young Cultivators from all over the world gathered here, each filled with high spirits and expectations for the future.

Li Yun walked alone down the wide street.

He did not take the Sect's Flying Boat, choosing instead to arrive early on his own.

The flag of the Qingyun Sect was still too insignificant here.

He found an inn to stay in and was preparing to check the registration office.

A familiar voice came from behind him.

"Brother Yun?"

Li Yun turned around.

A slightly chubby young man with a face full of joy was looking at him in disbelief.

Mu Yan.

One of his few friends from Cangyun Academy.

"Why are you here?"

Li Yun was somewhat surprised.

"I'm here for the Shenwu Grand Competition, of course!"

Mu Yan ran over excitedly and gave Li Yun a bear hug.

"You kid, you vanished after leaving the academy two years ago. I thought you'd gone back to your Sect for Secluded Cultivation!"

"Brother Yun, are you also here for the competition? Representing the Qingyun Sect?"

"Yeah."

"Great!" Mu Yan slapped his thigh. "I thought I'd have to fight alone this time. Let me tell you, this competition is a real clash of dragons and tigers, a mix of good and bad... no, I mean, it's a gathering of prodigies!"

Mu Yan began to introduce things with animated gestures.

"The Ten Great Sects, the Five Great Noble Families, the Imperial Family, and geniuses from all the top academies have come. Look over there, the one in the gold-threaded robe is the head Disciple of the Jinyang Sect. It's said he reached the Spirit Nurturing Realm Seventh Level a year ago."

"And that one, the cold-faced guy in white, is the Young Lord of the Heavenly Sword Sect. His sword techniques are superb."

"Oh, oh, oh, and that one..."

Mu Yan was speaking enthusiastically when he suddenly saw something that made his eyes go wide.

Following his gaze.

Not far away, at the entrance of a high-end restaurant, a peerless beauty was stepping out.

Her figure was graceful, and her temperament was as refined as an orchid.

It was Jiang Yiyi.

After two years, she had become even more striking, and her cultivation had steadily reached the Spirit Nurturing Realm Third Level.

Her appearance immediately drew the attention of everyone around.

Jiang Yiyi clearly saw Li Yun as well. Her beautiful eyes lit up instantly, and with a hint of surprise and shyness, she walked quickly toward him.

"Li Yun!"

Mu Yan's jaw nearly hit the ground.

He nudged Li Yun's arm, keeping his voice extremely low like a thief.

"Brother Yun... this... this goddess... you know her?"

Li Yun looked at Mu Yan's unworldly expression and spoke calmly.

"She's my woman."

Boom!

Mu Yan felt as if something had exploded in his head.

He looked at Li Yun, then at the approaching Jiang Yiyi, completely stunned.

"A backstab! Brother Yun, this is a blatant backstab!"

Mu Yan let out a wail from a lonely single man.

"We're still here struggling with cultivation, and you've already won over such a beautiful goddess! When did this happen? How come I didn't know anything about it!"

Just then.

Several young men with extraordinary Auras followed her out of the restaurant. The leader, with an arrogant look, blocked Jiang Yiyi's path.

"Junior Sister Yiyi, is this the... sweetheart you often mention?"

The young man looked Li Yun up and down, his eyes full of scrutiny and disdain.

He saw Li Yun's simple robes and felt no powerful background Aura.

"How can someone from an unknown small Sect be worthy of you?"

Jiang Yiyi's brows immediately furrowed.

"Senior Brother Zhao, please show some respect! This is my private matter."

"Junior Sister Yiyi, I just feel it's not worth it for you."

The young man known as Senior Brother Zhao sneered and turned his gaze to Li Yun.

"Kid, I'll give you a chance to leave Junior Sister Yiyi on your own. Otherwise, in this Imperial Capital, I have a hundred ways to make your life miserable."

Mu Yan immediately became nervous.

He recognized this person as Zhao Tuo, a Core Disciple of the Muyue Academy, with a cultivation at the Spirit Nurturing Realm Fifth Level. The Family behind him was also quite powerful in the Imperial Capital.

"Brother Yun, don't be impulsive. This guy is trouble."

Li Yun acted as if he hadn't heard.

He didn't even give Zhao Tuo a glance, instead walking straight to Jiang Yiyi and naturally taking her hand.

"Let's go and register."

This action completely ignited Zhao Tuo's fury.

Ignored!

This was blatant disregard!

"You're looking for death!"

Zhao Tuo roared, his spiritual energy erupting. His Spirit Nurturing Realm Fifth Level Aura pressed down on Li Yun without reservation as he threw a punch, bringing with it a gust of vicious wind.

The surrounding crowd of onlookers let out a series of gasps.

Mu Yan's heart leaped into his throat.

Jiang Yiyi also gripped Li Yun's hand tightly in nervousness.

However, Li Yun remained where he was, not moving an inch.

Just as Zhao Tuo's fist was about to touch his face.

An indescribable, terrifying pressure erupted from Li Yun's body.

Bang!

Zhao Tuo's body seemed to be struck by a massive invisible hand, and he was sent flying far away.

Along with him, his companions who were ready to cheer were also knocked to the ground by the Aura, coughing up blood in a pathetic state.

The scene instantly fell silent.

Everyone watched this scene in stunned silence.

He hadn't even made a move.

Merely by relying on his Aura, he had sent a Spirit Nurturing Realm Fifth Level Cultivator and several other Spirit Nurturing Realm Cultivators flying.

What kind of strength was this?

Li Yun withdrew his Aura, as if he had merely swatted away a few annoying flies.

He looked down at the still-stunned Jiang Yiyi and smiled faintly.

"Let's go."

It wasn't until the two had walked far away that the scene erupted into whispers.

"That... that must be at least the Spirit Nurturing Realm Eighth Level!"

"My god, which great Sect's hidden monster is he?"

"Qingyun Sect? Never heard of it..."

Mu Yan stood frozen for a long time before coming to his senses. He looked at Li Yun's departing back and muttered to himself.

"Did I... did I just hitch my wagon to a real powerhouse?"