Beneath the Congyun Sea, where several vital ley lines converge, the energy of the earth veins surged turbulently, appearing far more agitated than before.
Using this powerful energy, Li Fan set up the [Earth-Fire Convergence Formation], placing the dormant Tianyang at its center.
He then gradually added materials such as Eternal Tribulation Gold, Radiant Heaven Crystal, and Purple Spirit Essence into the formation.
The formation resembled a massive furnace. Under the blazing heat of the Earthfire energy, these materials began to merge with Tianyang’s puppet body.
During Tianyang’s countless years of slumber, it was precisely this formation that allowed him to break through his own limits, ascending from a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator to become a Soul Transformation Immortal Monarch.
However, due to the mediocre heritage of the minor sect he had inherited, even with all its resources, Tianyang’s financial means were limited. Over millennia, reaching the Soul Transformation realm was already his peak achievement.
The puppet body, constrained by the innate limitations of its materials, lacked significant strength. While it could contend with those in the same realm, crossing realms to defeat enemies, as true prodigies did, was nearly impossible.
Now, with Li Fan’s assistance, all of this was about to change.
With so many rare treasures poured into its creation, even if it were purely a puppet, it could rival an ordinary Dao Integration cultivator.
Li Fan’s eyes reflected the fierce glow of the [Earth-Fire Convergence Formation]. After observing for several days, he noticed the process was slower than expected.
“Junior Brother, let Senior Brother give you a little extra boost.”
With that, Li Fan tossed a massive pile of top-quality spirit stones, brimming with pure spiritual energy, into the formation.
Like dry wood meeting a roaring fire, or a strong wind fanning the flames, the effect was immediate. The efficiency of the Earth-Fire Convergence Formation doubled.
Li Fan continued to stare at Tianyang within the formation, his gaze deep and contemplative.
…
Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.
The Tianling Prefecture’s friendly exchange event was about to begin.
To prevent any unforeseen incidents, the entire Tianling Prefecture was locked down. Even all teleportation formation were deactivated, barring unrelated individuals from entering and causing disturbances.
Thus, the opening ceremony and the unveiling of the World-Defying Supreme Treasures were closed to ordinary cultivators.
These so-called “World-Defying Supreme Treasures” referred to peerless magical artifacts possessed by the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance and the Five Elders Association, capable of drastically altering the course of their wars. ȒâNóᛒËṣ
According to rumors, both sides had unveiled one supreme treasure each. Those who witnessed their terrifying power were left utterly shaken, abandoning any thoughts of reigniting conflict. However, due to strict confidentiality, no details about these treasures were disclosed, leaving everyone itching with curiosity.
On the second day after the opening, the highly anticipated competition phase officially began.
Dao, Martial Arts, Tools, Formation, Pills, Talismans—
Each day featured a single category, with the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance and the Five Elders Association each sending three prodigies to compete.
The first event, and the most eye-catching, was the Martial Arts Duel.
At that moment, countless cultivators of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance watched their first representative step onto the stage through the Tianxuan Viewing Mirrors.
The participant appeared to be a teenager, around ten years old, with a genderless beauty. Dressed in white with a red ribbon tied around their head, they looked strikingly handsome.
The name “Di Luwu” appeared alongside them in the Viewing Mirror.
A buzz of astonishment swept through the crowd.
On the Five Elders Association’s side, their representatives looked grim.
“What’s the meaning of this? Sending a mere child to such an important event?”
“Are they mocking us, as if the Five Elders Association lacks capable individuals?”
…
All the cultivators present had extraordinary cultivation levels, and they could naturally see that the boy named Di Luwu had not maintained a childlike appearance after reaching adulthood. Instead, he genuinely appeared to be less than ten years old.
No matter how much of a genius one might be, how strong could someone become in such a short lifespan?
The expressions of the cultivators from the Five Elders Association were extremely grim. At that moment, a young swordsman in green robes stepped forward, his face filled with indignation and a hint of murderous intent.
“Guzhi, do not underestimate him!”
A middle-aged woman from the Five Elders Association, who appeared no different from a simple village farmer, suddenly shouted.
Her identity seemed particularly special. The green-robed youth, named Xu Guzhi, nodded solemnly in acknowledgment before gracefully stepping forward to face Di Luwu.
“Please enlighten me!” Xu Guzhi narrowed his eyes, his sword pointing directly at Di Luwu.
The battle was on the verge of breaking out, and the cultivators of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance noticed the information about the two contestants.
Both were at the peak of the Soul Transformation stage. Di Luwu was nine years old, while Xu Guzhi was fifty-six.
The cultivators across the world who witnessed this scene were utterly shocked.
“A nine-year-old at the Soul Transformation peak? Am I seeing this right?”
“Even if you started cultivating in the womb, it shouldn’t be possible to progress this quickly!”
“Is this real? Is Di Luwu the fastest cultivator in history? How did he achieve this?”
“Look at me, I’m already 378 years old and still stuck in the Nascent Soul stage. The gap between people truly makes one despair.”
“Heh, you’re at least at the Nascent Soul stage. Should I, a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, even say anything?”
…
Before the duel even began, it had already ignited worldwide debate. Cultivators speculated wildly about Di Luwu’s background.
Even Li Fan’s eyes flickered with amazement and surprise.
After all, a nine-year-old at the Soul Transformation peak was simply beyond reason.
“Could it be the reincarnation technique like Senior Brother Zhang’s method? Or perhaps the body-possession rebirth technique of the Xuantian Sect’s Dharma King?”
“Or maybe…”
Li Fan stared intently at the perpetually cold expression on Di Luwu’s face, feeling a strange sense of familiarity.
“A Heavenly Warlock?”
“Is this Di Luwu from the [Era]?”
While Li Fan was lost in thought, Xu Guzhi moved.
With a swift swing of his sword, a massive sword shadow materialized and descended from the sky.
“A thousand swords unbroken, stretching like mountains.”
The viewing mirror immediately displayed a synchronized explanation.
Countless gigantic sword shadows overlapped and pressed down on Di Luwu from all directions with the weight of a mountain, creating an unparalleled sense of oppression without any earth-shaking noise—just a silent and seamless execution.
In the midst of the surrounding swords, Di Luwu seemed frozen with fear, unmoving and at a loss.
The hearts of the cultivators from the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance tightened instantly.
Just as the countless massive swords were about to strike, Di Luwu made his move.
A silver dragon, like a sudden thunderbolt, lit up the heavens and earth.
It swiftly pierced through the encircling swords.
Before anyone could react, it had already penetrated Xu Guzhi’s chest.
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