Shen Yuan chuckled, his fingers idly tracing circles on her back. “Let her wait. This is our time, and I’m not letting anyone interrupt it.”
Huo Rong sighed contentedly, a smile playing on her lips as she closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of his embrace. “Hehe, I quite like the sound of that, Yuan’er. I wouldn’t have it any other way anyway.”
They spent quite some time peacefully together until Huo Rong reluctantly pulled herself away, her arms lingering around Shen Yuan’s shoulders for a moment longer, as if savoring the closeness.
Her crimson eyes softened as she looked at him, her lips curving into a playful smile.
“I suppose I can’t shirk my responsibilities forever,” she said, brushing a stray cherry blossom petal from his hair. “But don’t think this means I’m done with you, Yuan’er. There’s always tonight.”
Shen Yuan chuckled, leaning back against the tree with a lazy confidence. “I might not be able to attend to you at that time. I might enter closed-door cultivation to improve my skills and raise my cultivation base.”
His expression turned mischievous as he smiled and continued, “But if you really want to do it so much, I suppose I can delay it by a day or two.”
She rolled her eyes playfully, though her cheeks carried a faint blush. “No need for that; you can enter closed-door cultivation in peace.”
With one last glance at him, she activated her Fire Intent. A shimmering flame surrounded her as she glanced back at him one last time. “Don’t get into too much trouble while I’m gone.” And she vanished like a wisp of flame.
As the fire dissipated, Shen Yuan’s expression grew contemplative.
The warmth of their moment faded into calm thought as he shifted his focus to the challenges ahead.
The courtyard grew quiet, except for the occasional rustle of the cherry blossoms in the breeze.
Shen Yuan leaned forward, his hands clasped loosely in front of him as his mind raced.
The upcoming competition was drawing closer, and with it came both opportunity and danger. Even if the danger was minimal for him, it was there nonetheless.
This wasn’t just any competition; it was a proving ground for the most elite disciples across the region, a chance to gain prestige, resources, and connections—or to become a target for those who couldn’t stand his rapid rise.
He closed his eyes, visualizing the key participants he had heard whispers about. The Radiant Lotus Sacred Sect would undoubtedly send their best, with several Core Disciples aiming for the top ranks.
The Thunder Cloud Sect, though not an ally, was also expected to field powerful contenders as it was on the same level as the Radiant Lotus Sacred Sect.
Their disciples were known for their ruthless Thunder Arts, and Shen Yuan had no doubt they would aim to dominate the event, just as they tried to during the Inter-Sect competition some time ago.
Then there were the rogue cultivators—wild cards with unpredictable styles and techniques. Shen Yuan couldn’t dismiss them, either. Some of the most dangerous enemies were those who had nothing to lose.
“I need to make quite a lot of preparations,” Shen Yuan muttered to himself, standing up and dusting off his robes.
He stretched his hand out, summoning his Crimson Devourer sword. The blade hummed softly in his grasp, its crimson glow reflecting his fiery determination to reach the peak.
It wasn’t just his skill or his cultivation that he needed to refine; his understanding of his own weapon intents, elemental intents, and the techniques he had yet to master would be critical in ensuring victory.
His next steps crystallized in his mind:
Refine Weapon Intents: He was already proficient in several weapon intents, but the competition would require adaptability. He needed to polish his intents to the third level before the competition began.
Increase Proficiency in Alchemy and Blacksmithing: He needed to enhance his alchemy mastery to create pills for breakthroughs since the ones in the market lacked the quality he desired.
His blacksmithing abilities also needed improvement to further refine his Crimson Devourer.
Opponents: Gathering information on potential rivals would be key. He’d have to send Lian Fang to collect intelligence discreetly.
Prepare Han Qingyu and Wan Ling: The competition wasn’t just for him. He needed to ensure his companions were ready as well. Their progress would reflect on his leadership.
As he finalized his plans, Shen Yuan felt a surge of excitement. The competition wasn’t just a challenge; it was an opportunity to solidify his place among the elite, to prove that his name deserved to be spoken with reverence—or fear.
He would ensure the world remembered his name for all eternity.
A smirk tugged at his lips as he gazed at the cherry blossom tree once more. “Let’s see who dares to stand in my way.”
His thoughts shifted to the materials he needed for alchemy and blacksmithing.
“Hmm, I should go and take some materials from the Inner Sect Treasury. I need to take advantage of this medallion that the Sect Leader gave me.” He playfully smiled before stepping out of his courtyard.
The cherry blossom tree swayed gently behind him, as if bidding him farewell.
He enjoyed the calm atmosphere while walking along the mountain path.
Soon, he reached a portal where disciples were guarding the place. He smiled at them while they bowed in respect. He gave them the required fees before entering the portal and heading toward the Inner Sect Treasure Hall.
The treasury of the Radiant Lotus Sacred Sect still stood like a fortress of wealth and knowledge as he remembered it.
Its towering jade gates shimmered with protective runes, and the intricate carvings of lotus flowers glowed faintly under the sunlight.
As Shen Yuan approached, the disciples stationed at the entrance immediately recognized him. They straightened, bowing deeply in respect.
“Senior Brother Shen,” one of them said, his tone formal yet respectful. “The Sect Leader’s medallion grants you unrestricted access. Please, proceed.”
They were already used to his presence, as he had used the medallion to enter before as well.
With a slight nod and a gentle smile, Shen Yuan stepped forward, his calm demeanor commanding their attention.
The gates parted soundlessly, opening into the grand expanse of the treasury.
Inside, he entered another gate with his medallion before being granted full access to the treasury.
It was a marvel of organization and abundance. Endless shelves filled with rare herbs, ores, scrolls, and artifacts stretched out in all directions.
A faint luminescence surrounded each item, indicating its immense value and power.
Shen Yuan’s gaze sharply scanned the rows as he made his way to the alchemy section first.
Here, shelves brimming with vibrant herbs and rare spiritual materials stood before him.
Each container held a unique treasure, carefully labeled and preserved.
He selected several key ingredients:
Azure Flame Orchid: Known to enhance pill potency.
Dragon Marrow Grass: Essential for creating breakthrough elixirs.
Verdant Crystal Flowers: Perfect for refining Essence-restoring pills.
Moonlight Dewdrops: A rare liquid that improved the purity of concoctions.
A Tier 4 Alchemy Cauldron.
Recipes.
Alchemy Refinement Techniques.
…
And much more.
After he was satisfied with his selections, Shen Yuan moved to the blacksmithing section.