Translator: CinderTL
The Taixu Sword Sect had always held the upper hand in the battle against the Evil God's believers.
Even as they desperately counterattacked, they still couldn't turn the tide.
When Pan Ruo unleashed the Sword Qi Storm Talisman, wiping out over twenty believers in one go, the numerical advantage was completely reversed!
In such circumstances, the complete annihilation of these cultists was only a matter of time.
From this point on, the training mission entered its mundane phase.
It was also at this moment that the "swiftly responding" Core Formation Elders finally arrived to clean up the battlefield.
It wasn't a matter of putting on a show, but rather a well-planned maneuver.
...
With the Core Formation Elders stepping in, the remaining thirty or forty believers were like lambs to the slaughter.
Seizing the opportunity, disciples one after another gathered around Li Chunjun, expressing their concern.
"Sword Prodigy Li, are you alright?"
"There were cultivators mixed among these believers. Whether they were turned into believers or disguised themselves to target the Sword Prodigy, the Elders must investigate this thoroughly!"
"Sword Prodigy, your Lifebound Flying Sword just clashed head-on with that cultivator's thunderous strike. Was it damaged?"
Everyone immediately showed their goodwill.
In the recent battle, they had clearly seen that Sword Prodigy Li, hailed as a future Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy since his entry, was indeed a peerless genius. His combat prowess nearly surpassed the limits of the ninth level of Qi Refining.
Even when facing a sneak attack from a cultivator capable of unleashing a Core Formation strike, he withstood it head-on with his own strength.
Such talent was truly astonishing.
Once he crossed the threshold of refining his sword into a core, he would undoubtedly become one of the most formidable figures in the Core Formation Realm.
In the future, as the Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy, he would sweep through all Core Formation cultivators with an invincible momentum, making the Core Formation experts of the eight sects tremble under the might of the Taixu Sword Sect.
Capitalizing on the camaraderie forged in battle, they naturally sought to build as many connections as possible.
"No worries, it's not a big deal."
As Li Chunjun spoke, he waved his hand.
The Scarlet Gold Sword, which had just slain a sixth-level Qi Refining cultivator, swiftly returned to his hand.
Grasping the flying sword, he carefully assessed his condition...
[Life Level: 20 (9994/10000)]
Perfectly achieving the training mission's objective.
He quickly stashed the flying sword.
He couldn't let others see that the Scarlet Gold Sword was completely unharmed, or else it would be hard to explain why his killing efficiency dropped after the death of the cultivator who could unleash a Core Formation strike.
As long as they didn't inspect the sword, everyone would assume his Lifebound Flying Sword was damaged from blocking the Core Formation strike, completing the narrative in their minds.
...
"Buzz buzz!"
At this moment, a flying vessel approached.
An Elder emerged from the vessel and summarized: "Although this mission encountered some minor surprises, all of you performed exceptionally well. After discussions among us Elders and the Hall Masters, we have decided to triple the original sect contribution points for this mission!"
Upon hearing this, most disciples couldn't help but cheer.
"Thank you, Elder!"
After all, apart from special cases like Xuan Wu, Pan Ruo, and Li Chunjun, most core disciples were unaware of the mission's true nature, treating it as a routine assignment.
A routine assignment with some unexpected twists.
Now, with the opportunity to earn triple the contribution points, they were naturally overjoyed.
"Alright, let's return to the sect!"
The Elder said, lowering the flying vessel.
The disciples quickly boarded.
Once on board, discussions erupted: "Triple contribution points! The rewards from this mission equal a year's worth of effort!"
"Haha, what a thrilling battle and a bountiful harvest!"
"Honestly, if it weren't for Sword Prodigy Li and Senior Brother Pan Ruo, we might not have completed this mission so smoothly. I did some calculations; among the cultists who attacked later, there were fourteen at the ninth level of Qi Refining, and at least eighty at the seventh and eighth levels. Facing such a force, even if we could win, the losses would have been severe!"
"Let's not forget that cultivator who wielded the Celestial Sword Talisman and could unleash a Core Formation strike. In a one-on-one fight, he could probably have killed anyone except Sword Prodigy Li and Senior Brother Pan Ruo."
As they conversed, their gazes frequently turned to Li Chunjun and Pan Ruo, filled with gratitude.
In this mission, the most outstanding performers were undoubtedly the two of them.
Pan Ruo, already an exceptional figure among core disciples, had long been noticed by the Thunder Abyss Peak Master and taken as a disciple. He had repeatedly ranked in the top ten in sect competitions.
As for Sword Prodigy Li...
He had only joined the sect for less than three months.
But even before his entry, the Sect Leader had led a force deep into the Chiyang Sword Sect's territory, slaying several of their Core Formation experts to secure his release. Upon joining, he was immediately groomed as a future Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy.
Every one of these events was widely known.
And the facts proved that Sword Prodigy Li deserved such treatment!
Facing the desperate counterattack of the cultists, he single-handedly withstood the assault of nearly a hundred people.
If it had been them in that situation...
Just thinking about it sent shivers down their spines.
As they discussed the two with admiration, the conversation took an unexpected turn.
"By the way, I remember that in every group mission, the sect secretly keeps a contribution ranking. Who do you think will rank higher in this mission, Sword Prodigy Li or Senior Brother Pan Ruo?"
"Probably Sword Prodigy Li. When nearly a hundred cultists surrounded him, he slaughtered countless with ease. Such a contribution is unmatched."
"I think Senior Brother Pan Ruo might have the upper hand. While Sword Prodigy Li was surrounded by nearly a hundred cultists, Senior Brother Pan Ruo was free to chase down the others, which would have been more efficient. Plus, Senior Brother Pan Ruo's Sword Qi Storm killed over twenty cultists, nearly half of their total kills."
"Shouldn't the damage from talismans like the Sword Qi Storm be excluded from the contribution? If we're comparing talismans, I'm sure Sword Prodigy Li also carries several third-tier talismans."
"Normally, it wouldn't count, but Senior Brother Pan Ruo used the talisman in retaliation after being attacked by the enemy's talisman. It's a different situation! Personally, I think if these factors are considered, Senior Brother Pan Ruo might edge out Sword Prodigy Li..."
Various opinions filled the discussions among the disciples.
Some even speculated that if Pan Ruo indeed won in this potential competition, wouldn't it mean his abilities and potential were on par with Sword Prodigy Li?
If so, should the Taixu Sword Sect also grant Pan Ruo's application for the Celestial Origin Sword Prodigy license?
In theory, each of the six legacies has the potential to nurture a Sword Prodigy.
But a true dragon cannot be raised in shallow waters.
The Taixu Sword Sect's resources on Blue Star were already stretched to their limit just to nurture one Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy.
This was only possible because the previous Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy had brought immense benefits to the sect, naturally favoring the cultivation of the second Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy.
Otherwise, the branch sect in the minor realm wouldn't even have the qualifications to nurture a Sword Prodigy.
With the cultivation of one Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy already a strain, adding a Celestial Origin Sword Prodigy...
At the Qi Refining stage, it might be manageable, but once they reached the Core Formation stage, everyone in the Taixu Sword Sect would have to tighten their belts.
With everyone's interests at stake, the discussions naturally became heated.
...
The flying vessel soared through the sky, soon arriving at the Taixu Sword Sect.
There, Jiang Yuqiu was already waiting.
As Li Chunjun disembarked, the Peak Master scrutinized him: "Was your Lifebound Flying Sword damaged?"
"Not a big deal. It'll recover after some rest."
Li Chunjun replied.
"Good."
Jiang Yuqiu nodded: "Let's return to the sect now."
"Alright."
Li Chunjun responded.
With that, Jiang Yuqiu wrapped Li Chunjun in his Gang Qi and headed straight for Flaming Phoenix Peak.
The distance of several dozen miles was covered in an instant.
At Flaming Phoenix Peak, a dozen or so people were already waiting.
Seeing that Li Chunjun returned without missing any limbs, most dispersed.
Jiang Yuliu smiled and said: "We've prepared medicinal food for you. Rest well and recover your condition."
Li Chunjun nodded at her.
"Junior Brother."
Jiang Wanyu ran up to him, carefully examining him.
Only after confirming that his aura remained unchanged did she finally relax.
"I'm fine."
Li Chunjun said, glancing at the group: "Only through constant clashes can a sword cultivator grow rapidly. I've gained much insight from this battle, so I plan to go into seclusion for a while to fully digest what I've learned."
"Oh?"
Jiang Yuqiu's eyes lit up: "Have you gained some insight into the Profound Phoenix Sword Wheel?"
"Not just the Profound Phoenix Sword Wheel, I also have some ideas about the Flaming Phoenix Sun Refining. As for how it will turn out, I'll need to go into seclusion to find out."
Li Chunjun said.
After all, he wasn't sure how effective the "perfection" state's enlightenment would be.
"Flaming Phoenix Sun Refining!?"
Hearing Li Chunjun's words, Jiang Yuqiu was overjoyed.
How long had it been since Li Chunjun started learning these three ultimate techniques?
And he's already making progress on the Flaming Phoenix Sun Refining!?
Once the Flaming Phoenix Sun Refining is mastered, the Flaming Phoenix Profound Light can't be far behind!
"Excellent! We won't disturb you then. If you need anything, just let us know."
Jiang Yuqiu said with a beaming smile.
Li Chunjun nodded.
With that, he bid farewell to Jiang Wanyu and returned to his courtyard.
Only after he left did Jiang Yuqiu exclaim with satisfaction: "Now, let's see what that old man Lei Yuan has to say!"
Jiang Wanyu, standing beside him, was slightly puzzled: "What happened?"
"That old coot, shamelessly trying to benefit his own disciple."
Jiang Yuqiu briefly recounted the events at Heaven's Rift Mountain.
Hearing that the "surprise" included a third-tier talisman, Jiang Wanyu was startled: "Wasn't that a bit dangerous?"
"With so many people watching, how could it be dangerous?"
Jiang Yuqiu said, glancing at her: "Don't judge others by your own standards. Everyone has their own way of growing. What you want might not be what others desire."
Jiang Wanyu thought of Li Chunjun's astonishing progress in sword techniques...
And silently nodded.
After a while, she asked: "So, does everyone really think Pan Ruo's contribution was greater than Junior Brother Li's?"
"That's not important!"
Jiang Yuqiu said: "It's just that old Lei Yuan, shamelessly trying to benefit his own disciple, trying to provoke us! With such achievements and performance in just over two months since joining, who dares to say a word against our Flaming Phoenix Sword Prodigy?"
Hearing this, Jiang Wanyu felt relieved.
"Now, Chunjun has made further progress! Contributions and reputation are secondary compared to personal strength!"
Jiang Yuqiu snorted lightly, glancing at Li Chunjun's courtyard: "If Chunjun can truly master the Flaming Phoenix Sun Refining within the next year, that old Lei Yuan will have no choice but to shut his mouth!"
(End of the Chapter)
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