285 - Elasia Saga

Ming Xi's victory was both unexpected and expected. Most of the audience below the stage was somewhat stupefied; they never imagined the match would conclude so swiftly. However, once they snapped back to reality, no one disrespected Dong Fang Ji Yue for conceding directly. After all, facing an adult Five-headed Snake with the power of the Transformation Period was simply an unwinnable fight. If any of them had been in his place, they likely wouldn’t have chosen to waste time trying to smash an egg against a rock—utterly unnecessary unless they, too, had a spirit beast of equal strength or possessed the ability to surpass their level and defeat a Grand Ascension Period expert. Clearly, such prodigious talents were exceedingly rare. Onstage, Ming Xi was still in the throes of her triumph, her youthful face laid bare with every unfiltered emotion. "I did it! I won!" Ming Xi was oblivious to the gazes around her as she emerged from behind the Five-headed Snake, her hand joyously patting its body. Ming Xi: "It’s all thanks to you!" The Five-headed Snake, whose eyes had just moments before brimmed with fierceness, now looked down gently at the small figure before it, all five heads showing a calm demeanor. Quickly regaining her composure, Ming Xi reached out and retracted the Five-headed Snake, turning to leave the stage. With a slight shift, she was already back on the Frostflower Palace's ship. Simultaneously, the surrounding cultivators couldn't help but cast their eyes in her direction. "Now that's the real dark horse of today!" "Indeed, this girl named Ming Xi must be the star candidate among those at the Transformation Period. With a Five-headed Snake, there’s just no suspense about her reaching the end!" Ming Xi, unaware that she was already being hailed as a top contender, had only just returned to the ship when Yi Tu and others swarmed around her, showering praise, "Ming Xi, you're amazing! You can definitely take first place in the Transformation Period Grand Competition!" "No, no, no," Ming Xi shivered at these words, hurriedly protesting, "I’d be happy just making it to the finals. I was just lucky this time." Hearing this, the group couldn’t hold back their laughter. Fu Yan glanced at the cheerful group, a hint of bright light flashing in her eyes, yet she said nothing, averting her eyes quietly. Soon thereafter, Liu Bei took the stage. As Lu Xiaowen's disciple, Liu Bei’s talent was not to be underestimated. Having received his master’s full teachings, he had also reached the peak of the Transformation Period. Matches following this were increasingly thrilling, rendering the spectators unable to pull themselves away. Yet, time flew by swiftly, and nearly ten days had passed before the preliminary results on Yun Ni Stage had concluded. Just as Fu Yan had anticipated, among Frostflower Palace’s ten ordinary disciples, five were eliminated just in the preliminary rounds, signaling intense competition ahead. The previous hope for two entering the finals now seemed slim. Faction discussions about the strength of Frostflower Palace's disciples of the Union Period persisted, given their performance scarcely matched a true first-class sect, likely falling short of some top-tier second-class sects. However, in the Transformation Period preliminary competition from Frostflower Palace, only one out of five was eliminated, surprising everyone. Moreover, Ming Xi was tacitly acknowledged as a seed competitor in this sect assembly, bringing Frostflower Palace considerable attention. She had ended each of her three battles in record time, leaving the audience in awe. With the Union Period and Transformation Period preliminaries concluded, much-anticipated matches among Grand Ascension Period experts finally commenced. Due to the small number of cultivators in the Grand Ascension Period, no preliminaries or elimination rounds were held; instead, matches were divided into three major rounds, creating a similar yet disparate tournament. After all parties took a few days of rest, drawing lots began formally. Fu Yan, accompanied by Feng Nan Xiu and Ji Xian, stepped onto Yun Ni Stage. Her status as the head of Frostflower Palace was well known among the attendees, drawing curious gazes, openly and discreetly, in her direction. "Does Frostflower Palace really have no one? It’s my first time seeing a sect assembly where the palace master personally competes—truly peculiar." "What’s perplexing is, Frostflower Palace supposedly has three reincarnated immortals, yet a typical Grand Ascension cultivator holds the position of Palace Master. How odd." Regarding these discussions, Fu Yan paid no mind. Each Grand Ascension cultivator on stage could be a future opponent, so scrutiny was normal. As observed glances discreetly reached her, Fu Yan also swept her eyes across the crowd, unexpectedly meeting the gaze of the protagonist, Fang Yu. In an instant, they both paused. Initially, Fu Yan didn’t dwell on it; after altering Bai Yue Li's storyline, she didn’t concern herself with Fang Yu’s affairs. Her participation in this sect assembly was solely for the advancement of Frostflower Palace, bearing no connection to him. Yet now, seeing him, she was reminded of their past exchange in the volcanic depths. Perhaps this time, unintentionally or otherwise, they would truly cross paths. Contemplating this, Fu Yan refocused herself, withdrawing her gaze systematically, not overthinking; after all, confronting the protagonist was trivial compared to her goal of revitalizing Frostflower Palace. She feared no one and was indifferent to everyone. As they began drawing lots, Fu Yan positioned herself first, selecting her initial opponent. Number twelve. Ji Xian and Feng Nan Xiu swiftly followed, drawing their own numbers. Once completed, they reconvened on Frostflower Palace's puppet ship. Bai Yue Li came forward, placing a silver jewel necklace around Fu Yan’s neck. "What’s this?" Fu Yan inquired, puzzled but compliant, as Bai Yue Li adorned her. Immediately upon wearing it, a soft power emanated from the necklace—a clearly extraordinary item. Satisfied it was safe, Bai Yue Li explained, meeting Fu Yan’s curious eyes, "It’s nothing, just a simple defensive artifact to offset some forces." Understanding at once, Fu Yan beamed at Bai Yue Li, her gaze sparkling: "Thank you, Sister." Where others might perceive Bai Yue Li’s gesture as doubting their capabilities, Fu Yan simply felt warmth spreading through her heart. "Be careful," Bai Yue Li advised, her resolve wavering under Fu Yan’s grateful look, subconsciously averting her gaze, offering final caution. In truth, there was little cause for alarm; Fu Yan had already reached the zenith of the Grand Ascension Period, needing only one catalyst for ascension, and her temperament was far from brash. Typically, she wouldn’t face substantial hurdles. Softly swayed by emotion, Fu Yan felt akin to being caressed by a feather upon her heart—tingly, delicate, compelling her forward. Yet, maintaining her senses, she refrained from impulsively seizing and kissing Bai Yue Li, amused by her own restraint. Besides, many opportunities lay ahead, Fu Yan thought. Noting Fu Yan’s silence, Bai Yue Li remained unaware of her thoughts, encouraging, "Alright, prepare yourself." "Mhm," Fu Yan murmured softly. Grand Ascension Period matches were time-consuming, consuming half a day under typical circumstances, and potentially lasting a full day or night against evenly matched opponents. As such, the first round featured only five concurrent matches, allowing Union and Transformation Period cultivators time to rest before continuing their elimination battles. Fu Yan wasn’t among the first five sets, but beside her, Feng Nan Xiu was, contending against someone from Tianji Pavilion, whose superior experience was clearly apparent, signaling almost certain outcomes. “It’s him.” Shui Liu Qing’s voice suddenly echoed aboard the ship. Ming Xi and Yi Tu paused, turning to Shui Liu Qing, asking curiously, “Sister Shui, do you know him?” Seeing this, Fu Yan suddenly realized something. If her instincts were right, the Tianji Pavilion disciple on stage was the one who had previously left a tracking mark on Shui Liu Qing. Indeed, Feng Nan Xiu’s opponent was the Grand Ascension expert Han Tong, who had previously been with Du Wen Xiong. With just one glance, Shui Liu Qing recognized him. "I'm sorry, Palace Master. Because of me, I might have brought trouble to Frostflower Palace," Shui Liu Qing looked up at Fu Yan, her expression tinged with guilt. After all, she had just left Du Wen Xiong half-dead, and Han Tong was likely to vent his anger on Feng Nan Xiu. Fu Yan's gaze fixed on the distant stage for a long moment before speaking, "There’s no need to overthink. Even without Du Wen Xiong's involvement, this match for Master Feng wouldn't be easy." This was true. Feng Nan Xiu had only broken through to the Grand Ascension Period some ten-plus years ago, making his strength seemingly weak compared to other contestants. Regardless of the opponent, victory seemed elusive. For this reason, Fu Yan had previously advised him to do his best and not hold onto stubborn pride, avoiding being utterly crushed by others. Every sect and faction was in competitive relations. If it wasn’t Han Tong from Tianji Pavilion, there would be another adversary. Feng Nan Xiu, representing Frostflower Palace, inevitably faced such pressures. Now Fu Yan could only hope that her words had reached him, reminding him not to be excessively competitive. "Yes, there are still the eliminations and finals to come, so don't blame yourself too much, Sister Shui," Ming Xi chimed in, trying to comfort her. Shui Liu Qing paused her thoughts and instead focused on the distant match. The match between the five groups had officially begun. As anticipated, Han Tong wasted no time, ruthlessly charging at Feng Nan Xiu. Although Feng Nan Xiu was outmatched, as a genuine Grand Ascension Period cultivator, he wasn’t completely overpowered throughout the fight. After just a few dozen moves, the disparity between them became glaringly apparent. Like Du Wen Xiong had been with Shui Liu Qing, Han Tong’s attacks aimed lethality with each blow, almost as if he intended to crush Feng Nan Xiu into the ground at every turn. Under such relentless assault, Feng Nan Xiu finally faltered, taking a hard hit. As he spat out blood, Feng Nan Xiu suddenly conceded, catching Han Tong off guard, leaving his expression dark and displeased. Feng Nan Xiu, not being foolish and having been advised by Fu Yan, understood that even if he wanted to fight on for more moves, emptying all his strength now when there were still matches left wasn’t wise. It was better to focus on the bigger picture. Upon returning to the ship, Fu Yan looked at him and nodded, "Don’t be discouraged, there are still two more matches." "Rest assured, Palace Master, I will give my utmost," Feng Nan Xiu assured her earnestly. Thanks to Feng Nan Xiu conceding so decisively, their match was the first to conclude. Other groups continued their intense bouts, riveting spectators to the point where they blinked begrudgingly, engaging in fervent discussions and wild cheers. On Yun Ni Stage, the past few days were filled with the highest exuberance among cultivators. On the third day, Fu Yan was finally due to compete. Her first opponent turned out to be a disciple from the Western Fo Luo Sect, having recently crossed the second heavenly tribulation, by the name of Gu Ni. The Western Fo Luo Sect was renowned as the continent's foremost Buddhist sect, with disciples clad in red robes. Their cultivation of Buddhist doctrines was immensely formidable. Fu Yan had never visited the Western Domain, making this her first encounter with a cultivator from a Buddhist sect. Curious from the tales she had heard, she gripped her sword tighter, eyes glinting with anticipation as she faced Gu Ni. “Amitabha,” Gu Ni intoned gently, palms together as he focused on Fu Yan, his lips moving slightly, "Since this is a friendly match, let's keep it to the basics, if you please." Though courteous, Fu Yan sensed his fighting spirit clearly. Without further words, she raised her sword casually, "Let’s begin." With her cue, Gu Ni's eyes hardened, clutching his prayer beads as frightening true energy surged from him. Fu Yan didn’t flinch, launching her attack without hesitation. For the first time in years, Fu Yan unleashed all her power with nothing holding her back. Her previous spar with Lu Xiaowen was more about comprehension. Without restraint, Fu Yan called upon her sword intent, casting it with a sweeping motion toward Gu Ni. In response, Gu Ni calmly shrugged off his kasaya. The garment spread and gleamed with golden light, effectively shielding against Fu Yan’s sword intent. Undoubtedly, his kasaya was an extraordinary spiritual artifact. Unperturbed, Fu Yan leapt into the air, drawing circles with her sword, rapidly dropping temperatures as she activated her sword domain. With a swath of icy swords manifesting in midair, she unleashed them at Gu Ni, the kasaya flickering but still holding against the icy onslaught. Taken aback, Gu Ni quickly gathered surging true energy to reinforce his defenses. Fu Yan’s gaze narrowed, her grip tightening as she doubled her assault with a barrage of icy swords. “Screech!” In a flash, sparks flew off the kasaya’s golden surface as if it could be pierced any moment. Gu Ni's calm demeanor wavered, but instead of panicking, he moved, deftly retrieving the kasaya in one smooth motion. Before anyone realized, his robe was intact, draped over him once more. Suddenly ascending to meet Fu Yan’s height, he murmured, "Amitabha," and clasped his hands. Instantly, Gu Ni's body was emblazoned with golden scriptures, blitzing toward Fu Yan like raindrops, with no apparent hesitation. Feeling the encroaching pressure, Fu Yan quickly raised her hand. With the Seven Suspensions Sword Formation emerging behind her, thousands of sword illusions streaked forth to meet the golden scripts. A spectacular clash of forces erupted, drawing gasps from many onlookers. Yet, oblivious to outside eyes, the two combatants were wholly absorbed in their stalemate, an uncontrollable chaos spreading throughout the battlefield. As the Seven Suspensions Sword Formation continued to emit fierce onsets, Fu Yan fixated on Gu Ni’s figure. At the crucial moment, she released the Starry Night Sword with a precise gesture. With a thunderous burst of energy, the sword surged forward, stabbing at Gu Ni with unyielding resolve. Gu Ni's golden scripts flickered as he countered hastily, sealing the Starry Night Sword with determined hand seals. However, the lack of a supportive force meant the scripts were susceptible to the sword formation. In no time, Gu Ni was driven to the ground, his aura visibly unstable. Gazing up at Fu Yan, still in midair, Gu Ni exhaled deeply, flicking his prayer beads skyward before sitting back down on stage. Once seated, he clasped his hands, reciting incomprehensible mantras. Fu Yan paused, watching as the beads encircled her, enlarging dramatically until they surrounded her entirely. A forceful suppression emanated from all directions, as if intent on trapping Fu Yan. “A clever move!” Fu Yan chuckled. Swiftly, she rose, swinging her sword with formidable strokes. But upon contact with the beads, her attacks dissipated, prompting her to strike repeatedly to no avail. Meanwhile, Gu Ni continued his meditation, intensifying the beads' luminous display. Fu Yan understood merely disrupting Gu Ni's chants would dissolve the hold. Yet, she refrained, focusing on the circling beads, her grip whitening with pressure. Eyes set like an eagle’s, she unleashed her true essence in an explosive rush, launching into the starry swordsmanship without hesitation. Crash! Sword auras erupted, casting oppressive blades in every direction. Below, Gu Ni felt a surge of blood rise within, expelled in a violent cough. The prayer beads shattered, scattering across the stage. Simultaneously, Fu Yan descended gracefully, her eyes meeting Gu Ni's. "Amitabha." Gu Ni once again clasped his hands, looking at Fu Yan with a slightly resigned expression. "Thank you for the lesson, Benefactor. This match is my loss." "You're too kind." Fu Yan replied calmly, bowing slightly in respect. After the battle concluded, Fu Yan turned and returned to the ship. Simultaneously, the intensity of the Grand Ascension Period battles seemed to escalate. Fu Yan soon witnessed Fang Yu take the stage, facing Hua Ling Gu’s lead disciple. Both were contenders for the finals, and it was unexpected for them to encounter each other so soon. The match was undeniably thrilling, and Fu Yan watched intently from beginning to end. As expected, Fang Yu emerged victorious, leaving the audience exuberant with excitement. Despite the exhilarating match, Fu Yan remained composed and focused. After over ten days, the first round of the Grand Ascension Period matches finally concluded. On the Frostflower Palace side, Fu Yan won all three of her matches, advancing smoothly to the next round. Ji Xian lost one match but also progressed, while Feng Nan Xiu was unfortunately eliminated. The results were not surprising, though Feng Nan Xiu had managed to secure one victory. While the enthusiasm from these matches hadn't completely faded, the elimination rounds for the Transformation and Union Periods commenced swiftly. The grand Yun Ni Stage continued to buzz with activity and excitement. During this time, Fu Yan and Ji Xian’s attention shifted towards the upcoming second round of the Grand Ascension Period, as their future opponents were well-known and highly skilled cultivators. In her contemplation, Fu Yan felt a gaze settle on her and Ji Xian. She paused, looking up to meet the eyes of Han Tong from Tianji Pavilion. He had also advanced to the second round.