The Temptation of Treasures

The young cultivators from Ji Country likewise observed those from Jiang Country, yet the expressions etched upon many of their faces betrayed an undeniable scorn for their Jiang Country counterparts.

This disdain stemmed primarily from the average cultivation level of Jiang Country’s cultivators, which ranged merely from Minor Completion of the Cavern Heaven Realm to Grand Completion of the Spirit Transformation Realm, with not a single one having even reached the initial stage of the Divine Mark Realm.

In stark contrast, the most formidable cultivator among those from Ji Country had already attained Grand Completion of the Divine Mark Realm.

What profound implications did this carry?

It signaled the superior resources and cultivation opportunities afforded to them by their respective sects.

Even progressing through each realm to merely its Minor Completion before advancing to the next demanded a wealth of cultivation resources; without such support, reaching the Divine Mark Realm by the age of thirty would be utterly impossible, let alone achieving Grand Completion—at that point, it transcended mere talent.

How, then, could such a comparison even be made?

Man Jun’s brows furrowed deeply. ‘If these individuals were to compete on the same stage, their superior cultivation realms would simply crush ours,’ Man Jun mused.

“Esteemed disciples, today the cultivation world of Jiang Country extends its warmest welcome to the distinguished guests from Ji Country’s cultivation realm,” Nalan Piaoxu announced. “They have journeyed here to engage in an exchange with our own cultivators and will thus be divided into five groups to participate in our Jiang Country Immortal Dao Assembly.”

“Owing to their presence, certain modifications to the rules of our Immortal Dao Assembly’s third round have become necessary.”

Nalan Piaoxu then proceeded to outline the regulations for the upcoming third round.

These rules stipulated, first and foremost, a ban on spirit treasures exceeding the Spirit Transformation Realm, as well as prohibitions against malicious killing and grievous injury. However, given the inherent perils of the third round’s activities, completely averting casualties would prove exceedingly difficult. Consequently, participation in this particular stage remained entirely voluntary.

Yet, no sooner had Nalan Piaoxu concluded her pronouncements than Chen Yingtian interjected.

“In my opinion, for this stage, it would be best for everyone to rely on their true capabilities,” Chen Yingtian declared. “Spirit treasures, after all, are an intrinsic part of one’s strength. High-grade spirit treasures demand a greater wellspring of power to wield effectively, making the restriction to the Spirit Transformation Realm entirely unnecessary. I propose we waive this particular clause. As for the remaining rules, they appear perfectly acceptable to me.”

“Furthermore, to demonstrate the sincere goodwill of Ji Country’s cultivation world, we intend to generously contribute a vast array of rewards for this stage: spirit treasures, pills, cultivation techniques, and various rare materials, all to be claimed by participants based on their individual prowess.”

With a decisive sweep of his raised hand, Chen Yingtian’s storage artifact instantly unleashed a torrent of dazzling light, stretching for ten thousand feet. Each shimmering beam of light materialized into a treasure, with countless smaller artifacts raining down like a glittering shower upon the five activity arenas below.

This breathtaking spectacle left the cultivators of Jiang Country utterly dumbfounded.

“What a grand gesture, truly grand!”

“This stage just got a lot more intriguing.”

Amidst their astonishment, the multitude of Jiang Country cultivators also found themselves surging with excitement. With such a profusion of treasures, they were certain to acquire some simply by participating. At that point, failing to advance to the next round would become utterly inconsequential.

Conversely, the expressions on the faces of Fairy Yunshuang and her companions turned decidedly grim, for this sudden turn of events unequivocally amplified both the difficulty and the inherent risks. ‘With such an abundance of treasures, how could our Jiang Country participants possibly resist the urge to contend for them? The sheer quantity of these items would only intensify their desire to compete, undoubtedly leading to a fierce struggle. Although this stage ostensibly forbade intentional killing and severe injury, the act of vying for these treasures, if one became overly consumed by greed, could easily devolve into a deadly struggle, which would be exceedingly perilous.’

“Brother Chen, is this truly appropriate?” Fairy Yunxia questioned, a hint of alarm in her tone.

Chen Yingtian merely let out a hearty laugh.

“Consider it compensation for our Ji Country’s cultivation world not having made a more personal appearance,” he replied. “Rest assured, in every subsequent stage, our Ji Country will continue to contribute a certain quantity of treasures.”

Chen Yingtian’s response was a clear evasion. Fairy Yunxia’s true intention had been to point out that by using these treasures to entice Jiang Country’s young cultivators, he was effectively forcing them into a desperate struggle. Yet, some words were simply too difficult for her to utter directly. When others deliberately feigned ignorance, she found herself at a loss. A profound sense of helplessness washed over her.

“The hour approaches,” Nalan Piaoxu announced, “Let us begin the preparations for drawing lots and forming groups. These lots are divided into five distinct colors—gold, wood, water, fire, and earth—each corresponding to one of the five activity arenas. Whichever color you draw will dictate which arena you must proceed to.”

Nalan Piaoxu raised her hand and, with a graceful sweep, conjured a multitude of wooden tokens that soared into the air above the preparation grounds.

“Simply take one at random,” Nalan Piaoxu advised.

Yan Yun and the others, without a moment’s hesitation, casually reached out and plucked a token from the descending shower. Once the token was in her grasp, Yan Yun cast her gaze upon it. Though initially blank, the token instantly shimmered, then shifted in color.

“Green? So, the Wood Arena?”

After examining her own token, Yan Yun immediately glanced at the tokens held by Jiang Yao, Su Muyu, and the others. Su Muyu’s token glowed blue, indicating the Water Arena. Jiang Yao’s, a vibrant red, undoubtedly meant the Fire Arena. Xie Yuyan’s was golden, designating the Metal Arena. As fate would have it, they had all been separated.

Having ascertained their assignments, Yan Yun then turned her attention to the disciples of Purple Abyss Pavilion.

“Pavilion Master, I’m assigned to the Fire Arena, and you’re in the Wood Arena, correct? What a misfortune that we weren’t assigned to the same arena.” The disciples of Purple Abyss Pavilion who found themselves in different groups from Yan Yun expressed considerable disappointment. Conversely, those who had been assigned to Yan Yun’s group were visibly overjoyed, for they all were well aware of Yan Yun’s capabilities. Being grouped with her significantly bolstered their chances of advancing.

“Allow me to remind you all,” Yan Yun stated with a grave expression, “While treasures are indeed enticing, one must first be alive to claim them. We are poison cultivators; conventional cultivation techniques, spirit treasures, and pills are of no use to us. There’s no need to desperately fight for useless items like conventional medicinal materials or anything else that doesn’t align with our poison cultivation technique. We were originally individuals devoid of cultivation aptitude, so to become cultivators is a rare and hard-won opportunity. Do not jeopardize yourselves.”

The disciples of Purple Abyss Pavilion, having successfully cultivated the poison cultivation technique, were undoubtedly individuals of exceptional resolve. They were not so foolish as to risk their lives for items that held no value to their unique path, nor would they needlessly sacrifice themselves.

“Rest assured, Pavilion Master, we possess a keen sense of self-preservation,” Mu Wenjie and the others affirmed solemnly.

After concluding her instructions to them, Yan Yun convened with Jiang Yao, Su Muyu, and Xie Yuyan.

“Mother, wife, Old Xie, the three of you must exercise extreme caution,” Yan Yun urged. “Old Xie, take these items, and I’ll lend you my puppet as well.” Yan Yun then handed her Divine Realm puppet to Xie Yuyan, along with several consumable spirit treasures. Yan Yun harbored no concerns for Jiang Yao and Su Muyu, as they both possessed formidable treasures of their own. Xie Yuyan, however, did not. For Yan Yun, whether she personally utilized the puppet was inconsequential, as she possessed a multitude of other techniques at her disposal.

“But then, what about you?” Xie Yuyan asked, understanding the immense danger.

“My methods are plentiful; do not concern yourself with me,” Yan Yun reassured her with a wave of her hand. “Simply focus on preserving your own life.”

Despite her reservations, Xie Yuyan ultimately accepted the offerings.

After seeing to Xie Yuyan, Yan Yun then turned her attention to Jiang Yao and Su Muyu.

“Mother, wife, both of you must also be vigilant,” Yan Yun cautioned. “I have a distinct feeling that their people will, in all likelihood, target you.”

Jiang Yao responded with a cold snort.

“If they dare to provoke me, I shall certainly let them witness my true capabilities.” Indeed, Jiang Yao herself possessed a formidable array of hidden techniques.

Su Muyu promptly added, “Do not merely instruct us; you yourself must also be careful.”

Having exchanged their farewells, the family of three each ascended, flying towards their designated arenas.

The cultivators from Ji Country had also received their arena assignments, but they did not immediately depart. This was because their elders still needed to offer them final words of guidance. Only after receiving these final instructions did they then soar towards their assigned arenas.

Fellow disciples of the Yunhua Sect who had been assigned to the same arena immediately converged, understanding that cooperation would offer greater safety amidst such fierce competition. Six disciples from Purple Abyss Pavilion found themselves grouped with Yan Yun. Upon gathering, they began to converse.

“Esteemed fellow disciples, in this round, we must cast aside all factional divisions and work together with utmost sincerity,” declared a disciple from Yunhua Pavilion, the main branch of the Yunhua Sect. “This is the Sect Master’s direct instruction. As disciples of the main branch, we welcome you to follow my arrangements.”

However, a disciple from Tiangang Pavilion immediately retorted with a challenging question.

“Heh heh, and how exactly do you intend to arrange things? Do tell. If your arrangements are reasonable, then perhaps following your main branch won’t be entirely out of the question. But if they are not, then I certainly will not comply.”

The Yunhua Pavilion disciple’s brow furrowed, and he proceeded to articulate his proposal.

“Our primary objective is to advance and retreat as one, confronting any adversaries with a united front. As for the treasures, I believe we should each claim what we require. Does that sound acceptable?”

But the Tiangang Pavilion disciple merely chuckled again.

“‘Each claim what we require’? How, pray tell, would that even work? Surely, the cultivators with higher cultivation levels would claim the treasures first, leaving those with lower cultivation levels to the rear.”

His words immediately offended several others.

“Your cultivation is so high? You’re merely in the early Spirit Transformation Realm, while I’m at Grand Completion of the Cavern Heaven Realm! If we were to truly fight, would you be my match?” a male disciple from Huoyang Pavilion immediately retorted.

This was precisely what Fairy Yunshuang had feared.

Although she had preemptively instructed them to cooperate sincerely, the sudden maneuver by the Ji Country cultivators had, in that instant, ignited intense selfishness within many. In their eyes, advancing to the next round was no longer important; the true key lay in acquiring the treasures they desired.

“You? Do you wish to test me?” The Tiangang Pavilion disciple immediately bristled with anger.

Consequently, the various factions instantly erupted into arguments.

The Yunhua Pavilion disciple continually urged them to calm down and avoid conflict. However, the internal factions of the Yunhua Sect had always been in competition within their own sect. Asking them to suddenly cooperate now was indeed a formidable challenge. It might have been manageable without the allure of these treasures, but expecting them to disregard the rewards now was utterly impossible.

Ultimately, the several factions dispersed in discord. Only two female disciples from Tingyu Pavilion, several individuals from Purple Abyss Pavilion, and a few disciples from Yunhua Pavilion remained where they stood. The other factions had all grouped together and departed.

“This?! Alas!” The Yunhua Pavilion disciple, who was at Grand Completion of the Spirit Transformation Realm, was overwhelmed with helplessness.

He swept his gaze over the remaining individuals.

“Alas! Never mind, everyone, let us each look out for ourselves.” The two Yunhua Pavilion disciples, along with their junior brothers and sisters, departed.

“Hey, Senior Brother Yan, can you take us with you?” the two female disciples from Tingyu Pavilion anxiously called out.

However, they had already moved far away, leaving the two girls to watch them with longing eyes.

Tingyu Pavilion was the smallest faction within the Yunhua Sect, apart from Purple Abyss Pavilion, because Tingyu Pavilion consisted entirely of female disciples, and the number of female cultivators in the cultivation world was inherently fewer than male cultivators. Tingyu Pavilion had a total of just over two hundred disciples. Some were eliminated in the first round, and more in the second, leaving only a few dozen for the third round—a number comparable to the disciples from Purple Abyss Pavilion who had advanced.

“Um, Senior Sister Yan, we…” The two girls pleaded with Yan Yun, their faces filled with entreaty.

Yan Yun understood their meaning.

One of them was at Grand Completion of the Cavern Heaven Realm, and the other at Minor Completion. If they were to act alone, it would be incredibly difficult for them to gain an advantage in this round.

“Senior Sisters, say no more. You may accompany us,” Yan Yun agreed without a second thought.