Chapter 15: Summer Competition 4

Hao Qi, Cai MingZhu, Xun, Zhong twins chose to go to the Ancient Zither abode as well.

Gu Ryu went over to Han Ryu and said "Han did you know that, that boy Luo had come to our sect first for a jade slip of acknowledgement. We rejected him because he was not a noble apparently. And if you have eyes you will see that Hua Geming and the other's decision to join the Ancient Zither abode were affected by Luo's decision even if by a little. You see Han-boy, Fate is a fickle thing. If you don't catch the opportunities that come your way , more often than not you'll be left with heartburns and stomachaches."

Han Ryu scoffed at what the old master was saying but did not argue.

Xiao Wu was seething at all the attention that Luo was getting. "This disciple bows to Master Han Ryu. I would like to join the Heavenly Dragon sect and show the trash Luo Lian-whatever here what he just passed up on." Han Ryu smiled at that and nodded.

"Who do you think you are to call my brother a trash? You didn't even break the crystal in the first test. If you are so sure then why don't you try to prove it with actions instead of words? What.... are you afraid that people will find out that all of what you just said is hot air? Hmphhh! Calling my brother trash...Unforgivable!" Xun exploded after hearing.

Luo was a little pissed off but seeing his sister explode in anger , he was now trying to calm her down instead and stop her from doing anything violent. "Xun'er calm down."

Xiao Wu felt humiliated as the now disciples of the Ancient Zither abode looked on and laughed at him. He silently swore that he would do all he can to destroy the trash Luo and everything close to him. He walked away and stood quite a distance away from Luo and others.

Gu Ryu cleared his throat and called out for the attention for all of the applicants who had passed and had been accepted into various sects. "Attention Everyone! 80 applicants have passed the three trials and gained admission into the sects of your choosing.

Now it is time for the fourth test, the details of which I will be explaining now.

Firstly, The fourth test is completely optional because it is a dangerous one. But to encourage participation our Heavenly Dragon sect has gone to great lengths to secure wonderful prizes for the top three after this test.

This test's starting point will be in the Dai Shan forest outskirts. It will start 2 days later, sharply at noon. The location's details will be shared by your sect's representatives here, so you can ask them later.

We have released a lot of Tier1, Tier2 beasts in the forest. Stay away from any higher level beasts that are there. You will constantly be monitored and if we deem that you are at the edge of death, then we will bring you out, so you don't have to worry.

Your task will be to collect as many monster cores of Tier1 and Tier2 beasts or items that can be used in alchemy. A Tier1 core will be worth 10 points and a Tier2 core will be worth 100 points. The alchemy-related items will be rated once you return. You will have 2 days from the starting point to collect these things.

Now for the things you have been waiting for. The 3rd prize is a Lower grade Xian Tier Qi Condensation pill that can help you expand the boundary of your inner Qi before you breakthrough to the True Foundation realm.

The 2nd prize is a priceless Space ring, where you can store your objects and carry them. It is a rare treasure that not even many inner disciples of the sect have. The ring can store and preserve inanimate objects.

The 1st prize is a Lower Grade Xian Tier Defense artifact. You can wear it as a belt and it can take a few blows safely from True Foundation realm cultivators. Well that's it for now. If you have any questions ask your sect's masters. I wish you all good luck."

Gu Ryu again pointed his hands towards the sky where the sun had almost set and his Qi came out in the form of many small snakes which danced in the sky and then exploded in a burst of color. It was very pretty to look at and the people present there admired the Qi control and the power of the technique as well.

Everyone retired to common inns to celebrate with food or drown their sorrows with food. Luo and the others were taken by Master Fu Lin to the local inn to celebrate their entry to the Azure Zither abode.

She was all smiles and had ordered a lot of drinks for herself as she was the only adult there. She looked at the disciples and said "I'm sooooo proud of all of you. Here is a toast to such promising youth joining our sect and the unexpected surprise of Hua Geming. May the path of cultivation bring you all great fortunes."

Cai MingZhu asked Master Fu Lin " Master, where is the starting point of the test. If it is in Dai Shan forest, and its 2 days from now, it will take us that much time to just reach there by running. The horse carriages would take at least 3 days. What do you suggest we do?"

"Ahh, good question Cai. What do we dooo? We run of course and by we I mean all of you. Masters are not allowed to guard you all on the journey there as finding and reaching the starting point on your own is also a part of the test."

She set aside her drinks and took out a map and pointed out the starting point of the test. Luo perked up and said "I have been there before. The starting point is near to an expedition starting point that I attended a few days ago. We should not have much trouble there."

Master Fu Lin said "That's great then, since you already know the path, your journey will be even more smoother. Now all of you must rest for a while and start your journey. And Remember, what is important is your life. It may still be dangerous in the Dai Shan forest, so take care and cooperate with each other. Okay?"

Everyone nodded and then proceeded to rest after their meals were done. Hua Geming took the chance and approached Luo and Xun. "Even this Hua has not been to the Dai Shan forest yet. But you have been, as expected of a man worthy to be my rival. This Hua will wait for you to catch up to him and then we will have the most intense of battles. I very much look forward to it. Later!!"

Xun just started laughing after Hua went "HAHAHAHA, who talks like that. Why does he refer to himself in the 3rd person as if he is the sky's limit or something. Brother, hahahahha, be sure to beat him every time okayy! Just imagining his face then makes me laugh."

"Xun, he was just being sincere and it's not like I don't appreciate having a strong rival. He was the only other person who destroyed the crystal in the 1st test."

Master Yin suddenly chimed in "That's right boy. Having a rival is the best. Some of my best memories of having thrill and fun were in the fights I had with Yama. This boy looks to have potential as well. He just might make a very good rival for you as well."

"Well if even Master acknowledges his strength then I too am very pleased with this. After all , if I alone get strong, it would be boring."

"I think you are letting things get to your head. Remember that there is always someone stronger than you out there."

"Stronger than even you master?"

"Hmmm..uhhh.. This master is the strongest of them all. HAHAHAHAHAHA. You sure are lucky, boy, to have become my disciple."

Luo noticed his master stumbling his sentence earlier and tendrils of doubt flowed in, but he was sure that Master would tell him when the time came.**