Chapter 88

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Chapter 88: A Roadblock Robbery

After reaching the sixth level of the Qi Refining Stage, Yi Qianmo’s cultivation finally stabilized. However, the transformation of the sword energy within his body continued. Powered by the dragon turtle egg, the Sword Pill refined his body continuously.

For half an hour, the process unfolded. Then, as the energy within the dragon turtle egg was completely depleted, it turned to dust.

Yi Qianmo slowly stood up. His skin now shone with a jade-like translucence. The nourishment of the dragon turtle egg had healed his injuries, and his dantian brimmed with spiritual power that flowed effortlessly through his meridians.

The results exceeded Yi Qianmo’s expectations. While only thirty percent of the egg’s energy was absorbed into his body, the remaining energy had been taken in by the Sword Pill.

“Now, apart from the characters Qian and Kun in the sword technique, I should be able to perform the first layer of the remaining six-character techniques,” Yi Qianmo mused to himself.

In the eight-character sword technique, Qian and Kun symbolized heaven and earth, making them the most challenging to master. Yet with his enhanced sword body and cultivation level, the remaining techniques of wind, thunder, and more now seemed attainable.

Exiting the cave, Yi Qianmo was greeted by the soft glow of morning light.

Guan Shanqing, standing guard at the entrance, turned and asked with concern, “Brother Su, how is your injury?”

“Much better,” Yi Qianmo replied with a faint smile, concealing his fully restored strength.

Guan Shanqing, assuming politeness, didn’t question further. He crouched, allowing Yi Qianmo to climb onto his back before they resumed their journey toward the gathering spot.

By noon, they arrived at the canyon leading to the meeting point. However, Guan Shanqing abruptly stopped.

Ahead of them, a group of cultivators had set up a blockade at the canyon’s entrance. Seven or eight of them stood guard, forcing passing candidates to hand over their hunted prey.

“What’s going on? Weren’t we supposed to report to the Cloud Boat for scoring?” Guan Shanqing muttered in disbelief as he prepared to retrieve his prey.

“These aren’t examiners,” Yi Qianmo said grimly.

Approaching the blockade, Guan Shanqing asked another candidate for clarification.

“Their group is just robbing us,” the cultivator explained, his tone bitter. “They’re some of the strongest candidates—six at the eighth level of the Qi Refining Stage and two at the ninth level. They’ve joined forces to extort everyone who passes. If you don’t hand over thirty percent of your catch, you can either take a long detour or fight them. Of course, most of us don’t stand a chance.”

Guan Shanqing clenched his fists. “Aren’t they worried about being disqualified for breaking the rules?”

The cultivator scoffed. “The examiners made it clear—there are no rules in this exam. Strength is all that matters. They’ve exploited that perfectly. Most candidates are just accepting their fate.”

“What should we do?” Guan Shanqing asked Yi Qianmo.

“Just hand over some prey,” Yi Qianmo replied calmly.

Guan Shanqing hesitated. “Brother Su, you could transfer your prey to me. I don’t mind taking the risk.”

“There’s no need,” Yi Qianmo said with a faint smile. “I have my own plan. Just follow along.”

The two joined the line, waiting for their turn. When they finally reached the front, Guan Shanqing handed over four spirit beast tokens. The lead cultivator examined them and, recognizing the golden spiritual light Guan Shanqing had displayed earlier, decided to take only one token.

“You can pass,” the cultivator said.

Relieved, Guan Shanqing began to step forward. But before he could leave, a sharp voice rang out from behind.

“He has a storage bag! Don’t let him fool you!”

Both Guan Shanqing and Yi Qianmo turned to see two familiar faces: the Lianshan Sect cultivator and Xu Zhou.

“I can confirm it,” Xu Zhou added with a sneer. “The prey is hidden in that storage bag. And the one behind him is no weakling—he’s probably carrying even more.”

The eight cultivators at the blockade exchanged glances, their expressions darkening as their attention shifted to Guan Shanqing and Yi Qianmo.