One month later.
"The five peaks of Xuantian Sect will each select two representatives to participate in the Zhao Kingdom's trial of the Seven Great Orthodox Sects!"
This was the announcement from the sect master.
Then, at Liantian Peak.
Elder Kong, the head of the Sword Sect, spoke, "Our Sword Sect differs from the other four peaks. We focus solely on one thing— the sword! The sword is a weapon, best for combat! Throughout the years, among the ten representatives of Xuantian Sect, the two from our Sword Sect have always been responsible for being the main combat force!"
"Now, all disciples at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining will engage in a free-for-all battle! The last two standing will represent our Liantian Peak Sword Sect and join the other four peaks to represent Xuantian Sect in the trial of the Seven Great Orthodox Sects of Zhao Kingdom!"
...
For most disciples, this kind of free-for-all battle was incredibly stressful. After all, no one knew if they might be ambushed or surrounded by multiple opponents during the fight.
However, for Lin Li, there was no fear at all.
Before joining the sect, Lin Li had already experienced numerous hardships in life. After entering the sect, he had faced even greater dangers during the back mountain trial and the mission to eliminate the demon rats—dangers that far exceeded the crisis of fighting his fellow brothers in this free-for-all battle.
Thus, it was only natural that Lin Li became one of the last two standing in this chaotic fight!
"You're this strong?!"
Hao Zheng, a seasoned disciple who had been at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining for three years, looked at Lin Li in disbelief. "You've only been in the Sword Sect for a month! It's impossible for you to have even fully learned all the sect's secret techniques. How did you..."
"Enough nonsense!"
Lin Li pulled out two more Qi Replenishing Pills, consumed them to replenish his depleted spiritual energy, and said, "This first place is mine!"
Unfortunately, this sparring match among fellow disciples was not a life-or-death battle. Therefore, Lin Li couldn't rely on energy feedback from Ye Fan, the sentient sword spirit. Instead, he had to rely on six Qi Replenishing Pills to sustain himself through the fight, since he was habitually "burning" through his spiritual energy recklessly.
Of course.
Lin Li's habit of using Qi Replenishing Pills, which were typically reserved for cultivation, as casually as if they were candy, made many of the other disciples envious and green with jealousy.
"Take this!"
With that, Lin Li launched another powerful attack on Hao Zheng.
Although Hao Zheng was quite powerful and had learned some of the Sword Sect's secret techniques, giving him an advantage in terms of raw strength, he wasn't as "wealthy" as Lin Li and couldn't afford to consume pills to restore his spiritual energy.
Lacking the resources to replenish his energy, Hao Zheng found himself being pushed back by Lin Li.
Finally—
Clang!
With a resounding clash of weapons, Hao Zheng, exhausted and out of spiritual energy, had his sword knocked from his hand by Lin Li.
Lin Li's sword was now resting against Hao Zheng's neck.
"I've won!"
Hao Zheng's lips trembled with frustration, his eyes filled with unwillingness. "If only I hadn't run out of spiritual energy..."
"Heh, endurance is also part of one's strength."
Lin Li smiled slightly.
"Excellent!"
Elder Zou, watching from the side, exclaimed with excitement, "The winner of the Liantian Peak Sword Sect's battle among the registered disciples is Lin Li!"
"Second place goes to Hao Zheng!"
"The two of you will represent our Liantian Peak Sword Sect alongside the disciples from the other four peaks to participate in the Seven Sect Trials! Now, follow me to the main peak, Tongtian Peak, to meet the sect master!"
...
At Tongtian Peak, in the grand hall.
When the sect master of Xuantian Sect saw Elder Zou leading Lin Li and Hao Zheng into the hall, he was visibly shocked!
"Elder Zou? This is...?"
The sect master clearly remembered that at the last sect-wide assembly, Lin Li had just entered Qi Refining Level 7.
Yet now, just a few months later, Lin Li was already representing Liantian Peak Sword Sect?
"Even if you favor him, this is a bit excessive!"
The sect master said, "The Seven Sect Trials determine the resources our Xuantian Sect will receive for the next year. How could you..."
Before he could finish speaking, Elder Zou cupped his fists and replied, "Sect Master, this is not a matter of favoritism. Lin Li's talent is truly extraordinary! He has reached the Great Perfection of Qi Refining at an astonishing speed. Furthermore, he won first place in our Liantian Peak's registered disciple battle, which even I didn't expect!"
"What?!"
The sect master was stunned!
Half a day later.
In the grand hall.
After the representatives from the other four peaks had arrived, the sect master announced, "The disciples representing Xuantian Sect in the Seven Sect Trials are as follows."
"Qi Sect: Yuehua, Qiushi."
"Sword Sect: Lin Li, Hao Zheng."
"Pill Sect: Chunqing, Huang Yan."
"Tool Sect: Wei Silin, Yang De."
"Seal Sect: Li Qiang, Ma Zhi!"
"I hope you ten will support one another during the trials and bring honor to Xuantian Sect! The resources our sect will receive for the next year depend entirely on your performance. You must give it your all!"
"Yes, Sect Master!" the ten disciples responded in unison.
...
Three days later.
Zhao Kingdom.
Maple Red Valley.
"This is an untouched wilderness that hasn't been set foot in for a thousand years!"
High in the sky, the elders of the five peaks of Xuantian Sect descended into Maple Red Valley, each bringing their two selected disciples.
Elder Zou, leading Lin Li and Hao Zheng, said, "Maple Red Valley isn't only home to ordinary demonic beasts. There may even be beasts at the Foundation Establishment stage, or even the Core Formation stage! Every year, the Seven Sect Trials are not just about distributing cultivation resources among the great sects, but also serve as a life-and-death trial for the participants."
"...Last year, out of the ten disciples Xuantian Sect sent to the trials, only five survived."
"I hope that when this trial ends in a month, I will see both of you return alive!"
Hao Zheng felt a chill in his heart, but Lin Li's eyes lit up as he asked, "Elder Zou, I have a question."
"Oh? Feel free to ask!"
Elder Zou responded.
"In the trial, if I accidentally kill disciples from other sects during a duel, what should I do?"
Lin Li's heart pounded with excitement! If it was allowed...
That would mean...
This trial wasn't just about securing a Foundation Establishment Pill. It also presented an opportunity for Lin Li to use the Blood-Drinking Demon Sword and receive energy feedback!
Without even realizing it, Lin Li was gradually being influenced by Ye Fan, becoming increasingly bloodthirsty.
"In the Seven Sect Trials, life and death are matters of fate!"
Elder Zou said, "If you don't kill them, they will kill you! So remember, during the battles, never hold back! Even a lion goes all out when hunting a rabbit!"
"Understood, Elder!"
Hao Zheng straightened up, while Lin Li, filled with excitement, also cupped his fists and responded enthusiastically.
...
Once they had descended into Maple Red Valley, they found that many people were already present.
On the specially cleared grounds reserved for cultivators, dozens of practitioners, each dressed in unique attire from their respective sects, had already gathered.