Outside the window, clouds rolled and unfurled, and bamboo shadows swayed on the carved wooden window, moving gently with the wind, adding a touch of serene tranquility.
The two chatted casually, mostly Su Ming speaking, with Han Xuanji occasionally responding.
Su Ming spoke of some major events that had occurred recently in the Immortal Realm, such as the appearance of an ancient Immortal Mansion ruin in a certain place, which attracted contention from all sides, a chaotic battle among Celestial Prodigies, and even the appearance of demonic cultivators.
"I heard that the 'Myriad Law Immortal Sect' produced an unparalleled genius. At only a thousand years old, he has already reached the Profound Immortal Realm. His 'Myriad Transformation Reversion Immortal Art' sweeps across his peers, and his prestige is immense, having already ascended to the tenth position on the immortal dao prodigy ranking list."
Su Ming's tone carried a hint of longing, but it was only that, without any jealousy.
The Myriad Law Immortal Sect, located in the Myriad Law Immortal Domain, is also an extremely vast power, no less than the Lingxu Heavenly Palace.
Han Xuanji listened quietly, his expression calm, and nodded slightly upon hearing this.
So, reaching the Profound Immortal Realm at a thousand years old was enough to get into the top ten.
That didn't seem difficult.
He wondered who the first-place individual was.
As they chatted, a gentle knock sounded on the door of the private room.
Su Ming frowned slightly, seemingly displeased at being disturbed, but still called out:
"What is it?"
The respectful voice of a server came from outside the door:
"Senior Su, it's Zhao Yuan, the True Disciple of Sacred Forest Peak, and a few Disciples from the Dan Meridian. Hearing you were here, they came to pay their respects."
Su Ming glanced at Han Xuanji, saw that he showed no reaction, but still said:
"Tell them to leave, I'm busy."
Seeing this, the server looked innocently at the several people outside the door.
"Since that's the case, we won't disturb you then."
Zhao Yuan's face was a bit grim, and Ji Tianxing and the others were also displeased, but they didn't say anything, only Ji Tianxing left with that single remark.
...
"Didn't you say you knew Su Ming?"
Ji Tianxing asked in surprise.
Zhao Yuan's face was ashen. He had exchanged a few words with Su Ming and even discussed Dao once. Did that not count as knowing him?
On the other side.
Han Xuanji was also a bit surprised and asked:
"If your friends came, there's no need to be so unkind."
Su Ming thought for a moment and said:
"I'm not familiar with this person either; it's quite inexplicable."
"Oh, perhaps it's someone who wants to befriend you, the Chief Disciple."
Han Xuanji chuckled.
"Perhaps."
Su Ming sighed with emotion.
He recalled that back then, he was unknown and questioned by countless people.
In just a few decades, countless people now wanted to curry favor with him, finding all sorts of opportunities to get close to him, but he never took these people seriously.
Only Han Xuanji was regarded by him as an important person, both a Master and a friend.
The two chatted for an hour and a half before concluding.
Pushing open the door, they found several people who had already been waiting for a long time.
Zhao Yuan's gaze swept over Han Xuanji, a hint of complexity flashing in his eyes, but he still clasped his hands first towards Su Ming:
"Senior Brother Su."
Then he reluctantly clasped his hands towards Han Xuanji as a greeting, his tone not very warm:
"Senior Brother Han."
Jiang Yuan and the others were much more polite, bowing in unison:
"Senior Brother Su, Senior Brother Han."
Han Xuanji also nodded slightly towards Jiang Yuan in response.
At this moment, Jiang Yuan felt a strange sense of regret.
Over the years, he had some contact with Han Xuanji, but they hadn't become close or met often. He didn't even know that Han Xuanji knew Su Ming. Seeing Han Xuanji now, he felt a moment of trance.
He was still as extraordinary and refined as he was back then, possessing a unique Aura.
Su Ming nodded indifferently, then asked:
"Junior Brother Zhao, you've been waiting here; is there something important?"
Zhao Yuan took a deep breath, suppressed the emotions in his heart, forced a smile onto his face, looked at Su Ming, and spoke with a deliberately enthusiastic tone:
"It's nothing major; I just heard some news."
"Oh? What news?"
Su Ming raised an eyebrow.
Zhao Yuan's voice rose a few octaves, ensuring everyone in the private room could hear clearly:
"According to rumors, to counter the demonic tribulation and encourage the younger generation, our Dan Meridian will hold the 'Dan Meridian Grand Competition' thirteen years from now!
Each Peak must select outstanding young Disciples to participate and compete in the Dao of Pills. Winners will not only receive generous rewards, but their respective Peak's resource allocation for the next hundred years will also significantly increase!"
As soon as these words were spoken, except for Ji Tianxing who was already aware, Jiang Yuan, Li Qianluo, and the others all showed surprise and eagerness.
The Grand Competition of the Dao of Pills is a grand event for the Dan Meridian, concerning the reputation and tangible benefits of each Peak, and has always been highly valued.
Of course, Han Xuanji and Su Ming had naturally received this news early, so they weren't surprised.
Yunmiao Xianjun had even specifically asked Han Xuanji if he wanted to participate.
Han Xuanji naturally refused, and Yunmiao Xianjun was not surprised and did not insist; he knew his Disciple's personality well.
As for Su Ming, knowing that Han Xuanji wasn't participating, he had no particular thoughts.
Given his status, it was already inappropriate for him to participate. After all, he was considered to be of the same generation as the various Peak Lords; even if he didn't participate, no one would criticize him.
After Zhao Yuan finished speaking, his gaze involuntarily drifted towards Han Xuanji, who seemed detached from the situation. A hint of provocation flashed in his eyes, and he suddenly changed the subject, speaking loudly:
"I've long heard that Senior Brother Han has received the true teachings of Junior Martial Uncle Yunmiao, and his cultivation in the Dao of Pills must be unfathomable.
Coinciding with this grand event, I wonder, Senior Brother Han, do you dare to compete with me in this Grand Competition?"
His question was extremely impolite, almost a direct challenge issued in front of everyone, carrying a clear provocative intent.
Instantly, the private room fell silent, and everyone's gaze focused on Han Xuanji.
Jiang Yuan's face showed anxiety, wanting to speak to smooth things over, but was stopped by Ji Tianxing's gaze.
Li Qianluo, on the other hand, frowned slightly, feeling that Zhao Yuan's actions were too aggressive, but also somewhat curious.
Han Xuanji had never displayed his Realm or his level in the Dao of Pills in front of everyone. What kind of magic did he possess that made Yunmiao Xianjun value him and the Chief Disciple Su Ming admire him?
Now, Su Ming was no longer like before; he had already gained recognition for his talent from many people.
Han Xuanji calmly looked at Zhao Yuan, his eyes as deep as an ancient pool, showing no joy or anger, yet it made Zhao Yuan's heart inexplicably tighten.
"The Grand Competition of the Dao of Pills is a grand event for the Sect, and it has its own rules and procedures."
Han Xuanji spoke, his voice calm and unruffled,
"Whether Han participates, and how he participates, will be decided by the elders and Purple Firmament Peak at that time. Junior Brother Zhao need not trouble himself."
He paused, his tone still indifferent:
"As for seeking guidance... Those who cultivate should prioritize improving themselves. Competing for empty fame only expends mental energy and is useless for the Great Dao.
If Junior Brother Zhao is interested, he can display his skills to his heart's content during the Grand Competition."
He actually refused lightly.
Moreover, in his words, he characterized Zhao Yuan's challenge as "competing for empty fame."
Zhao Yuan's face instantly turned crimson, as if he had punched empty air, feeling utterly uncomfortable.
He hadn't expected Han Xuanji to be so "cowardly," lacking even the courage to face a direct challenge.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but sneer, his tone mocking: "Is Senior Brother Han... afraid? Indeed, constantly practicing behind closed doors, perhaps he hasn't even opened his Pill Furnace in a long time..."
"Zhao Yuan!"
Before he finished speaking, Su Ming's face beside him grew even uglier, his gaze sharp as a sword, piercing directly at Zhao Yuan:
"Watch your words! How can you presumptuously speculate about Senior Brother Han's Realm?"
Su Ming was usually easygoing with people, but now that he was angry, an undeniable Aura of authority emanated from him, causing Zhao Yuan's heart to tremble.
Su Ming looked at him coldly and continued: "Senior Brother Han is dedicated to the Great Dao and dislikes disputes. Why would he bother with such a petty quarrel with you? Since you are so eager to spar in the Dao of Pills with others..."
He stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, finally settling on Zhao Yuan's face, his voice clear:
"Having received guidance from Senior Brother Han and Junior Martial Uncle Yunmiao, I am also considered a Disciple of Purple Firmament Peak, so I accept your challenge, True Disciple of Sacred Forest Peak!"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present was astonished.
Su Ming personally stepped forward, accepting the challenge on behalf of Han Xuanji.
Zhao Yuan was first stunned, then his eyes burst with wild joy and Battle Intent.
To compete on the same stage with Su Ming, who was currently at the peak of his prestige, was exactly what he had longed for.
If he could defeat Su Ming, his reputation in the Dan Meridian would surely reach its zenith!
His Master would definitely look at him in a new light.
"Good! Senior Brother Su is quick-witted! It's a deal!"
Zhao Yuan, fearing Su Ming would go back on his word, immediately agreed, his face full of excitement.