Chapter 2444

Zhao Yunxiao and Qin Tianxue were disciples meticulously cultivated by the Ascension Faction. They practiced complementary cultivation methods and were destined to become the faction's leaders once they matured.

Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan stood up and greeted them politely, "Greetings, Senior Apprentice Brother Zhao and Senior Apprentice Sister Qin." Although they had been in the Xuanyang Realm for over two millennia, this was their first encounter with Zhao Yunxiao and Qin Tianxue.

As Chen Yueying's eldest disciple, Zhao Yunxiao naturally possessed exceptional aptitude, having a Water Heavenly Spirit Root. He cultivated diligently, often secluding himself, and rarely made public appearances. Having recently emerged from seclusion, he learned that Sun Yueshuo and He Yuyao were holding their Void Refinement celebration and naturally came to attend. He held He Yuyao in high regard, primarily out of respect for her master, Yang Qinglong.

Qin Ming and other Void Refinement cultivators rose to their feet to greet Zhao Yunxiao.

"Junior Apprentice Brother Wang, Junior Apprentice Sister Wang," Zhao Yunxiao said warmly, "I've finally met you both. Master often speaks of you." Zhao Yunxiao's tone was cordial, though these were, of course, mere pleasantries.

"I've long wanted to pay my respects, Senior Apprentice Brother Zhao," Wang Changsheng replied with a smile, "but you were always in seclusion."

Zhao Yunxiao nodded, his gaze settling on Sun Yueshuo and He Yuyao. He smiled and said, "Congratulations, Junior Apprentice Brother Sun and Junior Apprentice Sister He!"

Qin Tianxue took out two exquisite jade boxes and handed them to Sun Yueshuo, smiling as she announced, "These contain two top-grade sixth-tier demon cores and one Nine Dragon Pill!"

"The Nine Dragon Pill!" Sun Yueshuo gasped. While top-grade sixth-tier demon cores were valuable, the Nine Dragon Pill was a rare and highly sought-after treasure. He understood perfectly well that Zhao Yunxiao was showing deference to He Yuyao; other Void Refinement cultivators would never receive such a generous gift.

"Thank you, Senior Apprentice Brother Zhao, Senior Apprentice Sister Qin," Sun Yueshuo said gratefully. After expressing his thanks, Sun Yueshuo invited them to sit down, and everyone continued drinking and chatting.

Wang Ruyan sought Qin Tianxue's guidance on musical cultivation, and Qin Tianxue generously shared her detailed insights and experiences without reservation. As a disciple meticulously nurtured by the Ascension Faction, Qin Tianxue benefited from the Heavenly Sound Grand Formation assisting her cultivation and was supplied with musical materials to condense her Dharma Idol. Her cultivation speed was naturally exceptional.

Two hours later, the celebration concluded, and the cultivators dispersed to their homes.

"Junior Apprentice Brother Wang," Zhao Yunxiao transmitted via spiritual sense, "how about we find a place to spar?"

Wang Changsheng was initially taken aback, but quickly recovered, nodded, and agreed. He followed Zhao Yunxiao to an accessible valley overgrown with weeds.

"Junior Apprentice Brother Wang," Zhao Yunxiao proposed, "since we both cultivate our bodies and spirits, let's settle this with a single punch. There's no need to use our Dharma Idols." Wang Changsheng had no objections and agreed.

Dazzling blue light erupted from Zhao Yunxiao's body as his physique suddenly expanded, his veins bulging. He stepped forward, and the ground immediately fissured, with thick, long cracks appearing. His right fist, enveloped in a ball of blue light, hurtled towards Wang Changsheng, the air screaming in its wake.

Wang Changsheng showed no fear. A series of cracking sounds emanated from his bones as his body instantly expanded, his right fist glowing with blue light as he met the incoming strike. The two fists collided, unleashing a powerful shockwave that shattered the ground for miles around, kicking up a thick cloud of dust.

Wang Changsheng reeled back three steps, his face slightly flushed, while Zhao Yunxiao only took one step back. Surprise flickered in both their eyes. Wang Changsheng had consumed numerous body-tempering elixirs and believed his physical strength was considerable. However, he was still far behind Zhao Yunxiao, which was not surprising given Wang Changsheng's reliance on himself and his clan. After being accepted as Chen Yueying's disciple, Zhao Yunxiao never lacked body-tempering elixirs. From a young age, he had soaked in various spiritual liquids, received systematic guidance, and consumed abundant rare natural treasures to strengthen his physique. When he sparred with other body cultivators, his opponents would be sent flying much farther than three steps. Wang Changsheng was surprised by the significant gap between him and Zhao Yunxiao, whereas Zhao Yunxiao was surprised by how small the gap was between him and Wang Changsheng. Their differing perspectives naturally led to different interpretations.

"Junior Apprentice Brother Wang, your physical cultivation is impressive, but there's still room for improvement," Zhao Yunxiao said with a smile.

"Senior Apprentice Brother Zhao, your physique is truly powerful. I still have much to learn from you," Wang Changsheng replied sincerely. Wang Changsheng's sincere expression was entirely expected. Acquiring body-tempering elixirs was no easy feat for him, a stark contrast to Zhao Yunxiao, who had no such concerns.

Just then, a golden streak of light flew from a distance, stopping above the valley. The light receded, revealing a young woman in a golden strapless ruqun. She had willow-leaf eyebrows, delicate cherry lips, a refined nose, and lively eyes. Her hair was styled into "Flying Immortal" buns, adorned with a red butterfly hairpin from which slender beaded tassels cascaded. The young woman in gold, whose aura was slightly weaker than Zhao Yunxiao's, smiled and asked, "Senior Apprentice Brother Zhao, Junior Apprentice Brother Wang, are you sparring?"

"What is it, Junior Apprentice Sister Xu? Do you have some advice?" Zhao Yunxiao's tone was cold. The young woman in gold was Xu Huanhuan, Lin Tianlong's eldest disciple, and she possessed late-stage Void Refinement cultivation. As the eldest disciples of two rival faction leaders, their relationship was naturally strained due to the influence of their respective masters.

"I have no advice," Xu Huanhuan replied. "Master asked me to invite Junior Apprentice Brother Wang; he has something to ask you." Xu Huanhuan's gaze landed on Wang Changsheng, her face full of curiosity. She had heard of Wang Changsheng but had never met him in person until now. Like Zhao Yunxiao, Xu Huanhuan also spent most of her time in seclusion cultivating and rarely made appearances.

"Senior Martial Uncle Lin wants to ask me something?" Wang Changsheng paused for a moment, thinking of the artifact spirit.

"Go ahead, Junior Apprentice Brother Wang!" Zhao Yunxiao didn't dwell on it. Wang Changsheng bore the mark of the Ascension Faction, and their interests were intertwined, making them inseparable.

Wang Changsheng acknowledged, then left with Xu Huanhuan.

Soon after, Wang Changsheng found himself in a vast estate, where Lin Tianlong sat comfortably in a stone pavilion.

"Disciple greets Senior Martial Uncle Lin," Wang Changsheng said. Wang Changsheng bowed respectfully.

Lin Tianlong scrutinized Wang Changsheng, then praised, "Your physical cultivation is commendable, though there's still a slight gap compared to Junior Nephew Zhao. Junior Sister Chen remains somewhat stingy; you're establishing a clan as part of the Zhenhai Palace, yet she's reluctant to provide you with more body-tempering resources."

"Senior Martial Aunt Chen has been very good to me," Wang Changsheng stated carefully, not engaging with Lin Tianlong's implied criticism.

"I won't waste any more words with you," Lin Tianlong said, his expression serious. "After you arrived in the Xuanyang Realm, have you seen Fairy Ye? The artifact spirit who sent you up here?"

"No, I haven't," Wang Changsheng shook his head. "I wished to contact her, but I have no means to do so." As Wang Changsheng shook his head, he seemed to recall something and asked curiously, "Senior Martial Uncle Lin, who exactly is Senior Ye?"

"If I'm not mistaken," Lin Tianlong said, a look of reminiscence on his face, "she should be from the Ye family of Fairy Liuyun. Her true name is Ye Xuanji, and I once helped her with a small favor." Lin Tianlong's face showed a trace of reminiscence. He knew few Integration cultivators named Ye, and even fewer with whom he had a close relationship. Only Ye Xuanji possessed the ability to send Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan to the Xuanyang Realm.