Cultivation starts from simplifying the exercises

Chapter 2192 Imperial Capital

In the square, Chen Fei also saw several familiar and unfamiliar faces.

Xu Ziqian was among them, standing alone a short distance away, eyes closed in meditation, his aura becoming increasingly sharp and restrained. The battle in the inner sect competition had not only failed to dampen his spirits but had also led to a breakthrough, making his aura even purer.

The others were all extraordinary in bearing and possessed profound cultivation; they were all at the peak of the Tai Cang Realm.

Chen Fei recognized several of them; they were all veteran disciples of the Dan Chen Sect, renowned for many years. When they saw Chen Fei and Cao Feiyu, the two newcomers, their gazes were filled with scrutinizing curiosity.

Nine people from Danchen Sect have registered to participate in the Grand Competition of Ten Thousand Sects.

This number is not high among the many sects under the Yan Yang Immortal Dynasty. After all, the Grand Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects is extremely dangerous, and those who are not top geniuses will only increase casualties if they go.

Besides these nine participating disciples, there were hundreds of other figures in the square. They were disciples from other realms within the sect, inner sect elites who went to watch the battle and broaden their horizons, or steward disciples responsible for logistics and communication.

What's even more striking are the dozen or so figures standing on the steps of Zhenyuan Hall. They didn't deliberately emit any aura, but simply by standing there, they blended into the surrounding world, appearing majestic and awe-inspiring.

There were more than a dozen elders at the Heavenly Monarch Realm. The leader of them was dressed in a simple gray robe, with a thin face and eyes that seemed to hold the rise and fall of stars. He was none other than Zhang Duchuan, the Supreme Elder of the Danchen Sect and a top expert at the peak of the Heavenly Monarch Realm.

With the Supreme Elder personally leading the team and more than a dozen Heavenly Monarch Realm elders accompanying them, it is evident that Danchen Sect attaches great importance to this Grand Competition of Ten Thousand Sects.

Chen Fei and Cao Feiyu nodded to the other participating disciples, while Xu Ziqian kept his eyes closed and ignored them. The veteran disciples also gave only a faint response.

Soon, everyone had arrived. Elder Zhang Duchuan's gaze swept across the entire room like lightning. He didn't say much, but simply said, "Ascend the hall, let's depart."

The sound wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly.

The disciples responded in unison and ascended the Zhenyuan Hall in an orderly fashion.

The interior space is much larger than it appears from the outside, with several floors and complete with quiet rooms, halls, alchemy rooms, and more, resembling a mobile palace.

The nine disciples who participated were arranged on the top floor, each with their own private quiet room, to facilitate their final adjustments. The remaining disciples and stewards who were observing the competition stayed on the lower floor.

As the last person entered the hall, the heavy doors of Zhenyuan Hall slowly closed.

The palace trembled slightly, then burst forth with a dazzling black light, tearing through the clouds and transforming into a black streak of light that shot towards the center of the Flaming Sun Immortal Dynasty at an astonishing speed.

The flight through Zhenyuan Palace was extremely smooth, with almost no noticeable turbulence. Mysterious array patterns flowed across the black palace walls, completely isolating it from the turbulent winds and currents of the outside world.

After the initial silence, the atmosphere inside the hall became slightly more lively.

After all, the journey was not short, and even if Zhenyuan Palace moved at a fast speed, it would still take a day.

Many familiar disciples gathered in twos and threes, talking in hushed tones. The topics naturally revolved around the upcoming Grand Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects, discussing the formidable enemies they might encounter, or exchanging cultivation insights.

Chen Fei and Cao Feiyu stood on the corridor outside the upper-level quiet room, looking at the rapidly receding sea of ​​clouds and mountains through the light screen formed by the array.

Just then, a steady sound of footsteps came from behind.

Chen Fei turned his head and saw a tall figure walking over. It was Feng Butong, the most senior and recognized strongest disciple in the competition.

Feng Butong was dressed in a light blue casual outfit. He had a gentle and peaceful demeanor, and deep eyes, giving people a feeling of being bathed in a spring breeze yet unfathomable.

"Junior Brother Chen, Junior Sister Cao." Feng Butong walked up, a gentle smile on his face, and cupped his hands in greeting.

Chen Fei and Cao Feiyu dared not be negligent and quickly returned the greeting: "Senior Brother Feng."

"I've been wanting to have a chat with you two for a while, but I know you've just broken through and are at a crucial time for consolidating your cultivation, so I didn't want to disturb you."

Feng spoke casually, as if chatting with an old friend, "Now, being in Zhenyuan Palace, on the way to the center of the Immortal Dynasty, is just right."

Chen Fei smiled and said, "Senior Brother Feng, you are too kind. It should be us, the junior brothers and sisters, who should take the initiative to visit and ask for your guidance."

Cao Feiyu nodded gently beside her.

Feng Butong waved his hand, his smile still gentle: "Don't worry about these formalities. I'm a few years older and have more experience. The main reason I've come here is to tell you about the Ten Thousand Sects Grand Competition. Some things are quite different from the competitions within the sects."

Although his tone was calm, Chen Fei and Cao Feiyu both sensed the seriousness in it, and their expressions also became serious.

Feng Butong's gaze swept over Chen Fei and Cao Feiyu's sharp faces. He sighed inwardly, lowered his voice, and slowly said:

"The Grand Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects is nominally a competition to exchange skills and showcase the strength of the younger generation of each sect. But in reality, its brutality far exceeds your imagination."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Competitions within the sect are governed by sect rules and supervised by elders. They are limited to a point, and even if someone makes a mistake, there are miraculous medicines to treat them in time, so their life is rarely in danger."

However, although the Grand Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects has rules against deliberately killing, swords have no eyes, and supernatural powers are difficult to control.

Feng Butong's gaze deepened: "Once you step onto that competition stage, you'll each be subject to your own destiny. For victory, for the honor of your sect, and for your own path, everyone will give their all."

Accidental injuries, even resulting in the loss of cultivation or a drop in realm, are common occurrences.

Cao Feiyu felt a chill run down her spine. Although she knew the competition was dangerous, hearing Feng Butong say that such things often happened still sent a shiver down her spine.

"and,"

Feng Butong's voice was even deeper, "Once this situation occurs, according to convention, as long as it is not intentional torture, the sect usually will not pursue the matter."

We will not pursue this matter.

This means that on the competition stage, unless the opponent clearly violates the rules and tries to kill you, even if you are severely injured and your cultivation is completely destroyed, you can only accept your bad luck, and the sect will not stand up for you.

"so,"

Feng Butong looked at the two of them and said earnestly, "I have come here today to remind you. The Grand Competition of Ten Thousand Sects is indeed a stage to make a name for yourself and seize opportunities, but the premise is that you must live and preserve your foundation."

If you encounter an enemy you cannot defeat, or sense that the situation is unfavorable, never be reckless. Admit defeat promptly; it's not shameful. As long as you're alive, you can always rebuild. Temporary victories or defeats are far less important than the fundamental principles of the path.

Chen Fei and Cao Feiyu exchanged a glance, both seeing seriousness and understanding in each other's eyes. They knew that Feng Butong's words were a well-intentioned reminder out of camaraderie among fellow disciples, truly invaluable advice.

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother Feng. We understand now." Chen Fei solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute.

Cao Feiyu also bowed slightly: "Feiyu will remember Senior Brother's teachings."

Feng Butong smiled again, "You two are exceptionally talented and have unlimited potential. Consider this competition as a learning experience to broaden your horizons. Of course, it would be even better if you could achieve a good ranking. In short, be careful in everything you do."

He offered a few more words of encouragement to the two of them, then turned and left.

Chen Fei watched Feng Butong's retreating figure, feeling a surge of emotion. This Senior Brother Feng enjoyed prestige among the true disciples of Danchen Sect not only because of his strength, but also because of his magnanimity and care for his fellow disciples, which was truly admirable.

"The Grand Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects is fraught with peril," Cao Feiyu said softly, her delicate brows slightly furrowed.

Chen Fei withdrew his gaze, looked at her, and said earnestly, "Senior Brother Feng is absolutely right. When you step onto the competition stage, you must be careful and not be reckless. Safety first."

Cao Feiyu met Chen Fei's concerned gaze, a faint yet firm smile appearing on her face: "I understand. I won't joke about my own path. But you..."

She paused, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes, "You're much more stubborn than me..."

"I know what I'm doing, don't worry."

Chen Fei calmly looked in Xu Ziqian's direction, and their eyes met as Xu Ziqian glanced at him with his eyes open.

Xu Ziqian's eyes were cold and sharp. He glanced at Chen Fei, then slowly closed them again, giving only a casual look.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the corridor, Liu Ruxu stood beside Xu Ziqian, watching Feng Butong and Chen Fei leave after their conversation. She then witnessed the brief exchange of glances between Chen Fei and Xu Ziqian, and couldn't help but let out a cold snort.

"Hmph, Senior Brother Feng is so kind, even reminding them. They probably don't know that after the battle in the inner sect competition, Senior Brother, your mental state broke through and your cultivation stabilized at the peak of the Tai Cang Realm. Your control over Po Jun has reached a new level, almost completely refining it."

This grand competition of ten thousand sects is sure to surprise everyone.

Upon hearing this, Xu Ziqian kept his eyes closed.

The Zhenyuan Palace moved at incredible speed, traversing vast mountains and rivers and crossing countless cities. A day later, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth ahead suddenly became richer and more active, and a magnificent, ancient, and boundless aura swept over them.

Chen Fei and the others were allowed to come to the viewing platform outside the hall, where they saw a magnificent scene on the horizon that was beyond words.

It was not just a city, but a landmass suspended between heaven and earth. No, perhaps it would be more appropriate to call it a celestial continent.

Its area is so vast that it stretches as far as the eye can see, with mountains and rivers, palaces and pavilions, waterfalls and springs, spiritual fields and medicinal gardens... it has everything, with primordial energy swirling into mist, and countless rays of light and auspicious colors.

Countless streaks of light, like a meteor shower, converged from all directions, or shot out from this immortal continent in all directions.

Those streaks of light were none other than astonishing flying magical artifacts, some resembling palaces, others flying boats, some pulled by giant beasts, and still others shimmering with sword light, showcasing the extraordinary nature of each faction.

Even more breathtaking is that nine dazzling suns can be faintly seen floating in the sky above this celestial continent, radiating boundless light and heat, yet strangely not scorching, but instead making the entire celestial continent warm as spring, full of vitality.

Those were not real stars, but nine treasures of unimaginable quality, or rather, supreme immortal artifacts used by the Yanyang Immortal Dynasty to suppress its fortune.

"We've arrived at the heart of the Yan Yang Immortal Dynasty, the Imperial Capital." An elder murmured, his tone tinged with a mixture of emotion and awe.

Zhenyuan Palace slowed its pace, following the guiding light ahead, and landed at a designated docking area on the edge of the Immortal Continent. The closer they got, the more they could feel the prosperity and power of this celestial capital.

Below, the city stretches out in a continuous line, with numerous palaces and pavilions, bustling with activity and a constant flow of traffic.

The streets were wide and clean, large enough to accommodate dozens of carriages side by side, with shops lining both sides selling all kinds of elixirs, magical treasures, cultivation techniques, and rare items.

In the sky, cultivators occasionally flew by on their escape lights, their auras varying in strength. They were all from the Tai Cang Realm, and sometimes one could even sense a few terrifyingly vast auras flashing by.

Deep within that immortal continent, occasionally one or two even more terrifying auras would rise. Those auras made Chen Fei's very soul tremble slightly; were they beings surpassing the Profound Sky Realm?

This is the true golden age of cultivation, the true center of a celestial dynasty that rules over a vast region.

The Zhenyuan Palace was steadily docked on the designated floating platform. The platform was enormous, and thousands of flying magical artifacts of various shapes and sizes were already moored there, clearly representing different sects and forces.

Elder Zhang Duchuan put away the Zhenyuan Hall and led everyone down. Officials from the Celestial Dynasty were already there to greet them, verify their identities, and arrange for guidance.

The Danchen Sect naturally has its own outpost in Huangji Tiandu. It is a mansion located on the outskirts of Tiandu, covering a large area. Although it is not as luxurious as the central area, it still has pavilions and towers, abundant vital energy, and strict formations.

Led by an elder deacon, the group checked into their accommodations.

Zhang Duchuan summoned the nine participating disciples to the main hall and solemnly warned them again: "This place is the center of the Immortal Dynasty, with strict rules. You must remember not to cause trouble."

Private duels are strictly prohibited within the Heavenly Capital; violators will be severely punished. However, if anyone initiates a provocation, there is no need to back down; the laws of the Celestial Dynasty and the sects will stand up for you. Everything is for the sake of the Grand Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects.

"We will respectfully follow the teachings of the Supreme Elder." All the disciples bowed in unison.

"Alright, the competition will officially begin in three days. You are free to make your own arrangements during these three days, whether you choose to meditate and adjust, or go out and see the prosperity of Tiandu, but you must return to your residence before 5 PM each day. Go now." Zhang Duchuan waved his hand.

After the disciples dispersed, Chen Fei and Cao Feiyu left the Danchen Sect's outpost together and joined the bustling crowds on the streets of Tiandu.

The shops lining both sides of the street were dazzling with all sorts of strange and wonderful things for sale, many of which were rare treasures rarely seen outside the city. There were even shops openly selling fragments of martial arts manuals, ancient treasures, and exotic minerals, attracting many people to stop and watch, and to haggle over prices.

The air was thick with vital energy, even more abundant than some of the blessed lands within the Dan Chen Sect's inner sect. Occasionally, one could see the Immortal Dynasty Guards, clad in magnificent armor and exuding an air of solemnity, patrolling past to maintain order.

The two walked and stopped, and before they knew it, they had arrived at an extremely open area.

The place was bustling with noise, shouts, cheers, and the clanging of metal. From afar, one could feel the intense energy fluctuations and fierce fighting spirit.

“That is…” Cao Feiyu stared intently, and saw dozens of tall arenas standing in front of her, each of which was shrouded in a formation of light.

At this moment, on several arenas, figures are flying, supernatural powers are clashing, and dazzling light is shining as a fierce duel takes place.

What made Cao Feiyu's pupils shrink was that the aura emanating from those who were fighting was clearly that of the peak of the Tai Cang Realm.

Moreover, judging from their techniques, strength, and application of the rules, none of them are mediocre. If placed within the Danchen Sect, they would all be among the top disciples.

A large crowd of spectators surrounded the arena, creating a lively atmosphere. Some even set up makeshift betting odds, loudly announcing them and attracting many bettors. (End of Chapter)