Celestial Refining Divine Scripture

In an environment akin to the earth’s marrow and molten rock, Xu Yang was drenched in sweat like rain.

The Celestial Refining Divine Tripod loomed to one side, while four Daluo divisions quaked as if mired in swampy turbulence.

One moment maintaining clarity of consciousness under the onslaught of ancient Evil Qi, the next resisting the corrosion of Fire Fiend.

Within his body, the Celestial Refining Divine Scripture circulated at breakneck speed; the Immortal Seed shone like a phantom sun, igniting ceaseless, violent waves that surged about the void of his Dantian.

Ordinary people could never fathom such a scene.

The erosion of Fire Fiend alone would render one tormented beyond death, vigilant at every moment.

Who would dare to split their focus in here, let alone cultivate saber techniques?

If there were a projection, those outside would surely be driven mad.

Xu Yang was wholly unaware of the crowd beyond, unwilling to spare even a wisp of attention, devoting himself utterly to cultivation.

Only thus could he suppress the ever-burgeoning frenzy, and guard his spiritual altar.

Time slipped away in silence.

"Still not coming out?"

"If he keeps me waiting in here any longer, I’ll die."

"Does he intend to surpass Ye Qingchen?"

"His cultivation is lower—if he breaks another’s record, surely it won’t be for long..."

"It’s been over an hour since he beat Yang Yuan’s record for the third trial."

...

"Brother Duan, that one’s a formidable opponent."

"This year’s new talent selection—there are but two spots for seed disciples."

Wang Li murmured in a ghostly undertone.

Duan Tianyang’s face twitched involuntarily.

If he failed to seize a spot as a seed disciple, he’d bring shame upon his Golden Immortal master.

Though he’d never fought Xu Yang, could not even imagine the clash, the fact that Xu Yang could last this long—his strength was truly terrifying!

A true rival!

"No matter what, I can still secure one spot." Duan Tianyang sneered coldly.

Wang Li still tried to stoke enmity between him and Xu Yang?

Even if I’m not his match—with two spots, I only have to make sure I’m second to him.

Hearing this, Wang Li’s face subtly changed; he smiled awkwardly, then suddenly said, "But what if Yang Xiao wants in too?"

Yang Xiao!

Duan Tianyang’s face darkened, and he replied coolly, "If he wants to fight, so be it. Seed discipleship concerns the very foundation of our immortal sect; when the time comes, the Sect Leader and all elders will be present—everything depends on strength alone."

Even if it meant making an enemy of the Yang Family, he would not hesitate!

Upon hearing this, Wang Li fell silent for good.

Elsewhere—

Lin Yue whispered, "Mr. Yang, do you plan to compete for one of the two seed disciple spots in this new selection?"

Yang Xiao licked his lips and replied, "I’d like to, but one must have the strength."

He was all too clear-eyed about himself.

Currently still at the Early Stage of True Immortal—even with an immortal treasure, he had no hope of contending.

"My brother told me—in this, I’m not to resort to any tricks."

Yang Yuan had spoken frankly to him that day.

Without the strength, absolutely do not interfere.

For a seed disciple is the future of the sect!

Backdoor schemes? Underhanded tricks?

Such would surely breed loathing for the Yang Family among the immortals!

No need for that!

Lin Yue glanced back at Duan Tianyang, Wang Li, and the others.

With Yang Xiao stepping aside, the rest were at ease—until Xu Yang emerged.

With that level of power, to claim Xu Yang had no interest was simply impossible!

"The ranking changed!"

"Hiss—second place!"

"Xu Yang has reached second place on the third trial."

"He’s actually broken Ye Qingchen’s record!"

"Oh my heavens!"

"A monster!"

...

Exclamations crashed like waves; the shifting ranks atop the fire pillar instantly ignited the entire crowd.

Yang Xiao’s face was especially unsightly.

Swish!

A figure suddenly appeared at the entrance to the Fiendfire Grotto.

Immortal light scattered; Xu Yang’s figure was revealed.

He hunched slightly, breathing raggedly, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth, his aura wild and chaotic.

"Hmph!"

Xu Yang gritted his teeth and snorted, igniting the Immortal Seed to forcibly suppress a portion of the Fire Fiend within.

"It’ll take several days yet to fully refine it."

The Fire Fiend had accumulated too densely—impossible to purge in a short time.

But with the Celestial Refining Divine Tripod and Scripture, two or three days and he’d refine it utterly, leaving no hidden dangers!

"That’s Xu Yang, is it?"

All eyes locked upon Xu Yang in unison.

Xu Yang felt barbs on his back; he turned slowly and was stunned to behold a dark throng of people.

Why are there so many?

Yang Xiao, Duan Tianyang, Lin Yue...

One familiar face after another entered his field of vision; Xu Yang’s brow furrowed, and he dragged his exhausted body to one side to sit cross-legged.

"A first-class Immortal Soldier!"

"Good heavens, he cleared to second on the third trial, and he still ranks as a first-class Immortal Soldier—how deep must his foundation be?"

"If he breaks through to True Immortal, he’ll at least achieve a sixth-grade immortal root!"

Among the entire inner sect, seed disciples included, there are precious few with sixth-grade roots.

As for seventh or eighth grade—those, you can count on one hand.

"Mr. Yang, what shall we do?"

Lin Yue lowered his voice.

Now, just looking at Xu Yang made his liver quiver in fright.

He himself was peak Middle Stage of True Immortal—could he even stand against Xu Yang in a fight?

Second place on the third trial—that spoke for itself!

Yang Xiao’s face darkened and paled by turns, then abruptly he strode towards Xu Yang.

That single movement drew every eye in the courtyard.

"Yang Xiao’s headed over."

"Looks like this guy’s offended Yang Xiao."

"Now we’ll see a show."

"Though Yang Xiao’s background is formidable, Xu Yang’s feat is unprecedented—this commotion is too great, not even the sect can ignore it."

...

"Let them fight! They must fight!"

Duan Tianyang prayed in secret.

No one wished for another such terrifying rival.

"Xu Yang, you sure hid well. I searched for you for over two months, you know how exhausting that was?"

Yang Xiao drew near, fixing Xu Yang with a low, menacing gaze.

Xu Yang opened his eyes, regarding him coolly. "Did I ask Mr. Yang to look for me?"

"You—"

Yang Xiao was stalled, his expression dark as he said icily, "You’re bold, daring to disregard me. Still, I’ll admit, you have some skill!"

"I’m giving you one last chance!"

"Perfect timing—before new and old disciples alike, apologize to me, admit your mistake; our grudge will be settled in full!"

"I’m being more than generous."

Xu Yang chuckled in exasperation.

"Truly worthy of the title ’Mr. Yang’—so domineering!"

"Pray tell, where am I at fault? Why must I apologize to you?"

"If there’s a need to apologize, it is you, Yang Xiao, who should apologize to me!"

Xu Yang narrowed his eyes, sneering coldly.

The crowd erupted in tumult!

Yet some gazes shone with excitement.

Yang Xiao froze, trembling with fury.

He’d already given ground—never expecting Xu Yang to show him no face at all.

Snubbing Yang Yuan, snubbing the Yang Family!

"Do you truly think I fear you?"

Yang Xiao glared fiercely, murderous.

Xu Yang said mildly, "The Immortal Sect has rules—private duels are forbidden."

"If you wish to strike, I won’t accompany you."

"Kindly don’t interfere with my recovery."

"Xu Yang, you’re one tough bastard!"

Yang Xiao choked down his rage, flicked his sleeve and strode away.

Midway, he suddenly shot a look at Ye Qingchen.

Then, to everyone’s surprise, he walked straight up to Ye Qingchen.

Ye Qingchen’s brows knit slightly, puzzled as to Yang Xiao’s intentions.

Arriving before Ye Qingchen, Yang Xiao shed his gloom and anger, greeted him with a smile and a courteous nod, and moved his lips in silence so no one could hear.

This display left all the onlookers itching with curiosity. What are they saying?

Soon, Ye Qingchen’s expression twisted and changed as he fixed his gaze on the seated Xu Yang, drawing a long breath.

No wonder he hails from the Yang Family!

Whatever Yang Xiao offered, Ye Qingchen found it truly impossible to refuse.