“How’s your Spiritual Energy recovery coming along, Fairy Yao Meng?” she asked with a smile.

“It hasn’t recovered much until yesterday.”

Yao Meng picked up the teacup, took a sip, and continued, her beautiful green eyes fixed on Shang Yanfei, “But starting today, my recovery speed has increased a hundredfold.”

Shang Yanfei smiled brightly. “That’s good, isn’t it?”

“I’m not particularly concerned about my Spiritual Energy recovery,” Yao Meng said with a chuckle.

Now that the rules of heaven and earth had changed, she could quickly absorb Spiritual Energy even without Mu Zhi’an’s Innate Celestial Furnace.

After all, the Spiritual Energy in the Nine Realms was becoming increasingly dense. The era of immortals was returning.

But because of this, she couldn’t use ‘Spiritual Energy depletion’ as an excuse to… utilize Mu Zhi’an’s Innate Celestial Furnace anymore.

“The rules of heaven and earth have changed. You should know why, Sect Master,” she said, finally revealing her true purpose for coming here.

“The Primordial Demon Emperor’s death, the demise of a Dao Integration cultivator, has triggered a change in the rules. Multiple Soul Transformation cultivators will appear within the next hundred years,” Shang Yanfei replied calmly. “This is a good thing for cultivators.”

“Was this also part of your plan?” Yao Meng asked.

Shang Yanfei shook her head and chuckled. “I’m not a god. I can’t predict everything.”

“But after this incident, Dao Integration cultivators will need to enter seclusion for a while,” she added softly.

The changes in the rules of heaven and earth required time. During this period, if a Dao Integration expert intervened, it would likely disrupt the natural order, preventing the arrival of the era of immortals.

“It doesn’t matter to me,” Yao Meng said with a chuckle.

Besides cultivation, she had found a new… hobby.

This hobby alone could keep her entertained for a very long time.

Although it might require Mu Zhi’an to expend a bit more… effort.

“You gave the Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence to the Demon Realm Empress… also because of this?” Yao Meng asked.

Shang Yanfei’s lips curved into a slight smile. “That woman doesn’t care about the era of immortals. The Primordial Demon Emperor’s essence will keep her occupied for a while.”

Yao Meng set down her teacup, glanced at the book on the table, flipped through it casually, then said, “Can I borrow this for a couple of days?”

Shang Yanfei smiled faintly. “I’ve already memorized its contents. Consider it a gift.”

Seeing that Yao Meng was about to leave after putting away the book, Shang Yanfei asked, “Are you leaving already?”

Yao Meng glanced at her and smiled. “Isn’t it the Ascension Ceremony today? I’m just going for a stroll and checking on that child’s progress.”

“Watching your Dao Companion grow is quite satisfying. You should try it sometime, Sect Master.”

Under Yao Meng’s gaze, Shang Yanfei, the beautiful and mysterious Sect Master in a black dress, suddenly smiled.

“I’ll consider it.”

…

Meanwhile.

“This is strange… Her Majesty wouldn’t make such a careless mistake. If she truly favored Mu Zhi’an, she wouldn’t have exposed his connection to the Demon Realm.”

Ying Guhuan leaned back in her chair, looking up at Mu Zhi’an, who was approaching on his sword, a thoughtful expression in her eyes.

After the Jade Empress achieved Dao Integration, she had bestowed blessings upon the peak masters who had helped Mu Zhi’an. Ying Guhuan was one of them.

She was now at the eighth-grade Nascent Soul Realm, only a step away from Soul Transformation.

Her increased strength had also enhanced her perception, and as a former member of the Demon Realm, she was naturally familiar with the aura emanating from Mu Zhi’an.

Even she, at the eighth-grade Nascent Soul Realm, felt a sense of awe towards his current aura.

To others, Mu Zhi’an might seem unchanged, but to Ying Guhuan, it was as if a seductive and alluring giant python was coiled around him!

“Mu Zhi’an.”

The elder’s indifferent voice rang out from the stage.

According to the rules, if a participant didn’t arrive within the time limit of a burning incense stick, they would automatically forfeit.

And now, the incense was almost completely burned.

Many cultivators looked up at the black dot in the distance.

Whether Mu Zhi’an was coming or not, once the incense burned out, he would be disqualified from the Ascension Ceremony.

The onlookers felt a pang of regret.

Many weren’t impressed by Mu Zhi’an’s talent. They only knew him because of his Dao Companion and his sisters.

Everyone acknowledged Bai Ruoxi’s talent and beauty, but Mu Zhi’an was different… Most believed they were an ill-matched couple.

One was a prodigy with the potential to reach the Soul Transformation Realm, the other a mere fourth-grade Core Formation cultivator, just an ordinary disciple with slightly above average talent.

The cultivators from all over the Nine Realms were impressed by the beauties within the Two Polarities Sect, and upon learning that the inner disciple from Boundless Sea Peak already had a Dao Companion, they were naturally curious about his identity.

Many were waiting to see Mu Zhi’an make a fool of himself.

No matter how popular he was within the sect, or how tactful he was, it wouldn’t matter in the Ascension Ceremony. Strength was the only thing that mattered.

If he was eliminated in the first round, his name would become a laughingstock.

Of course, being eliminated for being late was less interesting than being defeated in battle. For whatever reason, they all wanted to see him compete.

Even the Hidden Sword Peak disciple on stage felt the same way.

The incense stick was almost completely burned, and the elder on the stage looked up.

Boom!

The figure in the distance transformed into a streak of light, accelerating as he flew towards them, finally landing on the stage just in time.

“I apologize for the delay. I encountered some unexpected issues along the way,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile, glancing at the incense stick. “But it seems I made it just in time.”

The elder nodded slightly, looked at the Hidden Sword Peak disciple on stage, and said, “Since everyone is here, prepare yourselves.”

Yan Ruyu looked at Mu Zhi’an, her beautiful eyes filled with a hidden worry despite her calm expression.

Although she believed in his abilities, this Hidden Sword Peak disciple was at the peak of the fifth-grade Core Formation Realm, almost two grades higher than Mu Zhi’an.

If it weren’t for the Martial Realm trial, it wouldn’t be a problem. But Mu Zhi’an’s cultivation level had dropped to the initial stage of the fourth-grade after the tribulation… This difference in strength was concerning.

Ning Yuan, the Peak Master of Drunken Dream Peak, noticed her worry and chuckled. “Don’t worry, Junior Sister. Many have come from all over the Nine Realms for this Ascension Ceremony. We should be united against our common enemies. Even if Mu Zhi’an is eliminated, we still have disciples from my Drunken Dream Peak.”

Yan Ruyu smiled faintly. “There’s no need for you to concern yourself with my disciple, Senior Brother Ning. I have faith in him.”

She ignored Ning Yuan and looked at the stage where Mu Zhi’an stood.

Ning Yuan opened his mouth, as if wanting to say something, but seeing her cold expression, he held back.

Yu Xuanji, the Peak Master of Heavenly Secrets Peak, couldn’t help but chuckle. “Although you’re at the sixth-grade Nascent Soul Realm, Senior Brother Ning, when it comes to pursuing women, I’m afraid you’re no match for that disciple of hers.”

Among the peak masters, Yan Ruyu was the youngest, and her beauty and intelligence made her incredibly popular, not only among the peak masters but also among the disciples.

However, she rarely interacted with others intimately. In the past, when she was still on Dao Peak, she had been very close to her senior sister, Yu Ziyan, but they had drifted apart due to some disagreements.

Looking at the two disciples on stage, a peak master suddenly chuckled. “Who do you think will win this Ascension Ceremony?”

“It will naturally be my disciple from Boundless Sea Peak,” Yi Hao said confidently.

He had absolute faith in Bai Ruoxi’s talent and strength. Even with so many geniuses participating, she would ultimately emerge victorious.

Yu Ziyan chuckled. “My two disciples are no less talented than Bai Ruoxi. If they encounter each other, the outcome is uncertain.”

“Among their peers, in terms of pure cultivation level, besides Lan Mulian, no one can compare to my disciple, Wei Mengrou,” the Metamorphic Jewel Peak Master said proudly.

At this moment, the nine peak masters were clearly divided. Some were smiling confidently, while others remained silent.

In the past, when competing for these talented inner disciples, they hadn’t participated, choosing other promising disciples instead.

The reason was simple: they felt it was beneath them.

They didn’t want to expend too many resources just to recruit an inner disciple.

But who would have thought that this Ascension Ceremony would become the focus of the entire Nine Realms?

For peak masters, recruiting disciples was primarily about fame, and the easiest way to gain fame was through their disciples’ achievements.

Reaching the top ten in the Ascension Ceremony would bring them fame and glory.

Whenever someone saw a talented disciple who had achieved a high ranking in the Ascension Ceremony, they would remember who their master was… It was a matter of pride.

And now…

The peak masters who hadn’t competed for those talented disciples were filled with regret.

This was a great opportunity for their peaks to gain recognition, but because of their ‘pride’, they could only watch as the other peaks shone.

However, they still had someone to look down on…

The Peak Masters and elders of Hidden Sword Peak and other peaks glanced at Mu Zhi’an, who was standing on a distant stage.

Even if their disciples were eliminated before reaching the top hundred, they were still better than this disciple of Yan Ruyu’s.

After all, most of their disciples were around the fifth-grade Core Formation Realm, while Mu Zhi’an was only at the fourth-grade.

And he was unlucky enough to encounter a genius at the peak of the fifth-grade in his first match.

“It seems Mu Zhi’an is about to lose to Yuan Ping,” the Vice Peak Master of Hidden Sword Peak suddenly said.

Everyone’s gazes shifted to Mu Zhi’an. His Spiritual Energy was unstable, his breathing ragged, and he was surrounded by nearly thirty swords. As Yuan Ping formed hand seals, the swords attacked him relentlessly.

“He must have exhausted a lot of Spiritual Energy rushing here. He hasn’t recovered yet,” Yu Ziyan said, frowning slightly.

“This is the Ascension Ceremony. He’s already weaker than Yuan Ping, and he was even late. He can’t blame anyone but himself if he loses,” Ning Yuan said, shaking his head.

“Yuan Ping is my disciple. There’s no shame in losing to him,” Xiao Lin said with a hearty laugh, looking at Yuan Ping with a satisfied expression.

Then, he turned to Yan Ruyu and chuckled. “When you chose Mu Zhi’an as your inner disciple, Junior Sister, I thought you had discovered some hidden talent in him. But now it seems you simply took a liking to his face.”

Mu Zhi’an’s current performance was indeed disappointing. It was no wonder Xiao Lin was enjoying his misfortune.

Yu Ziyan smiled at Yan Ruyu. “If you regret your decision, Junior Sister, you can always send him to my Dao Peak. He can be my inner disciple.”

Yan Ruyu’s expression remained calm as she looked at the arena, ignoring them.

On the stage, Yuan Ping, nine swords swirling behind him, looked at Mu Zhi’an, who was surrounded by swords, his breathing ragged, and chuckled. “Although Lady Bai is incredibly talented, her taste in men seems to be… lacking.”

He had heard of Mu Zhi’an before, not because of his talent, but because he was the Dao Companion of that talented beauty from Boundless Sea Peak.

Although he wouldn’t directly provoke Mu Zhi’an, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of dissatisfaction. In his opinion, Mu Zhi’an wasn’t worthy of Bai Ruoxi.

Mu Zhi’an looked at the swords surrounding him, then at Yuan Ping, and chuckled. “Love has nothing to do with talent, Brother Yuan. You seem to have some misunderstandings about relationships.”

Yuan Ping’s eyes held a hint of mockery. “You’re only at the fourth-grade Core Formation Realm, Dao friend Mu, while Lady Bai, if I’m not mistaken, is already at the seventh-grade or higher. After she reaches the Nascent Soul Realm and experiences more of the world, her standards will also rise, and then, she’ll…”

“She’ll realize how outstanding her Mu Lang is?” Mu Zhi’an interrupted him with a smile.

Being interrupted angered Yuan Ping. “She’ll realize that there are many talented cultivators in the world, and she has many choices,” he said coldly.

“As the saying goes, one shouldn’t abandon their wife who shared their hardships… Wait, I’m starting to sound like the female lead… Anyway,”

He looked at the Hidden Sword Peak disciple and chuckled. “I don’t think I’m that weak.”

“Whether you’re weak or not… is up to me to decide.” Yuan Ping sneered, forming a hand seal. Nearly thirty swords shot towards Mu Zhi’an!

Even if Mu Zhi’an wasn’t weak, if he was eliminated in the first round of the Ascension Ceremony, the other disciples and cultivators would surely look down on him.

Mu Zhi’an stared at the incoming swords. “You…”

You talk too much… A cold glint appeared in Yuan Ping’s eyes as he drew his sword and charged towards Mu Zhi’an.

Mu Zhi’an took a step forward.

And at that moment, the world turned gray.

The swords froze in mid-air, Yuan Ping’s movements stilled, and the wind stopped blowing.

After obtaining a portion of the Primordial Witch’s power, Wei Mengrou’s ability had indirectly become one of Mu Zhi’an’s!

Two seconds later, time resumed its flow.

By the time Yuan Ping reacted, Mu Zhi’an was already standing before him. Then, he punched!

The force of his seemingly simple punch sent a shockwave through Yuan Ping’s body, sending him flying off the stage like a cannonball.

The elder in the sky, his eyelids twitching slightly, announced calmly, “Mu Zhi’an wins!”

Silence fell over the arena.

Even the elders were stunned.

What had Mu Zhi’an done in those two seconds? Even they hadn’t been able to see it clearly.

The peak masters, who had been commenting on his performance earlier, were also surprised.

What technique had he used? They couldn’t figure it out…

Yu Ziyan, as if sensing something, instinctively glanced behind her.

Not far away, a beautiful fairy in a green dress hovered in the air, her jade-like feet bare, her aura ethereal, her clear green eyes fixed on Mu Zhi’an.

Her movement caught the attention of the other peak masters, and as they turned to look, their hearts skipped a beat.

The Jade Empress…?

Why is she here…?

Not all the peak masters and elders knew about Mu Zhi’an’s relationship with the Jade Empress. So far, only the few female peak masters who had discovered his Innate Celestial Furnace secret were aware of it.

But they hadn’t told anyone else.

Yan Ruyu, looking at the young man on stage, relaxed slightly, a faint smile appearing in her eyes. She glanced at Xiao Lin and chuckled. “Senior Brother Xiao, have you ever considered… why I would accept him as my inner disciple if he was just an ordinary fourth-grade Core Formation cultivator?”

Xiao Lin frowned and murmured, “He’s not just from the Book Pavilion… He’s also the Jade Empress’s disciple?”

Yan Ruyu smiled enigmatically, not answering.

Xiao Lin frowned, glancing at Mu Zhi’an on stage, then he calmed himself down and looked at the fairy in the green dress behind him.

She was smiling faintly, her green eyes fixed on Mu Zhi’an, her gaze filled with tenderness… and a hint of something else.

He had heard that Mu Zhi’an saved the Jade Empress’s life. It wouldn’t be surprising if she took him as her disciple… Xiao Lin thought.

If that was the case, it would explain why Junior Sister Yan had accepted him as her inner disciple… After all, she had also received a blessing from the Jade Empress because of him.

As Xiao Lin thought about this, he remembered Yan Ruyu’s knowing smile earlier.

He frowned, as if realizing something. A thought, like a bolt of lightning, flashed through his mind, and his heart skipped a beat. He instinctively looked at Mu Zhi’an again and saw him meeting the Jade Empress’s gaze.

Even they, the peak masters, wouldn’t dare to look at the Jade Empress like that. Why would a mere Core Formation cultivator be so disrespectful…?

Xiao Lin’s eyes flickered as he glanced at Yan Ruyu, an absurd thought crossing his mind.

…Dao Companions?