Amidst the sky full of goose-feather snow, the bell chimed continuously.
This bell chime was different from the previous "Heaven and Earth Warning Bell". It was not rung from the Yuhua Heavenly Palace, but was transmitted from the "Mountain and River Courtyard," chime after chime, melodious and soothing, summoning many inner sect disciples and outer sect disciples.
Although outer sect disciples did not have the qualifications to participate in the Mountain and River Ranking tournament, they could watch and observe, improving their own cultivation and experience in various magical duels and actual combat.
In the midst of the bell chimes, disciple after disciple tramped through the heavy snow and rushed to the "Mountain and River Courtyard." That was the fighting arena for the tournament, with the Mountain and River Ranking hung up high.
"I heard that the sect's rewards for reordering the Mountain and River Ranking this time are quite rich. They have prepared a Treasure Artifact! There are also many highly powerful high-grade spirit artifacts. Rumor has it that there is also the reward of the Yin Yang Myriad Life Pill! This is fully several times richer than last year's Mountain and River Ranking rewards. I wonder who will get it this time?"
"The Gathering of Immortals of the Ten Sects of the Immortal Dao is also in these few years. The sect wants to produce a few more experts of the Mystic Realm of Divine Power among the inner sect disciples. Naturally, they will not be stingy with their capital to build up disciples with aptitude, so as to win face at the Gathering of Immortals."
"This time, Yuan Jiankong probably won't be able to keep his tenth place. His Silver Snake Sword was lost, and some time ago he was brutally beaten by Fang Han. He has completely lost face."
"This time, that Fang Han will probably get onto the Mountain and River Ranking. His strength is very good."
"Hmph? Get onto the Mountain and River Ranking? He probably won't even be able to keep his life! This person is arrogant and conceited, even daring to contradict Senior Brother Hua Tiandu. Many people on the Mountain and River Ranking are admirers of Senior Brother Hua; will they let him off this time? What's more, Senior Brother Ye Nantian has long wanted to deal with him, and put out word to make him suffer. You guys surely know Senior Brother Ye's strength, right?"
"Yes, Senior Brother Ye's strength is very terrifying."
"I wonder if anyone will be promoted to the Mystic Realm of Divine Power in this Mountain and River Ranking tournament? Rumor has it that in previous competitions, there were disciples who broke through on the spot, stepping into the Mystic Realm of Divine Power and shocking the whole audience."
"Probably not. The Mystic Realm of Divine Power is no trivial matter; it's reaching heaven in a single bound."
"Senior Sister Long might not be impossible."
"Ah! Senior Sister Long! She has actually dominated the first place on the Mountain and River Ranking for three consecutive sessions."
…
Many outer sect disciples and inner sect disciples were discussing. Fang Han squeezed in the crowd, feeling no joy or sorrow in his heart, pure and cold like ice and snow. He was wearing an ordinary Water-Fire Dao Robe, empty-handed, having brought nothing. Originally, his "Sound Killing Demonic Saber" was a high-grade spirit artifact with immense power, but he had lent it to "Princess Hongyi".
Although Princess Hongyi had a True Blue Sword, it couldn't see the light of day.
But this Sound Killing Demonic Saber was even more robust than the True Blue Sword. If Princess Hongyi used it, she would certainly shine brilliantly in the tournament.
Following the surging flow of people into the Mountain and River Courtyard, Fang Han looked for his own seat and sat down. He saw that scattered throughout the entire Mountain and River Courtyard were many, many arenas. Needless to say, they were definitely for the many inner sect disciples to compete on.
And in the very center of the Mountain and River Courtyard hung an enormous yellow list with large gilded characters, "Mountain and River Ranking"! Myriad rays of rosy light and thousands of strips of auspicious qi shone on it, emitting streams of majestic magic power; it was unknown whether it was a spirit artifact or a Treasure Artifact.
There were ten people's names on the Mountain and River Ranking.
Fang Han astonishingly saw Ye Nantian ranked in third place. The first place was a woman surnamed Long, called Long Xuan. Seeing this woman surnamed Long, he abruptly remembered the Senior Sister Long in yellow clothes he had encountered when he had just entered the inner courtyard and handed in the Asura bone spur.
"Could it be that she is number one on the Mountain and River Ranking?"
Thinking of that woman in yellow clothes, easily picking up the over hundred-catty Asura bone spur with two fingers, more effortlessly than holding chopsticks. He knew this woman was unfathomable.
Fang Han withdrew his mind and looked below the Mountain and River Ranking. There were rows of large chairs, where many sect elders and some true tradition disciples were seated. They were all conversing with each other, their gazes sweeping over the many disciples, seemingly evaluating them and pointing out the state of affairs.
Fang Han even saw Senior Sister Jialan, but Hua Tiandu was not present.
After about an hour, the entire Mountain and River Courtyard was filled everywhere with inner and outer sect disciples, circle upon circle, each occupying their spots. Yet it was not crowded.
The Mountain and River Courtyard was extremely large; it could be said to be the largest building of the Yuhua Sect. It could accommodate however many people there were.
The bell chime abruptly stopped, the lingering sound winding around, carrying a power that calmed people's minds. The entire Mountain and River Courtyard suddenly fell into complete silence, absolutely quiet, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
An elder stood up, his gaze sweeping around. Every disciple felt that he was staring at them, not daring to meet this elder's gaze. Just this single move showed that this elder was definitely an expert of the Mystic Realm of Divine Power.
"The Mountain and River Ranking martial arts competition is the rule established by our Yuhua Sect, to screen out outstanding disciples for cultivation. In the competition, you must bring out your true abilities, no putting on acts. This time the sect has brought out rich rewards to bestow upon outstanding disciples. Regardless of whether you enter the top ten, as long as you perform outstandingly, possessing sufficiently tough perseverance, extraordinary willpower, and clever wisdom, you can receive the reward you deserve. Let us begin!"
As this declaration to begin rang out, many "Half-Elders" mounted those competition arenas, brought out name lists, and announced the inner sect disciples for the competitions to come on stage.
There were originally over five thousand inner sect disciples. This time, there was a problem with the examination at the Heavenly Demon Battlefield, and all the examined disciples were promoted, causing the numbers to suddenly soar.
Therefore, this Mountain and River Ranking tournament was the most mixed bag ever. But no matter how many disciples there were, the strength of the Yuhua Sect arranged everything in perfect order; there absolutely would not be the slightest chaos.
"Arena No. 19, Fang Han, Yin Shihai!"
Fang Han heard his name called and immediately walked up. The gazes of many inner sect disciples and outer sect disciples looked over towards him. He was a celebrity now, a typical example of someone overestimating their own capabilities. They all wanted to see him make a fool of himself; even those grand elders looked towards him. Jialan also fixed her gaze upon him, a trace of surprise appearing on her face. She furrowed her brows, seeming to be contemplating something.
"The sealing great magic of the Yama Golden Body, as well as the hiding talismans refined by Yan, indeed have some effect. Although these people sensed the abnormality in my aura, they failed to perceive that I am an expert of the Mystic Realm of Divine Power."
Feeling the gazes of many grand elders, Fang Han secretly rejoiced in his heart that he was properly prepared.
He had long since hidden the magic power in his body deeply within his mind, and simultaneously sealed it with various spirit talismans, not showing the slightest aura of magic power. He could even hide it from some experts at the sixth or seventh layer of the Mystic Realm of Divine Power, but the time would not be too long. Once the time elongated, the seal would weaken, and he would be immediately discovered.
Yellow Springs was originally a synonym for secrecy and obscurity; the hiding talismans refined by Yan also had unique features.
Only upon encountering a strong enemy would he fiercely unseal it. Showing his strength too early now, letting others be prepared, would lead to trouble.
"You are that Fang Han who overestimates his capabilities? I heard your Seven Fiends Gourd was confiscated by Senior Brother Hua. Yet you actually beat up Yuan Jiankong, which shows some uniqueness. But Yuan Jiankong without the Silver Snake Sword is a piece of trash. Today, I really want to see what methods you have."
Standing opposite was Fang Han's opponent for this round, Yin Shihai! What he wore was not a Water-Fire Dao Robe, but a moon-white colored garment, its luster hidden, with streams of vortex-like magic power fluctuating rhythmically. Although it was not a spirit artifact, it was a Dharma robe stronger than the Water-Fire Dao Robe.
And in his hand, he held a sword. This sword was entirely made of jade, not metal, yet its sharp edge was exposed, brilliant light shining.
"This flying sword of mine is called 'Kun Jade', with a spirit array set up inside, and vigorous sword power. It is a legacy treasure of an ancient Qi Condensation cultivator that I accidentally found during a miraculous encounter in the ancient great mountain, Mount Kunwu. When I operate this sword with my mind, twenty-eight Black Yellow Horses couldn't even pull it. You'd better brace yourself!"
Yin Shihai chuckled, articulating the power of the "Kun Jade" sword in his hand word by word, attempting to exert pressure on Fang Han. This inner sect disciple was clearly also an extraordinary character.
Between this heaven and earth, there were many abandoned ancient cave dwellings that left behind many magical artifacts. Occasionally, there would be disciples who went exploring in barren mountains and had miraculous encounters.
As soon as Yin Shihai finished speaking, before Fang Han could speak, suddenly, a thick smoke plumed from his body. Immediately, the arena was shrouded in thick fog, and at the same time, he lost his tracks; his entire person seemed to have become invisible.
"Spirit Fog Barrier! Hiding Talisman?"
Fang Han took one look and practically blurted it out. The Spirit Fog Barrier was a type of Dharma talisman that could emit a vast thick fog within a radius of several miles, while a hiding talisman naturally hid one's figure.
However, the hiding talisman activated by this "Yin Shihai" actually hid even his flying sword together with him, which was somewhat more advanced than ordinary hiding talismans.
"Swish!"
From the thick fog, a formless, sharp golden wind tore through the air and struck!
In an instant! Stirring up thick fog! Hiding the body! Sacrificing the flying sword! Striking ruthlessly! This Yin Shihai was actually so formidable, doing it all in one smooth motion, making it impossible to defend against.
"Clang!"
A Dharma sword appeared astonishingly in Fang Han's hand, purple lightning sparking. It was the Dharma sword that Fang Qingxue had sacrifice-refined. With a casual swing, he unexpectedly blocked that formless sharp golden wind.
Amidst the loud noise, purple lightning sparked, and that formless golden wind crackled, revealing its physical form. It was exactly the "Kun Jade Sword," while the Dharma sword in Fang Han's hand also broke into two pieces.
The Kun Jade Sword was a flying sword spirit artifact; naturally, it could defeat a Dharma sword.
But once the Dharma sword broke, Fang Han did not pause. His body flashed, and he let out a long howl from his mouth. It was not the Heavenly Dragon Eight Sounds, but the authentic Noble Aura Long Song of the Yuhua Sect!
"The noble aura of Heaven and Earth, long song serving as a cry, dying to offer sacrifice to parting in death…"
The massive sound wave swept across; the thick fog, like wind sweeping away scattered clouds, was swept entirely clean. Even the "Kun Jade Sword" was shaken so much that it paused for a moment. In a corner of the arena, a shadow distorted and revealed its physical form; it was exactly Yin Shihai.
Fang Han didn't pause in the slightest. Within this long howl, he fiercely pounced forward, a flurry of fists and kicks, striking out an unprecedented fierce strong wind, all smashing onto Yin Shihai's body.
"Bang bang bang…" Bang… like driving a pile, before Yin Shihai could react, his body absorbed dozens of punches. The Dharma robe on his body was immediately shattered by the shock. Emitting a piercing scream, his entire person was swept off the arena like garbage, falling unconscious.
Clatter!
The Kun Jade Sword lost its command and fell to the ground.
Smack smack! Having succeeded in one move, Fang Han didn't even go pick up the sword. He clapped his hands, walked off the arena, and returned to where he was sitting, cleanly and efficiently.
"Fang Han wins!" That Half-Elder announced. Many disciples cast unusual looks at Fang Han. Just now, thick fog had risen on the arena, and ordinary disciples hadn't seen clearly how Fang Han had won, all bearing doubts in their hearts.
"He actually won? Could it be he has a magical treasure to block the Kun Jade Sword?"
"Maybe? Legend has it that he possesses some relationship with Jialan. Perhaps he borrowed another flying sword."
"Yuan Jiankong was not his opponent, so it's normal that this Yin Shihai couldn't fend him off."
"Look over there! Sword duels have begun."
Aside from Fang Han's spot, exciting battles were also taking place on the various arenas. The various inner sect disciples saw victories and defeats. Some disciples were seriously injured and were immediately carried down to receive treatment from the elders of the Mystic Realm of Divine Power.
With divine power treatments, as long as there was still a breath left, they could be turned around. However, for some whose injuries were too serious, a significant regression in martial arts was inevitable.
"Senior Brother Ye, I admit I am no match."
Right at this moment, on another arena, Ye Nantian was facing an inner sect disciple. This inner sect disciple voluntarily conceded without even making a move and jumped off the arena. Ye Nantian subdued the enemy's troops without fighting.
"Fang Han, to think you also won a match. It seems you still have some trump cards. However, I hope you don't run into me today; that way, you can still enjoy a few more hours of life." Seeing that Fang Han actually defeated his opponent, Ye Nantian's gaze turned cold. He stepped out, a smile that didn't reach his eyes on his face.
"I will make you regret saying this sentence."
Fang Han licked his lips.
"Haha…" Ye Nantian seemed to have encountered something hilarious: "Do you know? I have a Treasure Artifact on my body! This Treasure Artifact is fundamentally not something you can contend with; it is even superior to the Seven Fiends Gourd that you had confiscated. What are you going to use to contend against me? But when we do face off, I won't give you the chance to say the two words, 'I concede'."
As Ye Nantian spoke, he turned and left. These words of his were to exert pressure on Fang Han and make his mind tense.
"If I hadn't cultivated to the Mystic Realm of Divine Power, I really would be unsettled by this series of words of yours, but now…" Fang Han sneered in his heart, but closed his eyes to rest his mind.
Whether it was a coincidence, or someone specially arranged it, right after Fang Han had closed his eyes to rest his mind for a short while, the second round of competition began again! The elder announcing the names of the opposing sides had a loud voice, and suddenly shouted out the first one.
"Fang Han! Ye Nantian! Arena Number One!"
As soon as this shout came out, the entire venue was instantly shocked. A chorus of rising and falling sounds of surprise and voices of doubt resounded into a continuous expanse.
"They're actually facing off so soon!"
"Senior Brother Ye and this Fang Han actually got matched against each other. This time, that Fang Han is in trouble! How could he be Senior Brother Ye's opponent."
"That's right, Senior Brother Ye hides his depth. Legend has it that he has a Treasure Artifact on him! Moreover, he recently cultivated on Wanluo Peak for two months, I'm afraid he is even more unfathomable!"
"Let's watch Fang Han be unlucky."
Yet Fang Han, amidst this venue full of discussion, stood up.