HPMC Chapter 19

After Foundation Establishment came the Golden Core stage, but because the number of Golden Core cultivators was far lower, a one-on-one combat system was adopted from the start. In battles of this level, the Golden Core masters moved so quickly that Mu Zirun couldn’t see them clearly. He treated the experience like watching a movie, secretly studying the techniques used by the Foundation Establishment cultivators he had just witnessed.

By this time, it was getting late, and the lower-level cultivators were growing hungry. The Xinyi Sect provided the meals. Although this sect was predominantly female, most of its members possessed specialized skills, particularly in weapon crafting. It made sense; while everyone liked taking shortcuts, such paths never lasted, and one needed a solid foundation. Consequently, no matter how unrestrained the disciples seemed, they were all exceptionally talented and beautiful, and the sect itself was quite wealthy. The expenses of a single grand gathering were nothing to them.

Female disciples from the Xinyi Sect gracefully made their way to the various stone platforms carrying trays. Their cultivation levels weren’t high, at most Foundation Establishment, and they primarily catered to disciples of a similar rank. The Nascent Soul and higher-level cultivators, however, were served by beautiful Golden Core cultivators riding on auspicious clouds, a privilege unavailable to the lower-ranking disciples. Even a mid-level sect like the Jiuyang Sect was only sent three Foundation Establishment female disciples; while they were beautiful, their looks weren’t exceptional, though their demeanor remained ethereal.

Of course, although everyone emphasized quiet cultivation, not every disciple possessed true composure. When the beautiful young women approached, many men feigned calmness but couldn’t help stealing glances; the Xinyi Sect’s female disciples were simply that striking.

Yu Tianze sat coldly at the highest point. As a special representative of the Jiuyang Sect, he would not be slighted. Soon, a beautiful Golden Core female cultivator gracefully landed beside him to serve the Nascent Soul cultivators. She immediately noticed the imposing Yu Tianze. His handsome appearance, luxurious robes, and inexplicable aloofness naturally drew her eye.

However, upon seeing him, her pretty face contorted slightly before she could force a charming smile. “Master Yu, my Xinyi Sect has specially prepared the finest demon beast meat. Please choose.”

She felt incredibly unlucky. How had she been assigned to serve such a strange, uncaring master? What use were his good looks if he was neither gentle nor considerate? He clearly didn’t understand a woman’s feelings. Could she even hope to marry someone like him? It was a waste of time! She had even heard that a former sister of hers had almost been cast aside by him simply for being too close. How rude!

Yu Tianze said coldly, “Bring it here.”

The female cultivator hesitated. It was said that all previous sisters had been sent away. She had expected to simply endure his rude expression, but could it be…? Her face flushed slightly as she wondered if she had misunderstood him. Perhaps this venerable one simply hadn’t encountered the right person yet?

“What are you daydreaming about?” Yu Tianze asked impatiently. “Bring it here!”

The woman’s reverie shattered, her smile freezing. He hadn’t changed at all; she had definitely misunderstood. Taking a deep breath to maintain her composure, she walked over and presented the tray with both hands. “Venerable One, please.”

Yu Tianze raised his hand and pulled Mu Zirun toward him. “Come and see.”

Mu Zirun was moved. He had seen the woman’s reaction and could infer what was happening. His Peak Master had likely never eaten during these events before, yet he had made an unprecedented move today all for Mu Zirun’s sake. Blinking, Mu Zirun lowered his head and began selecting from the small dishes.

The menu was extensive, featuring over thirty kinds of demon beast meat. While none were of the highest quality, they were the most flavorful. To the right was a treasure box divided into compartments. To Mu Zirun, it looked remarkably like a lunchbox from his previous life. He carefully selected about ten kinds, mostly those he knew Yu Tianze had eaten before.

Yu Tianze noticed this, and the light in his eyes softened. Being valued felt entirely different from being ignored. “Pick what you like,” he added.

Mu Zirun looked up and smiled. “Okay.”

Before long, he had filled the compartments of the treasure box. The female cultivator noticed that Yu Tianze was unusually agreeable today, but unfortunately, that warmth wasn’t directed at a beauty like her, but at a callow youth.

“Please enjoy your meal, Master,” she said with another sweet smile. But as she turned away, her face turned pale. Her pride had been trampled. It wasn’t until she received admiring responses from other Nascent Soul cultivators that her frustration subsided. She vowed to tell all her sisters about Yu Tianze’s despicable behavior. She hoped he would never again catch the eye of a Xinyi Sect disciple.

Yu Tianze was unaware he had offended her or that he might become a pariah among the Xinyi Sect. He was simply in a good mood, sitting with his disciple and preparing to eat. Mu Zirun didn’t notice the woman’s thoughts either. He proceeded to divide the meat, serving his Peak Master first. The two continued eating while watching the Golden Core battles. The next match was between a cold-eyed female cultivator and a burly man, a classic “beauty and the beast” scenario.

“In this match, the male cultivator will definitely lose,” Yu Tianze said, seizing the opportunity to educate the boy.

Mu Zirun was taken aback, but sure enough, colorful snowflakes floated up behind the woman as she summoned a magical mirror. With a resonant clang, the snowflakes gathered and condensed into the shape of a mountain that smashed into the man’s forehead. Blood gushed as he tried to resist, but after several more strikes, he lay flat on the ground.

“Although this female cultivator is not frivolous, one must still be careful,” Yu Tianze warned.

Mu Zirun understood. In his past life, women were often categorized as “soft” or “tough,” but in this life of cultivation, a narrow bridge where only the strong survived, the “soft” option didn’t exist. There were only “parasitic vines” who doubled as snakes, or “tomboys” who were violent maniacs. Anyone with a normal mindset died halfway through the journey.

Mu Zirun sighed. He would just stick close to his Peak Master. He hoped to use his “cheat system” soon so that eventually, the Peak Master would be the one clinging to him. As the matches continued, it became clear that at the Golden Core level, fierce female cultivators were common. They were no longer just showing off; they were there to kill. Anyone who tried to flirt with them was usually beaten to a pulp.

Yu Tianze’s mood improved. Usually, he hated these tournaments, attending only out of duty to his sect. This time, however, he was determined to secure a spot for secluded cultivation and never return, with his “little brat” in tow.

As with previous tournaments, the Golden Core stage moved quickly. Finally, the Nascent Soul level battles began. The number of participants was small. Yu Tianze recalled his past life, where he had participated while heavily injured because the sect ordered it. That choice had caused his cultivation to drop and his foundations to crack. Looking back, he saw how foolish it was to prioritize “master’s grace” over his own strength.

Stop, he told himself. Self-blame was useless; he only needed to avoid repeating the mistake.

The Nascent Soul battles were spectacular. Summoning mountain peaks, pouring out rivers, and creating craters of lava were child’s play for them. The visual and auditory effects far surpassed the Golden Core level.

Not long after, the host drew lots for the next battle. One of the names called was Yu Tianze.

 

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