# Chapter 392: Old Friends Have Arrived!
In the Cultivation World, as one’s cultivation level increases, the gaps between levels become wider and wider. By the end, even a small gap in levels can lead to an absolute crushing of strength—a fact well-known to all.
In the early stages of cultivation, the Qi Refinement Stage and Foundation Establishment Stage show some differences in strength. However, for some geniuses, the gap between these stages is not too big, and fighting a level higher than oneself is the norm.
Even some prodigies, like the young geniuses from the Immortal Alliance, can effortlessly leap over the gap of the Golden Core Stage!
But once cultivators step into the Yuan Ying Stage, the disparity becomes extraordinarily pronounced, exhibiting a trend of almost exponential growth. Even prodigies like Yun Zhonghe cannot casually leap across a whole major level.
Being able to skip over three minor realms and challenge someone of a higher level is already considered exceptional—a rarity, akin to a unicorn.
Thus, when Yun Zhonghe learned that a youth named Li Yifeng could slay a mid-Yuan Ying powerhouse with his peak Golden Core strength and was rumored to even possess the strength to battle those at the late Yuan Ying stage, he was shocked to the core.
In Yun Zhonghe’s eyes, Mu Jixue was already a gifted individual nearing her limits—a true ceiling of talent.
But it seemed the Xuantian Sect had suddenly birthed a prodigy that even games hadn’t featured—someone whose talent was on par with Mu Jixue!
Not only on par but perhaps even better!
Naturally, it was easy to overshadow Yun Zhonghe too, as his cultivation was tied to Mu Jixue.
Now that both Yun Zhonghe and Mu Jixue had reached the Golden Core, their power had achieved a qualitative leap and increased by a level, making Yun Zhonghe feel confident that he could handle an ordinary mid-Yuan Ying opponent.
However, facing a late Yuan Ying opponent was another story altogether… He would have to exert his utmost, using all his trump cards just to barely fight back.
But even then, winning could very likely leave him significantly injured.
Although he had narrowly defeated the Disaster Empress once, back then, she had not fully regained her strength, and he had benefitted from the double boost from Mu Jixue and Senior Xing Bu. His cultivation had forcibly skyrocketed to Yuan Ying, and he cleverly exploited loopholes in the rules to barely achieve victory.
If it came down purely to strength, Yun Zhonghe knew his own limitations. At most, he could face someone at Yuan Ying.
At this moment, he felt deeply shocked by the hidden talents within the sect, and this shock even dulled the revelation that Qin Hongye’s crush turned out to be him.
At this instant, who Qin Hongye truly liked seemed to lose importance.
If Qin Hongye knew she had messed up, she’d probably cry her eyes out.
Yet Yun Zhonghe had no time to ponder these romantic entanglements; he was engulfed in the shock from the powerful competitor he had just learned about, his emotions simmering: “That guy looks so ordinary, and physically he’s nothing special, completely lacking any muscle definition, yet turns out to be a powerhouse swordsman!”
Qin Hongye nodded. “Some prodigies, not only are they exceptionally gifted, but they also have deep schemes—hiding their brilliance and acting low-key.”
So low-key that they don’t even bother with rankings, completely nameless.
Upon hearing this, Yun Zhonghe nodded in agreement.
So many protagonists in novels enjoy playing the pig to eat the tiger, hiding their power and waiting for the right moment.
After Qin Hongye’s introductions, Yun Zhonghe and the others discovered many prodigies they hadn’t known about before.
These folks were either direct disciples of certain elders or heirs of high-ranking powers; among them, the highest-ranked was the Vice Sect Master’s son—Zhao Lingxiao!
A young man in white robes, always wearing a gentle smile, exceedingly polite with everyone.
Yun Zhonghe observed him casually greeting numerous ordinary disciples, showing no hint of arrogance.
This young genius was said to be a once-in-a-lifetime prodigy who could simultaneously master spellcasting, talismans, and spirit beast training, excelling in each field while also having reached the Yuan Ying stage!
A seven-pattern Golden Core, newly entered into the Yuan Ying stage, with a Yuan Ying already forged three times!
Now let’s talk about what it means to forge a Yuan Ying.
Once cultivators reach the Yuan Ying stage, their Golden Core gives birth to the Yuan Ying. By strengthening the Yuan Ying, they can enhance all-round stats, giving them greater power in battle.
Forging a Yuan Ying isn’t a mandatory process; it used to be a unique technique, but due to its impressive effects, it gradually became widespread and evolved into a common practice in the cultivation world.
However, forging a Yuan Ying has great risks. The more times you forge, the higher the failure risk, and if you fail, that hard-earned Yuan Ying can shatter instantly. While this won’t threaten the cultivator’s life directly, it will revert their power back to the peak Golden Core state, wasting all prior efforts and resources put into it, forcing them to start anew.
Every successful forging allows the cultivator’s power to leap qualitatively, sometimes even doubling. Such an increase is simply outrageous!
And that Vice Sect Master’s son has completed the forging of his Yuan Spirit three times!
According to Qin Hongye, he is probably the best among all the disciples of the Xuantian Sect!
“The Xuantian Sect truly lives up to being one of the Ten Great Sects… Hidden talents galore!”
At this moment, even the usually confident Mu Jixue couldn’t help but speak seriously, her eyes flashing with an unprecedented gravity and respect.
For a long time, Mu Jixue believed her talent was unmatched, that no one could surpass her.
Master Youyue had praised her extraordinary talent many times, inflating her confidence even more.
However, what she witnessed today made her realize that even within the Xuantian Sect, countless prodigies were just as outstanding, some having even practiced longer, with deeper foundations!
Winning first place seemed like a daunting challenge.
“Jixue, no need to be nervous. You’re not worse than them, and besides, we’re here to support you! Me, Zhongyu, and little Xiaoxiao will help you!”
Yun Zhonghe noticed Mu Jixue clenching her fists, her face showing rare signs of anxiety, so he spoke to comfort her.
“Hmph! Of course! You better help me out well!”
Hearing Yun Zhonghe’s encouragement, Mu Jixue’s cheeks involuntarily flushed red. She crossed her arms, feigning a spoiled demeanor and huffed.
She seemed like her old self returning, but with a hint of something new.
How should I put it… She really depended on Yun Zhonghe.
Qin Hongye rolled her eyes but said nothing more, instead looking to Yun Zhonghe and saying: “You guys aren’t without a chance either. After all, the rules for this competition allow a maximum of two inner gate disciples per team. Overall, your team’s combined strength may not be weaker than those prodigious talents.”
Exactly! While their individual strength may be powerful, this time it’s a team competition. If the teammates are lacking and coordination poor, it could greatly impact the outcome.
The group sat together, the discussion lively.
If it weren’t for Qin Hongye leaking information in time, Yun Zhonghe really wouldn’t have expected the competition to be so demanding.
Amid the anxiety, there was also some anticipation—having a match with a master is the only way to progress!
Just as they were chatting amiably, a distant, sonorous gong suddenly echoed, capturing everyone’s attention.
Dong——dong——dong——
The gong rang clear and loud, reverberating through the heavens and earth; it seemed a spirit boat was docking somewhere.
Yun Zhonghe and the others turned towards the sound, seeing a massive spirit boat slowly settling at the edge of the white jade plaza, appearing like a floating piece of land, exuding a faint spiritual glow. Following this, a large stream of people poured off the spirit boat, heading towards the plaza in a spectacular scene.
“It’s the people from Tianjian Sect.”
Qin Hongye’s sharp eyes quickly recognized the boat’s origins.
“Tianjian Sect?” Yun Zhonghe couldn’t help but feel a ripple in his heart.
Speaking of this sect, it reminded him of several old acquaintances.
He felt a sense of anticipation bubble up.
One of the team members who had once gone to Qingzhu Town on a mission was a female disciple from Tianjian Sect named Song Ziwei.
They hadn’t been in contact since parting in Cangzhou City.
He wondered if she had come this time.
“Is this the spirit boat of Tianjian Sect? It’s no simple matter.”
“Of course, Tianjian Sect is also a renowned sect in the Eastern Continent. They may not have made it into the Ten Great Sects, but their strength is not to be underestimated. They are among the top three formidable sects in the Eastern Continent!”
“Hey, hey, hey! Someone’s coming down!” Suddenly, someone shouted and pointed towards the spirit boat.
“Wow, they’re all handsome guys and beautiful girls.”
Other disciples from different sects were intrigued, and the disciples from Xuantian Sect were equally curious, all eyes drawn towards the spirit boat.
A group of male and female disciples in Tianjian Sect attire were stepping off the boat, each one radiating charisma and allure, making a striking impression.
At this moment, Yun Zhonghe noticed Song Ziwei in the crowd!
Wait a minute! Not just Song Ziwei, he was pleasantly surprised to see the siblings from the Xiao family in Cangzhou City—Xiao Yang and Xiao Yue!
Moreover, that shy rogue cultivator Luo Qing also unexpectedly appeared in his line of sight!
Old friends!
Why are they all with the Tianjian Sect?
“Wait, is that them?!”
Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu also noticed Song Ziwei’s group slowly descending from the spirit boat, their faces filled with disbelief and surprise.
They were all from the same team and shared a bond that could be life or d*ath.
Indeed, Song Ziwei and her crew saw Yun Zhonghe and the others and joyfully waved and greeted them, their faces beaming with the thrill of a long-awaited reunion.
“Brother Yun! Mu Girl! And Lin Girl!”
They rushed over excitedly, as if time had reversed in that moment, bringing them back to the days they fought side by side.
The old Qingzhu Town team was reunited once more.
“Why didn’t you shout out that you were coming?”
“Hehe, we just wanted to surprise you three!”
They laughed and chatted, exchanging pleasantries.
Then they noticed that the cultivation levels of the four had changed significantly since their time in Qingzhu.
Xiao Yang, Xiao Yue, and Luo Qing had all successfully reached the Foundation Establishment stage, while Song Ziwei had even progressed to the late Foundation Establishment stage, her strength soaring!
It had only been about six months, yet everyone’s transformations were tremendous!
Xiao Yang scratched his nose. “It’s all thanks to Brother Yun sharing the benefits of the task with us back then. We made quick progress, and now we’re all disciples of Tianjian Sect!”
Mu Jixue exclaimed, “So you all joined Tianjian Sect!”
Xiao Yue was as playful and charming as ever, smiling as she responded, “Yep! But we still can’t compare to you all. You’ve reached Golden Core—it’s just too outrageous!”
Lin Zhongyu smiled mildly and humbly said, “We’re just a little lucky.”
Gathering with old friends created an atmosphere of joy that was off the charts.
And everyone was just as they had been before—little had changed—which filled Yun Zhonghe with immense happiness.
At that moment, his gaze fell upon the slightly shy Luo Qing.
This once shy girl now appeared a tad more reserved, radiating a stronger resolve in her eyes.
When they parted before, there had been a hint of melancholy, but seeing her again stirred countless emotions within Yun Zhonghe.
“Luo Qing, long time no see.”
Yun Zhonghe smiled gently at Luo Qing.
With that greeting, the nervous energy around Luo Qing gradually eased, and the kindling of past admiration seemed to reignite in her gaze.
“Brother Yun, it’s been a while.”
Her cheeks flushed slightly.
