Chapter 30: Summit Meeting

When they returned to the Heavenly Fire Cave, Lin Yunfeng had already awakened. At this moment, he looked healthy with a rosy complexion, indicating that his internal injuries had mostly healed. Seeing everyone back, Yunfeng leaped to Land Yun's side and exclaimed, "How did it go? You must have won your match, right? Why didn't you call me? I was anxiously waiting here alone after waking up."

Land Yun held his hand, smiling, "We wanted you to recover your energy properly. Tomorrow, we have another tough match waiting for us. My match has already ended, and I won against Li Ming from Ruyuan, so I'm not injured for now. Tomorrow, we'll participate in the competition together. Make sure to recover well tonight; we need you in the best condition for tomorrow's matches. Don't go anywhere tonight, just stay here and focus on cultivating to restore yourself to optimal condition."

Upon hearing Land Yun's victory, Lin Yunfeng's face lit up with joy. He grabbed Land Yun's hand, ecstatic, "You don't need to worry about me. I've already recovered about sixty to seventy percent of my strength. With a bit more effort tonight, I should be back to normal tomorrow. But you, you're amazing. You won without a scratch; you're much stronger than me. I regret not being able to watch your match; I feel really disappointed. Tomorrow, I'll make sure to watch you and cheer you on."

Land Yun chuckled, "I hope our matches won't be at the same time so we can watch each other. Alright, enough talking. Master Xu from Ruyuan is here; let's go and greet him, or else people might say we lack manners." With that, he smiled and led Yunfeng to greet Danyuan Jianxia Xu Canghai.

After exchanging pleasantries, everyone entered the cave and began discussing. Xu Canghai looked at the disciples of Yiyuan and chuckled, "This competition is intense, but with your current strength, I believe you can achieve good results. I've observed the situation in the other academies, and it seems that Ruyuan is destined to be the last this time."

Master Xuan Yu smiled, "Canghai, you're too modest. Your disciple Bi Tian is formidable, definitely not inferior to Hong Fei. If the two of them were to compete, your victory would be secured with six levels or more. This time, the first place is between Heavenly Sword Academy and Bodhi Academy; we're just figuring out how to avoid being the last."

Danyuan Jianxia Xu Canghai said, "The competition is almost over now. Tonight, we'll have a crucial discussion meeting for the semi-finals. This meeting is crucial for all six academies. How well we prepare our disciples to face the weakest opponent will determine how many disciples can enter the top twelve. Once in the top twelve, the path to the top six becomes much easier."

Master Xuan Yu nodded, "This meeting is indeed a fierce competition. Everyone is striving hard for the best opportunities for their disciples, aiming for an easier advancement to the next round. In the past few editions, we've always been struggling and ended up last. I hope this time will be different. Let's go out and gather some information about the competition; it's better to strategize tonight."

Danyuan Jianxia Xu Canghai agreed, "That's right. Let's go out and gather information. Tonight's discussion meeting is crucial for determining our strategy. After all, we're aiming to avoid being the last this time. Now, let's go and listen to the situation outside; it will help us make appropriate arrangements."

After Master Xu and Master Xuan Yu left, Purple Sun Master looked at everyone and said, "Yunfeng and Lanyun have both won their matches, bringing glory to Yiyuan. I hope tomorrow, everyone can continue to perform well and bring more glory to Yiyuan, entering the next round together. Do you all have confidence?"

Zhang Aoxue and Land Yun exchanged glances, conveying a firm determination simultaneously. They both nodded, expressing their confidence. Lin Yunfeng looked at everyone with a serious expression, nodding emphatically. Li Hongfei only looked at Purple Sun Master, saying, "We will definitely succeed. You'll see it tomorrow with your own eyes." With just a short sentence, he didn't say much.

Purple Sun Master glanced at Quiet Moon Master, and both of them revealed a comforting look. Purple Sun Master said, "Good, that's the spirit. This time, we can't let the other five academies look down on us. We must showcase our abilities and make everyone remember our name. Work hard, and I will always support you. Now, everyone rest for a while and arrange your own matters."

Land Yun looked at the other three senior disciples and whispered, "Yunfeng, take this time to recover and cultivate. Tomorrow, we'll face opponents who are not weak at all, so everyone needs to give their best. Now, let's discuss what might happen in tomorrow's matches and prepare ourselves for any situation." They then engaged in a discussion, predicting possible scenarios for tomorrow's matches.

Outside the cave, Purple Sun Master observed the square where Heavenly Sword Academy's disciples were cleaning up after the matches. Watching the bustling crowd, Purple Sun Master spoke, "Senior sister, you've participated in several editions of this competition. What do you personally think? Can all four of Yiyuan's disciples pass tomorrow's matches?"

Quiet Moon Master looked ahead with a slightly solemn expression, "Based on past experiences, this time, if all four disciples can smoothly enter the next round, it would already be very satisfying. In the next round, it's likely that two will advance, and two will be eliminated. It's extremely difficult for one to reach the final top six. In each edition, it's almost guaranteed that each academy will have one disciple entering the top six. In these many years, only Yiyuan has consecutively failed to produce outstanding disciples in the top six for five editions. The Heavenly Sword Academy, on the other hand, consistently has two disciples entering. This time, it's hard to predict the outcome. Just don't have too high expectations to avoid disappointment in the end."

Upon hearing this, Purple Sun Master's expression changed slightly, and he couldn't help but let out a sigh, choosing not to say anything more. He gazed quietly into the distance, anticipating that Land Yun would bring him some surprises.

As the sky gradually darkened, it was time for dinner again. When Master Xuan Yu returned, everyone had just finished their dinner. Master Xuan Yu called everyone over and spoke softly, "I just gathered some information, and the results are out. Among the twenty-four participants in this competition, both of our Yiyuan disciples have advanced. Phoenix Academy had four participants, three were eliminated, and only one advanced. In Ruyuan, two out of four advanced, and the same goes for Daoyuan. As for Bodhi Academy, four participated, half advanced, and in Heavenly Sword Academy, six participated, and three advanced. From the results of this competition, it's clear that Heavenly Sword Academy is the strongest, seemingly taking the lead."

Purple Sun Master asked with a stern face, "In that case, tomorrow's competition will have five of their participants. Our chances of encountering them are greater than the other four academies. Today's battle has already revealed their strength, and if we face them again tomorrow, it will likely be even more intense."

Master Xuan Yu nodded slightly, "Exactly, but regardless of whom we face, they are formidable opponents. Finding a relatively weaker opponent is not easy at all. According to the information I received, even among the eliminated participants, many have strong abilities. Some of them are not inferior to Mu Hua. It's evident that this competition is more intense than any previous ones. Tonight, I will do my best to secure opportunities for our Yiyuan disciples, but the outcome depends on the circumstances at that time. Tonight, everyone must remember not to leave this cave. Sit here and focus on cultivation to prepare for tomorrow's competition. This is a battle that concerns the honor of Yiyuan, so you must give your best effort and strive to do your utmost." After saying this, he glanced at everyone, stood up, and left to attend the meeting about tomorrow's matches.

In the Tianxuan Cave, the heads of the six academies were gathered, discussing matters related to the competition tomorrow. Six headmasters sat around a circular jade table, with a disciple from Heavenly Sword Academy standing silently on the side, ready to take orders.

At the head, Headmaster Li Changchun of Heavenly Sword Academy spoke, "In this edition of the Six Academies Martial Arts Competition, judging from today's matches, it is stronger than any previous editions. This is something to be happy about, indicating that our six academies have produced many outstanding talents in this generation, which is good for the entire cultivation world. Based on today's results, the strength of each academy is formidable. To ensure fairness and justice in this competition, we must discuss carefully tonight, consider the strengths and weaknesses of tomorrow's participants, and try to avoid encounters between the top two. Now, as usual, each academy will nominate its two most outstanding disciples, and we will jointly decide the list for this round of competition."

The other five headmasters exchanged glances and began contemplating. Soon, someone handed over the list of their disciples, placing it in the center of the round table. Master Xuan Yu took a look at the other headmasters, then wrote down the names of Li Aoxue and Li Hongfei on the paper and handed it over. In no time, the list of nominees from all six academies was compiled. Li Changchun instructed the disciple to compile a list of twelve names on a piece of paper and let each headmaster review it.

After the other five headmasters finished reviewing, Li Changchun took the list and read it aloud, "Heavenly Sword Academy's Jian Wuchen and Zhan Yu, Bodhi Academy's Ben Yi and Jie Chan, Daoyuan's Wu Wang and Yun Hua, Ruyuan's Bi Tian and Du Li, Phoenix Academy's Cang Yue and Xu Jie, Yiyuan's Li Hongfei and Zhang Aoxue, a total of twelve people. To avoid these twelve outstanding disciples from meeting each other in this round, they will compete against the other twelve participants. As for the specific matchups, we need to discuss together. What do you all think?"

With no objections from the other five headmasters, they simply nodded without saying anything. Seeing the lack of objections, Li Changchun ordered the disciple to write down the list of the remaining twelve participants, arranging them in two vertical columns for easier viewing. After writing it down, Li Changchun ordered the disciple to copy the same list onto five more sheets, one for each headmaster.

Li Changchun looked at each headmaster holding the list and said softly, "To do our best, each of you should connect the names on your list with lines on both sides. Two connected names will form a match. To ensure fairness, everyone has different choices, so each time six people select the same opponent, that pair's list is set, and they move to the side. The remaining people continue to choose until all the lists are complete. As for avoiding matchups within the same academy, I believe I don't need to say more; you all understand. Because such a choice raises suspicions of manipulation. Well, let's begin now."

The cave fell silent as all six headmasters carefully considered their choices, selecting opponents for tomorrow's matches. This was a crucial matter, as it determined whether the disciples could smoothly advance to the next stage. It took the entire duration of a meal for the headmasters to submit their first set of choices. Soon, the results were tallied, and only one pair was unanimously chosen, concluding the first round. After listing that match, the headmasters started the second round of selections.

Time passed amidst numerous selections, and finally, after eight rounds of choices, all the matchups were determined. Holding the final list of matches, each headmaster had a different expression. Li Changchun appeared calm and natural. Master Fagu from Bodhi Academy had an expressionless face, revealing nothing. Dao Yuan's Seven Profound Master looked serious, while Ruyuan's Haoyun Lurong had a bitter smile. Phoenix Academy's Jade Peerless had a slightly worried expression, indicating her concern.

Master Xuan Yu looked at the list in his hand, his expression grave. The lengthy deliberation was mainly due to Yiyuan's involvement. To secure easier opponents for his disciples, Master Xuan Yu's choices differed from the others each time. In the end, only his two Yiyuan disciples were left to face disciples from Heavenly Sword Academy, something he was extremely reluctant to see. Unfortunately, no matter how hard he tried, it seemed futile.

This time, Li Hongfei faced a disciple named Wunian from Bodhi Academy, while Zhang Aoxue's opponent was Qingxi from Daoyuan. As for Land Yun, he faced Leng Jiahao, ranked third in Heavenly Sword Academy, and Lin Yunfeng faced Zhan Yu, ranked second. Looking at the list in his hand, Master Xuan Yu slowly walked out of the Tianxuan Cave. In the night breeze, he stood alone in the darkness for a long time before slowly disappearing into the moonlight.

Back at the Tianhuo Cave, Purple Sun Master and Master Jingyue were waiting silently for him. The three exchanged glances, and Master Xuan Yu couldn't help but sigh, shaking his head as he handed the list of matches to the two. After reviewing the list, Master Jingyue appeared calm, but Purple Sun Master wore a serious and heavy expression.

Master Xuan Yu gently explained the selection process of this competition to the two. Finally, he said, "Perhaps this is destined. No matter how I think about it, we ended up facing the Heavenly Sword Academy, the least desirable opponent. Don't tell them for now. Let them rest well, and I will inform them when it's daylight." With that, he entered the cave.

Master Jingyue glanced at Purple Sun Master and whispered, "Rest early; there may be many things tomorrow." Turning around, she quietly left. Purple Sun Master stood silently at the cave entrance, gazing at the bright moon in the sky. He remained motionless, like a statue. In the shadows, Land Yun looked at his master's figure and felt a faint sense of foreboding. He couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was, but he knew it had something to do with the competition; otherwise, his master wouldn't be so serious.

The moonlight shone silver, and the night passed in silence. Purple Sun Master stood quietly at the cave entrance all night, saying nothing, only turning around and entering the cave when the sun rose.

After breakfast, Master Xuan Yu looked at his four disciples, his eyes showing encouragement. He whispered, "Today is the day when you four participate in the competition together. I wish you all good results. The opponents in this competition are formidable, so you must give your all and strive for good results. Remember, as long as you do your best, even if you lose, I won't blame any of you. Because I know you all have given your best efforts. This competition is important, but your safety and health are even more crucial. Having a strong body will enhance your cultivation. Understand?"

Land Yun looked at Master Xuan Yu and discerned certain meanings from his words. Glancing at his master, he asked, "May I ask, Senior Brother, do you know who our opponents are this time, and when is the competition?" This statement caught the attention of Lin Yunfeng, Zhang Aoxue, and Li Hongfei, who all looked at Master Xuan Yu, awaiting his response.

Master Xuan Yu said, "This time, among the four of you, Yunfeng and Hongfei will compete in the morning, while Land Yun and Aoxue will compete in the afternoon. Hongfei's opponent this time is Wunian from Bodhi Academy, and Aoxue's opponent is Qingxi from Daoyuan. As for Yunfeng and Land Yun, your opponents are both from Heavenly Sword Academy." He paused for a moment.

Lin Yunfeng and Land Yun exchanged glances, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes. At that moment, Land Yun finally understood why his master looked so serious; it was because he was worried about him. Lin Yunfeng urgently asked, "Senior Martial Uncle, please tell us who our opponents are, and are they very powerful?" Zhang Aoxue and Li Hongfei also paid close attention, looking at Master Xuan Yu, waiting for his final verdict.

Master Xuan Yu looked at his four disciples and sighed softly. "This time, both of you are facing formidable opponents. Yunfeng, you will face Zhan Yu, ranked second in Heavenly Sword Academy, while Land Yun, your opponent is Leng Jiahao, ranked third. Both of them are highly skilled experts well-known in Heavenly Sword Academy. They may not be as good as Jian Wuchen, but they are by no means weak. So this time, just do your best. Regardless of the outcome, don't worry; I won't blame you. Don't feel pressured. Now, Yunfeng and Hongfei, get ready. Yunfeng's match will be held outside the Tianhuo Cave this afternoon, and Land Yun's match with Leng Jiahao will also be here. Hongfei will be in front of the Tianpeng Cave, and Aoxue will compete in the Tianxuan Cave in the afternoon. Hongfei, get ready, and later I will accompany you to the competition with Senior Brother Purple Sun. The other three can stay here and pay attention to Yunfeng's match." After saying this, he stood up and walked out of the cave.

Li Hongfei walked to Yunfeng's side, patting his shoulder and saying, "Don't give up easily. As long as you try your best, there's hope. Come on, Junior Brother." After that, he looked sincerely at Yunfeng.

Yunfeng, in turn, patted his shoulder, saying in a deep voice, "Thank you, Senior Brother. You also put in effort, and together, we will strive for success. Regardless of victory or defeat, I won't easily give up." After that, he tightly held Li Hongfei's hand, and for the first time, the two truly came together.

Zhang Aoxue looked at the two, softly saying, "Senior Brother Li, I won't go to watch the competition this time. Here, I wish you a smooth victory." Land Yun also spoke, "Senior Brother, do your best. You can defeat your opponent; I believe in you."

Li Hongfei looked at Aoxue and said in a low voice, "Thank you for your blessings. I won't disappoint you." Turning to Land Yun, Li Hongfei whispered, "Thank you. Wait for my good news." After that, he turned and left.

Purple Sun Master looked at Yunfeng and whispered, "No matter the outcome this time, as long as you've tried your best, we will be proud of you. Your master, even in the distance, will also be proud of you. Strive, the most outstanding disciple of Yiyuan." Glancing at Land Yun, Purple Sun didn't say anything and left.

Land Yun, Yunfeng, Aoxue, and Master Jingyue walked out of the cave together, watching the three depart. As they left, Master Jingyue spoke, "In competitions, there are always winners and losers. Regardless of the result, as long as you try and live up to yourselves and Yiyuan, it's enough. This time, we don't necessarily have to fight for anything. After all, the last place has been carried for fifty years; carrying it one more time won't make much difference. This time, participating in the competition, I just hope that while you take it seriously, you won't be too obsessed. Cult

ivators should not have the desire for fame and fortune, so being too obsessed puts you in a lower realm. I hope you three can understand this truth." After speaking, she looked into the distance in silence.

In the east, a red sun began to rise on the horizon, and in the blink of an eye, the earth brightened. A new day had come, and on this day, would the competition for the four Yiyuan disciples go smoothly? What results would Yiyuan achieve on this visit to Mount Taixuan?