Chapter 43: The Match Begins (Part One)

The competition would not begin for another ten days after registration. According to him, over two thousand cultivators at the Great Ascension stage had signed up this time—five hundred more than last time. He guessed that the previous event had scared some people off, largely due to the notorious reputation of Li Chengzhu’s unscrupulous master, Cai Ye Mei. Now, the contenders had returned in full force.

Autumn Wind was not very optimistic about the outcome of this competition. The once grand ambition that seemed to swallow the world had been stifled beneath his furrowed brows. Moreover, since this was the final chance, the psychological pressure on Autumn Wind was even heavier.

Taking advantage of this interval, Li Chengzhu handed over the Nine Heavens Great Luo Cauldron—a second-grade immortal artifact—to Autumn Wind, instructing him to refine it first. Meanwhile, Li himself returned to his room to begin refining the Glazed Needle. Though he had refined it before, his cultivation level at the time had not allowed the needle to fully unleash its power. This time, Li decided to retrieve the elemental clone from his Meteor Sword and embed it into the Glazed Needle.

This was a hidden weapon; if used skillfully, it could very well be a decisive trump card.

With the two madams idle all day, Li Chengzhu had Yuan Mu take them for a stroll around Tian Du. With two immortals like Yuan Mu and Gu Linglong present, few would dare cause trouble here, especially since this was the Ziwei Star of Tian Du.

On the day before the competition, Li Chengzhu finally finished preparing the Glazed Needle and brought it to Autumn Wind’s room.

“This is an extra gift, though technically, it’s on loan,” Li Chengzhu said with a sly smile.

“I think I’ll pass. Even if I refine it now, time and energy won’t allow it,” Autumn Wind said, shaking his head slightly.

“Who said you have to refine it?” Li Chengzhu’s eyes bulged in mock indignation.

“If I don’t refine it, what use is it to me?” Autumn Wind asked, puzzled.

“Heh heh,” Li Chengzhu smiled mysteriously. “Look closely.” He tossed the Glazed Array toward Autumn Wind without any further movement. Suddenly, the array shot rapidly at Autumn Wind. Panicked, he hurriedly released his protective spiritual energy and retreated.

However, no matter how fast Autumn Wind was, he couldn’t outrun such a small hidden weapon. Just as the Glazed Array was about to pierce him, it abruptly stopped in midair right before his eyes, leaving him drenched in cold sweat.

“Heh heh,” Li Chengzhu crossed his arms, triumphant.

“Why?” Autumn Wind reached out, took the Glazed Needle, and examined it carefully, his face full of astonishment. There was no trace of Li Chengzhu’s spiritual pressure on it, and for an artifact to attack, the owner had to perform incantations. Yet he hadn’t seen Li make a move—could it be that the needle attacked on its own?

“What did you do to it?” Even the usually composed Autumn Wind became agitated.

“Don’t ask about the tricks,” Li Chengzhu said enigmatically. “Just tell me if you’ll use it or not.”

“I will. Why wouldn’t I?” Autumn Wind’s lips curved into a faint, disdainful smile.

Good. He was afraid for a moment that Autumn Wind would spout some lofty talk about a true gentleman not stooping to petty tricks.

“I’ve tested it. Within a two-li radius, I can control this needle,” Li Chengzhu said, wiping his mouth. “When things get dangerous, just throw it; you don’t need to do anything else. I’ll handle the rest.”

“Thanks,” Autumn Wind said, rarely showing a smile.

“Don’t get the wrong idea. I just want to maximize my own benefits,” Li Chengzhu said, clapping his hands. Then, puzzled, he asked, “Why do you agree so readily this time? I didn’t even get to use my prepared speech.”

“Hmph,” Autumn Wind’s expression darkened instantly. “You’ll see for yourself when you watch the competition. The contest is ruthless!”

“Forget it, rest well today. Tomorrow it all begins,” Li Chengzhu said, turning to leave.

“Brother Li, have a drink with me. Who knows, we might not get another chance,” Autumn Wind said with a bitter smile.

Li Chengzhu paused, glanced back at him but said nothing. He sat down by the table and poured wine for both of them.

“It’s rare we get to drink together,” Li Chengzhu said with a smile.

“Yes,” Autumn Wind replied with a smile, raising his cup and drinking it down.

Seeing the worry etched on Autumn Wind’s brow, Li Chengzhu’s heart tightened. He hoped this fellow wouldn’t die on the competition grounds, lest the plan backfire completely.

The once-in-a-century Great Ascension stage competition finally commenced as scheduled.

With thunderous horns and a sky full of fireworks, the competition ground was unveiled.

It was a circular arena, resembling a barrel, situated right in the center of Tian Du. From the outside, it appeared to occupy no more than ten li in diameter. This puzzled Li Chengzhu, as more than a hundred thousand spectators were expected—would such a small space suffice?

Only upon entering with the crowd did Li Chengzhu realize his grave mistake.

Inside, the space was more than ten times larger than it appeared outside. Long, rectangular, transparent thin mineral slabs hung all around, reminding Li Chengzhu of the scene of the Jade Statue Formation. Could these be images created by spells?

Moreover, the interior’s vast space was surely the result of a technique akin to the "Mustard Seed Containing the Universe" method.

But this technique was grander than he’d imagined, encompassing the entire competition ground. The person who cast it must be extraordinary.

He also recalled his own Bloodstone Ring, which contained a space for living things—albeit far smaller than this place.

These thoughts sparked a sudden, wild idea in Li Chengzhu’s mind.

As everyone casually took their seats, Li Chengzhu continued mulling over this new notion. If it could be realized, his strength would effectively double overnight.

“Look, Autumn Wind is over there!” Xiaoying’s excited voice whispered in his ear.

Following Xiaoying’s pointing finger, Li Chengzhu saw Autumn Wind standing coldly at the center in a white robe, surrounded by countless cultivators—all Great Ascension stage experts registered for the competition.

More than two thousand Great Ascension cultivators had formed two lines on the field. The crowd cheered wildly, some even letting out earth-shaking howls.

Li Chengzhu pondered the competition’s rules.

The field below was flat ground—could these two thousand be paired off for a free-for-all? Surely it wouldn’t be that simple. He should have asked Autumn Wind last night, since he had participated in a competition before.

Amidst the deafening cheers, a calm voice pierced the noise: “The Celestial Guide Immortal Contest begins today. Round one: Jungle Melee. Rules are as follows: Participants may use any method to attack enemies until only five hundred remain. Wanton killing and malicious attacks on surrendered participants are strictly forbidden. Any contestant who feels unable to continue may present their Guardian Token, which grants immunity from attacks for one hour. However, using the Guardian Token signifies withdrawal from the competition. No further attacks or assistance may be made. Violators will be killed.”

Hearing this, Li Chengzhu was confused. Why was the first round called Jungle Melee when the ground was clearly flat?

“Now, all participants disperse and find your positions. The competition is about to begin.” The voice sounded again. Silence fell over the arena, even the spectators quieted.

Experienced participants quickly mounted their flying swords and dispersed. Li Chengzhu’s gaze followed Autumn Wind as he flew toward a sparsely populated area.

Those unfamiliar with the rules or the event stood bewildered, turning their heads to look around.

Finally, the voice announced, “The competition begins!”

At that moment, the barren competition ground rumbled, and the surface began to ripple unevenly. Li Chengzhu stared in disbelief.

The mounds of earth rapidly grew, forming hills, while celestial trees and flowers suddenly sprouted from the ground, as if they had been hidden there all along.

Soon, the sounds ceased, and the competition ground had transformed into a dense jungle. Several small rivers meandered through it, teeming with countless fish swimming joyfully.

Li Chengzhu was stunned. The power to move mountains, summon water, and create living things—such cultivation was truly awe-inspiring. Even those who had never seen such spells gasped collectively.

Powerful—too powerful.

Li Chengzhu muttered curses through trembling lips.

Around the competition ground, a faint protective barrier lit up. Strangely, a number “2156” shone on the shield—indicating the number of participants.

The thin mineral slabs hanging nearby flickered and displayed live images of the jungle within to the audience, just as Li Chengzhu had speculated.

While the crowd marveled at these spells, the battles on the field had already begun.

Those still standing snapped back to reality, unleashing flying swords, treasures, and immortal weapons in a fierce clash.

Here, there were no allies, no support—only one’s own strength and willpower. To knock down an opponent until they begged for mercy was the true path to victory.