Chapter Twenty: Spirit Value and the Freshman Assembly

Huo Qing and the others stepped into the teleportation array, immediately struck by a strong wave of dizziness. However, the sensation did not last long; the world before their eyes soon brightened.

What unfolded was a vast expanse that seemed to stretch between heaven and earth, endless and magnificent. Towering mountains, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, rose here, interspersed with countless cultivation halls. Mist swirled around, and waterfalls cascaded down from the horizon.

The scene was overwhelmingly grand.

At the center of this realm stood a colossal sword reaching straight into the clouds. Though merely a sculpture, its imposing presence sent a shiver through one's entire body—like an insignificant ant beholding the vast cosmos.

Listening to Ye Hongling and the others’ exclamations, Huo Qing remained calm. The Canglan Sword Sect, while imposing, was but a small player compared to the Supreme Sword Arena of his previous life.

“Heh, let’s head to the outer gate’s new student area first,” Meng Yuanzheng said with a smile, leading them onward until they arrived at a massive stone platform towering thousands of feet high.

The platform’s plaza was densely packed with over ten thousand figures—chosen prodigies from across Dongzhou. Their expressions varied between excitement, anticipation, and confusion, but all harbored dreams for their future.

Suddenly, an elderly figure materialized before the crowd. With a palm pressed outward, the bustling noise fell silent. He smiled faintly and spoke:

“Welcome to Canglan Sword Sect. You are the fourth batch of students, the latest to join. There are a few things I must clarify.

“First, spiritual points. We have placed spiritual point talismans in each of your residences; each starts with three hundred points.

“Spiritual points can be exchanged for spiritual techniques, spiritual treasures, and various cultivation resources—some of the most coveted items in the sect. The primary way to earn points is by completing tasks.

“The sect grants complete freedom, except for taking another’s life. Furthermore, three months from now, we will hold the New Student Assembly. The top ten will be rewarded with a scroll containing a fourth-grade spiritual technique and a Spirit-Breaking Pill.”

With that, the elder’s figure gradually vanished.

“A Spirit-Breaking Pill? That’s a divine pill capable of aiding one’s breakthrough to the Fusion Realm!” someone murmured.

“Impressive! Canglan Sword Sect’s generosity is astounding to offer such rewards so easily!” another exclaimed.

“Hahaha, I, Wang Kai, will surely claim a spot in the top ten!” one boasted.

“Tch, with your early Heavenly Spirit Realm strength? This place is filled with such talents!” came the retort.

Huo Qing said nothing, quietly turning away from the commotion.

“A New Student Assembly, huh? Then the starting point of my strength shall begin with you,” he murmured, clenching his fist. Now that he had gained entry, his true goal was about to commence.

---

“Hey, why are you walking so fast?” a familiar voice called from behind.

Ye Hongling stood with hands on her hips, leaning forward with a smile as she watched Huo Qing.

He smiled back. “I’m heading to check what can be exchanged at the Spiritual Point Hall.”

“Your dorm is over there, the same as mine. Let’s go together!” Ye Hongling bounced happily behind him.

“We’re friends from now on. If you need anything, just ask!”

“Alright.”

---

In a courtyard, several figures stood, their bodies enveloped in powerful spiritual energy fluctuations, clearly early Heavenly Spirit Realm cultivators.

At the center was a figure even stronger—mid Heavenly Spirit Realm.

“Yan Hao, is it true? That guy has a secret treasure and defeated you with mid Earth Spirit Realm strength?” asked one.

“Heh, Boss Zhang Mingyuan doesn’t err. That Huo Qing must have cheated to enter Canglan Sword Sect. We must expose him!” Yan Hao, who had previously clashed with Huo Qing, encouraged Zhang vigorously, rubbing his shoulders with a scheming grin.

Knowing Huo Qing’s oddity, Yan Hao sought out a powerful ally immediately after entering—the mid Heavenly Spirit Realm Zhang Mingyuan, a formidable force among the new students.

Zhang smiled calmly. “It’s simple. I’ve assigned two men to find him. If he’s sensible and hands over his cheating artifact, I won’t report him. But if he’s reckless, he’ll suffer a beating—and be expelled from Canglan Sword Sect.”

“Li Qing, Chen Feng, find Huo Qing. Tell him Boss Zhang wants to recruit him as a subordinate.”

Yan Hao, delighted by Zhang’s plan, exclaimed, “Boss Zhang, I’m coming too!”

A cold gleam flashed in his eyes as he grinned ferociously. “Huo Qing, I can’t wait to see you begging on your knees.”

---

This was a tranquil, elegant courtyard. Outside, a waterfall poured from the sky, its spray imbued with pure spiritual energy.

Huo Qing sat cross-legged within, spiritual energy continuously flowing into his dantian, filling his Qi Palace.

Within the Qi Palace, his spiritual energy grew stronger, but upon reaching a certain threshold, it suddenly stagnated.

At the same time, a dense black aura seeped out, gradually darkening even the spiritual energy waterfall.

Huo Qing raised his brow.

“I’m about to break into the late Earth Spirit Realm, but this black demonic energy is blocking me. I must find a way to quickly concoct the Sha Demon Pill to control it.”

More than ten days had passed since the outbreak of this black demonic energy; the full month was drawing near.

Opening his spatial pouch, brilliant lights burst forth.

“Fifty thousand spirit crystals—these are the reserves of the two elders of the Han family. They sure had plenty,” Huo Qing muttered appreciatively.

This pouch was the spoils from the day he slew the Han family elders.

“What’s this?”

Two scrolls glowing with purple light caught his attention.

“Rakshasa Fist, Rakshasa Palm.”

“Top-tier third-grade spiritual techniques. If mastered, they rival fourth-grade techniques!” Huo Qing read the descriptions, impressed.

“Good stuff. Consider this the price for the Han family’s pursuit of me.”

A flicker of resentment crossed his eyes. Han Liancheng had left him in such disgrace; this would not be forgotten.

Once his strength grew, he would seek justice.

Huo Qing rose from the waterfall and leapt into the air, preparing to rest briefly.

At that moment, a sudden voice rang sharply in his ear:

“You’re Huo Qing? Come with us. Our boss wants to recruit you as a subordinate.”

Huo Qing halted, turning slowly to see three men approaching.

Their faces were expressionless, eyes cold, as if carrying out a matter of course.

“Hey, Huo Qing, didn’t expect this, did you? I told you I’d expose you. You didn’t enter Canglan Sword Sect on your own merit—you cheated!” Yan Hao stepped forward, his face twisted into a triumphant grin.