Wait a minute, where is my master?

In the midst of the Blazing Sun Sword Sect cultivators' stunned expressions, Shiqi wolfed down several plates of "dishes" brimming with spiritual energy.

After she had eaten her fill, a cultivator, both admiring and curious, stepped forward to ask Little White how she did it.

Shiqi, without changing a thing, repeated the theory she had explained to the Taoist Jin Xu to the cultivators of the Blazing Sun Sword Sect.

Several cultivators who heard the theory felt a subtle shift in their hearts, and they couldn't help but remark.

"Right, the path of cultivation is so arduous; we've endured so much suffering. Now that this 'dish' that can increase our cultivation is before us, why should we hesitate?"

"Indeed, Miss White is truly someone close to Senior Jin; we have learned much from her mindset!"

"Ah, if only I had heard Miss White's theory earlier, I'm sure I could have finished a plate of dishes made by Miss Yu all by myself!"

Hearing this, Little White belched satisfyingly and patted the shoulders of the cultivators, saying, "Tsk, there's plenty more where that came from at my sister Little Yu's place. If you want to eat, I'll go get some for you right now!"

The few Blazing Sun Sword Sect cultivators who had just voiced their opinions: "Σ(ﾟ∀ﾟﾉ)ﾉ!?"

Elsewhere.

Standing next to the black Crystal Soul, Taoist Jin Xu, Lu Yiqian, and Zhao Dabao were discussing how to quickly pass the test.

Of course, it was mainly the Taoist making the decisions, with Junior Master and Fatty Zhao playing supporting roles.

"Senior Jin, if nothing unexpected happens, the strongest on the white side should be Qiu Li, the chief disciple of Pan Shi Valley.

Though this person behaves strangely and had some mishaps inside the Immortal Wood husk, his bloodline from the Ancient Mountain Spirit Clan cannot be underestimated.

Of course, he couldn't possibly be stronger than you."

Junior Master Lu Yiqian first recounted what had happened inside the Immortal Wood husk after Jin Xu arrived.

Then, bowing his hands to the Taoist, he continued, "The disciples of Pan Shi Valley are as sturdy as rocks, hard to hurt with our material for flying swords, unless it's exceedingly sharp and tough.

Often, we sword cultivators haven't yet seriously injured them before they force their way into close quarters.

So after hearing about your past feats from Dabao, I harbored the hope of an advantage and immediately joined the black side, I hope Senior Jin can forgive the opportunism."

Junior Master candidly admitted that he joined the black side to take advantage.

He then expressed, "Senior Jin, I, Lu Yiqian, am not an unreasonable person.

Although there are five teams of cultivators on the black side, since we of the Blazing Sun Sword Sect have benefited from your presence, we will defer to you in this game.

Whatever arrangements you make, however you choose to maximize the acquisition of Qingmu Points, and whatever you decide on distribution, we will follow. All we want is for me and my fellow disciples to successfully pass this test of Black against White."

After saying this, Junior Master Lu took a step back and quietly waited for Jin Xu's response.

The Taoist nodded slightly, murmuring to himself, "Follow your lead? Just to pass is sufficient?"

"Yes, Senior. If you prefer to only take action at the end, such as scouting paths or locating opponents, these trivial tasks can also be arranged by my fellow disciples," Lu Yiqian offered, thinking Jin Xu might find the tasks bothersome.

"No need for that, I just want to get through this place quickly. Since you all are only looking to pass, things will be much easier," Jin Xu replied, raising his right hand to his chest where a glimmer of golden Thunder Arc quietly surfaced.

The abrupt manifestation of terrifying spiritual power made Junior Master and the surrounding Blazing Sun Sword Sect cultivators shiver!

Fatty Zhao, feeling the ancient yet familiar spiritual energy, felt a surge of security, his memory instantly returning to the day he received the Enlightenment Pill from the "rogue Formation."

...

Black and white chessboard, the white side.

"This matter, it won't do."

Qiu Li, who had pondered for quite some time, ultimately still rejected Zhao Ming's proposal.

"The rules indeed don't specify what would happen if we break our own Crystal Soul, and the price of the Spiritual Liquid within is indeed remarkable.

But as the saying goes, 'A gentleman loves money and takes it in a proper way; a man of honor knows what to do and what not to do.'

We cultivators, though we walk a path of contending with the heavens for our fate, should ostensibly be free from taboos. However, I believe we must not lose our competitive spirit for a mere trifle of short-term gain.

This black and white chessboard is not only a test but also an opportunity for us to temper ourselves!

Moreover, if our side's Crystal Soul contains such precious Spiritual Energy and Spiritual Liquid, then those swordsmen from the Blazing Sun Sword Sect with the black Crystal Souls can't possibly have nothing!

Therefore, defeating them fair and square, my fellow brothers will still be able to obtain considerable benefits. Why tarnish our reputation and let the Blazing Sun Sword Sect reap the rewards?"

Qiu Li spoke in one breath, analyzing the critical relationships and rallying his fellow cultivators before the formal battle with the black side, lifting their spirits.

The group of muscular, bald cultivators from Pan Shi Valley, after hearing their senior brother's decision, nodded in agreement, a glint of battle intent rising in their eyes.

Zhao Ming, however, felt somewhat reluctant. In his opinion, it would be most advantageous for our side if we first deliberately lose a match and then take the Spiritual Power and Spiritual Liquid from our own Crystal Soul.

After that, everyone could join together for a second time to seize the Spiritual Energy and Spiritual Liquid from the opponent's Crystal Soul.

By then, the cultivators of the Blazing Sun Sword Sect would have won once and could only leave.

In this secret realm, apart from the scholars of Qingmu Academy who still posed some threat to them, the cultivators from minor sects and clans were no match for those from Pan Shi Valley.

However, since the senior brother had spoken, even if Zhao Ming was unwilling and dissatisfied, he had to obediently comply.

After all, Qiu Li's position as the chief disciple was one he had fought for with his own fists, truly earning it.

Of the nineteen cultivators from Pan Shi Valley present, aside from Zhao Ming, which one hadn't been beaten by him?

"Senior brother's reasoning is sound; I indeed was somewhat irrational just now. Senior brother, do we now launch an offensive or wait for those swordsmen from the Blazing Sun Sword Sect to make a move?"

Zhao Ming asked.

Qiu Li stroked his bald head, just about to say something.

The Pan Shi Valley disciple who had alerted him to the three unfamiliar faces that had entered the chessboard before them spoke up.

"Senior brother, I have something to report, I didn't get a chance to tell you earlier."

"What is it?"

"The three unfamiliar faces who entered the chessboard before the Ice and Fire Spirit Root cultivators from the Blazing Sun Sword Sect seemed to be quite favored by that amber-colored little ox.

When I arrived, they had even set up a Daoist cavern-like treasure near that pavilion.

I think they might not be easy to deal with, so I wanted to alert you, senior brother.

Should we use our Pan Shi Valley's unique body cultivation secret technique immediately? That way, we can avoid any mishaps."

This bald disciple, with bright and spirited eyes, suggested to Qiu Li.

Upon hearing this, the chief disciple of Pan Shi Valley, stroking his own chin, counter-asked.

"Are you talking about using 'that'?"