Boom!
This time, it only took a few seconds for a deafening roar to erupt, and the previous stalemate was broken.
Lightning raged, and the Heavenly Tiger's form directly scattered into wisps of spiritual light. The massive column of lightning also vanished into smoke simultaneously.
Li Xuan and Zhang Xu both moved their minds, retracting their Star Spirit Pearls, and then gazed at each other from afar. The two fell silent together.
"What's going on? Is it a draw?"
"It shouldn't be considered a draw. Judging by the situation, they can probably continue fighting."
"I actually think it's over. Otherwise, why would they both stop fighting?"
"Let's wait for Elder Geng Tian's judgment. Our eyesight is naturally not as keen as Elder Geng Tian's."
"..."
As Li Xuan and Zhang Xu, the two leaders, stopped, the spectators began to discuss. This outcome was actually beyond anyone's initial expectations. Now, they could only wait for Elder Geng Tian, who was presiding, to announce the result.
Elder Geng Tian smiled slightly, then walked onto the stage and looked at Commander Zhang Xu. "This battle can be considered evenly matched. In my current realm, I probably wouldn't have had as much stamina as you two. Zhang Xu, what do you think of this battle?"
Commander Zhang Xu looked up at Li Xuan upon hearing this, then turned to Elder Geng Tian and said, "This battle, I lost."
"Oh? Tell me about it," Elder Geng Tian said, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Commander Zhang Xu.
Commander Zhang Xu bowed to Elder Geng Tian, then stood up and said, "Although Elder Geng Tian sealed some of my strength and reduced it to the early stage of the Quantity Transformation Realm, I far surpassed Commander Li Xuan in terms of time and realm."
"Although this battle was a draw, in the end, it was I who lost. If Commander Li Xuan had a few more years, it would have been difficult for me to even draw. I accept this loss wholeheartedly."
"That's very candid," Elder Geng Tian said, nodding with a smile. He then looked at Li Xuan and asked, "Li Xuan, what do you think?"
"Replying to Elder Geng Tian, there is no absolute fairness in this world. Although what Commander Zhang Xu said is true, how can there be fairness between opponents in battle? If we were to talk about fairness, wouldn't my nine hundred and fifty Star Spirit Pearls be more than Commander Zhang Xu's? Therefore, since this battle is a draw, then it is a draw," Li Xuan said after bowing.
"That has some reason to it. I also feel that this is a good outcome. Li Xuan, Zhang Xu, I declare this battle a draw. Do you have any objections?" Elder Geng Tian said, nodding slightly.
"We will abide by Elder Geng Tian's sacred judgment." Li Xuan and Commander Zhang Xu both bowed and replied.
Elder Geng Tian smiled and said, "Although this battle is a draw, your fight has served as an opportunity for the disciples of our Wood Pavilion and even the Heavenly Yi Pavilion to improve themselves. The thirty Tai Yuan Fruits I offered will be divided equally between the two of you."
As Elder Geng Tian finished speaking, he waved his hand, and two beams of light shot towards Li Xuan and Commander Zhang Xu. Upon touching them, they found themselves holding fifteen Tai Yuan Fruits each.
"You two need not decline. As an elder of the Wood Pavilion, I can afford these small offerings. Alright, since the competition is over, you may all disperse." Elder Geng Tian said, waving his hand before Li Xuan and Commander Zhang Xu could speak.
"Many thanks, Elder Geng Tian." Li Xuan and Commander Zhang Xu exchanged glances, then bowed together.
Elder Geng Tian nodded slightly, and then with a flash of spiritual light, he disappeared.
As Elder Geng Tian departed, the disciples of the Five Pavilions in the plaza and the stands also began to rise and leave.
"Commander Li Xuan, when you enter the Divine Transformation Realm, we will have a good fight!" Commander Zhang Xu said to Li Xuan with a smile.
Li Xuan nodded and chuckled, "By then, Commander Zhang will likely have entered the late stage of the Divine Transformation Realm. However, as long as Commander Zhang is willing, I will gladly spar with you anytime."
"Hahaha, then it's settled. But I believe that with Commander Li Xuan's cultivation speed, you will likely catch up to me not too long from now." Commander Zhang Xu laughed heartily.
"Commander Zhang flatters me," Li Xuan replied with a smile.
"Alright, I won't keep you any longer. Commander Li, I live in Wutong Bay. You are always welcome to visit." Commander Zhang Xu glanced at Qiu Jiuqian and the others waiting in the plaza, then looked at Li Xuan and said.
"Alright." Li Xuan nodded in response.
"Commander Li, farewell." Commander Zhang Xu nodded, then cupped his fists.
Li Xuan returned the gesture, cupping his fists as well, "Farewell."
"What do you think?"
As Li Xuan, Commander Zhang Xu, and the others left one after another, the vast plaza became quiet. In the stone pavilion on Su Nu Peak, Mo Ningxiang, seated, looked at Bai Suxin, the White Venerable, with a smile.
Bai Suxin, the White Venerable, smiled and replied, "What do you think would have happened if he had exerted his full strength?"
"He only used the spiritual power of nine hundred and fifty Star Spirit Pearls to draw with Zhang Xu. If he had exerted his full strength, he would naturally have won. However, his willingness to hold back rather than win is a testament to our previous advice to him," Mo Ningxiang mused.
"A draw is indeed the best outcome. I even think he planned all of this from the start, which is why he voluntarily revealed the number of his Star Spirit Pearls. This way, those watching from the shadows also know his foundation."
"Nine hundred and fifty. While that is a rare prodigy in this vast world, it is still incomparable to the 'three nines' number. Moreover, this number will serve to divert the attention of those in the shadows away from him." Bai Suxin, the White Venerable, nodded.
"Now that you mention it, this boy is quite wise. Well, with this battle over, he can now establish himself in the Heavenly Yi Pavilion. And since he hasn't been detected, we can worry less."
"From now on, we can only wait for him to develop. In another two years, it will be the Pavilion Master's competition. I wonder if this boy can reach that stage," Mo Ningxiang sighed softly.
"For him to reach the position of Pavilion Master in just two years seems rather difficult. You must remember that Yao Yulong is at the early stage of the Years Realm, while he has only just stepped into the early stage of the Quantity Transformation Realm. Even if he can fight across levels, he has no chance here," Bai Suxin, the White Venerable, said with a slight frown.
Mo Ningxiang smiled and replied, "Sister, have you forgotten the Furnace of Creation?"
"The Furnace of Creation?" Bai Suxin, the White Venerable's heart stirred, and she looked at Mo Ningxiang. "Do you mean for him to cultivate in the Furnace of Creation to improve his strength?"
"Naturally. Otherwise, if he can't even be a Pavilion Master, how can he become the Grand Pavilion Master? We don't have many chips left in our hands," Mo Ningxiang nodded with a grave expression.
Bai Suxin, the White Venerable's expression also became solemn as she nodded. "The Furnace of Creation is indeed very suitable for him to cultivate. However, he is far from qualified. If you and I were to speak, it would be no issue, but privately, there would be much dissatisfaction."
"Furthermore, if we do so, we will likely be put in a passive position. Such a rash move is not the best method."
"Although entering the Furnace of Creation requires sufficient qualification, it's not without its ways. Now that the boy has just entered the Quantity Transformation Realm, let's issue a few purple missions. As long as he can complete them, no one will be able to say anything. This way, we won't attract too much attention," Mo Ningxiang said with a smile.
Bai Suxin, the White Venerable, glanced at Mo Ningxiang and said, "So, you've already thought of this. No wonder you came to my Su Nu Peak. However, this method is feasible, so let's proceed as you suggested."
"Speaking of which, it has been fifty years since our Heavenly Yi Pavilion issued a purple mission. This event will also help them improve."
Mo Ningxiang smiled and nodded, then stood up and said, "Since Sister has no objections, then let's proceed with this matter. The purple mission will be initiated in a month."
"Purple mission?"
In Li Xuan's separate courtyard, when Gong Hanfeng rushed in to deliver the news, a flicker of surprise flashed in Li Xuan's eyes.
In the Wood Pavilion, in addition to completing essential tasks, each team could also undertake missions to obtain cultivation resources.
However, the rewards varied depending on the mission issued.
Missions were divided into five levels.
Like the gathering mission Li Xuan's team had previously undertaken, it was the lowest level, a green mission. Above it were orange missions, blue missions, red missions, and purple missions. Previously, the highest was a red mission, and it was unexpected that a purple mission would appear now.
Gong Hanfeng nodded and said, "This purple mission was issued today, and I rushed back as soon as I saw it. By now, many teams have probably already gone."
"However, this mission is a bit special; it's not for leaders to claim. Instead, it will be randomly drawn. If it cannot be completed, ten Tai Yuan Fruits will be deducted."
"Although a purple mission has appeared, I don't think anyone will draw it so quickly. After all, if one's strength is insufficient, they will only end up paying ten Tai Yuan Fruits in vain."
"Are there any details about the mission?" Li Xuan asked after a moment of thought.
Gong Hanfeng replied with a wry smile, "It would be great if we knew the content, so we could assess whether we can take it on. There is no information about this purple mission. Only the team or individual who accepts the mission can know the details."
"Such secrecy suggests that this mission will not be easy. Moreover, we couldn't even complete a red mission, so a purple mission would be even more difficult," Li Xuan mused.
"I think Commander Li can give it a try. If successful, the rewards will be immense," a voice suddenly came from outside as soon as Li Xuan finished speaking.
Li Xuan looked in the direction of the voice and saw Qiu Jiuqian.
Li Xuan frowned slightly and then asked Qiu Jiuqian, "What do you mean by that, Brother Qiu?"
Qiu Jiuqian smiled slightly and said, "Although the purple mission is very difficult, if successful, one can obtain considerable cultivation resources. In addition, the completer of this purple mission can also enter a treasure land for cultivation."
"This treasure land was previously only accessible to cultivators at the advanced stage of the Divine Transformation Realm. With Commander Li's talent, his cultivation speed will likely be maximized inside."
"Are you talking about the Furnace of Creation, Brother Qiu?" Li Xuan's eyes lit up, and he immediately asked.
As everyone knows, there is a miraculous furnace in the Heavenly Yi Domain. Although it is called a furnace, it contains its own universe. It would not be an exaggeration to call it a world.
Before this, Li Xuan had been very interested in the Furnace of Creation. However, due to the rules of the Wood Pavilion and even the Heavenly Yi Pavilion, only disciples at the advanced stage of the Divine Transformation Realm could enter. Therefore, Li Xuan could only bury his thoughts deep in his heart.
But he never expected that by completing this purple mission, he could now enter the Furnace of Creation.
Qiu Jiuqian nodded and replied, "In the Heavenly Yi Pavilion, what else could it be but the Furnace of Creation? Commander Li, are you tempted now?"
Li Xuan smiled, stood up, and said, "As spiritual masters, what we desire is naturally a better cultivation environment and resources. Currently, Elder Geng Tian has rewarded us with fifteen Tai Yuan Fruits. If we truly can't complete the mission, consider it a loss. Brother Qiu, Brother Gong, are you willing to accompany me on this endeavor?"
"We are willing to follow Commander Li into battle!" Qiu Jiuqian and Gong Hanfeng exchanged glances, then bowed in unison.
Li Xuan's words naturally meant he intended to bring them along. If they could successfully complete the mission, they would also have the opportunity to cultivate in the Furnace of Creation. Their hearts were naturally filled with excitement.
"Let's go." Li Xuan smiled faintly, then strode towards the door.
"Yes!" Qiu Jiuqian and Gong Hanfeng bowed, then followed Li Xuan.