Chapter 583: Group Competition?

“A single phrase, sharp and chilling, exuded an overwhelming aura of death and absolute authority.

Shui Miao couldn’t help but feel a chill run through his heart, as if the air had suddenly become suffocating. In an instant, he found himself at a loss for words.

‘I… I came to pay a visit…’

Though he spoke thus, Shui Miao felt puzzled by his own reaction. After all, they were merely immortals, their cultivation and strength nothing particularly impressive. Why then did he feel such profound reverence toward them? Was it due to some formation, or perhaps an unseen force at work?

As his thoughts whirled, a voice suddenly reached his ears, ‘Cultivator friend, return. This San Sheng Yuan Ying Pill is a gift from the Lady Goddess. May you contemplate carefully during your cultivation in the Immortal Realm, and never act recklessly, lest you regret it forever.’

A crimson box the size of a clenched fist descended from the sky, hovering before Shui Miao.

The San Sheng Yuan Ying Pill!

Shui Miao was greatly startled. He immediately realized that the Goddess Nuwa of the Ninth Heaven had already foreseen his intentions!

Indeed, the Goddess Nuwa was formidable!

And the divination techniques of Xuantian were truly wondrous beyond measure!

Overwhelmed with surprise and emotion, Shui Miao accepted the medicine box, quickly kneeling down in gratitude. ‘Shui Miao thanks the Goddess Nuwa of the Ninth Heaven. With this San Sheng Yuan Ying Pill, my father’s life shall be saved. My son and I will forever remember the Goddess’s kindness and never forget it!’

‘Whoosh!’

The eleven immortals vanished into the distance.

After expressing his gratitude, Shui Miao set off back to the Tianji Sect. Along the way, he immediately transferred the San Sheng Yuan Ying Pill into his ultimate treasure, preparing to heal his father’s soul and restore his life.

※※※

In the Ninth Heaven Xuanmen, the Goddess Hall.

At this moment, Zi Xuan, the female sect leader of the Ninth Heaven, was sipping tea and discussing matters with her juniors, Qing Xuan and Huo Xuan.

The rear hall was extremely quiet, with several incense burners sending out fragrant smoke.

On the table beside Zi Xuan lay a Bagua Linglong Mirror.

Zi Xuan sighed gently, ‘This Bagua Linglong Mirror is an ultimate artifact. It can show events from the past three hours, yet it can only reveal what Shui Miao did three minutes ago. It seems this Shui Miao’s cultivation and strength are indeed no ordinary matter.’

‘Indeed! The Goddess had foreseen his arrival more than half a month ago and instructed us to give him the San Sheng Yuan Ying Pill. I’m really curious—what kind of ability must this person possess to earn the Goddess’s personal divination?’ Qing Xuan looked at her two seniors with confusion.

The second senior, Huo Xuan, slightly furrowed her brow. ‘Whoever the Goddess favors must be correct. However, the Goddess specifically instructed us to keep him at a distance and not to get too close. I believe there must be a deeper meaning. If my guess is correct, this person will surely rise to prominence in the upcoming Immortal-Deity War and stun everyone with his brilliance.’

‘Exactly. Could the Goddess ever make a mistake?’ Qing Xuan smiled. ‘By the way, Second Senior, you are skilled in divination. Have you foreseen how intense this Immortal-Deity War will be? How many Immortal Emperors will perish? And how many new Immortal Emperors will emerge?’

‘It’s very chaotic. I can’t calculate it clearly—the variables are too great.’

Huo Xuan shook her head, her expression grave.

Zi Xuan spoke calmly, ‘We shouldn’t dwell on it too much. The Goddess told us to observe quietly, so we shall observe quietly.’

‘Exactly. Anyone who dares to provoke the Ninth Heaven Xuanmen must think twice carefully.’

Qing Xuan smiled smugly, like an immature little girl.

‘Wait! Everyone be quiet—the Goddess is transmitting her voice…’

Suddenly, Zi Xuan raised her hand to silence the others, closed her eyes, and focused on receiving the Goddess’s message. Moments later, she opened her eyes and said urgently, ‘Junior sisters, something major seems to be brewing in the Three Realms. The Goddess has issued an urgent decree, ordering us three to descend to the mortal world. We must do everything in our power to protect Shui Miao’s family and friends, wait for the right time, and then guide them to ascend to immortality. It seems someone is plotting against them in secret.’

‘Is that so…’

Huo Xuan was taken aback. ‘If the Goddess herself has issued such a decree, and she has personally ordered the three of us to descend, this Shui Miao must truly be no ordinary person!’

‘Oh my goodness! The Goddess has issued an urgent decree. What are we waiting for? A single day in heaven equals a year on earth!’ Qing Xuan cried anxiously.

Zi Xuan nodded, ‘There’s no time to lose. We must leave now.’

‘Alright!’

With a nod from Huo Xuan, the three of them simultaneously activated their powers and departed from the Ninth Heaven Xuanmen.

※※※

Shui Miao was on his way back to the Tianji Sect when, through his spiritual senses, he suddenly detected many immortals flying about in a frenzy, as if searching for someone. Focusing his attention, he sensed from one immortal that they were all disciples of the Yuxu Sect, desperately searching for Zhao Tianyi.

‘What are they trying to do?’

Curious and with nothing better to do, Shui Miao transformed into Zhao Tianyi’s appearance and hid in a secluded spot.

Before long, the Taoist Master Tai Xuan hurriedly flew over.

‘Oh my goodness, little brother! What are you aimlessly wandering around for? You’ve made me search everywhere for you!’ Master Tai Xuan grabbed Shui Miao’s hand and began dragging him toward the Yuxu Sect. ‘Come, come with me back to the Yuxu Sect. The Sect Leader has issued an order to appoint you as the leader of the Azure Dragon Hall. That hall has 365 inner sect disciples—all elite members of our sect, carefully cultivated over the years. Now they are placing them all under your command, showing how much the Sect Leader values you!’

‘Wait a moment…’

Shui Miao’s mind raced, and he suddenly smiled coldly. ‘Brother, let’s not pretend. Has Hua Yuting returned?’

‘Uh… how did you know?’

Tai Xuan was taken aback.

Shui Miao snorted, ‘Don’t think I’m a fool. If I were, I wouldn’t have survived this long. Hua Yuting must have returned and is planning something against you, and you’re scared. So you want to use me as a scapegoat?’

‘No, no, no! This time it’s really not like that.’ Tai Xuan waved his hands frantically. ‘Hua Yuting has indeed returned, but he hasn’t done anything against us. He’s already gone to the Wilds to seek revenge against Ao Hong for killing his son. We’re bringing you back because we genuinely want you, not to harm you. I can guarantee that.’

‘Hmph… you actually consider me a treasure now?’ Shui Miao sneered, then waved his hands dismissively. ‘Brother, it’s not that I don’t trust you—it’s just that your words don’t give me any reason to believe you. Let me be honest with you—your Yuxu Sect is a den of dragons and tigers. I don’t want to die young. I’d rather be a wandering immortal than return.’

Seeing Shui Miao’s reaction, Tai Xuan seemed to have anticipated this. Glancing around to ensure no one was listening, he lowered his voice, speaking in a hushed, secretive tone. ‘Brother, the truth is, appointing you as the Azure Dragon Hall leader is just a cover. What we really need you for is to form a team to participate in a competition. Just now, we received news that the Kunpeng Immortal Emperor of the Ninth Heaven, under orders from the Celestial Court, is hosting a group competition to determine the strongest sect in the Ninth Heaven. Each group consists of five Immortal Sovereigns, and the strongest group will receive ten Emperor Qi Pills and five ultimate treasures. How could we possibly miss out on such a generous reward?’

‘Uh…’

Shui Miao’s first thought was that there must be a plot.

Coincidentally, right after Hua Yuting’s return, the Kunpeng Immortal Emperor is holding a competition? That couldn’t possibly be a coincidence—there must be something fishy going on.

However, the rewards for this competition were indeed generous and tempting.

Let alone the ten Emperor Qi Pills, which were exactly what Shui Miao desperately desired.

And an ultimate treasure? That was an incredibly precious item—of course everyone would want it.

But still, Shui Miao couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a conspiracy, and a big one at that!

Seeing Shui Miao silent, as if considering, Tai Xuan quickly pressed on. ‘Brother, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Yuxu Sect has no shortage of Immortal Sovereigns, but I specifically thought of you, not even choosing Hua Yuting. Don’t tell me you can’t feel how sincere we are?’

‘Hmph…’

Shui Miao’s heart stirred, but he didn’t rush to respond. Instead, he asked cautiously, ‘Can any sect participate?’

‘Yes, but smaller sects would just be going for nothing.’ Tai Xuan answered bluntly.

Shui Miao nodded, ‘So even cultivators below the Immortal Sovereign level can form a five-person team to participate? When does the competition start?’

‘Yes, teams can be formed. But our team is extremely strong—no ordinary sect can rival us. The competition will begin registration in three days at Xian Du Mountain.’ Tai Xuan smiled confidently.

Shui Miao shook his head, ‘I don’t think so.’

‘Why not?’ Tai Xuan was puzzled.

Shui Miao shrugged, ‘It’s simple. My strength is weak. I run away whenever I see someone like Hua Tianxiong. Plus, I’ve absorbed a beast, which in many people’s eyes makes me a heretical demon. Joining your team wouldn’t help you at all—it would only bring you trouble. It’s clearly not a wise decision.’

‘Oh come on, brother, you’re not serious, are you?’ Tai Xuan became anxious. ‘Brother, haven’t we already apologized to you? We even offered you the position of Azure Dragon Hall Leader, which is a huge honor. Besides, who would know about your beast absorption unless you told them yourself?’

‘Brother, I’m not interested in joining for now. Why don’t you invite Hua Yuting instead? I know my own limits. I’ll take my leave!’

Shui Miao was convinced that Tai Xuan and the others had ulterior motives.

Even if they were sincere, he still believed there must be a major hidden plot. He decided not to commit immediately and would wait a few days before deciding.

‘Uh… this…’

Tai Xuan was momentarily stunned. He couldn’t understand why someone would refuse such a generous reward.

In truth, Tai Xuan and the others had considered inviting Hua Yuting, but Hua had only recently returned from rebirth, his spiritual energy still very weak—his cultivation level wasn’t even comparable to an Immortal Monarch. To Tai Xuan and the others, the claim that Hua had gone to the Wilds to kill Ao Hong for revenge was merely a face-saving excuse.

In contrast, Zhao Tianyi, who was actually Shui Miao in disguise, possessed profound cultivation, his strength unfathomable and unpredictable. They genuinely wanted to recruit him.

However, Shui Miao remained unmoved.

He was certain there was a major hidden plot. Combined with the sudden disappearance of the Immortal Sovereign Hu, Shui Miao felt that the Immortal Realm must be hiding many mysterious forces waiting in the shadows. If he recklessly exposed his strength now, he might attract numerous hidden adversaries plotting against him.

And if they used his family and friends as leverage, that would become a serious problem.

Therefore, this time, Shui Miao decided he must proceed with caution.