Successfully converting the first martial vein’s qi into gang qi gave Ling Xiao invaluable experience.
Thus, when he began condensing the second martial vein, the process became much smoother and more efficient.
Three hours later, not only had he successfully condensed the second martial vein, but the gang qi in the first vein had fully stabilized as well.
When it came to the third martial vein, however, he hit a snag.
Because once the third vein’s qi was transformed into gang qi, it would mean breaking through to Martial Vein Fourth Layer.
That increased the difficulty significantly.
“The Howling Moon Wolf hasn’t been used yet. Trading it for a few Gang Qi Pills should be no problem. With those, the breakthrough will definitely get easier.”
Ling Xiao wasn’t one to stubbornly bang his head against a wall. With the annual competition drawing closer, every bit of strength he could gain would boost his chances of securing a good rank.
Blindly training now wouldn’t yield much progress—Gang Qi Pills were a must.
Gang Qi Pills were far more expensive than Breakthrough Pills or Qi Gathering Pills, typically used by martial artists who had already condensed gang qi.
Their crafting required materials from at least a Level 4 demonic beast with gang qi.
Fortunately, he had just that.
With this in mind, he got up and left the training room.
But as he was about to head out, a thought struck him.
Now that he’d successfully turned qi into gang, it was a trump card for the annual competition—he couldn’t let it slip out so easily.
He needed a way to conceal his gang qi.
The moment the idea formed, his Mountain and River Martial Soul responded.
The Mountain and River Diagram displayed a list of templates for him to show others.
It ranged from Martial Vein First Layer to Ninth Layer.
Ling Xiao’s heart leapt with joy. With this, he wouldn’t have to worry about anyone seeing through his true strength.
He hadn’t expected the Mountain and River Martial Soul to have such a considerate function.
After some thought, he selected the Martial Vein Third Layer, no gang qi template.
He was currently at the peak of Martial Vein Third Layer, with gang qi in two veins.
But to outsiders, his strength would appear much lower. This would fool plenty of people and could prove decisive at critical moments.
In the world of martial artists, hiding one’s strength was no easy feat.
Though there were martial arts designed to conceal strength, they were hard to cultivate and had limited effectiveness.
The Mountain and River Martial Soul’s built-in templates, however, required no training—just a selection—and it would display whatever strength he chose to reveal.
As the Mountain and River Diagram’s level rose, the concealment would only improve.
Generally, it could hide his true strength from martial artists up to four realms above him.
For instance, at his current peak Martial Vein Third Layer, no one below the peak of Martial Vein Seventh Layer could see past the template.
That was more than enough.
After setting the template, Ling Xiao headed to the medicine hall.
Sure enough, the senior there didn’t notice he’d condensed gang qi.
This senior’s strength was at least around Martial Vein Sixth Layer.
If even he couldn’t tell, no disciple in the Elite Hall would stand a chance.
“We don’t have Gang Qi Pills in stock. It’ll take a few days to refine them.”
“No problem, Senior. How many Gang Qi Pills can this Howling Moon Wolf get me?”
“Probably three or four at most. A single Gang Qi Pill costs at least ten thousand taels of silver.”
“Alright, then I’ll trouble you, Senior. I’ll come back in a few days to pick them up.”
Ling Xiao knew there was no point in rushing. It seemed he’d have to tackle the annual competition first. With his current strength, cracking the top five shouldn’t be an issue.
After leaving the medicine hall, he returned home to solidify his cultivation.
A day later, he received the registration notice for the annual competition.
“I never imagined, child, that Grandpa once worried whether you’d even qualify for this year’s competition. After all, it requires at least Martial Vein Second Layer. Who’d have thought you’d be a Martial Vein Third Layer martial artist now?”
Hong Qi looked at Ling Xiao with excitement.
He’d watched this boy grow up, and seeing him thrive filled him with joy.
“Don’t worry, Grandpa. This time, I’m definitely getting a ranking.”
“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. There are plenty of Martial Vein Third Layer disciples. Just becoming an Elite Hall disciple would be enough. Once you’re in the Elite Hall, the future’s bright.”
Hong Qi never liked burdening Ling Xiao with too much pressure.
“Grandpa, if I don’t snag a top-three spot this time, I won’t be satisfied!”
Ling Xiao stuck out his tongue, made a silly face, and darted off.
That was his honest goal. Ling Yixue and Ling Yinang’s strengths were a bit mysterious—he couldn’t guarantee a win over them—but he wasn’t afraid of anyone else.
If he, with gang qi and peak Martial Vein Third Layer strength, couldn’t handle someone like Ling Feng, that’d be downright embarrassing.
The number of disciples signing up for the annual competition was massive—thousands, if not tens of thousands, all above Martial Vein Second Layer.
When Ling Xiao arrived at the registration area, it was already a sea of people, buzzing with excited chatter.
Their faces glowed with anticipation.
The annual competition was the best chance for lower-tier disciples to leap over the dragon’s gate.
A good ranking meant equal opportunities with main branch disciples.
“Heh heh, since the Ling Clan expanded recruitment last year, this year’s competition has way more participants than before!”
“More people, but the rewards are richer too.”
“The rewards are out already? How’d I miss that?”
“Dumbass, Senior Brother Ming is from the Genius Hall and a special judge this time—of course he knows the rewards.”
Senior Brother Ming?
A Genius Hall disciple?
Ling Xiao edged closer. He too wanted to know what rewards this year’s competition offered.
It concerned his future, after all.
Genius Hall disciples were typically under twenty, at least peak Martial Vein Third Layer, and had condensed gang qi.
Clearly, this Senior Brother Ming fit the bill.
Elite Hall disciples, meanwhile, were under twenty and above Martial Vein Third Layer.
Generally, even the weakest Genius Hall disciple outclassed the best in the Elite Hall.
But the Elite Hall occasionally produced exceptional outliers.
Like Ling Yinang.
“Senior Brother Ming, what are the rewards? Give us a hint!”
Senior Brother Ming smiled. “For this year’s Elite Hall annual competition, anyone in the top 100 gets a hundred Qi Gathering Pills!”
“Top 50 can enter the third floor of the library and pick an advanced martial art! Plus, they get an extra Breakthrough Pill, Heart Protection Pill, and Vein Protection Pill!”
“Top 20 get all that, plus another chance to pick an advanced martial art, and an additional Breakthrough Pill, Heart Protection Pill, and Vein Protection Pill!”
By now, many couldn’t contain their excitement.
“So extravagant! Just cracking the top 100 nets you a hundred Qi Gathering Pills!”
“Top 20 would be insane—two advanced martial arts and two sets of breakthrough pills!”
“Yeah, these are treasures most Elite Hall and low-tier disciples can only dream of!”
