In the Valley of Winds, amidst the sea of people, the Life and Death Platform area was completely packed with disciples of the Canghai Sect, forming a dense crowd.

Above this vast platform area, on the edge of the cliffs surrounding the gorge, many figures gathered, their sharp gazes fixed on the platform below. Each of these individuals exuded an unfathomable aura.

These were the upper echelons of the Canghai Sect, and among them was none other than the sect master, Nangong Shang, seated prominently at the center of the crowd at the cliff's edge.

The sect tournament was one of the most important events held annually, conducted in two phases. During the first phase, many outer disciples might advance to the inner sect and become inner disciples. Some powerful inner disciples could ascend further to become core disciples, gaining immense pride and status.

Of course, as some ascended, others would be eliminated.

The rules were simple: challenge and succeed to advance, or fail and face elimination.

Outer disciples seeking to enter the inner sect could challenge any current inner disciple. If victorious, the challenger would step into the inner sect, while the defeated inner disciple would lose their position, bringing shame upon themselves.

Similarly, inner disciples aspiring to become core disciples had to challenge any current core disciple. Victory would grant them the elevated position of a core disciple.

The rules were straightforward and brutal. Some would rise in glory during the competition, while others would face humiliating defeats.

The first phase of the competition decided the roster of outer, inner, and core disciples for the year.

The second phase involved ranking battles: ranking matches for outer disciples, inner disciples, and core disciples.

Regardless of their rank—outer, inner, or core—those who placed in the top ten gained immense honor. They were seen as the sect's hope and received significant resources and focused training.

Moreover, anyone who made it into the top ten of these three categories would earn generous rewards. These could include spirit stones, weapons, elixirs, or even high-grade martial techniques and cultivation methods.

However, any inner or core disciple eliminated during the first phase would lose the qualification to participate in the ranking battles. For them, being challenged was a great humiliation, and they would fight with all their might to repel the challengers.

Without truly formidable strength, no one dared to challenge recklessly!

By the time Li Xiaoyao and his two companions arrived at the Life and Death Platform, the competition was already underway. At that moment, an outer disciple was challenging an inner disciple.

On the platform, two figures were locked in an intense battle.

"That's Zhao Xinyi! I've heard she recently reached the Spirit Martial Realm, and it seems to be true. Not only is she strong, but she's also stunning. If only I could make her my wife!" Han Kui said with a hearty laugh as he watched the red-clad young woman fighting.

Zhao Xinyi's beauty was renowned throughout the Canghai Sect, and she was the dream girl of countless disciples. However, her aloof demeanor gave off a "keep away" vibe, and numerous suitors, including some of the most talented and powerful core disciples, had failed to win her over.

It was rumored that Zhao Xinyi, in addition to her beauty and talent, came from an extraordinary background.

"Make her your wife? Could you even handle her?" Li Xiaoyao gave Han Kui a teasing glance. This guy had some guts—to want such a fiery woman as his wife! ...damn brooo...

"Heh, heh... I'm not that weak, but I do think I'm not good enough for her," Han Kui replied with a sheepish grin, scratching his head. He then looked at Li Xiaoyao and said, "By the way, Li Xiaoyao, I think you and Zhao Xinyi are a perfect match. Zhao Xinyi is beautiful, and you're handsome, and both of you are so talented. You're practically made for each other."

"Me?" Li Xiaoyao shivered slightly, shrugging his shoulders. The thought alone made him feel uneasy, as if he wouldn't be able to sleep at night.

Looking up, Li Xiaoyao's gaze shifted to the crowd at the edge of the gorge. After a brief moment, his eyes locked onto someone, and a flicker of cold light flashed within them.

"Xie Yun, during this sect competition, I'll take some interest back first." A cold smile appeared in his heart. The reason he had come to participate in the competition was because of Xie Yun.

Standing above the gorge, Xie Yun seemed to sense something and turned his gaze away from the Life and Death Platform to scan the crowd. However, he found nothing and frowned slightly.

At this moment, Zhao Xinyi, who had been engaged in a prolonged battle, unleashed her martial spirit and secured victory. Cheers erupted all around, prompting Li Xiaoyao to sigh inwardly. The treatment beautiful women received was indeed different.

Advancing to the inner sect wasn't something particularly noteworthy for Zhao Xinyi. Her eyes scanned the crowd, and a sigh escaped her heart. She had stepped into the Spirit Martial Realm, awakened her martial spirit— the same Divine Arrow Spirit her father once possessed—yet she was still no match for him.

Unfortunately, he had died at the hands of a demonic beast, betrayed by none other than the sect elder, Xie Yun.

"If he were still alive, with his incredible strength, he would surely have shone brightly here," Zhao Xinyi thought.

For some reason, Li Xiaoyao's image suddenly appeared in her mind. That carefree and unrestrained young genius—though undeniably talented—was also undeniably infuriating.

If given a choice, Zhao Xinyi would rather have defeated Li Xiaoyao than her current opponent and then step into the inner sect.

Meanwhile, in another part of the gorge, at the doorway of a small hut, Elder Bei stood, watching the scene of Zhao Xinyi's victory unfold.

"Xinyi has talent, but she still falls far short of her father, Zhao Canglan. She won't be able to inherit his legacy. Living in the royal capital, a place full of intrigue and schemes, is worrisome," Elder Bei thought, his mind churning with various concerns.

The royal capital—those two sacred words—was, in truth, a place filled with deceit, political maneuvering, and countless powerful individuals. For now, with Zhao Canglan alive, he could still protect Zhao Xinyi. But the day Zhao Canglan was no longer around, Zhao Xinyi would undoubtedly be devoured by the capital's machinations.

"I originally wanted Li Xiaoyao to go to the capital. That way, he could rapidly grow, exchanging blows with numerous powerful individuals and geniuses. In the future, he might even be able to lend a hand to Canglan. And if fate allowed..."

As Elder Bei pondered these things, a sharp gleam of killing intent flashed through his eyes. "Xie Yun... this parasite must be eradicated. Otherwise, I'll never find peace."

Unbeknownst to Li Xiaoyao, so many people were thinking about him. At this moment, he spotted a familiar face.

"Li Xiaoyao, you're here too? What a coincidence," Jingxiang said as she approached, her gaze as pure and clear as ever.

"Yes, quite a coincidence," Li Xiaoyao replied with a smile. Among the people in the Canghai Sect, he was closest to Han Kui and Jingxiang.

"This isn't a coincidence; it's fate," Han Kui laughed heartily. "Jingxiang, I'm standing right here, such a big guy, yet you only noticed Li Xiaoyao? What's with that?"

"Uh..." Li Xiaoyao shot a glare at Han Kui. This guy was really being quite improper.

"Who even knows you?" Jingxiang rolled her eyes at Han Kui and replied softly.

"Alright, alright, fine, you don't know me. But I wonder who it was dragging me around every day recently to look for Li Xiaoyao." Han Kui grinned mischievously, leaving Li Xiaoyao speechless. When did this normally honest guy become so... sly?

"How would I know who you're talking about?" A faint blush crept onto Jingxiang's cheeks, making her even more radiant and charming. Han Kui couldn't help but laugh loudly at her reaction.

Nearby, Lei Jun glanced at the chuckling Li Xiaoyao, his expression flickering with mixed emotions. This guy seemed to have a knack for winning people over.

"You lot, shut your filthy mouths immediately."

The sudden cold voice shattered the cheerful atmosphere.

Li Xiaoyao and the others froze for a moment before turning their gaze toward the source. An inner-sect disciple carrying an ancient sword on his back stared at them with disdain.

"We're talking. What does that have to do with you?" Han Kui glared back angrily at the man, annoyed by his rude interruption. Could it be that even casual conversation was now forbidden?

"Do you believe I won't kill you?" The man with the ancient sword spoke icily, exuding an oppressive sharpness.

"It's you."

At that moment, Li Xiaoyao uttered two words, his tone laced with cold recognition. What a coincidence—this person was someone he knew. He was none other than Yu Zhentong, the inner-sect disciple who had appeared atop a tree the day Zhao Xinyi was chasing him. Back then, Yu Zhentong had struck Li Xiaoyao with his sword, nearly taking his life. Moreover, Yu Zhentong had arrogantly declared that as long as Zhao Xinyi nodded, he would kill Li Xiaoyao without hesitation.

Yu Zhentong paused upon hearing Li Xiaoyao's words, squinting at him for a closer look before recognition dawned. A mocking smile spread across his face. "So it's you, that worthless trash. Last time, sparing your life was a fluke. Don't tell me you're tired of living this time."

"Tired of living?" Li Xiaoyao sneered coldly. Back then, he had vowed silently to himself: the day he stepped into the Spirit Martial Realm would be the day he used Yu Zhentong to consecrate his sword.