While passing through the corridor of the combat arena, Wu Yun saw a crystal plaque displaying the latest round of combat records. Combat records are updated monthly, and the current round had been refreshed for ten days. One name stood out prominently.
Xiao Xueyan, tenfold celestial victories forty-nine, a hundred percent winning rate, temporarily ranked first. Compared to the second-place contender behind her, the difference was like a sky-high gap. The second-place contender had fewer than ten victories, with a winning rate of only sixty percent. Wu Yun furrowed his brows, puzzled, and said, "Hmm? Xiao Xueyan, isn't she the number one genius in Star Feather City? Why would she participate in the life-and-death combat arena?" The guard turned around, smiled knowingly, and said, "Her strength is indeed extraordinary, but our combat arena has no age restrictions. As long as the cultivation base doesn't exceed the tenth celestial level, anyone can participate. Under great rewards, there will be courageous individuals, hehe."
"Rewards?" Wu Yun asked in confusion, "Could there be other prizes?" "Of course," the guard chuckled, "Moreover, the prizes this time are particularly tempting. Otherwise, it wouldn't have stirred the heart of Miss Xiao, who has long been renowned throughout the city." "What is it?" "Firecloud Spirit Grass." "Firecloud Spirit Grass?" Wu Yun exclaimed. In his heart, he couldn't help but think that the preciousness of Firecloud Spirit Grass far exceeded that of the Dao Origin Pills, reaching the level of a spiritual medicine treasure. It was especially effective for cultivators seeking to break through from the tenth celestial level to the Sea Transformation Realm. Could it be that Xiao Xueyan had already reached the pinnacle of the tenth celestial level? Thinking of this, Wu Yun's expression changed. The gap between the Sea Transformation Realm and the tenth celestial level was definitely not on the same level. If, as Wu Yun suspected, Xiao Xueyan had indeed broken through to the Sea Transformation Realm, then two months later, Wu Yun would be facing an extremely terrifying opponent. "What? Do you have any thoughts?" The guard saw Wu Yun standing still, smiled, and then said, "Don't think too much. To obtain Firecloud Spirit Grass, one must crush both victories and winning rates in this month's competition. Since Miss Xiao chose to participate, she must have confidence in winning. I have worked in this combat arena for over ten years, and seeing someone like Miss Xiao with a victory rate of over a hundred percent in forty-something matches is truly a first." After the guard left, Wu Yun, behind his mask, had a serious expression and followed along.
At the age of seventeen, achieving the cultivation of the Sea Transformation Realm was a remarkable feat. If Xiao Xueyan had truly accomplished this, it would likely attract attention even from the Imperial Capital. Once the Imperial Capital intervened, if Wu Yun couldn't surpass Xiao Xueyan before that, the Wu family would probably find themselves in a desperate situation.
The current priority was to prevent Xiao Xueyan from obtaining the Firecloud Spirit Grass. However, ten days had already passed in this round of calculations, and Xiao Xueyan's victories had reached forty-nine. If she continued to participate in daily battles, it seemed unlikely that anyone could catch up with her in the remaining month.
Wu Yun navigated through several corridors, following the guard to a room. The guard stopped, saying, "Go in; someone inside will receive you." Wu Yun nodded slightly and entered the room, where an elderly man was seated.
"Your name and cultivation level," the old man asked casually, glancing at Wu Yun.
"Black Flame, Fourth Celestial Level," Wu Yun had already thought of an alias for himself.
"What item do you want?" The old man inquired without lifting his head, appearing indifferent. Evidently, he had grown accustomed to receiving countless individuals like Wu Yun every day.
"Creation Pills," Wu Yun answered.
"What? Creation Pills?" This time, the old man finally looked up, scrutinizing Wu Yun. He said, "Choose something else. You need at least the Fifth Celestial Level Combat Platform to exchange for Creation Pills, and the cost might be beyond what you can afford. If you insist on Creation Pills, go back and elevate your cultivation level by one grade before coming again."
"Fifth Celestial Level?" Wu Yun furrowed his brows. He hadn't expected that the Fourth Celestial Level Combat Platform wouldn't allow him to exchange for Creation Pills. However, at this moment, he had no interest in any items other than the Creation Pills. He asked, "Is there any other way? Any method will do, as long as I can get the Creation Pills."
"What? Creation Pills?" This time, the old man finally lifted his head, scrutinizing Wu Yun. He said, "Choose something else. You need at least the Fifth Celestial Level Combat Platform to exchange for Creation Pills, and the cost might be beyond what you can afford. If you insist on Creation Pills, go back and elevate your cultivation level by one grade before coming again."
"Fifth Celestial Level?" Wu Yun furrowed his brows. He hadn't expected that the Fourth Celestial Level Combat Platform wouldn't allow him to exchange for Creation Pills. However, at this moment, he had no interest in any items other than the Creation Pills. He asked, "Is there any other way? Any method will do, as long as I can get the Creation Pills."
The old man, seemingly interested, observed Wu Yun for a moment, stroked his snowy white beard, and said, "Unless you're willing to challenge beyond your level, challenging a platform above your cultivation level with Fourth Celestial cultivation."
Pausing for a moment, he added, "Of course, you must carefully weigh the pros and cons. Once you step onto the life-and-death combat platform, life and death are determined by fate, and there's no turning back halfway."
"Challenging beyond my level?" Wu Yun pondered for a moment. When he was in the Second Celestial Level, he could already inflict damage equivalent to the Third Celestial Level. Although he hadn't tested his combat power after reaching the Fourth Celestial Level, he was confident in his abilities.
Nodding, he asked, "Alright, what do I need to stake as collateral?"
"Haha, interesting! It's been a long time since I've encountered such a bold young person. Market price, 500,000 gold coins. If you lose, the 500,000 gold coins go to our combat arena. If you win, the Creation Pills and gold coins will be fully returned."
"I have something that's definitely worth more than 500,000 gold coins." Wu Yun took a jade pendant from around his neck. The pendant felt cool to the touch, crystal clear, far from ordinary craftsmanship.
"Sky Beyond Limit Jade? This is a valuable item. It's worth much more than 500,000 gold coins. Are you sure?" The old man remarked.
Wu Yun replied calmly, "I'm just using it as collateral temporarily. After I win, it will still be mine. It's a memento left by my mother. Without 100% confidence, I wouldn't have staked it."
"Haha, alright, young man, you've got quite the confidence." The old man accepted the Sky Beyond Limit Jade and said, "In half an hour, I'll arrange the combat arena for you. Leave the room."
Exiting the room, Wu Yun arrived outside the observation area. The place was bustling with activity, cheers rising, and ten combat platforms stood proudly in the front.
From left to right, they represented the First Celestial Level to the Tenth Celestial Level. Wu Yun's gaze swept across, but when it landed on the Tenth Celestial Level combat platform, he froze.
On the Tenth Celestial Level combat platform, a graceful figure was dancing and moving, displaying a beautiful form, resembling a fairy. Countless people below cheered for her.
However, all of this disgusted Wu Yun. She was that cold and sinister woman, Xiao Xueyan.
Soon, Xiao Xueyan injured her opponent and won the victory. On the crystal plaque in front, her victory count refreshed to fifty, with an unchanged winning rate. Wu Yun furrowed his brows. If things continued like this, the Firecloud Spirit Grass would likely fall into Xiao Xueyan's hands.
Just at this moment, Xiao Xueyan's cold and stern voice echoed from the Tenth Celestial Level combat platform.
"Starting today, I'll suspend my matches for ten days. Don't accuse me of bullying you. If any of you has the ability, you can come and surpass my victory count and winning rate within these ten days."
After saying this, Xiao Xueyan soared into the air, her white clothes fluttering like a fairy. This drew admiration from the onlookers, and she appeared like a radiant star in the combat arena. Her brilliance couldn't be overshadowed by anything, whether it was her talent or beauty, captivating countless hearts.
People sighed in admiration. Xiao Xueyan was truly the number one talent in Star Feather City. At such a young age, not only was her cultivation outstanding, but her broad-mindedness was also impressive. Wu Yun's expression changed. Xiao Xueyan exuded an ethereal charm, but her unknown inner darkness was just as profound. Deceiving his dantian, ruining his cultivation, and manipulating his genuine feelings, yet she could still carry herself as if nothing had happened. A cold smile appeared on Wu Yun's lips.
"So arrogant and conceited, suspending matches for ten days. Hehe, the Firecloud Spirit Grass is mine now."
Originally, Wu Yun was troubled by his inability to compete with Xiao Xueyan for the Firecloud Spirit Grass, but now an opportunity presented itself.