togophonebook Chapter 97 Luck Entries
Chapter 97 Luck Entries
In his left hand was a broken sword, the blade severed three inches from the base, the break as smooth as a mirror.
The sword is dark gold in color, and although it has been broken for countless years, the edge still faintly exudes a sharp aura.
Two characters are engraved on the sword guard, with simple and ancient strokes, in ancient seal script, and the two characters "斩霄" can be faintly discerned.
Legend has it that this sword was the personal sword of a powerful swordsman three thousand years ago, which once slew a dragon and was broken in an earth-shattering battle.
In his right hand was an inkstone, its body bluish-gray, warm and smooth like jade. There were still some ink stains in the inkwell, the ink color still fresh, as if the ink had just been ground yesterday.
The bottom of the inkstone is engraved with three characters: "Danxin Yan" (丹心砚).
Legend has it that this inkstone was used by a Daoist master in ancient times. This master attained Dao through alchemy and used this inkstone to write twelve volumes of Daoist scriptures. Most of these scriptures have been lost to this day, leaving only fragments.
As for the Taoist robe, the fabric was neither silk nor linen, but faintly shimmered with a layer of aquamarine light.
The robe is woven with dark patterns depicting mountains and rivers, and the collar and cuffs are embroidered with fine silver runes, as thin as mosquito legs, arranged in an array, emitting faint spiritual energy fluctuations.
"This year's rewards for Cuiping Peak, besides the symbol of the top ten disciples, the superior-grade magic artifact Tianlan Dao Robe, also include two ancient artifacts of destiny. According to the rules, the champion will be selected first."
After saying that, he looked at Zhang Lin with a hint of testing in his eyes.
Zhang Lin did not rush to extend his hand, but instead clasped his hands in a respectful bow to Du Zhong: "Sir, may I have my hands examined before making a selection?"
Du Zhong raised an eyebrow slightly, then nodded: "Alright. Ancient artifacts choose their owners based on fate. If you wish to examine them closely, that would be best."
Zhang Lin thanked him, took the inkstone with both hands, and then opened the system.
[The Danxin Inkstone: An ancient artifact imbued with auspicious energy, carrying the auspicious energy of a devoted and compassionate child.]
[Qi Luck Effect: Increases the success rate of refining any elixir below Immortal grade by 20%, and slightly increases one's own Qi Luck.]
[Can be enhanced, but requires consuming one's own luck (function not yet available).]
[The Sky-Slaying Sword (Fragment): An ancient artifact imbued with the power of destiny, carrying the destiny of slaying demons.]
[Qi Effect: Increases damage dealt to demons by 20% when using swords, slightly increases your own Qi. Broken Sword Negative Effects: When interacting with others, there is a chance they will dislike you; the probability of you being attacked by demons is increased.]
[Can be enhanced, but requires consuming one's own luck (function not yet available)]
After reading it, Zhang Lin took the inkstone with both hands without hesitation and held it in his palms.
The inkstone felt warm and smooth to the touch, with an indescribable aura flowing through it, gently resonating with the true energy in his dantian.
"This disciple chooses the Danxin Inkstone."
"Now that you have chosen, you will also receive the Tianlan Daoist Robe. From this day forward, you will be the head of the ten disciples of Cuiping Peak." Du Zhong took the light blue Daoist robe from the tray and handed it to Zhang Lin personally.
The robe felt incredibly light, like holding a cloud.
The robe's azure light shimmered slightly in the sunlight, and the silver defensive runes appeared and disappeared with the changing light, like ripples on the water's surface.
Zhang Lin unfolded his robe, revealing a line of small characters embroidered on the lining: "Cuiping Peak · Tianlan," written in elegant handwriting.
He summoned the system in his mind.
[Celestial Robe: A superior-grade magical artifact, engraved with defensive runes, capable of withstanding a direct hit from a third-tier spell without damage. Special Feature: Water Curtain.]
[Can be enhanced, requires 300 low-grade spirit stones. After enhancement, it will be upgraded to a top-grade magic weapon, with a new trait: a one-foot-long water wall.]
Zhang Lin put the Taoist robe and ancient artifacts into his storage bag, then cupped his hands to Du Zhong and said, "Thank you, sir."
The broken sword was given to Zhou Mingyuan according to the rules.
When Zhou Mingyuan took the broken sword, he forced a smile, but the smile was very stiff.
Since he was the first to choose, he could only take what others had left over. This humiliation was even more painful for him than the defeat itself.
Zhang Lin saw this and felt a sense of anticipation.
It's anyone's guess what will happen to Zhou Mingyuan if the negative effects of the broken sword fall on him.
With Zhou Mingyuan's arrogant nature, coupled with his unpleasant luck, he would likely encounter obstacles everywhere even in a prominent family.
After all ten disciples had received their rewards, Zhang Lin was about to step down and take his leave.
Du Zhong stroked his beard and smiled, then stepped aside to give up the main seat on the high platform behind him.
"Wait a minute," he said. "The Peak Master has something to say."
Zhang Lin looked up and saw that Lu Yuanshan had already stood up from the main seat.
The peak master of Cuiping Peak, a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, wore a dark blue Daoist robe, had a thin face, three long wisps of beard under his chin, and a gentle gaze that revealed the majesty of someone who had long held a high position.
The clamor on the platform suddenly ceased, and the disciples stood solemnly with their hands at their sides, remaining silent.
Lu Yuanshan walked to the edge of the platform, stood with his hands behind his back, and looked down at Zhang Lin and the other ten disciples, before sweeping his gaze over the crowd below the platform.
"I have seen everything in today's competition."
His voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly, like a spring breeze passing by, neither hurried nor slow, yet impossible to ignore.
"Luo Yuan's fire control is steady and skillful, even more advanced than last year."
"Fang Yunxiu's water escape technique is highly adaptable; given time, he will surely achieve great things."
"Zhou Mingyuan is skilled in martial arts, with a good balance between offense and defense, and is a promising talent."
He commented on each point, his words filled with affirmation.
The disciples below the stage breathed a sigh of relief. The peak master's praise, even if it was just a few polite words, was enough for them to brag about for a while when they got back.
Lu Yuanshan changed the subject, his gaze returning to Zhang Lin.
"As for Zhang Lin..."
He paused, seemingly considering his words.
"He achieved extraordinary results in alchemy, broke through the three puppets in five breaths with his magic, and defeated two veteran disciples in a row in actual combat. He was the best in all three categories, a rare feat in a hundred years."
Upon hearing this, the disciples below the stage all gasped in shock.
The phrase "a once-in-a-century occurrence" carried more weight than any other praise when uttered by Lu Yuanshan.
Lu Yuanshan continued, "In the small competition among the eighteen peaks of the outer sect, the champion with full marks in all three categories has not appeared for nearly thirty years."
"Most of the disciples who were able to achieve this level in the past are now pillars of the inner sect."
He looked at Zhang Lin and said, "Zhang Lin, you have only been in the sect for three months, yet you have achieved such success. This is truly a blessing for Cuiping Peak."
Zhang Lin clasped his hands in a salute: "Peak Master, you flatter me. This disciple was merely lucky."
Lu Yuanshan waved his hand: "On the path of cultivation, there is no room for luck. You don't need to be modest."
"Your foundation is solid, your fire control is precise, your techniques are versatile, and you remain calm under pressure. These are not things that can be obtained by luck."
He paused, his voice slightly lowered: "However, being the champion is just the beginning, not the end. The outcome of a battle in the Qi Refining stage is nothing but a mirage after the Foundation Establishment stage. Do not be complacent because of a temporary victory and forget the duty of us cultivators."
"Your disciple will remember this."
Lu Yuanshan nodded slightly, then looked away, sweeping his gaze over the disciples below the stage.
"Today's competition is now over. Ten disciples, prepare yourselves well for the grand competition of the outer sect in September. Do not disgrace Cuiping Peak."
"Disciples obey!" both on and off the stage responded in unison.
The disciples gradually dispersed.
Some were elated, some looked solemn, and some were already rubbing their hands together, preparing for the competition in September.
Chen Boyuan talked to Zhang Lin for a long time, mostly about competing for the overall ranking in the September competition. When he got excited, he mentioned his regret about the magic assessment and sighed repeatedly.
Zhang Lin responded to each question calmly and patiently.
After Chen Boyuan was pulled away by his fellow disciples, he turned to Yu Youwei and was about to speak when he suddenly heard a soft call from behind him.
"Junior Brother Zhang, please wait."
The voice was soft, with a hint of coolness.
Zhang Lin turned around and saw Luo Qinghe walking out from the side door of the high platform, dressed in white as snow, with an ethereal air.
Two inner sect female disciples followed behind her, both at the early stage of Foundation Establishment.
Yu Youwei stood beside Zhang Lin, her gaze meeting Luo Qinghe's for a fleeting moment before she casually looked away.
Luo Qinghe stopped a few feet in front of Zhang Lin, glanced at him, and a slight smile appeared on her lips.
"After not seeing you for over a month, Junior Brother Zhang has already reached the Great Perfection of Qi Refining. It's truly impressive."
Zhang Lin clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Senior Sister Luo, you flatter me. It was just a lucky breakthrough."
Luo Qinghe shook her head, as if she was thinking about something.
"When you won the championship of the Dharma Assembly as a rogue cultivator, I felt that you were different from ordinary rogue cultivators. After seeing you today, I can confirm that I was right."
She turned her head to look at Yu Youwei and nodded slightly: "Junior Sister Yu has also reached the mid-stage of Qi Refining. Your Xuan Yin Physique is indeed well-deserved. I heard your name the day I passed the examination for registered disciples."
Yu Youwei lowered her eyes and cupped her hands in thanks: "Senior Sister Luo, you flatter me."
Luo Qinghe didn't waste any more pleasantries and got straight to the point: "Junior Brother Zhang, what are your plans after the minor competition?"
"First, consolidate your cultivation, then focus on foundation building," Zhang Lin said.
"Foundation Establishment..." Luo Qinghe's gaze narrowed slightly. "Do you know that the methods of Foundation Establishment are divided into three levels?"
Zhang Lin nodded, "Humanity, Earth, and Heaven."
"Since you're so kind, I'll add a word of advice." Luo Qinghe lowered her voice a bit, "Being first in the Cuiping Peak competition is already a great honor in the outer sect, but if you want to truly establish yourself in the inner sect after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, the difference between the Human Foundation Establishment, Earth Foundation Establishment, and Heaven Foundation Establishment is as vast as an insurmountable chasm."
"If you aspire to reach higher levels, do not be content with minor paths. What we cultivators have in abundance is time. Flowing water does not strive to be first, but rather to flow continuously."
Zhang Lin said solemnly, "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Sister."
Luo Qinghe nodded slightly, said no more, and turned to leave with her two female disciples.
After walking a few steps, she suddenly stopped and looked back.
"Junior Brother Zhang, I will be coming to the outer sect to observe the grand ranking competition in September. Don't let me down then."
After saying that, she didn't linger, and her white-clad figure gradually disappeared along the bluestone steps.
(Thanks to Baozi for the update reminder token, this chapter is an extra chapter. In the future, for every ten monthly tickets or update reminder tokens received, one more chapter will be added.)