I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

In the days that followed, the atmosphere inside and outside Yunmeng Marsh was solemn and oppressive. Although the bloodlust in Qingfeng Town was under control, the lingering sorrow and demonic aura cast a shadow over the entire sect. The number of missions assigned to outer disciples to investigate, patrol, and eliminate remaining evil spirits suddenly increased, and tension and a faint smell of blood filled the air.

However, these disturbances seem to have nothing to do with Lu Zhao on the island in the middle of the lake for the time being. With Elder Yun's tacit approval and even protection, Lu Zhao was able to focus on digesting what he had gained from the dungeon and stabilizing his rapidly increasing cultivation in this pure land filled with spiritual energy.

He rarely left his house, immersing himself in cultivation, deduction, and study day and night.

In terms of cultivation, he primarily focused on "Hibernating Dragon's Sleep" and "Refining Spirit Technique." His cultivation reached the mid-stage of the fifth level of Qi Refining in one fell swoop thanks to the infusion of abundant experience points, but it still required time to consolidate and refine his realm, ensuring it was smooth and stable, without any superficiality. With "Hibernating Dragon's Sleep" reaching Lv5, his blood and qi became increasingly powerful and vibrant, repairing the subtle hidden injuries deep within his soul. This also gave him a deeper understanding of the concepts of "hibernation," "introversion," and "conserving energy." He even vaguely sensed that the subsequent cultivation of "Hibernating Dragon's Sleep" might be related to concepts like "transformation" and "dragon transformation," something extremely profound.

The Spirit Refining Technique Lv5 brings a comprehensive boost to mental power. The range of perception expands to over two hundred feet in radius, becoming more refined and precise, capable of detecting the flow of spiritual energy in the air and subtle energy fluctuations. The control of mental tentacles becomes more flexible and powerful, allowing not only the movement of slightly heavier objects remotely but also the attempt at more precise operations, such as simultaneously manipulating multiple magical artifacts or making minute adjustments when drawing complex runes. More importantly, the sea of ​​consciousness becomes more stable, as if reinforced with refined steel, making it far more resistant to even the strongest mental impacts.

The art of talismans is another major area of ​​focus for his improvement. With his talisman drawing skill at Lv6, combined with his increased mental strength and deeper understanding of talisman patterns, Lu Zhao's success rate in drawing first-tier high-grade talismans has stabilized at over 50%, and he can occasionally even draw near-perfect masterpieces. He is no longer satisfied with simply copying the inherited talismans and has begun to try to use his [Talisman Deduction] ability to "optimize" or even "combine" the basic and commonly used talismans he has mastered.

For example, he combined the "burst" rune of the [Fireball Rune] with the "solidification" rune of the [Golden Light Rune] to create a "Crimson Flame Golden Shuttle Rune," which possesses both the high temperature of fire and the penetrating power of metal. Its power is 30% stronger than a single rune, but the difficulty of drawing it and the energy consumption also increase accordingly. Another example is his attempt to simplify some of the rune structures of the [Earth Escape Rune]. Although this shortened the rune's duration and range, it resulted in a faster activation speed, making it more suitable for short-range tactical maneuvers.

Most of these attempts failed or yielded unsatisfactory results, but the few successful cases not only greatly advanced his understanding of the Dao of Talismans but also enriched and personalized his "Talisman Treasury." He even began to try incorporating his faint understanding of [Sealing Affinity] into the drawing of certain "Suppressing," "Stabilizing," and "Trapping" talismans. Although the effect was minimal, it did seem to slightly enhance the power of these talismans.

One of the biggest gains was the [Eight Extremes Demon-Sealing Hand Seal (Fragment - First Form)] obtained as a reward from the dungeon. Although this "Mountain-Suppressing Seal" was a fragment, its grade was as high as the upper-grade Yellow Rank, making it extremely difficult to cultivate. Lu Zhao pondered it day and night, combining his rudimentary understanding of sealing runes with the residual intent of the "Eight Extremes Demon-Sealing Array" he encountered in the dungeon. It took him more than a month to barely master it, and he could only unleash one or two tenths of its power.

Even so, his first use of it still startled him. As the hand seals were formed, a heavy, substantial aura, seemingly capable of suppressing mountains, emanated from his palms, causing the spiritual energy within a radius of several feet to momentarily stagnate. Although, with his current cultivation level, the practical power of this "Mountain Suppressing Seal" was probably inferior to a modified version of the Blazing Sun Talisman, its symbolic meaning and potential were unparalleled by any other talisman. This was a true ancient inheritance, containing the Daoist principles of "suppression" and "demon sealing," possessing immeasurable value for his understanding of sealing power and even for the powerful demons he might face in the future.

The refinement of the [Mysterious Yin Soul-Slaying Needles] also required considerable effort. This set of top-grade flying needles is extremely insidious, specifically targeting the soul, and is invisible and intangible. Lu Zhao activated it using the [Refining Spirit Technique], supplemented with a small amount of essence blood for nourishment, and could barely control three of them initially, but he was still far from being able to control all nine simultaneously with ease. However, this undoubtedly added another hidden and powerful trump card to his combat methods.

Aside from his own cultivation, Lu Zhao wasn't completely isolated from the outside world. Hou San would periodically send messages through clandestine channels. These messages, with Elder Yun's tacit approval, were not intercepted.

Through these messages, Lu Zhao gained a general understanding of the situation outside:

The cleanup work in Qingfeng Town is still ongoing. A large number of corpses of cultivators and mortals have been collected and cremated to prevent the spread of demonic energy pollution. The "Demon-Sealing Ancient Well" has been temporarily stabilized after several inner sect elders have joined forces to reapply layers of seals to it, but the sect has designated it as a forbidden area, strictly prohibiting disciples from approaching it.

In this battle, the Qingyun Dao Sect suffered considerable losses, with over a hundred Qi Refining stage disciples killed or wounded, and more than ten inner disciples and deacons also lost. However, the Blood Fiend Sect was also severely weakened; its Foundation Establishment stage elder escaped with serious injuries, and its core followers suffered heavy casualties. Their long-planned "Blood Sacrifice to Break the Seal" scheme was completely thwarted. It is rumored that the sect's higher-ups are furious and have issued a kill order, and have begun to unite with other righteous sects in the surrounding area to prepare for a large-scale purge of the Blood Fiend Sect's forces.

Regarding Lu Zhao's "contribution," the higher-ups seem to have intentionally suppressed it, not publicly praising it, only mentioning within a small circle that "an outer disciple performed exceptionally well, conveying crucial intelligence and interfering with the blood sacrifice." This approach is both to protect Lu Zhao and prevent him from becoming a target of public criticism prematurely, and also in line with the sect's consistent low-key style and reluctance to easily praise others. However, the reward that should have been given was reportedly not withheld, but temporarily held by Elder Yun, and will be given to Lu Zhao after he emerges from seclusion.

As for Zhao Wuji, it's said he was questioned by the sect's Enforcement Hall after the battle, seemingly related to his previous harassment of Lu Zhao and the Blood Fiend Sect's precise deployment in Qingfeng Town. However, Hou San's level is too low to know the outcome of the questioning. All that is known is that Zhao Wuji wasn't immediately punished and remains a deacon in the Enforcement Hall branch, but his arrogance has noticeably diminished, and he's been keeping a low profile lately, rarely appearing in public.

"The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease." Lu Zhao put down the latest communication jade slip sent by Hou San, a cold glint in his eyes. Zhao Wuji was temporarily unharmed, but that didn't mean he was safe. Given Zhao Wuji's vindictive nature, after suffering such a great loss this time (the blood sacrifice plan failed, Lu Zhao's merit was recognized, and he himself was under investigation), once he recovered, his revenge would likely be even more intense and covert.

"I must improve my strength as soon as possible, so that I have enough power to protect myself and even fight back." Lu Zhao clenched his fist. At the mid-stage of the fifth level of Qi Refining, he was already considered quite good among the outer disciples, but in the inner sect, before the Foundation Establishment elders, he was still like an ant. Not to mention the Blood Fiend Sect lurking in the shadows, and that terrifying ancient demon lord's divided soul.

He looked at the panel. After improving his skills and cultivation, he had about 8000 experience points left, 4500 contribution points (dungeon currency) (not yet exchanged for sect contribution), materials such as [Blood Fiend Crystal (Top Grade)], [Abyss Demon Iron], and mysterious black tokens, as well as a large stock of first-tier mid-to-high-grade talismans.

"It's time to leave here, acquire more resources, and begin preparing for the next step," Lu Zhao pondered. While staying under Elder Yun's wing ensured safety, it also limited his growth. Ultimately, the path of cultivation required him to forge his own path and fight for it.

Just then, Elder Yun's clear, cold voice came from outside the bamboo hut:

"Lu Zhao, come out."

Lu Zhao's spirits lifted, and he quickly got up, straightened his robes, and went out the door.

Elder Yun, still dressed in white, stood by the lake, her back to him, gazing at the lingering, faint crimson clouds in the distance. Her aura seemed even more restrained than before, yet the subtle sharpness she exuded made Lu Zhao feel a pang of unease. It seemed that Elder Yun had not been without gains in the battle of Qingfeng Town.

"You've been in seclusion for over a month, your aura is steady, and your cultivation has improved significantly. It seems you've gained quite a bit." Elder Yun didn't turn around, his tone calm.

"It is all thanks to the elder for bestowing the elixir and providing me with a place for quiet cultivation," Lu Zhao said respectfully.

"No need to be modest. Your opportunities and comprehension are your own." Elder Yun turned around, his gaze falling on Lu Zhao, as if he could see through the subtle changes in the surging spiritual power and mental energy within him.

"The matter of Qingfeng Town has come to a temporary end. The Blood Fiend Sect suffered heavy losses this time and should not dare to make another move in the short term. The sect has decided to hold the 'Sect Grand Competition' after three months, with the aim of selecting talents, boosting morale, and redistributing some cultivation resources. Both inner and outer disciples can participate in this competition, and the rewards are extremely generous. In particular, the top ten will be qualified to enter the 'Cloud Sea Secret Realm' for trials."

"The Cloud Sea Secret Realm?" Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat. He had heard of this name before. It was a small secret realm controlled by the Qingyun Dao Sect. It was said to be rich in spiritual energy, containing rare and precious materials, as well as various demonic beasts and dangerous areas. It was an important place for the sect to hone and cultivate its core disciples. The secret realm opened once every five years, and the number of places was extremely limited.

"Indeed. The secret realm holds both opportunities and dangers. With your current cultivation level, if you can achieve a ranking in the competition and qualify for entry, it will be a rare opportunity for you to gain experience and improve." Elder Yun paused, then added, "However, you must be careful about Zhao Wuji. Although he is currently lying low, he will not give up easily. This competition is full of all sorts of people, making it a perfect opportunity for him to make his move in secret. Your 'merits,' though not publicly acknowledged, cannot be hidden from those who are interested. In some people's eyes, you are now a 'meritorious official,' but you have also become a 'thorn in the side' for others."

"Disciple understands," Lu Zhao replied in a deep voice. He had anticipated this.

"This is a 'Guardian Talisman,' which can protect you from a soul attack by an early Foundation Establishment cultivator at a critical moment. Consider it an extra reward for your role in relaying intelligence and interfering with the blood sacrifice." Elder Yun flipped her jade hand, and a warm jade talisman engraved with intricate cloud patterns floated before Lu Zhao. "This is the sect's official merit reward, which I have converted into contribution points for you, totaling 10,000 points, as well as one opportunity to enter the 'Second Floor of the Scripture Pavilion' to choose a cultivation technique. This is your identity token; the contribution points are recorded on it. You can go to the Scripture Pavilion at any time."

Ten thousand contribution points! Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat. This was an absolute fortune! An ordinary outer sect disciple might only manage a few hundred contribution points after a year of hard work. Adding the 4500 points from the dungeon reward (which could be exchanged), he instantly possessed nearly fifteen thousand contribution points! And there was the chance to enter the second floor of the Scripture Pavilion! That place contained cultivation techniques and spells of at least mid-grade Yellow Rank!

"Thank you, Elder!" Lu Zhao solemnly accepted the jade talisman and identity token.

"Go. The Grand Competition is approaching, so prepare well. Remember, the path of cultivation is like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you fall behind. Flowers in a greenhouse can't withstand the wind and rain. When it's time to go out and explore, don't hesitate." Elder Yun waved his hand, his tone full of meaning.

"This disciple will remember your teachings!" Lu Zhao bowed deeply, turned around, and strode away from Yunmengze.

Walking on the familiar sect road, watching the disciples coming and going with hurried, tired, or wary expressions, Lu Zhao took a deep breath and felt a long-lost air belonging to the "outside world," carrying the smell of blood and gunpowder.

He was no longer the rookie disciple who needed to hide under the elders' wings. He had greater strength, more trump cards, and a clearer goal.

"Sect Grand Competition... Cloud Sea Secret Realm... Zhao Wuji..." A sharp light flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes.

"First, exchange resources to convert dungeon contribution points into strength. Then, go to the Scripture Pavilion and find an attack or movement technique suitable for your current situation. After that... it's time to take on some challenging missions to earn more contribution points and hone your combat skills."

"As for Zhao Wuji... if you dare to show your claws in the competition, I don't mind giving you a 'surprise'."

Lu Zhao quickened his pace, heading towards the sect's contribution hall. A new journey had begun.