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

Ten days have passed since I returned from the Lingxiu Peak exchange meeting.

Inside the quiet room of Tingzhu Xiaozhu, Lu Zhao sat cross-legged, his aura surging, with a faint, deep dragon roar echoing around him. His bare upper body had a dark golden light flowing beneath his skin, his muscles smooth and powerful, as if every inch of his flesh had been forged through countless trials. Beyond his body, a very thin, almost transparent layer of light, faintly resembling fine dragon scales, appeared and disappeared, exuding a resilient and ancient aura.

He has already mastered the first level of the Nine Dragons Qi Control Technique, "Qi Induction and Body Tempering"!

For the past ten days, Lu Zhao has remained indoors, cultivating diligently day and night. Relying on the pure dual dragon energy within his body, his perception and absorption of "dragon-shaped spiritual energy" far surpasses the descriptions in the cultivation technique. The Diyuan Sect's mountain gate was originally built on a large spiritual vein, where the earth's energy is abundant, and the "earth vein dragon energy" contained within is particularly pure and plentiful, which greatly facilitates his cultivation.

As he circulated his inner energy, wisps of pale yellow "earth vein dragon energy" converged from all directions, drawing into his body. There, it mingled and refined with his own annihilating dragon energy and dark gold dragon emperor energy, repeatedly cleansing his limbs, internal organs, and meridians. Each cleansing brought subtle yet continuous strengthening. He could feel his physical strength increasing at an astonishing rate, his blood and qi becoming more vigorous, his bones becoming denser and more resilient, and even the resilience and width of his meridians slightly improving.

What surprised him even more was that, as the "Qi-inducing Body Tempering" deepened, his control over the dual dragon energies within his body became more refined and effortless. In particular, the Dark Gold Dragon Emperor's aura, that pride and majesty of the dragon race originating from the depths of his bloodline, seemed to be gradually awakened, tamed, and began to be truly used by him.

The release of "Dragon's Might" is no longer merely an unconscious, instinctive pressure, but can be controlled to a certain extent. When released at full power, it is enough to shake the minds of cultivators of the same level, causing their spiritual energy to stagnate. Although "Dragon Scale Protection" is incomplete, only able to condense an extremely faint phantom, its defensive power is not to be underestimated. Lu Zhao has tested it, and ordinary mid-grade magic weapon flying swords can hardly break through this phantom defense easily.

"As expected of an ancient secret technique for controlling dragon energy, even the first level has such miraculous effects." Lu Zhao slowly finished his practice, and the dragon scale phantoms and dark golden light on his body gradually disappeared, returning him to normal. He clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within his body, as well as the more refined and condensed spiritual energy, his eyes gleaming.

"With my current strength, combined with the Sword Intent of Annihilation, even without using my life-saving trump cards, there aren't many people within the Foundation Establishment stage who can threaten me," Lu Zhao estimated in his mind. After cultivating the Nine Dragons Qi Control Technique, his overall strength was more than 30% stronger than when he was in the Fallen Dragon Abyss. In particular, his physical defense and strength, as well as the intimidating effect of the dragon's might, gave him more confidence when facing encirclement or unexpected situations.

"However, there are only twenty days left until the selection battle. We need to go even further." Lu Zhao was not satisfied. He knew that this selection for the Yunmeng Ancient Swamp would gather the most outstanding Foundation Establishment cultivators from the inner sect of the Diyuan Sect. There were probably quite a few disciples like Qin Wuyai who had reached the peak of Foundation Establishment and had powerful backgrounds. Moreover, the fact that there was no limit to the number of years since they entered the sect meant that there might be some veteran disciples who had been in the sect for decades, stuck at the peak of Foundation Establishment, and with extremely deep accumulation of knowledge and experience participating. These people might have exhausted their potential, but their strength should not be underestimated.

Besides improving his own strength, he also needed to make more preparations. He turned his gaze to the storage bag, where several jade boxes lay quietly.

"The main and auxiliary ingredients for the Soul Nourishing and Spirit Refining Pill are all ready, but unfortunately Elder Chisong has not returned, so we cannot start refining it. However, I still have some pills from the three members of the Netherworld Sect, as well as several bottles of 'Jade Dew Pills' that I exchanged with contribution points. These are excellent pills for improving Foundation Establishment cultivation, and they should be able to help me advance my cultivation to the ninth level of Foundation Establishment before the selection."

"As for magical artifacts, the black longsword is sharp enough, and when combined with the sword intent of annihilation, it can cut through anything. However, its methods are somewhat limited. Perhaps we could refine the Blood Fiend Shield obtained from the Envoy of Li. This shield has considerable defensive power and can also defile magical artifacts, which may be of great use in critical moments. As for the White Bone Banner, although it is a demonic artifact, the malevolent spirit and evil energy contained within it, if refined a little, could also serve as a trump card."

"Talismans, formations, and life-saving items also need to be replenished..."

Lu Zhao carefully assessed his resources and planned his cultivation schedule for the next twenty days. He was now quite wealthy; although most of his contribution points remained unused, he had plenty of spirit stones, which he could exchange for some urgently needed items.

Just as he was pondering, a slight fluctuation of the restriction came from outside the quiet room; it was a sound transmission talisman.

Lu Zhao waved his hand to open the barrier, and a communication talisman flew in, carrying Ye Qingyi's voice: "Fellow Daoist Lu, I apologize for disturbing you. I have some information about the selection process in Yunmeng Ancient Swamp that may be useful to you. If it is convenient for you, you may come to my Bilan Peak for a chat. Also, there seem to be some rumors circulating in the inner sect targeting you recently, so please be careful."

Ye Qingyi's telepathic message? Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat. This proud young lady of Bibo Pavilion seemed quite friendly towards him. The information she mentioned might actually be useful. As for the rumors targeting him, Lu Zhao wasn't surprised. The tallest tree in the forest catches the most wind. He was currently at the height of his fame and had offended Qin Wuyai, so it was normal for someone to be making trouble behind his back.

"Perfect timing. I need to go out anyway to exchange some things and gather some information." Lu Zhao got up, changed into a clean robe, removed the restrictions, and walked out of the meditation room.

After leaving Tingzhu Xiaozhu, Lu Zhao clearly felt that there were more prying eyes, and they were more blatant. There were even a few divine senses that undisguisedly swept over him with malice.

Lu Zhao remained calm, mounted his escape light, and headed straight for the Hall of Merit. He was going to exchange for a few items.

The Hall of Merit was still bustling with people. Lu Zhao's arrival caused a small commotion. Many disciples looked at him with complex emotions, including envy, jealousy, and curiosity.

Lu Zhao went straight to the area where resources could be exchanged and found a disciple in charge.

"Senior brother, I'd like to exchange for a secret technique that allows me to conceal my presence, the higher the grade, the better. In addition, I also need some second-tier high-grade attack and defense talismans, as well as a portable enemy-trapping formation." Lu Zhao got straight to the point.

The disciple in charge recognized Lu Zhao and spoke with great respect: "Senior Brother Lu, there are several decent secret techniques for concealing one's aura and hiding one's form on the second floor of the Scripture Pavilion. However, if we're talking about the best, the 'Returning to Origin Concealing Breath Technique' and 'Phantom Escape Technique' collected on the third floor are the best. But the contribution points required to exchange for them are considerable, and certain permissions are also required. As for talismans and formations, our hall has a complete range of them. Senior Brother can choose for himself."

Lu Zhao nodded and first spent five thousand contribution points to exchange for the jade slip containing the "Phantom Escape Technique". This technique is not simply about concealing one's aura, but also includes sophisticated illusion and escape skills. When cultivated to a high level, it can even create a phantom that blends into the surrounding environment for a short time to confuse the opponent. It is an excellent secret technique for sneak attacks and escape.

Next, he spent nearly ten thousand spirit stones to purchase three second-tier high-grade attack talismans, "Gengjin Sword Talismans" (whose power is comparable to a full-force strike from a Foundation Establishment Perfected Sword Cultivator), two second-tier high-grade defense talismans, "Xuanwu Protective Talismans," and a portable enemy-trapping formation, "Minor Five Elements Confusion Formation." This formation is simple to set up and can trap and harass enemies, buying him time.

"Also, I'd like to inquire about Blood Fiend Valley. Is there any record of it within the sect? Or have any related missions been issued?" Lu Zhao asked casually. Blood Fiend Valley was the place mentioned in the jade slip of Envoy Li, suspected to be related to the Blood Bone Demon and the remnant soul of the Demon Dragon. He needed to find out more about it.

Upon hearing this, the disciple in charge's expression changed slightly, and he lowered his voice, saying, "Senior Brother Lu, Blood Fiend Valley... that's a notoriously dangerous and perilous place! It's located deep within the Ten Thousand Poison Mountains, at the border between our sect's and the Netherworld Sect's territories. It's said to have been an ancient battlefield, filled with malevolent energy and blood-red light, breeding countless blood-fiend spirits, and even possessing natural blood-fiend poisonous miasma. Even Golden Core cultivators dare not venture deep there easily. The sect's missions related to Blood Fiend Valley are mostly about exploring the outer areas and collecting spiritual herbs that grow in specific blood-fiend environments, and they are extremely dangerous. Usually, it takes several late-stage Foundation Establishment disciples in a team to dare to accept them. Senior Brother... do you perhaps want to go to Blood Fiend Valley?"

"Just asking out of curiosity," Lu Zhao smiled, not saying much more. Blood Fiend Valley was indeed infamous; even sect disciples turned pale at the mention of it. It seemed that further investigation would require careful planning.

After exchanging the items, Lu Zhao left the Hall of Merit and went to the sect market. With the remaining spirit stones, he bought some of the less common auxiliary materials needed to refine the "Soul Nourishing and Spirit Refining Pill," as well as several bottles of good-quality healing and spirit power recovery pills.

After doing all this, he rode his escape light and flew towards Bilan Peak, where Bibo Pavilion was located in the Diyuan Sect.

Bilan Peak is located on the outskirts of the Diyuan Sect. It boasts beautiful scenery and is shrouded in mist, which aligns with the cultivation techniques of Bibo Pavilion. Ye Qingyi's cave dwelling is located deep in a secluded bamboo forest on Bilan Peak and is named "Qingyi Xiaozhu". It is quite similar to Lu Zhao's "Tingzhu Xiaozhu".

Lu Zhao pressed down on his escape light and landed on the bluestone path in front of the small building. Immediately, a female cultivator in the Qi Refining stage, who appeared to be a maid, came forward and bowed respectfully: "Are you Senior Lu Zhao? Miss has been waiting for a long time, please follow me."

A maid led Lu Zhao through the bamboo grove to a pavilion overlooking the water. Inside, Ye Qingyi, dressed in a light blue gown, was gracefully preparing tea, her movements elegant and harmonious, blending perfectly with the serene surroundings like a beautiful painting. Zhao Yan and Li Yue were not there; she was alone in the pavilion.

"Fellow Daoist Lu, please have a seat." Ye Qingyi looked up and smiled slightly at Lu Zhao, her beauty as pure and exquisite as the first melting of snow.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Senior Sister Ye." Lu Zhao sat down on the stone bench in the pavilion.

Ye Qingyi poured him a cup of spiritual tea, its fragrant aroma soothing and refreshing. She didn't immediately get to the main topic, but instead chatted for a few moments, inquiring about Lu Zhao's recovery and the progress of his recent cultivation. Lu Zhao answered her questions, and the atmosphere was quite harmonious.

"Fellow Daoist Lu," Ye Qingyi put down her teacup, her expression becoming serious, "there are some things I feel it's necessary to tell you about the selection process in Yunmeng Ancient Marsh."

"Please speak, senior sister."

"Although this selection is nominally for choosing disciples for Yunmeng Ancient Marsh, it is actually a power struggle among the major forces within the inner sect," Ye Qingyi said slowly. "The inner sect of the Diyuan Sect is divided into numerous factions. There are families centered around clans like the Qin, Lin, and Su families, families centered around lineages, families of elders from various peaks centered around master-disciple relationships, and some loose interest groups. The twenty spots are crucial for these forces. Therefore, the selection process will likely not be fair."

Lu Zhao nodded; he had expected this. Any allocation involving core resources inevitably involves conflict.

"As far as I know, Qin Wuyai has joined forces with several powerful inner disciples, preparing to work together in the selection to ensure their faction gets enough spots. Moreover," a hint of worry flashed in Ye Qingyi's beautiful eyes, "they seem to be paying special attention to you, Fellow Daoist. Qin Wuyai failed to achieve his goal at the exchange meeting, and given his personality, he will definitely not let it go. In the selection battle, he is very likely to target you, and even... use severe measures."

"Furthermore," Ye Qingyi paused, her voice lowering, "recently, some rumors have been circulating within the inner sect about you, saying that what you obtained in the Fallen Dragon Abyss was far more than just a mid-grade earth vein dragon crystal; you may have also obtained an ancient inheritance or a powerful treasure, which is why your cultivation has advanced by leaps and bounds. Some even say that you are colluding with the demonic path and possess demonic arts... These rumors are coming on strong, and it's clear that someone is deliberately spreading them to ruin your reputation before the selection, and even attract the attention of the sect's higher-ups."

A cold glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes. Sure enough, trouble was brewing. Qin Wuyai's targeting was within his expectations. But these vicious rumors were even more insidious. They were meant to push him into the limelight, making him the target of everyone's ire. Once the accusations of "possessing a powerful treasure" and "colluding with the demonic path" were firmly established, he would face immense difficulties within the sect, and might even attract another investigation from the Enforcement Hall.

"Thank you for informing me, Senior Sister." Lu Zhao clasped his hands in a respectful gesture. Ye Qingyi had already taken a considerable risk by telling him these confidential details, and he would remember this favor.

"Fellow Daoist Lu, there's no need for such formalities. If it weren't for your selfless rescue in the Dragon Abyss, Qingyi and my two senior brothers would have perished long ago. Such a small matter is not worth mentioning." Ye Qingyi shook her head, her expression serious. "Fellow Daoist, you need to prepare early. Although intentional killing is forbidden on the arena during the selection battle, the combat is dangerous, and mistakes are inevitable. Qin Wuyai and the others might very well take advantage of this opportunity…"

She didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning was clear.

Lu Zhao remained calm, but his eyes were icy cold: "Senior Sister, rest assured, I understand. On the arena, life and death are preordained, and wealth and honor are determined by fate. If they try to cause trouble, I... will take them on."

Beneath his calm words lay undisguised killing intent. Even a clay figure has some temper, and Qin Wuyai and the others' repeated provocations and schemes had crossed his bottom line. If they were to meet in the arena, he would show no mercy.

Sensing the chill in Lu Zhao's words, Ye Qingyi felt a slight shiver, but mostly a sense of relief. On the path of cultivation, constant retreat only encourages further exploitation. When it's time to fight, you must fight! When it's time to kill, you must kill!

"It's good that you have the information, Fellow Daoist." Ye Qingyi nodded, then took out a jade slip from her storage bag and handed it to Lu Zhao. "This is some information that Qingyi has compiled about the inner sect masters who may participate in this selection, including their preferred cultivation methods, spells, and magical artifacts, as well as their possible weaknesses. I hope it will be helpful to you, Fellow Daoist."

Lu Zhao took the jade slip and scanned it with his divine sense. He discovered that it contained detailed information on no fewer than twenty top Foundation Establishment disciples of the inner sect, including Qin Wuyai, whose name was listed in great detail, even speculating on his possible hidden trump cards. This intelligence was extremely valuable!

"Senior sister..." Lu Zhao was deeply moved; this favor was too heavy.

"Fellow Daoist, there's no need to refuse. Qingyi also hopes to look after you in the Yunmeng Ancient Swamp." Ye Qingyi smiled slightly and changed the subject. "In addition, I've also inquired about the news regarding the Condensing Golden Pill. It's said that deep within the Yunmeng Ancient Swamp, there's an ancient ruin called 'Danxia Ruins,' which may contain the inheritance of an ancient alchemy sect, and perhaps even the formula for the Condensing Golden Pill. However, this place is extremely dangerous and has powerful restrictions, so no one has ever truly ventured deep into it. This news was obtained by Chu Feng from an elder of a sect; its veracity is hard to verify, but it has certainly tempted many."

The Danxia Ruins? Lu Zhao memorized the name. Whether it was true or not, it was still a clue.

"The selection battle is scheduled for one month from now. This month is the final preparation time. Within the inner sect, the undercurrents will only become more turbulent. Fellow Daoist Lu, please take good care of yourself," Ye Qingyi said in her final words, her beautiful eyes filled with sincere concern.

"Senior Sister, you are the same." Lu Zhao stood up and bowed solemnly. "I will remember your kindness today. I will not refuse you any help in the future."

On his way back to Tingzhu Xiaozhu after leaving Bilan Peak, Lu Zhao's mood was far from relaxed. The news brought by Ye Qingyi confirmed his premonition. Qin Wuyai was watching him closely from the front, and rumors were spreading against him from behind; who knew how many other eyes were secretly watching him? The inner sect of the Diyuan Sect, seemingly calm, was actually turbulent and fraught with danger.

"Strength is ultimately the key." Lu Zhao clenched his fist. As long as one's strength is sufficient, all schemes and tricks can be shattered with sheer force!

Upon returning to Tingzhu Xiaozhu, Lu Zhao immediately activated all the restrictions and announced his seclusion. He intended to use this final month to attempt to break through to the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, while simultaneously mastering the newly acquired secret techniques and magical artifacts, and adjusting his condition to its optimal state.

He first took several "Jade Dew Pills" and, in conjunction with the "Nine Dragons Controlling Qi Technique," focused all his efforts on breaking through the bottleneck of the ninth level of Foundation Establishment. Under the tempering of the dual dragon qi and the impact of the pure medicinal power, the barrier that had been hindering him for so long began to loosen.

Cultivation knows no time. Lu Zhao was immersed in his cultivation, oblivious to the turmoil outside. Outside Tingzhu Xiaozhu, rumors about him spread far and wide, with some even claiming to have witnessed him practicing demonic arts or possessing extraordinary treasures that shone brightly. Furthermore, some unidentified individuals lingered near Tingzhu Xiaozhu, attempting to visit and probe him under various pretexts, but were all blocked by the protective barriers.

Beneath the calm surface, the undercurrents are growing ever stronger.

Deep within the Earthly Origin Sect, in a mountain cave dwelling with even richer spiritual energy and stricter security, Qin Wuyai was having a private conversation with several people.

"Has the news already spread?" Qin Wuyai asked casually, fiddling with a jade pendant.

"Don't worry, young master, the news has spread far and wide. Now everyone in the inner sect knows that Lu Zhao possesses a great treasure, and may even have obtained the inheritance of the demonic path," a weasel-faced cultivator flattered.

"Hmm. How's the selection process going?" Qin Wuyai asked again.

Beside him stood a sinister-looking old man, none other than the blue-robed cultivator named Yin Jiuyou who had spoken disparagingly of Lu Zhao at the exchange meeting. He said menacingly, "Young master, rest assured, everything has been arranged. As long as Lu Zhao dares to step onto the arena, we'll make sure he doesn't leave alive! Even if we can't kill him, we'll cripple his cultivation, ensuring he has no further opportunities!"

"Very well." A ruthless glint flashed in Qin Wuyai's eyes. "A brat who doesn't know his place dares to defy me? I'll let him know that in the inner sect of the Earth Origin Sect, there are some people he can't afford to offend! The spot in Yunmeng Ancient Swamp, and the opportunities he possesses, I want them all!"

"Young master is wise!" the men quickly flattered.

Qin Wuyai's lips curled into a cold smile: "Lu Zhao... I'd like to see how long you can hide. The selection battle will be your death day!"

The cave was filled with murderous intent.

Lu Zhao, who was in seclusion, was unaware of all this. He was fully engaged in his cultivation technique, his spiritual energy surging, and the dragon's roar growing clearer. The barrier between the eighth and ninth levels of Foundation Establishment was already teetering on the brink of collapse under the combined impact of the annihilating dragon energy and the power of the Jade Dew Pill.

Within the quiet room, the air was thick with the sounds of wind and thunder. Within Lu Zhao's body, spiritual energy surged like a river, constantly assaulting the invisible barrier.

"break!"

Lu Zhao shouted in his heart and fully activated the "Nine Dragons Controlling Qi Technique". The dual dragon qi in his body suddenly erupted and transformed into an unstoppable torrent that crashed hard against the barrier!

"Snap!"

A cracking sound, audible only to Lu Zhao, rang out. The bottleneck between the eighth and ninth levels of Foundation Establishment shattered in an instant!

An even more powerful and refined spiritual energy, like a flood bursting its banks, instantly flowed through his limbs and bones, washing over every meridian and acupoint. His aura rose steadily at a visible speed!

Foundation nine layers complete!

In the quiet room, Lu Zhao slowly opened his eyes, his gaze gleaming with a sharp light, as if a dragon's shadow had flashed by. He exhaled a long breath of turbid air, which condensed and did not dissipate, transforming into a faint gray-gold arrow of energy in the air, shooting several feet away before slowly dissipating.

"Finally... I've reached the ninth level of Foundation Establishment." Lu Zhao felt a surge of pride as he experienced the even more surging power within his body and the more refined divine soul. At this moment, his cultivation, physical body, and divine soul had all reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. He was only a hair's breadth away from reaching the False Core stage.

"Next, I need to consolidate my cultivation, practice the 'Phantom Escape Technique,' and refine the Blood Fiend Shield and the White Bone Banner..." Lu Zhao's eyes gleamed with determination. Time was of the essence; he had to seize every second.

However, just as he was preparing to continue his seclusion, the restrictions outside the small pavilion were triggered once again. This time, it wasn't a salutation, but a barbaric and provocative attack, even more violent than Zhou Tong's previous one!

"Hmm?" Lu Zhao frowned, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. It seemed someone was already impatient.

He slowly rose and stepped out of the meditation room. After nearly a month of seclusion, his cultivation had broken through, and it was time to stretch his muscles and bones.