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

The pressure from the Golden Core cultivator was as imposing as a mountain, sweeping across the sky!

The entire training ground was instantly enveloped by this terrifying aura! Under this pressure, all the Foundation Establishment disciples were like ants, their bodies stiff, their breathing difficult, their faces pale, and those with slightly weaker cultivation were even weak in the knees, almost collapsing to their knees!

On the high platform, apart from Lei Wanjun and a few elders with profound cultivation, the rest of the people also had slight changes in expression, and their spiritual energy circulation was sluggish.

That giant golden handprint, blotting out the sky and radiating dazzling golden light, with its majestic divine might and aura of destruction, locked onto the swaying, blood-soaked figure in blue robes on the arena!

The person who made the move showed no mercy; their attack was a devastating, deadly strike! Clearly, they intended to kill Lu Zhao on the spot!

"presumptuous!"

A furious roar, like a thunderclap from a clear sky, exploded on the high platform! Lei Wanjun suddenly stood up, his eyes flashing with lightning, and an even more powerful and majestic late-stage Golden Core pressure erupted, instantly dispersing the Golden Core pressure that was locking onto Lu Zhao! At the same time, he waved his hand, and a thick purple lightning bolt tore through the sky, arriving first and striking the golden handprint fiercely!

"boom--!"

Purple lightning and a golden handprint collided violently in mid-air! The earth-shattering roar shook the entire Qingyun Peak! Dazzling light engulfed half the sky! A violent energy storm, like a raging sea, swept in all directions, but was easily blocked outside the training ground by a spiritual energy barrier casually set up by Lei Wanjun.

As the light faded, the golden handprint dissipated, and the purple lightning vanished. An elderly man, clad in a golden python robe, with a stern face and sinister eyes, appeared in mid-air, glaring angrily at Lei Wanjun. The old man was surrounded by golden light, his aura vast and boundless, clearly a Golden Core cultivator, and one whose cultivation was quite high, already at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm!

"Elder Qin, what do you mean by this?!" Lei Wanjun's gaze was like lightning as he coldly stared at the golden-robed elder. His voice carried an undeniable authority and a hint of anger. "Sect selection is a fair competition, where life and death are determined by fate! As an inner sect elder, you dare to openly violate sect rules and attack participating disciples. Are you challenging the authority of my Enforcement Hall?!"

This golden-robed elder was none other than Qin Tianfang, one of the powerful elders of the Qin family within the Qingyun Sect's inner circle, and also Qin Wuyai's great-uncle. He had been cultivating in seclusion in his cave when he sensed Qin Wuyai's natal magic weapon shattered and his body severely injured. Enraged and furious, he rushed over without hesitation, only to witness Lu Zhao defeat Qin Wuyai. His anger flared, and he resolved to kill Lu Zhao to avenge Qin Wuyai and restore the Qin family's honor. However, he was unexpectedly stopped by Lei Wanjun.

"Lord Lei!" Qin Tianfang's face was ashen as he pointed at Qin Wuyai, who was lying on the verge of death on the arena, and said sternly, "This boy is ruthless and vicious. In the sect competition, he openly destroyed the natal magic weapon of my Qin family's prodigy, and even severely injured him, damaging his foundation. The cruelty of his methods and the wickedness of his intentions are outrageous! Shouldn't such a lawless and cruel person who harms fellow disciples be executed on the spot to uphold the sect's honor?!"

His voice was booming and righteous, as if Lu Zhao were an unpardonable demon and he were a righteous messenger upholding the sect's laws.

"Such sophistry!" Elder Yan roared, slamming his fist on the table and glaring at Qin Tianfang. "Elder Qin, do you think everyone is blind? Everyone witnessed the battle just now! It was Qin Wuyai who first used the deadly move 'Golden Light Demon-Suppressing Technique' to try and kill Lu Zhao! Lu Zhao was merely acting in self-defense; how can you say he 'harmed a fellow disciple'?! In a martial arts arena, swords have no eyes; injury is inevitable! Qin Wuyai's skills are lacking; he lost, and that's that. You, as an elder, not only don't reflect on your actions, but you also disregard your status and attack a junior disciple. Have you no shame?! Is this how you, Qin family, gain your reputation—by sophistry and bullying others?!"

Elder Yan had a fiery temper and spoke without any politeness, his words piercing Qin Tianfang's heart and hitting his sore spot.

Qin Tianfang's face turned pale and then red, enraged: "Old ghost Yan, you're spouting nonsense! Wuya used the 'Golden Light Demon-Suppressing Technique' in self-defense under duress! But this Lu Zhao, I don't know what kind of evil art he's cultivated, his sword intent is strange, and his attacks are ruthless—clearly demonic methods! Such a wicked person will only bring disaster to the sect! Today, I, Qin Tianfang, will act on behalf of Heaven and cleanse the sect!"

As he spoke, the golden light around him shone brightly once more, and he unleashed the full pressure of a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, as if he were about to attack again regardless of the consequences!

"I'll see if you dare!" Lei Wanjun roared in fury, taking a step forward. Purple lightning crackled and flashed wildly around him, and an even more terrifying pressure than Qin Tianfang's pressed down on him! "Qin Tianfang, if you dare to move again, don't blame me for punishing you according to the sect rules, crippling your cultivation, and expelling you from the sect!"

Lei Wanjun's voice was as cold as ice, carrying an undeniable killing intent! He was the Hall Master of Enforcement, in charge of the sect's punishments, and he valued rules above all else! Qin Tianfang had openly violated the sect rules by attacking a participating disciple, which had crossed his bottom line! If he allowed Qin Tianfang to act recklessly, what authority would he, the Hall Master of Enforcement, have left?!

"Palace Master Lei, you..." Qin Tianfang's face turned extremely ugly. Under the oppressive aura and chilling killing intent of Lei Wanjun, a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, he felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles, and dared not make a move. Although he was also a Golden Core cultivator, he was only at the mid-stage, and there was a considerable gap between him and Lei Wanjun, a late-stage Golden Core expert. Moreover, Lei Wanjun was in charge of the Enforcement Hall and held the power of life and death. If a fight really broke out, he would be no match for him.

"Qin Tianfang, how dare you!" Another angry shout rang out, and a figure in cyan robes instantly appeared on the high platform. It was none other than Su Yuanshan, the Hall Master of the Pill Hall. His face was ashen as he glared at Qin Tianfang. "Lu Zhao is a disciple of my Pill Hall, and a prodigy in this selection, who has rendered great service to the sect! How dare you openly try to kill him? Do you disregard my Pill Hall, or the sect's rules?!"

Su Yuanshan unleashed his mid-stage Golden Core power without reservation, subtly echoing Lei Wanjun's pressure as they pressed down on Qin Tianfang.

Qin Tianfang's expression grew even more grim. He was already struggling to deal with Lei Wanjun alone, and with Su Yuanshan added to the mix, he had no chance of winning. Moreover, Su Yuanshan represented the Pill Hall, which held a prestigious position and extensive connections within the sect. Although his Qin family was powerful, he dared not offend them easily.

"Palace Master Su, Palace Master Lei, please calm down." A gray-robed elder who was on good terms with the Qin family quickly stepped forward to smooth things over. "Elder Qin was only concerned for his nephew and acted rashly in the heat of the moment. Lu Zhao did indeed go too far, destroying Wuya's natal magic weapon and seriously injuring him. Elder Qin's anger is understandable. How about this: let Lu Zhao apologize to Elder Qin and the Qin family, and compensate for some of the losses, and we can let this matter rest?"

"Bullshit!" Elder Yan roared in fury, pointing at the gray-robed elder's nose and yelling, "Old ghost Wang, are your eyes in your ass? It was clearly Qin Wuyai who struck first! Lu Zhao was merely acting in self-defense! Why should Lu Zhao apologize and compensate? If anyone should apologize, it should be Qin Wuyai! If anyone should compensate, it should be the Qin family for Lu Zhao's emotional distress and the loss of his elixirs!"

"You old scoundrel Yan..." The gray-robed elder trembled with rage.

"Enough!" Lei Wanjun shouted coldly, interrupting the argument between the two. His gaze was icy as he swept over Qin Tianfang and the gray-robed elder, finally landing on Qin Wuyai, who was struggling to get up on the arena, and Lu Zhao, who was swaying but still standing upright.

"The sect's selection process has its own rules. On the arena, life and death are determined by fate, victory and defeat by heaven. Qin Wuyai's defeat at Lu Zhao's hands was due to his lack of skill; he has no one to blame but himself. Qin Tianfang, as an elder, you openly violated the sect rules by attacking a participating disciple; your crime is doubled!" Lei Wanjun's voice was icy, carrying an undeniable authority. "Effective immediately, you are stripped of your position as an inner sect elder and sentenced to ten years of solitary reflection as a warning to others! If you commit another offense, your cultivation will be abolished, and you will be expelled from the sect!"

"What?!" Qin Tianfang's face turned deathly pale instantly, as if struck by lightning! He hadn't expected Lei Wanjun to be so ruthless, stripping him of his elder position and punishing him with ten years of solitary confinement! This punishment was far too severe!

"Lord Lei, I..." Qin Tianfang still wanted to argue.

"Shut up!" Lei Wanjun's gaze was like lightning as he stared coldly at him. "If it weren't for your years of service to the sect, I would have crippled your cultivation today! Do you have any objections?!"

Qin Tianfang trembled. Under Lei Wanjun's icy gaze, he felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, daring not to utter the slightest objection. He knew that Lei Wanjun was truly enraged, and if he dared to argue again, he would likely have his cultivation crippled on the spot. He gritted his teeth, lowered his head, and squeezed out a few words through clenched teeth: "Disciple...accepts punishment."

"Take him away!" Lei Wanjun waved his hand, and two Golden Core deacons from the Enforcement Hall stepped forward, one on each side, and escorted Qin Tianfang away from the training ground. Qin Tianfang's face was ashen, and he dared not resist in the slightest. He only glared at Lu Zhao with resentful eyes, as if he wanted to devour him alive.

After dealing with Qin Tianfang, Lei Wanjun turned his attention to the arena.

At this moment, stewards from the Pill Hall stepped forward and carried the severely injured and unconscious Qin Wuyai off the arena for emergency treatment. Qin Wuyai's injuries were extremely severe; his sternum was shattered, his internal organs were damaged, and his meridians were also severely injured. More importantly, his natal magic weapon was destroyed, his mind was injured, and his foundation was damaged. Even if he recovered, his cultivation would be greatly affected, and he might even be stuck there, his future ruined. The prodigy that the Qin family had nurtured with countless resources was now more than half-crippled.

Lu Zhao remained standing on the arena, swaying precariously, yet his gaze remained resolute. Within his body, the Longevity Technique was slowly circulating, repairing his injuries. Although Lei Wanjun had blocked Qin Tianfang's terrifying attack, the aftershocks of the Golden Core's pressure had still exacerbated his injuries. He was only able to stand by his indomitable will.

"Lu Zhao." Lei Wanjun looked at Lu Zhao, his voice softening slightly, "Are you... still able to continue?"

Lu Zhao took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the churning blood and tearing pain, straightened his body, bowed to Lei Wanjun, and said in a hoarse but clear voice, "Disciple...can."

A hint of admiration flashed in Lei Wanjun's eyes. This young man has a resilient character and an iron will. Even though he is seriously injured, he still refuses to fall. He is a good prospect.

"Alright." Lei Wanjun nodded. "You win this battle. According to the rules, you have advanced to the top thirty-two. You can choose to continue or forfeit, recuperate from your injuries, and fight again tomorrow."

Lu Zhao did not hesitate at all: "This disciple chooses to continue."

His voice wasn't loud, but it was incredibly firm. Although severely injured, the *Longevity Mantra* and the remaining Annihilation Dragon Qi within his body were slowly healing his wounds. Moreover, after a series of life-or-death battles, he felt his understanding of the *Nine Dragons Controlling Qi Mantra* and the Annihilation Sword Intent had deepened. He needed to fight, to consolidate his understanding in battle, and to break through in battle! More importantly, although Qin Wuyai had been defeated, the threat from the Qin family was not eliminated. He had to become stronger to face the storms to come.

"Good!" Lei Wanjun's eyes showed even greater appreciation. "Approved!"

"This boy... truly..." Elder Yan shook his head and sighed, his eyes filled with admiration. "Seriously injured like this, yet still determined to fight. Such spirit, such perseverance, is rare indeed!"

The gray-robed old man stroked his beard, his gaze profound: "If this child can survive this calamity, his future achievements will be limitless."

Looking at the bloodied figure standing tall on the arena, Su Yuanshan was filled with mixed emotions. He was gratified by Lu Zhao's resilience and strength, but also worried about his injuries and the Qin family's potential retaliation. But at this moment, all he could do was support him.

Below the stage, everyone was stunned by Lu Zhao's choice. Severely injured, he still wanted to continue fighting? This was practically playing with his life!

"Junior Brother Lu..." Zhao Yan's eyes reddened, and he wanted to say something, but Li Yue stopped him.

"Trust him," Li Yue said in a deep voice, his eyes filled with admiration.

Ye Qingyi clenched her fists, her beautiful eyes fixed on Lu Zhao, her heart filled with worry and heartache, but even more so with unwavering support. She knew that once Lu Zhao made a decision, no one could change it.

"The fifth round of battles continues! Next match, Bai Suyi on the second arena versus Mo on the seventh arena!" The referee's voice pulled everyone back from their shock.

The ensuing battle, though still intense, seemed to leave everyone's thoughts still on the earth-shattering fight and Lu Zhao's bloodied and determined figure, choosing to continue.

Bai Suying, with her "Dance of the Heavenly Demons," caused the corpses of Shi Daorenmo to fight each other, easily winning in the end; her methods were unpredictable and bizarre. Su Wan'er, on the other hand, used illusion magic to subdue her opponent, making them dance gracefully on the stage before jumping off herself, winning easily and comfortably. The other battles were also exciting, but compared to the battle between Lu Zhao and Qin Wuyai, they all felt like something was missing.

When the fifth round ended, out of the sixty-three remaining players, half were eliminated, leaving thirty-two. Lu Zhao, through a narrow victory over Qin Wuyai, successfully advanced.

"All disciples who have advanced, rest for one night. Tomorrow, the sixth round of battles will be held to determine the top sixteen!" Lei Wanjun announced.

Night had fallen. But inside the martial arts arena, the lights were on and the noise was deafening. Everyone was discussing the day's battles, especially the earth-shattering fight between Lu Zhao and Qin Wuyai, and the incident where Qin Tianfang made a bold move but was suppressed by Lei Wanjun's thunderous power.

Lu Zhao's name resounded throughout the entire inner sect! With a Foundation Establishment level nine cultivation, he defied Qin Wuyai, the Qin family's prodigy who had reached the Foundation Establishment stage, destroying his natal magic weapon and severely injuring him. In the end, he stood firm under the pressure of Qin Tianfang's Golden Core and chose to continue fighting... All of this made Lu Zhao the most dazzling dark horse in this selection, without exception!

However, he also completely offended the Qin family. Qin Tianfang was dismissed from his post and placed in seclusion, Qin Wuyai was seriously injured and on the verge of death, and the Qin family had lost face and would never let it go. In the days to come, Lu Zhao would inevitably face the Qin family's frenzied revenge.

Will it soar to new heights, or perish midway? Everyone is watching.

With the help of Ye Qingyi, Zhao Yan, and Li Yue, Lu Zhao struggled back to the Dan Palace area. His injuries were extremely severe, and he needed to be treated as soon as possible.

"Junior Brother Lu, how... how are you?" Zhao Yan looked at Lu Zhao, who was covered in blood and had a weak breath, and his eyes reddened.

"Fellow Daoist Lu, I have a 'Life-Creating Pill' here. Please take it quickly." Ye Qingyi hurriedly took out a jade bottle, poured out a pill the size of a longan, radiating rich vitality, and handed it to Lu Zhao. This was a low-grade Earth-rank healing elixir, quite valuable.

Lu Zhao did not refuse and accepted the pill, swallowing it. The pill entered his stomach, transforming into a warm current that instantly flowed throughout his limbs and bones, merging with the life force of the "Longevity Mantra" within him, rapidly repairing his damaged meridians and internal organs. His pale complexion regained a slight rosy hue.

"Thank you, Senior Sister Ye," Lu Zhao said weakly.

"There's no need for formalities between us." Ye Qingyi's beautiful eyes were filled with heartache. "Your injuries are too severe, tomorrow..."

"It's alright." Lu Zhao shook his head, a cold glint in his eyes. "The Qin family won't give me a chance to breathe. I must recover as quickly as possible to face the battles to come."

He sat cross-legged and began to fully circulate the "Longevity Technique" and the "Nine Dragons Controlling Qi Technique" to refine the medicinal power and heal his injuries. He knew that the real test might have only just begun. Qin Tianfang's punishment would not be the end of it for the Qin family. Tomorrow's battle might be even more dangerous.

But so what? When has Lu Zhao ever been afraid?

As night deepened, undercurrents surged within the Qingyun Sect. The Qin family mansion was brightly lit, the atmosphere heavy and oppressive. A storm targeting Lu Zhao was quietly brewing.