One Pound Meat, One More Attribute Point

"The power within the Cloud Key is not infinite, so even with the protection of the Cloud Key, we mustn’t venture too deep to avoid unexpected incidents," Li Lingxiu cautioned, "Furthermore, the dangers in the Cloud Heaven Secret Realm do not solely come from those natural disasters but also powerful Void Demons and... other martial artists."

"I understand," Su Heng nodded.

"There’s still some time before the opening of the Heavenly Deceit Realm, so let’s put away the Cloud Key for now," Li Lingxiu suggested, "It’s attracting too much attention."

Glancing around, they indeed noticed several gazes filled with greed and curiosity falling upon them.

Although Su Heng was not afraid of trouble, he didn’t want to invite it without reason.

He promptly stowed away the "Cloud Key."

During this process of putting it away and taking it out, Su Heng keenly sensed the difference. The Cloud Key could certainly isolate the power of natural disasters, but this protective layer also somewhat isolated the connection with the "Cloud Heaven."

If possible, Su Heng wanted to try entering the depths of "Cloud Heaven" relying on his Dragon Blood and physical body.

If successful, he thought it would be best to return the "Cloud Key" to Li Lingxiu.

Su Heng also didn’t want to hinder his cultivation.

...

...

...

In the blink of an eye, three days passed.

The opening of the "Cloud Heaven" Secret Realm was imminent, drawing more and more cultivators.

Apart from those from Liuyang and the nearby states and counties, there were also some cultivators from beyond the region or from the Central State. Their attire varied greatly, and there were differences in their languages. Because they acted low-key, no conflicts had erupted in these days.

At this moment—

On a picturesque hillside of Zhuqiong Mountain,

There was a makeshift camp of crude wooden huts encircling an open space, transformed into a training ground.

The flag of the training ground fluttered in the wind, bearing a giant "Fiery" character, indicating that this place was the territory of the Fiery Sun Sect. As one of the three great immortal sects in the Jiang’e region, the Fiery Sun Sect had built up tremendous prestige over the past millennium, and nobody dared to provoke them as they occupied an entire hilltop.

Two young disciples in white robes were sparring in the open space.

With each collision of fists and feet, the air whistled sharply.

Both disciples had obviously started fighting in earnest, their faces tinged with blood, staining their white robes red. However, the several disciples watching around did not find anything amiss. Instead, they shouted words of encouragement and cheered loudly.

This was the long-standing rule of the Fiery Sun Sect.

To be united against outsiders.

And if there were disputes within, they could be resolved on the fighting platform.

Even if there were no conflicts on a regular day, the disciples within the sect could still strengthen their bonds through fighting.

Whoosh!

A flame abruptly appeared.

Shooting across the sky like a falling star, it landed at the edge of the platform.

The surrounding temperature surged, causing even the air to twist slightly.

The originally moist ground began to smoke, and the grass and flowers growing there withered and turned brown at a visible rate, disintegrating into ashes and vanishing within the oncoming heatwave. �n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Bang!

A figure within the flames stepped forward.

He was tall, with a bare upper body, and his muscles rippled with veins of red flame. His face was also rugged with thick brows and large eyes, exuding a leader’s charisma.

This person was Cui Mingri, a true disciple of the Fiery Sun Sect.

Having dealt with some trivial matters in the northern state of Jiang, Cui Mingri spent a few extra days but managed to arrive just in time for the opening of the "Cloud Heaven" Secret Realm.

Although Cui Mingri was not the foremost among the true disciples, he was clearly beloved within the Fiery Sun Sect. As soon as he arrived, the two on the platform stopped their fight and the surrounding disciples, whether they were spectators or cultivating, put down what they were doing and gathered around him.

"Haha! Long time no see, everyone," Cui Mingri greeted his juniors with a smile.

"I heard people talking about what happened in the northern state of Jiang a couple of days ago. They said a Zen Master of the Heavenly Deceit Realm was slain by senior brother," a young female disciple with a voluptuous figure said, looking at Cui Mingri with admiration.

Cui Mingri enjoyed the feeling of being surrounded and admired by others, but he did not take undue credit.

"Zen Master Dingguang was not killed by me," Cui Mingri clarified solemnly, "but by a young powerhouse from Jiangzhou. This person is extremely strong. Zen Master Dingguang was one of the mighty figures in the Heavenly Deceit Realm, yet he couldn’t withstand even a single exchange."

"So the rumors are true," another disciple from the Fiery Sun Sect, reluctant to accept, asked, "How does his strength compare to that of senior brother?"

Cui Mingri thought of the scene where Su Heng instantly killed Zen Master Dingguang with a punch, and couldn’t help but shake his head and chuckle sadly, "Compared to him, I am as a firefly to the bright moon. The gap is too large, we’re not on the same level at all, and there’s no point in comparison."

"How is that possible!"

Among the crowd, a disciple who admired Cui Mingri spoke out indignantly, "Senior Brother Cui, you’re one of the top ten true disciples in our sect. Even senior sister Qin Shunying could spare a few exchanges with you. How could you be easily surpassed by some outsider?"

Upon hearing this, Cui Mingri’s face turned serious,

And he sternly said, "Our Fiery Sun Sect may have a long heritage, but that doesn’t mean we can be complacent and look down on the heroes of the world. Our current status is due to the efforts of our predecessors. It’s not a reason for arrogance."

Seeing Cui Mingri’s serious expression, the disciple looked chagrined,

And dared not say more.

What was a boisterous atmosphere became somewhat awkward in that moment.

Just as Cui Mingri was about to say something to lighten the mood, a long laugh echoed from above them in the sky.