Chapter 2517

"Take one box each and keep it safe," Zhu Yanyi instructed, handing out the containers. "They contain various medicines. If we get separated inside, you’ll have what you need. If we stay together, I won’t have to distribute them later."

The disciples took the boxes and opened them. Inside were many types of medicine, though poisons made up a large portion.

"No matter how the first round is decided, remember: only our spiritual energy enters the secret realm. So, there is no risk of death." Zhu Yanyi looked at everyone. "Also, this realm has a benefit. You can use items from your storage rings and summon spirit pets. If you die, you just exit the realm. Your physical bodies are safe."

She paused, her tone turning serious. "Still, be careful. Human hearts are complex. Once inside, everyone else is an enemy. There will be no mercy."

She added with a slight smile, "And don’t let down the reputation of the 'Yi Pian Yun' bandits."

As a bandit leader, Zhu Yanyi believed it was good to be ready to fight anyone, anytime.

"We remember, Master (Sect Leader)," the disciples replied, eager to try their hand at being bandits.

Zhu Yanyi nodded. "Good. Since we are ready, let’s go."

As a new sect, their entry order was very late, and their viewing seats were at the back. Many new sects came to the Heavenly Fortune Competition every time, so no one looked down on them. Who knew how many dark horses might emerge?

Zhu Yanyi sat quietly in their seat, observing the crowd. The Immortal Realm had so many sects. She wondered why so many participated in such a competition.

Though curious, she said nothing. Yan Aohan noticed her looking around and asked softly, "Do you feel any pressure?"

"Pressure?" Zhu Yanyi smiled. "Why would I? It’s just like this." Since she had decided to compete, she had no intention of letting them live low-key lives anymore.

Yan Aohan chuckled. He knew she never cared about such things. "Would you like some snacks?"

"Give me a fruit," Zhu Yanyi said after a moment’s thought. With nothing urgent to do, eating fruit was a good way to pass the time.

Yan Aohan handed her an apple and gave fruit to the others. They looked relaxed, as if on vacation.

Many people envied their calmness. Seeing their back-row seats, others guessed they were a new sect. Some even assumed Zhu Yanyi’s group was just participating for fun, knowing they couldn’t win, which explained their lack of stress. This made others ignore them completely.

However, Lang Yi nearby raised an eyebrow. "Do they eat wherever they go?"

"Do you know them?" Ping Chuan asked.

Lang Yi nodded. "They are the Azure Sovereign Sect I asked you to watch last time."

Ping Chuan glanced over and checked the disciples' aptitudes. He was stunned. "Did I see wrong? Are the aptitudes of these ten children from the Azure Sovereign Sect really that high?"

"You saw correctly," Lang Yi said. "That’s why I’m watching them. I want to see how far they can go."

"Such talented children in a small sect? It’s a pity," Ping Chuan said, unable to believe it.

"In fact, they are in one sect," Lang Yi warned. "Don’t say anything careless. If people find out, they might think our Sword Palace is trying to steal their disciples."

"To be honest, I really want to steal them," Ping Chuan admitted, looking envious. Who wouldn’t want such high-quality disciples?

Lang Yi understood. He had felt the same way but failed to recruit them. He advised Ping Chuan, "They are core disciples of the Azure Sovereign Sect. Even though it’s small, if these ten grow up, the sect will have a bright future."

Ping Chuan agreed. It was incredible that such a small sect had disciples with such potential.

Seeing Ping Chuan’s reaction, Lang Yi relaxed, knowing he wouldn’t try to poach them.

"Greetings, everyone. I am the City Lord of Xingyue City in the Zhongrui Region," a man with a large belly announced, smiling kindly. "I will host this Heavenly Fortune Competition. Please take your seats and listen to the rules."

Zhu Yanyi thought the City Lord looked like Maitreya, with a kind and benevolent face. It was interesting.

The City Lord continued, "The first stage is the same as usual. You will enter a secret realm. Five sect leaders will open it. Stand in the designated areas, and you will be sent in when it opens."

"Once inside, you must collect items. First, medicinal herbs. Points are based on quality. Herbs for first-grade pills give one point. Second-grade herbs give two points, and so on, up to nine points for ninth-grade herbs. Herbs for god-grade pills give fifty points each."

"Second, spirit and demon beasts. Killing a first-grade beast gives one point. Second-grade gives two, up to nine points for ninth-grade. Killing a god-grade beast gives fifty points."

"Third, you can steal points from other sects. Fighting is allowed. Everyone else is your enemy. Killing one person gives ten points. The more you kill, the higher your score."