Volume Two: Travels in the State of Qi Chapter 125: Forming a Team

Bathed in a pale blue light, Zhang Heng felt an invisible yet overwhelming force pulling his consciousness outward. His entire body relaxed, offering no resistance.

In an instant, his mind found itself in an entirely new world.

Towering ancient trees stretched endlessly, resembling a primeval forest. The sky above was a vivid azure, and the air carried an ancient, almost primordial scent.

This had to be the Mirror World of the Qingdong Realm. Moving his body slightly, Zhang Heng realized that, surprisingly, the sensation here was not much different from the outside world. The power of the Qingdong Realm was truly terrifying—it could instantly replicate over ten thousand people and immerse them in this Mirror World.

Previously, Zhang Heng had wondered why states like Qi and Liu, among the Seven Ancient Kingdoms, had endured for millennia without decline.

Qi’s strongest cultivators were only at the Yuan Dan First Stage. Though some great sects had a dozen or so Yuan Dan experts, it wasn’t overwhelming. If any sect turned treacherous, the royal family would be powerless.

Now, Zhang Heng understood that Qi’s eternal legacy was no accident. With the Qingdong Realm’s power, even Divine Transformation experts had to think twice before acting.

This Mirror World was vast beyond measure. Though fifteen thousand people had entered simultaneously, Zhang Heng looked around and found no one else nearby.

Glancing casually, he began walking in one direction. Although equipped with a system that could quickly locate spirit beasts to earn points, he chose not to rely on it.

Using the system seemed too dull—just slaying monsters to level up. Zhang Heng had yet to experience the thrill of exploring on his own.

Outside, cultivators watched the Qingdong Realm contest unfold, observing the young prodigies’ every move. Heated debates broke out over who among these talents would truly dominate the competition.

On a pavilion’s second floor, Emperor Qi and Master Wu Hong sipped tea as they watched the match.

“Master Wu, your advancement to the Fifth Stage is a blessing for Qi. Congratulations!” Emperor Qi said, taking a sip. Having known Wu Hong for over a century, there was no formality between them.

“Emperor Qi, you flatter me. My modest achievements are nothing. But I must congratulate you—there are many outstanding youths among the new generation competing this time,” Wu Hong said with folded hands.

“Hahaha,” Emperor Qi laughed heartily. The young cultivators were the future. With such exceptional youths, he was naturally pleased as the ruler of Qi.

“Master Wu, there truly are many promising young ones. Who do you favor most?” Emperor Qi asked.

Wu Hong had declined previous invitations to the imperial contest, citing alchemy work. This time, however, he had made an exception.

Clearly, he had his eye on a particular young talent.

“Emperor Qi, I am indeed impressed by one young man. He excels in all aspects. If your nation can claim him, its power will surely soar to new heights,” Wu Hong said with confidence.

With Zhang Heng’s temperament and gift, he was destined to become a peerless alchemist. If he supported Qi, the kingdom’s strength would undoubtedly increase, perhaps even rising to lead the Seven Ancient Kingdoms.

“Oh?” Emperor Qi’s curiosity was piqued.

Though these youths showed promise, they were still unripe. Wu Hong, a Fifth Stage alchemist who had seen countless prodigies, offering such high praise meant this young man must be extraordinary.

“Master Wu, might you share his name with me?”

“Ah, Emperor Qi, wait until the contest is over—you’ll see for yourself,” Wu Hong replied.

“Hahaha,” Emperor Qi laughed and did not press further, instead turning to the rankings beside the Qingdong Realm.

Some talents had been lucky, encountering spirit beasts immediately upon entering, already earning points.

Zhang Heng, however, was frustrated. After wandering a long time, he had yet to meet any spirit beasts and still had zero points.

Was he really going to have to use the system?

Suddenly, the sound of fighting echoed from afar. Zhang Heng and his light projection quickly moved toward the noise.

To gain points, one could slay spirit beasts within the Qingdong Realm or kill other participants.

Zhang Heng recalled that killing another cultivator granted all their points—a much faster method than hunting beasts.

As the scene came into view, five Eighth Stage Qi Sea cultivators surrounded a Ninth Stage Qi Sea opponent. The latter’s body was covered in wounds; the situation looked dire.

“Brother, you just ran into the wrong crowd. Better luck next year,” one of the five laughed arrogantly. Although individually weaker than the Ninth Stage cultivator, the rules now permitted teamwork, so they had joined forces.

“I have no points at all. Killing me won’t benefit you,” the wounded Ninth Stage cultivator spat blood, glaring fiercely.

He was considered a minor prodigy with Ninth Stage Qi Sea strength, hoping to make a mark in the imperial contest. But fate had turned against him before he even began.

“Youngster! Even if killing you gains us little, it removes a rival, doesn’t it?” one jeered.

All were competitors; eliminating one increased their own chances.

The five closed in, laughing.

Seeing this, Zhang Heng decided to intervene—not because he feared the man’s death, but because he didn’t want to let others kill him.

Wu Hong hadn’t explained the precise rules for point acquisition, and Zhang Heng wasn’t sure if kills counted toward points.

Just as Zhang Heng prepared to move, a figure burst from nearby bushes, grabbing him back.

Zhang Heng had noticed the person earlier but disregarded him—a mere Third Stage Qi Sea cultivator, far too weak to be a threat.

Even standing still, Zhang Heng doubted the little cultivator could land a blow.

“Don’t move. If you go out now, you’ll just get yourself killed. If you die, that’s your problem, but if it drags me down, I’ll suffer,” the young man warned.

Hearing this, Zhang Heng froze. The contest was just beginning. Even if he earned points by killing these people, it likely wouldn’t be much. Better to wait until he was stronger.

“Brother, thanks,” Zhang Heng turned and sincerely thanked him. “That man being attacked is my senior from our sect. I almost rushed out to help and nearly got myself killed. Good thing you stopped me.”

He casually fabricated the excuse.

“No need to thank me. If you feel bad, just come find me for a kill once you have points,” the Third Stage cultivator said bluntly.

“I’m Zhang Heng. May I ask your name?” Zhang Heng found the man interesting.

“My name’s Yu Xiaochuan. How about we team up? Alone, we’re too weak and might be eliminated quickly,” Yu proposed. Though Zhang Heng wasn’t strong, two was better than one.

“Brother Xiaochuan, I was thinking the same,” Zhang Heng smiled.

“Then follow me. Though we’re both Third Stage Qi Sea, I’m probably a bit stronger, so you’ll follow my lead, understood?” Yu stood after the others left, issuing orders.

“Alright!” Zhang Heng didn’t object. There was still plenty of time; a little fun wouldn’t hurt.

Thus, two “rookies” at Third Stage Qi Sea cautiously concealed themselves in this perilous world, slowly searching for low-level spirit beasts to strike.