The Sect’s grand competition had been postponed, but the entire Five Elements Sect was still captivated by the recent fierce battles. Heated discussions about the tournament could be heard everywhere. The fights between Long Mo and Gou Shi, and between Shen Haoran and Ouyang Chen, were the most popular topics. The latter was especially talked about, as a dark horse newcomer who had burst onto the scene had actually dethroned Ouyang Chen, the top ranker on the Dragon and Tiger List! Moreover, the revelation of Ouyang Chen’s evil nature sent a chill through the hearts of many Five Elements Sect disciples. They never imagined that the person they had always revered as number one on the Dragon and Tiger List was someone who would stop at nothing for power.

Furthermore, after that battle, the Yao Sect’s fame spread throughout the Five Elements Sect. The sight of the Yao Sect members risking their own Cultivation being crippled to save Shen Haoran deeply moved the other disciples. They began to look upon the Yao Sect with great admiration. As a result, countless disciples wanted to join, eager to see for themselves just what kind of person Shen Haoran was to inspire such willing loyalty.

But Shen Haoran, the subject of all these discussions, had completely vanished from the Five Elements Sect. Not a single trace of him had been seen since that day.

At that moment, within the Yao Sect’s grounds, Shui Ruolan and the others waited outside the Alchemy Room. With anxious looks on their faces, they kept glancing toward the room, their eyes filled with anticipation.

"What’s taking so long? The boss has been in there for two days. Isn’t that too long for a breakthrough? Could his old injuries have relapsed? Did something happen?" Zi Mo asked worriedly.

WHACK!

The words had barely left his mouth when Shui Ruolan smacked him on the head. She glared at Zi Mo, who was clutching his head and yelping in pain, and said coldly, "You and your jinxing mouth! Do you want me to sew it shut? You’re always spouting nonsense!"

"Exactly. Brother Shen has cheated death before; he miraculously survived a life-or-death battle. What’s a small breakthrough compared to that? This must be a major opportunity, not just some ordinary advancement!" Xuan Yi shot the Fatty, Zi Mo, a look, his own gaze toward the Alchemy Room blazing with passion. ’That’s the Brother Shen I idolize—a man who makes miracles happen!’

Zi Mo grumbled pitifully, "I was just worried, that’s all!"

However, the instant Zi Mo finished speaking, a loud BOOM erupted from the Alchemy Room. In the next moment, a violent storm of Spiritual Power formed in the courtyard. Soon after, a huge Spiritual Power Vortex took shape above the Alchemy Room, and a massive pillar of Spiritual Power began pouring down into it.

This scene stunned every member of the Yao Sect. They all stopped what they were doing and stared in the direction of the Alchemy Room.

"Is the Sect Leader breaking through? What an incredible phenomenon!"

"Seriously! When I broke through to the Spirit General realm, it barely kicked up a breeze. But for our Sect Leader, the Spiritual Power for miles around is in an uproar. He’s so powerful!"

"Well, of course! How could he be our Sect Leader otherwise?" 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

The eyes of the Yao Sect members were filled with reverence. The sight ignited a fire within them. ’Our own Sect Leader is working so hard,’ they thought, ’what right do we have to slack off?’ Immediately, they all began to cultivate with even greater diligence.

After raging for several dozen minutes, the storm of Spiritual Power above the Alchemy Room finally began to dissipate.

Then, an astonishing pressure erupted from the Alchemy Room, making everyone turn their heads in shock once more.

"This pressure... He’s a Tier Five Spirit General! Brother Shen’s advancement speed is terrifying!" Shui Ruolan exclaimed, her face alight with joy as she felt the formidable pressure.

"He’s a monster! As expected of the man I, Zi Mo, call Boss!" Zi Mo’s mouth split into a huge grin. He looked even more excited than if he had been the one to break through.

The astonishing pressure only lasted for an instant before receding back into the Alchemy Room like a tide. A moment later, the door opened, and Shen Haoran walked out.

The pallor was gone from Shen Haoran’s face, replaced by a healthy glow. His aura was deep and steady, with no trace of instability. It seemed the life-and-death battle with Ouyang Chen had benefited him greatly.

"Congratulations, Brother Shen! Your strength must have reached the Peak of a Tier Five Spirit General now, right?" Shui Ruolan asked, beaming at Shen Haoran.

Hearing her words, Shen Haoran clenched his fist, feeling the endless stream of power flowing through him. He smiled and nodded. ’I suppose it was a blessing in disguise.’

"Haha, congratulations on another breakthrough, Boss!"

"Congratulations, Brother Shen!"

Seeing Shen Haoran nod, everyone sincerely congratulated him.

Shen Haoran looked at their joyous faces, but his brow furrowed slightly.

He could clearly sense the instability in their Spiritual Power, especially in Shui Ruolan and Zi Mo. Both of them had dropped by a full tier in strength, and their faces were still somewhat pale.

Shen Haoran recalled the Spirit Crystals surrounding him when he had first awakened and immediately understood. ’They’ve all over-expended their Original Spiritual Power and haven’t recovered yet.’

"Ruolan, thank you all," Shen Haoran said, deeply moved. He took out a Pill Recipe and handed it to her. "Take this and gather all the herbs listed. I’ll refine an Elixir for you. We need to get your strength restored first."

Everyone’s faces lit up at his words. Over-expending one’s Original Spiritual Power would take months to recover from through simple rest. But with Shen Haoran, a Fifth Grade Alchemist, around, they weren’t worried. A single Elixir could solve the problem with ease!

At the same time, they couldn’t help but feel fortunate about their choice once more. ’We really didn’t follow the wrong boss!’

A short while later, Shui Ruolan had gathered all the necessary herbs and delivered them to Shen Haoran’s Alchemy Room. He immediately began the process of Refining the Elixir, and the entire Yao Sect fell quiet once more.

「...」

While the Five Elements Sect was abuzz with activity, a dark energy swirled within a pitch-black cave. Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream echoed through the cavern.

"AHHH..."

In the middle of the cave, Ouyang Chen’s body was suspended in mid-air, trapped within a swirling black mist. Thick, black iron chains pierced through his flesh, holding him aloft.

Below him, the black-robed figure looked up. His cold, sinister eyes glinted like a viper’s, making Ouyang Chen’s blood run cold.

"You said you would bring me Shen Haoran’s corpse after the Sect’s grand competition. So where is it?" a hoarse voice, like nails scraping across a chalkboard, demanded.

"My lord, I was about to bring you Shen Haoran’s corpse, but that old bastard Chen Yu interfered! If I hadn’t faked my death to create a diversion, I might not have made it back at all!" Ouyang Chen said in terror.

"I don’t need your excuses!" the black-robed man said coldly. He then stretched out his palm and clenched it into a fist.

"AHH!"

A piercing scream echoed as the black chains constricted, tightening their grip on Ouyang Chen’s body. Wisps of dark energy began to eat away at his flesh.

"My lord, spare me! Spare me!"