After My Rebirth, I Ended Up Happily Ever After with the Saintess - Chapter 57

The three-month confinement period was over, and Ye Li emerged from her seclusion. She did not draw attention to herself, keeping her aura contained, behaving like an ordinary initial Meridian Condensation disciple. She spent her days travelling between her dwelling, the Scripture Imparting Pavilion, and Cloud Pill Peak’s Lecture Hall, her actions no different from before her retreat. However, those who were observant might notice that her eyes had grown deeper, and there was an ineffable harmony and composure in her steps, as if everything was within her grasp.

This low profile did not last long. The reason was that the Xuan Yun Sect’s “Sect Minor Competition,” held once every ten years, was about to begin.

The Sect Minor Competition was held to test the disciples’ cultivation, encourage the juniors, and serve as an important occasion for each peak to demonstrate its strength and contend for resource allocation. The competition was divided into Outer Gate, Inner Gate, and Core Disciple groups. The rewards were generous, especially for the top ten in the Inner Gate group and the top twenty in the Core Disciple group, who would receive a large number of Contribution Points, precious elixirs, and even Spiritual Artifacts and Magical Treasures.

As soon as the news spread, the entire Xuan Yun Sect was ablaze with excitement. Disciples from all peaks prepared themselves, those in seclusion emerged, and those undergoing trials outside hurried back, all hoping to distinguish themselves in the Minor Competition.

Cloud Pill Peak, within Hermit Muyun’s cave residence.

“Li’er, what are your intentions regarding this Minor Competition?” Hermit Muyun asked casually, sipping his fragrant tea.

Ye Li stood respectfully beneath him, her expression calm: “To answer Master, this disciple intends to participate in the Inner Gate group competition.”

A flicker of understanding passed through Hermit Muyun’s eyes: “With your current strength, those who can contend with you in the Inner Gate group are few and far between. Your goal, I suspect, is not merely that?”

Ye Li did not deny it, stating frankly: “This disciple does indeed wish to take this opportunity to gauge the strength of the Core Disciples.” She needed a touchstone to test the results of her seclusion, and at the same time, she needed a resounding victory to truly establish herself within the Sect and deter ill-doers. The competition arena was, without a doubt, the best stage.

“Good!” Hermit Muyun chuckled softly, stroking his hand: “To be neither arrogant nor rash, yet to be sharp and progressive, is the style of our generation of cultivators. Go and fight with confidence; your Master and your Cloud Pill Peak are your backing. However, you must understand the art of concealing your sharp edge and knowing when to concede, and must not expose all your cards too early.”

“This disciple will remember Master’s teaching.”

…

On the day of the Minor Competition, the massive drill grounds at the center of Celestial Heaven Peak were packed with people. Dozens of arenas rose simultaneously, flashing with runes, and were personally overseen by Sect Elders acting as referees.

Ye Li registered for the Inner Gate group. Her appearance naturally drew countless eyes. After all, the turmoil of the Secret Realm was still fresh in everyone’s mind, and everyone wanted to know what level of power this disciple, who had obtained an ancient legacy, had now reached.

In the preliminary and intermediate rounds, Ye Li’s opponents were mostly disciples in the initial or middle stages of Meridian Condensation. She did not display the Cosmic Traceless Steps or the Ice Soul Sealing Heaven Finger, relying only on her pure and profound extreme-cold spiritual power, coupled with the improved Shadow Trace Steps and basic finger techniques, to secure easy victories. Often, the opponent had not even clearly seen her movements before being struck at a vital point by a cold finger-wind, either having their spiritual power sealed or being knocked off the arena. Her victories were swift, clean, and without suspense.

Her performance was shockingly steady. There were no flashy moves, no overwhelming aura, only judgment that was terrifyingly accurate and attacks that were highly efficient. This air of effortless mastery made the spectators drop their initial disdain, replacing it with solemnity.

“Her spiritual power… it is so pure! It seems no less profound than a typical late Meridian Condensation cultivator!”

“Her movement technique is also bizarre; it doesn’t look fast, yet she always easily evades attacks.”

“It seems the Secret Realm legacy has indeed transformed her!”

Gao Sheng, Shi Feng, and others also watched, their expressions growing uglier. The stronger Ye Li appeared, the more it proved that their initial defeat was no accident, and the greater the threat they felt.

As the competition progressed, Ye Li met increasingly stronger opponents. A late Meridian Condensation disciple from Thick Earth Peak, known for his defense, summoned a seemingly materialized earth-yellow protective shield, full of confidence. However, Ye Li merely pointed a finger; the ice-cold finger-force condensed into a single point, instantly piercing the shield like a drill and striking his Tanzhong acupoint on the chest, breaking his spiritual power circulation and securing an easy victory.

A disciple from Wind Control Peak, specializing in speed, moved like lightning, with a storm of wind blades sweeping out. Ye Li finally employed a portion of the Star Flash profoundness from her Cosmic Traceless Steps. Her figure flickered a few times and then strangely appeared behind her opponent, a single finger determining the outcome.

She advanced triumphantly, unstoppable, defeating her opponents with almost overwhelming superiority. She quickly became the biggest dark horse in the Inner Gate group, her prominence unmatched for a time.

Finally, in the Inner Gate group’s semi-finals, Ye Li’s opponent was Wang Gang, a veteran Inner Gate disciple from Battle Frenzy Peak. His cultivation had reached the peak of Meridian Condensation, with one foot already stepping into the Spiritual Mansion Realm. His Frenzied Battle Sabre Technique was infamous, making him a strong contender for the Inner Gate group champion this time.

In the arena, Wang Gang was burly, holding a giant sabre as wide as a door panel. He stared at Ye Li with a murderous aura: “Junior Sister Ye, it is no small feat that you have come this far. But this is the end! The debt owed to Senior Brother Gao, I shall claim back a portion for him today!”

Ye Li was expressionless, merely uttering two cold words: “Noisy.”

Wang Gang roared with fury, swinging his giant sabre, stirring up a storm of sabre shadows that swept toward Ye Li like a violent tempest! The power was astonishing! Even before the sabre arrived, the fierce wind from its edge scraped painfully across onlookers’ faces.

Facing this ferocious attack, Ye Li finally ceased holding back!

Cosmic Traceless Steps—Star Flash!

Her figure instantly vanished from its original spot, not retreating in a straight line, but weaving and flickering like a ghost through the gaps in the dense sabre shadows! Wang Gang’s sabre technique was fierce, yet it couldn’t even touch the hem of her clothes!

“Such fast movement!”

“What grade is this movement technique? It definitely surpasses the Black Grade!”

Exclamations rose from the audience. Gao Sheng’s pupils contracted; this movement technique was even more bizarre and unpredictable than it had been in the Secret Realm!

After several blinks, Ye Li found a flaw and closed in on Wang Gang. Though surprised, Wang Gang was not flustered, swinging his sabre horizontally to cut, with powerful, weighty force!

However, Ye Li joined her fingers like a sword, employing the Ice Soul Sealing Heaven Finger—Ice Trace!

The extreme cold energy at her fingertip condensed to a high degree. Striking later but arriving first, it landed with unparalleled precision right on the flat surface of the giant sabre!

“Ding—!”

A crisp, lingering clang! Wang Gang felt a chill, bone-piercing finger force, possessing both penetrative and sealing power, instantly transfer up the sabre and into his arm. His entire right arm went numb, his spiritual power circulation stagnated, and the giant sabre almost slipped from his grasp! He retreated in shock, his face filled with disbelief!

With just one finger, she had shattered his painstakingly gathered sabre technique!

Ye Li pressed her advantage relentlessly, her figure following him like a shadow, her fingers flashing, her strikes aimed at the major acupoints around Wang Gang’s body. Wang Gang could only parry miserably, having completely lost the initiative. The bizarre finger force made his spiritual power circulation increasingly sluggish, and the signs of defeat were clear.

Finally, Ye Li pointed a finger at his wrist’s Shenmen acupoint. Wang Gang could no longer grip the sabre, and the giant sabre clattered to the ground. His face was ashen, and he looked at the slender, jade-like finger pressed against his throat, conceding defeat dejectedly.

“Ye Li, wins! Advances to the Inner Gate Group Finals!” The referee Elder announced loudly, looking at Ye Li with astonishment.

The entire venue erupted in an uproar! Wang Gang, a peak Meridian Condensation cultivator, was defeated so cleanly! Just how strong was Ye Li?

The outcome of the Inner Gate group finals was no longer in suspense. The other advancing disciple, knowing he was outmatched, voluntarily conceded. Ye Li easily claimed the Inner Gate group championship!

According to the Minor Competition rules, the top three of the Inner Gate group had one chance to challenge the bottom ten Core Disciples. If the challenge was successful, they could directly obtain the corresponding ranking and reward.

All eyes focused on Ye Li. Would she challenge? Whom would she challenge?

Ye Li’s gaze swept calmly over the area where the Core Disciples were seated. She skipped over those ranked lower and finally settled on a stern-faced youth holding a long sword.

Core Disciple, ranked nineteenth, Sword Peak—Leng Yun (Cold Cloud)! Known for his Flowing Cloud Sword Technique, his cultivation was at the initial Spiritual Mansion Realm!

“This disciple, Ye Li, wishes to challenge Core Disciple, Senior Brother Leng Yun!” Her clear, cold voice echoed across the drill grounds.

Boom!

The scene instantly exploded!

“Is she insane?! Directly challenging a Spiritual Mansion Realm cultivator?”

“Senior Brother Leng Yun is no ordinary Spiritual Mansion Realm cultivator; his sword technique is transcendent!”

“She truly is someone who obtained a great legacy; her nerve is too great!”

Gao Sheng was startled at first, then revealed a sinister smile: “Overestimating herself! Let’s see how she can be arrogant when Leng Yun makes his move!”

Hermit Muyun’s hand, stroking his beard, paused slightly. A hint of worry, but more of anticipation, flashed in his eyes.

Leng Yun, who had been named, slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was sharp as a sword, falling upon Ye Li with a trace of scrutiny. He slowly rose and walked step by step onto the arena, his voice chilling: “Commendable courage. But challenging me is your gravest mistake.”

Ye Li bowed slightly: “Please enlighten me, Senior Brother.”

The battle erupted in an instant!

Leng Yun lived up to his status as a Core Disciple. When his sword left its sheath, it was like a startling glimpse of a divine swan! The sword light was as ephemeral as flowing clouds, yet it carried a chilling intent, instantly enveloping the entire arena with crisscrossing sword qi!

Facing the full force of a Spiritual Mansion Realm cultivator, the pressure was completely different! Ye Li’s expression was solemn. The Cosmic Traceless Steps was pushed to its limit, her figure dissolving into streaks of afterimages, dodging desperately within the dense sword light. When unavoidable, she met the sword qi head-on with the Ice Soul Sealing Heaven Finger, the clash of finger and sword issuing the clang of metal striking metal, shaking her blood and qi.

She was completely on the defensive, narrowly escaping danger repeatedly! The gap in cultivation realm was indeed difficult to overcome.

“It looks like this is the end.”

“To force Senior Brother Leng Yun to draw his sword, she is already impressive.”

The crowd below murmured.

However, Ye Li’s eyes grew brighter and brighter. This pressure was precisely what she needed! She was adapting to the attack rhythm of the Spiritual Mansion Realm and honing her movement and finger techniques on the edge of life and death!

Leng Yun, having failed to break through after a long period, slightly frowned. His sword stance changed again, employing the ultimate profoundness of the Flowing Cloud Sword Technique—Cloud Sea’s Roaring Tides! The sword light was like a tide, layer upon layer, as if to drown the entire arena!

There was no avoiding it!

A cold light flashed in Ye Li’s eyes. She held nothing back! The spiritual meridians in her body surged like a galaxy of ice crystals, and the nascent form of the second move of the Ice Soul Sealing Heaven Finger, “Spirit Sealing,” was forcefully launched!

This finger strike was no longer merely a cold ice finger force, but contained a hint of the concept of sealing spiritual power and extinguishing vitality! Where the fingertip passed, even the air seemed to solidify, and the surging sword tide seemed to stagnate for a fleeting moment!

“Hmm?” Leng Yun let out a soft exclamation, clearly sensing the unusual nature of this strike. He slightly retracted his sword stance, changing his thrust into a block, holding the body of the sword horizontally in front of him.

“Ding—!”

Finger and sword clashed again! This time, the sound was unusually dull!

A supremely powerful sealing force transmitted along the sword. Leng Yun felt his own spiritual power circulation momentarily freeze! Although he instantly shattered the stagnation with his profound cultivation, this fleeting moment of flaw was enough to decide the winner among experts!

Ye Li sought only that instant! Like a phantom, she floated backward, utilizing the recoil force, while simultaneously flicking her fingers repeatedly, scattering several ordinary Ice Spike Talismans and Restraint Talismans as if they were worthless. Although they could not wound the enemy, they successfully disrupted Leng Yun’s line of sight and pursuit.

By the time Leng Yun swung his sword to break the effects of all the talismans, Ye Li was standing steadily at the edge of the arena. Though her face was slightly pale and her aura a little disordered, she had not been defeated.

According to the rules, if the challenger was neither struck off the arena nor admitted defeat within the time limit of one stick of incense, the result was a draw.

The referee Elder looked at the incense stick, which was about to burn out, and announced loudly: “Time is up! The challenge result is a draw!”

A draw!

An initial Meridian Condensation cultivator fighting to a draw against Leng Yun, a Core Disciple at the initial Spiritual Mansion Realm!

The entire drill grounds fell into a deathly silence. Then, a thunderous clamor erupted!

“A draw?! She actually blocked Senior Brother Leng Yun’s Cloud Sea’s Roaring Tides!”

“That final finger… such a terrifying feeling!”

“This is insane! This Ye Li is truly going to defy the heavens!”

Gao Sheng and others’ faces instantly turned deadly pale. A draw against a Core Disciple! This meant that Ye Li’s strength had truly earned her the qualification to contend with the Spiritual Mansion Realm! The difficulty of trying to touch her again had more than doubled!

Leng Yun took a deep look at Ye Li, sheathing his sword, and said indifferently: “You are very good. That finger strike was quite interesting.” With that, he turned and left the arena. This was already a very high compliment from him.

Ye Li stabilized her breathing and lightly cupped her hands towards Leng Yun’s retreating back. She knew that without the constraint of the rules, in a true life-and-death struggle, her chances of winning were still slim. But the objective of today’s battle had been achieved.

After this battle, Ye Li’s name soared! Not only did she effortlessly win first place in the Inner Gate group, but she also shocked the Core Disciples with a draw! After the Sect Minor Competition concluded, her Sect ranking immediately surged from obscurity to the pinnacle of the Inner Gate, infinitely close to the Core Disciple sequence!

Everyone understood that a new giant star was rising rapidly in the Xuan Yun Sect. And the conflict between her and Battle Frenzy Peak, and the dark forces who coveted her, would inevitably enter a new phase as her status rose.

Ye Li walked off the arena, met by the excited and worshipping gazes of Su Wanyun, Liu Yiyi, and others, as well as a brief message from Lin Feng via the Shadow Pavilion Token: “The Pavilion Master is mighty! The entire Shadow Pavilion shares in your honor!”

She nodded slightly, her eyes calm.

The referee Elder’s declaration of a “draw” was like a giant stone thrown into a still lake, stirring up a thousand waves across the drill grounds. After a brief silence came an uproar of noise and debate, like a volcanic eruption.

“A draw! She actually did it!”

“An initial Meridian Condensation fighting to a draw against Senior Brother Leng Yun, an initial Spiritual Mansion Realm cultivator! This… this is practically unheard of!”

“What kind of technique was that final finger strike? It could even affect Senior Brother Leng Yun’s Flowing Cloud Sword Momentum!”

“The Secret Realm legacy is truly terrifying! This Ye Li has boundless potential!”

Exclamations, doubts, envy, and jealousy intertwined, converging into a massive wave of sound that swept across the entire drill grounds. All eyes were focused on the slender, upright figure in the center of the arena, their gazes filled with complex emotions.

The faces of Gao Sheng, Shi Feng, and other Battle Frenzy Peak disciples had transformed from ugly to utterly horrified and disbelieving. They had expected Leng Yun to severely teach Ye Li a lesson, perhaps even “accidentally” inflicting a serious injury, but they had never imagined such a result! A draw! This meant that Ye Li’s strength had genuinely earned the Sect’s top-tier recognition. Trying to rely on cultivation to crush her was now nearly impossible! A chilling coldness quietly crept into their hearts.

Su Wanyun, Liu Yiyi, and the other Cloud Pill Peak disciples were too excited to contain themselves, almost cheering out loud if the occasion weren’t so formal. Han Li’s mouth hung open, and he muttered: “Senior Sister Ye… this is too fierce…” Chen Mo slowly unclenched his fists, a flash of respect in his eyes.

Seated on the high platform, Hermit Muyun finally lowered his hand from stroking his beard, a barely perceptible curve of relief gracing his lips. The Peak Masters and Elders beside him also had various expressions—some were amazed, some were solemn, and others had flickering eyes, contemplating their next moves. Ye Li’s performance had exceeded their expectations for a newly promoted Inner Gate disciple, enough to draw the attention of the Sect’s highest echelon.

On the arena, Leng Yun took a deep, penetrating look at Ye Li. The sharpness in his cold, star-like eyes was slightly reduced, replaced by a hint of acknowledgment and curiosity. He could sense that Ye Li’s final finger strike was not a complete move but more of a nascent form, yet the “Sealing” concept it contained posed a threat even to him. This woman’s control over her power and grasp of combat timing were monstrous.

“You are very good,” Leng Yun’s voice was still cold, but it contained more substance than his previous indifference. “That finger strike was interesting. I look forward to when you truly master it.” Having said that, he spoke no further, decisively turning around, sheathing his sword, and walking step by step off the arena. For him, this draw was not a disgrace but rather a sign of a worthy opponent to watch.

Ye Li bowed slightly in return. Her blood and qi were still surging, and her spiritual power consumption was immense, but her eyes were as bright as stars. The battle with Leng Yun allowed her to genuinely feel the power of a Spiritual Mansion Realm cultivator and tested the results of her seclusion. The bizarre unpredictability of the Cosmic Traceless Steps and the fierce sealing power of the Ice Soul Sealing Heaven Finger were greatly honed in real combat. Forcing out the embryonic form of “Spirit Sealing,” though extremely taxing, deepened her understanding of the move.

She knew that if not for the competition’s time limit, in a true life-and-death struggle, her chances of defeat were still high due to her current cultivation and total spiritual power. However, the goal of today’s battle was perfectly achieved—to gain fame and prestige, to deter ill-doers, and to gauge the strength of the Core Disciples.

The referee Elder loudly announced the final rankings and rewards of the Inner Gate group. Ye Li was, without a doubt, in first place, receiving a massive amount of Sect Contribution Points, several bottles of precious elixirs beneficial for Meridian Condensation cultivation, and a chance to enter the second floor of the Sect’s Scripture Repository to select a cultivation method.

The rewards were generous, but compared to the status she established and the impact she created with this one battle, these material things seemed secondary.

When Ye Li calmly walked off the arena, the crowd automatically parted to create a path for her. The gazes that might have once contained a trace of disdain or jealousy were now mostly replaced by awe and curiosity. Strength is, and always will be, the hardest currency in the cultivation world.

“Senior Sister Ye, you were too amazing!” Su Wanyun was the first to rush over, her pretty face flushed with excitement.

Liu Yiyi also exclaimed excitedly: “Yes, Senior Sister, you are now the pride of our Cloud Pill Peak!”

Ye Li nodded slightly to them, showing a fleeting hint of a smile: “Just luck.” Her gaze swept over the crowd, seeing Lin Feng’s excited and loyal eyes from his hidden corner, and sensing the implicit congratulations from Zhao Xiaoyi, Xia Zhihe, and others transmitted via the Shadow Pavilion Token.

Hermit Muyun’s voice reached her ear via secret transmission: “Li’er, very well done. Return to the Peak to recuperate first, then come to my cave residence later tonight.”

“Yes, Master.” Ye Li understood. After today, the Sect’s high-level members would certainly have further arrangements or inquiries.

She did not linger at the drill grounds, departing with the Cloud Pill Peak disciples under the scrutiny of countless eyes. Her silhouette remained cold and aloof, yet no one dared to underestimate her again.

The Sect Minor Competition was not completely over, as the fierce contest among the Core Disciples was still ongoing. But there was no doubt that the most eye-catching and shocking event of this year’s Minor Competition was the sudden emergence of the Inner Gate disciple Ye Li!

With her individual strength, she swept the Inner Gate and pointed her sword at the Core Disciples, ultimately fighting to a draw against a Spiritual Mansion Realm genius!

This news spread even faster than the Secret Realm rumors, reaching every corner of the Xuan Yun Sect and even beginning to spread outside the Sect.

The name Ye Li was no longer associated only with “Secret Realm legacy” and “controversy,” but was genuinely linked with words like “genius,” “powerhouse,” and “future giant.” Her Sect status was completely cemented by this one battle, even hinting at a trend of surpassing ordinary Inner Gate disciples and directly approaching the Core Disciple sequence.

Many disciples were secretly discussing that, given the potential and strength Ye Li demonstrated, her promotion to a Core Disciple was likely only a matter of time. If that happened, the landscape of the Xuan Yun Sect’s Core Disciples might change because of her.

And after this battle, Battle Frenzy Peak was forced to temporarily restrain its open actions against Ye Li. With Ye Li possessing the strength to contend with the Spiritual Mansion Realm, trying to deal with her using their former underhanded methods was no longer easy, unless Situ Kuang personally disregarded his status and intervened, but that would inevitably provoke a fierce backlash from Hermit Muyun and possibly alarm the Sect Master.

A storm seemed to have temporarily subsided due to Ye Li’s powerful rise. But everyone knew that this was merely the calm before the storm. A greater upheaval was perhaps brewing in the shadows.

Ye Li returned to her small courtyard on Cloud Pill Peak, activating the array formation to isolate the outside world. She sat cross-legged and did not immediately begin to recuperate, but instead replayed every detail of her exchange with Leng Yun.

“The Spiritual Mansion Realm… their perception and utilization of the spiritual energy of the world are far superior to the Meridian Condensation Realm. While the quality of my spiritual power is not inferior, there is still a gap in total quantity and sustainability. Though the Cosmic Traceless Steps and the Ice Soul Sealing Heaven Finger are strong, their consumption is also enormous.” She calmly analyzed her shortcomings.

“Next, besides continuing to advance my cultivation, I need to find a higher-grade primary cultivation method. The Nether Universe Emperor Scripture is powerful, but the lack of subsequent volumes is a hidden danger. At the same time, I must also begin preparations for forging my Destined Magical Treasure. That Void Divine Crystal might prove very useful…”

Her thought process was clear; she was not swayed by a single victory. The road ahead was long, and the true challenges lay further on. The Xuan Yun Sect was merely the starting point for her return to the peak.

The Shadow Pavilion Token slightly vibrated; it was the summary report sent by Lin Feng. Besides congratulations, it mentioned some subtle movements within the Sect after the competition, and that the public discussion about her legacy seemed to be picking up again.

Ye Li finished reading, her eyes growing slightly cold.

“The tree desires calm, but the wind will not cease… So be it. Let the storm come even more fiercely.”

She closed her eyes and began to circulate her energy to recuperate. Today’s glory and clamor were in the past; tomorrow, she would embark on a new journey.