Zhongzhou City's night was brightly lit, the sounds of the market rising and falling. Yuyi walked alone on the street, the spirit stones and dharma artifacts from the Huangsha Stronghold mission safely stored in his bundle. This harvest was enough for him to cultivate for a long time.
He found a quiet tavern, ordered a pot of spirit wine, and sat alone drinking. The events of the past few days kept surfacing in his mind—Dao Zun's blade light, Feiyue's strength, the Huangsha Stronghold battle... these experiences made him deeply realize his own weakness.
"Fellow daoist, alone?" a clear voice came from beside him.
Yuyi turned to see a white-robed female cultivator standing there, a gentle smile on her face. Her features were refined, her temperament elegant, spiritual energy fluctuations radiating from her body.
"Xuying?" Yuyi recognized her—it was the mysterious female cultivator he had met several times.
Xuying smiled and sat opposite Yuyi: "Long time no see. I heard you participated in the Huangsha Stronghold mission?"
Yuyi nodded: "Just returned today."
Xuying's eyes showed a trace of admiration: "You've improved a lot. Foundation Building perfection, Fast Sword Art at perfection level—not bad."
Yuyi smiled bitterly: "Still far from enough. In this cultivation world, I'm just an ant."
Xuying looked at him, her gaze complex: "You're different from others. Most people, after falling a few times, would choose to give up. But you persist."
Yuyi fell silent for a moment, then said: "Giving up means never having a chance. I'd rather die than give up."
A strange light flashed in Xuying's eyes: "You really are stubborn."
The two fell silent, each drinking their wine. After a while, Xuying spoke again: "I have a suggestion—do you want to hear it?"
Yuyi looked at her: "Please speak."
Xuying said seriously: "Join Cangqiong Alliance. With your talent and persistence, you'll definitely have a place there."
Yuyi's heart stirred—Cangqiong Alliance was one of the cultivation world's largest alliances, with countless experts. If he could join, his cultivation would definitely advance by leaps and bounds.
But he shook his head: "I appreciate your kindness, but I still want to rely on myself."
Xuying sighed: "You really are... fine, I won't force you. But if you change your mind, you can find me anytime."
Yuyi nodded: "Thank you."
Xuying stood up, preparing to leave. Before leaving, she suddenly turned back: "By the way, be careful lately. The cultivation world isn't peaceful—many experts are gathering in Zhongzhou City."
Yuyi's heart tightened: "What's happening?"
Xuying shook her head: "I don't know the details either. Just be careful."
After Xuying left, Yuyi sat alone, lost in thought. The cultivation world wasn't peaceful? What did that mean?
He decided to stay in Zhongzhou City for a while, observing the situation. If something major was really about to happen, he needed to be prepared.
The next few days, Yuyi stayed at Qingfeng Inn, cultivating while paying attention to the movements in the city. He discovered that more and more cultivators were gathering in Zhongzhou City, including many experts he had never seen before.
One day, Yuyi was meditating in his room when suddenly a powerful spiritual energy fluctuation came from outside. He opened his eyes and walked to the window, looking toward the city center.
In the sky above Zhongzhou City, two figures were fighting. One was in red robes, the other in white—Feiyue and Bingxin!
The two female experts' battle was incredibly intense, spiritual energy surging, sword light and blade shadow interweaving. The surrounding cultivators all looked up, gasping in amazement.
Yuyi watched intently, not wanting to miss any detail. He discovered that Feiyue's attacks were domineering and fierce, each move carrying powerful spiritual energy; Bingxin's defense was watertight, each move precise and accurate.
The two exchanged over a hundred moves, still evenly matched. Finally, both simultaneously withdrew, standing in the air facing each other.
"Feiyue, your strength has improved." Bingxin said coldly.
Feiyue smiled: "You too."
Bingxin turned and left, her white robes fluttering like a white cloud. Feiyue also turned and disappeared into the distance.
Yuyi watched the two disappear, emotions complex. These were the cultivation world's top experts—when would he reach their level?
Just then, a sound transmission came from outside the window. Yuyi took out his Sound Transmission Jade Talisman and heard Lingxiao's voice: "Yuyi, come to the mission hall quickly—something big has happened!"
Yuyi's heart tightened as he immediately left Qingfeng Inn, heading for the mission hall.
The mission hall was packed with people, all discussing something. Yuyi squeezed into the crowd and saw a new notice on the board.
"Nitian Alliance declares war on Cangqiong Alliance! All cultivators choose sides!"
Yuyi's heart sank—war between the two major alliances? This was no small matter!
He found Lingxiao in the crowd: "What's happening?"
Lingxiao's expression was grave: "Nitian Alliance and Cangqiong Alliance have officially gone to war. All cultivators must choose a side—neutrals will be attacked by both."
Yuyi frowned: "So we have to choose?"
Lingxiao nodded: "Yes. I plan to join Nitian Alliance. What about you?"
Yuyi fell silent. He thought of Xuying—she was in Cangqiong Alliance. If he joined Nitian Alliance, he would be enemies with her.
But he also thought of his experiences at Xuantian Sect, of the humiliation he had suffered. Xuantian Sect was part of Nitian Alliance...
"I'll join Nitian Alliance too." Yuyi finally said.
Lingxiao patted his shoulder: "Good, we'll fight together."
Yuyi nodded, but his heart was somewhat heavy. This war would change the entire cultivation world's landscape. And he would be one of the participants.
The cultivation path was destined to be filled with blood and fire. Yuyi gripped his spirit sword tightly, ready to face the coming storm.