Dangers of the Refinement Grounds

Dangers of the Refinement Grounds...

In the heart of a mystical land, the age of the Palace Mistress remained an enigma, a puzzle no one dared to solve through mere observation. Whispers in the wind spoke of her being the heir to the legendary Fairy Qingmei, but these words hung in the air, unverified by anyone who dared to tread in the realm of the Celestial Lake Palace.

Fairy Qingmei, once a luminary in the martial world, had chosen the path of seclusion, weaving her own tale of mystery. In her solitude, she erected the Celestial Lake Palace, a sanctuary where she chose to pass on her wisdom and techniques to a lineage of female disciples spanning generations. Yet, like a distant star, she remained elusive to the outside world, as if she had already glimpsed the essence of life beyond the petty concerns of this mortal realm.

Amidst the backdrop of this arcane haven, the Palace Mistress, a figure shrouded in a tranquil grace, graced the assembled crowd with a benevolent smile and a nod. Her voice, soft as the whispers of the breeze, carried through the hushed atmosphere. "If your hearts yearn to venture into the celestial lake, you must already fathom the perils that dwell within. I wonder how many of the talented youths here hail from the transcendent realms of the Nine Continents?"

A young man stepped forward, his demeanor as forthright as a river's flow. "This humble one hails from the Azure Continent, Ouyang Kuangsheng of the illustrious Ouyang Clan. Our clan's lord sends his warm regards to Fairy Qingmei." His words carried the weight of sincerity, and the woman standing beside him added her voice to the chorus of introductions. "Jiang Ting, from the Wind Continent's esteemed Jiang Clan, offers her respects to the Palace Mistress."

Ouyang Kuangsheng's words were plainspoken, while Jiang Ting exuded an air of innate pride, her demeanor a testament to her noble lineage rather than a slight to the Palace Mistress.

"Descendants of the Ouyang and Jiang Clans, please, find your seats," the Palace Mistress said, her smile unwavering. Chairs, as if conjured by magic, had already been prepared by the attendants of the Celestial Lake Palace. Ouyang Kuangsheng and Jiang Ting took their seats, their clan members standing loyally behind them.

Whispers of intrigue rippled through the crowd. The Ouyang and Jiang Clans were known transcendent powers in the Nine Continents, and their presence here was more than a mere coincidence.

"Beast King Hall, Shiki," a voice, cold as an arctic wind, declared. Shiki stepped forth, an embodiment of stoicism. A murmur of awe spread through the assembly, for it was clear that those hailing from transcendent powers held a unique aura, their very presence commanding respect.

"Please, take your seat," the Palace Mistress beckoned with grace.

"From the War Continent, I present Wang Xiao of the Wang Clan," another youth, garbed in white robes, announced his presence. Gasps of surprise filled the air as the Wang Clan's involvement became apparent. It seemed that all the transcendent powers of the Nine Continents sought to test their younger generations in the crucible of the Celestial Lake Palace. Each individual gathered here possessed a formidable cultivation base, with many attaining at least the 9th level of Arterial Circulation, and whispers hinted at the presence of even higher-ranked Yuanfu cultivators among them.

The stage was set for an expedition like no other, a journey into the mysteries of the Celestial Lake Palace that would challenge the very essence of their existence. The Palace Mistress, a guardian of secrets untold, watched over them all with a knowing smile, her ageless wisdom a beacon guiding them into the unknown.

A hushed anticipation hung in the air as more talented youths introduced themselves to the Palace Mistress.

"Yan Continent, Mu Baifei," proclaimed a youth, his long white robe exuding an air of pristine elegance. But beneath that refined exterior, a keen edge sparkled in his eyes—a Swallow Swordsman for sure.

"Skydemon Sect, Yao Sheng."

"Greencloud Pavilion, Qian Mengyu."

As each name was announced, the Palace Mistress beckoned them to their designated seats. The crowd watched closely, mentally bookmarking these rising stars of the Nine Continents. Any one of them could shine as brilliantly as Ouyang Kuangsheng in their generation.

But the drama didn't stop there. After Qian Mengyu took her place, she extended an invitation, her gaze settling on a certain figure lingering in the crowd. "Qin Wentian, you come over as well."

Qin Wentian hesitated for a brief moment, then decided to comply, stepping forward with a nod. Rejecting her offer after she had spoken would be impolite.

The Palace Mistress, with her unwavering grace, inquired, "Are these two also from the Azure Continent?"

Qian Mengyu, with a warm smile, revealed, "They are friends from a place called the Chu Country."

The Palace Mistress's eyes flashed with curiosity as she studied Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng. Her attention, however, was quickly diverted as she addressed the assembly with a smile. "There are only seven openings for those eager to venture into the celestial lake. You are all aware of the perilous nature within, so I won't dwell on it. I only ask that you show mercy if you must engage in combat. You have one month."

Nods of agreement rippled through the crowd. They understood the rules well.

"Enter, then. I won't detain you any longer. But remember, no demonic beasts are allowed inside," the Palace Mistress decreed with a laugh. Excitement surged through the crowd as they rushed toward the entrance of the celestial lake.

"Let's go," Qian Mengyu said, rising to her feet and leading the way down a flight of stairs. Qin Wentian couldn't help but marvel at the peculiar properties of the celestial lake's entrance. Despite the water's presence, their clothes remained perfectly dry.

"What a mystical place," Qin Wentian exclaimed, a sense of wonderment filling him as he stepped into the entrance alongside Mo Qingcheng. In that very moment, an inexplicable energy coursed through his body.

Mo Qingcheng's beautiful eyes widened in surprise. As they passed the entrance, she discovered that the Yuanfu within her body had been completely severed from her arterial pathways.

Once they were fully submerged in the water, Qin Wentian and the others found themselves in a space illuminated by resplendent Astral Light. Ahead lay an ancient pathway, beckoning them into the unknown. The adventure had truly begun.

Qian Mengyu fixed Mo Qingcheng with a look of utter disbelief. "Don't you both know the effects of the celestial lake's Refinement Grounds?"

Qin Wentian, shaking his head, admitted, "We're not well-versed in that."

Qian Mengyu couldn't contain her frustration. "You two are utterly ridiculous! Why are you even here if you know nothing about this place? The Refinement Grounds of the Celestial Lake Palace are akin to the Spirit Beasts Testing Grounds and one of the eighteen testing grounds of the Grand Xia Empire. It's known for a mysterious energy that seals the Yuanfus of Yuanfu cultivators. Stepping inside, Yuanfu cultivators are reduced to the peak of the Arterial Circulation Realm. They can't access the abundant Astral Energy contained within their Yuanfu. Without this seal, there'd be no reason for Arterial Circulation cultivators to come here."

She continued her lecture, "Even though Yuanfu cultivators possess stronger innate techniques, they consume energy at a higher rate. In this place, they'd be courting death since they can't replenish their energy from their Yuanfu."

Qin Wentian's expression turned grave. Sealing Yuanfus and cutting the connection to arterial pathways meant even flying would be nearly impossible. The Refinement Grounds of the Celestial Lake Palace had stripped Yuanfu cultivators of most of their advantages.

"The celestial lake is said to have formed naturally, but with the modifications by the Celestial Lake Palace, it has become even more dangerous. Snagging one of the seven spots here wasn't easy. You two are truly reckless," Qian Mengyu chided, her words tinged with concern.

Though her tone was harsh, Qin Wentian knew it stemmed from her worry. He smiled and said, "Can we tag along with you, then? Where's the actual celestial lake located?"

"It's at the end of the Refinement Grounds," Qian Mengyu replied, her eyes on the ancient pathway. Qin Wentian noticed that the other cultivators had already rushed ahead, as if they were in a race against time.

"Mengyu, why are you telling them so much? We should move on," a girl with exquisite features standing nearby complained, her frown indicating her dissatisfaction. She had no idea what Qian Mengyu was thinking.

"Let's go," Qian Mengyu ordered coldly as her group of cultivators sprinted forward.

Qin Wentian turned his attention to the path ahead. He noticed that the other cultivators on the ancient pathway maintained a cautious distance from each other. This was particularly evident among the chosen ones from various transcendent powers. They not only kept their distance but also formed temporary alliances.

Qin Wentian realized that, with only seven spots available at each opening, the greatest danger in the Refinement Grounds lay in the treacherous hearts of humanity. Nevertheless, many treated this as a test of their mettle. Those who had made it this far likely possessed a high degree of self-confidence in their abilities.

"The Forest of Hallucination lies ahead. Be cautious; it'll stall us for a while," Qian Mengyu warned as they approached the forest. Other cultivators were rushing toward the entrance, their presence vanishing as they passed through.

"Stay close behind me," Qian Mengyu instructed, her expression growing solemn as they entered the Forest of Hallucination. Within, a maze took shape, with ancient, eerie trees forming an intricate labyrinth.

Qian Mengyu signaled her group of cultivators to halt as they attempted to navigate the bewildering maze of the Forest of Hallucination. Realization dawned upon them; there seemed to be no way out, and they had lost sight of the others.

"Well, it appears the rumors about this place weren't exaggerated," Qian Mengyu remarked. "The Refinement Grounds is a brutal survival challenge, where luck counts for nothing."

"What's our plan now?" someone asked Qian Mengyu.

"We'll remain here, in our original spot," Qian Mengyu replied, settling herself on the grass.

In the eerie silence of the Forest of Hallucination, an oppressive atmosphere hung heavy, giving rise to a spine-chilling sensation.

Suddenly, rustling noises broke the silence, and Qian Mengyu tensed, scanning her surroundings vigilantly.

Then, a line of figures materialized before her, led by none other than Shiki from the Beast King Hall. His eyes gleamed with unchecked, primal desire.

Qian Mengyu's brow furrowed, and she declared icily, "Shiki, do the Beast King Hall and my Greencloud Pavilion need to clash here? I assure you, it won't end well for you."

"Oh, is that so?" Shiki's sinister grin widened. Qian Mengyu turned her gaze aside only to witness another group of figures arriving.

"Yao Sheng from the Skydemon Sect," Qian Mengyu murmured, her expression darkening further. The Beast King Hall and the Skydemon Sect, both transcendent powers in the Demon Continent, had formed an alliance.

"You can thank your bad luck for this," Yao Sheng sneered, casting a glance at Qin Wentian. He hadn't forgotten their previous encounter at the Spirit Beasts Testing Grounds.

"Run," Qian Mengyu whispered urgently, sending shivers through her comrades. Despite their unfortunate timing, she acted decisively. Escaping rather than confronting the united forces of the Demon Continent was their best chance at survival.

"You, I want her alive!" Shiki pointed at Mo Qingcheng, who stood beside Qin Wentian. He closed in on Qian Mengyu, his lustful intentions evident.

"NOW!" Qian Mengyu screamed, and the Greencloud Pavilion cultivators scattered in all directions. Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng also sprinted in a random direction.

"HAHAHA!" Shiki's thunderous steps shook the earth as he leaped into the air. With a malevolent roar, a fearsome lion's phantom materialized in the sky. His descending fist, infused with colossal power, connected with a Greencloud Pavilion cultivator who hadn't reacted in time, obliterating her head in an instant.

Simultaneously, those from the Beast King Hall and the Skydemon Sect acted in concert, aiming to massacre the Greencloud Pavilion cultivators.

Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng raced in a desperate bid to escape, but a group from the Beast King Hall pursued them with astonishing speed.

Halting abruptly, Qin Wentian gripped his ancient halberd, a chilling resolve in his eyes.

"Wentian, remember your Astral Energy reserves; the road to the celestial lake is long," Mo Qingcheng reminded him, bringing him back to reality. She was right; he couldn't exhaust himself too quickly. This was just the beginning, and the challenges ahead were bound to be far more formidable.