Chapter 5: Mysterious Figure

Zhang Xu Feng's cultivation breakthrough had a profound impact on his opponent, Zhu Hao. Zhu Hao felt an unusual sensation coursing through his body, as if his blood flow was being severely suppressed. He struggled to maintain control, but ultimately, he knelt down before Zhang Xu Feng.

Zhu Hao's body was stiff and immobile, but he managed to defend himself by focusing his internal energy on his mind and spirit. This allowed him to balance the Qi energy within his body.

"Hiaaat!"

Zhang Xu Feng shouted, his voice echoing through the arena. He raised his sword, which had extended by about 50 cm, and struck Zhu Hao with a burst of golden light. Zhu Hao's body flew out of the arena, leaving everyone in awe.

"What just happened?" someone asked, stunned. "Did that loser really defeat Zhu Hao?"

"It's impossible!" another person exclaimed. "We all know Zhu Hao is stronger than him. He must have used a forbidden cultivation method."

Zhang Xu Feng was bombarded with accusations, but he maintained his innocence. "I didn't use any forbidden methods," he protested. "I'm not a devil practitioner, and I've never cultivated dark magic."

The students continued to argue, but the judge intervened, calling for order. "Enough! Today's competition will end here. Zhang Xu Feng, please report to the Main Hall after the competition."

***

Zhang Xu Feng was summoned to the Main Hall, where he was questioned and examined by the masters of the Taiyun Sect. They searched for any signs of dark energy within him but found none.

Mu Lan approached Zhang Xu Feng after the examination. "How are you?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

"I'm fine," Zhang Xu Feng replied, smiling faintly. "It was just a misunderstanding."

Mu Lan nodded. "I knew you weren't that kind of person. They overreacted. Don't worry, I'm here for you."

Zhang Xu Feng smiled, feeling grateful for Mu Lan's support. "Thanks, Senior. I won't let them bring me down."

Mu Lan chuckled. "You're not that bad, you know. You've even taught that arrogant student a lesson."

Zhang Xu Feng laughed. "Thanks to you, Senior. You're an inspiration."

As they conversed, a strange phenomenon occurred at the Jadeite Stone Mountain, where Sect Leader Murong was cultivating in seclusion. A dazzling golden light pierced the sky, and the spiritual Qi of Yin and Yang from heaven and earth gathered around the mountain.

Everyone in the Taiyun Sect witnessed this impressive phenomenon, and whispers spread quickly. "The Sect Leader has achieved the Golden Immortality!"

Zhang Xu Feng turned to Mu Lan, curiosity in his eyes. "What does that mean?"

Mu Lan smiled. "It means the Sect Leader has reached a new level of cultivation. He'll ascend to the Heavenly Realm and become a deity."

Zhang Xu Feng's eyes widened in awe. "That's incredible."

As they watched, the mysterious man in the Devil Pagoda Tower laughed maniacally. "The Sect Leader's ascension is good news for our Devil Sect. The Righteous Sect will be weakened without their strongest talent."

His aide knelt before him. "Congratulations, Leader. Your wish will soon come true."

The mysterious man spread his arms wide. "When the time comes, the world will kneel before me. I will conquer the world!"

As the phenomenon ended, the mysterious man and his aide descended the tower, their eyes fixed on the Taiyun Sect. "Soon, we'll have our chance. The Taiyun Sect will select new disciples, and we'll send our spies to infiltrate them."

The mysterious man's eyes gleamed with ambition. "If we obtain four more magical artifacts, our living puppets will be invincible. We'll conquer the world, and no one will be able to stop us!"

The competition lasted for three days, and finally, the announcement of the top 10 winners was posted on the flying cloud bulletin board. At the same time, the Taiyun Sect disciples checked if their names were listed among the winners.

Zhang Xu Feng, who lacked confidence, didn't bother to check. He knew his name wouldn't be on the list. However, Mu Lan approached him with a beaming face.

"Zhang Xu Feng! Zhang Xu Feng!" Mu Lan exclaimed, embracing him warmly.

"What's wrong, Senior?" Zhang Xu Feng asked, surprised by Mu Lan's enthusiasm.

"You're on the list!" Mu Lan announced, his eyes shining with pride. "You ranked 9th!"

Zhang Xu Feng's eyes widened in shock. "What? That's impossible! I've never ranked in the top 10!"

Mu Lan laughed. "You didn't believe in yourself, but you made it! You should be proud!"

Zhang Xu Feng's face lit up with a mixture of shock and joy. "Really? I'm on the list?"

Mu Lan nodded. "Yes, really! Now, let's check the bulletin board together."

As they walked towards the board, Zhang Xu Feng's heart was filled with excitement. He couldn't believe he had actually made it to the top 10.

When they reached the board, Zhang Xu Feng's eyes scanned the list, and his name jumped out at him. He stared at it in awe, his mind reeling with the implications.

Mu Lan patted him on the back. "Congratulations, Zhang Xu Feng! You deserve it!"

Zhang Xu Feng turned to Mu Lan, with a wide smile on his face. "Thanks, Senior! This is amazing!"

As they celebrated, the mysterious man in the Devil Pagoda Tower watched from afar, his eyes narrowing in calculation. "The Taiyun Sect will select new disciples soon. This is the perfect opportunity for us to infiltrate them."

His subordinate knelt before him. "What are your orders, Leader?"

The mysterious man's voice was low and menacing. "Send our spies to infiltrate the Taiyun Sect. We'll use them to gather information and wait for the perfect moment to strike."

As the mysterious man's plan unfolded, Zhang Xu Feng and Mu Lan remained oblivious, basking in the joy of their achievement. But little did they know, their greatest challenge was yet to come.

Suddenly, the sky darkened and strong winds blew. Zhang Xu Feng and Mu Lan looked up, seeing thick and ominous black clouds.

"What's that?" Zhang Xu Feng asked, his voice trembling with fear.

Mu Lan shook his head. "I don't know, but I feel like something is off."

Suddenly, lightning struck and the sky split open. A dark figure fell from the sky, heading towards Zhang Xu Feng and Mu Lan.

"Don't move!" Mu Lan shouted, jumping to protect Zhang Xu Feng.

But it was too late. The dark figure had reached them, and everything went black...