Chapter 22

The Valley of Perilous Extremes.

The valley spanned seven undulating mountain ranges, a sea of lush green. Within its bounds, clear streams and hidden currents, waterfalls and strange rock formations, secluded ravines and towering peaks were scattered in a seemingly chaotic yet purposeful arrangement. True to its name, the terrain constantly presented situations that felt like being "driven to a dead end," only to reveal a winding path forward in the very next moment—a testament that heaven never seals off all exits. In Shen Qingqiu's estimation, it was the perfect locale for group expeditions and a must-have for any respectable household.

The participating young talents stood in neat, arranged formations, encircling a massive natural stone platform before the valley's mouth.

The main participants were the four great cultivation sects. Leading them was Cang Qiong Mountain, followed closely by Zhao Hua Temple, Tian Yi Monastery, and Huan Hua Palace.

Among the four, Cang Qiong Mountain was the most comprehensive, with each of its twelve peaks specializing in different areas, creating a multifaceted force. The Temple and Monastery were, naturally, strongholds for monks and Daoist priests. Huan Hua Palace was more complex. Its guiding philosophies were diverse, it excelled in esoteric arts and formations, and it had the most dealings with the mortal world. While the true level of its techniques was unclear, one point was undeniable: it was certainly the wealthiest. They contributed the most funds for every conference.

Additionally, countless small and mid-sized sects participated. Thus, the final gathering at the Valley of Perilous Extremes numbered well over a thousand.

The once silent and desolate valley entrance was suddenly flooded with this crowd. Animals unaccustomed to humans were startled from the mountains, making the scene lively in every sense.

High viewing platforms had long been erected on all sides of the entrance, reserved for cultivators not participating in the conference. Colorful banners representing various sects fluttered atop them. The premium seats for the Sect Leaders were on the highest level. The Cang Qiong Mountain contingent, led by Yue Qingyuan, took their places there.

After Shen Qingqiu was seated, an imposing, silver-haired elder sitting close to him exchanged greetings with the Cang Qiong group and nodded to him as well. "Immortal Master Shen."

The Old Palace Master of Huan Hua Palace—the very master of Luo Binghe's birth mother. Shen Qingqiu returned the courtesy with the detached curiosity of one observing royalty.

Soon, a disciple from Huan Hua Palace ascended the stone platform. As the biggest financial backer, it was only fitting they provide the host. The crowd of a thousand below gradually fell silent, focusing intently as he announced the conference procedures.

This individual possessed considerable skill; his breath was deep and long, allowing his voice to carry clearly across the entire valley mouth, even up to the high platforms.

"The conference will last seven days. After all participants enter the valley, a massive barrier will be erected, enveloping the entire Valley of Perilous Extremes. For these seven days, all entrants will be unilaterally cut off from the outside world, unable to receive news. However, spectators will be able to observe the events within via Spirit Eagles released over the valley.

"Over a hundred types of demonic creatures, totaling nearly five thousand, have been placed within the valley. Defeating one yields a prayer bead. Beads from different levels of creatures contain vastly different amounts of spiritual energy. Do you all have the golden threads on your wrists?"

The crowd below immediately raised their wrists in unison, displaying the golden threads. It was a rather spectacular sight.

The host continued, "After obtaining a bead, string it onto the golden thread. Your scores will then be automatically ranked on the leaderboards here."

The leaderboards hung opposite the high platforms. Although there were eight in total, the focus of all attention was, of course, the first golden list showing the top hundred, or even just the top ten. As the saying goes, in literature there is no definitive first, but in martial arts there is no second place.

Finally, the Huan Hua disciple sternly emphasized, "Fighting between sects to seize beads is strictly forbidden! Anyone discovered engaging in private combat or using underhanded methods to steal another's beads will be immediately disqualified and barred from participation for three conferences!"

Three conferences—that was twelve years.

These young talents were a mixed bag. Many were young and inexperienced, but there were also plenty of seasoned rogues and ruffians who had scrapped their way through life for years. Without this prohibition, the entire conference would likely descend into chaos, even resulting in deaths. Thus, the rule was necessary.

Shen Qingqiu, bored to the point his bones itched, appeared to gaze intently at the scene below while his spirit had long wandered to the ninth heaven. Suddenly, whispers arose from several Sect Leaders' female family members nearby.

"Which sect's disciple is that? He's exceptionally handsome."

"That white robe suits him so well, no less than Senior Brother Gongyi."

"But Senior Brother Gongyi is not only peerless in appearance, his spiritual power is also formidable. How can they be compared?"

"Tsk tsk, you just can't bear to hear anyone say anything less than perfect about Senior Brother Gongyi, can you? Jumping to his defense immediately—admit it!"

"Ad-Admit what? You little wench, what are you saying? Dare to repeat that?"

This was followed by flustered protests and playful scuffling. Shen Qingqiu knew at once they were discussing Luo Binghe, who stood out in the crowd in his white robes, ethereal and transcendent.

In fact, it wasn't just them sneaking glances and talking. Even among the participating disciples below, many young women were secretly watching Luo Binghe, their cheeks flushed with delicate color.

Although their voices were hushed, the cultivators present were no ordinary folk; every one of their senses was exceptionally keen. How could they not hear? These young women were simply too inexperienced to be cautious, their private conversation overheard. Fortunately, the elders were tactful enough to spare the Sect Leader—who was already massaging his temples, pretending to nap—any embarrassment, each pretending not to have heard and keeping their eyes forward.

Someone coughed twice to break the awkwardness, laughing, "Fellow Daoists, unlike previous years, shall we also try to predict which new talents will make a name for themselves at this Immortal Alliance Conference?"

Shen Qingqiu's spirits instantly lifted!

This "prediction" wasn't about actual divination—it was gambling.

Plainly speaking, it meant placing bets on the new talents you favored.

Cultivators needed some entertainment too. Moreover, the stakes weren't vulgar objects like gold and silver in their eyes, but magical artifacts, spirit stones, or even slots for disciples to study under another sect. Nothing truly critical was ever wagered, but it was a traditional pastime during the conference.

Dignitaries like Yue Qingyuan, mindful of their status, wouldn't partake in such games. But there were always those willing to join the fun. In no time, the viewing stands were abuzz with dozens of bets placed. Many wagered on their own outstanding disciples; for instance, Qi Qingqi bet on Liu Mingyan to take the top spot.

Shen Qingqiu didn't need to think twice. He directly placed a bet of five thousand spirit stones on Luo Binghe.

Such a bold move caused quite a stir. Even Yue Qingyuan paused his polite conversation with the Abbot of Zhao Hua Temple to glance over. Seeing Yue Qingyuan hesitate to speak, Shen Qingqiu said, "Sect Leader, I'm just having a bit of fun. A little motivation for Binghe."

Liu Qingge sneered. "A bit of fun. Does your Qing Jing Peak have a thousand spirit stones if you dug it to the core?"

Shen Qingqiu was speechless. It truly did not!

Here, placing a bet required just writing a few words; settlement happened afterward, with no need to show proof of funds. Everyone was a person of repute; no one feared default. Knowing this was a guaranteed win, he inflated the stake. After all, no one knew his actual financial standing.

Yue Qingyuan, probably fearing they'd embarrass themselves publicly, hurriedly smoothed things over. "Enough. Keep your voices down. Of course there are."

Qi Qingqi interjected, hitting the nail on the head. "Sect Leader, are you providing them?"

Yue Qingyuan said, "I will provide."

Liu Qingge asked, "If he loses, who covers it?"

Yue Qingyuan replied, "I will."

Shen Qingqiu asked, "If he wins, who gets it?"

Yue Qingyuan answered, "You do."

The negotiation concluded, leaving everyone satisfied except Liu Qingge. Shen Qingqiu happily went to place his bet.

The cultivators present all wondered why they had never heard the name Luo Binghe. It wasn't their fault. Luo Binghe's current style was modest and low-key; he disliked taking credit, often completing tasks and slipping away quietly, so his fame hadn't spread. Unaware of the reasons, others simply assumed Shen Qingqiu was, as he said, just adding some excitement to motivate his disciple.

Down below, after the new talents swore their oaths in unison, the official entry began.

Due to the large numbers, twelve different entrances were set up, mixing disciples from different sects and sending them in batches. The participating youths, hearts pounding, stepped into the bounds of the Valley of Perilous Extremes and began their journey. On the high platforms, the already accomplished Seniors had finished a round of betting and were now at leisure, some chatting, some sparring verbally, others cracking melon seeds.

Over a hundred specially controlled Spirit Eagles soared within the valley. Silver rings on their claws were set with special crystals that captured everything below—people, events, scenery—and projected it onto several crystal mirrors before the viewing stands, an effect not unlike surveillance instruments.

Someone laughed joyfully. "As expected, Gongyi Xiao takes first place the moment he enters!"

On the golden leaderboard, the top ten names shone with spiritual light. The first place now displayed the gleaming golden characters "Gongyi Xiao," followed by the number "twelve."

This meant that in less than half an hour after entry, he had eliminated twelve demonic creatures, obtaining twelve prayer beads!

Even Liu Mingyan, closely following in second place, had only acquired six beads, lagging a full half behind him.

The crystal mirror showed a young man in white, his movements fluid as drifting clouds, yet his strikes swift as lightning, instantly dispersing a wailing wraith that lunged at him.

Listening to the endless stream of praise around him, Shen Qingqiu merely smiled, saying nothing.

This Gongyi Xiao might look like heaven’s favored son, brimming with domineering aura, but in reality… hah. He was just a stepping stone half a step stronger than the rest.

He was the classic archetype: handsome, noble-born, talented, popular with women, spirited and successful at a young age—but unfortunately, with a true protagonist present, he was doomed to become the polished backdrop. Even though the crowd currently placed the most bets on him taking the top spot, it was a pity. He wouldn’t hold that position for long before Luo Binghe kicked him right off it.

Luo Binghe’s name currently sat in the middle of the rankings, with only a single “one” beside it. Yet Shen Qingqiu wasn’t worried in the slightest.

He knew that once the hour of midnight arrived, and that earth-shattering, chaotic event began to unfold, Luo Binghe’s name would surge up that leaderboard with unstoppable force!

The first day of the Immortal Alliance Conference was drawing to a close, the hour of midnight approaching.

A full moon, gold and clear, hung high in the sky. The spectator platforms blazed with light.

Shen Qingqiu finally located, among the many crystal viewing mirrors, one that showed Luo Binghe’s current situation.

Luo Binghe was walking unhurriedly through the forest, his robes spotless, not a trace of fatigue on him. His eyes were like distant stars, so sharp they seemed to pierce right through the crystal mirror itself.

He wasn’t alone, however.

Most participants operated solo. With so many people, how would they divide the demon beads if they hunted together? At most, some teamed up with a familiar partner or a small group of two or three fellow disciples.

There were, of course, formidable female cultivators, but as a whole, their strength wasn’t as solid, their mental fortitude not as firm. They often required assistance. They usually grouped with close Junior or Senior Sisters, chatting and laughing their way along with little serious hunting done, hardly a threatening force.

Yet, trailing behind Luo Binghe were seven or eight people, composed of delicate young women and junior disciples. This peculiar, bloated team drew attention, causing some to even look away from Gongyi Xiao’s heroic display to stare curiously.

Walking closest to Luo Binghe was a disciple from Huan Hua Palace, dressed in pale yellow robes, holding aloft a luminous pearl to light their way.