CHAPTER 381: CHAPTER 381: CONTINUOUS CHALLENGES_1

Shen Mo, however, did not think so. The sect might be selfless, but individuals are driven by greed! Only strength guarantees protection against injustice... As his power grew more formidable, even when he revealed some of his extraordinary methods, others dared not harbor covetous thoughts! Yet, this was still insufficient for him to act recklessly and expose more of his secrets.

For example, he had revealed his exceptional Proficiency in Swordsmanship and the profound Three-Headed Six-Armed art. Those who might harbor intentions to spy on him currently lacked the ability. Conversely, those powerful enough to force him to surrender the ’True Immortal Magic’ held no such designs.

However, if he revealed his possession of the peculiar Soul Refining Flag—within which a Demon Soul General could continuously devour blood food to advance, potentially even reaching Class IV—then even a Golden Core Realm Supreme Elder might feel apprehension or greed. Naturally, they would no longer view him as merely a disciple of outstanding talent!

As for an opportunity like the Destiny Panel, even if he formed his Golden Core, Shen Mo would not reveal even the slightest hint of it. The Golden Core Realm in the cultivation world was not invincible. Above it were the Divine Bridge Realm Heavenly Monarchs, and exploring even further beyond the Divine Bridge Realm revealed even stronger, more terrifying existences. Some peculiarities he could reveal to the public; other abnormalities, however, warranted the utmost caution in concealment—it was never an overreaction to hide them with extreme care!

Facing Zhou Shili’s praise, Shen Mo was not excessively modest but accepted it readily.

Then, he inquired, "Peak Master, I wish to challenge the holder of the Core Disciples’ eighth seat again. Is that possible?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Shili was slightly surprised, but a moment’s reflection led him to believe it was entirely reasonable. Among the nine Core Disciples of the sect, aside from the first and second seats, the remaining seven were all experts from the Third to Sixth Layer of the Spirit Sea Realm, and the differences in their strength were not insurmountable.

In contrast, Shen Mo’s strength was truly formidable and unparalleled! Except for exercising some caution when dealing with the Ruyi Soul Stealing Needle, he had been effortlessly overwhelming Tian Zhiyu throughout their fight. With such strength, he could indeed challenge for a higher Core Disciple seat!

Stroking his beard and pondering for a moment, Zhou Shili said thoughtfully, "According to established precedent, it is certainly possible."

"However, shouldn’t you first address the Spiritual Artifact needle suppressed within your body?"

"I shall first inform the other two Peak Masters of this matter. After discussing and deciding on a date and venue for the match, I will convey this decision to the holder of the Core Disciples’ eighth seat."

"You can use this interval to refine the Spiritual Artifact needle and make thorough preparations!"

Hearing this, Shen Mo nodded in agreement.

The Ruyi Soul Stealing Needle that Tian Zhiyu had deployed was still suppressed within his body, heavily imprisoned by derived bone matter as strong as any magic treasure.

The battles for rank were akin to true life-and-death struggles; the fate of both combatants rested in destiny’s hands, so how could the ownership of spoils be forcibly dictated? After defeating an opponent, the spoils naturally belonged to the victor! Of course, since they were from the same sect, past contests for rank had not escalated to such lethal intensity. Even if casualties occurred, they would, at least superficially, avoid a complete falling out. Spoils acquired during such duels would typically be returned to their original owner. However, Shen Mo already had a rift with the Tian Immortal Clan. Tian Zhaoquan’s shameless intervention to assist Tian Zhiyu had already drawn the ire of Zhou Shili and the others. Consequently, he naturally wouldn’t have the audacity to ask Shen Mo to return the Ruyi Soul Stealing Needle. Even if he shamelessly demanded it, Shen Mo wouldn’t pay him any mind!

Thus, Shen Mo had, in a way, profited from misfortune, acquiring a low-grade spiritual level magic artifact for free. Although a third of the magic artifact’s body had been severed by him during the fierce battle, its Artifact Spirit was not extinguished. With Shen Mo’s extraordinary Forging proficiency, he could fully repair it.

After discussing the matter with the Rising Sun Peak Master and the Bright Moon Peak Master, Peak Master Zhou Shili publicly announced Shen Mo’s intention to challenge the holder of the Core Disciples’ eighth seat!

Subsequent challenges would only determine seating order and would not strip any existing Core Disciple of their status...

Even so, it still caused quite an uproar!

In particular, Chu Yuhua, a Bright Moon Peak disciple and the current holder of the Core Disciples’ eighth seat, who had rushed over to observe the battle, wore a very colorful expression. He had never dreamed this day would arrive so quickly; not in the re-ranking battles two years hence, but in a mere seven days, he would have to face Shen Mo!

Chu Yuhua and Elder Chu Chen both hailed from the Chu Immortal Clan and possessed exceptional Talent. Although his cultivation was only at the Third Layer of the Spirit Sea Realm, a year ago, during the Core Disciple ranking reshuffle, he had narrowly defeated Tian Zhiyu thanks to his ingenious use of high-class talismans. He hadn’t enjoyed his prestigious position for long before receiving Shen Mo’s challenge, leaving him feeling rather helpless.

Furthermore, Core Disciples like Guo Xun and Yu Yan, who were present, also felt the pressure, sensing that Shen Mo had no intention of stopping at the ninth seat.

"Not long ago, I was encouraging Junior Brother Shen, wishing him an early breakthrough to the Spirit Sea Realm to join our ranks!"

"Who would have thought he would be so formidable..."

"I fear even I might be pushed down a seat by him," Guo Xun said, shaking his head with a wry smile.

Meanwhile, Yu Yan, who possessed a Fire Spirit Body, had eyes burning with eagerness, keen for a fight.

"I’m actually looking forward to a battle with him!"

"During the expedition to the Immortal Burial Sea, although I witnessed Junior Brother Shen’s capabilities, I didn’t find an opportunity for an all-out confrontation with him."

"If he can defeat the five of you consecutively, I will gladly have a proper match with him and see if he has what it takes to seize the third seat from me!"

Upon returning to the Riverside Sect, Shen Mo collected his Core Disciple attire and exclusive Identity Token from the Deacon Hall.

Compared to those of ordinary inner disciples, the robes and items prepared by the Riverside Sect for Core Disciples were clearly a tier above. Not only was their quality more exceptional and their appearance more magnificent, but the set was also more comprehensive. It included items such as a jade crown, an outer robe, inner clothes, a sash, and footwear, all of which were high-grade profound level magic artifacts imbued with various special effects like ’Detachment’, ’Fireproof’, and ’Lightness’.

Of course, except for major festivals and celebrations, wearing this full attire seemed somewhat cumbersome and impractical for combat. After attaching the Identity Token to his waist, Shen Mo stored the entire set of attire in his Universe Bag.

This time, he did not ask Ming Yu to use ’The Smallest and The Largest’ technique; instead, he settled into the Forge Room at Lake Heart Cottage. Perhaps knowing that Shen Mo still needed to prepare for his upcoming battle, friends and old acquaintances like Chen Mengze did not rush to congratulate him, allowing Shen Mo some welcome peace and quiet.

WHOOSH!

One after another, prohibition talismans flew from Shen Mo’s sleeve, affixing themselves to the walls of the Forge Room.

After setting up the Prohibitions, Shen Mo, sword in his right hand, slowly sliced open his left arm. Under the miraculous effect of the ’Three-Heads Six-Arms True Immortal Technique’, the severed flesh and skin did not gush copious amounts of blood, instead revealing crystalline white bone, like stacked blocks.

At Shen Mo’s mental command, the derived bone slowly reverted to blood essence primality and reabsorbed into his body. In an instant, the Ruyi Soul Stealing Needle, a Spiritual Artifact, was revealed. Its tail end, still missing a section, was covered by bone, immobilizing it.

At this moment, the Artifact Spirit within the needle, sensing its restraints gradually vanishing, surged with power. It began to hum and vibrate, attempting to break free from the suppression and return to its master, Tian Zhiyu!

"Still not behaving?" Shen Mo chided softly. His fingers curled slightly, and he snatched the Ruyi Soul Stealing Needle into his palm.