Chapter 353: The Curtain Rises

Chu Feng then strolled around the Chu Family's camp for a bit before leaving.

On his way out, everyone he encountered would respectfully call him "Venerable" and give him a wide berth.

Chu Feng left the foot of Kunlun Mountain and continued on his way. Just then, a young man in blue robes approached him. Head down and engrossed in a phone call, he wasn't watching where he was going and walked straight toward Chu Feng.

Chu Feng quickly sidestepped him and offered a friendly warning, "Hey, friend, you should watch where you're going around here. Be careful you don't fall into a pit."

"Master, don't worry. I'll definitely win an Essence Enhancing Pill for you!" After hanging up, the young man turned and glanced at Chu Feng.

"My apologies. I was distracted by my phone call," the young man said to Chu Feng.

"What family or sect are you from?" Chu Feng asked.

"I am Li Zhengyi, a disciple of the Cloud Mist Sect. I'm truly sorry about what happened just now; it wasn't intentional," the man said politely to Chu Feng. He seemed like the honest type.

Because of this, Chu Feng didn't say anything more.

At the mention of the Cloud Mist Sect, a flicker of surprise went through Chu Feng's mind. He had researched this sect before.

The Cloud Mist Sect had left a rather deep impression on him, because as far as Chu Feng was concerned, it was the sect that came closest to being true Spirit Cultivators.

This was because someone in that sect had once triggered a Celestial Tribulation—in other words, they were Crossing the Tribulation. However, historical records noted that most people at the time believed it to be a form of heavenly punishment.

Triggering a Celestial Tribulation and reaching that level was no easy feat.

At the very least, there were no such accounts in the numerous historical texts. Even the legendary Heaven-Slaying Sword Emperor of old had not reached that level; he had still been some way off.

To trigger a Celestial Tribulation, one first needed enough power to draw the attention of the heavens. Only then was there a chance for a tribulation to descend.

"From what I overheard, you're here to participate in the Martial Arts Grand Ceremony too?" Chu Feng asked curiously.

"Yes. I heard the rewards for the Martial Arts Grand Ceremony include Essence Enhancing Pills, so I came," the robed young man replied honestly.

"Essence Enhancing Pills... yes, they're available, but only for the top three finishers. Each of them will receive one," Chu Feng said.

'Actually, this so-called Essence Enhancing Pill is practically useless in my opinion. It only extends one's lifespan by four or five years. But because it comes from the Medicine King Hall, its value in the world of the Martial Dao is considered extremely high, causing many to covet it.'

The Martial Arts Sects of the Big Snow Plateau had paid a great price to purchase these Essence Enhancing Pills from the Medicine King Hall, specifically to use as rewards for this grand ceremony.

The Martial Arts Grand Ceremony was held once every fifty years, and each time, it was accompanied by lavish rewards.

This was why so many people attended the Martial Arts Grand Ceremony every time it was held.

"Really? That's wonderful! But... I feel like I've seen you somewhere before. You look familiar, but I can't quite place you," the robed young man said, frowning.

"Rest assured, this is definitely our first time meeting. We haven't met before. But if you try your best, you might just win an Essence Enhancing Pill," Chu Feng said with a smile. He was actually quite optimistic about the robed young man, Li Zhengyi.

Although Li Zhengyi looked young, which might lead one to believe he wasn't very strong, Chu Feng could clearly sense that the Spiritual Qi in the young man's body was highly condensed. He had already reached the Foundation Establishment Realm.

This meant that his cultivation base was solid, built up step by step.

Bai Xue of the Celestial Sword Sect was already very strong, with terrifying talent, but this young man, Li Zhengyi, was clearly much stronger than her. His natural aptitude was truly exceptional.

"I will. I'll definitely get one." After cupping his fist to Chu Feng, Li Zhengyi of the Cloud Mist Sect departed.

Chu Feng watched him walk away, eventually noticing that the man was actually living in a simple wooden hut. The gaps in its walls were quite large. 'To dare to live in a house like that in the dead of winter... what a tough guy.'

"The Cloud Mist Sect has always been mysterious. They rarely make public appearances. Many people don't know where the sect is located, and a good number have never even heard of it. They're just too low-key. And yet, the strength of their members is terrifying," Chu Feng murmured. This revelation immediately piqued his interest.

He suddenly found himself even more interested in the Martial Arts Grand Ceremony.

After returning to his residence, the Venerable Hall, Chu Feng resumed his cultivation. He didn't need to concern himself with anything else.

And just like that, several days passed in the blink of an eye.

On this particular day, Chu Feng was sitting on his bed, meditating and cultivating, when a sudden, thunderous noise rang out, shaking nearly the entire Big Snow Plateau.

It was the tolling of a bell, and the sound was exceptionally crisp and clear.

The sound caused Chu Feng to open his eyes, pulling him from his cultivation. He hadn't left his room for the past few days, choosing to cultivate in peace.

"So, it's finally beginning." Chu Feng rose to his feet and said with a smile.

The long-awaited Martial Arts Grand Ceremony was, at long last, about to begin.