Yuan Ming scanned over the azure water curtain, noticing that the one hundred twenty-eight islands participating were divided into sixteen groups, each consisting of eight islands.

These eight islands were further paired off into four competing groups.

"As for the rules, they remain the same as in past years. After three rounds of competition within the sixteen groups, each will determine a winner who will qualify for the subsequent proceedings of the Immortal Fruit Conference," announced the Fusang Island Master in a loud voice.

No sooner had his words fallen than the square erupted into commotion. Among the many islands participating, some showed delight and cheered loudly, while others bore expressions of misery, lamenting incessantly.

The stark contrast of emotions was astonishing.

Yuan Ming took a careful look and immediately expressed some doubt.

"Fellow Daoist Bishui, this grouping seems quite biased. The twelve Level 1 islands are obviously stronger, yet none of them have been placed in the same group. This implies that the opponents they will need to defeat are uniformly from the Second-level Islands, giving them an exceptionally large advantage."

"Fellow Daoist Yuan is not aware, but this is a tradition of the Immortal Fruit Conference's top sixteen competition, where the top sixteen from the last conference don't face off against each other. Besides each of the twelve Level 1 islands being in their own group, last year's winners from Winter Crystal Island, Wuyun Island, Blood Bird's Nest Island, and Golden Lotus Island also have their own groups," said Bishui Rou with a slight frown, explaining.

"Is this preferential treatment for the last winners? In that case, won't the winners each year mostly be from these islands? You all can tolerate this?" Xi Ying said, frowning.

She didn't care whether the method of division was fair, she was concerned about why the other islands were not resisting?

"Those who set the rules are from the Level 1 islands; how could we from the Second-level Islands possibly resist? Not to mention, within the Second-level Islands are those who are nothing but a nest of petty schemers, already engaged in fierce open and covert battles with one another. How could they possibly unite to resist?" said Bishui Rou with a wry smile.

After speaking, she sighed again, "Our luck is not good this time; I'm afraid we'll miss the Immortal Fruit Conference."

In the group to which Red Ganoderma Island was assigned, there was one of the twelve Level 1 islands—Karma Fire Island.

In her eyes, if they had faced a Second-level Island, there might have been a chance to struggle, but facing a Level 1 island meant that nearly all hope was lost, as evidenced by past results where few Second-level Islands managed to break through.

Upon hearing this, Xi Ying simply smiled indifferently, completely unconcerned.

"It looks like Luoshan Island is also in our group, I wonder if we will have the chance to cross hands," said Yuan Ming, looking at Island Master Luo with keen interest.

"Although Luo Wanshan is frivolous, the strength of Luoshan Island is not weak. In the first round, they are up against Huangqiu Island and likely have a greater chance to win," said Bishui Rou.

Upon finishing, she realized what Yuan Ming meant, her face brightening with a smile, "If we have a chance to face them in the next round, it wouldn't be bad to teach that guy a lesson as a way to vent."

While the three of them were conversing, Island Master Luo, a man with a full beard, was already huddled together with Liulan Island's Master.

The latter was thin and had a sharp-faced, mean look.

"Island Master Liu, you are lucky, facing Red Ganoderma Island in the first round is like picking up a soft persimmon," said Island Master Luo, stroking his chin enviously.

"You are mistaken, Brother Luo. Bishui Rou's cultivation and beauty are not weak," retorted Liulan Island's Master. Liulan Island and Luoshan Island were always in cahoots, and Island Master Liu's friendship with Island Master Luo was particularly close.

The two gathered together out of like-mindedness.

"If she were weak, I would have taken her down already. However, aside from her, Red Ganoderma Island doesn't have anyone else worthwhile," said Island Master Luo, sneering disdainfully.

"That's true, but she brought what seem to be two new faces this time. There might be some change in their strength?" pondered Island Master Liu, glancing briefly at Yuan Ming and Xi Ying, suspiciously.

"Most likely they are helpers she invited, though I imagine they can't be too powerful," chuckled Island Master Luo.

"That's also true," said Island Master Liu thoughtfully, nodding in agreement.

"We are in the same group as Karma Fire Island this time, so there's no hope for us getting that spot. However, Brother Luo, I have an unkind request," said Island Master Luo.

"You want my men to seriously injure the people from Red Ganoderma Island?" asked Island Master Liu with a sly smile.

"If the one Red Ganoderma Island sends out isn't Bishui Rou, I indeed hope Brother Liu can wound them gravely. If she personally enters the battle, I would like Island Master Liu to use this thing..." Island Master Luo said with a secretive smile. His palm flipped, and he took out a small black bottle, passing it over stealthily.

After seeing the bottle, Island Master Liu's expression changed slightly but quickly returned to normal.

"If I'm not mistaken, that would be the Silkworm Heart Gu you raised, right?" Island Master Liu did not immediately take it, asking telepathically.

"Correct. If she gets struck by it, she will be eaten away by the Gu in seven days or at most half a month. Once the Gu worm matures, her mind will deteriorate, and she will become a puppet at my disposal..." Island Master Luo was halfway through his sentence when he couldn't help revealing a sinister smile.

"I can help with that, but as for the payment... how should it be calculated?" Island Master Liu still didn't reach for the small bottle, shifting his body back slightly and asking.

"If Bishui Rou falls under my control, won't Red Ganoderma Island become mine? I am willing to give half of Red Ganoderma Island's resources to Brother Liu. How about it?" offered Island Master Luo.

"The wealth of Red Ganoderma Island doesn't really interest my Liulan Island. If Brother Luo is truly sincere, why not trade your treasured Beast Taming Technique for the favor?" Island Master Liu chuckled, suggesting.

Upon hearing these words, Island Master Luo's brows unconsciously furrowed slightly, yet he did not immediately refuse. Instead, he tried to reason,

"My Beast Taming Technique is just a fragment without a head or tail, can it really catch Island Master Liu's discerning eye? If we really trade, wouldn't Brother Liu suffer a great loss?"

"It is often said that taking a loss can be a blessing, and what's more, it's losing to you, Brother Luo? A loss to oneself doesn't count as a loss. Of course, if Brother Luo isn't so desperate for that woman Bi Shuirou, then let's pretend this offer was never made," Island Master Liu said with a carefree smile, appearing nonchalant.

Island Master Luo's eyes narrowed slightly and he cursed inwardly before responding, "Since Island Master Liu sincerely wants it, I have no need to hide it. As long as you can successfully plant the Silkworm Heart Gu inside Bi Shuirou, I will fulfill your request."

"Brother Luo is truly a straightforward man! Then it's a deal," Island Master Liu said with evident delight as he took the black bottle into his hand at once.

Fusang Island's Master Xu Fu granted everyone time to discuss their choices for the first round of combatants. Seeing that time was almost up, he announced loudly,

"The first round, the first match, Songhe Island vs. Winter Crystal Island."

As his words fell, the placid lake in the center of the islands began to churn with waves, sending ring after ring of small ripples spreading outwards from the center of the lake.

All present could feel the disturbance atop the lake, their gazes shifting toward it in unison.

They saw the waves in the middle of the lake grow increasingly fierce, and a white jade platform spanning tens of feet rose slowly, supported by the waves, until it stood a foot above the water's surface.

As the platform stabilized and the waves receded, a snow-white Martial Arts Arena revealed itself amidst the lake.

Then, two figures, already prepared, leapt up and landed on the Martial Arts Arena.

The two combatants merely saluted each other with a fist and palm salute, without announcing their names. The spectators could only distinguish which side each represented.

Following Master Xu Fu's command, the two immediately began to fight.

Representing Songhe Island was a bald, middle-aged man of Mid-stage Core Formation. He summoned a Red Flame Blood Crane spirit beast, which was swift in flight and wrapped in crimson flames, a force not to be underestimated.

However, his opponent, a young woman from Winter Crystal Island, also at the Mid-stage of Core Formation, obviously had many years of experience and was touching the threshold of the latter stage.

Her spirit beast was a Cold-Breaking Turtle from the abyss of the East Sea. Though slow in movement, its defensive capabilities were astonishing.

This turtle possessed a natural ability that, once manifested, could condense the void's frigid air around itself and its master, forming a barrier of Frost, preventing the agile Red Flame Blood Crane from breaking through despite its relentless attacks.

Half an hour into the fight, the Red Flame Blood Crane was severely drained of its Spiritual Power. At that moment, the Cold-Breaking Turtle suddenly surged forward, bursting forth with a fierce aura. The ice barrier that had formed on the outside shattered abruptly, and countless hexagonal Ice Crystal shards exploded in all directions, transforming into a chaotic whirlwind of blades engulfing everything around them.

The Red Flame Blood Crane, caught off guard, was grievously wounded, and along with its master, was flung out of the Martial Arts Arena.

This first match was hardly exciting, drawing jeers from the eagerly watching crowd.

However, the subsequent matches were far more thrilling, with each one surpassing the last. A few battles between Second-level Islands were fiercely contested and lively, satisfying the spectators' desire to watch.

On the other hand, the encounters between First-level Islands and Second-level Islands proved disappointing as the difference in power was simply too great. Shortly after the battles began, the Second-level Islands were all overpowered and swiftly defeated.

"Next up, Red Ganoderma Island versus Liulan Island," Master Xu Fu announced.

As soon as his voice fell, Bi Shuirou immediately stood up. After nodding to Yuan Ming, she soared onto the Martial Arts Arena at the heart of the lake.

"Good..."

A chorus of cheers instantly erupted from the surrounding onlookers.

They were never stingy with praise for a beauty.

Seeing Bi Shuirou entering the battle herself, Island Master Luo and Island Master Liu were surprised, yet their hearts filled with delight.

"There's a chance to control this woman..."

"And to acquire Luo Wanshan's Beast Taming Secret Technique..."

The two exchanged smiles, both harboring their own thoughts.

"Brother Liu, it's up to you now," Island Master Luo said, his smile flashing in his eyes as he telepathically communicated to Island Master Liu.

"Rest assured, Brother Luo, just wait and see," Island Master Liu replied, smiling subtly as he gave Island Master Luo a discreet nod.

Then, waving off two of his Cultivators who had eagerly volunteered to fight, he stood out from the crowd, flew straight up to the Martial Arts Arena, ready to personally challenge Bi Shuirou.

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