If the city disciples knew what thoughts were swirling in their minds right now, Nie Kong would have fainted on the spot. In truth, he had merely used the "Nine-Transmutation Golden Needle Technique" to restore Bai Yuqing's spiritual energy.

Amidst this strange atmosphere, the fourth round of trials finally began.

However when the long-absent Kan Tian announced the competition rules, not only did the surrounding city disciples exchange perplexed glances but even Nie Kong and his fellow qualifiers were taken aback. This rotund old man had unilaterally changed the regulations. While this round still required number draws, it wasn't like previous rounds where paired numbers would compete - instead participants were divided into two groups of five for chaotic group battles.

Then, one final survivor from each group would battle for the city champion title.

This rule change introduced numerous uncertainties. Even someone as formidable as Lan Shang could be ambushed by four others in a team fight and eliminated early.

Though puzzled about Kan Tian's sudden regulation shift, no one raised objections. As the vice-mayor of Lingyu City, while he couldn't arbitrarily interfere with ongoing contests, adjusting rules prior to competition was within his authority.

Nie Kong initially shared their confusion until catching sight of Kan Tian's gaze directed at him - realization dawned. This old man had altered the format specifically for him. With such revised rules, the contest duration would shrink dramatically, allowing Kan Tian to return to his tales about "Soul Incarnations" sooner.

This caused Nie Kong considerable headache. A single careless reply earlier had triggered this mess. Had he known that particular comment came not from Kan Tian's mouth but through some "Soul Incarnation," he'd have stayed silent entirely and avoided being entangled by this eccentric vice-mayor.

If all else failed, perhaps seeking contact with Xubai Ancestor beyond the Spirit Meridians would be necessary to smooth things over.

As Nie Kong made his mental resolution, two larger battle arenas were marked. Meanwhile instructors bearing trays entered, revealing the final draw - Nie Kong and Bai Yuqing had been grouped together, their numbers adjacent: seven and eight respectively.

Joining them in this group were Liu Heming, Jing Lan, and a male disciple named Ji Shen. The other five including Lan Shang and Gu Ruofei formed the second group. This arrangement pleased Nie Kong - having Bai Yuqing as backup certainly made fighting four opponents simultaneously less arduous.

As they entered their designated arena, three distinct factions emerged immediately: Nie Kong paired with Bai Yuqing; Liu Heming allied with Jing Lan; solitary Ji Shen stood apart, his calm demeanor betraying no concern about potential ambushes.

Liu Heming observed Nie Kong and smiled. "Nie Kong... I didn't expect to meet you here in the trials." His eyes inadvertently showed genuine appreciation, without resentment over Nie Kong's prior defeat of his friend Shan Xiong.

Nie Kong responded with a measured chuckle. "Nor did I."

Initially entering the city, he certainly hadn't anticipated encountering Liu Heming and Shan Xiong - Lingyu City's most outstanding disciples - so soon at this venue before even joining the Spirit Meridians. At that time his cultivation was only Spirit Formation First Rank; without awakening his bloodline, reaching Ninth Rank in mere six months would have been impossible. With just Fourth-Fifth Rank cultivation, he likely would have lost in previous rounds.

Liu Heming smiled, "Soon we'll all enter the Hellfire Geyser together. While there are many treasures there, dangers abound too. Nie Kong, I hope for pleasant cooperation."

Last year when they discovered Nie Kong's immunity to toxic herbs, similar thoughts had crossed Liu Heming and Lan Shang's minds. But back then Nie Kong's cultivation was too low; hopes of entering the Hellfire Geyser seemed slim, so no one ever approached him.

"Precisely my sentiment," Nie Kong nodded in agreement.

With high-ranking Spirit Formation experts from across Heaven-Spirit Continent filling the Hellfire Geyser and numerous young prodigies present, if Lingdu City's ten disciples truly united and supported each other, safety would be much improved. Even disputes with cultivation masters from rival sects or families could be managed without worry.

While Nie Kong conversed with Liu Heming, Jing Lan observed Bai Yuqing closely.

As attractive women often notice their female counterparts...

Especially young ones like Jing Lan who'd long heard rumors about the new, battle-obsessed junior sister in the city. Though she hadn't interacted much with Bai Yuqing - only glimpsed her from afar - the girl's youthful face paired with fiery curves and cold demeanor proved devastatingly alluring. Even self-confident Jing Lan had to concede defeat after seeing Bai Yuqing; countless male disciples openly lusted after her whenever mentioned.

Yet Jing Lan paid little mind to Bai Yuqing's power, considering her still at Spirit Fusion stage while Jing Lan was already Ninth Rank Spirit Formation. No matter how formidable she seemed, there were limits. Even hearing about an Eighth-Rank male peer being beaten by Bai Yuqing recently, she dismissed it as the man likely letting his guard down for romantic reasons.

But witnessing Bai Yuqing's display in this arena proved shocking. At mere Second Rank Spirit Formation, she'd swept through five opponents all with higher cultivation ranks in first round trials. Subsequent rounds saw her defeating powerful adversaries including Ninth-Rank Weizhao. If she reached Eighth-Ninth Rank soon, even lower-ranked Soul Cultivators might struggle against her.

Jing Lan realized if Bai Yuqing had faced her instead of Weizhao back then, this arena would have no place for Jing Lan - their cultivation levels were nearly equal. Fortunately Weizhao's clan also held Hellfire Geyser access.

"This time," Jing Lan smiled brightly. "Please spare me some mercy later."

"If I draw my sword, outcomes are uncertain. No mercy will be shown." Bai Yuqing answered bluntly without affectation or expression change.

Jing Lan gaped silently for a long moment after this direct response. When she finally stopped speaking, Liu Heming chuckled and even composed Ji Shen's lips curved slightly.

Nie Kong secretly smiled but didn't intervene - no need to explain as Bai Yuqing was simply her nature. Those who could accept her straightforwardness found her excellent company; unfortunately few possessed such tolerance.

Actually Bai Yuqing had become less volatile despite increased coldness compared to before when she'd casually say "I"m-a-woman" in Kuantian Town near the Ghostly Mountains. This meant fewer things would provoke her anger now.

"Begins!" As these four exchanged varied expressions from Bai Yuqing's words, the two-word announcement marking this chaotic round's start finally echoed through Shenghuang Hall. Immediately surrounding murmurs and laughter ceased abruptly, leaving profound silence.

"Four of you - I'll take no part in this melee." The instructor's voice just faded as Ji Shen stepped back across the boundary line, watching Nie Kong et al with a smile. No wonder he'd remained composed from beginning - with Hellfire Geyser access already secured, withdrawing now mattered little.

"Huff..."

Ignoring Ji Shen entirely, Bai Yuqing barely finished his words before her broadsword leapt like a spring from her shoulder toward Jing Lan. The blade blazed azure light and expelled icy aura as it descended with thousand-peak force.

Just as she'd promised: "If I draw my sword, outcomes are uncertain. No mercy will be shown."

Observing Bai Yuqing's attack revealed no hesitation at all.

Nie Kong similarly showed no restraint despite earlier cordial conversation with Liu Heming - the moment Bai Yuqing attacked, his spiritual energy surged forth, instantly coalescing into the "Purple Orchid Soul Essence" in his hands. A mere thought sent it exploding violently; several-meter wide petals and leaves erupted toward Liu Heming like a tidal wave.

Having witnessed Nie Kong's duel with Shan Xiong, Liu Heming already elevated him to Lan Shang's level. Almost as soon as Nie Kong moved, Liu Heming's palms twisted around his body in a circle, explosive crimson energy bursting outward - two massive fire dragons coiled together from his arms, snarling mouths snapping toward Nie Kong.

"Boom!"

Red and blue glows collided at near-invisible speed, shockwaves scattering everywhere.

The dual fire dragons shattered explosively whileNie Kong's "Purple Orchid..." petals and leaves reformed immediately, absorbing residual forces before crashing unceasingly against Liu Heming.

In the old world Nie Kong knew, wood would ignite instantly upon contact with fire. But here in Heaven-Spirit Continent - as even Miaoge's Water Spirit Energy could contain Fire elements - Wood suppressing Fire was hardly surprising.

"Huff..."

Just an instant later, the "Purple Orchid..." had already reached Liu Heming.

Liu Heming hastily retreated backward, but Nie Kong made no further pursuit - the emerald-colored stems suddenly veered sideways toward Jing Lan's exposed back...