Adding Friends Can Make Me Stronger

“Just saying it doesn’t count. Come on, let’s make a pinky promise,” Mo Xiaoyu extended her small finger.

“Alright,” Meng Changqing chuckled, finding her childlike demeanor amusing.

Under the sunlight, their fingers linked together.

However, just then, a figure approached, their presence unmasked.

“What do you want?!” Mo Xiaoyu reacted first, stepping in front of Meng Changqing.

As the strongest junior sister of Spirit Peak, she had to set an example.

The newcomer was Han Luoyu, who ignored Mo Xiaoyu and kept his eyes fixed on Meng Changqing. This drew the attention of the surrounding disciples.

Thud, thud, thud!

The ground trembled as the Shi brothers approached, like small mountains moving forward.

“What do you want?” Shi Yao, though far weaker than Han Luoyu in cultivation, spoke fiercely, “Don’t think about causing trouble for Brother Meng, or I’ll beat you up.”

Shi Guang said nothing but shared the same intense gaze.

Han Luoyu raised an eyebrow, surprised that Meng Changqing had such protectors. He had heard of the Shi brothers, known for their top-tier body-refinement bloodline, destined for great achievements.

This scene touched Meng Changqing’s heart.

“Don’t worry,” he smiled and picked Mo Xiaoyu up by her collar, moving her behind him.

“Hey!” Mo Xiaoyu was startled, then felt offended, furiously punching Meng Changqing’s leg and even trying to bite him, but to no avail.

She ended up on the verge of tears, realizing she couldn’t even dent his tough body.

Meng Changqing paid no attention to Mo Xiaoyu’s antics. With his current physical strength, her attempts were futile.

“What can I do for you, Brother Han?” he asked calmly.

The two faced off, their auras clashing like needlepoints. Despite Meng Changqing being only at the second level of the Dao Creation Realm, he showed no sign of being intimidated by the ninth-level Han Luoyu, maintaining a serene demeanor.

“Though I don’t understand why our master values you so highly, I’ll prove that I am the strongest among the disciples. No one can surpass me!” Han Luoyu declared with unshakable confidence.

After speaking, he turned and left.

Meng Changqing felt speechless. “You’re good at acting cool, aren’t you? Showing off and then leaving, huh?”

Shaking his head, he dismissed the thought, deciding not to bother with Han Luoyu.

The watching disciples felt disappointed, having hoped for a more exciting confrontation to gauge Meng Changqing’s strength.

Most still doubted his abilities, attributing the master’s favor to other reasons.

“You got drool on my pants,” Meng Changqing remarked, looking down with disdain.

“Hmph! Serves you right for grabbing my collar!” Mo Xiaoyu retorted, rubbing her teeth, muttering about how hard he was.

“Thank you, brothers,” Meng Changqing acknowledged, appreciating their support even though he didn’t need it.

“Brother Meng, you’re too kind. Our mother taught us to stand up for friends,” Shi Yao said confidently, patting his chest.

Smack!

Shi Guang slapped his brother’s head, frustrated. “It’s ‘stand up for friends,’ not ‘stab friends for friends.’ Haven’t you learned anything?”

Meng Changqing couldn’t help but smile at their antics.

Time flew by, and soon it was noon. The peak masters emerged from the great hall, prompting the previously relaxed disciples to quickly form lines.

“Let’s go,” the Grand Elder led the way, giving Meng Changqing a meaningful look that held unexpected approval.

The other peak masters also glanced at Meng Changqing, showing similar interest before leaving.

“Not bad, kid,” Mo Shukuang patted Meng Changqing’s shoulder with a knowing smile, then summoned a sword light and departed.

Meng Changqing furrowed his brow, pondering.

At Spirit Peak, the sword light landed.

“Rest well, everyone. In six days, it will be the Three Sect Martial Arts Tournament. Perform well!” Mo Shukuang instructed.

“Yes!” the disciples responded in unison.

Mo Shukuang returned to the hall, and the disciples began to leave, preparing themselves.

“Brother Meng, I wish you great success in the Martial Arts Tournament,” Lan Chan said, staying behind to bow to Meng Changqing.

“You have confidence in me, Brother Lan?” Meng Changqing asked.

“Not just me, but the masters believe in you,” Lan Chan replied, noting the unusual air about Meng Changqing.

After speaking, he left as well.

Meng Changqing gazed at the sky, smiling slightly. “I must indeed show my strength, or where will my future resources come from?”

Time passed quickly, and soon it was the day of the Three Sect Martial Arts Tournament. At dawn, the unique Daoist bell of the Tai Xuan Sect rang out, its sound rolling across hundreds of miles. Even those outside the mountain gate could hear it.

Everyone opened their eyes, some stepping outside to look toward the Tai Xuan Sect, knowing today was crucial for its potential ascension.

In the sky, cloud ships approached, each representing one of the three major forces: Flame Sun Valley, Giant Spirit Sect, and Wind and Cloud City.