The first battle was a success, and Li Ji’an’s value was once again affirmed.

However, this does not yet prove that his strength is truly greater than Wang Hu’s.

After all, in this battle, both sides were merely sparring, and Wang Hu was somewhat overconfident.

Moreover, to fully unleash the power of Gold Element magic, it is best to pair it with a Gold Element weapon.

With the level of magical power Wang Hu displayed earlier, if equipped with a Gold Element magic sword, his attack power would increase by at least 30% to double.

Li Ji’an’s Wood Magic Power could not withstand that.

Li Ji’an also did not exert his full strength. At least that one move, "Vine Silk Hand," if fully unleashed, could absorb life force the moment it entangles the opponent, quickly depleting their magical power.

As for the elusive and unpredictable "Illusory Leaf Killers," it could easily evade his attacks.

However, speaking of attack power, even considering his Dark Light Umbrella magical treasure, there is not much gain, as that treasure leans more towards restriction rather than attack. Without poison, talismans, and physique, the Divine Wood Cone is his limit.

In magical combat among cultivators of the same realm, besides the foundation of magical power, divine techniques and compatible weapons are crucial. Of course, the timing of magic techniques and battle experience also determine the outcome of magical combat.

Li Ji’an is not very interested in this kind of same-realm magical combat. It’s too exhausting; this time it’s mainly for honing his skills. He prefers the ease of overwhelming higher realms.

"Brother Liu has profound magical power, advanced techniques, and rich combat experience. Wang Hu admires you. I humbly request to recuperate for a few days before challenging you again with all my might. Then, we shall have a decisive battle." With this, Wang Hu bowed to Li Ji’an.

The so-called decisive battle is truly a contest for the leader among strategists.

"Very well!" Li Ji’an nodded slightly, not for the leader title or the seventh-grade treasure, but mainly to hone his magical power.

Li Ji’an was indifferent, but Wu Yishan and Wu Yehua, who were watching, were grinning from ear to ear.

Originally, three months ago, when Wu Yehua was questioned by the higher-ups of the Commerce Association, and he mentioned Liu Qingyun, a Foundation Establishment expert capable of reversing and killing an Earth-level assassin from Yellow Springs Prison, the Commerce Association was slightly moved but not particularly valued.

Because among the Foundation Establishment peak geniuses able to attend the Flying Crane Dao Discussion, as long as they have a Lifebound Magical Treasure, it’s not difficult to reverse and kill a Fake Pill True Man.

Especially if that Earth-level assassin from Yellow Springs Prison was already injured by Wu Yehua’s life-saving trump card.

Not until Wu Chengzhi probed personally at the direction of the Commerce Association’s higher-ups did they affirm Li Ji’an’s magical power foundation.

At that time, however, Li Ji’an was purely on defense and did not display any advanced techniques. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

So, his position in the eyes of the Commerce Association was still below Wu Chengzhi, with the hope he could make it to the semifinals to secure three semifinal spots for the Jinhua Commerce Association, largely surpassing the Si Shui Commerce Association.

And at this moment, the leading figure of the Jinhua Commerce Association, Wang Hu, actually lost to Li Ji’an.

This result delighted Wu Yishan greatly and made Wu Yehua overjoyed.

After all, as Wu Yehua said, Li Ji’an has another treasure that might reach the seventh grade.

Thus, the possibility of the Jinhua Commerce Association having three semifinal spots this session has greatly increased!

In the following days, Li Ji’an sparred and engaged in magical combat with other contestants one by one.

However, after some sparring, only Wu Chengzhi and Wang Hu provided him significant benefit in honing his magical power, while the others were slightly lacking.

Wang Hu was still resting and preparing for the next full-scale magical combat.

Wu Chengzhi, due to Li Ji’an being recommended by Wu Yehua, was not pleased and refused to spar with Li Ji’an anymore.

Left with no choice, Li Ji’an could only return to the Dao Field to continue Body Refining.

With the constant supply of Wood Attribute Spirit Charm from the Wood Marrow containing Little Fire Spirit, he was progressing smoothly in the Second Tier Body Refining stage.

However, that day, a Jade Talisman from the Si Shui Commerce Association suddenly brought news. Master Yuxiao, who hadn’t summoned him in three years since joining the Commerce Association, wanted to see him.

For the Feihong Dao Field applied for by the Si Shui Commerce Association, he decided to go meet once more and replied that he was traveling and would return immediately.

Afterward, he informed Wu Yehua, saying he was going to the Immortal City to purchase some spiritual resources, then left the Young Master’s Mansion with Gugu.

Upon reaching Golden Radiance Immortal City, he easily avoided all the Commerce Associations’ eyes and ears with his Core Formation middle stage peak Divine Sense, and finally concealed himself in Gugu’s mouth, instantly retreating far away.

Upon leaving the Immortal City, he immediately activated the Essence Blood of Huang Jie within the Faceless Mask, set up the Flying Boat, and rapidly returned to Cold Smoke Immortal City, where the Si Shui Commerce Association was located.

During the journey, to shorten his travel time, he even used three Second Tier Divine Speed Talismans.

The journey that would take an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator half a month, he completed in just five days.

Upon returning after more than half a year, there was no difference; even when he passed by the Commerce Association people on his way back to his island Dao Field, it was as if he had never left. Clearly, the Si Shui Commerce Association people didn’t care whether he was present or absent.

The restrictions on the island Dao Field were intact, and the alarm array hadn’t been triggered.

Entering the Cave Mansion and settling Gugu down, Li Ji’an immediately headed to the main hall of the Si Shui Commerce Association headquarters.

"Greetings, Chairman!" It was Li Ji’an’s second time stepping into the main hall of the Si Shui Commerce Association headquarters.

This time, the hall was packed; the four Dharma Protectors, the eight Elders, a few first-class Honored Guest Elders, and ten Immortal Seedlings representing the Si Shui Commerce Association in this session of the Flying Crane Dao Discussion were all present.

"Honored Guest Huang, no need for formalities. Coincidentally, we are discussing a matter. You may sit down and listen." Master Yuxiao gave a professional fake smile.