Chapter 413
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Chapter 413: Black and White Pairing
"Technique: Dream of Floating Life. If you want to learn it, I can teach you," Xu Fan said casually.
"I can take some inspiration from it, but I don’t like the idea of enemies dying in such a beautiful dream. It’s too easy on them," Spirit Cut replied.
Even in death, the Dragon-shaped Centipede Beast King had a faint smile of contentment on its grotesque face.
"That’s an easy fix. Just turn the beautiful dream into a nightmare," Xu Fan suggested.
A jade plate floated in front of Xu Fan. With a light wave of his hand, countless profound scriptures flowed from his hand into the jade plate.
"Done. I’ve tweaked it for you. Now, when Spirit Cut Elder swings his knife, nightmares will follow, ensuring the enemy dies in utter despair," Xu Fan said with a grin.
"Let me take a look," Spirit Cut said, taking the jade plate with curiosity.
After Spirit Cut left, Xu Fan went back to fishing. Without his good buddies around, all he caught were ordinary fish, which made the activity rather dull.
"Master, have you been keeping an eye on the Outer Sect Academy?" Li Xingci asked.
"Grape’s got it covered. Is there something going on there?" Xu Fan inquired.
The Outer Sect Academy had been established a bit later than the Hidden Spirit Academy and was located on Outer Sect Island, managed by Grape. Aside from the lower spiritual energy, it was pretty much on par with the Hidden Spirit Academy.
"The disciples in the Outer Sect Academy seem to be a bit stronger than those in the Hidden Spirit Academy," Li Xingci mentioned.
"I’m aware. Our Hidden Spirit Sect doesn’t just focus on talent during admissions, so this outcome is expected," Xu Fan said casually. He had anticipated this when the Outer Sect Academy was first set up.
"Could this cause issues later, especially when the third-generation disciples start advancing in their cultivation?"
"You’re thinking too far ahead," Xu Fan chuckled.
"It seems you don’t fully grasp the inner sect assessments I’ve designed," Xu Fan added with a laugh.
"It’s not just about temperament, character, or willingness to sacrifice for the sect."
"What really matters is mental resilience and the ability to unleash power in desperate situations."
"At first, you might not notice much, but over time, it’ll become clear," Xu Fan said with a smile.
"What will become clear?" Li Xingci asked, puzzled.
"The true power of talent in the later stages."
Xu Fan lifted his fishing rod, and a massive ice lake lobster was hooked. A nearby puppet quickly moved in to unhook the lobster and flew it toward the sect’s main peak cafeteria.
"I want it braised," Xu Fan said.
"Understood," Grape’s voice responded.
"Later stage talent, huh?" Li Xingci murmured.
"Exactly. By the time they reach the Void Refinement stage, the differences will start to show," Xu Fan continued.
"Got it," Li Xingci nodded.
"Though, those two holy body disciples in the Outer Sect are performing quite impressively," Li Xingci noted.
"I know about those two. They didn’t pass the inner sect assessment, but their temperament is just barely acceptable. They’re the type who’ll do only as much as they’re given."
"While they’ll be grateful for the sect’s nurturing, when the sect faces life-and-death situations, they’ll do their part and then leave."
"Most of the disciples in the Outer Sect are like this," Xu Fan remarked.
"Master, your foresight is profound; I truly admire you," Li Xingci said earnestly, his eyes reflecting deep emotion. His master had indeed sacrificed much for the Hidden Spirit Sect.
"I’m not overthinking it; I simply want to recruit some capable hands for the Hidden Spirit Sect. Otherwise, all these talented youngsters would go to waste," Xu Fan replied, glancing sideways at Li Xingci.
"………"
His master remained unchanged, as steadfast as ever.
On Outer Sect Island, within a vast training ground, two figures clashed and intertwined rapidly, the clashing of swords resonating sharply.
The force of their collisions pushed the spectators back more than ten paces.
A Transformation God cultivator nearby gestured, casting a transparent protective shield over the entire training ground.
‘Clang!!’
A loud clang echoed as the two combatants separated.
Black and white contrasted sharply as the short sword faced the longsword.
"Bai Xuan, why aren’t you using your sword formation?" asked the masked boy in a black robe.
"The sect granted me a hundred swords, but they’re not for sparring with you," Bai Xuan replied. Since the last time one of his Spiritual Swords was broken by this opponent, he had refrained from using the sect’s swords in practice.
"Do you look down on me?" The masked boy’s eyes flashed with anger.
"Qin Lu, if I lose my Spiritual Sword, you’ll have to cover the loss," Bai Xuan stated.
"If you won’t use it, then you’re bound to lose today," Qin Lu declared confidently.
The two resumed their fierce battle.
The Transformation God cultivator watching nearby was puzzled. "Why isn’t the sect recruiting such promising talents into the inner sect? Is the entry threshold that high?" he wondered.
Before joining the Hidden Spirit Sect, he had traveled through many fairy cities and seen much of the world. The skills displayed by these two outer disciples would not be out of place among the top holy grounds or as direct disciples of elders in various sects.
Under the night sky, with the moon bright and stars sparse, the two who had sparred earlier sat atop the star-gazing tall tower on Outer Sect Island, conversing.
"Bai Xuan, what do you think the inner sect is like?" Qin Lu asked, gazing towards Hidden Spirit Island.
"I’m not sure, but with our talents, entering the inner sect should be straightforward."
"Yet we haven’t made it to the inner sect. I want to know what we’re lacking; is it really just our age?" Bai Xuan expressed with a touch of frustration.
Though he wouldn’t claim to be the best among the younger generation, he considered his talent to be top-tier.
"Don’t dwell on it too much. When we meet those inner sect disciples, we’ll understand where we’re lacking," Qin Lu said. Though he too felt a bit unsatisfied, he didn’t overthink it.
His goal was simply to survive and do his best.
"One day, we must meet those inner sect disciples and see if the extra resources they enjoy are truly worth it," Bai Xuan said, his eyes gleaming with determination.
Meanwhile, under the same night sky, Xu Fan was in his courtyard, enjoying his homemade beer and some grilled skewers.
Occasionally, flying puppets would bring him fresh barbecue.
Xu Fan grabbed a lamb skewer, devouring half in one bite, followed by a large swig of beer.
It was summer on Hidden Spirit Island, and even the nights were slightly warm.
"Once I deal with those few beast kings, a peaceful life will begin."
"Before that, I still need to free that respected elder," Xu Fan mused to himself, looking forward to finally relaxing.
A beam of light approached, and Xu Yuexian appeared beside Xu Fan.
"When I see the flickering light here, I know you’re drinking, Master," Xu Yuexian said with a smile.
"I’ll join you for a drink," she added, taking out the Sea-Pulling Bottle to pour for Xu Fan, then filling her own cup.
"Let’s drink together," Xu Fan smiled, feeling quite fond of his only female disciple.
