Chapter 175
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Chapter 175: Inner Disciple Assessment
"Exactly, today is the inner disciple assessment. Wuhen, you can chat with Ye Yun first while others prepare," Elder Mu nodded before turning to address the remaining disciples.
"Elder Mu, what do you mean?" Elder Lan and Grand Elder Chunyu Yan exchanged puzzled glances.
"If Ye Yun survived the great tomb and earned Peak Master Su Hao’s favor, why test him? Are you doubting Shadowless Peak’s judgment?" Elder Mu’s cold gaze swept over them.
Cold sweat formed on Elder Lan and Chunyu Yan’s foreheads. Though they oversaw Tian Zhu Peak’s outer sect, their status couldn’t compare to Shadowless Peak’s leader Su Hao – both in cultivation and authority.
The Heavenly Sword Sect’s Four Peak Masters all stood at late foundation establishment stage, each eligible to contend for sect leadership. How could ordinary inner disciples measure against someone chosen by Su Hao?
Instantly, their gazes toward Ye Yun transformed. This youth possessed boundless potential, destined to become at least an elite disciple – all of whom reached foundation establishment stage.
"Elder Mu speaks truth. Since Peak Master Su Hao selected him, Ye Yun needs no assessment." Chunyu Yan hurriedly agreed.
"Organize the others. This assessment differs – besides cultivation and comprehension, we’ll test character." Elder Mu’s expression turned grave.
"Character?" Both elders blurted in unison.
"Inner disciples are our sect’s future elites. Beyond talent, they must embody our traditions – dedicated and proud Heavenly Sword members."
"But shouldn’t all disciples have such awareness upon joining?" Elder Lan looked baffled.
"The character assessment comes last. Only those excelling in strength and potential may proceed to Shadowless Peak for final evaluation."
"Shadowless Peak? Don’t our inner disciples join Tian Zhu Peak’s higher-ups?" Elder Lan pressed urgently.
"All new inner disciples will go to Shadowless Peak for special sect arrangements," Elder Mu stated plainly.
"Indeed, the Four Peaks host an exclusive event for new inner disciples," Murong Wuhen suddenly interjected.
Elder Lan’s face twitched. "What event? Young Master Wuhen seems informed."
"Outsiders needn’t know. Ye Yun, let’s talk elsewhere." Murong Wuhen ignored the elder, addressing Ye Yun directly.
Ye Yun chuckled awkwardly. "Brother Wuhen jests. I declined Peak Master’s offer because my low cultivation might bring shame. I’m merely an outer disciple requiring proper assessment. After passing, I’ll gladly converse."
Murong Wuhen’s brow furrowed. "Didn’t you hear Elder Mu? You’re exempt from testing."
Ye Yun squared his shoulders. "Rules matter. I appreciate the kindness but prefer earning my place." He stepped into the candidate group.
Rather than taking offense, Murong Wuhen watched with amused interest.
"Wuhen, this…" Elder Mu whispered uncertainly.
"Let him proceed." Murong Wuhen waved dismissively.
Elder Lan and others inhaled sharply – Elder Mu’s deferential manner suggested Murong Wuhen held true authority here.
"Very well. Ye Yun, don’t disappoint Peak Master’s expectations." The elder nodded stiffly.
Ye Yun bowed. "I’ll strive my utmost."
The assessment involved two simple tests. First, verifying Qi refining stage cultivation by channeling true qi into the Martial Hall’s crystal mirror.
Seven concentric rings adorned its surface, each representing Qi refining levels from first to seventh. Lighting the outermost ring indicated first level, two rings meant second, etc. The seventh would illuminate the entire center – though none remained outer disciples at seventh level. Veterans like Elder Lan and Chunyu Yan had reached seventh level long ago, their mediocre cultivation offset by administrative competence, earning them outer sect leadership roles.
The crystal-polished mirror was impeccably smooth, its massive surface spanning over three feet in diameter, pristine white and translucent.
"This is the True Mirror for testing cultivation levels. Step forward one by one and channel your true qi into it. The mirror will reveal your current realm," Elder Lan announced coolly, his demeanor stern.
The thirty disciples stirred with anticipation. Lighting the circular rings on the mirror’s surface would mark their success in the first trial.
"I’ll go first!" Duan Chenfeng burst forward, his impulsive nature overriding any semblance of patience.
Though not first in line, none protested his sudden move. Having someone demonstrate the process beforehand suited them just fine.
"Duan Chenfeng, what nonsense is this?" Elder Lan’s brow furrowed as he snapped. Having accepted numerous favors to favor Duan Chenfeng within the Heavenly Sword Sect, he had no desire to see the youth draw undue attention now.
"Let him proceed. The order matters little," Grand Elder Chunyu Yan interjected with a dismissive wave.
"Exactly. We’ll all take turns anyway. Finish early, prepare earlier for the next trial," Duan Chenfeng retorted breezily.
"Place your palm on the True Mirror and pour in your true qi. The result will speak for itself," Elder Lan relented coldly.
Ignoring him, Duan Chenfeng strode to the mirror and slapped his palm against its surface.
True qi erupted from within him, flooding into the artifact.
Instantly, the first circular ring blazed with radiant light.
"First level of Qi refining—Condensation Stage! The brilliance indicates exceptionally refined true qi," Elder Lan observed, eyes narrowing in approval.
"Remarkable. He only broke through to Qi refining during the inner disciple assessment scramble, yet his foundations are this solid," Grand Elder Chunyu Yan remarked, nodding sagely.
As the words left his lips, the second ring ignited, bathing the Martial Hall’s testing chamber in blinding radiance.
"Second level of the Qi refining stage—Zhou Tian realm? He’s opened all eight meridians in mere weeks? Impossible!" Elder Lan gaped. Murmurs swept through the crowd as disciples exchanged stunned glances. Apart from Elder Mu and Murong Wuhen, all present knew Duan Chenfeng had only recently achieved the first level.
Duan Chenfeng threw back his head and roared with laughter. "Second level Qi refining! Does this conclude the first trial?"
He withdrew his hand and swaggered back, smirk plastered across his face.
"Never imagined I’d secretly reach Zhou Tian realm, eh Ye Yun?" He nudged Ye Yun, winking theatrically.
Ye Yun chuckled. Though surprised by his friend’s rapid progress, he felt genuine joy for the brother he’d found in the boisterous cultivator.
"Senior Brother Duan, when did you break through? I’ve been stuck on the final meridian for days," Yu Minghong inquired solemnly.
"Talent determines all," Duan Chenfeng declared with mock gravity. "Gifted ones ascend in their sleep. The untalented? They grind away for ten—nay, a hundred—times longer."
Yu Minghong nodded thoughtfully. "Your words ring true. Perhaps dedicating an hour daily would’ve helped me consolidate…"
"How long do you cultivate each day?"
"Ten hours."
Duan Chenfeng blinked. "Do you even eat or sleep?"
Ye Yun glanced over. Despite Yu Minghong’s eccentricities, the Great Qin Empire disciple’s relentless diligence embodied the adage that perseverance conquers limitations.
"Junior Brother Yu, the path of cultivation knows no end. Walk steadily, cultivate patiently, and your efforts will bear fruit."
"Thank you for your wisdom, Brother Ye." Yu Minghong bowed deeply before turning toward the testing platform, resolve etched across his features.
