Chapter 34
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Chapter 34: Calculations
There was no denying the rewards for entering the top eight and completing the mission were tempting enough to make his eyes burn. Twenty top-grade spirit stones could push his cultivation level forward, maybe even allowing him to break through directly to the Body Refinement Stage Seven of the Comprehending Qi Stage.
But after three years in the servant disciple outer court, he’d learned one truth: great rewards demanded equal sacrifices. He didn’t need to listen to the murmurs around him—Senior Nan Cheng’s grave warning alone told him how little the elders cared about the lives of low-ranking disciples like them.
To put it simply, Tian Zhu Peak had four to five thousand Green Robed Disciples and Yellow Robed Disciples. Losing a few meant nothing. Those with real talent, like Shen Mo and Jun Ruolan, had already been plucked out for better training.
Elder Chunyu Yan’s voice suddenly boomed again: “The East and West Hall competitions for new disciples will now merge with this event. The top eight will receive fifty middle-grade spirit stones and access to the Zang Wu Pavilion to select cultivation techniques and combat skills. The top three may choose two combat skills, and the first-place winner gains an additional fifty middle-grade spirit stones.”
The square erupted.
Rewards this generous hadn’t been seen in decades—perhaps even a century.
Elder Chunyu Yan nodded slightly at the commotion. “Furthermore, the top eight New Outer Disciples will automatically rank among the top hundred disciples overall, qualifying them for sect tasks.”
Another uproar followed. New Outer Disciples were the weakest. Even their top eight lagged far behind senior disciples. Why grant them such an advantage?
Chunyu Yan smiled. “This honor wasn’t meant for you. But Elder Lan insisted this year’s new disciples show greater potential than past batches. Don’t waste this chance.”
Cheers exploded from the new disciples’ ranks.
“Thank you, Elders!”
Most shouted in unison, faces flushed with excitement. These rewards could propel their cultivation to late-stage body refinement—maybe even the Comprehending Qi Stage.
Yet Ye Yun froze, his brow furrowing.
Making the top eight was certain, but it meant joining the dangerous sect mission reserved for the top hundred. Why send weaker disciples on perilous tasks?
A cold prickle crawled over his skin.
Glancing up, he caught Elder Lan and Elder Sun studying him and Qu Yiping. His heart sank. Hiding his strength now was impossible—the elders had already noticed them.
“Ye Yun! Qu Yiping!” Duan Chenfeng’s voice cut through the crowd. “The top three will be ours. But first place is mine. Surrender early and save face.”
“First place is decided through battle, not boasts,” Qu Yiping retorted, icy murderous intent seeping into his tone.
Nearby disciples smirked. Ye Yun’s trio had shown skill, but were they truly unmatched?
Arrogance led to early graves.
Older disciples snorted at Duan Chenfeng’s bluster.
“Focus on the rewards. Adapt as needed,” Ye Yun muttered, keeping his head low. Since escape was impossible, he’d grab as many spirit stones as he could.
The black and white lights within him grew more potent as his cultivation advanced. They refined absorbed spiritual energy into pure spiritual power—power that had once instantly boosted his cultivation. With enough spirit stones and proper techniques, his strength could skyrocket.
He inhaled sharply, resolve hardening.
Qin Qianhan of the Qi refining stage hadn’t forgotten him. Becoming a Tian Zhu Peak disciple wouldn’t end that grudge.
…
Above, Chunyu Yan and the other elders exchanged faint smiles.
“The new disciple competition begins tomorrow morning. Senior disciples spar tomorrow afternoon,” Elder Lan announced. His gentle voice thundered in every ear.
One night to prepare.
Most new disciples shrugged, but seasoned Yellow Robed Disciples frowned. A single night left no time to scheme or curry favor with elders.
“Ye Yun! Where are you sneaking off to?”
A figure lunged as Ye Yun neared the square’s edge. He sidestepped—Duan Chenfeng.
“What do you want?”
“Just a friendly warning.” Duan Chenfeng grinned wildly. “Pray you don’t face me before the top eight. Otherwise, say goodbye to your rewards.”
Oddly, Ye Yun felt no irritation toward the boy’s antics now. “Meeting you early might be fortunate.”
“You think you can beat me?” Duan Chenfeng’s palm shot out. “Let’s settle this now!”
Ye Yun swung his fist.
*Thud!*
Both staggered back two steps.
“Whether you’re a fool or a wolf in sheep’s clothing, stay out of my way.” Ye Yun turned coldly.
“Tomorrow, then!” Duan Chenfeng shouted at his retreating back.
Ye Yun didn’t glance back.
This encounter sparked an idea. Losing early to Duan Chenfeng or Qu Yiping might let him dodge the elders’ attention. But if he reached the top eight uncontested, he’d fight ruthlessly for every reward.
