C48 The Rules of the Challenge.

"Moreover, even as a core disciple, I can't afford to become complacent. In our sect, there's a stipulation that we can only have ten core disciples at any given time. If a core disciple is defeated in a challenge by another disciple, they're automatically demoted to an inner sect disciple, while the victorious one earns the right to be promoted to core disciple status."

"Really? That's an interesting rule. Could you elaborate on this challenge, Senior Brother Murong?"

"Sure, I've got some time to spare, so let me fill you in on the details."

"Every year, the Fang Sect hosts a challenge to fuel the cultivation fervor among the disciples. If I'm counting right, this year's challenge is just about a month away!"

"The challenge is always initiated by a lower-level disciple, and the challenged party can't decline. If a higher-level disciple refuses the challenge, they automatically swap ranks with the challenger."

"A lower-level disciple must challenge and defeat three higher-level disciples to move up a rank. If, for instance, a disciple only manages to defeat two in this year's challenge..."

"That outcome is carried over to the following year. Then, they only need to defeat one more high-level disciple to advance. However, they can't rechallenge the ones they've already bested, and this carryover only lasts for one year."

"If they don't secure three victories within two years, the challenge is considered a failure, and they must start over from scratch in the third year."

"After a lower-level disciple triumphs in a challenge, the defeated high-level disciple undergoes an evaluation. If there's any indication of holding back during the fight, they'll be demoted. Thus, to avoid demotion, no one dares to pull their punches."

"Disciples below the core level must win three matches, but to challenge a core disciple, a single victory suffices."

"Win the challenge, and you're promoted to core disciple; lose, and you drop to inner sect disciple. There's no additional penalty for failing the challenge."

"Still, since personal stakes are high, no one risks throwing a match. Consequently, each year's challenge claims the lives of numerous disciples."

"The conclusion of the challenge can occur in one of three ways: either one side concedes defeat, and the other must cease fighting immediately upon the concession, or one side dies. The last scenario is when one side is no longer capable of fighting, effectively ending the match."

"Is it necessary to take on the challenge competition one level at a time?" Min Zhenkang inquired.

"Not necessarily," came the reply. "You can skip levels. For instance, a servant disciple can leapfrog to challenge someone from the inner sect. But it's rare; the casualty rate is high even when challenging someone just one level above."

"That's why no one in the Fang Sect dares to neglect their training, especially core disciples like myself."

Murong Lin sighed deeply. Everyone saw the brilliance of his success, but who could see the effort it took to shine so brightly?

"Ah, I appreciate the lesson, Senior Brother Murong. I've learned much from you," Min Zhenkang said, bowing with his fists clasped.

"Indeed, Min hasn't trained for long, but with your current level of cultivation, you should manage to defeat three outer sect disciples in the upcoming monthly challenge."

Murong Lin hadn't witnessed Min Zhenkang's true capabilities, only heard about his disruption at the Jee family home, so he remained cautiously optimistic.

"Once you're an outer sect disciple, Min, you'll have more time to dedicate to your cultivation. In a few years, you could even consider challenging those in the inner sect."

"Thank you once again for your guidance, Senior Brother Murong."

"Don't mention it. We're all part of the same sect, no need for such formality. Besides, you would've learned all this at the challenge competition next month anyway. Better to know now and be prepared."

"Understood."

"Big brother, what level of strength is required to challenge a core disciple?"

"You're considering a challenge? With your lackadaisical attitude, you're far from ready to take on a core disciple. To stand a chance, you'd need to be at least a second-level Martial Warrior with the combat prowess of a first-level. Otherwise, it's out of the question."

"A second-level warrior, fighting at the first level... I'm better off sticking to my duties as an inner sect disciple. Besides, we've got you as a core disciple, big brother!" Murong Fu deflated at the thought of such stringent requirements.

"By the way, big brother, where do you stand in the core disciple rankings?"

"I'm currently ranked fifth among the core disciples."

"And the realms of the first and tenth ranked core disciples?"

"The disciple in tenth place is Wang Yupeng, a level two warrior. As for the top-ranked disciple, he reached level five warrior status three years ago. His current level is anyone's guess—I haven't seen him in quite some time."

"Wow, a level five warrior three years ago? That's incredible!" Murong Fu exclaimed, rising abruptly from his chair.

"Little Long, just focus on your training for now. With your talent, you'll be ready to challenge the core disciples in a few years."

"Okay."

"Do you know when you plan to check in, Min?"

Murong Lin inquired, turning to Min Zhenkang.

"I'd like to check in right now." Min Zhenkang was anxious about Min Qigang and eager to become an official disciple as soon as possible to have the freedom to navigate the Fang Sect.

Even though there were still many areas off-limits to service disciples, they could at least access the outer sect disciples' quarters.

"Alright then, I'll escort you back."

"There's a sect rule that service disciples can't linger too long on the core disciples' mountain peak, even with the peak owner's permission. So, I'm afraid I can't let you stay, Min. Once you're an inner sect disciple, my door will always be open to you."

"Thank you, Senior Brother Murong."

"Sure, let's get going. Little Long, stay put and don't wander off. I'll take you to register when I return."

"Understood, big brother."

Murong Lin led the way, with Min Zhenkang trailing behind.

Together, they made their way to the service disciples' area, chatting as they went. Onlookers began to speculate about Min Zhenkang's identity and why he was in the company of their esteemed Senior Brother Murong.

Those who had witnessed the previous altercation between Min Zhenkang and Jee Xiang could now easily deduce that Jee Xiang had been the one stirring up trouble.

Min Zhenkang had initially intended for Murong Lin to escort him only to the base of the mountain. However, considering he hadn't yet registered and wasn't officially a disciple of the Fang Sect, he realized wandering around the sect with such a status might lead to misunderstandings.

Thus, Min Zhenkang accepted Murong Lin's offer to accompany him. Having Murong Lin at his side would likely save him from future complications.

"Min, we're approaching the servants' quarters. Take this token and report directly to the Elder of Servants," Murong Lin advised as they arrived at the designated area, producing a token from his Storage Ring and passing it to Min Zhenkang.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Murong." Min Zhenkang gratefully acknowledged, bowing with his fists clasped.

"Min, I'll head back now. If you need anything later on, just come find me at the mountain peak," Murong Lin said.

"Understood."

After Murong Lin departed for his own mountain peak, intending to take his brother to report to the inner sect disciples' location, Min Zhenkang entered the servants' district. He couldn't help but notice it was the most rundown and neglected area within the Fang Sect, with the thinnest concentration of Profound Qi.

"Excuse me, Senior Brother, could you tell me where to find the Elder of Servants?" Min Zhenkang asked, stopping a passing disciple.

"What's your business? Why are you looking for the Elder?" The disciple eyed Min Zhenkang's attire, which didn't resemble that of a servant disciple. It was rare for outer or inner sect disciples to venture to the servants' living quarters.

"I'm here to report," Min Zhenkang explained.

"Report? What for? The sect's recruitment period is over. Why are you just now reporting? You're not an infiltrating spy, are you?" The disciple's suspicion was piqued upon hearing Min Zhenkang's intent to report.

"Sorry for the delay—I got held up by some things, which is why I'm only checking in now. Plus, it was Senior Brother Murong who brought me here."

"Senior Brother Murong? Which one?"

"Senior Brother Murong Lin!"

"Senior Brother Murong Lin? You're a spy, and a terrible liar at that. Senior Brother Murong Lin is a core disciple; he wouldn't escort someone like you. You're definitely under suspicion." Upon hearing that it was Murong Lin who had escorted Min Zhenkang to the service area, the accuser immediately branded Min as a spy and moved to apprehend him.

Min Zhenkang, once again facing a misunderstanding, could only sigh in frustration. As the man lunged at him, Min didn't even flinch. With his Seventh Level Martial Cultivator Realm strength, he could remain unscathed even standing still.

The man, mistaking Min's stillness for shock, swelled with pride, believing he had intimidated him. As a Seventh Level Martial Cultivator, he was above average among the service disciples, so it seemed reasonable to him that Min would be petrified by his attack, which he intensified.

"Surrender now!" The man envisioned the glory of capturing Min and presenting him to the elders as his attack neared.

But just as the blow was inches away, Min casually sidestepped, effortlessly avoiding the strike.

The man's eyes bulged in disbelief as his surefire hit missed, and he barked, "Spy, surrender!" He lunged at Min again, regaining his composure.

Min Zhenkang, however, had no intention of further entanglement. He unleashed his movement technique and swiftly vanished from the man's sight.

As Min Zhenkang made his way to the heart of the service disciples' quarters, the other man wasted no time and dashed off towards the elders' location.

"What a hassle!" Min Zhenkang hadn't anticipated such a myriad of troubles just for checking in; he was at a loss for words.

To circumvent any further complications, Min Zhenkang decided to deploy his Spiritual Consciousness to search, making no attempt to hide it. His rationale was clear: even if he failed to locate the service elder, the elder would surely seek him out upon detecting his Spiritual Consciousness.

For cultivators, casually probing with Spiritual Consciousness is a major faux pas, and Min Zhenkang's flagrant snooping was no exception. Consequently, once the service elder picked up on his Spiritual Consciousness, it was a given that they would come looking for him.

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