C49 Test Square

The Flying Cloud Sect's annual Inner Sect disciple trial was on the horizon.

Disciples from the Outer Sect, elite disciples, Inner Sect Elders, and others had all converged on the Test Square. Even some Inner Sect disciples were present to observe the trials and familiarize themselves with their future peers.

Yet, the Sect Master of the Flying Cloud Sect was conspicuously absent.

Nonetheless, no one was taken aback by this absence. The Sect Master was known for his infrequent appearances. He seldom attended ceremonies, not even those where Inner Sect disciples ascended to become Direct Disciples. Thus, having an Elder preside over the trial was deemed sufficient.

A handful of disciples had already bowed out of the trial, merely there to enjoy the spectacle. Others, however, were brimming with anticipation, ready to seize the chance to secure a top spot.

Several Inner Sect Elders surveyed the assembly of disciples in the Test Square, swiftly taking stock of the crowd.

"Yan Xiongxiao hasn't come back yet!"

"Yan Xiongxiao remains unbeaten in the Outer Sect, his swordsmanship peerless. Considering he's not participating in this year's Inner Sect disciple trial, is he forgoing promotion to the Inner Sect?"

"And what about Peng Gengkun, who bested an Inner Sect disciple ahead of time? Why isn't he here?"

"If he can defeat Inner Sect disciples, entering the Inner Sect shouldn't be an issue. Perhaps he's chosen to spend another year honing his skills in the Outer Sect!"

"Indeed, advancing too quickly isn't always beneficial. For someone with his talents, another year of training could actually bolster his future development."

While these Inner Sect Elders were mildly surprised, they remained composed.

However, some Outer Sect disciples began to feel the stirrings of anxiety.

Lin Huaqiao constantly glanced toward the entrance of the Test Square, his brow furrowed, "Why hasn't Junior Brother Peng arrived yet?"

Yue Yun quickly responded, "Lin, I've looked into it. A senior brother at the Mission Hall mentioned that Senior Brother Peng took on several sect missions and has left the Flying Cloud Sect!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Huaqiao's concern escalated, "This is madness! But surely Junior Brother Peng understands the significance of advancing to the Inner Sect. Why hasn't he returned? Completing Sect Missions is crucial, but promotion to the Inner Sect is paramount!"

"I think Senior Brother Peng might have other intentions," Wang Jingfu said after a brief pause. "Perhaps Senior Brother Peng isn't interested in this year's trial?"

The Outer Sect disciples, who were on good terms with Peng Gengkun, speculated among themselves but couldn't pinpoint his whereabouts.

Most of the Inner Sect disciples, however, paid little attention to Peng Gengkun. They were primarily there to meet their future junior brothers and sisters, not particularly concerned with who would be admitted into the Inner Sect.

Little Prince casually brought him up, "What about that young man, Peng? Is he not planning to join the trial this year?"

No one responded.

Xi Ming's lips curled into a smug smile. "He hasn't returned yet. Chances are, he won't make it back! Wei Pengxing, you've lived up to my expectations! Despite being a wastrel, you've proven yourself to be fiercely competent."

While Xi Ming was reveling in his amusement, a stern voice cut through, "Xi Ming! What's so funny?"

Startled, Xi Ming turned to find Xi Yingzhu, the one who had reprimanded him.

In high spirits, Xi Ming grinned at Xi Yingzhu and boasted, "I've merely squashed a bothersome insect."

"Insect?" Xi Yingzhu's brow furrowed, a realization dawning on her.

Surveying the Test Square, enlightenment struck Xi Yingzhu, "Did you kill him?"

"I did not. But he may have encountered some misfortune after leaving the sect," Xi Ming said, spreading his hands dismissively. "Cousin, better to concentrate on the upcoming trial. By the way, Dou Xi'ao is here too. Why not have a chat with him?"

"You killed him!" Xi Yingzhu exclaimed, her voice now laden with conviction. "You really killed him! Why would you do such a thing! You..."

Xi Ming's expression turned to one of impatience, "I simply crushed a despicable insect! He didn't deserve to step foot in the Inner Sect, much less come near you! You belong to the Yan family! We are not just any noble house; we are Lords of the Obeoton Empire! You've always said you'd only marry a genius, right? Brother Xu is the epitome of genius, and the Xu family is a perfect match for our Yan family."

Before Xi Ming could finish speaking, Xi Yingzhu burst out, "Enough! Why can't I decide on my own affairs? Dou Xi'ao may be a genius, but he's not the one I fancy! That so-called marriage contract is nothing more than a wishful arrangement made by my family!"

Xi Ming's brow furrowed as he retorted, "You don't fancy Brother Xu, so is it that lowlife from the Outer Sect you're interested in?"

Xi Yingzhu quickly refuted, "No, but you have no right to kill him! You..."

Finding herself at a loss for words, Xi Yingzhu turned her head away in frustration.

Just then, she noticed a figure hurriedly entering the Test Square, drawing the collective attention of the disciples to the entrance.

The newcomer, with his clothes in tatters and his blade broken, still had a fierce determination in his eyes. He looked at a nearby disciple and inquired, "Am I too late? Has the trial started?"

The addressed disciple quickly shook his head, "No, you're just in time."

Breathing a sigh of relief, the elite disciple summoned his Astral Energy and called out, "I am Yan Xiongxiao. I apologize for my tardiness. May I still join the trial?"

The Elders exchanged glances before one from the Inner Sect nodded and confirmed, "Yes, you may."

Yan Xiongxiao continued, "There's something else I must report."

"What is it?" an Elder inquired.

"On my return from training in the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range, I encountered a demonic beast that had captured a fellow disciple from the Flying Cloud Sect. I couldn't stand by and watch my comrade taken by the beast, so I attempted a rescue..."

At this revelation, the Elders rose to their feet, startled not only by the mention of the demonic beast but also by the fact that Yan Xiongxiao had survived the encounter.

Yan Xiongxiao had faced a demonic beast and lived to tell the tale, which could only mean one thing: the beast was dead, slain by Yan Xiongxiao!

Yet, as the Elders looked on, Yan Xiongxiao slowly shook his head and clarified, "I was no match for the beast and nearly lost my life. It was the captured disciple who saved me in the nick of time! Unable to defeat the beast, I had no choice but to retreat. But as I did, I vowed to return with help to rescue him!"

An Elder hesitated before speaking, "Yan Xiongxiao, your concern is commendable, but the journey from the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range to the Flying Cloud Sect takes several days. By the time you get back, I fear there might be nothing left of that disciple, not even bones!"

"I believe that if he could rescue me from the clutches of the demonic beast, he must have a way to avoid death," Yan Xiongxiao insisted. "He won't die! I implore the Elders to venture to the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range and save him!"

A hush descended upon the Test Square for a brief moment.

Eventually, an Inner Sect disciple spoke up, "Yan Xiongxiao, how can we be certain your claims are true? Do you have any proof of the demonic beast's existence? Or do you know which disciple has been taken? If he's one of our own from the Flying Cloud Sect, we're duty-bound to rescue him. But if he's not..."

Yan Xiongxiao cast a quick glance at the speaking Inner Sect disciple and offered a respectful bow. "Ah, Senior Brother Xi. I may not know the captured individual personally, but I do recall his attire and features."

With that, Yan Xiongxiao proceeded to describe the individual in question.

Those listening pieced together the image from Yan Xiongxiao's description, and several faces turned pale with recognition.