C16 Inner Disciple Assessment(1)

At the crack of dawn the next day, he reached the mid-point of Motian Ridge with Han Yun on his back. By that time, dozens of individuals had already gathered there—each one a standout among the Outer Disciples.

Today, aside from the thousands of Outer Disciples on Motian Ridge, some Inner Disciples and even Elite Disciples would be present to witness the battles.

"From here to the summit of Motian Ridge is another three thousand meters. Outer Disciples wishing to take part in the assessment must make their way to the peak from this point," declared an elder from the Divine Plant Pill Sect at 8:30 AM, addressing the multitude assembled on the mountainside.

Outer Disciples not participating in the assessment could use the Teleportation Formations located on the mountainside to directly access the Observation Platform at the peak.

The Observation Platform boasted tens of thousands of stone benches, accommodating an audience of the same number to view the battle concurrently.

Some of the Divine Plant Pill Sect's disciples had their own Flying Devil Beast mounts, allowing them to soar through the skies and observe the battle from above.

"Lei Yan, I'm heading up first. You must give it your all. I have faith that you'll definitely pass the Inner Disciple Assessment," Han Yun bid farewell to Lei Yan with a hint of reluctance.

"Understood," Lei Yan replied with a slight smile.

As time passed, the mountainside became increasingly crowded with at least eight thousand Outer Disciples arriving to spectate, creating a buzz of excitement.

The Outer Disciples ready to fight were all abuzz with anticipation, for today was the day they could realize their dreams.

To qualify for the Inner Disciple Assessment, one had to be above Human Soul Level 9 and under fifty years of age. Reportedly, over a hundred Outer Disciples had already cleared the verification process.

This verification was straightforward: simply state your name, and then the verifying elders from the Divine Plant Pill Sect would use their formidable Soul Power to check the applicant's soul cultivation and bone age.

"Your name is Lei Yan, and you've been with the sect for just a month. You're twenty-one years old, and your Soul Power has astonishingly reached the Peak of The Human Soul!" An elder said to Lei Yan, clearly impressed and speaking with utmost courtesy.

The scroll containing the records of all Outer Disciples only listed Lei Yan's initial Soul Power cultivation and age when he first joined the sect. Now, in just one month, his cultivation had astonishingly soared from Human Soul Level 1 to the Peak of The Human Soul, a feat that seemed almost inconceivable.

"This kid is undoubtedly a once-in-a-millennium cultivation prodigy," the elder remarked, his face calm but his heart filled with excitement.

"Indeed," Lei Yan responded with a slight nod.

"Please proceed," the elder said, smiling.

A long queue formed behind Lei Yan, all aspirants eager to take part in the Inner Disciple Assessment.

Six elders from the Divine Plant Pill Sect were tasked with verifying the Soul Power and bone age of over fifteen hundred Outer Disciples. They worked swiftly, and even when they encountered an Outer Disciple with exceptional Cultivation Talent, they could only afford a brief delay.

"Who is that young man?"

"I don't recognize him!"

"He appears to be a new Outer Disciple."

"His strength seems formidable!"

As Lei Yan approached, whispers spread among the Outer Disciples of the Divine Plant Pill Sect.

Within half an hour, roughly a thousand individuals had passed the elders' verification and congregated together.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Suddenly, an elder gestured towards the assembled crowd, and in a flash, over a thousand beams of light materialized and shot towards them. These beams were actually Teleportation Scrolls, which, when activated with Soul Power, could transport the user to safety in the outside world.

"Each of you will receive a Teleportation Scroll. Should you face mortal danger, you may opt to withdraw. Simply activate it with Soul Power, and it will whisk you away to a secure location," another elder announced loudly.

"This is the Teleportation Scroll!" As a beam of light descended into Lei Yan's hand, it transformed into a piece of Talisman Paper pulsating with an odd energy. The paper bore enigmatic runes that subtly formed a miniature Teleportation Formation.

It was commonly known that crafting even an ordinary Teleportation Scroll was a challenging task, requiring a Talisman Master with a Soul Power level of at least that of a Saint Soul Master.

Thousands of Outer Disciples meticulously stored their Teleportation Scrolls and made their way toward the stone steps ascending to the mountain's summit. The journey spanned a mere three thousand meters, yet it was fraught with layers of terrifying enchantments. The higher they climbed, the more potent these hidden enchantments became.

This mountainous path served as the initial challenge in the Divine Plant Pill Sect's Inner Disciple Assessment.

Two hours later, a handful of Outer Disciples triumphantly reached the peak, having safely navigated the trial.

"Where's Lei Yan? Why hasn't he emerged yet?" Han Yun scanned the area, waiting another half hour, but still, Lei Yan was nowhere to be seen, which left him increasingly worried.

Meanwhile, the tens of thousands of onlookers craned their necks, murmuring among themselves as they intently watched the Outer Disciples who had summited.

Above them, Flying Devil Beasts soared in the sky.

Perched atop each beast was an Elite Disciple of the Divine Plant Pill Sect, gathered in small groups and surveying the scene below from their elevated vantage point.

However, the most striking figure was the elder overseeing the assessment.

This elder held a prestigious position within the Divine Plant Pill Sect. Presently, he was seated on a white jade platform suspended in midair.

The platform was etched with intricate runes, which together formed a Formation, enabling it to hover aloft.

The white jade platform featured three seats, with the central one being the largest. An elder with white eyebrows and hair sat there, his expression stern and commanding respect without a hint of anger.

This individual was Hu Feng, a Saint Soul Master at the pinnacle of the Plant Soul Stage.

The left seat remained unoccupied, while the right was taken by a purple-robed beauty—none other than Lee Qingping.

Many Outer Disciples stole glances at Lee Qingping, each harboring a sense of admiration for her.

"Junior Sister Qingping, have any of the new Outer Disciples this year demonstrated exceptional Cultivation Talent?" Elder Hu Feng inquired offhandedly.

He was aware that Lee Qingping wouldn't bother with an average Inner Disciple. It was only those with extraordinary Cultivation Talents who could capture her interest.

"There's an Outer Disciple named Lei Yan whose Cultivation Talent is incredibly exceptional," Lee Qingping said with a smile.

"What's so special about him?" Elder Hu Feng inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Martial Uncle Hu, to be honest, I've only taken notice of him a few times. I'm not quite sure what's so unique about him, which is why I decided to come here today to observe," Lee Qingping reflected before responding.

"I see. I'll have to keep a closer eye on him," Elder Hu Feng chuckled.

Despite his laughter, Elder Hu Feng exuded an aura of dignified calmness that belied his jovial demeanor.

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