C49 Test Square

Within the Flying Cloud Sect, the annual Inner Sect disciple trial was about to commence.

Disciples from the Outer Sect, Elite Disciples, Inner Sect Elders, and others had all gathered at the Test Square, with some Inner Sect disciples also in attendance to observe the trial and make early connections with their future peers.

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

Yet, this did not come as a surprise to anyone. The Sect Master was known for his reclusive nature, seldom making public appearances. He was even known to skip the ceremonies where Inner Sect disciples were elevated to Direct Disciples. Thus, having an Elder preside over the trial was deemed sufficient.

While some disciples had abandoned any serious attempt at the trial, attending merely for the spectacle, others were brimming with ambition, ready to seize the chance to secure a prestigious rank.

A handful of Inner Sect Elders surveyed the crowd of disciples in the Test Square, swiftly taking stock of the assembled hopefuls.

"Hu Zhengye still hasn't returned!"

"Hu Zhengye remains undefeated in the Outer Sect, his swordsmanship unparalleled. Yet he hasn't joined the Inner Sect disciple trial this year. Does he not intend to advance to the Inner Sect?"

"And what about Yu Kun, who previously bested an Inner Sect disciple? Why isn't he here?"

"Given his ability to defeat an Inner Sect disciple, Yu Kun should have no trouble advancing. Perhaps he's chosen to hone his skills in the Outer Sect for another year."

"Indeed, rapid advancement isn't always beneficial. A year of further training could be advantageous for his future development."

Despite their mild surprise, the Inner Sect Elders were not alarmed.

However, among the Outer Sect disciples, a sense of unease was palpable.

Hsu Shaan scanned the entrance to the Test Square, his brow furrowed in concern. "Why hasn't Junior Brother Yu arrived yet?"

Lin Jiang responded hastily, "Brother Hsu, I've inquired about it. A Senior Brother from the Mission Hall mentioned that Senior Brother Yu took on several sect missions and has left the Flying Cloud Sect!"

Upon hearing this, Hsu Shaan's anxiety intensified. "That's absurd! Junior Brother Yu must be aware of the significance of advancing to the Inner Sect. Why hasn't he returned? Completing sect missions is important, but advancing to the Inner Sect is crucial!"

"Senior Brother Yu might have his own reasoning," Zeng Fan interjected after a brief pause. "Perhaps he's chosen not to partake in this year's trial."

The Outer Sect disciples who were on good terms with Yu Kun were abuzz with speculation, yet they couldn't pinpoint his whereabouts.

Meanwhile, most of the Inner Sect disciples were indifferent to Yu Kun's absence. They were primarily there to acquaint themselves with their soon-to-be Junior Brothers and Sisters, unconcerned with who would be joining their ranks.

Little Prince, however, dropped a hint, "What about that Yu fellow? Is he not taking part in this year's trial?"

No one responded.

A smirk slowly spread across Yan Changge's face, a look of triumph in his eyes.

"He still hasn't come back. Chances are, he won't be able to. Chen Rui, you've lived up to my expectations! Despite being a wastrel, you've proven yourself quite formidable."

As Yan Changge was reveling in his mirth, a sharp rebuke cut through, "Yaen Changge! What's so funny?"

Startled, Yan Changge turned to find Yaen Hongling, the source of the scolding.

In high spirits, Yan Changge flashed a smug grin at Hongling, "I merely squashed a pesky insect."

"Insect?" Hongling's brow furrowed, a dawning realization in her eyes.

Surveying the Test Square, she seemed to come to a conclusion, "Did you kill him?"

"I did not. However, he left the sect on his own, and who knows what misfortune he's met," Yan Changge said, shrugging. "Cousin, better to concentrate on the upcoming trial. By the way, Xu Yeran is here. Perhaps you should strike up a conversation with him?"

"You did kill him!" Hongling asserted, her voice now laced with certainty. "You actually killed him! Why would you do that? You..."

Yan Changge's expression soured with impatience, "I simply eliminated a despicable insect! Someone of his lowly status has no right to enter the Inner Sect or to be anywhere near you! You are of the Yaen family, not just any noble house, but one of the titled aristocracy in Chuhan Country! Haven't you always said you'd only marry a genius? Brother Xu is without a doubt a genius, and the Xu family is a perfect match for our Yaen family."

Before Yan Changge could finish his sentence, Yaen Hongling burst out, "Enough! Why can't I decide on my own affairs? Xu Yeran may be a genius, but he's not the one I fancy! That so-called marriage contract is nothing more than my family's wishful thinking!"

Yan Changge's brows knitted together as he challenged her, "You don't fancy Brother Xu, but could it be that you have feelings for that lowborn from the Outer Sect?"

Yaen Hongling quickly countered, "No, but that doesn't give you the right to kill him! You..."

Finding herself at a loss for words, Yaen Hongling abruptly turned away.

Just then, she noticed a figure dashing into the Test Square, drawing the collective gaze of many disciples to the entrance.

The intruder, with his clothes in shreds and his sword broken, had eyes that still blazed with intensity. He looked at the disciple next to him and inquired, "Am I too late? Has the trial started?"

The questioned disciple shook his head hastily.

"Thank goodness..." sighed the Elite Disciple, relieved. Rallying his Astral Energy, he called out, "I am Hu Zhengye, delayed by unforeseen circumstances. May I still join the trial?"

The Elders exchanged glances before one from the Inner Sect responded affirmatively, "Yes."

Hu Zhengye continued, "There's more I must disclose."

"What is it?" an Elder prompted.

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

At these words, the Elders rose in unison, startled not only by the mention of a demonic beast but also by the fact that Hu Zhengye had survived the encounter.

For Hu Zhengye to return alive after facing a demonic beast could mean only one thing: the beast was dead, slain by Hu Zhengye!

Yet, as the Elders' eyes bore into him, Hu Zhengye slowly shook his head and clarified, "I was no match for the beast and nearly perished. It was the captured disciple who saved my life in the nick of time! Unable to defeat the beast, I had to retreat. But as I did, I vowed to return with help to rescue him!"

An Elder paused before speaking, "Hu Zhengye, 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 may be nothing left of that disciple, not even bones."

"I believe that if he could rescue me from the clutches of that demonic beast, he surely has the means to survive!" Hu Zhengye insisted. "He won't die! I implore the Elders to please consider a rescue mission to the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range!"

The Test Square was enveloped in a brief hush.

Eventually, an Inner Sect disciple spoke up, "Hu Zhengye, how can we be certain your story is true? Do you have any proof of this 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, of course, we'll save him. But if he's not..."

Hu Zhengye caught the eye of the speaking disciple and offered a respectful bow. "Ah, Senior Brother Yaen, I may not know the captured individual personally, but I do recall his attire and features."

With that, Hu Zhengye provided a basic description.

Those listening pieced together the image from Hu Zhengye's account, and several faces turned grave with recognition.