C15 Inner Sect Assessment

The death of twelve Law Enforcement Hall Disciples in succession was no trivial matter, particularly for the Law Enforcement Hall Deacon, who took it as a personal affront.

The Deacon of the Outer Sect Law Enforcement Hall, recently appointed, had not yet cemented his authority. Faced with such a debacle, he was understandably incensed.

"Search thoroughly!" he commanded. "Leave no stone unturned, above or below ground. Dig twenty fathoms deep if necessary, but find out what happened!"

The operation had concluded, and while all the Law Enforcement Hall Disciples had returned, twelve were conspicuously absent, with neither the living nor the dead to account for their disappearance.

Disciples at the Qi Refining Stage paired up and scoured the underground spaces.

The surface had been cleared, leaving the subterranean realm as the prime suspect. It was common knowledge that the visible portion of the Death Ruins was merely the tip of the iceberg, with the majority of the Prison Bone Corpses concealed beneath.

"Deacon, we've found something!"

Before long, evidence of the skirmish was discovered, leading the Deacon and his team deeper into the investigation. They uncovered two bodies that had failed to escape and signs of conflict scattered throughout.

"Talisman Artifacts, Spirit Talismans, shattered Jade Talismans, Thunder Fire Pills... Impressive!" The Law Enforcement Hall Deacon sneered with a mix of frustration and admiration. It was clear to him that there was a significant mystery afoot.

The fact that the twelve Law Enforcement Hall Disciples were equipped with such an array of Spirit Talismans, Jade Talismans, and Thunder Fire Pills suggested a well-organized operation, leaving behind a complicated mess for him to untangle.

"Once this is resolved, it's time for a shake-up at Copper Willow Peak's Law Enforcement Hall," the Deacon resolved internally. They say a new official sets three fires, and though he was initially reluctant, now he saw no alternative. Without taking decisive action, his authority would be undermined, making it impossible to maintain order.

Upon reaching the cavern, the Deacon decapitated the Great Prison Bone Corpse. The efficient Law Enforcement Hall Disciples compiled all the evidence and traced the deceased's activities over the past six months, swiftly drawing up a case summary.

"So, this was a premeditated operation, in the works for half a year?" the Deacon said with a cold chuckle. "To think they would covet a magical artifact for so long without reporting to the sect. Such disloyalty to the sect is inexcusable. They brought their fate upon themselves."

"No need to look any further. Let's move out!"

With those words, the Deacon sheathed his mace and took the lead as they departed.

One by one, people trickled away until only Faang Jinyu remained, his brow furrowed in thought.

"We're missing someone. There were certainly more than twelve people here. But why leave behind the magical artifact? Could it be they're unable to handle the Great Prison Bone Corpse, or is there another reason? And why isn't there anyone in the group who's seriously injured? It's all very peculiar."

Murmuring to himself, his eyes shone with increasing intensity. In the dim light, it seemed as though a streak of lightning had flashed before him.

Lightning from the void, the true essence of martial arts!

He had indeed mastered martial arts to their very essence, showcasing a talent and youthfulness that was nothing short of extraordinary.

The Vast Inheritance and Secret Inheritance Martial Arts, followed by the Martial Arts Divine Abilities, were formidable. Only those above the Fiend Congealing Stage, who had turned their Genuine Qi into Magic Power, could fully harness their might.

At the Qi Refining Stage, the power of Vast Inheritance and Secret Inheritance Martial Arts was no less potent than those at the Club Suppressing Level or higher. However, most people wouldn't bother investing time in these arts.

Thus, only a handful were aware that Secret Inheritance Martial Arts, when cultivated to a certain level, could also become divine abilities transcending the ordinary. When the fist intent resonated with the spirit, it could even challenge the Immortal Sect, breaking free from the confines of martial arts rankings.

Such a figure in the martial arts world would be revered as a grandmaster, a peerless general on the battlefield capable of expanding frontiers. Within sects that prioritized martial arts, he would undoubtedly be a True Inheritance Disciple.

Regrettably, within the Myriad Qi Profound Sect, the preeminent sect of Qi, even someone of Faang Jinyu's caliber failed to garner the elders' favor. Thus, at twenty-one, he could only serve as an Outer Sect Law Enforcement Hall Disciple.

In truth, with his innate gifts, he could easily have advanced to the third or fifth level of the Fiend Congealing Stage. Yet, it seemed he had come to terms with the lack of prospects for becoming a True Inheritance Disciple, so he joined the Outer Sect as a Law Enforcement Hall Disciple.

Just stepping into the Fiend Congealing Stage, it was impossible for him to become a Law Enforcement Hall Disciple; he lacked the ability to suppress other Inner Sect Disciples. While most Inner Sect Disciples were at the Qi Refining Stage, there were still a number at the Fiend Congealing Stage. Hence, the requirement to be an Inner Sect Law Enforcement Hall Disciple was to reach Level Three of the Fiend Congealing Stage. Faang Jinyu had now achieved this level.

Despite his high realm, he couldn't discern anything, so he left. If the Deacon didn't bother with it, he had no interest in getting involved either. After all, even if he cracked the case, the rewards might not be substantial.

No longer an Inner Sect Disciple and without a monthly stipend, he needed to work for resources. But working on something with no benefits held no appeal for him. Iron Bone Faang Jinyu didn't take pleasure in tormenting his enemies; he simply preferred to crush their bones. Once their bones were crushed, they couldn't fight back, making things easier.

What should have been a successful operation ended in dissatisfaction. The Death Ruins were likely gone for good, and the mystery of the Corpse Stealers' origin had been solved—it was the Wolf Fang Blade all along. In the limestone cave, the Wolf Fang Blade had been absorbing Earth Qi and the roots of various plants for years, creating a vast group of Corpse Stealers. Without the Wolf Fang Blade, the Corpse Stealers ceased to exist.

When it came to rewards, Wang Yue received a Fire Arrow Talisman and a Qi Condensation Pill for the Corpse Stealers and Prison Bone Corpses he had slain upon returning to the sect. This settled his previously anxious heart.

With the incident behind him and Hee Ziang dead, he was uninvolved. Back at the Sixteen Academies, Wang Yue focused on his preparations, awaiting the start of the Inner Sect Assessment.

"After the Theory Examination, the Inner Sect Assessment will be the day when our sect opens its doors wide to welcome new disciples."

In recent days, the mountain gate has been a hub of activity, with Talisman Artifact carriages from the sect, children from impoverished families, and offspring from affluent households all coming and going.

Atop the mountain, Wang Yue's form flitted about as he practiced a movement technique known as Little Soaring Steps. While it was a standard Vast Inheritance Level technique, it was ideally suited for him and promised to be particularly useful during the Inner Sect Assessment.

"The time has come to participate in the Theory Examination!"

With the Arrow Walking Fast Step, he nearly disregarded the uneven mountain path as he made his way back to the Outer Sect. He stepped onto the Flying Cloud Ferry, and within minutes, as the appointed time arrived, the ferry soared beyond the mountain gate.

From the Outer Sect Nine Peaks, nine Flying Cloud Ferries took to the skies, drawing gasps of wonder from onlookers.

"Wow!"

"Is that an immortal boat?"

"Could there be a Profound Sect Immortal on board?"

These were the children preparing for the Inner Sect Assessment, ranging in age from thirteen to sixteen, accompanied by either family elders or sect officials responsible for managing the sect's external affairs.

The distinction between a Deacon and an official was slight, but their statuses varied. An Inner Sect Deacon held a higher rank than an Outer Sect Deacon, who in turn outranked those managing the sect's external businesses. These officials, responsible for the sect's external enterprises, typically had cultivation levels at the Fiend Congealing Stage, with few reaching the Astral Refining Stage.

Bronze chariots and iron horses, mere Thousand Dao Talisman Artifacts, paled in comparison to the Flying Cloud Ferry's Myriad Dao Talisman Artifact.

Both the Inner Sect Assessment and the Entry Assessment took place at the same venue. After disembarking from the Flying Cloud Ferry, candidates queued up to enter the examination hall.

The Theory Examination was a test of basic cultivation knowledge. Without this foundational understanding, one would need to return and study anew.

"What is the purpose of Essence Refining Qi Transforming, and why is it the preferred method for refining essence into qi?"

"In the Dynamic-static Clear Two-form Fist Technique, how is the Chaos Essence Qi Strength cultivated?"

In the realm of martial arts, there are distinct differences and respective advantages between killing techniques, fighting techniques, training techniques, moving techniques, breathing techniques, and life-nourishing practices.

...

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

Wang Yue's pen flew across the paper, his fist intent infusing each stroke, the tip of the pen as sharp as a blade's edge. In the examination hall, the examiners' piercing gazes swept over the candidates. Upon noticing Wang Yue, many nodded in approval. Regardless of his answers, Wang Yue's vibrant energy alone was commendable.

Cheating in the Theory Examination of the Inner Sect Assessment at the Myriad Qi Profound Sect hadn't occurred in many years, yet the examiners remained vigilant. Before long, those who had written quickly began to submit their papers.

"Esteemed examiner, I am finished!" one examinee announced loudly, a tactic to psych out the competition. According to the wisdom of veteran students, those who were unsure of their answers could be easily rattled by those who finished early. The more examinees that left the hall, the more anxious the remaining ones became, leading to poorer performance.

The Theory Examination was followed by three additional assessments, with their difficulty adjusted based on the Theory Examination results. Thus, the more examinees eliminated now, the fewer remained, and the lower the subsequent assessment difficulty would be. This subtle test also assessed the examinees' composure.

Those who panicked due to others finishing early and failed the Theory Examination were better off returning to train for another six months.

Having penned his final word, Wang Yue completed his paper as well.

"Examiner, I am also finished!" he declared.

The first to finish had not yet left the hall and now turned to look at Wang Yue with a gaze sharp as a knife. Wang Yue met his stare unflinchingly. With a gesture from an examiner, Wang Yue's paper soared upwards. He smiled and exited the hall.

He recognized the man as Yuh Hao, a disciple from Broad Creed Peak with a modest reputation, having been in the sect for three years. Last year, Yuh Hao had reached the Qi Refining Stage and was rumored to now be at Qi Refining Level Three. After two failed attempts at the Inner Sect Assessment, he was more determined than ever to succeed this time.

"Who is that person?"

As the examinees filed out of the testing hall, Yuh Hao pointed to Wang Yue and queried his friends.

"I don't recognize him."

"I've never seen him before."

"Copper Willow Peak? Doesn't ring a bell."

His circle of friends was primarily from Broad Creed Mountain, while Wang Yue was known mainly at Copper Willow Peak. So, it was understandable that they weren't familiar with Wang Yue.

The number of Outer Sect Disciples was so vast that unless one had a significant reputation, they wouldn't catch the eye of disciples from the other eight peaks.

Yuan Yi was looking to target Wang Yue, a senior brother putting pressure on a junior brother, which was frowned upon. Moreover, taking possessions from a fellow sect member was a clear violation of the Sect Rule, so naturally, one would keep it under wraps if possible. Hence, outside of Copper Willow Peak, Wang Yue was not widely known.

"Why, did he wrong you?" a friend inquired.

Yuh Hao shook his head, replying, "No, it's just that he was in the same Theory Examination hall as me and handed in his paper around the same time I did, so he caught my attention."

The Theory Examination was split into eight halls, dispersing the disciples from each peak to prevent any possibility of cheating.