C20 Reevaluate

Qing Hongzi inquired, "Yang Ying, have you been practicing the Green Cloud Sword Arts? I'd like you to share with me the details of your practice."

Yang Ying was taken aback that the Green Cloud Sword Arts had caught the attention of someone as eminent as the Sect Master, but he realized this wasn't the time for such thoughts.

He promptly looked up and replied, "Sect Master, I joined the Outer Sect four years ago. Over three years ago, during my visit to the first floor of the Tripitaka Sutra Pavilion, I discovered the Green Cloud Sword Arts. Recognizing its formidable power, I decided to dedicate myself to mastering it."

"To have achieved the Perfection Stage in just over three years is quite commendable," the Sect Master remarked, stroking his beard.

"Very well, follow me! Everyone, let's go!" Qing Hongzi commanded, taking to the skies.

The others unfurled their Flying Swords and Flying Magic Treasures, trailing behind him toward the Sect Master's Hall.

"Yang, over here!" Deacon Faang beckoned Yang Ying.

He then helped Yang Ying onto a Flying Sword, saying, "I'll escort you to the Sect Master's Hall."

In an instant, the Flying Sword ascended, and Yang Ying felt a force securing him firmly in place. A brisk wind whirled around him, yet not a single gust touched him. Deacon Faang, considering Yang Ying's lower cultivation level, had used his true essence to shield him from the elements.

With Deacon Faang looking out for him, Yang Ying relaxed and began to enjoy the view. Verdant mountains and waters stretched to the horizon, while the Green Cloud Sect's buildings dotted the landscape. Disciples were emerging from the main hall, with many others engaged in practice.

The clarity of this view surpassed any he had seen from an airplane in his past life. A thrill of excitement bubbled up inside him. What a fantastic sensation!

"Keep it up, Yang Ying! You've got this! One day, you'll be soaring through the skies on your own, and that day isn't far off," Yang Ying silently cheered himself on.

The Flying Sword swiftly came to a halt in the clearing before a grand hall. Yang Ying dismounted and followed Deacon Faang toward the entrance. The hall's facade bore a plaque inscribed with the bold characters of the Green Cloud Sect. A mere glance at it sent a surge of sword intent toward Yang Ying.

He averted his eyes and stepped inside the hall, where the assembly of distinguished individuals was already gathered on the dais, including several clad in blue and green robes.

The Sect Master occupied the central seat. Upon noticing Yang Ying and Deacon Faang's arrival, he addressed the room, "Peak Lords, Elders, and Deacons, I trust you're all aware of the matters at hand today, correct?"

His eyes methodically scanned the attendees. Seeing no dissent, he continued, "Deacon Lee, please assess Yang Ying's aptitude and level of cultivation."

Deacon Lee, who had been at the back, approached with a vigor unlike his usual demeanor.

Yang Ying, though perplexed, knew this was not his moment to speak. The unfolding events were beyond his influence; he could only observe and await the outcome.

A disciple had already set up a table and chairs in the hall.

Deacon Lee approached the furniture and, with a gesture, produced two glass magic weapons. He placed them on the table nonchalantly and beckoned, "Yang Ying, come forward and let's evaluate your cultivation level first."

Yang Ying was familiar with these artifacts; he had used one just a month prior. The other, designed to test a practitioner's cultivation aptitude, was something he had encountered upon his initiation into the sect.

Following instructions, Yang Ying gripped the magic weapon. It drew forth his True Qi with a gentle pull. Soon, a violet hue emerged on the device, deepening in intensity until it bathed the entire hall in a purple glow.

"His power has reached the zenith of the Qi Refining's tenth level—Perfection! He's on the cusp of a breakthrough!" exclaimed a Deacon nearby.

"Without a doubt, his cultivation has attained the pinnacle of Qi Refining's tenth level—Perfection!"

"Yang Ying has been with the Outer Sect for four years now. In that time, he's reached the Perfection Stage of the tenth level in Qi Refining. His rate of cultivation is quite impressive!"

"Indeed, his aptitude must be noteworthy as well!"

"Absolutely. The future looks bright for our sect!"

The people in the hall engaged in lively discussions, lacking the reserved demeanor typically shown by their elders.

Yang Ying overheard their conversation and began to piece things together. Could it be that having high aptitude brings advantages to the sect? Surely that can't be the case, can it? My rate of cultivation isn't exceptionally fast.

He remembered that when he first joined the Green Cloud Sect four years ago, his aptitude had been tested and deemed Red Level—the lowest possible.

The system interface also confirmed his Red Level aptitude without a doubt.

Yang Ying pondered in silence, trying to make sense of the situation. His gaze fell on the magic weapon used for aptitude testing, and a wave of unease washed over him.

He summoned the system interface, scanning it quickly. The aptitude section was still clearly marked as Red Level.

Qing Hongzi cleared his throat, bringing quiet to the hall. "Let's not speculate further. The magic weapon will reveal his true aptitude. Deacon Lee, if you would do the honors."

Deacon Lee gave a respectful bow to Qing Hongzi and placed a glass magic weapon before Yang Ying. "Now, if you would, test your aptitude with this."

Feeling cornered, Yang Ying made a show of straightening his gray robe's buttons and adjusting his sleeves before placing his hand on the table once more.

In truth, as soon as Deacon Lee had produced the aptitude-testing magic weapon, Yang Ying sensed trouble brewing. He was frantically trying to figure out how to explain the discrepancy between his Red Level aptitude and his rapid advancement in cultivation.

What's more, he realized he had overlooked a critical detail in his previous lack of scrutiny. Anyone with a discerning eye could uncover that within just over a month, Yang Ying had advanced from hunting Level 1 demonic beasts to taking down Level 9 ones. His progress was alarmingly swift. Upon closer examination, this could spell serious trouble for him.

If anyone found out that Yang Ying had advanced his cultivation from the second level of Qi Refining to the complete tenth level in just over a month, they would undoubtedly suspect an extraordinary stroke of luck. Such knowledge could be a death sentence for him!

He hadn't grasped the gravity of the situation before. Looking back, he realized how naive he had been.

Perhaps it was the integration of the body's former owner's memories that improved Yang Ying's mental state significantly compared to his time in Huaxia. In the blink of an eye, numerous thoughts raced through his mind.

He needed to stay cool-headed! He intended to admit to a fortuitous encounter, but it couldn't seem too implausible. He could claim his cultivation was already at the late sixth level of Qi Refining before the encounter, and that it was this stroke of luck that spurred his rapid succession of breakthroughs over the past month.

Then it struck him—the Vermilion Fruit from the Spiritual Medicine Illustrated Handbook. It was one of the select high-tier spiritual medicines he had studied.

Resolved, Yang Ying's hand instinctively reached for his magic weapon. Power surged from his palm into his body, and a crimson hue blossomed on the magic weapon.