Chapter Twenty-Three: The Outer Sect

Beneath Cloud Peak, two young men had been locked in a fierce contest from the very start, both striving with all their might and continuously channeling spiritual energy through their hands. It was clear they were no ordinary disciples. One, with disdain, remarked, “Jiu Xu, you squander your spiritual energy like this—what use is it when you reach the Cloud Platform? You’ll have exhausted your reserves before the second or even third trial. How will you pass the next tests?”

Jiu Xu replied with an arrogant smile, “You, an outer disciple, dreaming of ascending to the heavens? How little you understand. You know nothing of the mysteries of the inner sect’s cultivation. My spiritual arts grant me an inexhaustible flow.”

The young man laughed lightly. “Inexhaustible? I doubt even our Grandmaster would dare boast so shamelessly. Though I am an outer disciple, I know well the meaning of humility.”

“Hmph, Yu Fei, are you seeking death?” As he spoke, Jiu Xu conjured a pale blue stream of spiritual energy, launching it at Yu Fei with a hiss that sliced through the air.

Yu Fei’s eyes flashed coldly, yet he did not meet the attack head-on. With a swift movement, he dodged aside. The blue light struck a great tree, which shuddered thrice but did not collapse. Observing this, Yu Fei mocked, “With skills like these, you dare attend the Disciple Selection? Truly, you know nothing.”

Jiu Xu’s face flushed. He pressed his palms together, summoning two intertwining streams of spiritual energy, twisting like entwined dragons. “Hmph, now taste my Twin Dragon Technique.” This Twin Dragon Technique was a renowned skill among the inner disciples of the Cloud Sky Sect, and Jiu Xu’s mastery was commendable.

But Yu Fei remained unimpressed. “Ah, what a pity. Such supreme arts wasted, turned crude by your hands.” With a single gesture, he summoned a bolt of lightning, which crashed into the Twin Dragons, scattering them and then hurtling toward Jiu Xu.

Jiu Xu was seized with terror, hurriedly summoning a protective aura, but too late. The lightning sent him flying dozens of meters; blood spurted from his mouth as he lost consciousness. Yu Fei sneered, “What’s so special about inner disciples? Today I’ll show you your place.” He glanced upward to see several disciples escorting another forward. The escorted one released no spiritual energy to break the formation, clearly holding his strength in reserve. Yu Fei’s gaze sharpened with murderous intent. “Such injustice—how many of the chosen will truly be the disciples Master Yun Zui desires? Next, I’ll show you all.” With a flicker, he sped toward the group.

Cultivators of the spiritual arts are ever-changing, their strength not easily judged by inner or outer sect status. Some never enter the five great sects, yet stand proud above all. Others dwell within a great sect for a hundred years, only to remain obscure, fading with time.

Without knowing when, Wu Luohua had crossed his legs, leisurely eating a luscious peach while his eyes occasionally flicked toward the little demoness. Mo Bai, meanwhile, rested with his eyes closed. Suddenly, a voice approached, prompting Mo Bai to open his eyes slightly. He saw a young man ascend, his attire plain and somewhat disheveled, yet his features were sharply defined. His black hair, though messy, did not make him appear sloppy; his well-toned muscles spoke of long discipline. His arrival surprised not only Mo Bai but also the six disciples of Cloud Sky.

Yun Ling, a little stunned, murmured, “Unexpected—the first to arrive is an outer disciple.” Mo Bai knew Yun Ling’s eyes were shrewd; she would not be mistaken.

The young man announced, “Outer disciple Yu Fei pays respects to the elders and masters.” Indeed, it was Yu Fei, who had successfully passed the first formation at Cloud Peak.

Cloud Punishment called out, “Excellent! Outer disciples can be formidable as well. Let all cultivators know that besides the Six Sons of Cloud Sky, our sect’s outer disciples are also skilled. Tell me, who is your master?”

Yu Fei straightened, replying clearly, “I do not follow any master, but I trained for several years at Sky Torrent Cliff.”

Cloud Punishment’s brow furrowed. Few knew who resided at Sky Torrent Cliff, but he certainly did. Waving his hand, he motioned Yu Fei to rest and await noon.

Wu Luohua, puzzled, leaned towards Mo Bai and whispered, “Brother Mo, what does Cloud Punishment mean? Aren’t outer disciples just weaker members, beginners in cultivation? How could they have a master?”

Mo Bai explained with a smile, “Every major sect has its foundations and reserves. They never reveal all their strength. If under attack, hidden masters among the outer disciples can emerge, turning the tide and preserving the sect’s vitality.”

Wu Luohua nodded, then asked, “Brother Mo, forgive my curiosity, but the five great sects of Linglong Continent are friendly with each other. The other clans and sects are all respectful. Everyone cultivates peacefully—there seems no threat or surprise attacks, right?”

Mo Bai suddenly grew serious. “Cultivators are still people. Wherever there are people, there is greed, and greed breeds conflict. Though peace reigns now, who can guarantee the future? And there’s still the rumored sect—none of the five great sects dare ignore it.”

Wu Luohua was startled. “The rumored sect? You mean—you mean…” He could not finish, for the thought was too frightening. Sixty years ago, that sect appeared from nowhere and brought great harm to all cultivators of Linglong Continent. Yet with united effort, all righteous cultivators expelled them. Where they went, no one knows, nor does anyone wish to speak of it. Surely, they wouldn’t return.

Looking at Mo Bai, Wu Luohua found it hard to believe that the always cheerful, romantic Brother Mo could wear such a solemn expression. He asked quietly, “Brother Mo, are you speaking of Luo—”

Before Wu Luohua could finish, Mo Bai smiled again, his usual demeanor restored, though the scar on his left brow twitched unconsciously. “Who cares? What must come will come; what shouldn’t will never arrive. Look—some have already arrived.” He pointed.

Wu Luohua looked up to see several more at the Cloud Platform, all wearing the robes of inner disciples. Some appeared battered, but one stood out, graceful and unruffled, as if untouched by hardship.

By now, the sunlight was growing intense. Luo Qishui glanced at the elegant young man in the arena, smiled knowingly, then said to Yun Kong, “Second brother, I have some accounts to review. I won’t disturb you further and will take my leave.”

Yun Kong nodded in silence. Luo Qishui turned to Yun Tong and said, “Brother Tong, don’t drink too much today. There are many matters on Yun Li Peak that need attention.”

Before Yun Tong could answer, Yun Ling laughed, “Don’t worry, sister-in-law. We won’t let fourth brother overindulge today—we can’t neglect the duties of Yun Li Peak. Hehe, hehe.”

Luo Qishui smiled gently, “If you keep teasing, I’ll dock Yun Xiu Peak’s meal allowance for the month.”

Wu Luohua was dumbfounded. He had not expected that even a great sect of cultivators would be concerned with daily affairs like food and fuel. But truly, all beings on earth, regardless of station or time, rely on the necessities of life. Even the imperial family and the sages of cultivation cannot escape the mundane.

Cultivation exists to sustain life, and life cannot be separated from worldly matters.

After watching Luo Qishui depart, Cloud Punishment declared, “Today, six have reached Cloud Peak. You six will be divided into pairs for the second trial. Three will be eliminated; the remaining three will then compete in the third round. The victor may become a disciple of Master Yun Zui. Now, please draw your lots from Elder Yun Ling and prepare for your matches.”

As everyone moved toward Yun Ling, Wu Luohua’s stomach rumbled loudly. He asked with resignation, “Is there no lunch break? Does your Cloud Sky Sect not eat lunch?”

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