Chapter 25: Outer Disciple? Inner Disciple?

The battle on the stage had come to an end, but the whispers from the crowd sparked by Ye Li's unexpected choice had not yet completely subsided. The white-haired old man presiding over the examination stood up again, his eyes sweeping over the top 100 disciples below the stage, and his voice booming:

"The rankings have been determined, and the lineages have all been assigned. However, the sect's rules cannot be abolished! Xuanyun Sect disciples are divided into three levels: outer sect, inner sect, and true sect, based on talent, strength, and contribution!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the audience, which had just relaxed slightly, became tense again. Although they were in the top 100, the difference in treatment and status between outer and inner sects was enormous! As for the true teachings, no one dared to think too much about it, as it required supreme talent and great opportunity to achieve.

The old man's gaze first turned to the disciples ranked lower in the rankings: "Those ranked 100th to 51st will enter the outer sect! You must practice diligently and establish your foundation as soon as possible in order to advance!"

Most of the disciples whose rankings were read out looked stern, some unwilling, some secretly determined. Being in the outer sect meant more menial tasks, fewer resources, and more intense competition, but ultimately, staying in the Xuanyun Sect meant there was still hope.

Then, the old man's gaze fell on the disciples in the middle echelon: "Those ranked 50th to 11th will enter the inner gate! You are already the pillars of the sect. You should practice diligently and do not let the sect down!"

The disciples' faces lit up with joy, and they all bowed in agreement. Being an inner disciple meant a better cave, a more generous monthly stipend, more cultivation techniques to choose from, and a more respected status.

Finally, the old man's gaze fell on the ten people in the front, especially Ye Li, Wu Hao, and Luo Bing.

"The top ten will all be able to enter the inner sect directly and freely choose their own master." The old man said slowly, then changed the subject slightly, "However, the position of a true disciple is not ordinary. It requires talent, character, potential, and opportunity. According to the old rules of the sect, it is difficult for those who are not gifted above the Earth Rank or possess special spiritual bodies or extraordinary comprehension to obtain the position of a true disciple."

His gaze paused for a moment on Ye Li. Everyone in the audience's heart was also lifted. Ye Li had ranked first in the assessment, but the talent test ultimately landed her at "Yellow Upper," which became a delicate point.

Sure enough, the old man continued, "Ye Li."

"Disciple is here." Ye Li took a step forward with a calm expression.

"You performed exceptionally well in the assessment. Your determination and potential are remarkable, making you the best of this session." The old man first affirmed her achievements, then turned his tone fair. "However, your talent, as revealed by the Sky-Seeing Mirror, is of the upper Yellow rank. According to the sect's ironclad rules, this talent does not meet the standard for direct promotion to the True Inheritance."

There was a slight commotion from the audience; some expressed regret, others secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and some even showed a hint of gloating. Su Wanyun looked at Ye Li with concern. Shi Feng snorted, seeming to regain some balance. Lin Yu paused slightly in fanning himself.

Ye Li remained calm, as if she had anticipated this outcome. Huang Huang's superior talent wasn't considered top-tier in a major sect like the Xuanyun Sect. The sect's strict rules made it impossible for her to be promoted to a true disciple simply because she performed well on the test. Giving her the treatment of an inner disciple and the freedom to choose her own master was already a significant exception and a sign of respect.

The old man's admiration deepened as he watched her calm reaction. He spoke in a gentle tone, "Although I cannot grant you the position of True Disciple directly, your performance is evident to all the elders. Therefore, I will grant you the title of first place in the assessment, allowing you to enjoy the best treatment of inner disciples and cultivate at Yundan Peak under Junior Brother Muyun. I hope you will continue to work diligently. If you can achieve great merit in the future, or break through to the Spirit Sea Realm, the position of True Disciple may be within your reach."

This gave her a clear hope and a step forward. The best treatment for the inner sect was almost comparable to that of the most ordinary true disciples.

"Disciple understands. I thank the sect for its cultivation and Elder for its kindness." Ye Li bowed, her tone neither humble nor arrogant. She could fully accept this outcome. While the status of a true disciple was glamorous, it also meant increased attention and responsibility. At this stage, the affordable "best treatment within the inner sect" and the relative tranquility of Yundan Peak suited her perfectly.

The old man nodded with satisfaction and looked at Wu Hao and Luo Bing. "Wu Hao, Luo Bing, you two are both talented and have excellent cultivation. You have directly entered the inner sect and enjoy the preferential treatment of inner sect disciples. I hope you two will not slack off."

Wu Hao and Luo Bing also stepped forward and saluted: "Thank you, Elder!"

Wu Hao's expression remained calm. Luo Bing remained as cold as ice, but one could sense a slight fluctuation in her aura, as if she had no objection to the outcome. Or perhaps, the position of True Inheritor had always been within her expectations? No one knew.

The other top ten disciples also obtained the qualifications of inner disciples and corresponding treatment, but they were slightly inferior to the previous three.

At this point, everyone's identity has finally been determined.

"Su Wanyun." The deacon disciple continued to call out the names and make arrangements.

"Disciple is here." Su Wanyun responded softly and took a step forward.

"You are ranked fifteenth, with a talent of the lower green level. You will enter the inner gate and return to Baihua Peak." A female elder with a gentle temperament spoke, obviously having already set her eyes on Su Wanyun.

Baihua Peak mainly consists of female disciples, and their skills tend to be gentle and agile.

Su Wanyun's face showed joy, and she bowed: "Thank you, Elder!" She secretly glanced at Ye Li with a smile in her eyes, as if she was happy that both of them could stay in the inner sect.

"Night Stone!"

"Disciple is here!"

"You are ranked 20th, with a talent of the upper Yellow Rank. Enter the inner sect and return to Giant Rock Peak!" a burly elder said in a resounding voice. The Giant Rock Peak's martial arts were fierce and focused on physical training, perfectly suited to Ye Shi's approach.

Ye Shi clasped his fists tightly, his expression excited: "Thank you, Elder!"

"Shi Feng!"

"...Here!" Shi Feng stepped forward reluctantly.

"You are ranked seventh, with a mid-level green talent. Enter the inner gate and return to Zhan Kuangfeng!" an elder with a fierce aura spoke. Zhan Kuangfeng's warlike nature was a natural fit for Shi Feng.

Shi Feng curled his lips, as if to agree, but he glared at Ye Li with a defiant look.

"Lin Yu!"

"Disciple is here." Lin Yu walked forward with a warm smile.

"You are ranked sixth, with a talent of the upper green rank. You can enter the inner sect and...you can choose." The deacon disciple looked at the jade slip and added. This is a privilege for the top ten.

Lin Yu gently waved his folding fan, his eyes swept over the elders, and finally said with a smile: "Disciple is willing to join Tianshu Peak." The main practice method of Tianshu Peak is moderate and peaceful, inclusive, and famous for its wisdom, which is just in line with his style.

An elegant elder nodded slightly, accepting it.

All the disciples' fates were quickly arranged. Some were happy, some were sad, but those who could stay were considered lucky.

The white-haired old man gave his final admonition, "Now that you have entered the Xuanyun Sect, you must strictly abide by the sect's rules, diligently cultivate, be friendly to your fellow disciples, and glorify the sect! Tomorrow, deacons from each peak will come to receive you and arrange the specific matters. Dismiss!"

All the disciples bowed in unison: "We will follow the elder's instructions!"

The assessment was finally over. The crowd began to disperse, and most of the new disciples gathered together excitedly, discussing their future cultivation life.

Ye Li was about to walk towards Yundan Peak, but she saw that Master Muyun had quietly come to her side with a gentle smile on his face.

"Come with me." Mr. Muyun said nothing more and flicked his sleeves lightly.

Ye Li only felt a gentle but irresistible force enveloping her. The scenery in front of her eyes changed rapidly. In an instant, she had left the noisy square and arrived at a mountain with a quiet environment and a dense spiritual energy.

There is a path paved with bluestone slabs under your feet, surrounded by towering ancient trees and the faint fragrance of medicine. In the distance, you can see several elegant bamboo houses and pavilions. Compared with the grandeur of the main peak, Qingyun Peak, this place seems particularly quiet and peaceful.

"This is Yundan Peak," said Monk Muyun with a smile. "Our peak isn't very populous. Including you, there are only a dozen inner disciples and dozens of outer disciples. Most of our time is spent refining pills, making talismans, and studying miscellaneous subjects. Although it's not as lively as the main peak, it's quiet and peaceful."

He pointed to a small, independent courtyard not far away. "That's where you'll be staying. The inner disciples' uniforms, tokens, and this month's allotment of spirit stones and elixirs will be delivered later. Here's the Yundan Peak's foundational technique, the 'Cloud and Water Secrets,' as well as some introductory texts on alchemy and talismans. You can browse through them first."

As he spoke, he handed over a jade slip and a storage bag.

"Thank you, Master." Ye Li took it and saluted respectfully. The other party had already made her attitude clear by bringing her here and giving her supplies.

"No need to be so polite." Master Muyun waved his hand. "Since you have become my disciple, I will protect you and teach you the skills. But the path of cultivation ultimately lies within yourself. If you have any questions, you can come to the top of the mountain to find me. Go ahead and familiarize yourself with the environment first."

After Mr. Muyun finished speaking, his figure disappeared quietly as if blending into the clouds.

Ye Li stood in front of the quiet courtyard, took a deep breath of the air filled with the fragrance of herbs, and felt a sense of peace in her heart.

Outer Sect? Inner Sect? True Disciple? These titles were nothing but empty names to her. What mattered to her were tangible benefits and an environment that allowed her to grow peacefully.

Yundan Peak, inner disciples, the best treatment.

This starting point is better than she expected.

She pushed open the gate and walked in. A new life of cultivation was about to begin.

At the same time, in other peaks, the news that the first place in this assessment was "only" given the status of an inner disciple was quietly spreading, arousing different thoughts.

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