Chapter 55: Thunder and Lightning
Chapter 55: Thunder and Lightning
The final round of the Inner Sect Competition ended up with three people forming a group to chase down the other Fifth Grade peak disciples. This not only made the Inner Sect Disciples who had come out earlier exclaim that the situation was wrong, but even the group of Elders on the high platform were discussing animatedly, arguing back and forth. Some even said that this competition had flaws and that Lu Hangzhi should be punished for such blatant cheating.
“Is that so?”
When some Elders’ protests reached Mo Li, he only said faintly:
“The evaluation of a True Disciple is not just about their own cultivation and Art Techniques strength, but also about overall capability and the ability to handle any situation independently. Wang Feng’s individual strength was good, but he ultimately had too strong of a lone wolf vibe. Imagine if Lu Hangzhi and the other two were Evil Cultivators—Wang Feng and the others’ way of handling things would not be sufficient to take charge! How could they make other Inner Sect Disciples feel convinced?”
Wang Feng’s Master was immediately left speechless.
A group of Elders also nodded in sudden understanding.
Not only Wang Feng, but also newly entered Inner Sect Disciples Xuanyuan Guang and Guyue Duxing had similar problems.
Their strength was good, but they still lacked some leadership and unity qualities. They indeed needed more training.
“Next, announce the final results.”
Mo Li slowly stood up.
In the cloud chessboard, the remaining fleeing Inner Sect Disciples were sent out one after another…
As soon as Lu Hangzhi, Xiong Qi, and Yun Yi landed, they immediately focused on the ranking list above, then looked at each other and smiled:
They passed!
First place, Lu Hangzhi, 360,000 Points;
Second place, Xiong Qi, 190,000 Points;
Third place, Yun Yi, 120,000 Points;
Starting from fourth place, the Points were all below 100,000…
Wang Feng once again missed the chance to become a True Disciple. He glared resentfully in this direction, looking disheveled and ashamed.
Meanwhile, Zhu Fuqin, the Chen brothers, Ruan Qing, Senior Disciple Huan, and others gathered around to congratulate them:
“Congratulations, Senior Brother Hangzhi.”
“Congratulations, Senior Brother Xiong Qi.”
“Congratulations, Senior Brother Yun Yi.”
“Congratulations…”
The surrounding Inner Sect Disciples also changed their expressions and offered congratulations.
“Thank you.”
Lu Hangzhi heard Yun Yi’s secretly transmitted message, was slightly stunned, then nodded at Yun Yi.
Given Yun Yi’s strength, he really wasn’t outstanding among the Fifth Grade peak disciples. Making it into the top ten was possible, but the top three was almost impossible…
This time, he really benefited from the situation.
Leng Wuya stood on one side of the high platform, beaming with joy.
Yun Yi and Lu Hangzhi both being promoted to True Disciples was an unexpected delight.
The Inner Sect Competition ended.
After Mo Li announced the various rewards, he dispersed the group of Inner Sect Disciples, then gathered all the True Disciples in front of the platform for a briefing.
“Huh?”
Lu Hangzhi immediately sensed something unusual.
The promotion of the top three to True Disciples was actually mentioned only in passing, and the rewards were to be given by their respective Masters?
What was going on?
Did the Supreme Elder not intend to properly encourage the Inner Sect Disciples?
Xiong Qi and Yun Yi also felt something was strange. As newly promoted True Disciples, they stayed to listen to the instructions and noticed that many True Disciples looked serious, with a few even appearing very grim, as if they had encountered some great disaster.
“What’s going on?”
In the crowd, Lu Hangzhi actively sought out Senior Sister Nangong Jun, Senior Brother Lü Liang, and Senior Brother Leng Wuya. A small group formed among them.
Senior Brother Lü Liang shook his head without speaking, and Senior Brother Leng Wuya also seemed unaware.
Only Senior Sister Nangong Jun seemed to know something, but she didn’t explain, only saying, “You’ll find out soon.”
Lu Hangzhi immediately pricked up his ears and scanned the platform, noticing that Revered Qin seemed to be watching him all along, his gaze warm and pleased.
Lu Hangzhi instinctively nodded.
Elder Mo Li began to speak.
His voice wasn’t loud, but it was calm and clear, reaching everyone’s ears. The area below the platform fell completely silent.
“Everyone here is a True Disciple. Today, I have called you all for a briefing. Some of you may already have some understanding. What I am about to say next is related to Two Realms Mountain.”
The True Disciples remained silent.
“This time, the roster for the Two Realms Mountain rotation has changed temporarily.”
Mo Li looked over the entire crowd, his eyes shining brightly:
“Twenty reserve personnel have been added, selected from among you.”
Instantly, a stone caused a thousand ripples.
“Yesterday, I contacted your Masters and informed each of you individually… Regarding this, I am also very shocked and surprised. I can only try to compensate everyone with some Spiritual Artifacts, Magical Artifacts, and Elixirs. I know some of you are unwilling, but for this rotation, I myself will lead the team and take you to Two Realms Mountain. If you encounter difficulties during this time, you can contact me.”
Not only did the True Disciples immediately erupt in discussion, looking at each other in surprise, but even many Elders on the high platform showed shocked and frightened expressions:
They only then found out that the Supreme Elder was also on the conscription list for this rotation.
However, many True Disciples who were unwilling to go to Two Realms Mountain to die showed a hint of joy, as if they suddenly had a pillar of support and felt inexplicably calm.
In the crowd, Lu Hangzhi was stunned.
The rotation personnel list had changed, and the number of people had increased.
No wonder some True Disciples looked so grim… They had probably received the notification, but with the sudden addition, they couldn’t gather suitable and sufficient Magical Artifacts and Elixirs in time. Their chances of survival at Two Realms Mountain were slim.
Leng Wuya sighed softly:
“Luckily, we are all newcomers who have just become True Disciples within the last three years and don’t have to be sent to Two Realms Mountain. Otherwise, if this had happened suddenly, it would have been troublesome.”
Xiong Qi and Lü Liang also showed expressions of relief and fear, while sighing for those True Disciples who were temporarily added to the list.
“This rotation is because the situation at Two Realms Mountain is critical. The Demon Race’s attacks have suddenly intensified. To protect the Human Race’s last line of defense, we must step forward. Next, I will announce the list of conscripted personnel. If you have objections, you can raise them. I will consider replacements, but that person will also permanently lose their status as a True Disciple.”
After speaking, Mo Li began to call the names.
The first was himself!
Supreme Elder, Mo Li.
The second, Golden Jade Hall, Nangong Jun!
The third, Discipline Hall, Hu Bugui!
The first to be named were the ten originally planned by the Xuanxin Sect, the ten strongest True Disciples of the Xuanxin Sect…
The ten stepped forward, calmly accepting the sect’s arrangements.
Then he began to call out the True Disciples who were temporarily added.
One by one, they stepped forward.
Their expressions were not so relaxed. Many looked as if they were heading to the execution ground, their steps heavy, smiles stiff, silently walking out from the crowd.
When the twenty-seventh name was called, finally, someone’s psyche broke. Trembling, they stepped forward and said through gritted teeth, “Disciple refuses to go to Two Realms Mountain!”
“You bastard!”
On the high platform, one Elder’s eyes were wide with anger. He stood up abruptly, furious at the other’s lack of resolve. “You’ve completely shamed your Master!”
“I don’t want to die. Even if I lose my status as a True Disciple, I don’t want to die.” That True Disciple was too timid to look his Master in the eye, but his tone was firm.
“Forget it.”
Mo Li gave the True Disciple a brief, indifferent glance and said, “I said before that anyone who refuses will no longer be a True Disciple of the Xuanxin Sect. Go to the Discipline Hall and receive your punishment yourself.”
“Yes.”
The man’s face showed even deeper shame. He didn’t dare look at the other True Disciples and turned to leave immediately.
A group of True Disciples fell into silence. Some showed disdain, some looked down on him, some were contemptuous, and others were indifferent. Only his Master wore an ugly expression, furious and exasperated.
Lu Hangzhi sighed inwardly:
Fear of death is human nature. But as True Disciples of the Xuanxin Sect, most had their own pride and integrity. Even in the face of death, they would not willingly cast aside their pride…
The former was arrogance, the latter was backbone!
Having only arrogance without true backbone naturally meant they were unfit for heavy responsibilities and unworthy of remaining True Disciples of the Xuanxin Sect.
Just as Lu Hangzhi was lost in these thoughts, a familiar voice suddenly sounded in his ear:
“Hangzhi.”
Lu Hangzhi froze.
Following the voice, he saw the white-haired dwarf Sect Master wink at him. Clearly, it was he who was transmitting his voice.
“Sect Master?”
“This roster for personnel rotation came very suddenly. But there’s an even more sudden piece of news I must tell you. I hope you are prepared.” Hearing the Sect Master’s somewhat grave tone, Lu Hangzhi instinctively glanced at the True Disciples who had stepped forward earlier, and his heart skipped a beat.
His pupils slightly widened!
It couldn’t be…
Sect Master, you must be joking, right?
I just became an Inner Sect Disciple; my seat hasn’t even warmed up yet.
Lu Hangzhi’s mind raced with unpleasant thoughts.
“Revered Qin saw your performance and personally selected you to join this rotation roster. He hopes you will travel with the team to Two Realms Mountain.”
Damn it!
What kind of joke is this!
“Sect Master, I… I just became a True Disciple… and I only have Fifth Grade Cultivation…” Lu Hangzhi felt the Sect Master must be playing a trick on him, an April Fools’ joke.
No April Fools’?
Then aren’t you afraid of breaking the law by joking like this!!
Lu Hangzhi gritted his teeth inwardly.
The Sect Master clearly knew he would struggle to accept it immediately and cut straight to the point: “Revered Qin and the Supreme Elder have already decided. As long as you go to Two Realms Mountain with the team, he will ensure you quickly break through to Sixth Rank Cultivation and grant you two Magical Artifacts for protection. Moreover, for the next ten years, the Xuanxin Sect will not need to send True Disciples to Two Realms Mountain.”
Lu Hangzhi was dumbfounded.
Revered Qin actually made a deal with the sect.
“Does my Master know about this?”
“Your Master doesn’t know yet either. Otherwise, he would definitely throw a fit and refuse to cooperate. This was Revered Qin’s sudden idea, and the Supreme Elder just agreed. So, I thought…”
The Sect Master began advising him earnestly.
Meanwhile, because someone had refused to participate in the Two Realms Mountain rotation, there was now a vacancy on the roster. Supreme Elder Mo Li scanned the crowd and asked solemnly:
“Is there anyone willing to volunteer for the Two Realms Mountain rotation?”
The group of True Disciples was collectively stunned…
Who would willingly volunteer to go to Two Realms Mountain?
Veteran True Disciples avoided it like the plague…
Newer True Disciples in recent years were even less likely to go to their deaths.
Even the Elders on the high platform grew tense, each warning their disciples not to act impulsively.
“No one?”
Mo Li looked somewhat disappointed.
Just then, Lu Hangzhi glanced helplessly at Senior Brother Leng, Senior Brother Xiong Qi, and Senior Brother Lü Liang beside him. Then he looked at Senior Sister Nangong Jun, standing composed and dignified in the outer lineup. He sighed, lifted his foot, and stepped forward voluntarily.
The crowd immediately erupted.
The True Disciples were in an uproar.
On the high platform, the Elders were thunderstruck.
“Junior Brother?”
“What are you doing! Come back quickly!”
“…” Leng Wuya, Lü Liang, and the others were completely dumbfounded and spoke out one after another.
“Nonsense!”
Deputy Sect Leader Chen Ji also flew into a rage. He rushed forward in a few quick steps, looking down from above and shouting angrily, “You’re a newly promoted True Disciple, with mere Fifth Grade Cultivation! What are you doing causing trouble here? Get back this instant!”