Although Qin Jue had been part of the Mystic Unity Sect for ten years, he seldom appeared in crowded places.
Therefore, many warriors stationed elsewhere had never seen him, such as Zhao Ruocheng.
Zhao Ruocheng had only heard rumors about Qin Jue from his fellow sect members.
“Why should a mere teenager be called the Arch-Elder!”
Zhao Ruocheng was deeply resentful inside.
He began cultivating at six and reached the late Mystic Rank in just twenty-two years, with hopes of even stepping into the Earth Rank in the future to become an elder of the Mystic Unity Sect.
Yet now, he had to address a teenager as Arch-Elder.
Why?
Is he stronger than me?
If Zhang Yue weren’t present, Zhao Ruocheng would have been unable to resist challenging Qin Jue on the spot.
Unaware of Zhao Ruocheng’s thoughts, Zhang Yue was discussing the details of the upcoming trial with several instructors.
Since Elder Wu was absent, Zhang Yue had to be extra cautious and meticulous.
After all, by the looks of it, the Arch-Elder lounging on the rooftop had no intention of lifting a finger.
As the hall master of the Black Forest outpost, if any disciples encountered trouble, Qin Jue, being the Sect Master’s junior brother, might escape blame.
He, however, would undoubtedly face the consequences.
After a discussion lasting over an hour, it was finally decided that the trial would begin the next morning.
After all, these new disciples had just endured a full day of flight and needed rest, otherwise their performance would surely be affected.
By the time Zhang Yue and the others emerged from the main hall, Qin Jue had long since vanished from the rooftop, having gone off to who-knows-where.
“Instructors, do any of you know what realm the Arch-Elder has reached?”
A curious thought suddenly occurred to Zhang Yue.
Even though this Arch-Elder seemed utterly unreliable, being the late Sect Master’s last personal disciple, his talent surely couldn’t be bad.
“We don’t know.”
The instructors exchanged glances, all shaking their heads.
“But since the Arch-Elder can replace Elder Wu, I believe he must have at least reached the Earth Rank,” one instructor speculated after some thought.
“Indeed, the Arch-Elder’s bearing is so extraordinary, he clearly looks like a peerless master,” another instructor chimed in agreement.
“Earth Rank?!”
Zhang Yue’s eyes widened in disbelief.
A teenager at the Earth Rank?
How was that possible?
But on second thought, if Qin Jue hadn’t reached the Earth Rank, how could he have replaced Elder Wu?
“Impossible!”
Zhao Ruocheng, standing nearby, suddenly shouted, drawing everyone’s attention.
Realizing he had accidentally spoken aloud, Zhao Ruocheng was instantly mortified.
“How could that be? Young man, don’t be a frog in a well, or you’ll only reveal your own ignorance.”
The instructor from earlier said disapprovingly.
“Exactly, exactly,” the other instructor echoed once more.
“…”
“You…”
Furious, Zhao Ruocheng was about to retort when Zhang Yue cut him off: “Silence!”
Zhao Ruocheng choked back his words, his eyes blazing with anger, but he obediently closed his mouth.
Just as the atmosphere was turning awkward, a sharp whistling sound suddenly came from the distance.
Qin Jue then landed gracefully before the group, still dressed in white robes, handsome and peerless.
“So, has the time for the trial been decided?”
Qin Jue asked, sounding somewhat intoxicated.
“It… it has been decided. It will begin tomorrow morning.”
Suppressing his inner astonishment, Zhang Yue replied.
If he wasn’t mistaken, Qin Jue had just flown over.
To achieve aerial flight, one must have reached the Earth Rank.
In other words, Qin Jue was indeed an Earth Rank martial artist!
Zhao Ruocheng, standing to the side, was utterly dumbfounded, hardly believing his eyes.
The two instructors who had earlier claimed Qin Jue was an Earth Rank warrior wore expressions of smug satisfaction, not forgetting to shoot mocking glances at Zhao Ruocheng.
“I see. Is there a place to sleep?”
Qin Jue yawned, looking drowsy.
The instructors were speechless.
You’ve been sleeping all day, and you’re still not done?
“Yes, yes, of course!”
Zhang Yue nodded repeatedly. “Attendant, quickly arrange a room for the Arch-Elder! Wait, I’ll handle it personally!”
With that, Zhang Yue immediately and carefully led Qin Jue to the residential area.
Initially, Zhang Yue had assumed Qin Jue was at most at the Mystic Rank, merely symbolically overseeing this trial to complete a task and then return to the sect to collect his reward. But now, he had discovered that the other party was a genuine Earth Rank martial artist!
As everyone knew, there was a world of difference between the Earth Rank and the Mystic Rank. Even if Qin Jue did nothing and simply stood there, his presence alone would have a significant deterrent effect. How could Zhang Yue not be overjoyed?
Soon, Zhang Yue settled Qin Jue in a private courtyard, one usually reserved for hosting visiting Elders.
The courtyard was situated beside a river, quite secluded, and the spiritual energy there was exceptionally dense. However, Qin Jue wasn’t in the mood to appreciate the scenery at the moment. Upon entering the courtyard, he headed straight for the room inside, plopped down on the bed, and fell asleep.
This sleep lasted Qin Jue until the next day.
The following morning.
The sun rose, and all things came back to life.
Qin Jue opened his eyes, stretched lazily, and then, feeling refreshed and invigorated, opened the door.
Dong—
A melodious bell rang out, spreading throughout the entire Branch Hall and echoing slowly.
Qin Jue looked into the distance. He knew the trial was about to begin.
…
On the vast square, all two hundred-plus new disciples had now gathered, packed tightly together, creating quite a noisy commotion.
“Silence!”
Zhang Yue stood at the front, raising his voice to announce, “Disciples of the Mystic Unity Sect, I believe you all understand that this trial will determine your future standing within the sect, as well as your own destinies.”
“Remember, disciples who hunt fewer than three demon beasts, regardless of aptitude, may enter the Outer Sect. Those who hunt three or more demon beasts will be directly promoted to the Inner Sect. Proof must be provided in the form of the demon beasts’ Spirit Cores. Furthermore, the top three performers will receive the additional reward of a Spiritual Energy Infusion.”
“If anyone hides away, or fails to hunt any demon beasts, then I’m sorry—you will not qualify to become martial artists and will be eliminated.”
“The trial will last for three days. No disciples may form teams, leave the designated area, or harm fellow sect members. Otherwise, you will bear the consequences! Additionally, if you encounter a high-level demon beast beyond the trial’s scope or find yourself in mortal danger, place your hand on the jade token issued to you before departure, channel your spiritual energy into it, and the instructors will sense it and rush to your aid immediately.”
After speaking, Zhang Yue swept his gaze over the crowd and demanded sternly, “Is that understood?”
“Understood!”
The disciples hurriedly responded in unison.
“Excellent. The trial begins now!”
With a wave of Zhang Yue’s hand, the two hundred-plus new disciples fell silent for a moment, then all charged toward the nearby Black Forest, quickly disappearing into the boundless jungle.
“Instructors, I leave it to you.”
Watching all the new disciples enter the Black Forest, Zhang Yue clasped his hands respectfully toward the several instructors.
“Hahaha, don’t worry, Hall Master Zhang.”
The instructors smiled, then split up and infiltrated the Black Forest from different directions, covertly protecting the new disciples.
At the same time, Qin Jue finally arrived, belatedly, carrying his wine gourd.
“The trial has already started?”
Qin Jue took a sip of wine and asked casually.
“Yes.”
Zhang Yue replied gravely, “I must ask the Arch-Elder to please keep a close watch.”
Although only Low Yellow Rank demon beasts were supposed to be active in this area, the Black Forest was far too dangerous. No one could guarantee that a Mystic Rank, or even an Earth Rank, demon beast might not suddenly appear.
These new disciples were the fresh blood and future of the Mystic Unity Sect. If they were attacked by high-level demon beasts, it would be a significant loss for the entire sect.
“No problem.”
Qin Jue nodded, then soared into the air, landing cross-legged on a stone pillar at the edge of the square, and continued leisurely drinking his Spirit Wine.
Zhang Yue: “???”
