Chapter 116: New Void Realm Secret Technique, Flame Breath Bone Sutra
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Feng Chengyu's study.
"Xu Ning."
This was the first meeting between Feng Chengyu and Xu Ning after Feng Chengyu became the head of the Feng family.
As the female head of the Feng family, Feng Chengyu was now full of confidence.
"Family Head Feng."
Xu Ning called her by her new title.
"This was all thanks to you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been appointed as the family head so quickly."
Feng Chengyu said, "Moreover, you saved Auntie Wei. Auntie Wei will remember this kindness, and I will also remember it."
"Xu Ning, I promised you before that I would recommend you to the Yuelan Sect. Now the time has come."
Feng Chengyu chose to fulfill her promise. "As a subordinate family of the Yuelan Sect, we have a spot for the promotion of an outer disciple to an inner disciple every five years."
"Now, I will recommend you to be an inner disciple."
Feng Chengyu said.
After Xu Ning heard the words, there was a glimmer of splendor in his eyes.
As long as he entered the Yuelan Sect, he could obtain a void realm secret scroll and become a void realm martial artist.
"Actually, it is not accurate to say that there's a spot for an inner disciple."
Feng Chengyu explained, "After entering the Yuelan Sect, those who are recommended as inner disciples will be selected by the elders of the faction. If they are accepted as disciples by the elders of the faction, they will become a core disciple."
"But whether you can be selected by the elders in the faction is up to you. I can't help you with that."
Feng Chengyu's tone was even apologetic.
"Family Head Feng, you already gave me the spot of an inner disciple. I'm already very satisfied."
Xu Ning expressed his gratitude.
Uncle Song on the side had a big smile on his face. He interrupted the conversation and said, "Xu Ning, this inner disciple position was given to you by the Family Head. Those clan elders were not willing to give this spot to someone outside the Feng family."
"Uncle Song."
Before Uncle Song could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Feng Chengyu. "There is no need to mention this."
"My apologies."
Uncle Song apologized.
He knew well that it was inappropriate for Feng Chengyu to say these things, so he said them in her stead.
Xu Ning understood what Feng Chengyu and Uncle Song were implying, so he thanked them again.
"Also…"
Feng Chengyu said, "As far as I know, the environment inside the faction will be very different from the outside."
"For example, concerning currency, the Yuelan Sect does not recognize gold and silver. It only recognizes Pure Source Pills. Without Pure Source Pills, it will be difficult to survive in the faction."
Feng Chengyu said, "I have bought the shares of your Shadowmoon Martial Arts Hall, and the total of those shares amounted to 3000 taels of gold. I will exchange all of them into Pure Source Pills and give them to you."
With that said, Uncle Song removed a large wooden box from the cabinet behind him, opened it, and gave it to Xu Ning.
The box was neat and tidy, and there were thirty dans that had clean, pure surfaces.
Xu Ning did not expect Feng Chengyu to be so caring.
Although the value of his shares was high, if he wanted to sell the shares, he would have to sell them at a huge discount. However, Feng Chengyu bought them at the cost price, which was actually a loss for her.
Moreover, she specifically looked for a channel and replaced it with the Pure Source Pills that he needed after stepping into the Yuelan Sect.
This was a kind gesture.
"Thank you Family Head for the Pure Source Pills."
Uncle Song interrupted and "reminded", "Although the Pure Source Pill can be converted into gold, there is no market for it. Obtaining 30 Pure Source Pills is all thanks to the Family Head's hard work."
"Thank you, Family Head Feng."
Xu Ning took the wooden box containing the Pure Source Pills, then touched the surface of it.
—
Discovered energy 100 units, absorb?
Yes/No
—
'The energy of a Pure Source Pill is 100 units?'
Xu Ning's heartbeat suddenly accelerated.
'This means that I have 3000 units of energy in my hand!'
'Even if I set aside part of it for my expenses in the Yuelan Sect, there is still a lot left for me to absorb.'
'As long as I can obtain a void realm secret scroll, I won't have to worry about the energy needed to advance at all.'
"These are my previous promises to you."
Feng Chengyu not only fulfilled her promise, but also made arrangements for Xu Ning to enter the Yuelan Sect.
"In addition to that, I wanted to give you a gift."
Feng Chengyu said, "This can be regarded as your reward for saving Auntie Wei."
Uncle Song took out a wooden box again.
But this wooden box was much smaller.
Xu Ning took it and saw that there was a book inside.
And the name of the book was called "Flame Breath Bone Sutra".
"This is my Feng family's most precious void realm secret technique, the Flame Breath Bone Sutra."
Feng Chengyu explained to Xu Ning, "According to my elder brother and second brother, after entering the Yuelan Sect, although they would be taught a void realm secret scroll, void realm secret techniques and other resources can only be purchased through Pure Source Pills, or Yuelan Sect contribution points."
"If you just entered the faction, you definitely don't have such resources, so I will give you a void realm secret technique first, so that you can save some trouble in the future."
"A void realm secret technique? Flame Breath Bone Sutra?"
Xu Ning did not expect that Feng Chengyu would give him such a gift.
Feng Chengyu had thoughtfully made all of the preparations necessary for him to enter the Yuelan Sect.
What she had done had obviously exceeded her promises.
"I appreciate Family Head Feng's gesture."
Xu Ning was a smart person. Feng Chengyu's rewards had obviously indicated a desire for friendship.
She wanted to maintain a relationship between the two.
Xu Ning also understood that if he really became a core disciple of the Yuelan Sect, then Feng Chengyu would definitely receive returns in the future.
Her gift was an investment.
"If you go to Yuelan Sect, it is best to leave within half a month."
Feng Chengyu said, "The Yuelan Sect receives new disciples two months before the demon slaying practice session. If you miss it, you will have to wait another year."
"Later, I will give you a steed with the blood of a demon beast. You ride it to the Yuelan Sect, which will take less than a month. And before you leave, I will send someone to give you a certificate to enter the Yuelan Sect."
"Farewell for now, I wonder when we will see each other again."
Suddenly, Feng Chengyu said, "I hope you can become a core disciple and stand firm in the Yuelan Sect."
"I will do my best."
Xu Ning responded.
The two exchanged some small talk. Once that was done, Xu Ning left with Feng Chengyu's gift.
After Xu Ning left, Feng Chengyu stood up and looked respectfully behind the room divider.
Feng Chengyu and Uncle Song then saw a figure slowly walking out.
It was an old man wearing a long gown.
When Xu Ning was in the room just now, Xu Ning didn't notice the existence of this old man at all.
It was not that Xu Ning's perceptive ability was too poor. It was rather because this old man was a void realm warrior in the Feng family.
"Chengyu, you have a good eye."
The old man smiled with satisfaction. "That kid is indeed worthy of friendship."
Feng Chengyu nodded and smiled upon hearing this.
She was very confident with her own vision.
"It's just that Xu Ning is not an intention realm martial artist."
The old man said, "He is in the mortal realm ninth stage: spirit realm."
"Spirit realm?"
Feng Chengyu and Uncle Song were both taken aback.
Neither of them expected Xu Ning to hide his strength.
"So young, yet amazingly talented, and knows to hide his strength."
The old man smiled. "I'm sure that within ten years, he will definitely be a deacon of the Yuelan Sect."
Feng Chengyu did not expect the old man to be so optimistic about Xu Ning.
"You are much better than your father." The old man looked at Feng Chengyu. "I'm relieved the Feng family is in your hands."
…
A few days went by.
State Jifeng.
In the mountain ranges.
Between the mountains, the rocks and trees stood tall.
There were thunderous beast roars from time to time.
Xu Ning rode a tall horse through the mountains.
As long as he crossed this mountain range, he could reach the Yuelan Sect.
"Purr."
Gray's head popped out of Xu Ning's pocket.
Gray was now completely acquainted with Xu Ning.
The two could even make simple conversations. Gray would even follow some of Xu Ning's orders.
"What, hungry?"
After getting along with Gray for so long, Xu Ning had already figured out its habits.
Gray's head nodded a few times, and he climbed out of Xu Ning's pockets.
Xu Ning suddenly heard a few birds above his head.
Xu Ning looked up and saw a few demon beast birds.
They were at most in the mid level mortal realm, but they were very large.
Gray fell to the ground, and its feet bended as it jumped in the air.
Afterwards, it turned into a silver shadow, jumping tens of meters high.
Gray's body hovered in the air, then its head suddenly expanded. After that, it swallowed the several demon beasts into its stomach in one fell swoop.
Afterwards, Gray steadily fell down from mid-air and into Xu Ning's pocket.
"You're such a glutton. What should I do after I bring you into the Yuelan Sect?"
Xu Ning pinched Gray's neck.
After Gray heard this, it stuck out its tongue to lick Xu Ning.
Although he had just swallowed a few demon beast birds, there was no stinky bloody smell in Gray's mouth.
In addition to worrying about Gray's food sources after entering the Yuelan Sect, Xu Ning was worried that Gray would be detected by the powerful Yuelan Sect warriors.
Once Gray was found, both he and Gray would be in trouble.
The horse continued to trot as Xu Ning looked at the mountain scenery.
Suddenly, Xu Ning thought of a solution.
"Gray, let's make a deal."
Xu Ning hugged Gray in front of his chest. "I'm afraid that you will be in danger after I enter the Yuelan Sect, so why don't you stay in this mountain range for a while. There is food and water here, and it is very far from the Yuelan Sect. I can also come to see you at any time."
Xu Ning knew that Gray could understand his words.
After Gray heard his words, its two big blue eyes looked around.
After a while, Gray nodded.
Xu Ning smiled. This way, he didn't have to worry about Gray's safety.
"Climb up to that mountain and live there."
Xu Ning pointed to a mountain in the distance. "I will go there and look for you in the future."
This was their agreed upon meeting place.
After hearing this, Gray nodded.
It also waved its paw twice in agreement.
After they walked out of the mountain range, Xu Ning and Gray parted ways.
Gray went directly to the mountain Xu Ning pointed at.
Although they were separating, Xu Ning and Gray had no sad feelings.
The Yuelan Sect was close to here, so as long as Xu Ning wished, he could come and look for Gray at any time.
Feng Chengyu once told Xu Ning that the disciples of the Yuelan Sect, whether they were outer, inner or core disciples, often went out to conduct missions.
When Xu Ning went outside to do tasks, he could pick up Gray.
One reason was to see each other, and the other was to provide security for himself.
Xu Ning had basically concluded that Gray was a void realm demon beast. However, he did not know what level Gray was at, nor why it was so infatuated with him.
'Yuelan Sect, here I come.'
Xu Ning thought about entering the faction and began to look forward to it.
He was about to enter the Source Sect more than half a year ago, and now, he would be joining a different faction.
Xu Ning would be able to reach the Yuelan Sect as long as he walked through this dense forest.
Whoosh!
However, at this moment, a cold light suddenly burst from the dense forest.
Xu Ning suddenly felt a warning sign blaring in his head and instinctively tilted his head.
The light brushed past Xu Ning's cheek, drawing a line of blood.
'I was ambushed?'
A murderous intent flashed past Xu Ning's eyes.
He rode the horse quickly and chased.
At the same time, the wound on Xu Ning's face began to coagulate, slowly healing itself.
In just a few seconds, the wound disappeared, leaving not a single scar behind.
This was all because of Xu Ning's void realm secret technique, the power of the Flame Breath Bone Sutra!
"You!"
Xu Ning went straight through the forest and found someone hiding behind a big tree looking at him in fear.
"Why did you attack me?"
Xu Ning got off the horse. With a short knife in his hand, he approached the person slowly.
The man was in ragged clothes and had messy hair. Judging fro from his appearance, he was about the same age as Xu Ning.
"It was a mistake!"
After seeing Xu Ning walking towards him with murderous intent, the person quickly explained, "I just heard the sound of a horse behind me, so I thought you were the killer who was chasing after me!"
"The killer chasing after you?"
Xu Ning was suspicious.
He was a newcomer here, so there was no reason for someone to try and assassinate him.
But even so, Xu Ning didn't immediately believe this man's words.
"I am a disciple who is going to enter the Yuelan Sect!"
Seeing that Xu Ning didn't believe his words, the young man took out a cyan plate from his pockets.
'A voucher for admission!'
Xu Ning took a look and recognized it.
This entry certificate plate was exactly the same as his own.
This showed that this young man was the same as him; he was not only a new disciple, but also an inner disciple.
Xu Ning put away his knife.
After seeing Xu Ning back down, the man was relieved.
He quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, I really thought the killer was chasing after me."
"Killer?"
Xu Ning cautiously looked at the surroundings, but he couldn't sense any danger.
"I'm also a new disciple of the Yuelan Sect."
Xu Ning revealed his identity..
Chapter 117: Entering The Yuelan Sect
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
After looking at the cyan plate in Xu Ning's hand, the young man showed a look of excitement.
"Same team!"
He seemed to be happy to see Xu Ning.
"My name is Gu Qinghe, and I belong to the Gu family from the Gushan Canton."
"Gushan Canton…"
Xu Ning had heard of this place.
Gushan Canton was not far from the Yuelan Sect. If one traveled quickly, one could arrive there in less than ten days.
Gu Qinghe explained, "After I left the city, I was ambushed by an enemy halfway through my journey. However, I was too far away from the Gushan Canton so I couldn't escape back the same way. With no choice, I could only rush all the way here."
"Throughout my journey, I went through hardships and several fierce battles. I almost even died."
Gu Qinghe's words were full of bitterness. "There were originally more than a dozen guards around me, but they were all killed while protecting me."
It seemed that Gu Qinghe had been holding back these words for too long. After Gu Qinghe saw Xu Ning, he blurted everything out.
"My apologies…"
Xu Ning said, "However, enough with the small talk, it is better to enter the faction as soon as possible. If they are still chasing after you, I might be dragged in as well."
Gu Qinghe replied, "You're right."
Gu Qinghe quickly brought out a horse from nearby. Xu Ning noticed that it was not an ordinary horse.
However, the horse's body was covered with wounds, and it seemed to have a sluggish aura.
"Where are you from?"
After getting on the horse, Gu Qinghe asked.
"Chun Rin Canton, Xu Ning."
Xu Ning briefly introduced his identity.
"Out of the three big families in Chun Rin Canton, I remember there is no Xu family, right?"
Gu Qinghe had a casual personality, so he was direct when asking questions.
"No, my spot was given to me by the Feng family."
There was no need to hide this.
Gu Qinghe talked along the way.
If it weren't for his appearance, Xu Ning would not have believed that this guy had just escaped from death.
After half an hour of riding on their horses.
A huge gate appeared in their vision.
The writing on the gate became clearer as they got closer.
Yuelan Sect.
"Finally here."
Xu Ning and Gu Qinghe both felt relieved.
After rushing along the way, they finally reached their destination.
From a distance, they could see disciples wearing uniforms stationed at the gate.
Beside the disciples stationed at the gate, there were two giant demon beasts, lying beside the gate. They seemed to be dozing off.
There were also disciples coming in and out of the gate.
"Who wants to enter the Yuelan Sect?"
When Xu Ning and Gu Qinghe approached on their horses, a garrison disciple suddenly blocked them.
"We are new disciples."
Xu Ning and Gu Qinghe took out the cyan plates that proved their identity.
The disciple checked their plates, his expression softened.
"Two juniors, in that case, come with me."
After seeing the cyan plates, the disciple immediately changed his attitude.
Anyone with this plate would begin as an inner disciple.
"Thank you brother."
Xu Ning and Gu Qinghe thanked him.
"The horses cannot enter the faction."
The disciple reminded.
Xu Ning and Gu Qinghe looked at each other, then both dismounted.
"Follow me."
The disciple then began to lead the way.
Obviously, he was responsible for leading newcomers into the faction.
When crossing the gate, Xu Ning and Gu Qinghe passed by the two demon beasts.
The two vicious dog demon beasts opened their eyes at the same time. Their noses twitched a few times, as if they were smelling their aura,
'Void realm demon beasts.'
Xu Ning had already gauged the level of these two gatekeeper demon beasts.
Just now, when the eyes of the two vicious dogs looked at him, he suddenly felt a sense of chilling danger.
The disciple led the two of them and continued walking up the stairs along the mountain.
After taking many steps, they finally reached a flat piece of land.
At this place, there were various buildings, as well as disciples in different uniforms, walking quickly on the streets.
"I will take you to verify your identity first."
The disciple first led the two to a nearby concierge.
He talked with the working disciple inside before taking out a booklet.
"Tell me where you are from, who recommended you, and what is your first and last name."
The disciple opened the booklet.
"My name is Xu Ning, and I was recommended by the Feng family in Chun Rin Canton."
After hearing the words, the disciple searched the booklet and found Xu Ning's name.
Below Xu Ning's name, there was a small portrait of Xu Ning's face, which looked quite similar to Xu Ning's real face.
Both Xu Ning's information and Xu Ning's portrait were prepared by Feng Chengyu and the people that delivered the demon beasts in advance.
The Yuelan Sect was quite strict when it came to verifying their new disciples.
This was to prevent people from ambushing disciples along their journey and pretending to be the disciples themselves.
"Verified."
Afterwards, the disciple confirmed Gu Qinghe's identity.
He was also verified.
"In this case, I will first take you two juniors to the temporary residence."
The disciple said.
"There are still ten days before the elders would start selecting the core disciples."
While leading the way, the disciple explained to the two of them, "For these ten days, you two are still not officially part of the faction."
"If you are selected as core disciples after ten days, then you will follow the elder who selected you to their mountain peak. If you are not selected as core disciples, then you will automatically gain the status of inner disciples."
Additionally, the disciple also explained various precautions the two should take.
Afterwards, they were taken to a residential area.
Inside the area, there were rows of cyan brick houses. They looked quite rustic.
"This is the place where the new disciples live. If there is a wooden sign hanging outside the door, it means that no one is living there yet."
The disciple said, "You can choose the room yourself. The basic daily necessities are included in the room. Over the next ten days, someone will deliver you food everyday. After ten days, someone will take you away for the core disciple selection."
"By the way, remember, do not fight here."
Before the disciple left, he specifically reminded, "If you start a fight, you will be immediately denied entry and be expelled from the faction directly."
Afterwards, the disciple left.
"There are so many rules in a big faction."
Gu Qinghe shook his head and sighed. "Brother Xu, choose a room."
Gu Qinghe was impatient. He wanted to quickly find a place to wash and change his clothes.
"Okay."
Xu Ning and Gu Qinghe walked in front of the cyan brick houses.
Xu Ning roughly estimated that there were close to a hundred cyan brick and tiled houses here, of which only a small number of people lived in.
According to what the disciple said just now, thes
people should all be newcomers with the qualifications of an inner disciple.
"Brother Xu, how about this?"
Gu Qinghe stood still in front of two connected rooms that were empty.
"If we live closer to each other, we can take care of each other."
Gu Qinghe said.
Xu Ning did not object. By staying so close together, he and Gu Qinghe would share one common living room.
After entering the living room, Xu Ning looked around.
The room was not big, but everything was neat.
Xu Ning put the bag he carried with him on the table, then opened it.
In this bag, there were mainly some clothes and a wooden box.
Inside the wooden box was the gift from Feng Chengyu—the Pure Source Pills that had a monetary value in the Yuelan Sect.
There were 30 Pure Source Pills, but Xu Ning had used 15 of them to convert them into 1500 units of energy.
Coupled with Xu Ning's stash from Chuanhe Mountain and the Aura Crystals discharged by the Thousand Source Bug, Xu Ning now had 1650 energy units.
Out of the 1650 units of energy, Xu Ning used 600 of them to raise his Tidal Fist to level three.
After advancing it to level three, when Xu Ning used Tidal Fist, his lethality increased to an even greater extent.
Now, Xu Ning was able to hit quadruple strength punches continuously without the aid of single strength punches and double strength punches.
With this kind of strength, Xu Ning could basically instantly kill someone.
Even in the face of a semi void realm demon beast in the mountains, Xu Ning could try and fight it.
However, after Tidal Fist advanced to level three, Xu Ning discovered a problem, which was that the "+" besides Tidal Fist on the Martial Arts Panel had disappeared.
There were nine levels in a void realm secret technique, and his Tidal Fist had only been cultivated to the third level. There was still a long way to go before it was completely cultivated.
Xu Ning knew the reason for this.
This was because, after reaching the fourth level, the void realm secret technique would involve change on the "characteristic" scale, and if he wanted to cultivate his "characteristic", he must reach the void realm first.
This was one of the manifestations of the connection between a void realm secret scroll and a void realm secret technique.
Before Xu Ning became a void realm martial artist, his Tidal Fist was stuck in the third level.
Afterwards, Xu Ning consumed another 1,000 units of energy to raise his Flame Breath Bone Sutra gifted by Feng Chengyu to the third level.
The Flame Breath Bone Sutra was, to a certain extent, a higher level version of the Source Breath Bodybuilding Tactic.
It was a technique that strengthened the physical body. Once a mortal martial artist turned into a void realm martial artist, their body would undergo a qualitative change.
The strength of their body would also increase by another magnitude.
The Flame Breath Bone Sutra could hammer and strengthen a void realm physical body.
In addition, the Flame Breath Bone Sutra also had the function of healing injuries.
According to the description of the Flame Breath Bone Sutra, once one cultivated it to the ninth level, as long as one wasn't killed on the spot, even if one's bones were crushed, one could still recover from the injuries.
Although Xu Ning had only cultivated the Flame Breath Bone Sutra to the third level, Xu Ning could still quickly heal his injuries.
Xu Ning's face was scratched by Gu Qinghe with a flying knife just before this, which healed within a few seconds. This was the power of the Flame Breath Bone Sutra.
After raising the Tidal Fist and Flame Breath Bone Sutra to the third level, Xu Ning only had 50 units of energy left.
Xu Ning began to feel stressed from his energy reserves running low.
I have to save these 15 Pure Source Pills first. There may be other uses for it in the future."
Xu Ning put away the Pure Source Pills.
He had basically reached his limit in terms of his strength, so he didn't need energy for the time being.
Afterwards, Xu Ning took out his belt and checked the Thousand Source Bug.
After devouring several kinds of ores, it expelled Aura Crystals every few days.
But now, the Thousand Source Bug fell into a state of deep sleep.
The Thousand Source Bug curled up, making its whole body look like a little white ball.
Xu Ning was not worried about this. He actually looked forward to it.
It was because this was the precursor to the metamorphosis of the Thousand Source Bug.
After hatching, the Thousand Source Bug would continue to grow over time and transform again and again.
After each metamorphosis, the Thousand Source Bug would evolve and expel higher-quality Aura Crystals.
The Aura Crystal that the Thousand Source Bug expelled was no longer enough to meet Xu Ning's requirements.
After this metamorphosis, Xu Ning hoped that this Thousand Source Bug would give him a satisfactory result.
After everything was cleaned up, Xu Ning changed his clothes and closed his eyes on the bed to rest.
After he went through that long journey, Xu Ning did feel tired.
Perhaps due to exhaustion, Xu Ning actually fell asleep.
Xu Ning woke up after hearing an argument outside.
'Someone seems to be arguing.'
Xu Ning sat up and listened to the argument outside.
"This voice seems to be Gu Qinghe's?"
Xu Ning winced.
He quickly walked out of the living room.
More than ten meters away, Gu Qinghe was having an argument with a handsome young man.
Both of them looked like they could start fighting at any time.
"What is going on?"
Xu Ning couldn't understand the reason why Gu Qinghe, who had just arrived here, would start an argument with others.
If it were not for the restrictions, the two would have definitely started fighting.
Not only was Xu Ning watching them, but there were also people popping out of their living rooms.
However, no one moved forward. They just watched the excitement from far away.
Some of them have been here for more than ten days, so their daily lives were rather very boring. It was rare to see something this exciting, so they all wanted to watch.
Xu Ning thought about it and finally walked towards the two of them.
"Brother Gu, calm down."
Xu Ning walked behind Gu Qinghe and patted him on the shoulder.
Although Gu Qinghe had inadvertently hurt him before, Xu Ning felt that he was a good person, so he was willing to help him.
Xu Ning and the handsome young man on the opposite side looked at each other. He then persuaded Gu Qinghe, "In ten days, there will be a core disciple admission test. If you get into a dispute now, the gain will not be worth the loss."
After Gu Qinghe was convinced by Xu Ning, his anger seemed to have faded.
But he still gritted his teeth and said cruelly to the handsome young man, "Duan Xuefeng, just you wait!"
"What?"
When Xu Ning heard this, he realized that the feud between the two was not recent.
The two of them should be old acquaintances.
Chapter 118: Thousand Source Bug Metamorphosis
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The handsome young man named Duan Xuefeng sneered when he heard the words. "Gu Qinghe, if you really think my Duan family arranged for someone to assassinate you, then you should show some evidence. Otherwise, I won't let you spout this nonsense."
"Now that I have arrived at the Yuelan Sect, your family members can't clean up your mess anymore."
After Duan Xuefeng spoke, he took a long look at Xu Ning before turning around and leaving.
Gu Qinghe clenched his fists. It was obvious that he had a long history with Duan Xuefeng.
Xu Ning patted Gu Qinghe on the shoulder. "Let's go."
Xu Ning could basically guess what the two were fighting over.
Gu Qinghe, who ran for his life just before arriving at the Yuelan Sect, thought the killer who pursued him was this man named Duan Xuefeng.
"Brother Xu, thank you very much."
Gu Qinghe forcibly calmed his mood.
Gu Qinghe had always suspected that the killer was a member of the Duan family, and now that he saw Duan Xuefeng and was provoked by him in every possible way, Gu Qinghe couldn't hold back and almost started fighting him.
If Xu Ning hadn't appeared, maybe Gu Qinghe would have thrown hands.
"The great families in our Gushan Canton are not in harmony."
Gu Qinghe took the initiative to explain to Xu Ning, "Our Gu family and their Duan family have been in conflict. If it weren't for the warnings and rules of the faction, our two families might have already started fighting."
Xu Ning didn't have too many comments to make about this matter. After all, this was a dispute between other people's families.
"Now that we're at the Yuelan Sect, let's concentrate on practicing."
Xu Ning said, "If you can successfully train and gain the status of a deacon in the faction, wouldn't it be easy for you to clean him up then?"
"So, relax, wait for the assessment to come, maintain a good state, and strive to be selected as a core disciple first."
Xu Ning's words made Gu Qinghe feel relieved.
"What you said is extremely true."
Gu Qinghe responded.
…
Ten days went by.
A leading disciple came and called out all the disciples in the residential area before gathering them in an open space.
"Brothers and sisters."
The leading disciple looked at the crowd. "Today is the day for the selection of core disciples. Please be prepared."
After the leading disciple spoke, everyone in the crowd looked full of expectations.
Everyone was well aware of the difference between a core disciple and an inner disciple.
A core disciple had a special mentor, and if one had any doubts, one could personally ask their mentor.
Moreover, the mentors of core disciples were all elders in the faction.
Disciples of faction elders not only had a high status, but they also had easier access to resources.
But inner disciples were different.
The training resources provided to inner disciples were nothing more than a Pure Source Pill every month.
If one wanted to obtain more resources, one could only earn contribution points by completing faction missions.
Moreover, if they had any questions about their martial arts practice, they could only ask the deacons for help once a month, and the effectiveness of doing that was far worse than asking elders.
"Brother Xu, do you think we can become core disciples?"
Gu Qinghe was a little nervous.
"I don't know. Let's just go with whatever happens."
Xu Ning said.
"Brothers and sisters, come with me."
The leading disciple walked out of the residential area with more than 30 people behind him.
After walking for around 15 minutes, they were taken to a garden.
There were pavilions, terraces and gardens everywhere, filled with birds and flowers.
"This is the venue of the assessment?"
Gu Qinghe looked puzzled as he mumbled, "Are we here to enjoy the scenery?"
Xu Ning didn't speak, he instead just looked around.
Suddenly, Xu Ning saw a pool of water not far away f
from the garden.
And in that pond, there were colorful fish swimming everywhere.
Xu Ning suddenly realized something.
'This… this shouldn't be the spirit fish for testing aptitude, right?'
Xu Ning suddenly remembered that when he first saw Liu Yijian, a martial artist in the void realm, he had seen a similar pond in his yard.
And the fish in his pond seemed to be the same species as the fish in this pond.
'We might be in trouble…'
Xu Ning thought, 'If they are using spirit fish to test our aptitude, my results will be horrible.'
Xu Ning hoped that the colorful swimming fish in the pond were just ordinary fish.
However, the next words from the leading disciple made Xu Ning feel hopeless.
"Brothers and sisters, please stand near the pond."
'I knew it.'
Xu Ning felt regretful.
Xu Ning had concluded that he might not have a chance to be a core disciple anymore.
As the crowd surrounded the pond, the spirit fish seemed to have sensed something. They scattered and swam in the direction of certain disciples.
A few people were bombarded with fish, while most of the crowd had no fish in front of them.
This made Xu Ning breathe a sigh of relief.
Since most people didn't have any spirit fish in front of them, the fact that his own talents were extremely poor would not be noticed.
Otherwise, it didn't make sense how he was so strong with such a poor aptitude.
While the crowd gathered around the pond, several people were watching from the garden loft.
These people were the high-ranking elders in the Yuelan Sect.
"There are very few talents in this year's batch of newcomers."
One of the gray-haired old men expressed his disappointment.
"Actually…"
A beautiful woman also said, "Aptitude is the most important thing in martial arts practice, and this batch of newcomers are indeed very talented. Although there were spirit fish that swam towards some disciples, they are in the minority. Most of the spirit fish are still lazy and don't wish to swim up at all."
"Since you are not satisfied, all of these disciples who are recognized by the spirit fish will belong to me."
A sloppy-looking man suddenly spoke.
"No way!"
The beautiful woman then pointed to a girl in a yellow shirt. "I will accept her as my apprentice, and no one will snatch her from me."
"You stole the most talented one."
The sloppy man said, "Then that person belongs to me."
The rest of the elders also finished selecting their disciples.
In front of the pond.
"Brothers and sisters."
Soon after, someone gave a piece of paper to the leading disciple.
The leading disciple glanced at it before pointing out a few people.
"You have been selected as core disciples!"
'I knew it.'
These words were not directed to Xu Ning nor Gu Qinghe.
But Duan Xuefeng, Gu Qinghe's former rival, was selected.
Xu Ning felt a little unfortunate.
There were too many benefits for being a core disciple. Xu Ning felt rather unfortunate that he lost the selection just like this.
"What?"
As soon as the leading disciple finished talking, people began to discuss.
"Isn't it an assessment? The assessment hasn't even started yet, but it's already over?"
Most of them didn't know that this type of spirit fish could assess their aptitude.
The leading disciple was very patient. It was obvious that this was not the first time this situation had happened.
"Everyone, please stay calm."
The leading disciple said, "In this pond, there are spirit fish that can assess aptitude. Just now when you surrounded the pond, your aptitude was tested."
"Does it just test aptitude?"One of the disciples that wasn't chosen asked.
"Yes, there is only one test."
The leading disciple said, "If you think this is unfair, you can go to the loft."
The leading disciple pointed in a direction. "The elders are all gathered there at this moment. If you are not satisfied, you can ask the elders. After all, every selected person was picked by the elders personally."
As soon as this remark came out, the scene suddenly became quiet.
Everyone looked at the loft, but no one dared to complain.
The leading disciple said, "If you are not selected as core disciples, please leave. Someone will arrange for you to enter the inner sect."
"For everyone who has been selected, please follow me. I will take you to see the elders."
"Brother Xu…"
Gu Qinghe had a terrible look on his face.
Neither he nor Xu Ning was chosen as core disciples, but the guy he hated the most was chosen.
Gu Qinghe spoke in a hoarse voice.
"It's fine, just accept reality."
Xu Ning could only comfort him.
"Gu Qinghe."
Duan Xuefeng stepped forward and said with a grin, "Back in Gushan Canton, you were always fighting with me. Now you know the gap between our strengths, right?"
"You!"
Gu Qinghe's teeth rattled.
"When you see me next time, remember to call me Senior Brother."
Afterwards, Duan Xuefeng laughed out loudly and followed the leading disciple to the garden loft.
Gu Qinghe's face was pale. He felt helpless.
The 30 people who were not selected as core disciples all returned to their rooms in low spirits.
Xu Ning and Gu Qinghe walked behind the group.
"Brother Gu."
Xu Ning took the initiative to speak.
Xu Ning wanted to clarify a problem.
"Apparently, core disciples are able to obtain superior-grade void realm secret scrolls, but we inner disciples can only get middle-grade void realm secret scrolls. What is the difference between the two?"
In fact, Xu Ning was most concerned about the quality difference between void realm secret scrolls.
Xu Ning was not jealous of the status of a core disciple. Even though more resources were allocated to them, Xu Ning could obtain resources through other means.
The only thing that worried him was the difference in the quality of void realm secret scrolls.
After being questioned by Xu Ning, Gu Qinghe switched his attention to him.
"Superior-grade void realm secret scrolls and middle-grade void realm secret scrolls are the same for the first six stages."
Gu Qinghe seemed to be knowledgeable about this. He explained, "But starting from the void realm seventh stage, the advancement speed of a middle-grade void realm secret scroll will be significantly slower than a superior-grade void realm secret scroll."
"It's just the advancement speed?"
Xu Ning looked surprised. "The strength and foundation isn't different?"
He remembered that Feng Chengyu said that the difference in quality between void realm secret scrolls would cause a significant difference in the strength of the practitioners.
"Only an inferior-grade void realm secret scroll would cause a practitioner to be weaker than their peers."
Gu Qinghe explained, "It is because inferior-grade void realm secret scrolls have flaws."
"On the other hand, middle-grade and superior-grade void realm secret scrolls are able to construct a complete void realm martial arts system, but a superior-grade void realm secret scroll is much more sophisticated, so in the later stages, its advancement speed will be much faster."
"I see."
Xu Ning's eyes showed a relaxed look.
'So it turns out that the difference between a middle-grade and a superior-grade void realm secret scroll only lies in the speed of advancement.'
The last thing Xu Ning worried about was the speed of advancement!
As long as he had the Martial Arts Panel, whether it was a difficult or a simple advancement, all Xu Ning needed to do was to click the "+" sign.
As long as a middle-grade void realm secret scroll didn't have any disadvantages when fighting against their peers, then Xu Ning did not care.
After clarifying the problem, Xu Ning no longer felt unfortunate that he wasn't selected as a core disciple.
Gu Qinghe saw Xu Ning's relaxed expression and asked, "Brother Xu, don't you feel unfortunate that you weren't selected?"
"Of course I feel unfortunate."
Xu Ning smiled. "On the bright side, at least we are still inner disciples. Compared to those outer disciples, we are much better."
"True…"
Gu Qinghe was affected by Xu Ning's optimism, so he felt much better as well.
…
Because the person responsible for taking the crowd to the inner sect had not yet arrived yet, the inner disciples who failed to be selected as core disciples were still in their previous residences.
At night.
Before Xu Ning was about to go to bed, he heard a slight gurgling sound in his belt.
Xu Ning suddenly remembered his Thousand Source Bug was in the process of metamorphosis.
He quickly took it and opened the belt compartment.
Inside the hidden compartment, the Thousand Source Bug was no longer curled up into a ball. It had completely stretched out its body.
Compared to the past, the Thousand Source Bug had undergone tremendous changes.
The previous Thousand Source Bug was white and the size of a rice grain. Other than when it was swallowing ores, one couldn't tell its head from its tail.
But now, the Thousand Source Bug was a size bigger, growing into the size of a cabbage caterpillar.
Not only that, but under its fleshy, fat body, there were two rows of barbed legs, and its eyes and mouth could also now be distinguished.
"Has the metamorphosis been completed?"
Xu Ning took a closer look.
Suddenly, he noticed that the Thousand Source Bug's mouth seemed to be wriggling.
Its fleshy stomach also seemed to have suddenly shrunk.
"Is it about to expel Aura Crystals?"
Sure enough, the Thousand Source Bug opened its mouth and a transparent aura crystal was spat out.
Before the metamorphosis, the Thousand Source Bug had stopped eating ores, so this Aura Crystal was formed from the pure natural aura absorption of the air.
Soon after, a transparent Aura Crystal was spat out.
The size of this Aura Crystal was at least twice as large than before.
Xu Ning couldn't wait to see how much energy units this Aura Crystal contained.
—
Discovered energy 10 units, absorb?
Yes/No
—
"10 units of energy!"
Xu Ning smiled. 'So every time the Thousand Source Bug undergoes a metamorphosis, the quality of Aura Crystals will be greatly improved!"
"I just don't know how long it takes to expel Aura Crystals.."
Chapter 119: Inner Sect Training
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Yuelan Sect.
Inner sect.
'From now on, I will be an inner disciple of the Yuelan Sect.'
Xu Ning was carrying his waist paiza, clothing, room key, and a Pure Source Pill that he had just received as a reward for new disciples.
Just this morning, all of the 30 people who failed the core disciple selection test were taken to the inner sect to seal their identity as inner sect disciples.
"Xu Ning, what are you going to do next?"
Gu Qinghe and Xu Ning had gotten closer with each other; they were no longer acquaintances.
When Gu Qinghe asked Xu Ning this question, he was also confused.
As inner disciples, their degree of freedom was very high.
Except for completing missions at least once every three months, as long as they didn't leave the sect, they could do almost anything they wanted.
Whether they practiced or had fun, no one cared.
"Do missions and strive to get a void realm secret scroll as soon as possible."
Xu Ning had already planned for this.
After receiving their supplies just now, Xu Ning and Gu Qinghe strolled around the inner sect.
In the Materials Hall, they saw the price for middle-grade and inferior-grade void realm secret scrolls.
After going through them, an inferior-grade void realm secret scroll cost 100 contribution points, while a middle-grade void realm secret scroll cost 200 sect contribution points.
In the inner sect, contribution points could be exchanged for Pure Source Pills, with a ratio of ten to one.
Ten contribution points could be exchanged for one Pure Source Pill.
However, the Materials Hall did not support the exchange in both ways.
"Yes, it's most important to get a void realm secret scroll first."
Gu Qinghe thought that what Xu Ning was saying was reasonable. "A middle-grade void realm secret scroll costs only 200 contribution points, which is really not expensive. I went through some of the missions in the Mission Hall, and some of the rewards are paid with hundreds of contribution points."
"But those missions that pay huge amounts of contribution points are beyond our abilities."
Xu Ning said, "Those missions are for the void realm disciples of the inner sect."
Inside the inner sect, there were also void realm disciples.
When void realm disciples advanced to the void realm fourth stage, they could choose to leave the inner sect and become a deacon of the sect, allowing them to be in charge of external affairs.
If they did a good job, they might become an elder of the sect in the future.
But because they were from the inner sect, they could not compete for the position of sect master.
"That's true."
Gu Qinghe felt a little regretful. "It would be great if Pure Source Pills can be exchanged for contribution points. If it is possible, I can ask my family to send me some Pure Source Pills and exchange it for some contribution points."
After getting to know each other better, Xu Ning had figured out Gu Qinghe's identity.
He was a bastard son of the contemporary family head of the Gu family in Gushan Canton, and he was sent here because of his outstanding talent.
His family could indeed provide him with resources.
"Why can't Pure Source Pills be exchanged for contribution points?"
Xu Ning said, "It's just not possible at the Materials Hall. Inner disciples can definitely exchange with each other, but if you do this privately, it will be at a premium. A Pure Source Pill may be exchanged for less than ten contribution points."
"It's fine if it's less than ten. At least, it will save me a lot of effort."
Gu Qinghe was confident that he had his family to support him. "If it weren't for that killer on the road, I wouldn't have lost the 50 Pure Source Pills that I had carried with me. Even at a premium, I can exchange them for two middle-grade void realm secret scrolls. One for you, and one for me."
Gu Qinghe spoke with anger in his voice. He obviously thought of Duan Xuefeng w
who had become a core disciple.
"You really are wealthy."
Xu Ning smiled when Gu Qinghe said this.
Gu Qinghe was indeed a good friend.
"When I get back to my room and clean up, I will send a letter to my home and have my dad send me another 50 Pure Source Pills."
Gu Qinghe said.
"Aren't Pure Source Pills very rare in the outside world?"
Xu Ning remembered that Feng Chengyu had only obtained 30 Pure Source Pills with the help of her status as the family head.
"It is…"
Gu Qinghe scratched his head. "However, my father has been nice to me ever since I was a child. If he worked hard, he should be able to get 50 more Pure Source Pills."
Xu Ning was speechless.
"Let's go back home. After we pack up our stuff, I have to go to the Mission Hall and look at the available missions."
Xu Ning didn't want to wait around for a single second. He just wanted to earn contribution points, then redeem them for a middle-grade void realm secret scroll.
…
In the afternoon.
Xu Ning came to the Mission Hall.
Gu Qinghe didn't go with him, instead he was writing a letter to his family.
The Mission Hall at this time was full of people.
Although the sect had no requirements for inner sect disciples, since they came to the Yuelan Sect, most of them were still motivated in their pursuit of martial arts.
In order to obtain the necessary resources for their martial arts practice, everyone was willing to complete missions.
'Let's see if there are any missions I can take.'
On the wall of the Mission Hall, there were black boards filled with descriptions of various missions.
If the mission was accepted by someone, someone would take it off and update it with a new mission.
'Mission content: Ten feathers from a void realm Night Hunting Snow Eagle; mission reward: 150 contribution points; mission time limit: unlimited; remarks: none.'
'Mission content: eliminate the Danggushan Horse Bandits; mission reward: 300 contribution points; mission time limit: three months; remarks: none.'
'Mission content…'
Missions were placed in front of Xu Ning's eyes.
Some of these missions were commissioned by the faction, while some were commissioned by individuals.
"There are a lot of missions."
Xu Ning was dazzled. The more choices, the harder it was to choose.
Some missions, although the rewards were attractive, were too dangerous.
Some missions were relatively simple, but had low rewards and were time-consuming.
This was the first time Xu Ning would conduct a mission, so he wanted to stay on the safe side.
"What?"
Xu Ning saw a mission description in the corner.
'Mission content: sparring partner for void realm secret technique practice; mission reward: 10 contribution points/day; mission time limit: long-term; remarks: spirit realm warrior, mastered a void realm secret technique.'
'This seems to suit me well.'
Xu Ning was interested in this mission.
This mission must be a private commission, and the opposite party should also be an inner disciple.
He wouldn't have to go out of the faction, so there was no danger involved.
In addition to this, Xu Ning had already cultivated the Flame Breath Bone Sutra to the third level.
Even if he suffered from some minor injuries during the sparring session, he would recover quickly.
So overall, this mission was quite suited for Xu Ning.
'10 contribution points every day. It's quite a lot.'
Xu Ning thought in his mind, 'As long as I work for 20 days, I can get the 200 contribution points needed to buy a void realm secret scroll.'
As long as Xu Ning got his hands on a void realm secret scroll, he could immediately break through the realms with the help of the remaining 15 Pure Source Pills.
'This one.'
After Xu Ning decided, he quickly went to the counter to line up.
If someone accepted this mission while he was in the queue, he wouldn't have a chance to accept this mission anymore.
But Xu Ning was quite lucky, as the mission was still there after he finished queuing up.
"Which mission do you wish to accept?"
The mission receptionist in front of the counter was a young girl who was also an inner disciple. She was working at the Mission Hall to obtain more Pure Source Pills.
Xu Ning described the mission he wanted.
"Sure, that mission has not been claimed yet."
The girl took out a piece of paper. "Tell me your information."
Xu Ning said his name and the house number of his residence.
The girl recorded it and handed another piece of the mission details to Xu Ning.
"Take this and you can do the mission."
"Thanks a lot."
Xu Ning took it and walked out of the Mission Hall.
'Mission requester: Le Caiwei; mission location: Spring Moon Courtyard Room 16."
Xu Ning looked at the mission location and was a little surprised.
Spring Moon Courtyard was where the elites of the inner sect lived.
Ordinary inner disciples, like Xu Ning and Gu Qinghe, lived in ordinary rooms. Although they were individual rooms, they were relatively small.
However, the advantage of such rooms was that there was no need to pay for rent.
On the other hand, the Spring Moon Courtyard contained single-family houses.
In the inner sect, living in a place like this required a large sum of Pure Source Pills every month.
"Le Caiwei isn't a void realm warrior, right?"
Xu Ning said doubtfully.
Generally speaking, people who lived in the Spring Moon Courtyard had a strong family background, and most of them were void realm disciples.
"Probably not…"
Immediately, Xu Ning rejected this idea.
A void realm warrior would never practice a void realm secret technique with a spirit realm warrior. After all, this kind of practice was too weak to be effective.
'Since she's not a void realm warrior, then her family background must be strong.'
Xu Ning looked at the information on the paper. 'Should I go to find Le Caiwei tomorrow, or should I go now?'
The mission paid 10 contribution points a day for the sparring session, but it was already in the afternoon, so they could spar for half a day at most.
'Forget about it, I'll go and take a look first. I have nothing to do anyway.'
Xu Ning put away the mission details and walked towards the Spring Moon Courtyard.
In the morning, Xu Ning had already mapped out the inner sect, so Xu Ning was not afraid of getting lost.
'Spring Moon Courtyard Room 16.'
Soon after, Xu Ning found the location.
Xu Ning walked to the door and knocked on the door.
Soon after, he heard the sound of footsteps and the door opened.
He saw a chubby girl standing in the courtyard. "Who are you?"
"I'm Xu Ning, I claimed the sparring mission from Le Caiwei."
The chubby girl heard him and said, "Come in."
"Sister Caiwei, the sparring partner for your mission is here."
The chubby girl shouted into the loft of the house.
Xu Ning realized that Le Caiwei was someone else.
A tall woman suddenly walked out. She looked to be in her late twenties.
She was not wearing the clothes of an inner disciple, instead she wore a dark green dress.
"I'm Xu Ning, and I accepted your mission."
Xu Ning handed over the mission details.
Le Caiwei took a look and then returned it.
Her attitude was neither warm nor cold. "You are in the mortal realm ninth stage, have you practiced a void realm secret technique?"
"Yes."
Xu Ning replied.
He didn't care about Le Caiwei's attitude as long as Le Caiwei gave him the contribution points.
"Let's spar for a bit first."
Le Caiwei motioned Xu Ning to walk to the open space in the courtyard.
"Sister Le."
Xu Ning said, "It's afternoon already. If we start sparring now, what about the contribution points?"
"Ten."
Le Caiwei answered simply.
"Okay."
Xu Ning smiled.
'How generous.'
"But I have to test your strength first. If you are too weak, then I have to ask you to leave."
Le Caiwei said.
"Sure."
Xu Ning was prepared to fight.
Seeing this, Le Caiwei waved her fists and swung at his face.
'Her void realm secret technique is also a punching technique.'
Xu Ning was also ready to face Le Caiwei.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The two punched at each other.
Because it was just a spar and that Xu Ning was on the defensive side, he didn't take the initiative to attack, so all of his Tidal Fist moves were defensive.
"What?"
Le Caiwei punched out and saw that Xu Ning could easily block her punches.
She narrowed her eyes and the speed of her punches increased again.
'Le Caiwei's punching technique is completely opposite to Tidal Fist.'
Xu Ning dissected Le Caiwei's punch. 'Tidal Fist is tough and powerful, one punch is more powerful than the other. Although it is a secret technique of the 'water' characteristic, it is extremely fierce, like a hurricane wave.'
'But Le Caiwei's punches are light and fast. Between each punch, there is a feminine dark force, which causes her opponent to feel out of control.'
Xu Ning quickly figured out the essence of Le Caiwei's punching technique.
"Your strength is not bad."
Le Caiwei attacked continuously, but she still couldn't find any flaw in Xu Ning's defense.
She smiled with satisfaction. "I found several sparring partners in the past, but no one is your level. You not only mastered a void realm secret technique, but also a punching technique like me, which is beneficial to me."
"In this case, before I advance to the void realm, you will be my sparring partner."
Le Caiwei was very satisfied with Xu Ning.
"Come on, this time, you attack me."
Le Caiwei said to Xu Ning.
"Okay."
Xu Ning answered.
Le Caiwei wanted to practice her defensive punching skills.
'Practicing a void realm secret technique is so troublesome.'
Whether it was a void realm secret technique or a mortal realm external skill, Xu Ning used the Martial Arts Panel to improve.
Xu Ning absorbed all of the techniques and routines after advancing.
However, martial artists such as Le Caiwei could only improve through pra
through practice, sparring, and even actual combat.
"Here!"
This time, Xu Ning took the initiative to attack.
Xu Ning used a Tidal Fist punch combo.
Because he was not facing a real enemy, Xu Ning only used single strength punches.
If he used double strength punches, Le Caiwei might not be able to defend against it.
Xu Ning inferred that her void realm punching technique was only in the first level, and there was still some gap before she could reach level two.
"You aren't using your full strength!"
Le Caiwei realized that Xu Ning was holding back, so she punched out and said, "Show me all your strength!"
"All my strength?"
Xu Ning knew very well that if he used quadruple strength punches, Le Caiwei's defense would collapse, and within five punches, Le Caiwei would lose consciousness.
'I'll use double strength punches first.'
Internal Qi began to surge in Xu Ning's body.
"What?"
Le Caiwei suddenly felt a sense of danger.
'His next punch seems… very strong!'