The Sword Sect's outer disciple assessment was considered a grand event in Jingzhou. The Great Qin Empire consisted of nine provinces, each housing tens of thousands of cities, and the Sword Sect belonged to the jurisdiction of Jingzhou. During this time, the talented offspring of influential families and independent cultivators from cities near the Sword Sect would come to participate. The number of geniuses among them was countless, and the difficulty of achieving a top-ten position in such a competition was self-evident.
Although obtaining a top-ten ranking was challenging, it came with numerous benefits. In addition to receiving the sect's elixirs, talismans, and profound treasures as rewards, the chosen disciples would also receive special attention and abundant cultivation resources from the Sword Sect.
While talent was important, the availability of cultivation resources was even more crucial. Even if one was a genius, without the sect's support and nurturing, they would still end up as a waste.
Yang Ye's goal was to achieve a top-ten ranking. Besides proving himself to Elder Qian and competing with him, he also aimed to gain the sect's recognition. Liu Qingyu was already a prominent figure on the outer disciple ranking, undoubtedly receiving the sect's attention. If Yang Ye couldn't earn the sect's recognition and surpass Liu Qingyu, what would be the point of seeking revenge on the Liu family?
Thinking of the Liu family and Liu Qingyu, a cold light flickered in Yang Ye's eyes. Regardless of the circumstances, he would make them pay a price.
Suppressing the killing intent in his heart, Yang Ye took a deep breath and headed towards the training ground, intending to ask Elder Qian about his family's situation. What worried him the most was the condition of his sister and mother in An Nan City.
"Halt, you useless brat!"
As soon as Yang Ye arrived at the training ground, someone called out to him. Hearing the voice, Yang Ye frowned and turned to look at the person. When he saw the individual's appearance, a cold killing intent flashed deep within Yang Ye's eyes.
The person who called out to him was a man of similar age, with sword-like eyebrows and a flowing green robe. However, there was a hint of a mocking smile on his face. Standing on either side of him were two other disciples dressed in green robes, both outer disciples.
Although Yang Ye had never seen this man before, he knew who he was. The person before him was undoubtedly Liu Qingyu.
On that day, many outer disciples were practicing in the training ground. When they saw these five people blocking Yang Ye's path, many disciples gathered, curious to see what would happen.
"I'm Liu Qingyu." Liu Qingyu looked at Yang Ye with an amused smile, his eyes filled with playfulness. "Yang Ye, I never expected you to become a Xuan Warrior and even kill Duan Jun, a higher-ranked Xuan Warrior. It's truly surprising!"
"Hmm..."
Upon hearing Liu Qingyu's words, the surrounding disciples were filled with excitement, their gazes filled with admiration directed towards Liu Qingyu.
"So, this is Liu Qingyu, ranked twenty-ninth on the outer disciple ranking. Why is he here instead of practicing at the Seven Refinements Peak?"
"A powerful disciple on the outer disciple ranking? Does that mean he's already an Innate Expert? He's an Innate Expert at sixteen or seventeen years old? It's truly incredible!"
"I heard that he has caught the attention of some inner sect elders. Being noticed by them means an immeasurable future!"
...
Seeing the admiring gazes of the surrounding disciples, Liu Qingyu seemed to revel in it. His pride was even more apparent on his face.
Looking at Liu Qingyu, Yang Ye took a deep breath, suppressing the killing intent in his heart, and calmly said, "Are you done talking?"
It must be said that Yang Ye's indifferent expression was quite detestable to his opponent, and Liu Qingyu found it particularly annoying. Upon hearing Yang Ye's dismissive words and seeing his nonchalant demeanor, Liu Qingyu narrowed his eyes, as if he had figured something out. He let out a chuckle and said, "Yang Ye, we could have become relatives. My father took a liking to your mother, and my older brother was interested in your sister. It was an opportunity for your family, but it seems you don't appreciate it..."
Yang Ye sneered, interrupting Liu Qingyu's words. "Liu Qingyu, I took a liking to your mother. I desire all the women from your Liu family. How about your mother and all the women from your family marry me? Then we can become relatives too, right?"
Upon hearing Yang Ye's words, the surrounding disciples were taken aback. This was the 29th-ranked expert on the outer disciple ranking! Although they could only engage in combat on the life-and-death stage, Yang Ye's audacity was truly astounding.
Liu Qingyu's expression turned grim, and a surge of power emanated from him. He pointed his finger at Yang Ye, and a sharp white sword aura cut through the air, whistling toward Yang Ye.
Liu Qingyu was well aware that, except for the life-and-death stage, he was not allowed to take action against fellow sect disciples. However, rules were made to restrict the weak. He believed that even if he killed Yang Ye on the spot, the sect wouldn't do much to him. After all, he was already an Innate Expert, while Yang Ye was just a menial disciple.
The sword aura was incredibly fast, almost imperceptible to the surrounding disciples. They only saw a flash of white light.
At that moment, Yang Ye felt a force locking onto him. He realized that he couldn't avoid it and could only break through the sword aura forcefully. However, the sword aura was too fast, and he couldn't react in time.
"So, this is the strength of an Innate Expert?" Sensing the impending death, Yang Ye muttered under his breath.
Just as the sword aura was about to strike Yang Ye, Elder Qian suddenly appeared beside him. With a wave of his sleeve, a powerful gust of wind swept out, and with a resounding "bang," the sword aura dissipated in an instant.
"Liu Qingyu, the sect has regulations. Apart from the life-and-death stage, you are not allowed to attack fellow sect disciples. Have you forgotten?" Elder Qian glared at Liu Qingyu, his voice filled with anger. Yang Ye possessed the Five Elements Profound Energy, and he would never allow Yang Ye to die in such a place.
Upon seeing Elder Qian, Liu Qingyu's eyes flickered for a moment as he suppressed his killing intent. He respectfully clasped his fists and said, "So it's Elder Qian. Yang Ye insulted my family, and I was just teaching him a lesson, nothing more!" Although he felt some anger toward the old man before him, he dared not express it. After all, he was still an outer disciple under the jurisdiction of the outer elders.
Elder Qian snorted coldly but did not punish Liu Qingyu. Although Liu Qingyu was an outer disciple, his talent was considered outstanding among the outer disciples, and some of the inner elders had taken notice of him. Elder Qian couldn't do much about this matter.
"Since there's no issue, Qingyu takes his leave!" Liu Qingyu clasped his fists at Elder Qian and then turned to leave. However, at that moment, Yang Ye spoke up.
"Wait a moment..."
Liu Qingyu turned around to face Yang Ye, a disdainful smile on his lips. "What is it?"
Elder Qian furrowed his brow, about to say something, but then he saw Yang Ye walking up to him, pointing at Liu Qingyu, and saying, "Liu Qingyu, I know you want to kill me. I'll give you a chance. Three months from now, let's have a duel on the life-and-death stage. Are you daring enough?" Walking the path of martial arts meant being courageous, advancing with determination, facing all challenges, and constantly becoming stronger. Yang Ye didn't want to leave himself any retreat. He wanted to force himself!
Upon hearing Yang Ye's words, the mouths of the surrounding disciples fell open wide, as if they could fit an egg inside. The fact that a menial disciple challenged an outer disciple had already shocked the entire outer sect. But now, this menial disciple wanted to challenge Liu Qingyu, the 29th-ranked expert on the outer disciple ranking, who had even reached the Innate realm. Was this menial disciple trying to defy the heavens?
"Hahaha..." Liu Qingyu burst into laughter after recovering from his daze. Anticipating that Elder Qian might say something, he quickly said, "Alright, I accept your challenge. Three months from now, on the life-and-death stage. I hope you won't disappoint me!" With that, he laughed a few more times, seemingly afraid of any interference from Elder Qian, and swiftly left with his companions.
Seeing Liu Qingyu depart, Elder Qian sighed and said, "Yang Ye, you acted recklessly just now. You're only a Xuan-level Rank Six now, and the gap between you and an Innate Expert like him is truly significant."
Yang Ye replied in a deep voice, "Elder Qian, I understand. I'm putting my life on the line. He wanted to kill me just now, and although you were here this time, what about the next time? If you're not around, he'll kill me without hesitation. Will the sect punish him? No, they won't. By establishing a three-month agreement with him, he won't make a move against me within that time. This way, I still have a chance!"
Hearing Yang Ye's words, Elder Qian's lips moved, but he said nothing. He also understood this logic very well. However, surpassing an Innate Expert in three months, even with Yang Ye possessing the Five Elements Profound Energy, was simply impossible. Three months was too short!
After a moment of silence, Elder Qian patted Yang Ye's shoulder and said, "Young Yang, I had planned to announce your Five Elements Profound Energy, but it seems that I can't do that now. If I were to reveal your Five Elements Profound Energy, Liu Qingyu would never give you a chance to rise. For now, you must focus on your efforts and strive to have the strength to confront him. Do you understand?"
Yang Ye nodded. Previously, he might not have had much of a chance, but now he had the small vortex and the energy stones given to him by Bao'er, as well as the pulse-protecting pill from the outer sect elder. He had a fighting chance. This time, he was not only fighting for his mother and sister, but also for himself.
If he fought, he had a chance. If he didn't, he had no chance at all.
So, he willingly made the challenge on the life-and-death stage, leaving no room for retreat.
"Focus on your cultivation. I have already visited Annan City, and I have warned the Liu family. They won't trouble your family for the time being. Your sister and mother are doing well, but they miss you," Elder Qian said.
Sister, mother!
Upon hearing those two words, a gentle smile appeared on Yang Ye's determined face. They were his faith and his motivation. For them, he was willing to endure any hardship and fatigue.
After bidding farewell to Elder Qian, Yang Ye walked quickly toward Qingfeng Valley. Now, he urgently needed strength !