The loud and long-lasting sound of five bell tolls resonated through the Lihuo Sect, reaching the ears of every disciple.
"Did I hear that correctly? The bell tolled five times! It hasn't happened in years!"
"Could there be a peerless genius joining our sect?"
Among the disciples, shock and curiosity spread like wildfire. They rushed out of their residences, eager to discover the identity of the exceptional individual who had caused the bells to ring five times.
The bell's toll carried significant meaning, indicating the arrival of an outer disciple with extraordinary talent. The number of tolls represented the level of talent, with five tolls signifying the highest level—a genius with unparalleled potential.
The sect had not witnessed such a prodigy in countless years. Hence, the entire sect was abuzz with excitement and anticipation.
At the gate of the sect, the two disciples guarding the entrance were dumbstruck. They had never expected the bell to ring five times.
When the bell rang, it signaled the arrival of a new disciple. One to four tolls indicated an inner disciple, with two tolls representing poor talent, three tolls indicating excellent talent, and four tolls denoting exceptional talent.
However, five tolls... it had been ages since the Lihuo Sect had encountered a disciple of such extraordinary talent.
If Su Yuwei were to participate in the evaluation, she would likely achieve the five-toll level. But who could the other person be?
"Five... five tolls!" Xu Kun, one of the elders, stared at Lin Chen in disbelief. "You're not mistaken, are you?"
"Why, Elder Xu, is there something special about the sound of the bell?" Lin Chen asked, surprised by the elder's reaction.
"Of course. The number of tolls is based on talent and status. Outer disciples can only ring the bell once at most. This is the rule. Inner disciples can ring the bell from two to four times. Only disciples with truly exceptional talent can attract five tolls!"
Xu Kun took a deep breath and continued, "This was arranged by Sister Lian. If she's not mistaken, it means she believes you possess the talent worthy of five tolls!"
"That's right," Tuntun, Lin Chen's phantom beast, interjected proudly. "Don't even look at who this kid's phantom beast is!"
Lin Ning'er, Lin Chen's sister, smiled cheerfully. She knew the hardships Lin Chen had endured to get back on his feet after being deposed. She was proud of his resilience and determination.
As Lin Chen, Xu Kun, and Tuntun made their way to the top of the mountain where the outer disciples lived, they attracted the attention of many elders and disciples. Everyone was eager to catch a glimpse of the genius who had caused the bell to ring five times.
Xu Kun led Lin Chen to an empty courtyard and settled him in. Meanwhile, Su Yuwei returned to her room, deep in thought.
"Miss, if this happens, he may face challenges within the sect," Aunt Lian, Su Yuwei's attendant, said with concern.
The Lihuo Sect was known for its brave and warlike disciples. When a new disciple with exceptional talent joined, it was customary for other disciples to engage in friendly competitions to test their abilities.
"Let him experience some difficulties. He's Lin Tianming's grandson. It can't be that simple," Su Yuwei replied. "Besides, Lin Tianming left me some words after the memorial tablet. He's deliberately training this kid!"
Aunt Lian nodded, realizing that Lin Tianming held high hopes for his grandson.
Xu Kun led Lin Chen to the top of the mountain where the outer disciples lived, found an empty courtyard, and placed them there.
"Sister, you can sleep here, and I can sleep in the wing."
Lin Chen carried Lin Ning'er to the room and gently placed her on the bed. Her face had regained some of its color, and her breath was stronger than before.
"A genius who can cause the bell to ring five times is actually just an outer disciple, settled here..."
Xu Kun sighed, wondering about Sister Lian's intentions.
He was unaware that it was not Lian Qing who had arranged for the bell to ring five times for Lin Chen, but Su Yuwei.
"The sect doesn't have too many restrictions. Everyone is focused on cultivation, so don't put too much pressure on yourself," Xu Kun advised. "I heard that your cultivation was ruined by Feng Buxie, and then you were able to regain your peak by changing to a fantasy beast. Your state can easily cause your foundation to be unstable, so don't be impatient!"
"Thank you, Elder Xu," Lin Chen replied gratefully.
After Xu Kun left, Lin Chen entered the side room and began修炼cross-legged. Outside his courtyard, disciples gathered, curious and eager to catch a glimpse of the talented newcomer.
"Is this guy inside really the one who caused the bell to ring five times?"
"Impossible. Isn't this the top of the mountain where the outer disciples live?"
"A genius who can cause the bell to ring five times cannot be an outer disciple. Could it be that the sect made a mistake?"
Just then, a loud shout resounded outside the courtyard, dispersing the group of disciples.
"What kind of behavior do you have to gather around here? Go back and practice!"
A tall middle-aged man with a solemn expression entered Lin Chen's courtyard.
"Senior, what are you doing here?" Lin Chen asked respectfully.
"My name is Yan Lin, one of the elders of the inner sect of Lihuo Sect. As an elder of the inner sect, I am qualified to accept disciples. Do you want to be my disciple?"
Yan Lin came straight to the point, offering Lin Chen the opportunity to become his disciple.
Lin Chen was startled. He had just arrived at the sect, and already someone wanted to take him on as a disciple?
Before Lin Chen could respond, two more voices rang out from outside the courtyard.
"Yan Lin, are you shameless!"
"How can such a talented person allow you to get there first!"
An old man with white hair and a man in green robes entered the courtyard.
"Elder Liu, Elder Huo, you are fast enough!" Yan Lin said with a straight face. "But, everything must be done on a first-come, first-served basis, right? If I come first, I will naturally have priority!"
The white-haired old man was named Liu Yuan, and the man in green robes was named Huo Feng. Both were elders of the inner sect of Lihuo Sect.
"Bullshit priority, you're trying to steal an apprentice. Whoever offers good conditions will naturally be willing to follow you, right, little friend!"
Liu Yuan smiled and said, "I don't have much for anything, I just have a lot of cultivation resources. As long as you become my disciple, I will cover all the cultivation resources!"
Huo Feng also quickly added, "I can give them whatever conditions they can give!"
Just as the three elders were eagerly trying to recruit Lin Chen as their disciple, a voice called out from outside the courtyard.
"You all should stand down, he doesn't want to be a disciple!"
The three elders were stunned upon hearing this.