...….
After realizing the extent of his strength, Azmodeus found it hard to believe that he had already reached a point where he could be considered a senior Core Disciple of the Yang Sect…
'The Tempering Marrow Realm… How far have I come in just a matter of two short days…? Two days to reach the 10th Minor Stage of the Body Refinement Realm…'
The Tempering Marrow Stages of the Body Refinement Realm were otherwise marked as the final stages one must progress through before they're able to become a true cultivator in the Qi Condensation Realm.
In this set of five minor realms, a cultivator must temper their marrow enough to achieve certain milestones.
These realms were split into five unit indicators, namely →
-20% Tempering Marrow
-40% Tempering Marrow
-60% Tempering Marrow
-80% Tempering Marrow
-100% Tempering Marrow
Reaching the 100% Tempering Marrow Stage was the last known threshold of the Body Refinement Realm.
"If I can make it to a state of 100% Tempering Marrow, I should be able to rival the strongest elders from all the big forces in Spirit River City, as well as the Yang Sect…"
At this notion, a small smile formed on the corner of Azmodeus's lips.
However, he soon recalled the harsh reality: the ruling forces of Spirit River City would never allow any itinerant cultivator like him to gather enough resources to break through to the 100% Tempering Marrow Stage…
'It looks like I'll need to quickly climb up the ranks of the Yang Sect if I want to acquire enough resources to make breakthroughs without completely relying on the system.'
'Relying purely on the system is a reckless move that could leave me with a skewed foundation, so vying for more resources is for the best. At least, for now…'
After that realization dawned on him, he already knew what he needed to do next.
"The Outer Sect Disciple Admittance Competition," he muttered under his breath.
Even though his strength had already surpassed a level far greater than what one needed to become an Outer Sect Disciple, there was still due process to everything.
And in his case, it just meant that he had to spend a few more days climbing through the ranks of the Yang Sect.
And luckily for him, the timing was perfect. The day after the Outer Sect Admittance Competition, there would be the Inner Sect Competition, and two days after that, there was the annual Core Disciple Competition!
Everything almost seemed to be lined up a bit too perfectly, but Azmodeus didn't care. As long as he could acquire more strength, he wasn't concerned as to who might be scheming behind the scenes.
After all, if whoever was scheming against him was truly strong enough, then why wouldn't they simply kill him, take what they wanted, and be done with it??
Why go through so much trouble for such minimal returns??
It just didn't add up. This thought led to Azmodeus scratching the topic altogether, focusing instead on cleaning up.
After completing this 'task,' he made his way to the Outer Sect Admittance Competition.
_____
A few minutes later, a young boy around twelve years old, with facial features that one would deem quite adorable, made his way through the outer reaches of the Yang Forest.
As Azmodeus raced through the forest at a speed covering hundreds of meters a minute, he was also effortlessly killing every Spiritual Beast that he passed by during his brief trip.
After a few careless swings of his sword like a fool and cleaving down a few trees, Azmodeus had gained a few thousand Evolution Essence, leaving him quite pleased with the results.
However, after a short while, he eventually made it to the gates of the Yang Sect, and upon seeing the large archway that held a wide golden plaque that read, 'Yang Sect,' Azmodeus walked through them.
After a few moments and a few weaves through the bustling streets of the Yang Sect's Outer area, he made it to the Sect Registry Grounds.
But contrary to the day before, he didn't stop at the Sect Registry Grounds. Instead, he took a cursory glance at the building before continuing his way towards an arena that had a rather distinct Spartan feel to it.
The Yang Arena.
The arena was established by the ancestors of the Yang Sect several hundred years ago. Since its inception, it has stood strong and served as the venue for numerous Sect activities.
Once every month, the arena would be used to host the Outer Sect Admittance Test, and once every six months, it would be used to hold the Inner Sect Competition.
Furthermore, once a year, the arena would also host a truly special occasion. During this, all the members of the sect and even a few other sects would gather to catch a glimpse of it.
It was the most anticipated event of the year that was held at the end of the year — the Core Disciple Competition!
Tap, Tap.
Azmodeus silently navigated through the bustling crowd surrounding the Yang Arena, making his way straight for the area where all of the participants of the ongoing competition would announce their arrival.
He made it to the other side of a tall mahogany counter that, similar to the one in the Sect Registry Grounds, was just enough to allow him to peek over the other side.
"Excuse me?" Azmodeus called out, his question directed toward a lady with short black hair on the other side of the counter.
"Hmm?" The lady receptionist glanced down at the young boy and asked, "Do you need something, boy?"
"Yes, I am here to announce my arrival for the Outer Sect Competition," Azmodeus responded calmly.
"Are you sure you aren't los—?"
"No, I'm not lost," Azmodeus interjected. "Could you please just pen my name down on that piece of paper right there?"
"…"
The lady receptionist didn't know what to do in this situation, and hesitated, considering that this boy clearly looked too young to be qualified to become an Outer Disciple.
If she allowed him in and something bad happened to him, then it might bring some trouble back to her and her family…
However, her mind took a complete 360 with the following words that escaped the boy's mouth.
"My name is Azmodeus. No last name."
"Did you just say Azmodeus???" the receptionist repeated with disbelief.
"Yes, I did. Now can you put my name down so I can get into the Outer Sect Competition?"
" …V-Very well…"
Uncertain as to how to proceed, the lady receptionist simply complied with the boy's request and reported this matter to her seniors, just as she had done previously in the Sect Registry Grounds.
...….