Li Yun's face darkened when he realized he was the only one left behind. None of the seven elders had chosen him, nor had they asked which peak he wished to join. Some disciples like Lie Hua, Xia Guo, and Gao Zhu, who ranked near the top, were specifically asked which peak they wanted to join, and their choices were respected.
But Li Yun was neither asked nor chosen by any of the elders. It was as if his existence had been completely ignored, as if he weren't even standing among the disciples.
He wasn't a fool and understood that the reason for being ignored by the seven elders of the various peaks likely had something to do with his bone frame. Even his parents had almost given up on him when they learned about his bone frame, so why would the elders, who only value disciples with the most potential, be any different? Naturally, he would be overlooked in such a situation.
However, Li Yun wasn't the type to stay silent in a situation like this.
"Elder Zhao, can you see me?" Li Yun asked, turning to him.
"Yes, I can. Why ask such a stupid question?" Elder Zhao glared at him.
Li Yun laughed loudly. "It's just that I wasn't sure if the seven elders had gone blind or stupid of if I had turned invisible since they didn't choose the number one-ranked disciple in the selection."
His question surprised Elder Zhao a little, as he didn't know how to answer. However, the seven elders sneered when they heard Li Yun.
"We're simply selecting disciples based on the potential of their bone frame. You, with no bone frame, aren't worth any of the peaks taking you in," one of the seven elders mocked.
"I see," Li Yun replied with a smile of understanding, but suddenly his expression grew perplexed. "But how is it that a person with no bone frame attained rank one in the selection assessment, while others failed? How is it that his comprehension is better than any other disciple who participated in the assessment? How is it that he surpassed all the disciples with better bone frames in the Combat Pagoda and entered the fourth floor, while none of these so-called disciples with superior bone frames could even enter?"
The seven elders' faces darkened, but Li Yun wasn't done.
"Esteemed elders of the various peaks, could you kindly explain this small query of your humble disciple?" he added respectfully.
The seven elders trembled at his last words. It was obvious to everyone that Li Yun was sarcastically questioning them, but the respect in his tone sounded so genuine it was hard to tell.
On the other hand, the bearded Elder Qin looked at the situation with an intrigued smile, while Elder Zhao frowned, unsure of where things were heading.
One of the seven elders stepped forward and glared at Li Yun.
"We select disciples based on their long-term potential, not short-term results. It is an established fact in the Soaring Heaven Continent that people with no bone frame are no more than mortals, so your achievements won't go any further than what you've already accomplished. So be satisfied and stop pestering us," the elder retorted.
Li Yun nodded in understanding. "So you're saying a mortal surpassed those talented disciples you're choosing? A mortal entered the fourth floor of the Combat Pagoda on his first try—a feat only ten others in the sect's history have achieved. I understand your reasoning behind choosing the others over a mortal. I won't question you anymore." He shook his head in disdain as he finished.
"Kid, let me tell you something. What you achieved was all due to luck, and these disciples will surpass you in the future. Be prepared for that," one of the elders shouted, unable to hold back.
"Are you talking about them?" Li Yun laughed, holding his stomach as he pointed at Xia Guo and the others. "Other than Lie Hua, who is strong—whom I respect—and Gao Zhu, whom I haven't had the opportunity to fight, the rest... you know what? I don't need to join these ridiculous peaks that are selecting disciples like them." He looked at the other disciples with disgust, then at the elders with disdain.
His words immediately enraged the gathered disciples and the seven elders.
"Kid, don't think we wanted you—" another elder began, but he was interrupted by Elder Qin.
"ENOUGH!"
The seven elders fell silent, glaring at Li Yun with threatening expressions.
"This matter is over," Elder Qin declared, turning to Li Yun. "Come to the Martial Library once you've settled into the outer sect."
Li Yun nodded. He hadn't forgotten the bet he had with the old man, so he was going to find him one way or another, even if the elder tried to avoid him.
As for not joining a peak, Li Yun didn't dwell on it. With his comprehension and his system, he didn't need to join any peak to achieve his goals in the sect. However, he would have to look for an alternative to pursue his path in alchemy. He added that to his to-do list.
"Elder Zhao, lead them to their courtyard in the outer sect," Elder Qin ordered.
Elder Zhao nodded and addressed the two hundred and fifty disciples. "I'll take you to the outer sect. Follow me."
The disciples nodded and followed Elder Zhao deep into the sect until they reached the Outer Sect.
Li Yun and the others were surprised to see many outer disciples walking along the path. Some appeared to be returning from missions, injured, while others were heading elsewhere. Rows upon rows of courtyards and houses lined the main path they walked.
The outer disciples sneered when they saw the new recruits being led by Elder Zhao. Many of the new disciples frowned, their faces clouded with nervousness.
After several more minutes, they arrived in an area filled with courtyards and houses.
"Check your identity badges. Something new should have appeared on them," Elder Zhao said to the disciples.
They nodded and examined their badges, noticing numbers that had appeared beside their names. The disciples compared numbers, confirming that each badge had a unique number.
Li Yun looked at his badge.
"444."
He was sure this number hadn't been there the last time he checked, so he deduced it had appeared after entering the outer sect.
"The number on your badge is your courtyard number. It's in this area, so go and find your home," Elder Zhao said, dismissing them.
The disciples nodded and began searching for their assigned courtyards. Li Yun also set off to find his home.
Elder Zhao watched Li Yun's back thoughtfully before silently disappearing from the outer sect.
Some time later, Li Yun exclaimed in joy when he found his house.
"How do I get inside?"
He inspected the house, noting that it resembled the ancient houses he had seen in some Chinese folklore movies.
"What's this?"
He found an odd hole in the wall. Upon closer inspection, he realized that the shape of the hole matched his badge.
"I see."
Understanding the mechanism, he inserted his badge into the hole, and the door to his house creaked open.
"Cool."
Li Yun's eyes sparkled with excitement at the sight of the mechanism. Taking back his badge, he entered the house and closed the door behind him.