**Chapter Title: Unveiling True Powers**
In the Zhao Clan, these two individuals stood as the pinnacle of their generation. If Zhao Chen could surpass them, his strength would undoubtedly increase significantly, offering immense benefits to his own development.
Yet, Zhao Chen is just Zhao Chen, while Zhao Yun Tian and Lin Feng are not to be underestimated.
Zhao Chen's father, Zhao Wuji, holds the status of an early-stage True God and is also an elder within the sect. In contrast, Zhao Yun Tian's father merely serves as a steward within the Zhao Clan.
Thus, the sons and grandsons of Zhao Wuji could not possibly match Zhao Chen's prowess.
"Given this, I should also extend my friendship to you," Zhao Yan said with a slight smile.
Although Zhao Wuji's descendants do not match Zhao Chen, they are indeed central prodigies within the Zhao Clan, destined for limitless futures. Moreover, their dispositions are commendable, unlike Zhao Chen's narrow-minded, malevolent cunning.
"I share the same sentiment," Zhao Yun Tian responded.
Promptly, Zhao Yun Tian, accompanied by Lin Feng, stepped forward and bowed to Zhao Yan, saying, "I am Zhao Yun Tian, it is a pleasure to meet you, Brother Zhao."
"Ha ha... Brother Zhao, you are new here; I am Zhao Yun Tian. Both Lin Feng and I possess the cultivation of True Gods, making us among the elite here," Zhao Yun Tian laughed heartily, "Our cultivation techniques are aligned, and whether it's the speed of cultivation or combat prowess, we are on par. If you don't mind, feel free to call us brothers."
Zhao Yan, amused, replied, "Sure, I'll call you brothers, just don't look down on me!"
"Ha ha..." Both Zhao Yun Tian and Lin Feng burst into laughter, evidently very pleased to befriend Zhao Yan.
"Since we're friends, please, take a seat!" Zhao Yan invited them to sit, and Zhao Yun Tian nodded appreciatively.
He then inquired, "I wonder, Brother Zhao, would you be interested in joining our Zhao Clan?"
"Me?" Zhao Yan shook his head, "Well..."
Although Zhao Yan had entered the inner courtyard, he had not yet formally joined the sect.
Joining the sect hastily could potentially introduce instability and even trouble for the sect.
Therefore, Zhao Yan needed to consider it carefully.
"I see." Both Zhao Yun Tian and Lin Feng couldn't hide their disappointment.
"Brother Zhao, you possess considerable cultivation and talent; joining our Zhao Clan would be beneficial," Lin Feng remarked.
"I'll think about it," Zhao Yan said.
Subsequently, the trio spent the day in the valley, exchanging ideas and chatting.
They talked until the evening before parting reluctantly.
"It seems I need to familiarize myself with the sect's affairs and join as soon as possible," Zhao Yan thought as he returned to his room and began studying the sect's documents.
The sect's structure was meticulously detailed. It was divided into four parts: the outer court, inner court, and the core, with the inner and outer courts separated by thousands of miles. The outer court was incredibly strong, comprising the sect's elite talents.
These individuals had their own factions outside, so they held no power in the inner court.
However, Zhao Yan had made a name for himself in the outer court: the Dragon Tiger Sect, which Zhao Yun Tian and Lin Feng mentioned as a branch of the Zhao Clan, meaning Zhao Yan had become a part of this branch.
The sect Zhao Yan was part of was quite unique. It was independent and comprised five major divisions: the Enforcement Hall, the Protector Hall, the Hall Masters, the Deacons, and the External Hall Master.
Each of these five Hall Masters, personally appointed by the sect leader, possessed the cultivation of early-stage True Gods.
Outside, each of these five was formidable, and even the elders of the Zhao Clan dared not provoke them.
Zhao Yan's strength was only equivalent to a Deacon of the outer court, and Zhao Yun Tian had mentioned that he was the third to undergo the sect's evaluation.
If Zhao Yan could prevail, Zhao Yun Tian would become the foremost genius of the Zhao Clan, and he would also ascend to the position of Vice Hall Master—an incredible leap.
Zhao Yun Tian was particularly looking forward to Zhao Yan's performance.
As for Lin Feng, he was the fourth Deacon of the Zhao Clan, a powerful figure in his own right, having joined the Zhao Clan just a few months after Zhao Yun Tian and equally skilled.
Their goal was to vie for the position of sect leader, and there was also a competitive relationship between Zhao Chen and Zhao Yun Tian.
However, neither placed much emphasis on Zhao Chen, considering him insignificant.
Moreover, the two admired each other and harbored no romantic feelings.
The resources within the sect were distributed based on age, so Zhao Yun Tian and Lin Feng had been there for over three hundred years.
Zhao Yun Tian also had an advantage; he was a unique spiritual root, the fastest in cultivation among all spiritual roots.
Thus, Zhao Yun Tian's talent was exceptionally high, now at the peak of late-stage True God.
Lin Feng's talent was even stronger, his cultivation having already reached the middle stage of True God, just a step away from breaking through to the late stage.
Although these two were formidable in the outer court, the disciples of the sect were numerous.
The sect also housed many powers and groups, which Zhao Yun Tian and Lin Feng were wary of.
What they were cautious about was the controller of the sect, the master of the Zhao Clan.
According to Zhao Yun Tian, this controller was renowned throughout the Tian Yuan Empire, one of the most powerful figures on the Tian Yuan Continent, also known as
the Great Demon Lord, a super-strong individual at the peak of late-stage True God!
However, Zhao Yan wasn't particularly concerned about this Great Demon Lord of the Zhao Clan; his interest lay in the inner gate of the sect.
The inner gate of the sect was like a massive net, encompassing the entire sect.
Both Zhao Yun Tian and Lin Feng wanted to enter this gate, but they couldn't get in.
Moreover, within the sect, they had to endure various oppressions from outside the sect.
"Junior Brother Zhao, what should we do now?" Lin Feng asked.
"We need time, just waiting for the right opportunity," Zhao Yan replied with a slight smile, "I believe I'll soon become a disciple of the inner gate."
"Hopefully," Lin Feng said.
Then, Zhao Yan added, "Also, I'd like to know what exactly has happened here. Why are there so many powerful beasts in this area?"
During his travels outside, Zhao Yan had encountered many beasts, even great demons of the True God stage.
Though these great demons were formidable, for Zhao Yan, they were merely minor challenges.
He had not encountered other disciples of the sect, so he was unclear about the situation.