Martial Training Field.
Li Hao and Elder Shu walked side by side. Although it was night, the field was illuminated as bright as day by the surrounding moonlight stones.
Suddenly, Elder Shu stopped and looked at Li Hao. "Li Hao," he said, "back when I demoted you to a Chore Disciple, did you resent me?"
Li Hao shook his head. "Senior Shu, if not for you, my younger sister and mother would have fallen into the hands of the Zhao Family. I do hold resentment, but it's directed at myself for not striving harder back then. I caused you to be mocked alongside me—I disappointed you!"
Li Hao would never forget the scene of those Outer Sect Elders mocking him and Senior Shu. When he failed to become a Profound Practitioner after a year, they not only gave him a "resounding" title but also mocked Senior Shu for being blind and bringing a waste back to the Sword Sect.
He had become a laughingstock among the Outer Sect Disciples, and because of him, Senior Shu had become a mockery among the Outer Sect Elders.
Hearing Li Hao's words, Elder Shu smiled and patted his shoulder. "Let bygones be bygones. I never expected you to possess Five Elements Profound Qi, and even Metal Attribute Profound Qi. Come, we're going to the Outer Sect Peak now. I'll restore your status as an Outer Sect Disciple. Let's see who dares call you trash now!"
"Senior Shu," Li Hao said earnestly, "I want to participate in the Outer Sect Disciple Assessment next month. I'll use my strength to prove I'm not a waste—that your judgment is the best in the Sword Sect!" If he truly had Five Elements Profound Qi, he might have agreed to go with Elder Shu immediately. But the truth was, he didn't. He couldn't risk others discovering the secret of the small vortex within him.
Elder Shu was taken aback, then laughed. "Good, very ambitious."
The Sword Sect had two ways of admitting Outer Sect Disciples. First, each Outer Sect Elder could directly recruit three disciples, as they had three slots. Second, the Outer Sect Disciple Assessment was the standard method, open to anyone who reached Profound Practitioner Sixth Grade before age seventeen. Those who passed the assessment held higher status and strength than those recruited directly, as the test was rigorous, requiring not only power but also keen insight and talent.
In essence, the first method was a backdoor entry, while the second relied on pure merit. Thus, the latter were far more respected in the sect.
Elder Shu thought for a moment, then pulled a small pouch from his robe and handed it to Li Hao. "Li Hao, your determination pleases me. Here are ten Energy Stones and a Meridian Protection Pill. The stones will accelerate your Qi absorption, and the pill will safeguard your meridians from damage."
Li Hao hesitated briefly before accepting the pouch. "Senior Shu, I won't let you down this time," he vowed. He didn't refuse the elder's kindness—he desperately needed resources. Otherwise, his current cultivation speed would never get him to Profound Practitioner Sixth Grade by seventeen.
Elder Shu nodded warmly. "I believe you. Those with Five Elements Profound Qi cultivate rapidly. I didn't understand what held you back before, but now it seems your body has overcome it. Train hard. Aim for the top ten in the assessment—show those old fools who the real waste is!" His voice carried a hint of anger; though even-tempered, the memory of those mocking elders still stung.
"Top ten?" Li Hao murmured.
"Lacking confidence?" Elder Shu chuckled.
Li Hao shook his head. How could he lack confidence? His goal wasn't just to become an Outer Sect Disciple—the Inner Sect was his true aim. Previously, it seemed unattainable, but with the mysterious vortex in his dantian and his relentless effort, he believed he could make it. Of course, he first had to become an Outer Sect Disciple to qualify for the Inner Sect Disciple Trial.
After a pause, Li Hao spoke up. "Senior Shu, there's something I need to ask of you."
"What is it?" Elder Shu inquired curiously.
Li Hao explained how the Zhao Family in Pingnan City was targeting his sister. He had intended to handle it himself, but his current strength was insufficient. He needed time, so he had to rely on Elder Shu for now.
Elder Shu fell silent for a moment. "If I'm not mistaken, that Zhao Yunfei among the Outer Sect Disciples is likely from the Zhao Family. That's why they dared ignore my previous warning and threaten your family again."
"Zhao Yunfei?"
Elder Shu's expression turned grave. "He's a Zhao disciple who recently became an Outer Sect Disciple by ranking third in the assessment. Within a month of cultivation, he climbed to twenty-ninth on the Outer Sect Ranking. Rumor has it, some Inner Sect Elders are already watching him."
"Twenty-ninth on the Outer Sect Ranking?" Li Hao's face tightened.
The Outer Sect Ranking was a leaderboard of the strongest among thousands of Outer Sect Disciples. The top ten were said to rival some Outer Sect Elders in power. For Zhao Yunfei to reach twenty-ninth in just a month showed immense talent and strength.
"Don't worry," Elder Shu said. "I'll visit Pingnan City. As long as Zhao Yunfei remains an Outer Sect Disciple, the Zhao Family will still heed me. But if he passes the upcoming Inner Sect Disciple Trial in three months and becomes an Inner Sect Disciple, they may no longer fear my influence."
Li Hao bowed deeply. "Thank you, Senior Shu." He knew that once Zhao Yunfei became an Inner Sect Disciple, an Outer Sect Elder's authority would mean nothing. With Inner Sect resources, Zhao Yunfei's power would grow rapidly, and the Zhao Family would act with impunity.
To deter them, Li Hao needed to surpass Zhao Yunfei in strength and status. In other words, he had only three months to exceed him—or his family would be in grave danger.
"Listen, boy," Elder Shu warned sternly. "Zhao Yunfei's ranking at twenty-ninth means he's already an Innate Expert. You must strive harder. Otherwise, not only will you fail to protect your family, but your own life might be at risk."
Innate Expert!
Li Hao's pupils contracted, his fists clenching. It was common knowledge that below the Innate Realm lay the Mortal Realm, spanning grades one to nine. Beyond the ninth grade was the Innate Realm, and the gap between the two was vast. Just the Innate Profound Qi Shield alone was nearly impenetrable to Mortal Realm practitioners.
"Innate Realm? It seems I must redouble my efforts," Li Hao muttered, his resolve firming.
Seeing Li Hao undaunted, Elder Shu smiled approvingly. He had chosen Li Hao not only for his loyalty but also for his unwavering determination. In the path of martial arts, such temperament was as vital as talent.
As they parted, the night had deepened. Instead of heading to Jade Wind Valley to cultivate, Li Hao returned to his room and took out the "Five Elements Rune Formula" to study. If he could master talisman creation, it would significantly boost his power—the effects described were astounding.
Reading the descriptions of various talismans in the formula, Li Hao grew increasingly amazed. Some, like the Essence Condensing Talisman, could accelerate Qi absorption for an hour or two. Others, like the Strength Talisman, could multiply one's physical strength for a similar duration. The possibilities were endless.
Unable to resist, Li Hao decided to attempt crafting a talisman, starting with the simpler Strength Talisman.
But theory and practice were worlds apart. The process proved far more challenging than he had imagined. Yet, Li Hao refused to be discouraged, trying repeatedly.
In the following days, thanks to Elder Shu's influence, the new Chores Peak overseer wisely assigned no tasks to Li Hao, freeing his time. He spent his days training diligently at Jade Wind Valley or studying the Rune Art.
One day, while Li Hao was researching the Five Elements Rune Formula in his room, a Chore Disciple arrived with a grim expression. "Brother Li," the disciple said anxiously, "I have news for you."
"What is it?" Li Hao asked, puzzled. He didn't recognize the disciple. Though the removal of Zhang Qiang and his lackeys (due to Li Hao's actions) had earned him respect among the Chore Disciples, he had no close ties with them.
The disciple hesitated, then said, "Brother Li, Zhang Qiang's cousin is returning soon."
Because of Li Hao, the Chore Disciples were freed from Zhang Qiang's oppression, and they held goodwill toward him. They didn't want to see him harmed.
"Zhang Qiang's cousin?" Li Hao frowned. He knew the cousin was an Outer Sect Disciple. Was he coming to cause trouble?
The disciple nodded. "Brother Li, everyone asked me to warn you. Rumor has it, Zhang Qiang's cousin has reached Profound Practitioner Eighth Grade. When he returns and learns you got Zhang Qiang and the others sent to the Crystal Mine, he'll surely seek revenge. Be prepared."
"Profound Practitioner Eighth Grade?" Li Hao narrowed his eyes. After a moment's thought, he took out fifty Gold Coins and handed them to the disciple. "Thank you for the warning. I'll be cautious. Here are fifty Gold Coins—please accept them. If you hear any important news in the future, do inform me."
With thousands of Chore Disciples spread across the peak, they gathered vast amounts of intelligence. Having them as informants could be invaluable.
The disciple accepted the coins eagerly. "Brother Li, don't worry. We'll notify you immediately of any news concerning you or major events!" With that, he left.
Alone, Li Hao murmured, "Profound Practitioner Eighth Grade... and I'm only at Fourth Grade. It seems I have much work to do."