87: Chapter 87 Who Isn't a Dou Shi! Xiao Yan's Thirty Years East of the River

"The Outer Sect Disciple Competition has now concluded."

"First place among Outer Sect Disciples: Gu Han."

"Second place among Outer Sect Disciples: Yun Lange."

"Outer Sect Disciple..."

"Fifth place among Outer Sect Disciples: Nalan Yanran."

"..."

An Inner Sect Deacon stood on the high platform to announce the final rankings. Finally, with a kind expression, he asked Gu Han, "Gu Han, as the first-place Outer Sect Disciple, you may challenge an Inner Sect Disciple according to the rules."

"Even if it's the lowest-ranked one, as long as you can hold out for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea without being defeated, you can enjoy the treatment of an Inner Sect Disciple from now on. Do you wish to issue a challenge?"

Inner Sect Disciples were all Dou Master level experts. Even the lowest-ranked disciple could obtain resources and access missions that Outer Sect Disciples could not compare to.

Although the top twenty Outer Sect Disciples received varying degrees of resource increases, they still could not surpass Inner Sect Disciples.

"I will not challenge. Thank you for the reminder, Deacon."

Gu Han replied politely, surprising many people present.

Yun Lange had broken through to Dou Master and was already eligible for promotion to the Inner Sect; his strength would certainly not be at the bottom.

Since Gu Han could defeat Yun Lange across levels, he naturally had the strength to defeat the lowest-ranked Inner Sect Disciple.

Why would he refuse a status and position that was within his reach?

The conditions mentioned by the Deacon were only for the average first-place Outer Sect Disciple.

People thought they would see an exciting match where the first-place Outer Sect Disciple challenged an Inner Sect Disciple, but it seemed there was no hope for that now.

"No problem, that is your freedom." The Deacon was also surprised but did not say much more.

But just as he was about to leave, a voice suddenly came from the area where the Inner Sect Disciples were gathered: "Junior Brother Gu, you clearly have the strength to challenge an Inner Sect Disciple and obtain better resources, yet you refuse. Could it be that you look down on us?"

Gu Han sighed in his heart.

Dealing with juniors who had backing was always this troublesome.

Beat the small one, and the adult comes; beat the adult, and the old one comes. Friends, teachers, and connections—it was never-ending.

"This fellow disciple is overthinking it. I have given too much guidance to my junior sisters and brothers today and simply feel tired," Gu Han replied, neither humble nor arrogant.

Everyone knew this was an excuse, but for a moment, no one could find fault with it.

It was a fact that Gu Han had guided many junior brothers and sisters, essentially turning this Outer Sect competition into an exhibition match.

"Furthermore," Gu Han looked up at a young man among the Inner Sect Disciples whose appearance somewhat resembled Yun Lange's, and a layer of blue-white gauze armor quickly surfaced around his body: "I don't need to rely on a challenge to enter the Inner Sect."

Dou Qi Gauze Armor, a Dou Master "expert!"

"The Cloud Mist Sect has obtained a top-tier genius rarely seen in a century."

"Although I had guessed it earlier, it still surprises this old man that he has truly broken through to Dou Master."

"When I was fifteen, I think I had just broken through to Dou Practitioner. I am truly ashamed."

"..."

The audience immediately burst into a flurry of discussion.

Gu Han, fifteen years old, a Dou Master expert.

With such talent, he would surely receive vigorous cultivation from the Cloud Mist Sect.

Within three years, he could step into the ranks of a Great Dou Master.

Reaching Dou Spirit before the age of thirty would be no problem.

There was even a chance for Dou King and Dou Emperor.

A strange light flashed in Jia Xingtian's eyes as he let out a soft sigh: "I guessed it, but seeing it with my own eyes is still surprising."

"His true excellence isn't just being a fifteen-year-old Dou Master," Fa Ma added, his voice trembling slightly. "I heard that it has only been three months since he broke through to Dou Practitioner and became an Outer Sect Disciple. If he can maintain this speed..."

Jia Xingtian's pupils suddenly constricted.

Then the Cloud Mist Sect would surely produce another Yun Yun, reaching Dou Emperor before the age of thirty.

There might even be a chance to pursue the level of Dou Ancestor in the future.

It seemed he needed to pay more attention to this boy.

"Damn it!"

Yun Lange clenched his fists, his expression incredibly ugly.

Gu Han was blatantly slapping him in the face.

A Dou Master had many advantages over a Dou Practitioner, but the greatest advantage in combat was the boost from the Dou Qi Gauze Armor.

Yet Gu Han had easily defeated him twice using only Dou Practitioner cultivation, without even using Dou Qi Gauze Armor.

This was telling everyone that he didn't even need thirty percent of his strength to defeat him.

"This fellow disciple, do you have any more guidance?" Gu Han looked at the Inner Sect Disciple whose expression had also turned ugly.

"No." A smile appeared on the Inner Sect Disciple's face. "Congratulations, Junior Brother Gu, on breaking through to Dou Master and becoming an Inner Sect Disciple."

"I am Yun Lanqing, ranked ninth among the Inner Sect Disciples. If you need anything, feel free to come to me for help."

After exchanging some pleasantries, Gu Han retreated to Xiao Yi Xian's side.

"Young Master really stole the show today," Xiao Yi Xian said with a light giggle, covering her mouth.

"This is only the beginning." A sharp glint flashed in Gu Han's eyes.

The Inner Sect Deacon stepped down and handed over his position to the Ninth Elder, who was in charge of affairs, to distribute rewards to the disciples.

Doing this in public was a form of encouragement for the sect's disciples and could also be spread through the words of outsiders, enhancing the Cloud Mist Sect's image and attracting talent to join.

When they learned that Gu Han's reward was the opportunity to prepare a set of medicinal ingredients and ask Gu He to refine a medicinal pill, many Dou Spirits and Dou Kings showed envious expressions.

It was only because Gu He was a Guest Elder of the Cloud Mist Sect; otherwise, how could such a good thing fall onto the head of a Dou Master?

"Yun Shang, give those three items to me. I have something to talk to this little fellow about later, so I'll just hand them to him then." Yun Yun watched Gu Han and Xiao Yi Xian chatting and laughing, and her jade-like hand resting on her leg subconsciously tightened.

"It's perfect to have the Sect Leader do it on my behalf. I won't have to send Mei'er specifically to call him to the Punishment Hall." Yun Shang readily handed over the three items, making Yun Ling and Yun Sheng's eyes twitch.

These things weren't considered precious to them, but they were definitely a significant amount of resources.

It was fine to give them to their own people, but giving them to Gu Han made their hearts ache.

"I always hear you mention Mei'er, but I rarely hear you talk about Zhang Chuchen anymore. Have you grown tired of the old and moved on to the new?" Yun Yun teased.

"Chuchen has broken through to Dou Spirit and no longer needs my guidance." Yun Shang's eyes were filled with smiles. "Although Mei'er's talent isn't as good as Chuchen's, it's not weak either. Men are ultimately not as thoughtful as women. I can understand why the Sect Leader took Nalan Yanran as a disciple."

"Is that why Teacher took me as a disciple back then?" Yun Yun smiled and teased herself.

The elders present suppressed the urge to roll their eyes.

You, Yun Yun, do indeed look dignified, elegant, noble, and radiant now, but that's because you needed to be as the Sect Leader; it was cultivated over the years.

Back then, you were a complete little devil, and only someone with Yun Shan's personality, who enjoyed quiet cultivation like a wild crane, would like you.

As the higher-ups chatted, the competition came to a complete close.

Gu Han immediately went to the Inner Sect to change his clothing and token, completed the identity registration for Xiao Yi Xian, and collected her identity token.

An Inner Sect Disciple's maidservant sometimes represented the Inner Sect Disciple themselves, so the sect would conduct a rigorous inspection.

However, with Gu Han's current status, this matter was just a formality.

"Gu Han."

Just as Gu Han led Xiao Yi Xian out of the Inner Sect Affairs Hall, he heard a familiar voice from beside him.

"Junior Sister Yanran." Gu Han raised his hands in a polite greeting.

Nalan Yanran's face immediately darkened. "You changed your way of addressing me quite naturally and quickly."

"These are the sect's rules. Now that I am an Inner Sect Disciple and you are an Outer Sect Disciple, I am the Senior Brother." Gu Han spoke with a tone that was completely matter-of-fact.

"Once I become an Inner Sect Disciple, it will still be calculated according to the time of entry." Nalan Yanran snorted. "When that time comes, I want you to call me Senior Sister a hundred times."

"Good idea." Gu Han clapped his hands, then the corners of his lips curled slightly. "Then for now, Junior Sister, let's hear you call me Senior Brother a hundred times first."

Nalan Yanran: !!!

At that moment, a roar suddenly came from not far away.

"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, do not look down upon the poor youth!"

Gu Han: !?!