176: Chapter 176 The Prodigy is Humiliated, the Older Student's Show of Power

The Outer Sect Grand Competition had drawn to a close, and the official decrees were issued.

Ye Tian, Lei Zhen, Luo Qiushui, Shi Gandang, Yan Yang, Mo Ling, Liu Jingtao, and Han Bing—these eight Outer Sect prodigies—officially stepped into the true core of the Liuli Xuan Sect, promoted to the Inner Sect.

After receiving their Flowing Cloud Patterned Robes symbolizing their status as Inner Sect Disciples, identity tokens engraved with their personal information, and Jade Slips marking the locations of their new Immortal Caves, the eight were guided by an Inner Sect Deacon toward the mountain range where the Inner Sect Disciples resided.

As soon as the ceremony ended, Ye Tian cupped his hands toward Lei Zhen, Liu Ruyan, Leng Feng, and the others, saying, "Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, I must head out first to pay my respects to my Revered Master at Tianshu Peak. I shall take my leave for now."

The Revered Master he spoke of was, naturally, Elder Tianshu.

Everyone knew that Elder Tianshu held a transcendent status and that Tianshu Peak was one of the Inner Sect's Forbidden Grounds; they all nodded in understanding.

Lei Zhen said, "Junior Brother Ye, go ahead. We also need to settle into our Immortal Caves."

Liu Ruyan softly reminded him, "Junior Brother Ye, be careful in everything."

Leng Feng also gave a slight nod.

Ye Tian said no more and sped along the winding mountain path toward Tianshu Peak deep within the Inner Sect.

In his heart, he was full of anticipation for this Revered Master whom he had only met once.

Meanwhile, the other seven newly promoted Inner Sect Disciples followed the maps in their Jade Slips and walked quickly toward the primary residential area for Inner Sect Disciples.

The Qiyao Mountains consisted of seven main peaks and dozens of surrounding secondary peaks, arranged in the pattern of the Big Dipper; the density of Spiritual Qi here far surpassed that of the Outer Sect.

Each of the seven main peaks had its own name and characteristics.

Tianshu Peak was the most mysterious, being the place of Elder Tianshu's secluded cultivation; ordinary Disciples were not permitted to enter.

Tianxuan Peak was renowned for the Dao of the Sword, and most of its Disciples were Sword Cultivators.

Tianji Peak specialized in Formations and the art of mechanics.

Tianquan Peak focused on the research and Legacy of Cultivation Techniques; the Scripture Pavilion was located on this peak.

Yuheng Peak produced many body refiners with vigorous blood and qi.

The Disciples of Kaiyang Peak mostly had fiery temperaments and specialized in fire and lightning element techniques.

Yaoguang Peak had an ethereal Aura, and its movement techniques and escape arts were the best in the Inner Sect.

A large number of Immortal Caves were carved into every mountain; the closer one was to the summit of a main peak where the Spiritual Qi was densest, the stronger the Disciples living there were.

Newly promoted Disciples could usually only choose Immortal Caves on the secondary peaks at the outermost edge of the mountain range.

Just as Lei Zhen, Luo Qiushui, and the other five arrived at the outer area of the Qiyao Mountains and were preparing to find their new Immortal Caves according to the Jade Slips, several powerful Auras suddenly rose from different peaks. Figures swept down at extreme speeds, blocking their path in an instant.

There were eight newcomers in total, all wearing Inner Sect robes with profound Auras. The three leaders were shockingly at the third level of the True Martial Realm, while the other five were at the second level!

Their faces bore expressions of scrutiny and mockery; they clearly had ill intentions.

The three leaders had distinct temperaments.

The one in the center was tall and thin. He was quite handsome but had a touch of feminine grace. He held a jade-boned folding fan, swaying it gently. His eyes held a playful glint as they swept over Luo Qiushui and Han Bing; this was Zhao Wuyou, at the third level of the True Martial Realm.

The one on the left was built like a tower with tight muscles and an arrogant expression. He crossed his arms and asked, "Which one is Ye Tian?

I heard he was number one in this Outer Sect Grand Competition?

Come out and let me test your weight!"

This person was Wang Meng, third level of the True Martial Realm, with a fierce and violent Aura.

The one on the right had a frivolous look in his eyes and a mocking smile. With arms crossed, his gaze swept back and forth over the seven people before settling on Lei Zhen, who had the strongest Aura, clearly mistaking him for Ye Tian.

"It seems the Junior Brothers and Sisters from the Outer Sect this year have quite stiff bones, eh?

Don't you know you have to pay your respects when you arrive at the Inner Sect?"

This was Xiao Chen, third level of the True Martial Realm.

The other five second-level True Martial Realm Inner Sect Disciples also fanned out, forming a circle with expressions of watching a good show.

This display was clearly the Senior Inner Sect Disciples giving the newcomers a "show of power"!

Lei Zhen's brow furrowed as he stepped forward. Now that Ye Tian was absent, he was the only one among them who had reached the True Martial Realm.

At this moment, purple lightning swirled around him, and his first-level True Martial Realm Aura met the opponent's pressure without flinching. He said deeply, "I am Lei Zhen. I wonder what advice you Senior Brothers have for blocking us here?"

Luo Qiushui was expressionless, but subtle Sword Qi was already silently surrounding her.

Shi Gandang snorted, his bronze skin taking on a luster.

Battle Intent blazed in Yan Yang's eyes, a cold metallic light flickered at Mo Ling's fingertips, while Liu Jingtao and Han Bing looked incredibly solemn.

"Oh? You're the one who was formerly ranked first on the Outer Sect's Heaven Rank?"

Xiao Chen sneered, "I wouldn't call it advice.

Just teaching you the rules of the Inner Sect!

The Immortal Caves of these Qiyao Mountains aren't just for the picking!

Especially those near the seven main peaks—you newcomers aren't qualified for those.

If you know what's good for you, get lost and stay in the outermost corners!"

Wang Meng chimed in, "That's right!

In the Inner Sect, strength is respected!

If you want to live in a good place, you have to show some real skill!

Or..."

His gaze swept over them with contempt, "Obediently hand over this month's cultivation resources, and we Senior Brothers might consider letting you find a slightly better spot on a secondary peak."

Zhao Wuyou fanned himself and gave a feminine smile, his gaze mainly lingering on Luo Qiushui. "Of course, if any Junior Sister is willing to do me the honor of coming to my Yaoguang Peak for a cup of tea to discuss the Dao, this matter of the Immortal Cave can be negotiated..."

The suggestive tone caused a cold light to flash in Luo Qiushui's eyes, and Han Bing's face turned pale with anger.

"You go too far!"

Yan Yang had the most explosive temper; hearing this, he roared, "The Immortal Caves are allocated by the Sect! How can we allow you to seize them by force! If you want resources, ask my fists first!"

"Oh? You want to fight?"

A successful smile flashed in Xiao Chen's eyes. "You've got guts! Then let me, your Senior Brother, see just how much weight you, the fourth-ranked on the Outer Sect's Heaven Rank, actually carry!"

Before his voice finished, Xiao Chen's figure blurred, creating several afterimages as he instantly closed in on Yan Yang, delivering a sharp palm strike straight at him!

His speed far exceeded the first level of the True Martial Realm!

Yan Yang roared, his Yan Yang palm power exploding as a crimson palm print met the attack!

"Bang!"

The energies collided, and Yan Yang's palm power instantly collapsed. He stumbled back over ten steps, his blood and qi churning as a trace of blood leaked from the corner of his mouth!

With one move, the difference in their levels was clear!

"Fragile."

Xiao Chen dismissively shook his hand.

"Bastard!"

Shi Gandang roared, activating his Immovable Wisdom King Body as he charged at Wang Meng like a mountain!

Wang Meng grinned and didn't dodge, throwing a punch of his own!

The wind from his punch was fierce, with the faint sound of a tiger's roar!

"Thud!"

The two fists collided. Shi Gandang was known for his strength, yet he was shaken by Wang Meng's punch until his arms went numb. He retreated repeatedly, leaving deep footprints in the ground!

Wang Meng's figure only swayed slightly!

"Your strength is acceptable, but unfortunately, your cultivation is too far behind!"

Wang Meng laughed loudly.

Mo Ling silently flicked several streaks of black light toward Zhao Wuyou.

Zhao Wuyou gently swayed his fan, and an invisible wall of qi appeared. The black lights hit the wall and were all annihilated.

"Hidden weapons? Mere parlor tricks."

Zhao Wuyou chuckled and pointed his fan. A feminine finger-wind struck out, aiming for Mo Ling's wrist.

Mo Ling hurriedly dodged, but her sleeve was sliced by the finger-wind.

Liu Jingtao and Han Bing were also blocked by other second-level True Martial Realm Inner Sect Disciples. After a few exchanges, they fell into a disadvantage.

Whether in terms of True Yuan quality, combat experience, or mastery of Martial Skills, the Inner Sect Disciples far surpassed these newcomers!

In the blink of an eye, except for Lei Zhen and Luo Qiushui, the other five were all defeated, looking quite miserable.

Luo Qiushui relied on her exquisite movement techniques to maneuver around Zhao Wuyou, but Zhao Wuyou's movement was even more agile and his True Yuan was a level deeper. He kept her firmly suppressed; defeat was only a matter of time.

And Lei Zhen was facing the third-level True Martial Realm Xiao Chen!

"Lei Zhen, it's your turn! Let me see if your Tyrant Blade is just an empty title!"

Xiao Chen sneered, his figure moving like wind and lightning. Wind blades condensed between his palms and fingers as his offensive became incredibly sharp!

Lei Zhen's eyes were solemn as his Tyrant Blade left its sheath!

The blade light flashed with purple lightning and thunder, meeting Xiao Chen with an unstoppable Aura!

"Boom, boom!"

The two instantly clashed in a fierce battle!

Blade light and palm shadows intertwined, and energy spilled out in all directions!

Lei Zhen's Tyrant Blade was fierce and overbearing, every strike containing an Aura that could tear through anything!

But Xiao Chen's movement was more agile, and his wind-element Martial Skills were varied. He sometimes met the attacks head-on and sometimes circled around, constantly diverting and neutralizing Lei Zhen's blade momentum!

Though there was a gap in their Realms, their strengths were comparable, and for a time, they fought to a standstill, making it hard to determine a winner!

Lei Zhen's blade techniques caused Xiao Chen to put away some of his contempt and respond with his full strength.

"Good! You indeed have some skill!"

Unable to win after a long attack, Xiao Chen's eyes gradually became serious. His offensive changed again, his movement speed suddenly increasing as he turned into hard-to-track afterimages, attacking Lei Zhen from all directions!

Lei Zhen focused his mind and held his breath, his Tyrant Blade moving so fast it was airtight, keeping himself as solid as a fortress while looking for an opportunity to counterattack!

Just as the two were in the heat of battle, Wang Meng, who had been watching like a predator from the side, flashed a fierce light in his eyes and suddenly attacked without warning!

His figure lunged forward as he threw a punch aimed exactly at the opening on Lei Zhen's side and back!

This punch was heavy and powerful, sinister and malicious!

"Despicable!"

Shi Gandang and the others cried out in alarm!

Lei Zhen was fully occupied with Xiao Chen; how could he have expected Wang Meng to suddenly launch a sneak attack?

By the time he noticed, it was already too late to dodge!

"Pfft!"

In his haste, Lei Zhen could only barely turn his body, condensing part of his True Yuan on his back to withstand the blow!

Wang Meng's heavy punch landed solidly on the right side of Lei Zhen's back, near his heart!

Lei Zhen took the heavy hit and groaned. A sweetness rose in his throat as he spat out a mouthful of blood. His figure stumbled forward, and his blade technique instantly fell apart!

"Haha! Be defeated!"

How could Xiao Chen let such a golden opportunity pass?

With a loud laugh, he gathered all his power into a palm strike and slammed it into Lei Zhen's chest!

"Bang!"

Lei Zhen was hit again and flew backward, crashing to the ground. His Tyrant Blade slipped from his hand, his face turned deathly pale, and he was seriously injured!

He struggled to stand, but it aggravated his injuries, causing him to cough up another mouthful of blood.

"Shameless!"

Seeing this, Luo Qiushui's sword momentum faltered. Zhao Wuyou seized the opening and struck her shoulder point with his fan. Her True Yuan stagnated, and she too was defeated.

At this point, the seven newly promoted Inner Sect Disciples were completely wiped out!

Xiao Chen, Wang Meng, Zhao Wuyou, and the others looked at the fallen Lei Zhen and the rest with triumphant smiles.

"This is the strength of today's top eight? Hahaha..."

Xiao Chen walked up to Lei Zhen and looked down at him. "It seems that guy named Ye Tian is smarter than you, knowing to hide away. Remember, this Inner Sect is not a place where you can act wild! This time was a lesson. If you don't know the rules next time, it won't be this simple!"

Wang Meng grinned savagely, "In the future, when you see us Senior Brothers, be more respectful! Not a single cent of the resources you're supposed to hand over can be missing!"

Zhao Wuyou fanned himself and smirked, "Junior Sisters, if you change your minds, you're welcome to come find me at Yaoguang Peak anytime."

After saying that, the group left with arrogant laughter.

The surrounding Inner Sect Disciples who had been watching also dispersed, some shaking their heads and sighing, others gloating.

Lei Zhen forced himself to sit up and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes burning with the fire of resentment!

Since entering the Liuli Xuan Sect, he had almost never lost, except for that match against Ye Tian.

Today he had lost, and he had lost so helplessly!

This sense of frustration was a significant blow to him.

The others also struggled to their feet with grim expressions, their hearts filled with indignation.

They never imagined that as former top-ranked powerhouses and young prodigies of the Outer Sect, they would have such a humiliating experience etched into their hearts just after entering the Inner Sect.

...

On the other side, after traveling for a long time, Ye Tian finally arrived at the foot of Tianshu Peak.

The peak was shrouded in mist and completely silent.

Holding his token, he climbed the bluestone steps one by one, his heart full of anticipation.

At the summit, there was only a single, ancient hall.

The hall doors opened silently, and Ye Tian stepped inside.

The hall was empty except for Elder Tianshu, who stood with his back to him in the center of the hall, looking out at the churning sea of clouds through the window.

"Disciple Ye Tian pays his respects to Revered Master."

Ye Tian bowed respectfully.

Elder Tianshu slowly turned around, his gaze falling on Ye Tian.

He gave a slight nod and said in a calm voice, "The True Martial Realm is achieved, your Foundation is stable, the Five Elements rotate, and your Sword Intent is beginning to bud."

He seemed to be fully aware of Ye Tian's previous experiences but didn't say much, only stating calmly, "Now that you have entered the Inner Sect, you should Cultivate with a quiet mind.

The Tianshu Peak lineage does not emphasize empty formalities.

In the back mountain, there is the Starry Sword Wall, a Legacy left by Seniors; you may observe and comprehend it on your own.

If you encounter obstacles in your cultivation, you may come here."

"Thank you, Revered Master!"

Gratitude welled up in Ye Tian's heart.

At this moment, he was not yet aware of the cruel baptism the Outer Sect prodigies were undergoing in the Qiyao Mountains.

And this show of power was merely the beginning.