180: Chapter 180 The First Test for Inner Disciples

Ye Tian returned to his Immortal Cave; the night was already deep.

He sat cross-legged, but he did not begin to Cultivate immediately. Instead, he took out a roll of green bamboo slips from his storage ring.

Three large characters were carved upon it—hundred refinements notes.

Unrolling the bamboo slips, the right side was covered in dense, small characters. The content was concise: "Every newly promoted Inner Sect Disciple must, within one month from the date of promotion, complete one hundred missions assigned by the Sect.

Those who fail to complete them within the time limit will have their inner Sect status stripped and be sent back to the outer Sect. Only after their cultivation has progressed significantly may they attempt the challenge again."

"Missions are divided into four grades: A, B, C, and D, corresponding to Perilous, Difficult, Ordinary, and Easy.

Disciples must rely on their own strength and Opportunity to strive for completion.

During the mission, life and death are one's own responsibility."

These few hundred words weighed heavily on Ye Tian's heart.

He did not fear the danger of the missions. With his current True Martial Realm cultivation and numerous trump cards, as long as he didn't encounter an old monster of the Sea Transformation Realm, he should be safe.

What worried him was the time.

One month, one hundred missions.

This meant he had to complete an average of three to four missions every day, leaving almost no time for secluded cultivation.

He had just broken through to the True Martial Realm and needed time to consolidate his cultivation, comprehend the middle volume of the Dragon-Elephant Art, and the Taiyi Light-Splitting Sword Art he had obtained from the grand competition.

More importantly, he needed to increase his cultivation as quickly as possible to reach the Yuan Dan Realm.

There was also the Shadow Calamity Tower that had assassinated him last time; there would surely be a next time!

All of this required a significant amount of time.

And these 'hundred refinements notes' would undoubtedly completely disrupt his cultivation plans.

"The Sect uses this method to temper Disciples, which certainly has its reasons—filtering their willpower, training them in actual combat, and familiarizing them with Sect affairs... but for me, it is somewhat of a constraint."

Ye Tian's brow furrowed slightly.

He knew complaining was useless. The Sect rules were as such; he could only face them.

Counting from the day of promotion, today was already the first day, and since it was late, the mission distribution office had long since closed.

Calculating it, the time he could actually start doing missions was only twenty-nine days—very urgent.

The next morning, just as the sky was beginning to brighten, Ye Tian rose and left his Immortal Cave, heading toward the Inner Sect Mission Hall.

The Mission Hall was located halfway up Tianquan Peak in the central area of the mountain range, a hall built of black stone.

When Ye Tian arrived, dozens of people had already gathered in the square in front of the hall, all of whom were the newly promoted Inner Sect Disciples.

Lei Zhen, Luo Qiushui, Shi Gandang, Lie Yang, Mo Ling, Liu Jingtao, Han Bing, and others were all there.

The expressions on everyone's faces varied—some were excited, some solemn, some worried. Clearly, they had all received that roll of 'hundred refinements notes'.

"Junior Brother Ye!"

Lei Zhen called out when he saw Ye Tian.

His aura was a bit more stable than yesterday, but his face was still somewhat pale; clearly, his injuries had not yet healed.

"Senior Brother Lei, everyone."

Ye Tian walked forward and exchanged greetings with the group.

"Junior Brother Ye, you've come as well."

Luo Qiushui nodded slightly, her cold eyes sweeping over the surroundings with a hint of vigilance.

"Hey! Junior Brother Ye, have you heard? These inner Sect missions are incredibly weird!"

Lie Yang leaned in and lowered his voice, his face wearing a somewhat exaggerated look of alarm. "I just heard the news. They say that last year, a Senior Brother at the third level of the True Martial Realm took a Grade B mission, and guess what? He never came back! The Sect sent many people, but they couldn't even find his bones!"

Everyone's expression changed upon hearing this.

The third level of the True Martial Realm was an existence that Disciples like them, who had just been promoted, needed to look up to. To think he had perished in a Grade B mission?

Shi Gandang added, "I heard about that too!

If Grade B missions are so dangerous, then grade a missions... wouldn't they be certain death?

If someone gets assigned a grade a mission, how is that any different from a death sentence?"

His words caused a stir among the surrounding Disciples, the fear on their faces deepening.

Liu Jingtao's expression was solemn as he said in a deep voice, "Mind your words.

Although Sect missions have dangers, the Sect wouldn't deliberately send Disciples to their deaths.

grade a missions are difficult, but the rewards are also extremely generous. Furthermore, they are not mandatory; there should be room for choice.

It's just this requirement of completing one hundred missions... it truly is a headache."

He was more rational, but he also revealed the pressure he was under.

Han Bing's pretty face was pale as she whispered, "I only hope I'm assigned more Grade D missions. Safety first..."

Mo Ling, on the other hand, was quite open-minded, her face wearing its usual charming smile. "Danger often comes with Opportunity. Who's to say some missions don't hide unexpected good things?"

The group discussed animatedly, exchanging various rumors they had heard, and the atmosphere became somewhat oppressive.

Ye Tian listened quietly, understanding the situation.

The risks of inner Sect missions were indeed far beyond those of the outer Sect.

An outer Sect Grade D mission might just be cleaning up dregs from the alchemy room or watering some Spiritual Plants in the medicine garden. But an inner Sect Grade D mission would likely involve fighting Yao Beasts or exploring dangerous lands.

A Grade B mission could threaten the True Martial Realm; the difficulty of a grade a mission was easy to imagine.

Just then, a powerful pressure emanated from within the hall, and the square instantly fell silent.

The next moment, an Elder with a profound aura walked slowly out of the hall and stood upon the steps.

His gaze was like lightning as it swept over the new Disciples below, carrying a natural authority.

This person was none other than Elder Huang, who was responsible for distributing missions to new Disciples.

"Silence!"

"Since you have been promoted to the inner Sect, you should know the Sect's rules. The hundred refinements notes is your first entry trial!

If you can endure it, you will have the qualification to stay.

If you cannot, then go back to where you came from!"

His gaze swept over the crowd, and seeing many faces filled with fear, he snorted coldly. "Cultivation in the inner Sect is by no means child's play like in the outer Sect!

Resources, Cultivation Techniques, and opportunities—all must be fought for with strength and contribution, even at the risk of your lives!

Flowers in a greenhouse do not deserve to stay in the inner Sect!

If you want to gain a firm foothold here, then show this old man your perseverance, strength, and courage!"

These words struck the hearts of the crowd, causing many Disciples who were still immersed in the joy of promotion to wake up completely.

The inner Sect was a broader world, but also a more brutal arena!

Elder Huang said no more. He flipped his hand and took out a Jade Slip, his Divine Sense sweeping through it as he began to assign today's missions according to the list.

"Zhang He, Grade D mission: Go to the West Mountain Mine and clear out the low-level Corpse Puppets harassing the miners. Time limit: three days."

"Li Miao, Grade D mission: Escort a batch of medicinal materials to the market at the foot of the mountain. The round trip will take five days. If you encounter bandits, your life is your own responsibility!"

"Wang Yan, Grade C mission: Explore Bibo Pond and collect ten stalks of Water Essence Grass. Beware, there may be Ningyuan Late Stage water demons in the pond."

..."

Name after name was called, and mission after mission was assigned.

Most Disciples received Grade D missions, while a few received Grade C missions.

The Disciples who received Grade D missions breathed a sigh of relief, while those who received Grade C missions looked a bit more solemn.

"Lei Zhen!"

Elder Huang called the name. "Grade C mission: Go to Juetian Ridge and hunt three Poison-Spotted Ducks to obtain their essence and venom.

Poison-Spotted Ducks are mostly at the Ningyuan Peak. If you encounter a Four-Winged Poison-Spotted Duck, it may have True Martial strength; be extremely careful."

Lei Zhen stepped forward and took the mission token. His expression remained unchanged as he said in a deep voice, "This Disciple accepts the command."

A True Martial Early Stage Yao Beast was a challenge for him, but it was not impossible to complete.

"Luo Qiushui, Grade C mission: Go to the outskirts of the Sword Tomb, find a broken sword monument, comprehend the residual Sword Intent within it, and draw a Sword Intent map.

The Sword Qi at the outskirts of the Sword Tomb is chaotic, and there are also Sword Puppets wandering about. Be cautious."

Luo Qiushui stepped forward to take the token and replied coldly, "Yes."

Afterward, Shi Gandang, Lie Yang, Mo Ling, Liu Jingtao, Han Bing, and others were also called in succession. Most of them received Grade C missions with varying content, but all carried a certain level of danger.

Finally, Elder Huang's gaze landed on Ye Tian.

"Ye Tian!"

Everyone's eyes instantly converged on him.

What mission would this top-ranked outer Sect Disciple, a rising star who had just established his prestige yesterday, be assigned?

Elder Huang looked at Ye Tian, his eyes seemingly carrying a deep meaning as he said slowly, "Grade C mission.

Go to the abandoned Immortal Cave three hundred miles north of the Sect. Investigate the source of recent Spiritual Qi fluctuations, draw a map of the cave's interior, and bring back three pieces of the Fluorescent Stones unique to the cave as proof.

According to reports, there have been unknown dark shadows appearing in that cave recently, suspected to be evil spirits or mechanical Puppets. Their strength is unknown; you must be cautious."

Once the mission details were out, everyone's expressions varied.

Investigating an abandoned Immortal Cave?

This mission sounded more eerie and unknown than hunting Yao Beasts or gathering Spiritual Plants.

The phrase "strength unknown" cast an even darker shadow over everyone's hearts.

Ye Tian's face was calm as he took a step forward and received the mission token. With a sweep of his Divine Sense, the mission details were imprinted in his mind.

He cupped his hands and said, "This Disciple accepts the command."

Elder Huang looked at Ye Tian's fearless appearance and nodded slightly. He said no more and turned to return to the hall.

With the missions assigned, some were happy while others were worried.

The Disciples who received Grade D missions left in groups, discussing how to complete them.

Those who received Grade C missions, such as Lei Zhen and Luo Qiushui, each pondered the details of their missions as they prepared to set off.

Lei Zhen walked to Ye Tian's side, glanced at the token in his hand, and said in a deep voice, "Missions involving abandoned Immortal Caves are the most troublesome; they often hide unexpected dangers.

Junior Brother Ye, you must be careful. Do not act rashly."

Luo Qiushui also spoke coldly, "The unknown is risk. Caution is paramount."

Ye Tian nodded to the two of them. "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother and Senior Sister. I will be careful."

He knew that this trial had already begun.

Every day, every mission, was a race against time, danger, and his own limits.

He did not linger. Cupping his hands slightly to the group, he turned and left, his figure quickly disappearing on the path leading down the mountain.