46: A new identity, the introductory trial of the Blood Cloud Sect.

Time flew by like a fleeting white colt, and in the blink of an eye, a month had passed.

Outside the Qingyun Sect mountains, Li Yi watched Jiang Yan's departing figure, a gratified smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

He had taught Jiang Yan everything he could, and even things he shouldn't have, including some secrets he had imparted to him.

"Are you really that at ease?" Lan Ruoyu appeared behind Li Yi and asked.

Li Yi spoke calmly: "What can I do even if I'm not at ease? A fledgling must one day spread its wings and fly, especially since he is my Disciple."

"Sometimes I truly envy Yu Tianlong for being able to meet a good Disciple like you."

Li Yi turned around and smiled: "Junior Martial Uncle, in fact, I am also your Disciple, am I not?"

Lan Ruoyu smiled bitterly and shook her head, then looked at Li Yi with a serious gaze.

"Yes, you are indeed also my Disciple."

...Over half a month later, on the westward road, Jiang Yan sat at the back of a horse-drawn carriage.

His current identity was Su Chen, the only son of the Great Li Dynasty's Valiant General Su Zhantian.

Half a year ago, Su Chen suffered Qi Deviation while practicing martial arts, killed the Xianyang Junzhu, was exiled to the Northern Territories, and died from accidentally consuming a Poisonous Spiritual Plant on the journey.

Upon learning of his son's death, Su Zhantian sent people to investigate thoroughly, only to discover it was a conspiracy targeting his Su family.

Su Zhantian, finding no recourse, could only send the jade pendant his father had left him fifty years ago back to the Qingyun Sect, explaining the reasons.

Upon learning of this, Li Yi, though lamenting the unpredictability of fate, still went to the Great Li Dynasty in the capacity of an old friend.

During his investigation, Li Yi learned that the Great Li imperial family had always been supported by the Blood Cloud Sect, and he was very familiar with this Sect.

Originally, Li Yi hadn't decided how to handle this matter, but coincidentally, Steward Pang actually recommended Jiang Yan to him.

Li Yi initially thought it was just ordinary mentoring, but upon discovering Jiang Yan's Aptitude, he formed the intention to take him as a Disciple and also the idea of sending Jiang Yan to the Blood Cloud Sect for experience.

Although Li Yi initially intended to just guide him casually, he later discovered that this Disciple of his was not ordinary.

And from that moment on, Li Yi decided to cultivate Jiang Yan with all his might, even wanting Jiang Yan to help him seek revenge.

However, fate is unpredictable; the Sect encountered trouble again, forcing Li Yi to change his plans once more.

"Hey, young man in the back, we've reached the borders of the Great Li Imperial City," the coachman shouted.

"Thank you." Jiang Yan tossed out a piece of silver and strode towards the direction of the Great Li Dynasty.

Jiang Yan no longer had his previous appearance; it had been altered to match Su Chen's.

As for why Li Yi knew such things, Jiang Yan was quite suspicious of Li Yi's identity. Fortunately, however, Li Yi had taught him the method to alter his appearance.

It was just that every time he changed his appearance, the muscles in his face would ache terribly.

"Halt!" Two soldiers at the city gate stopped Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan casually took out a token and showed it to them.

Upon seeing the identity token from the Valiant General's Residence, the two soldiers hurriedly knelt on one knee.

Jiang Yan paid no attention to these people. His only goal now was to go to the Valiant General's Residence, as his first task was to obtain the Blood Cloud Sect's entrance identity token from there.

Valiant General's Residence.

When Jiang Yan was led into the residence, all the servants and maids were startled, but the next moment, they hurriedly knelt down one after another.

"Immortal Master, thank you for your trouble," Su Zhantian said gratefully, wiping away tears.

"It's no trouble. I am merely acting on my Revered Master's orders," Jiang Yan replied.

Su Zhantian understood and hurriedly took out a wooden box: "Immortal Master, this is the identity token I prepared for my son within the Northern Territory army. Rest assured, no one will suspect your identity now, because the one who died was your double. Just remember you took the Northern Frontier Path."

Jiang Yan stood up and cupped his hands in salute: "Please rest assured, Father. Your son will definitely become a Disciple of the Blood Cloud Sect."

Jiang Yan's single word 'Father' caused Su Zhantian to burst into tears.

It was just a pity that his real son had already been killed.

Seeing Su Zhantian weeping bitterly, Jiang Yan remembered Li Yi's instructions and quickly took out two Medicinal Pills:

"General Su, these are from my Revered Master. He said they can help you have many sons and grandsons."

Upon hearing this, Su Zhantian was completely stunned, then hurriedly expressed his gratitude:

"Please convey my thanks to your Revered Master. I, Su, will definitely pray for the Immortal Master's blessings and keep a Perpetual Lamp lit for him."

Hearing about lighting a Perpetual Lamp for him, Jiang Yan hurriedly declined the kind gesture.

After discussing the details with Su Zhantian, he then accompanied Su Zhantian towards the direction of the Imperial Palace.

As the two arrived before the Imperial Palace, countless gazes turned towards them.

"Su Chen, you still have the face to come back."

"Su Chen, it seems you lived quite well in the Northern Territories."

"Su Chen, how dare you return? Aren't you afraid His Majesty will punish you for your crime?"

Jiang Yan paid no heed to the accusations from the flies around him. Instead, he fixed his gaze on the Blood Cloud Sect Disciple ahead.

The Blood Cloud Sect Disciple's attire was simple: a red inner garment and a black cloak.

"His Majesty arrives!"

With the sound of a sharp, duck-like voice, everyone immediately knelt down.

"Long live the Emperor, ten thousand, ten thousand, ten thousand years!"

"Rise," the Emperor of Great Li said with a sweep of his sleeve, his tone lofty. "Today is the day the Blood Cloud Sect recruits Disciples. You are all the outstanding young talents of our Great Li. I hope you will consider the future of our Great Li's Rivers and Mountains."

After everyone finished their flattery, the Emperor of Great Li's gaze turned towards Jiang Yan.

"Su Chen, although you are a convict, I, considering your Su family's loyalty and valor, permit you to participate in this Blood Cloud Sect entrance examination. I hope you understand my intentions," the Emperor of Great Li said meaningfully.

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I, Su Chen, will definitely bring glory to Great Li," Jiang Yan said, cupping his hands in salute.

"Good, I am greatly comforted," the Emperor of Great Li smiled. "However, I am very curious about how you managed to reach the Northern Territories."

Hearing the inevitable question, Jiang Yan stepped forward, neither humble nor arrogant: "In reply to Your Majesty, I knew someone didn't want me alive, so I could only discuss with my father and plan three separate routes to the Northern Territories. I took the Northern Frontier Path. I just didn't expect my double wouldn't make it back alive."

Hearing Jiang Yan's words, some people present clenched their fists in anger.

"So that's how it was. It's good that nothing happened," the Emperor of Great Li smiled, then cupped his hands towards the Blood Cloud Sect Disciple. "Immortal Master, time is running short."

The Blood Cloud Sect Disciple returned the salute: "Please rest assured, Your Majesty. We will definitely fulfill your wish."

To others' ears, these words held no particular problem.

But to Jiang Yan's ears, the words carried a profound meaning.

'Damn it, sending two Qi Refining First Layer cultivators to deal with me? Do you really think I'm made of mud? Just wait, I'll turn your imperial family upside down.'

As the two Blood Cloud Sect Disciples took out small flags, the flying boat in the sky slowly began to descend.

Watching everyone bid farewell to their families one by one, Jiang Yan quickly turned to look at Su Zhantian:

"Father, please take good care of your health. Remember to take your medicine on time."

"Good, don't worry. I'll wait for your return," Su Zhantian replied, wiping away tears.

The flying boat slowly rose and instantly left Great Li territory.

Just as Jiang Yan was contemplating how to act in the future, a Blood Cloud Sect Disciple stood on the high platform of the flying boat's second deck.

"Everyone, although you are willing to join our Blood Cloud Sect as Disciples, the Blood Cloud Sect does not raise waste. What comes next is your first entrance trial examination."

As that Disciple spoke, he took out a small ball from his bosom.

The moment the red ball landed on the deck, the entire flying boat was enveloped in a dense fog of bloody Qi.

"Next, you must kill the companion in front of you. Throw the dead off the flying boat; the living stay!"

Upon hearing this, everyone present wore expressions of shock.

They never imagined that the Blood Cloud Sect's entrance rule was to have them kill each other!

"Let's not kill each other. We're friends, aren't we?"

"Don't worry, I'll protect you."

"How about we join forces?"

As everyone began forming alliances, several factions quickly emerged on the flying boat.

Just as Jiang Yan stood alone, admiring the group of fledglings before him, five people immediately walked towards him.

Jiang Yan glanced at the five of them and naturally took a step back.

He didn't want to be targeted, especially since he still wanted to enjoy this good show.

"Are you Su Chen?"

"You've got the wrong person."

Jiang Yan directly denied it. These guys calling his name right off the bat clearly meant to target him.

"It's definitely you, with that despicable look on your face. You dared to kill the Xianyang Junzhu, yet you don't dare admit it."

Jiang Yan frowned and spread his hands: "I said I didn't kill her. Would you believe me?"

The burliest youth among them snorted coldly: "Whether you did or not doesn't matter anymore. Someone wants us to finish you off. Have a good journey!"