11: Zhang Shen Jinghong

Gu Changge then asked, “Sect Master Senior Brother, how was the harvest from this Disciple recruitment assembly?”

Xuan Yangzi stroked his beard, his smile gentle.

“This batch of Aptitude is still acceptable. There are three with Heaven-Grade Low Grade Aptitude. If they are well-nurtured, breaking through to the Heavenly Human Realm should not be a problem. If they have enough Opportunity, they might even contend for the King Realm. There are also a few with Spirit Rank High Grade, which is not bad either.”

His tone carried a hint of satisfaction, clearly indicating his approval of the results of this Disciple recruitment.

Heaven-Grade Aptitude was already a rarity in Azure Profound Sect. Three Heaven-Grade Low Grade were enough to support the facade of the next generation.

Gu Changge’s eyebrow twitched slightly, his Eye of Illusory Breaking unconsciously sweeping over Xuan Yangzi—

Name: Xuan Yangzi

Identity: Sect Master of Azure Profound Sect

Aptitude: Heaven-Grade High Grade

Physique: Blazing Sun Body

Cultivation: King Realm Peak (Concealed to Cave Heaven Realm)

He then glanced at the Dan Ding Peak Lord next to him, and the panel information instantly appeared:

Name: Li Muran

Identity: Dan Ding Peak Lord of Azure Profound Sect

Aptitude: Heaven-Grade Medium Grade

Physique: Medicinal Spirit Body

Cultivation: King Realm Middle Stage (Concealed to Purple Mansion Realm)

The Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall’s panel followed closely:

Name: Zhao Lie

Identity: Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall of Azure Profound Sect

Aptitude: Heaven-Grade Medium Grade

Physique: Vajra Body

Cultivation: King Realm Middle Stage (Concealed to Cave Heaven Realm)

...Gu Changge understood in his heart; these old fellows were indeed all schemers. Their apparent Cultivation was more than one major Realm lower than their true Realm.

It seemed that Azure Profound Sect’s ability to establish itself in Xuan Province relied on more than just its superficial strength.

“It is indeed stronger than previous years.”

Gu Changge retracted his Eye of Illusory Breaking, his tone flat, as if he had only casually glanced.

Xuan Yangzi didn’t notice anything unusual, his gaze falling on Xiao Ruobai.

He said warmly, “Junior Brother Gu, although this child looks frail, if he can catch your eye, he must have something extraordinary.”

“The Sect Grand Competition is in half a year. Why not let him participate? Interacting more with fellow Disciples is always better than being cooped up in Zizhu Peak.”

Gu Changge glanced at Xiao Ruobai, seeing him with his head down, looking timid, and a faint smile played on his lips.

“We’ll see. It depends on whether he can guide Qi into his Body by then.”

Xuan Yangzi laughed heartily, “Alright, no compulsion. Then we shall not disturb you.”

The various Peak Lords exchanged a few more pleasantries before turning and leaving Zizhu Peak.

After they had gone far, Xiao Ruobai straightened up and looked at Gu Changge: “Master, they…”

“They’re all old foxes,” Gu Changge stretched.

“Heaven-Grade Low Grade Aptitude is a treasure in their eyes, but in front of your War God Body, it’s not worth mentioning.”

He kicked Xiao Ruobai’s calf: “Go Cultivate.”

Xiao Ruobai hurriedly responded and turned to rush into the bamboo forest.

For the next month, life on Zizhu Peak was peaceful and fulfilling.

Xiao Ruobai immersed himself daily in the Cultivation of the War Gods Stratagem, with the rich Spiritual Qi of Zizhu Peak constantly surrounding him, and the residual medicinal power of the Nine Revolutions Golden Pill slowly releasing.

Coupled with his deliberate refinement of his Foundation, his Body Tempering Realm Cultivation deepened day by day.

Body Tempering Realm, had reached its Peak.

Early this morning, Xiao Ruobai circulated the final Body Tempering method of the War Gods Stratagem. Golden battle Qi surged within his body like a river, suddenly breaking through an invisible barrier.

A warmth surged in his Dantian, and Spiritual Qi liquefied, circulating through his Meridians, naturally breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Realm!

“It’s done.”

Gu Changge appeared by the bamboo clearing at some unknown time, looking at the Foundation Establishment Realm Spiritual Qi flowing within him, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.

This speed was three days faster than he had anticipated back then.

Xiao Ruobai ended his Cultivation and stood up, feeling incredibly light all over. Every move he made carried Spiritual Qi fluctuations, and he couldn’t help but say, “Master, I…”

Before he could finish speaking, a clear female voice came from below Zizhu Peak: “Is Junior Martial Uncle Gu here? Disciple Shen Jinghong, by order of the Sect Master, has brought some Medicinal Pills.”

Gu Changge raised an eyebrow. This name sounded a bit familiar—it was one of the three Heaven-Grade Low Grade Aptitude individuals Xuan Yangzi had mentioned.

Xiao Ruobai subconsciously activated “Can't See Through Me”, and his aura instantly reverted to that frail appearance.

A moment later, a young woman in a green dress walked into the bamboo clearing.

As soon as she stepped into the range of Zizhu Peak, Shen Jinghong felt a surge of abundant Spiritual Qi washing over her, dozens of times richer than the Sect’s training grounds.

It even carried traces of a warm aura, seeping into her body through her pores.

The originally stable seventh-level barrier of her Body Tempering Realm within her body showed signs of loosening.

“Such rich Spiritual Qi…”

Shen Jinghong’s heart trembled, and her steps unconsciously paused.

No wonder on the day of the Disciple recruitment ceremony, Sect Master Master sighed softly while looking in the direction of Zizhu Peak, “It’s a pity she didn’t become a Disciple of Zizhu Peak.”

When she pressed for the reason then, Master only shook his head.

Perhaps the “pity” Master spoke of referred to such a treasure land for Cultivation?

This time, when the Sect assigned the task of delivering Medicinal Pills, she specifically volunteered for it, just to see for herself what was so special about Zizhu Peak.

Standing in the center of the bamboo clearing now, Shen Jinghong’s posture was upright, with a hint of arrogance in her brows.

Her green dress trailed on the ground, and the jade pendant at her waist swayed gently with her movements. The morning light fell on her face, reflecting a hint of defiance.

Her gaze swept around frankly, and when it finally landed on Xiao Ruobai, it carried undisguised scrutiny.

This young man had a pale face and timid eyes, standing beside Junior Martial Uncle Gu like a wild grass swaying in the wind. He truly showed no sign of anything extraordinary.

Gu Changge’s Eye of Illusory Breaking had already seen through her details:

【Name: Shen Jinghong】

【Identity: Inner Sect Disciple of Azure Profound Sect】

【Aptitude: Heaven-Grade High Grade】

【Physique: Jinghong Sword Body】

【Cultivation: Body Tempering Realm Seventh Level】

He looked at the “Heaven-Grade High Grade” on the panel, and the corner of his mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.

Xuan Yangzi, that old fox, indeed had this style—Heaven-Grade High Grade Aptitude was only publicly stated as Heaven-Grade Low Grade. He probably wanted to hide it and spring a surprise on other Sects at a critical moment.

Jinghong Sword Body coupled with Heaven-Grade High Grade Aptitude, this girl’s potential was stronger than the three “Heaven-Grade Low Grade” Xuan Yangzi mentioned combined.

“Junior Martial Uncle Gu.” Shen Jinghong retracted her gaze and cupped her hands towards Gu Changge, her voice as clear as clashing jade.

“Disciple is here today, firstly to deliver the monthly Medicinal Pills distributed by the Sect, and secondly to ask Junior Martial Uncle a question.”

Gu Changge leaned back in the bamboo chair, a spirit fruit twirling between his fingers: “Speak.”

“At the Disciple recruitment assembly, Sect Master originally wanted you to take me as a Disciple, but you ultimately chose this Junior Brother.”

Shen Jinghong looked directly at him, her eyes full of inquiry.

“Disciple believes her Aptitude is not bad, and her sword Dao talent is even a leader among her peers. I wish to ask Junior Martial Uncle, why did you specifically refuse to take me as a Disciple?”

She paused, then added: “Disciple is not questioning Junior Martial Uncle’s decision, but this matter has lingered in my heart for a month, and I truly can’t understand it. This time, I also volunteered to deliver the Medicinal Pills, just to come and ask personally.”

These words were direct and frank, even Xiao Ruobai was startled—so she had come specifically for this matter.

Gu Changge looked at her frank eyes and slowly said, “You want to know? It’s actually very simple.”