112: Change of rules

No matter what, this hurdle must be overcome!

Han Yi straightened his posture, stood tall, and walked over with the steward.

“Greetings, Elder Li!”

Han Yi cupped his hands and bowed respectfully.

But his entire body was tense, ready to strike at any moment!

“Hehe, very good, very good. I haven't seen you in a while, and your cultivation has advanced quite a bit.”

Elder Li looked Han Yi up and down a few times, wearing a very satisfied expression.

The steward beside Han Yi had a hint of envy on his face, along with some confusion. He didn't understand how Han Yi, who was previously just an ordinary Outer Sect Disciple, could gain Elder Li's favor...

At first, Han Yi made contributions and had a good relationship with Li Feng, so becoming an Inner Sect Disciple by exception was understandable. At most, this proved Han Yi had great potential, and Elder Li was making an early investment.

But later, he heard that Elder Li not only gave Han Yi Secret Manuals and found him lodging, but even invited Han Yi to stay at the Li Residence once. One must know that only true members of the Li family lineage were qualified to live at the Li Residence...

But what was even more infuriating was that this guy actually refused Elder Li's invitation, yet even so, looking at the current scene, Elder Li wasn't angered...

Elder Li paid so much attention to this bumpkin who rose from the Outer Sect. Could it be that this Han Yi was his illegitimate son who had been living outside?

The Outer Affairs Hall steward thought of a possibility. He knew that these noble families had many tricks up their sleeves, and it wasn't surprising for an illegitimate child to suddenly appear. If that were the case, everything could be explained clearly...

“Many thanks for Elder Li's concern. It is entirely due to the Secret Manuals Elder gave me that I have today's cultivation!”

Han Yi chose his words cautiously, using some polite phrases.

“That's good, that's good. As long as it's useful, that's good!

“Hehe, Cultivate well. The future development of the Sect still relies on you young people. Old bones like us are almost done for...”

Elder Li laughed heartily, without the clash of swords and blades that Han Yi had imagined. Instead, he was as gentle as a kind and amiable Elder.

‘This...’

After seeing this scene, the steward next to him's pupils widened, and his mind was shaken.

‘That's it, that's it. This Han Yi must be Elder Li's illegitimate child... It seems this Han Yi is bound to soar sooner or later. I must seize this opportunity to latch onto this big leg...’

The steward secretly made up his mind. He had worked diligently in the Outer Affairs Hall for many years. When had he ever seen Elder Li wear such a kind face?

“Elder Li, you are the true towering tree of the Sect. Only with you here can we juniors be sheltered from wind and rain and have time to grow!”

Han Yi's expression became increasingly respectful, and he offered a gushing flattery.

“Hahaha...”

Elder Li laughed loudly, seemingly very satisfied with Han Yi's words.

At this moment, another steward stepped forward and whispered a few words to Elder Li, who nodded in response from time to time.

Immediately after, Elder Li turned back and said to Han Yi, “The third round of the competition is about to begin. Han Yi, you should also observe carefully. Among these Disciples, there are many with exceptional strength. Watch more; it will definitely be helpful to you in the future.”

“Elder, please rest assured, I will definitely watch the matches carefully, study others' strengths, and learn humbly!”

Han Yi wore a serious and solemn expression, straightened his body, cupped his hands, and bowed.

As he left, Han Yi touched his cold, damp clothes. The cold sweat all over his body had long since soaked his garments.

During the conversation just now, he appeared calm on the surface, but only his heart could feel the danger within. For seemingly ordinary words from Elder Li, Han Yi had to use ten Mind's Eyes to respond.

Furthermore, he had to remain vigilant to prevent Elder Li from suddenly making a move!

But thankfully, just as he had guessed, Elder Li had no intention of acting against him, or perhaps it was because Elder Li didn't want to make a move against him and expose himself.

Elder Li's gentle and jade-like exterior, like a benevolent gentleman, left no room for suspicion. His scheming was too deep... He still had to proceed cautiously...

However, Iron Kill's death didn't seem to cause any ripples...

“Young Master Han, please come this way!”

While Han Yi's thoughts were running wild, the Outer Affairs Hall steward walked ahead, leading him to a front-row position with a wide view.

Gongzi?

Han Yi was taken aback. How did this steward's attitude suddenly become so respectful?

Moreover, this position was the best viewing spot around the plaza, considered a VIP seat.

“Young Master Han, my surname is Liu, and I am a humble Outer Affairs Hall steward. If you have any needs, please feel free to instruct me at any time...”

Steward Liu was full of smiles. He had made up his mind that he must build a good relationship with Han Yi before he rose to prominence and quickly cling to this big leg.

Storybooks all said that giving charcoal in snowy weather is better than adding flowers to brocade. By aligning himself with Han Yi while he was weak, when Han Yi's status was revealed in the future, he would surely gain many benefits.

“Mm...”

How could Han Yi know the little calculations in Steward Liu's heart?

Steward Liu was so attentive that Han Yi thought he wanted to curry favor with Elder Li through him. He didn't think much of it himself.

“All Disciples, quiet!”

Above the high platform, Elder Li's deep and resonant voice rang out.

“All Disciples who passed the first and second rounds of competition are proven to be outstanding among the Outer Sect Disciples. And today, as long as you pass the third round, you can become Inner Sect Disciples. Do you have confidence!”

“Yes!!”

Below the high platform, the Outer Sect Disciples roared in unison, clearly filled with a strong desire to enter the Inner Sect.

“Good!

“I believe all Disciples know the rules of the Sect's minor competition in previous years, but this year, the rules for the third round have changed...”

Speaking up to this point, Elder Li paused, then spoke again.

“However, all Disciples can rest assured, the change in rules does not mean a reduction in the number of Inner Sect Disciple spots or an increase in difficulty!

“In this year's Sect minor competition, the third round has no limit on the number of recruits. It can even be said that no matter how many people participate, as long as they pass, they can all become Inner Sect Disciples! It can be said that this year is the time with the greatest chance of being promoted to Inner Sect Disciple!”

As soon as Elder Li's words fell, below the high platform, the Disciples were first stunned, then like a stone stirring up a thousand waves, they instantly burst into an uproar.

“This, how is this possible? Did I mishear Elder Li?”

Some Disciples let out sounds of disbelief.

“Hahaha, it wasn't in vain that I painstakingly bribed the instructor to enter the third round. It seems this year, I, Liu Yishou, finally won't be eliminated in the first round!”

Some Disciples were laughing wildly, going mad.