12: Outer sect competition, choose martial arts

“I’m going to apply for the position of Elder right away. Oh, Yuan’er, there’s one more thing I need to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“You are already an Opening Meridian Realm Cultivator, so you are qualified to go to the Sect’s Scripture Pavilion to choose one Martial Skill and one Cultivation Technique. You can choose the Martial Skill yourself, but as for the Cultivation Technique, your Revered Master has already given it to you, so there’s no need to Cultivate other Cultivation Techniques.”

Hearing her say this, Lin Yuan’s face showed curiosity: “Revered Master, that Yin Yang Divine Skill, with such a long name, where did you obtain it? And what Rank is this Cultivation Technique?”

Gu Shuqin softly said: “Your Revered Master and I accidentally obtained it from a deserted Immortal Cave. We originally intended to Cultivate it together, but who would have thought…”

Lin Yuan chuckled playfully: “Who would have thought it would all benefit me.”

Gu Shuqin snorted delicately: “Little rascal, even my husband hasn’t enjoyed me, and now you’ve taken possession of me. How are you going to compensate me?”

Lin Yuan smiled faintly, stood up, and embraced the Mei Fu’s delicate body from behind, whispering in her ear: “Good Revered Master, your Disciple will definitely take responsibility for you.”

“Hmph, at least you have some conscience.”

The Mei Fu turned her head, meeting the young man’s gaze. Their faces were inches apart. Lin Yuan looked at her beautiful features and couldn’t help but kiss her.

Gu Shuqin resisted symbolically for a moment, then let him have his way.

A long time later, their lips parted.

“Revered Master, you’re truly delicious.”

Lin Yuan said, licking his lips.

The Mei Fu’s face flushed, and she pushed him away, saying: “Little pervert, you only know how to tease me.”

“I’m telling the truth, how can that be called teasing?”

“Alright, alright, stop it. There’s one more thing I forgot to tell you. The Sect’s annual Outer Sect Competition is about to begin. Don’t forget to sign up.”

“Outer Sect Competition? Can I participate with my Opening Meridian Rank One cultivation?”

“Any Opening Meridian Realm Disciple can participate in the competition. If you can achieve a high ranking, there will be generous rewards.”

Hearing about rewards, Lin Yuan became interested: “Does Revered Master know what the rewards are?”

Gu Shuqin opened her lips and said: “Based on previous rewards, the top ten can receive five hundred Yuanshi and one Rising Essence Pill, while the top ranked can get three thousand Yuanshi and one Coagulation Pill.”

An ordinary Outer Sect Disciple’s monthly stipend is only ten Yuanshi, and an Outer Sect Elder’s monthly stipend is only fifty Yuanshi.

Three thousand Yuanshi is undoubtedly a huge sum!

And the Coagulation Pill is even more remarkable; it is a Medicinal Pill that helps Cultivators Condensing Core!

Taking this Medicinal Pill will greatly increase the probability of Breakthrough to the Condensing Core Realm!

These rewards might be trivial to the Sect, but to the Disciples, they are already considered a grand gesture.

Lin Yuan said joyfully: “Then three thousand Yuanshi is enough to equal several years of your stipend. The Sect is quite generous in this regard.”

Gu Shuqin pouted: “Three thousand Yuanshi is a lot for us, but for the Sect, it’s just a drop in the ocean. The entire Cloud Ripple Sect alone collects hundreds of thousands of Yuanshi in tribute from its subordinate forces every year, not to mention they have their own Yuanshi mines, where they can dig out large amounts of Yuanshi every day.”

At this, Lin Yuan couldn’t help but lament: “Compared to the powerful Sect, the strength of us Disciples is still too insignificant.”

The Mei Fu comforted him: “Although you are insignificant now, you may not be unable to become powerful in the future.”

“Mm, I will try my best to achieve a good ranking in this competition.”

Seeing the man so serious, Gu Shuqin couldn’t help but laugh: “The top ten in the Outer Sect Competition have always been Cultivators at the Peak of the Opening Meridian Realm. You are a Junior who just entered the Opening Meridian Realm, so Revered Master doesn’t expect you to get a good ranking. Our purpose in signing up this time isn’t for the rewards, but to let you hone yourself in combat and accumulate practical experience.”

Lin Yuan nodded: “I understand, Revered Master. You just said that the top ten are all Opening Meridian Realm Peak Cultivators, so what about the Condensing Core Realm?”

“After an Outer Sect Disciple Breakthrough to the Condensing Core Realm, if they are under thirty years old, they can enter the Inner Sect and become an Inner Sect Disciple. If they are over thirty, they can only take up the position of Outer Sect Elder.”

At this point, the Mei Fu gave a self-deprecating smile: “For us older Condensing Core Realm Cultivators, to put it nicely, we are Outer Sect Elders; to put it bluntly, we are people abandoned by the Sect, because the best resources are all in the Inner Sect, and those in the Outer Sect have no right to enjoy them.”

Lin Yuan frowned: “Is there no way for Outer Sect Elders to be promoted?”

The Mei Fu explained: “There is, but the conditions are very strict. You need to reach the Qi Gathering Realm before the age of forty. That way, you won’t have to be an Inner Sect Disciple anymore, but can directly be promoted to an Inner Sect Deacon.”

Upon hearing this, a hint of sarcasm appeared on Lin Yuan’s lips: “Someone who can’t Breakthrough to the Condensing Core Realm before the age of thirty must have ordinary talent, so how could they possibly Breakthrough to the Qi Gathering Realm before the age of forty? The Sect is clearly cutting off the path of promotion for Outer Sect Elders.”

Gu Shuqin said as a matter of course: “It’s normal. The Sect pursues profit, and good resources will naturally be prioritized for Cultivators with high talent. Even if ordinary people like us obtain resources of the same Rank, our improvement won’t be as great as those Geniuses.”

Lin Yuan clenched his fist: “Revered Master, you are a Profound Yin Body, with the Yin Yang Divine Skill to assist you, plus your Disciple’s dedicated assistance, you will definitely have a chance to reach the Qi Gathering Realm before the age of forty.”

Gu Shuqin smiled bitterly: “I’m already thirty-six, and I’ve only just Breakthrough to the Condensing Core Realm. It might be difficult to reach Nine-Fold Ning Pill and then Breakthrough to Qi Gathering within four years.”

“Nothing in the world is difficult for one who sets their mind to it. As long as we diligently Cultivate, we will definitely have a chance to succeed.”

“Cultivate what?”

“Your fertile land.”

“…”

Gu Shuqin looked puzzled, and only after a moment did she understand the meaning of his words, immediately saying in annoyance: “You little rascal, you’ve learned to tease your Revered Master, haven’t you?”

Lin Yuan couldn’t help but laugh: “No, your Disciple genuinely wants to help Revered Master.”

“Hmph, don’t say such things again in the future, it’s truly vulgar.”

“Okay, okay, then your Disciple will go to the Scripture Pavilion to choose a Martial Skill first.”

“Go ahead, I also need to apply for Outer Sect Elder.”

After they finished tidying the bowls and chopsticks, they each left the house.

…

The Cloud Ripple Sect’s Scripture Pavilion was located at the summit of the Outer Sect’s main Peak, a certain distance from his location on the mountainside. Fortunately, he had Breakthrough to the Opening Meridian Realm. Although he still couldn’t fly, he could scale walls and rooftops, and it took him a quarter of an hour to successfully reach the Peak.

At the entrance of the Scripture Pavilion.

Lin Yuan arrived there and saw a grey-robed old man lying on a rocking chair, basking in the sun.

The other party was the Scripture Pavilion’s Elder, and his status within the Sect was not low.

“Outer Sect Disciple Lin Yuan greets Elder.”

He respectfully cupped his hands and bowed.

Hearing this, the old man slightly raised his eyes, casually glanced at him, and said indifferently: “You just Breakthrough to the Opening Meridian Realm, right?”

“Yes, Disciple is here today to choose a Martial Skill.”

“Mm, go in. Remember, you can only choose from the first floor.”

“Understood.”