3: He showed his talent in the external assessment.

The midday sun was scorching, and the area around the Tianling Academy Outer Sect assessment platform was bustling with thousands of Utility Disciples gathered, their eyes filled with nervousness and anticipation. Today was the day of the assessment for Utility Disciples to advance to the Outer Sect. As long as one could defeat three opponents in the assessment, they could shed their utility status, become a true Outer Sect Disciple, and gain the qualifications to obtain Cultivation Resources and Cultivation Technique Legacy.

Lu Chen stood at the edge of the assessment platform, his faded utility uniform unremarkable in the crowd. However, his gaze was steady, and Spiritual Qi from the Basic Fist Technique quietly circulated in his palms. In the past few days, he had diligently Cultivated during breaks from chopping wood, not only mastering the Basic Fist Technique to perfection, but his Physical Body had also become increasingly robust under the nourishment of Spiritual Qi, just a step away from the Qi Refining First Layer.

"Yo, isn't this the trash who beat Tiger King? How dare he even come to participate in the assessment?" A mocking voice sounded.

Lu Chen turned his head to see Tiger King standing not far away with two followers, his face full of gloom. After being defeated by Lu Chen that day, Tiger King harbored deep resentment. Seeing Lu Chen also participating in the assessment today, he naturally wouldn't miss the chance to mock him.

"Whether I pass or not isn't up to you," Lu Chen responded indifferently, not bothering to argue with him.

Tiger King's face flushed red from being choked up, and just as he was about to retort, the voice of the assessment Elder rang out: "Assessment begins! First group, Lu Chen against Zhang Lei!"

Lu Chen leaped onto the platform. The assessment platform was paved with hard black stone, about three zhang wide, and inscribed with simple Spirit Gathering Array patterns. His opponent, Zhang Lei, was a tall, thin Utility Disciple, whose cultivation had reached the Qi Refining First Layer Early Stage. He held a short saber and had an arrogant expression.

"Kid, if you know what's good for you, surrender now to avoid physical pain!" Zhang Lei brandished his short saber, Spiritual Qi infused into the blade, emitting a buzzing sound.

Lu Chen remained silent, his footwork changing, displaying the agile movement technique contained within the Basic Fist Technique. Although his Spiritual Root was mixed, and his Spiritual Qi circulation was slow, by relying on his movement technique to dodge, he managed to make all of Zhang Lei's attacks miss in a short period.

"Only know how to dodge? Trash is trash!" Zhang Lei roared, his saber strikes becoming even more fierce, directly slashing at Lu Chen's vital points.

Lu Chen's eyes narrowed. He no longer dodged. The Spiritual Qi in his Dantian suddenly circulated, and he threw a punch. The punch wind, carrying immense power, struck Zhang Lei's wrist, which held the saber. Zhang Lei felt a huge force, and his short saber flew out of his hand. His wrist went numb, and he couldn't lift it again.

"You yield." Lu Chen seized the Opportunity to step forward, clapped Zhang Lei's shoulder, and pushed him off the platform.

There was an uproar below the platform. No one expected Lu Chen to defeat Zhang Lei, who was at the Qi Refining First Layer, so easily. Tiger King's face was ashen, his fists clenched, his jealousy and resentment deepening.

In the next two assessments, Lu Chen still relied on the Basic Fist Technique and agile movement technique, defeating two other Utility Disciples at the Qi Refining First Layer. Although he didn't display earth-shattering strength, he won steadily, each match clean and decisive, drawing the attention of many Disciples below the platform.

"Although this child has a mixed Spiritual Root, his combat awareness is keen, and his movement technique is agile. He is a talent that can be nurtured." Beside the assessment platform, an old man in a green robe stroked his beard and nodded. He was Elder Li Ping, an Outer Sect Elder. His gaze was profound, looking at Lu Chen with a hint of appreciation.

Beside Elder Li Ping stood an arrogant-faced youth, his distant nephew, Zhang Hao. Zhang Hao was already at the Qi Refining Second Layer cultivation and was somewhat well-known among Outer Sect Disciples. Seeing Elder Li Ping paying attention to Lu Chen, a hint of disdain curled his lips: "It's just good luck. A mixed Spiritual Root will ultimately not achieve great things. Why does Uncle care?"

Elder Li Ping did not retort, merely smiled faintly, his gaze still fixed on Lu Chen.

The assessment ended. Although Lu Chen did not win first place, he successfully passed the assessment and obtained the qualification of an Outer Sect Disciple. As he was about to descend the platform, his gaze inadvertently swept over a pile of rubble in the corner of the examination hall. Beside a bluestone, a yellowed booklet lay quietly, with the words "Breathing Technique" written on its cover.

"Another Cultivation Technique?" Lu Chen's heart stirred. Taking advantage of no one paying attention, he quietly picked up the booklet. The moment his fingertips touched the pages, the Breathing Technique transformed into a stream of light and drilled into his glabella. The Profound Truth of the Cultivation Technique instantly merged into his mind.

Unlike the ordinary version, the annotations of this Breathing Technique were more exquisite, containing a faster method of Spiritual Qi circulation. Lu Chen circulated Spiritual Qi according to the technique. The originally faint Spiritual Qi in his Dantian suddenly boiled, quickly flowing through his Meridians. The surrounding Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi rapidly gathered, surging into his body.

"Boom!" With a soft sound, Lu Chen's cultivation actually broke through to the Qi Refining First Layer, and his Spiritual Qi was several times thicker than before. He felt the surging Spiritual Qi within his body, his heart filled with ecstasy: This Breathing Technique was indeed extraordinary, helping him Breakthrough the Bottleneck in one fell swoop!

This scene was caught by Elder Li Ping, who showed a hint of surprise in his eyes, which then turned into deep admiration. Although the ordinary Breathing Technique could assist in Cultivation, it definitely did not have such miraculous effects. It seemed Lu Chen's Opportunity was not shallow.

"Lu Chen, come with me." Elder Li Ping walked forward, his tone gentle.

Lu Chen's heart was filled with joy, knowing that he had attracted the Elder's attention, and quickly followed. Zhang Hao watched their departing backs, a hint of gloom flashing in his eyes. He thought to himself: A trash from a utility background, how dare he make Uncle look at him differently? Just wait, I will definitely let you know the rules of the Outer Sect.

The two arrived at the Outer Sect Elder Hall. Elder Li Ping took out a token and handed it to Lu Chen: "From today onwards, you are an Outer Sect Disciple. This is your identity token. With it, you can receive Cultivation Resources and gain access to the outer areas of the Scripture Pavilion."

"Thank you, Elder." Lu Chen took the token and bowed respectfully.

"Although your Spiritual Root is mixed, your Opportunity and Heart-Nature are both excellent. You must diligently Cultivate in the future and not let this talent go to waste," Elder Li Ping instructed. "You must carefully study the annotations of this Breathing Technique; it will greatly benefit your Cultivation."

Lu Chen was surprised, not expecting Elder Li Ping to have seen the extraordinary nature of the Breathing Technique, and quickly nodded in agreement.

Leaving the Elder Hall, Lu Chen held the identity token, his heart filled with emotions. From being rejected by various Sects as trash to now becoming an Outer Sect Disciple, gaining Cultivation Resources and Cultivation Techniques, all of this was due to that Heaven-Defying Golden Finger. He knew that this was just the starting point, and to establish himself in Tianling Academy, he still needed to continuously improve his strength.

Returning to the Outer Sect Disciple living area, Lu Chen had just settled down when he heard footsteps outside his door. He opened the door and saw Zhang Hao standing outside with two Outer Sect Disciples, their expressions arrogant.

"Lu Chen, I heard you broke through to Qi Refining First Layer?" Zhang Hao scrutinized Lu Chen, his tone carrying a hint of mockery, "It's just a fluke that you got a slightly better Breathing Technique. Do you really think you're that amazing?"

Lu Chen frowned slightly, knowing that Zhang Hao was displeased by Elder Li Ping's attention. He said indifferently, "Among Disciples, harmony should be valued. Senior Brother Zhang, why be so aggressive?"

"Harmony should be valued?" Zhang Hao sneered, "The Outer Sect is not the Manual Labor Courtyard; strength is respected here! How can a trash with a mixed Spiritual Root be worthy of my Uncle's special attention? You'd better behave yourself in the future, or don't blame me for being impolite!"

With that, Zhang Hao left with his people, leaving behind a threatening silhouette.

Lu Chen looked in the direction they left, his eyes gradually firming. He knew that the days in the Outer Sect would not be peaceful, and Zhang Hao's provocation was just the beginning. But he was not afraid. With a Heaven-Defying Cultivation Technique in hand, as long as he continued to Cultivate, he would eventually make those who looked down on him see him in a new light.

He returned to his room, sat cross-legged, and once again circulated the Breathing Technique. Following that special Spiritual Qi circulation method, Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi continuously surged into his body, and his cultivation steadily improved. He thought to himself: The annotations of this Breathing Technique are so exquisite; perhaps there are deeper secrets hidden within. I must study it carefully in the future.

At this moment, Zhang Hao returned to his courtyard, his face gloomy as he said to the Disciples beside him: "Keep an eye on Lu Chen for me. See what other trump cards he has. A utility trash, daring to steal my thunder, I will definitely make it so he can't stay in Tianling Academy!"

Night deepened, and the Tianling Academy Outer Sect was peaceful, but undercurrents surged. Lu Chen's rise had already touched the interests of certain individuals, and a new conflict was quietly brewing. Lu Chen, unaware of this, was immersed in the pleasure of Cultivation, looking forward to acquiring more powerful Cultivation Techniques in the future and forging his own legend on this path of immortal cultivation.