Outer Sect Dispute

"These are all common cultivation methods. It seems the outer disciples' privileges aren't enough."

Qingxuan Sect, Scripture Repository.

Shen Yi returned dejectedly, having found neither clues about Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment nor any unique cultivation methods.

"You're Kong Ming?"

One day, as Shen Yi was walking, he was suddenly stopped by a group of three people. Judging by their appearance, they were all at the fifth or sixth level of Qi Refining.

Shen Yi didn't respond and continued walking. The three shouted again, but Shen Yi still didn't react.

"Stop!"

Seeing that Shen Yi was ignoring them, the three became somewhat enraged. They all activated their spiritual energy, surrounding Shen Yi.

"Three senior brothers, I'm the brother of Senior Brother Zhu Siwen!"

Shen Yi feigned terror, stammering out Zhu Siwen's name, hoping to intimidate them.

Unexpectedly, mentioning Zhu Siwen's name only made the three more arrogant. They made as if to attack Shen Yi.

Shen Yi's expression changed. He decided to strike first, not giving the three a chance to react. He smashed the Dragon Elephant Fist into their faces. Before long, the three were beaten into pig's heads, glowing with a faint blue light.

"Pah! With just this much skill, you dare provoke me? I'm Senior Brother Zhu Siwen's man!"

Shen Yi finished easily, spitting at the three. Before leaving, he made sure to emphasize that he was Zhu Siwen's subordinate.

As it turned out, from the moment the three appeared, he had recognized them as followers of Wang Lie, Zhu Siwen's rival. The two of them represented the interests of the Second Elder Zhang Zishi and the Great Elder Wang Shangren, respectively. Shen Yi naturally wouldn't miss such an opportunity to sow discord between them and ultimately isolate Wang Shangren.

"Pity, I should have let them hit me first."

Shen Yi shook his head, lamenting that his plan wasn't perfect enough.

"What? Three against one, and they ended up looking like this!"

Wang Lie's face was filled with rage as he looked at his three subordinates. He was disappointed, having intended to curb Zhu Siwen's arrogance but instead suffering a setback.

"Zhu Siwen, Zhu Siwen, you win this time. Don't think I'll let this go."

Wang Lie and Zhu Siwen had always been at odds. Both were well past their prime and had been stuck at the eighth level of Qi Refining for years, with no hope of reaching Foundation Establishment. Not wanting to lose the sect's protection, they had found patrons and focused on winning people over, both aiming to control the outer sect.

Zhu Siwen naturally also learned of Shen Yi's matter and was quite pleased. With Shen Yi's suppression, his side was destined to gain immense prestige from now on.

Shen Yi was currently in the residence in Qingxuan City allocated to him by the Qingxuan Sect. He held a piece of paper in his hand: "Three months later, secret realm Foundation Establishment, seize the opportunity."

"Three months later, a secret realm will open?"

Shen Yi muttered to himself. This was the second time a mysterious person had sent him a message, but he had no idea what their purpose was.

He was now at the peak of Qi Refining, only lacking a catalyst to reach Foundation Establishment. Despite this, Shen Yi still practiced diligently every day. After each cultivation session, he felt his spiritual energy become even more refined.

To avoid suspicion, Shen Yi would always coincidentally encounter Wang Lie's subordinates whenever he entered or exited the sect's gates and then beat them up. Half a month passed, and the name "Kong Ming" had spread throughout the outer sect of the Qingxuan Sect.

"Junior Brother Kong Ming, you are truly a heaven-blessed genius. You are now the foremost person in the outer sect. This elder feels honored by your achievements."

Zhu Siwen said with a smile. Shen Yi's sudden emergence had brought him great glory. Wang Lie's faction would now avoid their disciples. It was likely that before long, his side would gain even more.

Of course, all of this was thanks to Shen Yi's performance.

"Senior Brother is too kind. It is my duty to contribute to the sect, the elders, and Senior Brother."

Shen Yi reaffirmed his loyalty, which put Zhu Siwen's mind at ease.

"I received news, Senior Brother, that a secret realm will open in three months. It's an excellent opportunity for Foundation Establishment, but the sect's quotas are limited, and priority is given to disciples with significant contributions. Junior Brother, you should pay attention to this."

Zhu Siwen reminded Shen Yi, without revealing his true intentions, that he should go and take on some missions. This would make it easier for the sect to choose disciples when the time came.

"I will not fail Senior Brother's expectations!"

The next day, Shen Yi arrived at the Qingxuan Sect's mission posting area. The place was already crowded and bustling with activity. It seemed all the outer disciples were aware of the secret realm opening in three months.

"Collect ten demonic cores from Tier 2 demonic beasts, reward: one Mid-grade Dharma Artifact. I'll take this mission!"

"Refine ten Grade 4 elixirs, reward: one page of Grade 3 elixir recipes. I'll try this mission."

"Kill the sect traitor Liu Huaqiang, reward: one Low-grade spirit artifact. The reward is good, but it's too dangerous."

"Hesitant and timid, truly useless. I, Hao Ge, will take this mission."

As Shen Yi stepped forward, he saw clearly a golden light screen displaying various missions. To ensure the safety of the disciples, the screen was divided into three sections: Foundation Establishment stage, Qi Refining stage, and Body Forging stage.

"It's Kong Ming, that ruthless guy."

When the crowd saw Shen Yi appear, they instantly fell silent and made way for him.

"Guard the sect's families for ten days, reward: one Fifth-grade Foundation Establishment Pill."

"Tame one Tier 3 battle beast, reward: one Beast Taming Heart Method."

"Retrieve a lost letter, reward: one Mid-grade spirit artifact."

Shen Yi browsed through all the missions in the Qi Refining stage section but couldn't find what he was looking for. They were all ordinary tasks, and the rewards didn't meet his expectations. He turned and walked towards the Foundation Establishment stage missions.

"He's actually walking towards the Foundation Establishment missions, could it be?"

"He's just arrogant. How could a Foundation Establishment stage mission be that easy!"

"Kong Ming, what exactly are you up to?"

Shen Yi ignored the chatter of the crowd, focusing on the mission he wanted.

"Rescue personnel from a family protected by the sect. Reward: one Earth-tier cultivation technique, with access to the Scripture Repository to choose freely."

"This is it!"

Shen Yi accepted without hesitation. A flash of light, and a message transmitted into his mind.

"Travel to the Zhao family in Qingxuan City, understand the situation, and rescue the Zhao family's only son, Zhao Xiaotian."

Shen Yi instantly appeared at the entrance, disappearing from everyone's sight.

"He actually accepted a Foundation Establishment stage mission! That's a mission only Foundation Establishment cultivators can complete!"

"He's just seeking attention. How can a mere Qi Refining cultivator complete a mission involving a sect-protected family in danger?"

The crowd erupted in discussion, and Kong Ming's name once again became a topic of gossip among the disciples.

"Kong Ming, you brought this upon yourself!"

Wang Lie also heard the news, his eyes filled with malice. Ever since Shen Yi joined the Qingxuan Sect, his faction had been on the decline. Now, he finally had an opportunity.

"The three of you are all at peak Qi Refining. You know what to do, right? If you handle this well, I'll personally commend you to the Great Elder!"

The three masked figures nodded, making gestures of killing.

Wang Lie was satisfied and waved his hand, and the three dispersed.

"This is a heaven-sent opportunity!"