Observations in the Plaza

Every disciple who first enters the sect gets one opportunity to choose a Human-grade Initial Stage cultivation technique and martial skill. After that, if they wish to obtain more, they will need contribution points.

In the Wuji Sect, contribution points are equivalent to currency; they can be used for anything.

As for how to obtain them, Outer Sect disciples can do so by accepting tasks that don't require leaving the sect, or by cultivating their martial skills and techniques to a certain level and meeting specific assessment standards.

Additionally, they can be acquired through various trials organized by the sect.

In short, there are many channels; the only fear is that you don't work hard enough.

As a new disciple, Lu Ming naturally had this opportunity as well.

It's just that he didn't need a cultivation technique; instead, he could exchange it for a martial skill.

However, he then felt that he would soon break through to the True Qi Realm, and learning a Human-grade Mid-tier martial skill would be both useless and a waste of time.

He wondered if he could exchange it for contribution points.

So, he asked the person leading him around to familiarize himself with the environment.

He received an affirmative answer.

"Lu Ming, it seems you've already joined our Wuji Sect."

On the way to the Martial Skill Pavilion, they coincidentally ran into Chu Yunxiao, whom they hadn't seen in days.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Chu."

The person leading Lu Ming was an Outer Sect Steward Disciple. Upon seeing Chu Yunxiao, he quickly bowed.

Chu Yunxiao waved his hand, "It's fine, you go ahead. I'll take Junior Brother Lu to get familiar with things."

"That would be great, thank you, Senior Brother Chu."

The Steward Disciple didn't insist and left with a smile.

After the other person left, Chu Yunxiao said to Lu Ming, "How is it? Does the sect have any arrangements for you?"

Lu Ming didn't hide anything, "I'm currently an Outer Sect disciple of the Wuji Sect."

"That's it?"

Chu Yunxiao clearly didn't believe it. Although he didn't know Lu Ming's specific cultivation time, judging by his current age, starting from twelve years old, it was considered quite fast.

The sect should have given him some special treatment.

"What else could there be?" Lu Ming shrugged, unsure how to explain.

Chu Yunxiao pondered for a moment, then suddenly muttered to himself, "With your talent... No, there's someone in the Outer Sect whose cultivation speed is even faster than yours, and they're already an Inner Sect disciple now."

"She joined midway like you, so that makes sense."

"Cultivation speed faster than mine?"

Although the other party was speaking somewhat incoherently, Lu Ming could still roughly understand what he meant.

Thus, he was a bit curious: who could cultivate to the True Qi Realm within five months?

Chu Yunxiao came back to his senses and explained, "Come on, let's talk as we walk."

As Chu Yunxiao spoke, Lu Ming learned.

It turned out that before he arrived, there was a genius disciple in the Outer Sect who had also just joined the sect. She started cultivating at twelve years old and became a True Qi Realm cultivator at the young age of thirteen years and two months.

This achievement caused a sensation throughout the entire sect.

She was hailed as the fastest cultivator in the Wuji Sect, and even in the entire Zhao Kingdom, in a hundred years.

"Huh? Why aren't you talking?"

Seeing Lu Ming stroking his chin with a strange expression, Chu Yunxiao asked in confusion.

Lu Ming felt that he was the fastest, but he hadn't broken through to the True Qi Realm yet.

Although he was very confident, who could say for sure about things that hadn't happened?

So, he kept silent and only asked, "What's her name?"

"Zhu Ningyun."

Chu Yunxiao replied, "Let me tell you, she's the apple of the Elders' eyes right now. We ordinary disciples are so envious."

Lu Ming wasn't surprised; after all, geniuses were always sought after.

"Alright, you'll know all about these things later when you enter the Inner Sect. For now, I'll take you to the Martial Skill Pavilion."

Lu Ming nodded.

The Martial Skill Pavilion was a vital and important place within a sect, naturally located in the core area with heavy defenses.

Lu Ming was led first to a large hall plaza, where many people were coming and going, all of them Inner Sect disciples in the True Qi Realm, bustling with activity.

"Where is this?"

Lu Ming didn't think this place resembled the Martial Skill Pavilion.

"This is the Mission Hall. Inner Sect disciples must complete at least one mission per year. Speaking of which, the last time I went to Shuofeng City was my first mission."

Chu Yunxiao explained, then prepared to pull Lu Ming through the area. However, at this moment, a commotion suddenly erupted in the plaza.

"Make way, make way! Something terrible has happened! Senior Brother Yun Jianhai's mission to eliminate the Black Wind Bandit Leader has failed, and his body was just brought back by a security escort agency."

"What?!"

A person suddenly rushed into the plaza, shouting as they ran. The words they spoke shocked everyone present.

"I saw that mission. According to the intel, the Black Wind Bandit Leader was only at the Peak Early True Qi Realm, while Senior Brother Yun Jianhai was in the Mid True Qi Realm. How could the mission have failed?"

"Yeah, besides their cultivation realms, Senior Brother Yun Jianhai's Human-grade Peak Stage Mountain-Shaking Fist can even shatter mountains. How could he not be a match for that bandit leader?"

"Could the opponent have had help?"

"It must be!"

The plaza instantly erupted in discussion.

Chu Yunxiao's expression turned grim. "Senior Brother Yun Jianhai was ranked four hundred and sixty-second among Inner Sect disciples. I didn't expect him to perish now."

Lu Ming didn't know what to say. He supposed this was another reminder of the brutality of the martial world. Even after joining a top sect in a kingdom, one couldn't avoid casualties.

"These things are unavoidable. Many disciples at the Wuji Sect get injured every year, and quite a few lose their lives. Senior Brother Yun Jianhai is just one of them."

Chu Yunxiao sighed again and quietly explained to Lu Ming:

"The various factions within the Zhao Kingdom are not on friendly terms. When disciples from different factions meet, they often clash fiercely. This is especially true between the three Grade Seven sects. The consequences can range from minor injuries to death."

"Even among those Grade Eight and Nine sects, as long as it's a normal disciple dispute, the sect's higher-ups won't intervene."

"Furthermore, there are also existences like rogue martial artists, which means that accidents can happen at any time when we travel the Jianghu."

Lu Ming nodded. He somewhat understood the sect's philosophy; they didn't want to cultivate hothouse flowers.

"I'll take this mission! I want to see just how strong that bandit leader is!"

A disciple in the Mid True Qi Realm suddenly declared loudly.

"Count me in. Senior Brother Yun Jianhai and I were close. I want to avenge him personally."

"Me too. That bandit leader might have had quite a few helpers."

The plaza, which had been filled with discussion, now turned into an uproar of righteous indignation.

"What kind of behavior is this, making such a racket!"

At this moment, the commotion outside finally attracted an Elder. His face was stern as he said:

"The Jianghu is this cruel. Failing to master your skills leads to such consequences. Also, never underestimate anyone, even if they are crippled or blind. Carelessness, even with great strength, can lead to a bitter end."

He used the situation as a pretext to remind the disciples.

The disciples quieted down.

"Alright, a batch of new missions has been posted. Everyone should assess their own strength before taking them. Don't bite off more than you can chew."

The Elder left them with these words and turned to walk back into the main hall.

The disciples then went about their own business.

The disciples who had previously declared they would take the mission to eliminate the bandit leader, who were about to leave the main hall, now re-entered it, keeping their word.

A few others followed behind them.

"Let's go too."

Chu Yunxiao said.

Lu Ming nodded. He no longer felt like wandering around. He went to the Martial Arts Pavilion and exchanged his two selection opportunities for contribution points.

Then, he bid farewell to Chu Yunxiao and headed straight back to his residence.

The matter with Zhu Ningyun, combined with what he had just witnessed at the mission hall, suddenly made him feel an urgent desire to break through to the True Qi Realm.

And then take on missions.

To him, the Jianghu, though dangerous, held a great allure.

Therefore, his next plan was to cultivate his inner energy with all his might.