White Cloud Peak

The group exchanged glances. Lu Ming naturally had no intention of withdrawing, and Cui Bai had already undergone a transformation after surviving three brushes with death, so he naturally would not withdraw either.

Of the remaining three, though somewhat hesitant, none ultimately chose to withdraw.

"Very good."

Only then did Elder Ming reveal a satisfied smile and formally grant them the status of Inner Sect disciples.

First, he gave each of them an Inner Sect disciple identity token, then two jade plaques the size of fingernails.

As he explained, they could use these jade plaques to visit the Martial Arts Pavilion and claim martial arts manuals, or the Weapon Pavilion and collect weapons suited to them.

These were all entry benefits for Inner Sect disciples.

He then gave them a general introduction to the other matters and told them to explore on their own.

"Next, I plan to go to my residence first. Who's coming with me?"

After Elder Ming left, Cui Bai was the first to speak.

"I want to go to the Martial Arts Pavilion first. I'll feel better once I've chosen my martial arts."

The disciple surnamed Qi said impatiently.

The female disciple and the other person nodded in agreement. Clearly, they too wanted to select their martial arts first.

"What about you?"

Cui Bai looked at Lu Ming.

"I'll go settle into my residence first." Lu Ming thought for a moment before answering.

"Then let's go together."

The five then split up.

White Cloud Peak was one of the areas where Inner Sect disciples lived. Independent courtyards had been built all over the peak, in tranquil surroundings with pleasant scenery.

In particular, clouds and mist often rose around it, draping the whole of White Cloud Peak in a veil of haze, like an immortal realm.

"We're here. I didn't expect we'd be assigned to this mountain peak. Our luck isn't bad."

Lu Ming and Cui Bai first returned separately to the Outer Sect to pack their belongings, then arrived together at the foot of White Cloud Peak. Seeing the mountain before them, Cui Bai said happily.

Lu Ming asked, "Is there something special about White Cloud Peak?"

During the journey, the two had become fairly familiar with one another. Moreover, Cui Bai greatly admired Lu Ming's strength; he was no useless fool who had relied on connections and slipped in through the back door.

So, hearing this, he replied, "You've only just arrived, so you don't know. I heard before that White Cloud Peak has the best living conditions of all the Inner Sect peaks. Some people want to move here but never get the chance. Our luck is pretty good."

Lu Ming nodded. Feeling out the surrounding atmosphere, he found it truly refreshing and broadening to the heart.

"Let's go."

The two did not linger at the foot of the mountain and headed toward their residences halfway up the peak.

The courtyards here were not built densely, with more than a dozen paces between each one. Lu Ming and Cui Bai were fortunate—their assigned courtyards were right next to each other.

However, a crowd was gathered there at the moment. When they arrived, one person stepped out from the crowd and said in surprise, "Cui Bai? It's actually you."

"Du Shaohai." Cui Bai clearly knew him as well, though his expression did not look pleasant.

Seeing this, Lu Ming felt that the relationship between the two was probably not very good.

"You finally passed the assessment. I originally thought you'd long since been thrown out of the sect, and that you and I would never have a chance to meet again."

Cui Bai gave a cold snort. "Cut the nonsense. What are you doing here?"

He did not believe the other man had learned that he had passed the assessment and deliberately waited here just to cause trouble for him. There had to be another reason.

"Right. I just heard from the people at the Deacon Hall that the courtyards here were assigned out earlier. Looks like they were assigned to you two."

Du Shaohai then swept his gaze toward Lu Ming.

Cui Bai frowned tightly. "So you're blocking the way here because you want to seize our residence?"

"Don't make it sound so ugly."

Du Shaohai chuckled lightly. "As long as it's a voluntary exchange of residences, the sect won't interfere at all."

His meaning could not have been clearer.

Knowing the visitors meant trouble, Cui Bai sneered. "And if I'm unwilling?"

"You'll be willing."

Du Shaohai pressed his fingers together, producing a series of crisp cracks, then said slowly, "More than half a year ago, you and I were both in the Outer Sect. With your external martial arts, there was nothing I could do to you."

"Now, I entered the Inner Sect more than half a year before you and have already learned a Human-grade High Stage fist technique. I'm no longer someone you can contend against."

Cui Bai's heart sank at those words. He knew that today, they would have to settle this with their hands.

But just as the other party had said, he had entered the Inner Sect half a year earlier, and the cultivation methods and martial skills he had learned were of a higher grade than Cui Bai's.

He would definitely be at a disadvantage against him.

Seeing this, Lu Ming was about to step forward. He had figured it out—the people opposite had not come specifically for Cui Bai, but for the courtyard.

So rather than keep forcing him until he volunteered, it was better to make the first move.

However, Cui Bai stopped him, shook his head, then said to Du Shaohai, "Fine. Today, I want to see just how much your strength has improved after entering the Inner Sect half a year before us!"

As he spoke, a burst of yellow light suddenly flared from his body. Then he strode forward in great steps, each one leaving a deep footprint in the ground.

"This should be the Human-grade Mid-tier cultivation art, the Thick Earth Art."

Someone behind Du Shaohai recognized Cui Bai's cultivation art.

"The Thick Earth Art cultivates both inside and out. It produces a powerful physical body and dense inner qi. Unfortunately, it is ultimately only a Human-grade Mid-tier art. Once one reaches the True Qi Realm, it is no longer much to look at."

"Exactly. Those who have only just entered the Inner Sect can never compare to people like us who entered earlier. I bet the outcome will be decided in one move."

"The other guy's physical strength looks extremely formidable, so his defense must be strong as well. I bet on two moves."

The group continued discussing among themselves. Lu Ming listened while keeping his attention on the situation in the arena.

By then, Cui Bai had already walked to the center and come to a stop. His gaze was firm as he said, "Come."

Du Shaohai naturally did not hesitate. With a light leap, he landed opposite Cui Bai and said coldly, "Let me tell you, although I entered the sect only a little over half a year ago, I skipped the one-year protection period and started taking missions right away. That was why I exchanged my contribution points for an exceptionally brilliant movement technique."

As he spoke, a proud look appeared on his face. "But I have no intention of using my movement technique to circle around and wear you down. I intend to settle this with my fists, fair and square."

"Take my punch!"

With that, Du Shaohai launched the first attack. True qi swirled around his fist, and while he was still in midair, he threw out three bursts of fist force in rapid succession.

"That's the third form of the Demon Sweeping Fist, Sweep Away Demons. I didn't expect Du Shaohai to use his strongest move right from the start."

"He's probably trying to decide the match in one move."

"Then I'll take it!"

Seeing the opponent's momentum, Cui Bai's heart grew grave, but his expression remained fearless. True qi surged through him, and his entire body crackled and popped.

Then, without dodging, he let out a shout and threw three punches in succession at the incoming fist force.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

As the true qi collided, violent explosions rang out. Under Cui Bai's three punches, the incoming fist force shattered with a resounding crash.

Yet after breaking the fist force, Cui Bai's expression became even more solemn. During that exchange, he had been forced back three steps in a row, which was enough to show just how tyrannical the opponent's fist force was.

Fortunately, his physical body was powerful, so he had not been injured.

"Again!"

But before Cui Bai had even regained his footing, Du Shaohai had already charged in. His fists, wrapped in true qi, slammed out one after another.

They were now fighting at close quarters.

Having experienced the tyranny of the opponent's fist force, Cui Bai naturally did not dare clash head-on again. He could only strike to deflect and dissipate the force; when he truly could not evade, he could only endure it with his physical body.

Finally, after taking one punch squarely, his body flew backward like a kite with its string cut.

With that, the victor had been decided.

Lu Ming reacted with lightning speed. The instant Cui Bai was sent flying, he leaped into the air and caught him precisely.

Then he spun several times in midair, shedding the immense force transmitted through Cui Bai's body before landing steadily on the ground.

"Excellent movement technique!"

Lu Ming's entire process of catching him had been graceful and effortless. In particular, the fact that he could carry someone while spinning several times in midair was enough to reveal the excellence of his movement technique.

As a result, a burst of cheers rose from the crowd.

"Thank you."

After landing, Cui Bai thanked him. He had not suffered any serious injuries, though his face was somewhat pale.

Most of the force had been absorbed by his physical body.

Lu Ming nodded, indicating that there was no need for thanks.

At that moment, Du Shaohai said, "You've already lost. You can hand over the courtyard now, right?"

Although Cui Bai's expression was ugly, he could accept defeat. Just as he was about to admit that his skills were inferior, Lu Ming stopped him.

Lu Ming stepped forward and said, "He's my friend. The courtyard cannot be given to you unless you can defeat me."

"You?"

Du Shaohai sized Lu Ming up. To be honest, Lu Ming's movement technique had indeed impressed him for a moment earlier, but only for a moment.

He was confident that his own movement technique could accomplish the same, and besides, Lu Ming was merely a disciple who had only just entered the Inner Sect.

"Fine, I'll give you that chance. But I can't make a move for nothing. How about this? If you lose, your courtyard must be handed over as well."

"I agree."

Lu Ming agreed directly. It was somewhat unfair, since the courtyard had been his to begin with, while Du Shaohai had put up nothing and yet wanted to use it as a wager.

But dealing with him would take hardly any effort at all, so there was no need to waste time arguing.

"You've got guts. Take this!"