After the Medicine Garden theft case ended, the Ziyang Sect's outer sect returned to its usual peace.
Zhao Lei's fate spread throughout the entire outer sect. The disciples all took it as a warning and trained even harder. No one dared entertain crooked thoughts again.
Shen Hao's cultivation also rose steadily. In barely half a month, he broke through to the Mid Stage Qi Refining Second Layer. Zhang Shan, too, broke through to Perfection of Qi Refining Layer One, and the relationship between the two grew increasingly harmonious.
That day, the outer sect's Deacon Elder once again summoned all Outer Sect Disciples to gather at the Training Ground.
By the time Shen Hao and Zhang Shan arrived at the Training Ground, the square was already packed shoulder to shoulder. Standing atop the high platform, the Deacon Elder swept his gaze over the crowd and announced in a ringing voice, "Outer Sect Disciples, I have good news for you. The sect has decided to hold the Inner Sect Preliminary Assessment three months from now. The top one hundred in the assessment will qualify to enter the inner sect, become Inner Sect Disciples, and enjoy the inner sect's cultivation resources."
The moment his words fell, earth-shaking cheers erupted across the square. Becoming an Inner Sect Disciple was the dream of every Outer Sect Disciple. The spiritual energy concentration in the inner sect was three times that of the outer sect; its cultivation methods and sword arts were several times more profound; and Inner Sect Disciples could receive ten Low-grade Spirit Stones and three Body Tempering Pills every month. Such treatment was beyond even the dreams of Outer Sect Disciples.
A glint also flashed through Shen Hao's eyes. He knew that entering the inner sect was an important step on his path of cultivation. Only by entering the inner sect could he access deeper cultivation methods, obtain more cultivation resources, and raise his cultivation faster.
"Elder, what will the assessment cover?" a disciple called out loudly.
The Deacon Elder smiled. "The assessment is divided into three parts. The first is the Cultivation Level Test, the second is the Sword Art Assessment, and the third is the Combat Competition. The top one hundred in the combined scores of all three assessments may become Inner Sect Disciples."
After a pause, he continued, "The Cultivation Level Test will mainly test your Qi Refining realm. The Sword Art Assessment will mainly assess your mastery of the Purple Sun Basic Sword Codex. The Combat Competition will randomly assign opponents for one-on-one matches."
"Enough talk. This day three months from now will be the day of the assessment. Cultivate well, and do not let this opportunity slip through your fingers."
With that, the Deacon Elder announced the dismissal.
The disciples scattered in a rush, each hurrying back to his residence. Everyone wanted to seize the time to cultivate and strive for good results in the assessment three months later.
Shen Hao and Zhang Shan also followed the crowd out of the Training Ground.
"Senior Brother Shen, are you confident about the assessment three months from now?" Zhang Shan asked, his eyes full of anticipation.
Shen Hao smiled. "Hard to say. There are thousands of Outer Sect Disciples, so the competition will certainly be fierce. But I will do my best."
After a brief pause, he added, "Junior Brother Zhang, you should cultivate diligently as well. With your aptitude, as long as you prepare properly, you will certainly pass the assessment."
Zhang Shan nodded, his expression firm. "Mm! I will definitely work hard! I must enter the inner sect and become an Inner Sect Disciple!"
The two chatted for a while before returning to their own residences.
Shen Hao returned to Room C, shut the door, and sat cross-legged on his bed. He took out the Companion Jade Pendant and infused it with a thread of spiritual energy. Pure spiritual energy flowed endlessly into his body.
He could clearly sense that the Companion Jade Pendant could not only refine spiritual energy, but also concealed a special ability—devouring. Over the past half month, he had accidentally discovered that when he placed the jade pendant near Spirit Stones, it would devour the spiritual energy within them and transform it into even purer spiritual energy for him to absorb. Moreover, this devouring ability could consume not only Spirit Stones, but also Spiritual Medicine, Demon Beast inner cores, and even the spiritual energy of others.
However, Shen Hao did not dare use its ability to devour others' spiritual energy lightly. He knew this power was far too overbearing. If anyone discovered it, it would surely bring about a deadly calamity.
"Three months. I must raise my cultivation as quickly as possible," Shen Hao muttered.
He decided that over the next three months, aside from completing his duties at the Medicine Garden, he would devote all his remaining time to cultivation. He would use the Companion Jade Pendant's devouring ability to consume more Spirit Stones and Spiritual Medicine and raise his cultivation.
Shen Hao took several Low-grade Spirit Stones from his robes and placed them atop the Companion Jade Pendant. The pendant instantly lit up with a streak of azure light and began devouring the spiritual energy within the stones. Like a flowing stream, the spiritual energy in the stones poured endlessly into the pendant, where it transformed into even purer spiritual energy and surged through Shen Hao's meridians into his Sea of Qi.
Shen Hao immersed himself in the pleasure of cultivation, while the spiritual energy within his Sea of Qi grew ever denser.
Before you continue