Inner Sect Preliminary Selection

After the Medicine Garden theft case was closed, peace returned to the outer sect of the Ziyang Sect.

Zhao Lei's fate spread throughout the outer sect. The disciples took it as a warning, training harder than ever, and no one dared to entertain crooked thoughts again.

Shen Hao's cultivation was also steadily improving. In just half a month, he broke through to the Mid Stage of Qi Refining Second Layer. Zhang Shan also broke through to Perfection of Qi Refining Layer One, and the two grew closer and closer.

That day, the Deacon Elder of the outer sect once again gathered all outer sect disciples to assemble at the Training Ground.

When Shen Hao and Zhang Shan arrived at the Training Ground, the square was already packed with people. The Deacon Elder stood on the high platform, sweeping his gaze across the crowd, and announced in a clear voice, "Outer sect disciples, I have good news for you. The sect has decided that in three months, the Inner Sect Preliminary Selection assessment will be held. The top one hundred in the assessment results will qualify to enter the inner sect, becoming Inner Sect Disciples and enjoying the inner sect's cultivation resources."

As soon as he finished, a thunderous cheer erupted across the square. Becoming an Inner Sect Disciple was the dream of every outer sect disciple. The Spiritual Energy density in the inner sect was three times that of the outer sect; the techniques and sword arts in the inner sect were several times more profound than those in the outer sect; and inner sect disciples received ten Low-grade Spirit Stones and three Body Tempering Pills every month—a treatment outer sect disciples couldn't even dream of.

A glint of light flashed in Shen Hao's eyes. He knew that entering the inner sect was a crucial step on his path of cultivation. Only by entering the inner sect could he access more profound techniques, obtain more cultivation resources, and raise his cultivation faster.

"Elder, what does the assessment consist of?" a disciple asked loudly.

The Deacon Elder smiled and said, "The assessment is divided into three parts. The first is a cultivation test, the second is a sword art test, and the third is a practical combat match. The top one hundred in the combined score of all three tests will become Inner Sect Disciples."

He paused, then continued, "The cultivation test mainly examines your Qi Refining realm; the sword art test assesses your mastery of the Purple Sun Basic Sword Codex; and the practical combat match pairs you randomly for one-on-one duels."

"Alright, enough talk. Three months from today is the day of the assessment. I hope you all train diligently and don't miss this opportunity."

With that, the Deacon Elder dismissed the gathering.

The disciples scattered in all directions, rushing back to their quarters, all eager to make the most of their time and train hard for a good result in the assessment three months later.

Shen Hao and Zhang Shan also followed the crowd out of the Training Ground.

"Senior Brother Shen, do you think you have a shot at the assessment in three months?" Zhang Shan looked at Shen Hao, his eyes full of anticipation.

Shen Hao smiled and said, "Hard to say. There are thousands of outer sect disciples, so the competition will be fierce. But I'll do my best."

He paused, then added, "Junior Brother Zhang, you need to train hard too. With your talent, as long as you prepare well, you're sure to pass the assessment."

Zhang Shan nodded, a determined look on his face. "Mm! I'll definitely work hard! I'm going to enter the inner sect and become an Inner Sect Disciple!"

They chatted for a while before heading back to their own quarters.

Shen Hao returned to Room C, closed the door, and sat cross-legged on his bed. He took out the Companion Jade Pendant and infused it with a wisp of Spiritual Energy. Pure, refined Spiritual Energy flowed into his body in an endless stream.

He could clearly sense that the Companion Jade Pendant not only purified Spiritual Energy but also hid a special ability—devouring. Over the past half-month, he had accidentally discovered that when he pressed the pendant against a spirit stone, it could devour the Spiritual Energy within the stone, converting it into even purer Spiritual Energy for him to absorb. Moreover, this devouring ability worked not only on spirit stones but also on Spiritual Medicine, demon beast Inner Cores, and even the Spiritual Energy of others.

However, Shen Hao didn't dare to casually use the ability to devour others' Spiritual Energy. He knew this power was too overbearing; if discovered, it would surely bring deadly trouble.

"Three months—I have to raise my cultivation as fast as possible," Shen Hao muttered to himself.

He decided that for the next three months, aside from completing his duties at the Medicine Garden, he would spend all his time cultivating. He would use the Companion Jade Pendant's devouring ability to consume more spirit stones and Spiritual Medicine, boosting his cultivation.

Shen Hao took out a few Low-grade Spirit Stones from his pocket and placed them on the Companion Jade Pendant. The pendant instantly lit up with a cyan glow, beginning to devour the Spiritual Energy from the stones. The Spiritual Energy in the stones flowed like a stream, endlessly pouring into the pendant, transforming into even purer Spiritual Energy that coursed through Shen Hao's Meridians and into his Sea of Qi.

Shen Hao immersed himself in the pleasure of cultivation, the Spiritual Energy in his Sea of Qi growing denser and denser.