White Cloud Peak

The group exchanged glances. Lu Ming naturally wouldn't back down, and Cui Bai, having survived three life-or-death crises, had already undergone a transformation and wouldn't back down either.

The remaining three hesitated, but ultimately, none chose to withdraw.

"Very good."

Elder Ming smiled with satisfaction and officially granted them Inner Sect Disciple status.

First, each person received an Inner Sect Disciple identification token, followed by two fingernail-sized jade tokens.

As explained, these jade tokens could be used at the Martial Skill Pavilion to claim martial arts and at the Weapon Pavilion to claim suitable weapons.

These were all introductory benefits for Inner Sect Disciples.

He then gave a brief overview of other matters before letting them explore on their own.

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

After Elder Ming left, Cui Bai spoke first.

"I want to go to the Martial Skill Pavilion first and pick out my martial arts before anything else," the disciple named Qi said impatiently.

The female disciple and another person nodded in agreement; they clearly wanted to select their martial arts first as well.

"What about you?"

Cui Bai looked at Lu Ming.

"Let's go settle into our residences first," Lu Ming said after some thought.

"Then let's go together."

The five then split up.

White Cloud Peak. This was one of the areas where Inner Sect Disciples resided. Independent courtyards were built on the peak, creating a tranquil environment with pleasant scenery.

Occasionally, clouds would rise, shrouding the entire White Cloud Peak in mist, making it feel like a fairyland.

"We're here. I didn't expect us to be assigned to this peak. We're quite lucky," Cui Bai said happily, looking at the mountain ahead. Lu Ming and he had first returned to the outer sect to pack their belongings before arriving at the foot of White Cloud Peak.

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

During their journey, the two had become quite familiar with each other. Furthermore, Cui Bai deeply admired Lu Ming's strength, recognizing he wasn't some incompetent person who relied on connections or favoritism.

Hearing Lu Ming's question, Cui Bai replied, "You just arrived, so you don't know. I've heard before that White Cloud Peak has the best living conditions among all the Inner Sect peaks. Some people want to live here but don't have the chance. We're lucky."

Lu Ming nodded, sensing the refreshing atmosphere of the surroundings.

"Let's go."

The two didn't linger at the foot of the mountain and headed towards their residences on the mountainside.

The courtyards here were not built close together, with about ten steps between each. Lu Ming and Cui Bai were fortunate enough to be assigned adjacent courtyards.

However, a crowd had gathered there. Seeing the two arrive, someone from the crowd exclaimed in surprise, "Cui Bai, is that really you?"

"Du Shaohai." Cui Bai clearly recognized the other person, but his expression soured.

Lu Ming observed this, sensing that their relationship wasn't good.

As expected, Du Shaohai spoke with a hint of mockery: "You finally passed the assessment. I thought you'd have been kicked out long ago, and we'd never see each other again."

Cui Bai snorted, "Cut the crap. What are you doing here?" He didn't believe Du Shaohai had specifically waited here to find trouble just because he passed the assessment; there had to be another reason.

"That's right. I just heard from someone at the Deacon Hall that the courtyards here have already been assigned. It seems they're for you," Du Shaohai added, glancing at Lu Ming.

Cui Bai's brow furrowed. "So, you're blocking the way here because you want to snatch our residences?"

"Don't put it so crudely." Du Shaohai chuckled. "As long as it's a voluntary exchange of residences, the sect won't interfere." His meaning was clear.

Knowing Du Shaohai's intentions were hostile, Cui Bai sneered, "What if I refuse?"

"You won't refuse." Du Shaohai snapped his fingers, producing a crisp sound, and said slowly, "More than half a year ago, when we were both in the outer sect, you relied on your external martial arts, and I couldn't do anything to you. Now, I entered the Inner Sect more than half a year before you and have learned a Human-grade, high-stage fist technique. I'm no longer someone you can contend with."

Cui Bai's heart sank upon hearing this. He knew he would have to fight today. However, as Du Shaohai said, having entered the Inner Sect half a year earlier, the cultivation methods and martial skills he had learned were of a higher grade than Cui Bai's.

So facing him would definitely be a disadvantage.

Seeing this, Lu Ming was about to step forward. He could tell that these people weren't here for Cui Bai, but for the courtyard.

Therefore, if they were going to force him to give it up willingly, it would be better to make the first move.

However, Cui Bai stopped him, shook his head, and then said to Du Shaohai:

"Fine, today I want to see how much your strength has improved after entering the Inner Sect half a year before me!"

With that said, a yellow light suddenly erupted from his body, and he strode forward. With each step, a deep footprint was left on the ground.

"This should be a Human-grade, high stage cultivation method, the Thick Earth Art."

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

"The Thick Earth Art is a cultivation method that trains both body and qi, resulting in a strong physique and heavy Inner Qi. It's a shame this is ultimately just a Human-tier Mid-grade cultivation method; it won't be enough once you reach the Zhen Qi Realm."

"Yeah, those who just entered the Inner Sect can't compare to us who entered earlier. I bet this fight will be decided in one move."

"The opponent's physical strength looks very strong, so his defense is naturally strong too. I bet it takes two moves."

These people were constantly discussing. Lu Ming listened while observing the situation in the arena.

At this moment, Cui Bai had already reached the center and stood firm, saying with a determined gaze, "Come on."

Du Shaohai was naturally not to be outdone. He leaped lightly to the opposite side and said coldly:

"Let me tell you, although I only entered the sect more than half a year ago, I directly skipped the one-year protection period and took on missions. Therefore, I exchanged Contribution Points for an extremely advanced Lightness Skill."

As he spoke, a proud expression appeared on his face. "However, I don't plan to use Lightness Skills to fight you in a back-and-forth battle. Instead, I plan to defeat you fair and square with my fist techniques."

"Take this punch!"

With that, Du Shaohai launched the first attack. His fist was filled with True Qi, and before he even landed, he unleashed three consecutive fist energies.

"This is 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 aiming to win in one move."

"If you can take it, then take it!"

Cui Bai saw the opponent's momentum. Although his heart grew heavy, his expression remained fearless. His True Qi surged, and his whole body made crackling sounds.

Then, without dodging, he let out a roar and threw three punches at the fist energies.

Bang bang bang!

The True Qi collided, immediately erupting with fierce sounds. Under Cui Bai's three punches, the incoming fist energies shattered with a roar.

However, after dispelling the fist energies, Cui Bai became even more serious. This was because, in the process, he had been forced back three steps, which showed the dominance of the opponent's fist energy.

Fortunately, his physique was strong, and he wasn't injured.

"Again!"

However, at this moment, before Cui Bai could stabilize himself, Du Shaohai had already closed in, his True Qi-covered fists striking out one after another.

Now they were in close combat.

Having experienced the power of the opponent's fist energy, Cui Bai naturally didn't dare to clash head-on again. He could only parry and deflect, and if he couldn't dodge, he could only take the hits with his physical body.

Finally, after taking a solid punch, his body was like a kite with a broken string, flying backward.

At this point, the outcome was decided.

Lu Ming, with quick eyes and hands, leaped up the moment the opponent flew backward and caught him precisely.

Then, he spun a few times in the air, dissipating the immense force transmitted from the opponent, and landed steadily.

"What excellent Lightness Skill!"

Lu Ming's entire process of catching the person was incredibly graceful and elegant. Especially being able to spin a few times in the air while carrying someone demonstrated the mastery of his Lightness Skill. This drew a round of cheers.

"Thank you."

After landing, Cui Bai thanked him. He hadn't sustained any serious injuries, only his face was a little pale. Most of the force had been absorbed by his physical body.

Lu Ming nodded, indicating that no thanks were necessary.

At this moment, Du Shaohai spoke, "You've already lost. Can you give up the courtyard now?"

Although Cui Bai's expression was grim, he was a good sport. Just as he was about to say that he was inferior in skill, Lu Ming stopped him.

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

"You?"

Du Shaohai sized up Lu Ming. Honestly, he had been impressed by the other's Lightness Skill just now, but only for a moment. He was confident that his own Lightness Skill could achieve the same, and the opponent was just a newly entered Inner Sect disciple.

"Fine, I'll give you this chance, but I won't act for free. How about this: if you lose, you also have to hand over your courtyard."

"I agree."

Lu Ming agreed immediately. Although it was somewhat unfair, considering the courtyard was originally his, and the opponent hadn't paid anything to have it as a stake. However, defeating him wouldn't take much effort, so there was no need to waste time arguing.

"You have guts. Take this!"