New Opportunity

The news of Lin Hao being defeated by Fang Yan's single finger quickly spread among the Outer Sect Disciples.

Everyone was shocked by Fang Yan's growth speed. From an unknown newcomer to consecutively defeating Zhao Hu and Lin Hao, two established powerhouses, Fang Yan had only taken a single month. His ranking had also soared, jumping directly to twenty-first place among the Outer Sect Disciples.

For a time, no one dared to provoke Fang Yan lightly. The way everyone looked at him was filled with awe and curiosity.

One day, Fang Yan was practicing the Profound Ice Spear Technique. The Ink Ice Spear moved like an extension of his arm, its tip spitting out a foot-long ice-blue spear aura. Each thrust was accompanied by a sharp whistle that tore through the air, and the ground was frozen with trails of cold energy.

Suddenly, an old and majestic voice sounded in his ear, "Fang Yan, come with me."

Fang Yan's heart tightened. He put away his spear and turned to look. He saw an old man in a blue robe with white hair and beard standing not far away, his eyes as deep as an ancient well. It was Elder Li, the Enforcement Elder of the Mystic Martial Pavilion's inner sect.

"Disciple Fang Yan greets Elder Li," Fang Yan quickly cupped his hands in greeting, his heart full of confusion. Why would an Inner Sect Elder suddenly seek him out?

Elder Li nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Fang Yan for a moment. He then looked at the Ink Ice Spear in his hand and said slowly, "I've heard about you. Not bad. To possess such strength and comprehension at such a young age is rare."

He paused and continued, "I've sought you out today for an important matter. An Elder in the inner sect has taken notice of your talent and wishes to take you as a registered disciple, allowing you to enter the inner sect for cultivation ahead of time. Are you willing?"

Fang Yan's heart trembled violently, and an expression of disbelief appeared on his face. Enter the inner sect early? And become a registered disciple of an Inner Sect Elder? This was an incredible opportunity!

"This disciple is willing! Thank you, Elder Li! Thank you to that Elder!" Fang Yan said excitedly, bowing deeply.

Elder Li nodded with satisfaction. "Very good. Come with me. That Elder is waiting for you inside."

Following Elder Li through several quiet corridors, Fang Yan arrived before an ancient and simple great hall. Standing at the entrance of the hall was a middle-aged man in a white robe, exuding an elegant aura and a faint chill that resonated subtly with Fang Yan's Ice Heart Art.

"Elder Wu, I've brought him," Elder Li said, cupping his hands towards the middle-aged man.

The middle-aged man nodded, his gaze falling on Fang Yan. He said gently, "You are Fang Yan? Not bad, you are indeed a good material. My name is Wu Bing, and I am the Elder in the inner sect responsible for teaching ice-attribute cultivation techniques."

"Disciple Fang Yan greets Elder Wu!" Fang Yan bowed again.

Wu Bing waved his hand, signaling him to rise. "No need for formalities. The reason I'm taking you as a registered disciple is twofold: first, I see your talent, and second, your Ice Heart Art and this Ink Ice Spear are highly compatible with my cultivation techniques."

He walked up to Fang Yan and placed his hand gently on the Ink Ice Spear. A stream of pure ice inner energy slowly flowed into the spear.

"Buzz—"

The Ink Ice Spear suddenly let out a soft hum, its body trembling violently. The ice layer on the spear became even more crystalline, and a faint, blurry phantom of a Spear Soul could be seen moving within the spear.

Fang Yan was startled. He could feel that the Ink Ice Spear seemed to have become more agile, and his connection to it had become closer.

Wu Bing withdrew his hand and said, "This Ink Ice Spear is forged from thousand-year-old profound ice iron and inherently contains a trace of a Spear Soul, which has never been activated. I just used my inner energy to nurture it a bit, making it more compatible with your inner energy."

He paused and continued, "From today onwards, you are my registered disciple. In addition to cultivating your own techniques and spear skills, I will teach you a more advanced ice cultivation technique, the Extreme Ice Prison Art, and a matching spear technique, the Ice Soul Spear Technique."

"Thank you, Elder Wu!" Fang Yan was filled with excitement. The cultivation techniques and spear skills of the inner sect must be far superior to those of the outer sect!

Wu Bing smiled slightly. "Cultivate well and do not disappoint my expectations. Your potential is great, and you may become a pillar of our Mystic Martial Pavilion in the future."

In the following days, Fang Yan officially became Wu Bing's registered disciple and began cultivating in the inner sect. The resources in the inner sect were far richer than those in the outer sect, with dedicated cultivation rooms, a vast collection of cultivation manuals, and guidance from Elders themselves.

Under Wu Bing's meticulous tutelage, Fang Yan's progress was rapid. Nourished by the Extreme Ice Prison Art, his Blood Essence successfully broke through to 2.2, officially entering the ranks of "Martial Artists." His Profound Ice Spear Technique, with the assistance of the Ice Soul Spear Technique, also broke through to the minor accomplishment stage.

What surprised him even more was that as his strength increased and his compatibility with the Ink Ice Spear deepened, the phantom of the Spear Soul within the spear became clearer. He could even vaguely sense the Spear Soul's consciousness, which could actively guide his spear techniques during combat, making his attacks more formidable.

One day, Wu Bing watched Fang Yan practicing his spear techniques and said with satisfaction, "Fang Yan, your progress is very fast. In a while, you will be able to master the Ice Soul Spear Technique. At that time, I will take you to a place for a trial that will be very beneficial for your growth."

Fang Yan's heart stirred. "A trial? What kind of trial is it?"

Wu Bing smiled. "You'll know when the time comes. Prepare yourself well; that trial is not simple."

Fang Yan nodded heavily. "This disciple understands!"

He knew that a new challenge was imminent. But this time, he was no longer alone. With Elder Wu's guidance and the assistance of the Ink Ice Spear's Soul, he was confident in facing any difficulty!