Outer Sect Great Elder Mo Yuan

The first rays of dawn broke through, the thin mist still lingering.

As Su Yu and his three companions stepped onto the plaza in front of the Outer Sect Main Hall, dozens of young martial artists had already gathered.

These talented disciples from various prominent families stood in small groups, some nervously fiddling with their clothes, others striking a pose with their hands behind their backs, appearing mature beyond their years. Most, however, couldn't hide their excitement as they looked around.

"Su Yu!" A clear, bright voice called out.

Chu Feng, clad in white, smiled and cupped his hands towards them.

Behind him, Lin Tian, his face grim, deliberately avoided Su Yu's gaze.

Just as Su Yu was about to return the greeting, a commotion suddenly erupted from the hall entrance.

Five figures in dark elder robes emerged one after another, led by an old man with snow-white hair and beard.

Each of his steps seemed precisely measured, and the Mysterious Iron Token hanging from his waist made a dull clanking sound with his movements.

It was none other than the Great Elder of the Outer Sect, Mo Yuan.

"Silence!"

Mo Yuan's voice wasn't loud, but it boomed like muffled thunder in everyone's ears.

The plaza instantly fell silent, not even the most boisterous Su Yan could help but straighten his posture.

The old man's gaze swept over the crowd like a hawk's.

He was all too familiar with the arrogance in these young people's eyes.

After all, they were geniuses chosen from a thousand, darlings of their respective families back home.

A faint, almost imperceptible cold smile touched Mo Yuan's lips.

The Misty Cloud Sect certainly didn't lack geniuses.

Those Outer Sect Disciples who had joined a year or two earlier, though also stuck at Peak Qi Refining Level 9, possessed practical combat experience far beyond these rookies.

It wouldn't be long before reality taught them the meaning of "there's always someone better."

Suddenly, his gaze paused on a particular figure.

It was an unusually calm young man in blue.

He displayed neither the nervousness of a newcomer nor the inherent pride of a scion from a prominent family.

He simply stood there quietly, yet it felt as if an invisible barrier separated him from the restless atmosphere around him.

Is this the kid Lu Yue mentioned? Mo Yuan narrowed his eyes.

Yesterday, Lu Yue had specifically mentioned a particularly special newcomer named Su Yu.

Looking at him now, he did seem a bit special.

Mo Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, his voice like a resonant bell echoing across the plaza.

His gaze swept over everyone present, and he slowly began, "From this day forward, you are all disciples of the Misty Cloud Sect's Outer Sect. Having joined our sect, you must remember three ironclad rules—"

He raised one finger, his tone solemn: "First, private duels are strictly forbidden! If you have grievances, you may settle them on the Fighting Stage. Violators will be severely punished!"

He brought up a second finger, his voice deepening: "Second, all sect cultivation methods and martial skills are absolutely not to be divulged! Even among fellow disciples, private teaching is forbidden. Violators will have their cultivation crippled and be expelled from the mountain!"

He pressed down with a third finger, like Mount Tai descending: "Third, if an Outer Sect Disciple fails to break through to the Spirit Condensation Realm within three years..."

He paused slightly, his gaze sharp as a sword, "...you must either apply for the position of Outer Sect Deacon—though you'll need to pass an assessment—or leave the sect of your own accord!"

Upon hearing this, the disciples below reacted in various ways.

Some clenched their fists, while others broke out in a sweat, clearly intimidated by these stringent conditions.

Seeing this, Mo Yuan snorted coldly and continued, "Don't think the position of Deacon is a fallback! After becoming an Outer Sect Deacon, if you still cannot break through to the Spirit Condensation Realm within two years, you will also have to leave the Misty Cloud Sect!"

His tone softened slightly, "Of course, if you are fortunate enough to break through to the Essence Transformation Realm in the future, you may apply to be promoted to an Outer Sect Elder... but that will depend on your own fortune."

Changing the subject, he waved his sleeve, his voice suddenly rising, "But if you break through to the Spirit Condensation Realm within three years—"

"You may participate in the Inner Sect assessment! Those who pass will become Inner Sect Disciples of the Misty Cloud Sect! As for matters within the Inner Sect... you will know when you reach that stage."

Mo Yuan raised his hand to press down, calming the commotion below, and continued, "The sect does not support idlers! The Pill Refining Pavilion, Artifact Crafting Pavilion, Spirit Plant Garden, and Spirit Beast Garden will regularly post missions. Completing these missions will earn you Contribution Points."

"Contribution Points can be exchanged for cultivation methods, martial skills, Spirit Artifacts, pills, spirit herbs... and even advanced cultivation insights!"

This last sentence indeed caused a stir.

Mo Yuan looked with satisfaction at the longing in the new disciples' eyes and turned to Lu Yue, saying, "Elder Lu, please take them to the Scripture Repository."

Before the Scripture Repository, Lu Yue held a roster and announced in a clear voice:

"The following disciples are permitted to collect two martial skills: Su Yu, Lin Tian, Chu Feng, Su Yun, Zhao Wuji..."

The disciples whose names were called straightened their backs in unison.

Su Yu guessed, "These people are probably the top four from the city's grand competition."

"You may collect one skill initially, and the second within six months," Lu Yue added meaningfully.

"Of course, if you are confident in your exceptional comprehension, you may take both skills today."

Having said this, Lu Yue's gaze slowly swept across the faces of the new disciples, finally lingering on Su Yu for a moment.

After a month, the Sword Intent on this young man had become even more condensed. Even though he deliberately restrained it, he couldn't hide the sharp, exposed edge.

The heavy sandalwood doors of the Scripture Repository slowly opened before the crowd, and a rich scent of ink, mixed with the aura of accumulated years, wafted towards them.

What met their eyes were rows of towering bookshelves, with meticulously arranged ancient texts shimmering with an old luster in the morning light.

"Remember," Lu Yue stood at the threshold, his voice solemn.

"You only have fifteen minutes to choose, and you are restricted to the first floor. Above the second floor, unauthorized entry will be dealt with according to sect rules!"

Su Yu stepped inside, his pupils involuntarily constricting slightly.

Within the hundred-zhang square first-floor space, dozens of ebony bookshelves were arranged crisscross, and each bookshelf was densely packed with hundreds of ancient texts.

A rough estimate suggested there were at least a thousand martial skill manuals here!

"This..." Su Yu's breathing quickened.

In the Su Family, there were only a handful of High-grade Human-tier martial skills, all kept in the family's secret chamber.

Yet here, they were displayed as if they were ordinary books!

"My heavens!" Su Yan dashed to the nearest bookshelf, his fingers trembling as he brushed over the spines.

"Clear Wind Sword Art, Army Breaking Saber Technique, Wind Chasing Steps... Are these all High-grade Human-tier?!"

Su Mei also lost her usual composure, trotting over, her voice trembling, "This Snowfall Sword Style... wasn't it rumored to be lost a hundred years ago? It's actually here..."

Even the usually stern Su Yun's expression changed, and he whispered, "As expected of the Misty Cloud Sect..."