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In the Sky River Realm, due to the special environment, many Qi Cultivation Cultivator are fond of concealing their true cultivation level, causing potential enemies to misjudge and then turn the tables at crucial moments.

When Yuan Chiye was still Qi Refining, he also practiced this technique of concealment.

He hadn't paid attention before, but now, with the eyesight of the Foundation Establishment Realm and his past experience, he indeed discovered that Luo Yixuan had concealed part of her cultivation.

He may have only recently broken through to the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer, but in reality, he is close to the Qi Cultivation Perfection, comparable to the true disciples of the older generation.

If she has Second Tier Magic Tool and doesn't hide it, and goes all out, she might not be able to defeat the true disciples recommended by the Three Halls Twelve Departments, but she would have no problem stepping into the Twenty-Four Sequences.

"What is she trying to achieve by doing this?"

Yuan Chiye touched his chin and said something that sounded a bit strange.

The Luo Family is Cultivation Clan in the Yun Country. She also has Luo Shupin, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, as a powerful backer in the Divine Wood Sect. Generally, in the Sky River Realm, only those without powerful backers would cultivate such techniques to conceal their cultivation level.

"Perhaps it was to avoid overshadowing Luo Yixiu."

Chen Mobai made a random guess, but the real reason could probably only be found out by going to the Luo Family in Yun Country or by hearing it from Luo Yixuan herself.

"Forget about these trivial matters. The key issue now is the situation in the Lei Kingdom. I wonder if Luo Shupin is alive or dead?"

Before the end of the year, the disciples of the Divine Wood Sect who transported the Lei Kingdom Spirit Stone Mine brought the storage bags back to the sect. The Reward Hall discovered that the quantity of the Raw Spirit Stone was incorrect. After taking inventory, they found that nearly eight thousand Spirit Stone were missing.

Since the Divine Wood Sect disciple received the storage bag from Luo Shupin in person, the handover should have been done face-to-face. However, the Qi Cultivation Disciple did not dare to count the contents in front of the Foundation Establishment Guardian, and trusting Luo Shupin's character, he filled out the handover document according to the quantity in the report.

The Reward Hall discovered the discrepancy in the quantity and naturally had to investigate thoroughly.

For missions that typically require sending Foundation Establishment Cultivator, the Divine Wood Sect will usually arrange for two to three people to accompany them to ensure that the truth of the matter can be uncovered.

Theoretically, the team should be led by Zhou Wangshen, the next guardian of the Lei Kingdom's Spirit Stone Mine, with one person each from the Reward Hall and the Punishment Hall.

Like Chen Mobai, Yuan Chiye was originally the Chief of the Array Department. After Foundation Establishment, due to the lack of available positions, he remained a leisurely elder in the Array Department.

Although the Punishment Hall, which was directly under his command, had invited him to serve as an inspector, Yuan Chiye was not interested in it. He wanted to join the Divine Wood Hall and help the weak and isolated E Yun.

However, because Chu Zuoshu had important matters to attend to, the Shangshan Reward Hall did not send anyone and instead had the Divine Wood Hall make the arrangements.

The main problem was a mere deficit of eight thousand Spirit Stone, which the Reward Hall didn't even consider a concern.

After reviewing the files on the Lei Kingdom Spirit Stone Mine, Meng Hong discovered that Yuan Chiye had been involved. Without a doubt, since Zhou Wangshen was unable to leave seclusion, he was the only one who could be responsible.

Therefore, Yuan Chiye, who was in seclusion, was summoned out and appointed as the representative of the Divine Wood Hall to take full charge of this matter.

The Sect Leader also made a promise that if this matter was handled well, he would be allowed to enter the Divine Wood Hall.

That's why Yuan Chiye put in such a lot of effort.

Who did the Punishment Hall send?

After hearing the key points, Chen Mobai asked a question.

"I don't know. The three halls usually operate separately. In the end, the sect will compare the three people's files and reports to arrive at the final truth and result."

The Divine Wood Sect's system is quite interesting, but if this matter is investigated, it cannot be kept secret.

After all, there are only so many Foundation Establishment cultivators in the sect. Just by looking at who hasn't been in their own territory recently, you can basically guess who took on this mission.

"By the way, weren't you going to be promoted to the Reward Hall? Should we tell the Hall Master Chu to come with me to the Lei Kingdom to investigate this matter?"

Yuan Chiye suddenly made a suggestion: Chen Mobai had an instinctive resistance to going out.

What he liked most was to stay quietly in his own little corner of the world, farming, cultivating, practicing magic, and experiencing the feeling of slow improvement and transformation.

However, Chen Mobai couldn't refuse Yuan Chiye's offer.

"I can only report to the Reward Hall after the New Year, but I can visit the Hall Master Chu first to see if I can get this appointment ahead of schedule and go to the Lei Kingdom with you."

"There's no need to rush. I estimate this matter may take several months to investigate. It would be best if we could get the Hall Master Chu's approval, but it doesn't matter if we can't. Although my Spell Duel are average, my ability to protect myself is quite good."

Yuan Chiye said with a smile, Chen Mobai nodded gently.

Then, the two watched from the second floor as the Twenty-Four True Disciples of this year began to advance one by one.

Mu Yuan remains dominant, and no one can shake his position.

Next up are familiar faces like Feng Hongxue, Li Yixian, Ding Ying, and Guo Sheng, as well as a small number of newcomers.

For example, Luo Yixiu, Lian Maozhi, Jiang Zongheng, Gu Yan, and others.

"You guys have finally all grown up."

Upon witnessing this scene, Yuan Chiye remarked with emotion.

Six years ago, E Yun, Zhou Wangshen, and others were tasked with recruiting new disciples for the Duling Sect. This batch from Yun Country was considered to have the most outstanding talent because of the emergence of Chen Mobai, a peerless sword genius.

However, among the remaining three batches of new disciples from Yu Country, Jian Country, and Lei Kingdom, there are quite a few amazing geniuses.

Lian Maozhi of the Lei Kingdom, Gu Yan of Yu Country, and Jiang Zongheng of Jian Country all became true disciples last year.

It should be noted that they managed to break into the Twenty-Four Sequence without even having Second Tier Magic Tool, and with the Three Halls Twelve Departments occupying fifteen spots. This demonstrates their talent and Spell Duel.

"This year, Luo Yixiu was added, and these four people will probably be regarded as the leaders of the next generation of true disciples."

Yuan Chiye said meaningfully, and on the arena, a crucial Spell Duel for Chen Mobai was taking place.

One of them was Liu Wenbai, and his opponent was a true disciple of the Body Refining Department.

Although Liu Wenbai tried his best, his opponent was much stronger and easily knocked him off the stage without even using Second Tier Magic Tool.

"As expected, the reputation of the Cultivation World in Yun Country still needs to rely on me."

Below the arena, Luo Yixiu, who was waiting for the outcome of the battle, saw Liu Wenbai being knocked off the stage and smiled with narrowed eyes as she spoke to her younger sister Luo Yixuan, who was walking over.

"Brother is a celestial being descended to earth, and only you are worthy to inherit the title of Uncle Chen."

Luo Yixuan knew that there were two Foundation Establishment Elder watching them, so she spoke with more respect than usual. However, Luo Yixiu looked displeased upon hearing this.

"If I had obtained the Foundation Establishment, I would have Foundation Establishment two years earlier. I am who I am, and I do not need to inherit anyone's name."

Hearing this, Luo Yixuan could only lower her head and smile bitterly, not daring to say anything more, lest she further provoke her proud and arrogant brother.

"Wen Bai, after I become the true disciple, I want to gather the Qi Cultivation Disciple from the Yun Country's Cultivation World within the sect. If you are willing to be my deputy, I will give you this position of true disciple after I Foundation Establishment."

To everyone's surprise, instead of Luo Yixuan saying anything, Luo Yixiu took the initiative to approach her.

He saw Liu Wenbai and Zhuo Ming standing next to him, both looking confident and arrogant, seemingly not taking any of the true disciples seriously.

"A frog in a well."

In response, Liu Wenbai simply said four words, and then, supported by Zhuo Ming, turned and left.

"You..."

Luo Yixiu had never been treated like this before. Anger flashed in her eyes, but she still had her senses. She knew that although Liu Wenbai was mediocre, he had at least three Foundation Establishment Cultivator from Yun Country behind him, so she could only endure it.

"Hmph, once I become the Sect Leader, I'll let him know that he missed out on an invitation that could have propelled him to the top."

Upon hearing her brother's words, Luo Yixuan's beautiful eyes showed even more sorrow. She secretly glanced at the second-floor window out of the corner of her eye, but Luo Yixiu did not notice this at all. He was already thinking about his next opponent.

Chen Mobai and Yuan Chiye naturally witnessed this scene.

"This kid's personality will cause him a lot of trouble in the future. However, your disciple's Spiritual Root and talent seem to be inferior to his, so you can adjust your ranking slightly."

Yuan Chiye gave a brief assessment of Luo Yixiu, but still acknowledged his talent, and naturally shifted the topic to Chen Mobai's previous comments.

"I was referring to my youngest apprentice."

Chen Mobai pointed to Zhuo Ming, who was helping the injured Liu Wenbai back. Yuan Chiye's eyes widened when he heard this. He looked at her carefully again and again, but he really couldn't see any outstanding talent in Zhuo Ming.

"Wait another ten or twenty years and then you can see my assessment of me today."

Although Chen Mobai was not professionally trained, he had undergone nine years of compulsory education in the Immortal Sect and then studied for six years in the most prestigious Dao Academy. He believed that his methods of teaching disciples were far superior to anyone else in the Sky River Realm.

Because of her weak foundation and the wrong cultivation method, Zhuo Ming was delayed for twenty years, making her seem somewhat ordinary and mediocre.

However, under Chen Mobai's individualized instruction, coupled with her own hard work and cherishing of this hard-won opportunity, she diligently cultivated the Earth Mother Technique, and her hope of Foundation Establishment in the future is probably higher than Liu Wenbai's.

"Alright, let's bet a jar of wine. But this year's true disciples are still the same familiar faces. If you bestow upon them a powerful Second Tier Magic Tool, your disciple might be able to become a true disciple."

"So what if you make it into the Twenty-Four True Disciples this year? There are still plenty of big fish lurking in the water. If you don't believe me, wait until the next batch before you finish Foundation Establishment. By then, Second Tier Magic Tool will probably be standard equipment."

Although Chen Mobai felt sorry for Liu Wenbai's defeat, his Senior Disciple had only recently Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer, and his spiritual power and spells were not yet fully proficient. It was normal for him to lose. He just needed to train hard for the next four years.

One must be strong to forge iron. Currently, because there are no Foundation Establishment, many people are not interested in the position of true successor.

But four years later, those who were on the verge of becoming true disciples at the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer would at least borrow a Second Grade Magic Artifact as a backup.

"There will be Foundation Establishment next year too, but it seems that not many people have heard about it."

Yuan Chiye glanced at the familiar Twenty-Four True Disciples, shook his head, and prepared to leave with little interest.

"I've notified someone; things might get interesting."

Chen Mobai told Yuan Chiye what he had told Yu Lian, and the latter's eyes lit up as expected.

"That kid Yu Lian seems to have already broken through to the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer Refining the year he joined the sect, but after he became a disciple of Senior Shan, he has been cultivating diligently and is even more indifferent to fame and fortune than you. If he is willing to make a move, there might be a good show to watch this year."

Just after the last True Disciple was chosen, and an elder presiding over the Sect Grand Competition was about to announce that the battle would continue the next day, Yu Lian jumped out.

"I want to challenge a true disciple."

When he landed on the arena, he did not hide his cultivation level. The spiritual energy fluctuations of the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer caused the thousands of Qi Cultivation Disciple of the Divine Wood Sect who had not yet dispersed to turn their heads.

Who do you want to challenge?

The elder in charge asked Yu Lian's name, confirmed that he had not registered this year, and nodded.

"He."

Without any hesitation, Yu Lian pointed to Luo Yixiu, who was watching the show from below the stage.

"I!"

Luo Yixiu's eyes widened, and he pointed at himself in disbelief. Then, a surge of anger welled up in his heart. Without waiting for the elder to ask him if he was willing to accept the challenge, he directly rode a flying sword and landed on the arena.

"Yu Lian, you've come at the right time. I've disliked you ever since we were in the New Bud Hall. If it weren't for the fact that new disciples aren't allowed to compete, I would have made everyone know that I was the undisputed number one of that batch."

Luo Yixiu's attitude left the elder presiding over the Sect Grand Competition speechless, but according to the sect's rules, he still asked a question.

"Are you willing to accept his challenge? You have the right to refuse."

"I accept it. I want him to know that he has chosen the least likely opponent to defeat."

With a cold laugh, Luo Yixiu grasped another defensive magic Magic Artifact in his hand. He also had a Second Grade secret treasure given to him by his family, all to ensure his position as the true successor.

However, he felt that two First-Grade Magic Artifact would be enough to deal with Yu Lian.

"Let's begin then."

After the elder made the announcement, he flew off the stage. At the same time, a glint of light flashed in Yu Lian's eyes, and then he drew a sharp, silver-gleaming longsword from his sleeve with his right hand.

Amidst the surging sword light, it resembled a rolling sea of snow, instantly covering half of the arena.

This long sword is actually a Second Grade Magic Artifact.

Yu Lian made no attempt to hide his strength; his years of bloodshed had taught him the importance of seizing the initiative.

In just a split second, Luo Yixiu summoned his Second Tier Magic Tool with a look of fear on his face. It was a bowl, a defensive Magic Artifact.

However, due to insufficient preparation, the bowl did not absorb enough spiritual power, and its defensive aura could not be activated. It was slashed away by the silver longsword the moment it made contact.

Fortunately, Yu Lian knew clearly that he was now a disciple of the Divine Wood Sect. At the last moment when the long sword was handed to Luo Yixiu's neck, he flipped the blade and tapped him on the chest with the back of the sword.

Even so, the sharp blade energy entering her body caused Luo Yixiu to fly backward off the stage, spitting out blood.

"If he comes in second, I'll still accept it."

Seeing this, Yuan Chiye nodded, indicating that he agreed with Chen Mobai's previous comments.