On the plaza, some rejoiced while others despaired.
The cultivators listed among the full disciples all looked relieved, while those who had passed but ranked outside the top three hundred and sixty wore varied expressions. Some were unwilling to accept it, others looked dejected, and some decisively turned toward the outer disciple registration desk. Although outer disciples received far fewer resources than full disciples, at least they still had a chance to climb higher.
Chen Xuan followed the crowd toward the Star Palace Branch Hall.
The branch hall stood on the northwest side of the plaza, a three-story building constructed entirely from starlight crystals. Two stewards in silver-white star robes stood at its entrance, their auras steady and composed. Both were unmistakably at the third layer of the Saint Realm.
Without even raising their heads, they checked the identities of each disciple registering and handed out palm-sized silver tokens.
When Chen Xuan's turn came, the steward looked up at him. His gaze lingered for half a breath before he lowered his head and took a token from the crystal case behind him.
This token differed slightly from the others. Its edge was inlaid with a golden border as fine as a strand of hair, glimmering faintly in the light.
"Chen Xuan, Primordial Yellow Great World, first place in the three-stage trial." The steward's voice remained even, but his tone carried a barely perceptible gravity. "This is your identity token. Once you claim it with a drop of blood, it will bind to your divine soul. It cannot be lent or forged. In addition, disciples ranked in the top ten may use this token to enter the Star Palace Sacred Hall in three days and meet the Supreme Elder."
Chen Xuan accepted the token. The instant his fingertips touched its surface,