Rumble!
As flashes of blade light streaked past,
one Golden Armor Giant Spirit after another shattered, their bodies collapsing onto the plaza and kicking up clouds of dust.
This time, Elder Mu didn't make Song Que keep burning incense.
After all, Su Yun's movement technique had already reached the Perfection Realm.
There was no need.
"Whoosh!"
The next moment, Elder Mu formed a hand seal, and all twelve Golden Armor Giant Spirits on the plaza vanished without a trace.
After the Golden Armor Giant Spirit Formation dispersed, Su Yun darted off the plaza and came to stand before Elder Mu.
Then he cupped his hands and said, "Elder Mu, although I went over the time limit this time, I defeated all twelve Golden Armor Giant Spirits with a single strike. Does that count as passing the test?"
"Of course it does!"
Elder Mu's expression brightened with delight.
"Actually, the so-called test is simply a way to identify outstanding disciples within the sect, so they can receive careful training and improve their strength quickly."
"Your comprehension has astonished even me. You can be called the best in the sect, so of course you've passed."
At those words, the disciples watching from all around, including Song Que, who had been burning the incense, couldn't help twitching their mouths.
"Elder Mu is truly broad-minded!"
Composing himself, Song Que quickly spoke up.
After all, he knew very well that
rules were nothing more than dead things, and people were the ones who set them.
Naturally, they could be adapted as needed.
Ignoring the looks on the surrounding disciples' faces, Elder Mu smiled and spoke first.
"Su Yun, you've passed the Class A test."
"Would you like to choose a cultivation technique in the Scripture Depository first, or pick out a residence?"
"As someone who passed the Class A test, you have full freedom of choice. You may choose any residence you like."
"If you want to pick a cultivation technique, I can take you there myself and help you choose."
Elder Mu was being exceptionally warm toward him.
"Elder, you'll personally accompany me to choose a cultivation technique?"
At this, Su Yun paused in surprise, then smiled.
It seemed Elder Mu was quite the character.
Besides, he couldn't help recalling a saying.
Once you became strong, everything around you seemed much more agreeable.
"Helping the sect's disciples is simply part of my duty."
Elder Mu stroked his beard and smiled, looking kind and benevolent.
He said it without the slightest qualm.
But the other disciples around them couldn't help grumbling inwardly.
Back when they had passed the Inner Sect test, Elder Mu hadn't helped them at all.
He had simply tossed them an identity token and strolled off.
Now, what he was saying was clearly an attempt to win Su Yun over and curry favor.
Unfortunately, all they could do was envy him.
To pass the Inner Sect test by cleaving apart twelve Golden Armor Giant Spirits with one strike!
Throughout the entire history of the Mystic Blade Sect,
among all the Outer Sect disciples,
could anyone besides Su Yun have done it?
A martial arts prodigy like him would stir the hearts of not only Elder Mu but even the old ancestors who shut themselves away to cultivate.
After thinking for a moment, Su Yun spoke.
"Elder Mu, I'd like to choose a cultivation technique first."
For him, choosing a top-tier Mysterious Grade cultivation technique was the most important thing!
Picking a residence could wait.
"Very well. Then let's head to the Scripture Depository now."
Elder Mu spoke warmly.
Then he personally escorted Su Yun to the sect's Scripture Depository.
The Mystic Blade Sect's Scripture Depository.
Before long, Elder Mu had brought Su Yun there.
"Hmm? Elder Mu, what brings you here in person?"
The elder of the Scripture Depository, who had been lying back in a wooden chair, slowly opened his eyes and asked in surprise.
His cultivation was profound and his strength formidable, so he naturally knew who Elder Mu was.
Elder Mu was the sect leader's son, a man of exalted status!
Therefore, even with his own considerable strength, he wouldn't offend Elder Mu.
After all, he couldn't beat the sect leader of the Mystic Blade Sect.
Besides, he had sustained a hidden injury in his early years while fighting a demonic-path ancestor.
If he could avoid using force, he naturally would.
He was no longer the brash young man he had once been. He had become much more cautious.
All he wanted was to spend the rest of his life in carefree ease.
"Elder Xiao!"
"Su Yun just passed the Inner Sect test. I've brought him here to choose a top-tier Mysterious Grade cultivation technique."
Elder Mu smiled as he spoke.
Then he briefly explained the details of the Class A test as well.
"Su Yun actually shattered twelve Golden Armor Giant Spirits with one strike?"
After hearing this, Elder Xiao looked at Su Yun with some surprise.
As he studied Su Yun's face, Elder Xiao finally remembered.
Wasn't this the Outer Sect disciple who had exchanged for the Extreme Shadow Fiend Blade a little over a month ago?
Back then, he'd thought Su Yun was a new disciple who had bitten off more than he could chew, and that sooner or later he'd pay the price.
He hadn't expected Su Yun to have such talent!
Coming back to himself, Elder Xiao stroked his beard and smiled.
"Hmm... so it was Su Yun!"
"I remember this disciple quite well."
"Back when he chose the Extreme Shadow Fiend Blade of his own accord, I knew he was extraordinary. In the future, he'd surely rise like a hidden dragon bursting from the depths and soar to the heavens."
"Now that I see him, I was right!"
He gently stroked his white beard, looking positively delighted.
He didn't look cold and aloof at all, unlike before.
"Elder Xiao, you flatter me."
Su Yun replied with a smile.
He didn't bother wondering whether Elder Xiao meant what he said.
"Elder Xiao, please make the arrangements."
"If I remember correctly, the sect has kept some top-tier Mysterious Grade cultivation techniques in reserve."
"This time, let's not keep hiding them. Bring them all out and let Su Yun choose freely."
Elder Mu made the suggestion.
"Su Yun's talent is a once-in-a-thousand-years rarity. There's no problem bringing out all the top-tier Mysterious Grade cultivation techniques."
Elder Xiao nodded.
Then he got up and personally led the two of them to the Scripture Depository's third floor.
Row after row of exquisite blue jade cabinets stood quietly there, radiating a gentle glow.
The cultivation techniques kept here were all Mysterious Grade, and there weren't many of them.
Moreover, Su Yun could sense what seemed to be some kind of formation imprint laid on every cultivation manual.
If someone took one without permission, they would probably be discovered immediately.
The consequences were easy to imagine.
"Come, follow me over here."
Elder Xiao led the way.
He brought the two of them to a secluded space on the third floor of the Scripture Depository.
There, he reached out and knocked three times on the wall.
Rumble!
Then a hidden door appeared before them.
Beyond the opened door was a rather cramped secret chamber.
There was only one row of purple jade cabinets inside, holding a dozen or so manuals.
"What is this place?"
Once inside, Su Yun felt as if something were watching him, and he couldn't help frowning.
He sensed that someone seemed to be observing his every word and move.
It was a very strange feeling.
"This is the Technique Secret Chamber. Anyone who enters will be detected by the formation, and the Great Elder will sense it as well."
"The techniques kept here are all top-tier Mysterious Grade techniques, exceptionally precious."
"For example, the Extreme Shadow Fiend Blade you chose before is a top-tier Human Grade blade technique. Its power is no weaker than that of some low-tier Yellow Grade blade techniques."
Elder Xiao gave a brief explanation.
"I see."
Su Yun slowly nodded.
"There are thirteen top-tier Mysterious Grade techniques here. Su Yun, take your time choosing."
"Once you've made your choice, I'll help you assess whether it's suitable."
Elder Mu smiled as he spoke from beside him.
"All right."
Su Yun nodded, then stepped forward and began to choose carefully.
At the same time, he thought,
"Right now, I've mastered eighty percent of Blade Momentum. That's my greatest advantage in battle."
"To play to my strengths and avoid my weaknesses is the only way to grow stronger."
"So choosing a top-tier Mysterious Grade blade technique will greatly increase my strength."
"As for a Body Refining technique, I can exchange for one later."
After thinking it through, he had a rough plan.
Some time later, Su Yun picked out a blade technique.
He reached up and took the manual.
Four golden characters instantly appeared before his eyes.
Slaughter Blade Art!
Before you continue