Day of Trial

Before long, the skin scraping was complete, and Gu Changge's cultivation advanced to the second level of the Skin Scraping Realm.

As Xiao Yan left in a sorry state, everyone returned to their respective peaks and continued cultivating.

The next day.

Tianyuan Academy became bustling once more, for today was the annual trial day for its disciples, deacons, and elders.

The so-called trial day was when former menial disciples could pass the trial and become outer sect disciples, while outer sect disciples could pass the trial and become inner sect disciples, and so on.

At this moment, whether they were menial disciples and outer sect disciples in the outer reaches of the Tianyuan Mountain Range, inner sect disciples in its inner reaches, or core disciples on the core peaks, every one of them was rubbing their fists and palms together as they prepared for today's trial.

"Today is the annual trial day. I have to prepare properly."

A newly admitted outer sect disciple said.

"I've been stuck in the outer sect for four consecutive years. If I still can't pass this year, someone without a background like me can only remain at Tianyuan Academy as a deacon."

Another veteran outer sect disciple said.

"Outer sect... I must join the outer sect."

A menial disciple muttered to himself.

"Hehe, core disciples receive far better treatment than inner sect disciples. Let's see whether I have a chance to become a core disciple this year."

An inner sect disciple chuckled.

"Hmph. After three months of cultivation, my strength has risen another step. I can already claim to be first among the core disciples. This year, I will definitely vie for the position of Dao Child."

A senior core disciple said confidently after emerging from seclusion.

"This year, I'll see whether I can enter the inner sect and become an inner sect deacon."

An outer sect deacon said to himself.

"I have to serve as a deacon for five consecutive years and complete over a hundred missions before I can become an inner sect elder from an inner sect deacon. Rather than that, I might as well participate in this year's trial and see whether I can enter the core peaks and become a core deacon."

An inner sect deacon said.

Normally, whether they were outer sect, inner sect, or core deacons, they could be promoted to elder after remaining at their respective peaks for three, five, or ten years and completing dozens, hundreds, or thousands of missions.

Alternatively, they could participate in the annual trial and go directly from the outer sect to the inner sect, or rise from the inner sect to the core ranks.

"Haha, this old man has prepared for an entire year for this year's trial. This time, the position of inner sect elder is mine for the taking."

An outer sect elder said.

Across Tianyuan Academy's sixty peaks, it was clear that disciples, deacons, and elders alike were all excitedly preparing for the trial that was about to arrive. The entire Tianyuan Academy had become lively.

Although the atmosphere in Tianyuan Academy was extremely bustling, it had little to do with Gu Changge.

After all, Gu Changge was now the highest-ranked Dao Child of Tianyuan Academy and had no need to undergo trials.

"Although I don't need to take a trial now, there's no harm in watching my junior brothers and sisters from the academy."

Gu Changge happened to have nothing to do, so he said this.

Thus, Gu Changge arrived at the outer mountain range of Tianyuan Academy and watched the trials of the outer sect disciples and menial disciples.

On this day of trials, the menial disciples would be assessed first.

On Yu Peak, one of the outer peaks of Tianyuan Academy, all the academy's menial disciples had gathered.

"Today is the annual trial day of Tianyuan Academy. The first trial will be for menial disciples. All menial disciples are to gather here."

"The content of the trial is this: within one hour, go into the Tianyuan Mountain Range and hunt ten Demonic Beasts at the Tendon Lengthening Realm. Hand the ten Demonic Cores to the deacon in charge of the trial. Once you qualify, you will have passed and become outer sect disciples."

An outer sect elder standing in the very center said.

After hearing the trial rules, the menial disciples displayed all manner of expressions.

Some were overjoyed, while others hung their heads in dejection.

In truth, this requirement was already quite low. If one had not even reached the Tendon Lengthening Realm, then they were either lazy or poorly talented. Such disciples could only serve as menial disciples at Tianyuan Academy.

Moreover, menial disciples were unlike outer sect or inner sect disciples. Once their three-year term ended, if they were still menial disciples, then after being expelled, they could not even become deacons and could only return whence they came.

"The menial disciple trial is the same every year. All we need to do is hunt ten Demonic Beasts at the Tendon Lengthening Realm."

"Yeah, the menial disciple trial really has nothing worth watching."

Some observing outer sect disciples discussed it among themselves.

Before long, all the menial disciples set out and began searching for and hunting Demonic Beasts.

"Lin Langtian, just wait for me. So what if you're a core disciple of Tianyuan Academy? Sooner or later, I'll cut you down and avenge my father."

A handsome young man gritted his teeth and muttered inwardly.

"Ding! A new Son of Heaven's Mandate has been detected. Would the host like to inspect him?"

At that moment, the system's notification sounded.

"A new Son of Heaven's Mandate?"

Gu Changge was somewhat surprised. He had not expected to encounter a second Son of Heaven's Mandate in Tianyuan Academy.

"Yes, inspect him."

Gu Changge thought.

Son of Heaven's Mandate: Lin Bing

Realm: Third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm

Physique: Ice Devouring Physique

Destiny Value: 500

Heavenly Mandate Treasure: Ice Devouring Talisman

"As expected of a Son of Heaven's Mandate. He hid himself so deeply. As a menial disciple, he actually possesses cultivation comparable to that of a core disciple."

Gu Changge could not help thinking.

One had to know that outer sect disciples of Tianyuan Academy generally possessed strength at the Tendon Lengthening Realm, inner sect disciples possessed strength at the Skin Scraping Realm, and core disciples possessed strength at the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Yet Lin Bing, a mere menial disciple, actually possessed cultivation comparable to that of a core disciple. Either he had hidden himself deeply, or he had encountered another fortuitous opportunity.

"Which of you knows anything about this Lin Bing?"

Gu Changge spoke up and asked.

"Dao Child, I know."

Upon hearing Gu Changge speak, an outer sect elder immediately said eagerly.

This was the Dao Child. In other words, he was Tianyuan Academy's next Palace Master. Normally, he cultivated on the core peaks, a divine dragon whose head was seen but whose tail was not. Yet on this trial day, he had actually honored the outer peaks with his presence.

"Dao Child, this Lin Bing is a descendant of the Lin family from a small city in one of the prefectures of the Lingxu Divine Dynasty. Three months ago, his aptitude was tested, and it was merely the lowest-grade White-rank aptitude."

"I wonder why the Dao Child would be interested in such a lowly disciple?"

The outer sect elder said.

"Do you know his cultivation?"

Gu Changge asked.

"This... if I remember correctly, he should possess strength at the first or second level of the Tendon Lengthening Realm."

The outer sect elder was startled. After pondering for a moment, he replied.

"So it really is so. Playing the pig to eat the tiger—the standard equipment of a Son of Heaven's Mandate..."

Gu Changge thought.

It seemed that even the outer sect elder did not know about Lin Bing's current strength at the third level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.

It seemed that according to the usual script, Lin Bing would display his prowess in this Tianyuan Academy trial, make a powerful comeback, catch the eye of some Supreme Elder, be directly accepted as a disciple and become a core disciple, then personally slaughter his enemy and soar smoothly on the road ahead.