"So, you still wanted to invite Zhu Yan outside into the wilderness for a fight to the death?"
At night, within Biyou Market, the black crow inhabited by Rong Ling perched on Xu Yuan's shoulder and laughed.
"It was just reckless nonsense. Besides, with Senior Rong Ling as my patron, why would I fear a mere Zhu Yan?"
Xu Yuan answered with utmost respect, his tone exceedingly sincere. Yet the black crow paid him no heed, merely replying:
"You brat truly has one stroke of fortune after another. You have actually reached such a level already. To be honest, even I can no longer see through you."
After a sigh, Rong Ling looked at Xu Yuan again and said:
"Fifteen days from now will be the registration for the inner mountain disciple selection. If you have the intention, you may go and try. But listen well: those eligible for the selection are all the cream of the crop among the outer mountain disciples. There are no lack of people who have remained at mid-stage Qi Refining for years. If you feel your strength falls short, give up early. Do not throw away your life."
"May I ask, Senior, is this inner mountain selection truly so dangerous?"
Xu Yuan asked probing questions, but Rong Ling did not conceal anything and answered directly:
"Since I entered the Hidden Moon Sect, the sect has held six inner mountain disciple selections in total. Their mortality rate has been roughly sixty percent."
The black crow's crimson eyes looked at Xu Yuan. Seeing no retreat in his eyes, Rong Ling knew that the boy's resolve was firm and did not try to persuade him further. It was merely an investment, after all. Whether he succeeded or failed would depend on himself.
"Oh, right. You need not