Becoming an Inner Sect Disciple

On the bluestone plaza, the clamor slowly rose again.

Countless disciples focused their gazes on Shen Yuan, while waves of discussion rose and fell.

"He was incredible! Even the sword formation's spiritual light on the seventh level went out of control, yet he actually made it out alive." "Covered in wounds, he truly escaped death by a hair's breadth. From a menial disciple all the way to the inner sect—Shen Yuan's journey is simply unheard of." "I heard something went wrong with the great formation just now. Xiao Wuji was punished by the elders and ordered to reflect behind closed doors for three months. It looks like there really was a blunder."

Wang Dong firmly supported Shen Yuan by the arm, afraid that he would collapse straight to the ground. He hurriedly pulled out the healing pills he had prepared earlier, uncorked the bottle, and handed it over.

"Quick, take the healing pill! You've lost too much blood!"

Shen Yuan's entire body ached weakly, and the exhaustion from burning his blood and vitality swept through him. He took the pill, tilted back his head, and swallowed it. Warm medicinal power slid down his throat and spread gradually through his body, bit by bit suppressing the bleeding from his surface wounds.

But the depletion of his body's fundamental blood and vitality could not be restored at once by a single pill. His face remained pale.

"Thank you," Shen Yuan said softly.

"Why be so polite with me?" Wang Dong's brows were tightly furrowed. Looking at the ghastly sword wounds across Shen Yuan's body, his heart ached. "When I saw the spiritual light of the formation surge just now, I was so scared my soul nearly flew out of my body. I was terrified you'd perish inside the formation."

On the elevated platform, Elder Zhang looked down and spoke in a clear voice that spread throughout the entire plaza.

"Shen Yuan has passed the seven-level trial of the Azure Cloud Sword Formation and met the assessment requirements! From this day onward, he is formally promoted to an inner sect disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect!"

As his words fell—

A burst of fervent applause erupted across the plaza.

An inner sect disciple—this was an identity countless outer sect and menial disciples dreamed of. Shen Yuan had risen from a lowly menial disciple with shattered bones and crippled foundations, bullied by all, and after enduring trial after trial between life and death, he had finally crossed this threshold today.

Two inner sect stewards stepped down from the platform, carrying a set of azure inner sect martial attire and an inner sect disciple jade token engraved with Azure Cloud patterns.

"Shen Yuan, receive the token of an inner sect disciple."

Supported by Wang Dong, Shen Yuan stepped forward and reached out to accept the jade token and martial attire.

The cool jade token rested in his palm, its Azure Cloud patterns smooth and warm to the touch. The token represented an inner sect disciple's status. From now on, he could cultivate on the inner sect peaks, enjoy the inner sect's cultivation resources, and enter the Scripture Repository to peruse more martial arts manuals.

The weighty jade token weighed far more than a mere piece of jade. It was the fruit of countless life-and-death battles.

"According to sect rules, newly promoted inner sect disciples will be assigned an independent courtyard on Inner Sect Peak. They will receive spirit stones, pills, and cultivation supplies each month, and may enter the first two floors of the Inner Sect Scripture Repository to consult cultivation methods," the steward slowly explained the relevant benefits.

Shen Yuan slightly cupped his hands in salute. "Thank you, Elder. Thank you, both stewards."

At that moment, Xiao Wuji finished handing over the Formation Control Platform and walked over at an unhurried pace.

He had already shed the panic he had shown before the elders. Not the slightest trace of resentment could be seen on his face; instead, he wore a faint, seemingly friendly smile. Yet deep within those eyes still lurked an icy chill that would not melt away.

"Junior Brother Shen Yuan, congratulations on passing the Azure Cloud Sword Formation and becoming a fellow inner sect disciple." Xiao Wuji stopped before Shen Yuan. His voice was neither loud nor soft, just enough for the few people nearby to hear. "The formation patterns on the seventh level suddenly fell into disorder. That junior brother could come out alive was truly due to extraordinary luck."

The words sounded like congratulations, but their edge was hidden within.

His meaning was clear: Shen Yuan had passed only through luck.

Shen Yuan was severely injured, though the medicinal power was slowly taking effect. He raised his eyes slightly and looked calmly at Xiao Wuji. "Senior Brother Xiao was guarding the sword formation when the formation patterns fell into disorder, and senior brother has already received punishment. There is no need to mention matters of the past again. In the inner sect from now on, I hope senior brother will offer me much guidance."

Shen Yuan did not tear off the mask right then and there. There were too many eyes on the plaza, and directly clashing with Xiao Wuji now would not be wise.

The curve of Xiao Wuji's lips did not change as he continued in a low voice, his tone carrying an indistinct threat. "The inner sect is unlike the outer sect. Its waters run deep, hiding countless people and matters beyond your imagination. Junior brother has only just arrived and his foundation remains shallow. In the future, he would do best to tread carefully with every step. Some paths may look bright and splendid, but one wrong step can bring a calamity fatal enough to claim your life."

It was a naked yet veiled warning.

He was plainly telling Shen Yuan that within the inner sect, he still had ways to cause trouble for him—even take his life.

Beside him, Wang Dong secretly clenched his fists, wanting to retort, but Shen Yuan quietly stopped him with a look.

Shen Yuan replied evenly, "I will remember senior brother's instruction. I will observe sect rules and cultivate peacefully."

Xiao Wuji looked deeply at Shen Yuan, as if trying to find panic or fear on his face. Yet Shen Yuan remained calm, showing not the slightest sign of being intimidated.

Xiao Wuji felt a trace of disappointment. He said no more, gave a slight nod, and turned to leave.

Watching Xiao Wuji's departing back, Wang Dong suppressed his anger and lowered his voice. "That bastard plotted to have you die in the sword formation. He received only a painless punishment, yet he still dared come over and threaten you! The elder clearly knows he was behind it, but can't punish him severely. It's truly infuriating."

"He has backers behind him. Without ironclad evidence, it will be difficult to convict him completely," Shen Yuan said quietly. "It was only a verbal warning. There is no need to be angry. After entering the inner sect, there will be plenty of chances to deal with him. What we need to do is increase our strength as quickly as possible. As long as I am strong enough, no matter how many sinister schemes he has, they will not be able to touch me."

Elder Zhang slowly descended from the elevated platform and came before Shen Yuan. Looking at the wounds covering him, his expression carried both pity and appreciation.

"Shen Yuan, your performance today was truly eye-opening," Elder Zhang said softly. "I know the disorder in the formation patterns just now was by no means simple wear and tear over time. Unfortunately, the key formation node was shattered during the battle, and the physical evidence was destroyed. Xiao Wuji has protection from high-ranking figures in the inner sect, so I could only punish him by ordering him to reflect behind closed doors for now. After entering the inner sect, you must be cautious in all matters and protect your own life."

These words from the elder were private advice. He understood everything in his heart, but the balance of power within the sect prevented him from impartially handing Xiao Wuji a severe punishment.

"This junior understands. Thank you, Elder, for your guidance." Shen Yuan solemnly bowed.

"Your injuries are not light. Return early to the newly assigned inner sect courtyard and recuperate." Elder Zhang waved a hand. "The path of the inner sect has only just begun. Do not become arrogant or complacent."

After bidding Elder Zhang farewell, the tests on the plaza gradually came to an end.

Wang Dong supported the wounded Shen Yuan as they headed toward the inner sect peaks.

Upon ascending Inner Sect Peak, clouds and mist curled through the air, while the spiritual energy was far denser than in the outer sect. Delicate courtyards were built along the mountainside, pavilions and towers hidden amid the forest.

Shen Yuan's independent courtyard was located toward the southeast of Inner Sect Peak, in a quiet and secluded setting. Within the courtyard were a private meditation chamber, a medicinal garden, and a martial training ground.

He pushed open the courtyard gate and stepped into the inner sect residence that belonged to him.

Once the gate was shut, cutting off all outside prying eyes, Shen Yuan could no longer hold on. His body swayed, and he nearly fell straight to the ground. The aftereffects of burning his blood and vitality, coupled with dozens of sword wounds, had already pushed his body to its limit.

Wang Dong hurriedly helped him onto the bed inside the room.

"Lie down properly and recover. I'll treat your wounds."

Wang Dong moved deftly, taking out medicine and bandages before carefully cleaning and dressing the ghastly sword wounds across Shen Yuan's body.

Lying on the bed, Shen Yuan let his consciousness sink slightly into his sea of consciousness.

The Martial Arts Heavenly Stele floated silently there. At this moment, all of his Martial Dao Points had been exhausted.

Xiao Wuji's warning, concealed with murderous intent, echoed through his mind.

The inner sect was far from a safe harbor.

The crisis was far from over.