If it weren't for the fact that I became sworn brothers with Jiang Shu during the Hundred Dynasty War, I would have been in a different situation.
After joining the sect, Xue Xuan initially chose to work alone. Having come from the royal family, he knew better than anyone the wickedness of human nature.
Here, there are not only struggles between the same dynasty and between different dynasties.
There is also a new generation of Servant Disciple, and a struggle between them and the older generation.
The once-every-ten-year Hundred Dynasty War was merely one of the channels through which the True Martial Sect recruited Servant Disciple.
Many more of the Servant Disciple came from the True Martial Thirty-Six Cities, which were directly under the jurisdiction of the True Martial Sect.
The True Martial Thirty-Six Cities, like thirty-six enormous stars, surround the Zhenwu True Martial Sect, which shines like the bright moon. The lord of each city is a Essence Core Realm cultivator. The residents are mostly Servant Disciple left the sect as menial laborers.
These Servant Disciple, having no hope of achieving immortality and no longer striving for cultivation, would return to the city and choose to establish their own lineage. Their descendants would also join the sect upon reaching the Rebirth Realm, ensuring a continuous supply of Servant Disciple for the True Martial Sect.
Passed down through generations, some Servant Disciple have even managed to ingratiate themselves with Outer Sect Disciple upon entering the sect. Their tasks are no longer simple menial duties, but rather assisting Outer Sect Disciple in carrying out missions. The Contribution Points they receive are many times greater than those for ordinary menial tasks.
The main customers of the Spirit Cuisine Hall come from them.
" Brother Xue, I understand."
Luo Yu paused for a moment, then nodded. He could naturally tell that Xue Xuan's words didn't mean he didn't trust him and Brother Jiang. Rather, they were a reminder not to trust the people here too much.
"Brother Luo, you've been doing menial tasks for the past two months, so you probably haven't had much time to cultivate. I remember the Luo Family doesn't seem to have Martial Arts Grand Summary. You should try to choose one from the Jade Plaque Martial Arts Grand Summary to rebuild your foundation. This step is essential if you want to advance to the Furnace Fire Realm."
"Even with Top-Grade Cultivation Method, one might seem to reach the peak of the Rebirth Realm. However, because our Great Jing Dynasty divides Cultivation Method into Body Refining, Qi Refining, and Spirit Refining, even if one cultivates to the Sixth Realm of Martial Dao, the foundation is still not solid enough, and there are gaps between the realms, making them not truly integrated. Not to mention, some Martial Arts Grand Summary are derived from supernatural abilities, and those who cultivate these supernatural abilities will be able to get started faster than other cultivators."
Jiang Shu also spoke up at this moment.
Having perfected the " Heaven's Will True Self Fist," he clearly felt the changes within himself. Now, he felt his essence, energy, and spirit had reached an unprecedented level of harmony, as if a door stood before him.
Simply push it open, and a whole new world awaits.
He knew that he had reached a bottleneck in his martial arts.
It is the true difference between immortals and mortals.
One Hundred Thousand Servant Disciples of the True Martial Sect are stuck at this hurdle. Every year, only a few hundred can officially break through their cultivation level and become Outer Sect Disciple.
"Okay. I'll listen to Brother Jiang."
Luo Yu nodded, just as he was about to say something more.
A sudden commotion came from outside, so loud it seemed as if the entire Spirit Cuisine Hall's Servant Disciple wanted to know.
" Senior Brother Ye not only slayed three Devil in the Underground Abyss this time, but also found a Dazzling Gold Earth Vein. I wonder how many Pure Essence Pill this Contribution Points can be exchanged for."
"Back then, Senior Brother Ye's sword truly emanated purple qi from the east, exuding the domineering aura of royalty. As expected of someone from a top-tier dynasty, he not only commanded respect within the dynasty but also advanced to the Furnace Fire Realm at an incredibly rapid pace upon entering the True Martial Sect. I became Outer Sect Disciple even earlier than Senior Brother Ye, but unexpectedly, more than a decade has passed in the blink of an eye, and Senior Brother Ye's strength has surpassed mine by a great margin."
" Senior Brother Ye has gained a lot this time. When he returns to the sect, he will probably be able to directly enter the Mystical Power Ranking!"
If the previous boasting had only concerned the Servant Disciple of the Spirit Cuisine Hall with their own meals, then the moment the words "Mystical Power Ranking" were uttered, everyone tensed up.
The Mystical Power Ranking.
One of the most prestigious lists in the outer sect, ranking Outer Sect Disciple based on the strength of their supernatural abilities. Each Outer Sect Disciple on the Mystical Power Ranking possesses more than twice the combat power of an ordinary cultivator at the same level.
It can be said that making it onto the Mystical Power Ranking is equivalent to having a 50% chance of becoming inner disciple!
At this moment, everyone raised their heads and looked outside the Spirit Cuisine Hall.
A man stood at the forefront, head held high, handsome and elegant. He wore a specially made Outer Sect Disciple robe of the True Martial Sect, trimmed with flowing clouds, from which stars shimmered faintly.
This robe is not only a symbol of Outer Sect Disciple, but also a low-grade Spirit Rank Treasure Item!
Avoid fire, dust, water, and poison; protect the physical body and resist Devil.
Behind the man, seven people stood like stars surrounding the moon. Only three of them were also wearing the robes of Outer Sect Disciple; the rest were dressed in the ordinary clothes of Servant Disciple.
"Unlucky."
Xue Xuan cursed inwardly, then couldn't help but glance at Jiang Shu beside him. He immediately recognized Ye Huang among the four, and thus guessed the identity of this Senior Brother Ye.
Ye Jiankong.
Twenty years ago, he was a genius of the Great Yuan Dynasty, Points Ranking Board third on the leaderboard during the Hundred Dynasty War. In terms of relationship, he should be Ye Huang's uncle.
Unexpectedly, in just twenty years, he not only became Outer Sect Disciple, but was also confident of making it onto the Mystical Power Ranking!
Such a rapid increase in cultivation level is truly astonishing!
Luo Yu, who was standing to the side, seemed to have noticed something and immediately lowered his head, not daring to look at anything.
The closer one is to a sect, the more one understands the power of the Furnace Fire Realm. Not to mention, the status of Outer Sect Disciple who can make it onto the Mystical Power Ranking is even slightly higher than that of a menial steward.
Although he didn't have any power of life and death, disciplining a few Servant Disciple was a piece of cake.
"It's alright."
With a simple telepathic message, Jiang Shu withdrew his gaze. The three of them sat in the corner, naturally attracting no attention.
The Spirit Cuisine Hall was somewhat quiet after Ye Jiankong and his group arrived. Many of the Servant Disciple had been sitting together stopped chatting.
He was afraid that any words he uttered might displease the Outer Sect Disciple.
"Focus on your cultivation during this time. Although I won't be available next month, you'll already be familiar with Senior Brother Yuan, so he can take over your training then."
Returning from their mission, Ye Jiankong and his group were all starving. They devoured the food, ordering countless delicacies. Each meal consumed more than one Contribution Points.
However, this Contribution Points is completely insignificant to Outer Sect Disciple.
Two quarters of an hour later, Ye Jiankong finally stood up, patted Ye Huang on the shoulder, and said it as if it were extremely casual, which drew a wave of envy.
Everyone clearly remembered Ye Huang's appearance, which was depicted as a person.
If Outer Sect Disciple is willing to mentor someone, it means that accumulating 100 Contribution Points will only take about half a year. If one has sufficient talent, they might even be able to break through to the Furnace Fire Realm and become Outer Sect Disciple within two years.
"Thank you, Senior Brother Ye. I'll be relying on Senior Brother Yuan from now on."
Ye Huang stood up, looking extremely apprehensive and respectful, a stark contrast to his arrogant demeanor during the Hundred Dynasty War.
It wasn't until everyone had left the Spirit Cuisine Hall that the voices of some of the Servant Disciple gradually rose, and they began to discuss among themselves.
Does anyone know that Ye Huang?
"The new batch of geniuses from the Hundred Dynasty War have quite high rankings. They already have twenty Contribution Points, and with the guidance of Outer Sect Disciple, they've probably already accumulated most of them. It's a pity that I've been with the True Martial Sect for three years and haven't accumulated enough."
" Ye Huang definitely has some connection with Ye Jiankong, otherwise he wouldn't have specifically instructed another Outer Sect Disciple to take care of him before leaving. I'm so envious. I dare say that within three years, Ye Huang will definitely be another Outer Sect Disciple of our True Martial Sect."
"Those Servant Disciple were on good terms with Ye Huang before are in luck. In the future, when Ye Huang becomes Outer Sect Disciple, even a little help from him will benefit them."
The crowd sighed with emotion. Some people didn't even finish their food, just swallowed most of it, and then hurriedly left, wanting to make friends.
"Pah, a petty person who has gained power."
Luo Yu, who had been keeping his head down, suddenly looked up and muttered a curse. Having spent three months with Xue Xuan, he naturally learned everything that had happened in the True Martial Ancient Hall from Xue Xuan.
Taking advantage of someone's misfortune to seize their supernatural powers.
If it weren't for Brother Jiang's own overwhelming and terrifying strength, he probably would have perished in the ancient palace back then.
Now, Ye Huang is dining at the Spirit Cuisine Hall, seemingly respectful, but in reality, he is showing off his arrogance.
From the barrage of flattery that followed them in to the deliberate small talk at the table, everything was about showing off.
After all, how could Outer Sect Disciple like Ye Jiankong possibly look down on the Spirit Cuisine Hall of the Servant Peak? He came today to support Ye Huang Ye Huang and to show his support. Presumably, in just a few days, Ye Huang's reputation will resound among the One Hundred Thousand Servant Disciples.
Once Ye Jiankong truly ascends to the Mystical Power Ranking.
Ye Huang's fame will grow even greater, and even some Outer Sect Disciple will come to befriend him.
"This is the foundation of a top-tier dynasty. It extends not only to the dynasty itself, but also to the sects."
There was a hint of melancholy in Xue Xuan's voice. As a prince himself, he could only rely on his own efforts to succeed.
" Brother Jiang, you must be careful. Although you've never interacted with Ye Huang, judging from his words and actions at the True Martial Ancient Hall, he's definitely a narrow-minded person. He's only unable to cause trouble now because of the sect rules, but once he exchanges for Spirit Rank Cultivation Method and successfully advances to the Furnace Fire Realm, he will definitely come to take revenge!"
"While it may not amount to murder, the humiliation alone is enough to make us feel ashamed."
Within the True Martial Sect, the hierarchy of disciples is clearly defined, and those of lower rank must not easily offend those of higher rank.
As Servant Disciple, they could report to the steward when they were bullied by the older generation. However, if the other party was Outer Sect Disciple, the steward, who was also at the Furnace Fire Realm, would definitely turn a blind eye.
After all, everyone knows how to choose between Outer Sect Disciple and Servant Disciple.
"Therefore, relying solely on these menial tasks is not enough."
Jiang Shu tapped his fingers on the dining table, several thoughts flashing through his mind. Plans never keep up with changes. In his original plan, he would first do a few miscellaneous tasks, such as alchemy and weapon crafting, which would not only earn him Contribution Points but also allow him to level up his proficiency on the Panel.
But now it seems that his time is still somewhat tight.
Unlike Xue Xuan and Luo Yu's worries, he was never worried about Ye Huang.
How can a defeated opponent claim to be brave?
Although he knew that Ye Huang had obtained a supernatural power called " Original Heart Lotus Platform Art " in the True Martial Ancient Hall, which could increase the speed of Cultivation Method and supernatural powers by about 10%.
But what supernatural power can compare to his Panel, which proves his identity forever!
The " Heaven's Will True Self Fist " was his carefully selected technique. At its perfect level, it embodies the will of heaven and allows one to take control of oneself. Once Limit Break, it will be comparable to ordinary Spirit Rank Cultivation Method, and condensing True Fire will be a piece of cake.
The person he was truly wary of was not Ye Huang.
Instead, it's Ye Jiankong is about to ascend to the Mystical Power Ranking!
"Brother Xue, Brother Luo, when I was reading the introduction to the True Martial Sect Vast Desolate Domain, it was recorded that there are two types of teams for Outer Sect Disciple to go on missions. One type is composed entirely of Outer Sect Disciple, and the other type is Outer Sect Disciple leading Servant Disciple."
"Ordinary menial tasks are definitely not going to work, they're too time-consuming. If you have time, could you keep an eye out for any Outer Sect Disciple who are recruiting people on the Menial Tasks Servant Peak while on missions?"
"As long as enough Contribution Points are allocated, it will be fine."
Jiang Shu's voice was extremely calm, as if he were talking about something very ordinary.
However, both Xue Xuan and Luo Yu frowned deeply.
Why did the people of the Spirit Cuisine Hall envy Ye Huang? It wasn't that they envied him for having Outer Sect Disciple to team up with, but rather that Outer Sect Disciple was willing to guide him!
These two are fundamentally different.
People like Ye Huang are basically guaranteed to be safe and can get the maximum number of Contribution Points, and the team may even report slightly more.
However, ordinary Servant Disciple were doing menial tasks went to sign up for Outer Sect Disciple mission teams.
What is that?
They were cannon fodder.
It's a chess piece that can be discarded at will when danger arises!
If it weren't for the scarcity of Contribution Points, almost no Servant Disciple would be willing to form a team and go out casually, because that would undoubtedly be gambling on the Outer Sect Disciple ' luck.
" Brother Jiang, there's no need for that. Although Ye Huang can become Outer Sect Disciple within two years, you still have a chance. If you do some long-duration menial tasks every month, you can accumulate 100 Contribution Points in a year. Give it a shot, and you might be able to succeed."
"There's no need to entrust your life and death to someone else's character. That's too dangerous. Cultivating in the Servant Peak is absolutely safe. Ye Huang is definitely not cultivating right now; he's either doing tasks to accumulate Contribution Points improve himself. He doesn't have time to bother you yet."
After hesitating for a moment, Xue Xuan organized his thoughts and shook his head.
"Keep an eye on things for me. It's time to put my three months of training to the test."
Jiang Shu's tone was resolute.
The " Heaven's Will True Self Fist " enhanced his physical tempering, granting him a destructive power no less than that of some supernatural abilities.
The Ancient Forbidden Technique, Thunder Roc Nether Qi Wings, ensured his ability to escape, making him comparable to an ordinary cultivator at the Furnace Fire Realm.
Even so, he still dared not leave the sect.
What's the point of cultivation then?
Not to mention, he also has two other trump cards.
Supernatural power: Kun Peng Devouring Art!
Panel, Two Worlds Travel!