Monthly Assessment: Sword Pressure on the Outer Sect

The training grounds of the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect's Outer Sect were several times livelier than usual today. Rows of green stone sword platforms lined the area. Zhou He, the Outer Sect manager, stood on a high platform in the center, holding an assessment roster. His gaze swept over the disciples lined up below, and he announced in a booming voice, "The monthly assessment has three parts: sword move proficiency, Sword Intent Perception, and practical combat. The one with the highest total score will be directly promoted to the Inner Sect and will also receive a Qi Gathering Pill!"

As his voice fell, the disciples erupted in excitement. Qi Gathering Pills could accelerate spiritual energy absorption, which was crucial for breaking through to the Sword Apprentice realm. Moreover, promotion to the Inner Sect meant access to higher-level sword manuals and cultivation resources. In the crowd, Zhang Meng clenched his fists. The humiliation of losing to Ling Yun yesterday still lingered in his heart. Today, he vowed to regain his honor and secure a spot in the Inner Sect.

The assessment began with sword move proficiency. Disciples had to continuously perform the "chop, stab, lift, and slash" four forms from the Flowing Cloud Basic Sword Manual within the time it took an incense stick to burn. Zhou He would be the judge. When it was Ling Yun's turn, he still held the Sky-Rending Sword wrapped in coarse cloth. His movements were not fast, but each form was executed with extreme precision. When he chopped, the sword body was at a perfect forty-five-degree angle to the ground. When he stabbed, his sword tip was as steady as a rock. When he lifted, the arc of his wrist rotation was flawless.

A hint of surprise flashed in Zhou He's eyes. He had heard that Ling Yun was a disciple with "no spirit root" and hadn't held out much hope. Yet, the proficiency of these sword moves was even more refined than that of veteran disciples who had been practicing for three years. "The sword moves are stable but not rigid, with hidden strength in their softness. 85 points." Zhou He wrote down the score. Although it wasn't top-tier, it was already above average.

Seeing this, Zhang Meng deliberately swung his iron sword with great force, earth-element sword energy swirling around its body. Each move was accompanied by the sound of shattering stones, drawing gasps from the surrounding disciples. "The sword moves are fierce, and Sword Intent is beginning to show. 90 points." Zhou He nodded as he scored. Zhang Meng glanced at Ling Yun triumphantly, his lips curled in a provocative smirk.

The second part of the assessment was Sword Intent Perception. In the center of the training grounds stood a Sword Testing Stone. Disciples had to place their palms on the stone and channel their internal Sword Intent. The more patterns that lit up on the stone, the stronger their Sword Intent Perception. Most disciples could only illuminate two or three faint lines. When Zhang Meng stepped forward, his earth-element Sword Intent surged into the Sword Testing Stone, causing five deep yellow lines to light up. Zhou He couldn't help but nod, "Not bad. To have such perception at the late Sword Apprentice stage is truly rare."

When it was Ling Yun's turn, he placed his palm on the Sword Testing Stone. Following Elder Sword's instructions, he only channeled thirty percent of his Chaos Sword Qi. Four faint green patterns slowly lit up on the Sword Testing Stone. Although it was one less than Zhang Meng's, the patterns were clear and deeper than the faint lines of ordinary disciples. "The Sword Intent is pure, and the perception is acceptable. 80 points." As Zhou He scored, he grew increasingly curious. Ling Yun clearly had no spirit root, yet he always managed to surprise people.

With two assessments completed, Zhang Meng held a temporary lead with 180 points. Ling Yun was third with 165 points. The gap wasn't significant, and the outcome would depend entirely on the final practical combat round.

The practical combat used a lottery system. Coincidentally, Ling Yun drew Zhang Meng as his opponent. Disciples gathered on both sides of the sword platform, eager to see if this "no spirit root" disciple could create another miracle.

"Ling Yun, I was careless last time. I won't hold back this time!" Zhang Meng leaped onto the sword platform, pointing his iron sword directly at Ling Yun. His earth-element sword energy surged, and the sword body glowed with a heavy yellow light. "Today, I'll show you that disciples with no spirit root can never amount to anything!"

Ling Yun slowly walked onto the sword platform, the Sky-Rending Sword still wrapped in coarse cloth. His voice was calm, "Make your move."

Zhang Meng wasted no more words and charged forward with his sword. His moves were fiercer than before. As he unleashed the Stone-Splitting Slash, the sword wind stung their faces, and the ground was gouged by a shallow trench from the sword energy. Ling Yun did not dodge. He gripped his sword with both hands and executed the Heaven and Earth First Form. The coarse cloth sword sheath met the iron sword. Faint green Chaos Sword Qi quietly seeped out, coiling around the opponent's sword like flowing water.

"This move again!" Zhang Meng's heart tightened, but he was prepared. He twisted his wrist, intending to use brute force to shake off Ling Yun's sword. However, as soon as he exerted force, he felt a gentle power flowing through the sword. His earth-element sword energy was once again absorbed, and his arm began to go numb.

"Impossible!" Zhang Meng roared, forcibly channeling the spiritual energy within him to break free from the Chaos Sword Qi's restraint. But Ling Yun's sword move suddenly changed. Mid-chop in the Heaven and Earth First Form, it shifted into a lift. The sword tip precisely struck the spine of the iron sword. With a slight pull, Zhang Meng's sword momentum was thrown off balance, and he slashed at empty air.

Taking advantage of Zhang Meng's exhaustion of his previous strength and the inability to muster new strength, Ling Yun lightly flicked his wrist. The coarse cloth sheath of the Sky-Rending Sword gently bumped against Zhang Meng's chest. Zhang Meng felt a soft yet irresistible force surge into his body. His blood essence churned, and he staggered back five steps, falling heavily off the sword platform.

"Practical combat, Ling Yun wins!" Zhou He announced loudly, his eyes filled with shock. He had clearly seen that Ling Yun had not used any killing moves throughout the fight, breaking Zhang Meng's fierce assault with mere technique. This level of control over sword moves far surpassed the Sword Apprentice realm!

Silence fell over the area below the sword platform, followed by an explosion of cheers. The disciples looked at Ling Yun with newfound awe, their previous contempt replaced by reverence. Zhang Meng climbed up, his face pale. Looking at Ling Yun on the sword platform, he finally understood. He hadn't lost due to carelessness, but due to a genuine difference in strength.

The total scores for the three assessments were tallied. Ling Yun, with a perfect 200 points in practical combat, totaling 365 points, surpassed Zhang Meng to take first place in the Outer Sect. Zhou He stepped forward, handing over a lustrous white Qi Gathering Pill and a wooden plaque engraved with "Inner Sect." His tone was solemn, "Ling Yun, although you have no spirit root, you possess talent in the way of the sword. You may report to the Inner Sect tomorrow."

Ling Yun accepted the Qi Gathering Pill and the plaque, bowing his thanks. He looked towards the Inner Sect, where swirling clouds seemed to reveal a higher, more profound path of the sword awaiting him. Elder Sword's voice echoed in his mind, "The Inner Sect has the Scripture Depository, which contains the complete manual for the Seven Streams Sword Technique. You will also have the opportunity to experience the Sword Tower Trial. These will be crucial for solidifying your foundation."

As night deepened, Ling Yun returned to the servant quarters, holding the Qi Gathering Pill in his hand. He knew that entering the Inner Sect was just the beginning. There was still a long road ahead to avenge the Ling Family and uncover the truth behind their annihilation. But as long as he held the Sky-Rending Sword and harbored the way of the sword in his heart, he would fear nothing.