After a long while.
The silence in the pavilion gradually dissipated, and Chen Shuangbai could hear the sounds of the mortal servants tending to the herbs in the medicinal field.
The Foundation Establishment cultivator sighed softly and said, "So upright and honest, you wish to become my disciple?"
Chen Shuangbai knew that Yi Chongyue had this intention.
Yi Chongyue also understood that Chen Shuangbai most likely knew that he had this intention.
Otherwise, why would Yi Chongyue have instructed Chen Shuangbai to seek out Wei Chengfeng, when he went to guard Wind Howling County?
Chen Shuangbai was not opposed to becoming an apprentice.
Although Yi Chongyue was only an Alchemist, he was one of only two second-tier Alchemist in the Jade Spring Sect, the deputy head of the Jade Dew Hall, and Foundation Establishment cultivator who controlled the lifeline of the Jade Spring Sect's elixirs.
Its value goes without saying.
Chen Shuangbai was about to speak again, but Yi Chongyue waved his hand and said, "After the Martial Edge Trial, if you can get into the top five, I will accept you as my disciple."
Although Yi Chongyue was willing to take Chen Shuangbai as his apprentice, he still wanted to observe him for a while longer.
It should be noted that among this year's outer disciples, there are many outstanding individuals, and there are also several geniuses with first-class aptitude who entered the inner sect early on... The sect is eager to test the mettle of these disciples.
Chen Shuangbai, however, keenly discerned a phrase in his words: " Martial Edge Trial."
"May I ask, Master Yi, how was this Martial Edge Trial...?"
The surrounding noise gradually subsided, Yi Chongyue said, "Although you've only been back in the mountains for a day or two, you should have been able to deduce from the clues that the sect will soon be fighting against the Heart-Eroding Stronghold Valley."
"Yes, I have also noticed it somewhat."
Yi Chongyue continued, "Originally, once you outer sect disciples who were stationed in the outposts returned, as long as the numbers were complete and the rankings were determined, you could be promoted to inner sect disciples. However, considering the upcoming war, the sect intends to test your combat abilities."
"Therefore, the Palace Master of the Abyss Suppression Hall, True Person Bo, discussed with us and decided to hold a separate Martial Edge Trial to test your combat abilities."
Master of the Abyss Suppression Hall, True Person Bo...
Chen Shuangbai murmured the name to himself, thinking that it might be one of the three True Person of the sect.
"If we hold this Martial Edge Trial, then all our efforts in building our garrison's rating... will have been in vain?"
How could it be a waste?
"The qualifications for promotion to inner sect are, of course, based on the garrison ranking and one's own strength. This Martial Edge Trial is listed separately and does not affect the qualifications for promotion to inner sect."
Chen Shuangbai heard it clearly and roughly understood what it meant.
"Has the sect set any rewards for this Martial Edge Trial?"
A hint of approval flashed in Yi Chongyue's eyes. He was quite satisfied that Chen Shuangbai had grasped the core point directly. "Without a sufficiently substantial reward, how can you be motivated to fight with all your might and reveal your true brilliance?"
"As for the ranking rewards, the top five will each receive a Foundation Establishment Pill."
The last five will be awarded a high-grade magic Law Artifact.
"Besides that, those ranked outside the top ten will receive rewards such as Spirit Stone, Merit Points, spiritual materials, and pills. It remains to be seen who will ultimately claim them."
Foundation Establishment Pill!
Foundation Establishment cultivators are undoubtedly the backbone of any sect.
Foundation Establishment Pill aren't actually that scarce, but the number of people who can successfully Foundation Establishment is extremely small.
Many cultivators in the Late Qi Refining Stage fail to make any progress in their entire lives due to factors such as aptitude. Even if they have the ability to purchase Foundation Establishment Pill, it is all in vain if they cannot reach the Great Perfection of Qi Refining.
High- Law Artifact and top-grade Law Artifact are suitable for cultivators in the Late Qi Refining Stage and are a good reward.
In addition to other rewards such as spiritual materials, Spirit Stone, Merit Points, and elixirs, the sect should not be stingy.
But Yi Chongyue added, "In addition, the top three in this Martial Edge Trial will receive extra rewards."
"The first place winner can directly become a disciple of one of the three True Person of the sect; the second place winner can directly become a disciple of any one of the twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators; the third place winner... can choose a top-grade magic Law Artifact and gain the qualification to be given priority to be chosen as a disciple by the twelve Foundation Establishment."
"Directly becoming disciples of three True Person of the sect?!"
Even with Chen Shuangbai's calm and collected nature, he was still shocked.
The three Golden Core True Person of the Jade Spring Sect are the true pillars of the sect, holding extremely high positions. Ordinary disciples would find it difficult to even meet them, let alone become their disciples!
To be able to become a disciple of True Person master, even as Registered Disciple one, is an unparalleled honor.
Its significance far surpasses anything else!
The prizes for second and third place are equally enticing.
But such a massive investment means that the Jade Spring Sect's intention to Heart-Eroding Stronghold is likely already finalized, and it won't be a small-scale operation.
Seeing that he quickly recovered from his shock, Yi Chongyue knew that he had not been blinded by the rewards.
"Would the inner disciple like to participate?"
Yi Chongyue shook his head, "Most of the inner disciple already have positions within the sect or have already taken on masters, so they won't participate in this Martial Edge Trial. It's only for your generation of disciples."
"But don't be careless. Those geniuses with top-tier aptitude are also considered part of this cohort, and therefore will participate in this Martial Edge Trial."
Hearing this, Chen Shuangbai mostly understood.
Yi Chongyue genuinely wanted to take him under his wing.
But he didn't expect Chen Shuangbai to be in the top three; it would be enough to motivate him to break into the top five.
Waiting to return from Fate-Seeking Valley.
Chen Shuangbai made a detour to the Expenditure Hall, not to find Lu Zhiyuan, but to see the recent official documents issued by the Expenditure Hall, hoping to gain insight into the sect's determination.
Before even approaching the Lingfeng Peak where the Expenditure Hall was located, Chen Shuangbai spotted dozens of flying boats of varying sizes and shapes landing orderly on the cloud platform.
A large number of mortal servants with martial arts skills moved back and forth like ants, carrying down many spiritual materials and carrying up many spiritual objects.
Beyond the cloud platform, on the white jade plaza outside the main hall, archway-like structures have been erected, and water-mirror light screens have appeared, displaying densely packed text.
Chen Shuangbai stepped forward and took a look. It was a list of various official documents, tasks, and spiritual material acquisition notices issued by the Expenditure Hall.
Compared to usual, there were significantly more disciples from various peaks coming and going.
Chen Shuangbai wandered around some more and found a water mirror screen on which floated the names of many spiritual materials, but most of them were suitable for use by Devil Cultivator.
I asked around and found out that these were the spiritual materials that the senior brothers from the Evil Hunting Hall had recently captured from the Heart-Eroding Stronghold branch.
The water mirror screen also stated that most of these spiritual materials suitable for Devil Cultivator would be refined and reused using special methods, while those that were unusable would be directly destroyed.
The remaining talismans, elixirs, Law Artifact, or special treasures will be displayed by the Expenditure Hall three days later, allowing the disciples to choose and purchase them at their own discretion.
[PS: Third update! Requesting 5-star review! Need to boost rating! Requesting gifts!]