"The inner sect trial doesn't just test a disciple's strength and cultivation, but also their ability to adapt to sudden situations," Chunyang Sanren said, picking at food particles from his teeth.
"How will it be tested?" Zhang Ergou asked, sitting beside Chunyang Sanren and handing him hot tea.
Chunyang Sanren took a sip and continued, "The Misty Sect is divided into inner and outer sects because there's a zone between them, similar to a demon beast forest."
"After the outer sect competition, the winning disciples must successfully traverse this zone to reach the inner sect to be truly recognized."
"Within this forest, there are not only low-level demon beasts and formations, but also fifty inner sect disciples dispatched each time to hunt down the victorious outer sect disciples."
"Therefore, the greatest challenge for entering the inner sect lies with these fifty inner sect disciples. Casualties are not accounted for in that forest; this has been the Misty Sect's rule for years," Chunyang Sanren said with a stern expression.
"Master, when you say casualties are not accounted for, does that also mean the winning outer sect disciples can kill the inner sect disciples sent?" Zhang Ergou voiced his confusion.
"Naturally. However, based on past experience, very few outer sect disciples can kill inner sect disciples unless they are exceptionally talented. Those who enter the inner sect are not ordinary individuals," Chunyang Sanren explained, looking at Zhang Ergou with surprise.
"But you don't need to put too much pressure on yourself. As long as you lie low in that forest and survive for over fifteen days, you will be considered to have successfully entered the inner sect." Chunyang Sanren revealed a little secret about passing the inner sect trial to Zhang Ergou.
...
Finally, the day of the outer sect competition, eagerly awaited by the outer sect disciples of the Misty Sect, arrived.
On this day, the Misty Sect's outer sect was filled with people. The usual quietness of the outer sect was replaced by an extraordinary liveliness.
Tomorrow was the official start of the outer sect competition, and disciples who had been in seclusion to break through their cultivation emerged. Familiar faces gathered, discussing the upcoming competition.
Today was also the final day for confirming participant lists. Not all disciples were eligible for the outer sect competition; only those who met the criteria could participate. Chunyang Sanren had mentioned all of this to Zhang Ergou previously.
When Zhang Ergou arrived at the registration point, it was already swarming with people, disciples constantly coming and going. Some entered with full confidence only to leave disappointed, while others entered with calm expressions and emerged just as serene.
Glancing at the large plaque above the registration entrance, Zhang Ergou stepped inside. The great hall was magnificent, its splendor matching the grandeur of the entrance. Secretly nodding in approval, Zhang Ergou followed the flow of the crowd. Inside, he saw a massive martial arts stage. This, he surmised, was likely the venue for tomorrow's competition.
As Zhang Ergou entered, the surrounding disciples exchanged surprised glances, their expressions towards him varied. Zhang Ergou was now a notorious figure in the Misty Sect's outer sect, having bested many disciples from Xiayang Peak and Qiuyang Peak within a few months. It was understandable why these people were wary of him.
"Please, don't let me encounter this monstrous talent, God help me."
"I'm also afraid of running into him."
"Anyone who encounters this guy is doomed to bad luck, better stay in the outer sect and wait for the next competition." Whispers reached Zhang Ergou's ears, but he ignored them.
Walking further in, Zhang Ergou encountered an old acquaintance, Wei Chen from Xiayang Peak.
"Zhang Ergou! You still dare to show your face here!" Wei Chen exclaimed, his face flushed with anger upon seeing Zhang Ergou.
Zhang Ergou paid him no mind. He had easily defeated Wei Chen before, and now, having broken through to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, he no longer saw Wei Chen as a threat. He walked past, not even lifting his eyelids. Wei Chen was left grinding his teeth in frustration.
The disciples who had come to register made way for Zhang Ergou. Having survived encounters with several true disciples and still standing strong, Zhang Ergou was not someone they could afford to offend.
Zhang Ergou walked directly to the registration area, where an elder named Xu was overseeing the process.
"Elder, I wish to participate in the outer sect competition," Zhang Ergou announced.
"Name?" the elder asked softly without looking up.
"Zhang Ergou," Zhang Ergou replied.
"You are Zhang Ergou?" Elder Xu looked up, his face showing a hint of surprise. Clearly, he had heard of Zhang Ergou. After scrutinizing Zhang Ergou, Elder Xu nodded, "Not bad, the future still belongs to you young people!"
"You flatter me, Elder!" Zhang Ergou smiled slightly and cupped his fists in greeting.
"Good, go on. I have high hopes for you!" Saying this, Elder Xu handed him a jade token engraved with Zhang Ergou's name. Taking the token, Zhang Ergou bowed to Elder Xu again before turning to leave.
As he walked out, he encountered another group of familiar faces. These were the individuals who had almost taken Zhang Ergou's life, led by Jiang Hao of Qiuyang Peak, who were crowding towards the registration point. Another group comprised disciples from Xiayang Peak.
When both groups saw Zhang Ergou, their expressions changed. It was truly an encounter of sworn enemies, their eyes blazing with hostility. The disciples from both peaks, their faces grim, stared at Zhang Ergou, clearly not forgetting the humiliation he had caused them.
"Zhang Ergou, just pray you don't fall into my hands, or I will make you regret coming to the Misty Sect to cultivate," Jiang Hao stepped forward, issuing a threat to Zhang Ergou.
"Is that so? It's fortunate there's no wind in this hall today, or you might just twist your tongue," Zhang Ergou retorted, meeting his gaze without fear. The atmosphere instantly grew tense, the air chilling.
"Well, well, what a lively scene!" a mocking voice interjected. It was Song Zhinan from the Hall of Discipline, who had also arrived. He cast a cold glance at Zhang Ergou.
Glancing at Song Zhinan, Zhang Ergou suppressed his killing intent. If fighting were allowed here, he would have acted long ago.
"This fellow cannot achieve great things. His killing intent is too strong," Su Yang said disdainfully, fanning himself and looking at Zhang Ergou. The tension in the hall made the surrounding disciples retreat, fearing they would be caught in the crossfire.
"Are you all so bored that you're blocking the way?" a harsh voice boomed. A person clad in purple robes, carrying two large hammers, strode into the hall from outside.