"Master, what is the purpose of you sending this disciple down the mountain?"
Although Zhang Ergou had guessed Chi Yu's intentions, he still needed to confirm.
"I have plans for you to go down the mountain, and I want you to challenge the experts on the Inner Disciple Ranking List."
Chi Yu's words startled Zhang Ergou.
He had just guessed that Chi Yu wanted him to challenge a disciple on the Inner Disciple Ranking List so that he could enter it himself.
Now, it seemed he had underestimated the situation.
Chi Yu's plan was not what he had imagined.
"Master, you're not going to have me start challenging from the hundredth position, are you?"
Zhang Ergou's mouth twitched as he uttered the unbelievable words.
"You brat, I didn't expect you to be so sharp. That's exactly what I intend."
"The Grand Competition between the two sects not only tests the practical combat abilities of the disciples but also their potential as inner disciples."
"Both our Misty Sect and the Flowing Sea Sect attach great importance to this matter."
"Therefore, this cannot be taken lightly, and the Sect Master would not allow us to casually send a few disciples to participate in the grand competition between the two sects."
"When selecting these disciples, the first two conditions must be met, which is also a reason why I want you to go down the mountain and challenge the Inner Disciple Ranking List."
"Furthermore, when selecting disciples to participate in the grand competition between the two sects, the win rate of each selected disciple is also considered."
"To enter the Inner Disciple Ranking List, one must challenge the disciples on the list. Every challenge or being challenged will be recorded."
"Then, dedicated elders will be responsible for counting the win rates of the disciples on the list. Generally, those ranked higher naturally have higher win rates and are more likely to be chosen."
"Of course, there are exceptions. Some disciples ranked lower may suddenly challenge disciples ranked higher and happen to win. Therefore, these are also important indicators for selection."
As they spoke, they arrived at the courtyard on Spiritual Jade Peak where they usually rested.
...
The next day, the inner sect of the Misty Sect was in an uproar.
This was because news, from an unknown source, had spread.
"Zhang Ergou, a true disciple of Spiritual Jade Peak, will challenge the experts on the Inner Disciple Ranking List one by one, starting from the last place."
Since the trial in the Beast Forest, the inner sect, which had just calmed down, was once again in turmoil.
Disciples on the Inner Disciple Ranking List were also alarmed.
"A true disciple of Spiritual Jade Peak? When did the two beautiful elder ladies of Spiritual Jade Peak take a disciple?"
Some disciples who had been in seclusion naturally did not know that Zhang Ergou had taken Chi Yu as his master.
"You don't even know this? Elder Chi Yu of Spiritual Jade Peak recruited a disciple from the outer sect this year, and that's Zhang Ergou."
"What? A disciple recruited this year dares to challenge the Inner Disciple Ranking List? That's amazing!"
Those who did not know the truth naturally marveled at Zhang Ergou's courage.
But when they heard that Zhang Ergou was only at the late stage of Foundation Establishment, everyone's enthusiasm instantly waned by half.
"Are you kidding me? All those on the Inner Disciple Ranking List are at the Golden Core stage."
"Even the lowest-ranked one has the cultivation of the early Golden Core stage. Is this Zhang Ergou not here to make a joke?"
"I was just marveling at this kid's courage, and now it seems this kid is simply foolish and ignorant. Doesn't he inquire about the strength of the experts on the Inner Disciple Ranking List before challenging them?"
"Alas, truly a newborn calf that fears no tiger!"
A wave of pessimistic voices arose, and almost no one believed that Zhang Ergou could succeed in his challenge.
In their eyes, Zhang Ergou might become the biggest joke in the inner sect of the Misty Sect in recent years.
"Are you kidding me? With the cultivation of the late Foundation Establishment stage, you dare to challenge us? Do you really think our Inner Disciple Ranking List is just child's play?"
Li Xu, ranked one hundredth on the Inner Disciple Ranking List, heard the news with a sneer, looking down on Zhang Ergou with disdain.
He believed that Zhang Ergou might have cultivated for a few days after entering the inner sect and felt invincible, capable of going anywhere.
This was so similar to himself in the past; both were young and impulsive, yet to experience the harshness of the world.
It seemed the important task of teaching this reckless young fellow named Zhang Ergou had fallen upon him.
Zhang Ergou did not expect that the news of him going down the mountain would cause such a huge reaction.
"Er Gou, is your brain not burned out?"
Lin Yichen, Wang Teng, Xiao Qingyu, and others had also emerged from their seclusion. At this moment, the few mischievous friends were sitting under a crooked-necked tree.
"Yeah, what's gotten into you? You've only been in the inner sect for how long, and you're already challenging the experts on the Inner Disciple Ranking List."
"I really don't know if you're an idiot or a brute!"
Lin Yichen, Wang Teng, and Xiao Qingyu found Zhang Ergou's behavior utterly incomprehensible.
Zhang Ergou had his own hardships that he couldn't speak of. His troublesome master had told him to claim that all his actions of challenging the experts on the Inner Disciple Ranking List were his own doing.
It had nothing to do with her, and he was not allowed to reveal any intention of participating in the selection.
This made things difficult for Zhang Ergou. He had initially thought he could visit around and relax after descending the mountain, but now, people were pointing and whispering wherever he went.
He hadn't even started challenging the experts on the Inner Disciple Ranking List, and Zhang Ergou already felt like he had become a celebrity in the inner sect.
Truly, a person fears fame as a pig fears getting fat, which was why they had to choose a secluded and hidden forest to gather.
Zhang Ergou looked at their bewildered expressions with a wry smile, feeling helpless.
"Er Gou, do you have some unspeakable secret? Tell us, and we can think of a solution?"
Wang Teng, who was more observant, noticed Zhang Ergou's abnormality.
The usual Zhang Ergou was very active, but today he seemed like a different person.
Upon hearing Wang Teng's words, Lin Yichen and Xiao Qingyu also noticed something was off with Zhang Ergou.
"No, no, what unspeakable secret could I have? The decision to challenge the experts on the Inner Disciple Ranking List was my own idea, and it has nothing to do with anyone else."
Zhang Ergou shook his head, forcing an explanation.
Clearly, those who knew him well would not believe his nonsense. It was evident that even if he didn't say anything, they couldn't do anything about him.
"Kid, are you really going to challenge the experts on the Inner Disciple Ranking List?"
Lin Yichen looked at Zhang Ergou with a serious expression. After nearly half a year in the inner sect, he had already touched upon the bottleneck between the Golden Core stage and the Foundation Establishment stage. Su Dan Novel Network
He felt that he was just one opportunity away from breaking through to the early Golden Core stage, so he hadn't resumed his seclusion.
"Of course. Do you think I'm joking? Most disciples in the inner sect know about it now. Even if I lose, they can only say I'm not skilled enough and too presumptuous."
"But if I back down now, I'll definitely be called a coward or something. Am I that kind of person?"
"Do you have confidence then?" Xiao Qingyu asked.
"Don't worry, I have a plan."