Chapter 6: Entering the Inner Sect!
"You intend to utilize your recommendation slot to endorse this youngster for admission into the inner sect?"
Seated in a spacious hall, a middle-aged man draped in a black robe sipped from a teacup, his scrutinizing gaze traversing Ling Feng.
"Yes, Elder Yang."
Wang Danfeng promptly nodded. Yang Wei, the middle-aged man in front of him, occupied a prestigious position within the Wenxian Sect. As one of the leaders among the nine sects of Wenxian Mountain, he held the most formidable overall strength among the nine, second only to the sect master.
"This lad?"
With a sneer, Yang Wei remarked, "Wang Danfeng, it appears your old eyes have blurred, haven't they?"
“Elder Yang, this is a small token of my appreciation.” Wang Danfeng took out a bulging bag from his pocket, gently placing it on the table, chuckling.
“Oh?” Yang Wei picked up the bag, tossed it lightly in his hand, and grinned, “There’s at least a bit of significance to it—quite intriguing.”
As they conversed, Yang Wei rose from his seat and walked to Ling Feng's side, casually asking, "Kid, what's your name?"
"Ling Feng," he responded, meeting Yang Wei's gaze with unwavering confidence, neither submissive nor arrogant.
"Your gaze and character don’t seem that bad."
Yang Wei raised his hand, patting Ling Feng's shoulder. His expression darkened, and with an angered snort, Yang Wei exclaimed, “Even though his skeletal age surpasses eighteen, only a trace of true qi has emerged? Wang Danfeng, are you sure you’re not playing tricks on me?”
Turning his back, Yang Wei strode forcefully back to his seat. In a cold tone, he uttered, "For such a useless fellow, tossing him to the outer sect would be a sheer waste of resources. Yet, you still foolishly entertain the idea of recommending him to the inner sect?"
Wang Danfeng glanced at Ling Feng, teeth clenched. "Elder Yang, this child's grandfather once saved my life!"
"So what? He hasn't saved my life," Yang Wei sneered coldly. "Take this kid away. Why bother training someone like him? Blatantly useless, yet he puts on a show, feigning a demeanor of neither humility nor arrogance, acting as if he's a genius."
"Elder Yang!"
Wang Danfeng attempted to continue his plea, but Yang Wei abruptly halted him, his voice turning cold. "Enough is enough, Wang Danfeng. Know your place. You're merely an outer sect elder; what gives you the right to prattle on?"
Wang Danfeng sighed deeply. Yang Wei is no different from a “Zhou Ba Pi”[1]. As the saying goes, the mouth that consumes others’ resources becomes soft; the hand that takes from others is shortened [2].
This scumbag has the audacity to dismiss me after taking my money. What a scoundrel!
"Hey, Senior Yang, since Elder Wang has spoken to this extent, refusing him like this seems a bit too heartless."
Entering with a chuckle, a lean middle-aged man strode in from the entrance. "Wenxian Sect values empathy," he remarked, "and given Elder Wang's high regard for this child, there must be remarkable qualities in the mix. Let's not be too hasty or heartless in our judgment."
"Oh?" Yang Wei lifted his gaze, a subtle curve appearing at the corner of his mouth. "Ah, Junior Li Liang."
"Elder Li..." Wang Danfeng's pupils abruptly contracted. In stark contrast to Yang Wei, Li Liang personified true ruthlessness and greed, consuming others without a hint of remorse.
Contrarily, Ling Feng hasn't caught on yet, believing there might be a glimmer of opportunity.
"Elder Wang, if you wish to endorse this youngster for entry into the inner sect, it's not out of the question. However, the sect's resources have always been exceedingly scarce," Li Liang chuckled, his gaze locked onto Wang Danfeng.
"Qi-Boosting Pills, t-twenty of them!"
Wang Danfeng clenched his teeth as he spoke.
"Excellent!" Li Liang burst into laughter, then patted Ling Feng on the shoulder. "I believe this kid has potential. It shouldn't be an issue for him to join the inner sect."
Yang Wei arched an eyebrow, then reluctantly agreed. "Fine, let the kid join."
"How's that, Elder Wang? Are you satisfied with the outcome now?" Li Liang glanced at Wang Danfeng, speaking in a nonchalant tone.
"Thank you both, Elders!"
Internally, Wang Danfeng couldn't help but groan. Twenty Qi-Boosting Pills? That's akin to giving away almost two years' worth!
But, being able to assist the descendants of the Medical Saint feels like repaying that old life-saving favor.
Observing these events, Ling Feng felt a sense of gratitude. Amidst the indifferent crowd, individuals like Wang Danfeng stood out for their strong sense of loyalty and righteousness.
"Okay, it's time for you to leave," Li Liang gestured with his hand, saying nonchalantly, "Outer sect elders shouldn't linger too much in the inner sect."
"Yes, I take my leave." Wang Danfeng looked deeply at Ling Feng, speaking in a solemn tone, "Little Feng, do not disappoint your grandfather's earnest efforts, you must cultivate diligently!"
"Mm!" Ling Feng nodded firmly. Despite the challenges and setbacks along the way, it seemed he had finally attained the status of an inner sect disciple of the Wenxian Sect.
Empowered by his Eye of the Heavenly Dao and Eye of the Human Dao, it wouldn't be long before those who once looked down on him would find themselves trampled beneath his feet.
Following Wang Danfeng's departure, Yang Wei and Li Liang instructed Ling Feng to wait outside the hall as they entered the inner hall together.
"Junior Li, you are truly ruthless!" Yang Wei squinted and chuckled.
Li Liang sneered, "It's just twenty Qi-boosting pills." His voice dripped with disdain.
"However, no one within the inner sect would accept that dull and useless kid. Let me make it clear in advance—we'll split the Qi-boosting pills evenly, but I won't be accepting the youngster!"
"Uh..." Li Liang hesitated for a moment, then grinned. "Senior, have you forgotten? Within the Wenxian Sect, we have another branch. While it may not be among the Nine Peaks, we annually send a disciple with mediocre aptitude there to that geezer. Considering this kid's aptitude is as average as it gets, how about we send him there?"
"You mean, that old fart Duanmu?" Yang Wei paused for a moment, a trace of resentment flickering in his eyes.
Mockingly grinning, Li Liang commented, "Once he's there, he'll likely bail in no time."
"Fine, let’s stick to the usual and send him to that old fart Duanmu’s branch," Yang Wei snorted. "I'll leave the rest to you."
Not long after, Li Liang stepped out of the main hall, addressing Ling Feng in a casual tone, "So, you're Ling Feng. From now on, you're under the old f... Master Duanmu's guidance. Diligently cultivate yourself."
"Master Duanmu?" Ling Feng paused, his surprise evident as he realized he was being assigned as a junior under the master of these peak leaders. Wasn't his aptitude considered mediocre?
Despite lingering skepticism, he bowed respectfully and replied, "I will."
"Yes. Zong Yuan, take him to Little Bamboo Peak," instructed Li Liang to a disciple by his side.
"Right away!"
A young disciple, seemingly in his twenties, stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Li Liang. With a hint of sympathy in his eyes as he glanced at Ling Feng, he casually uttered, "Follow me!"
Sensing the look in Zong Yuan's eyes, Ling Feng grew even more perplexed.
Little Bamboo Peak was definitely not a good place to be!
...
Zong Yuan promptly led Ling Feng into a bamboo forest.
Within the bamboo grove stood a few bamboo houses, enclosing a small courtyard. Though humble compared to the majestic structures along the way, it exuded a unique charm and tranquility.
It turned out to be a place for self-cultivation and nurturing one's character.
Curiosity overcoming him, Ling Feng asked, “Senior, who exactly is Master Duanmu?”
Throughout the journey, Zong Yuan remained silent, deliberately keeping some distance from Ling Feng, as if wary of being engaged in conversation.
"No idea!" Zong Yuan walked to the exterior of the bamboo house and raised his voice, "Master Duanmu, this is the disciple assigned to you for this year! I have brought him to you!"
Then, Zong Yuan swiftly departed as if seeking refuge, not pausing for even a moment, fleeing from the scene.
Ling Feng furrowed his brow. Is the person residing inside truly formidable?
1. Used to describe a stingy person, Zhou Ba Pi mimicked the sound of a rooster thereby deceiving his workers to wake up earlier than they are supposed to to start work early ☜
2. Basically says there is no such thing as a free lunch, whatever you take from others, they would expect something in return. Could be referring to bribery in this context ☜
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