Capítulo 16: Subduing People with Strength
Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
A robust disciple emerged from the crowd, making his way to the seat designated for Zhao He.
"Third place, Shi Qianfeng."
Shi Qianfeng moved forward, calmly navigating through the crowd to the coveted seat.
"Fourth place, Zi Yue."
"Fifth place, Qing Yuan."
"Sixth place, Xuanyuan Quanlong."
After the Fifth Elder announced the names, these three individuals stepped out of the crowd, respectfully acknowledging the Fifth Elder before proceeding toward the inner court disciples' seats.
As the named disciples emerged one by one, the rest of the onlookers grew increasingly anxious. Yet, to preserve their dignity, they remained rooted in their spots, hoping for a miracle.
"One hundred seventy-sixth place, Xing Bai."
Upon this announcement, the disciple happily made his way to the inner sect disciples' seats. The Fifth Elder ceased his announcements, casting his gaze upon the assembly.
"This concludes the inner sect disciple assessment. These are the names of those who have passed."
Many disciples appeared disheartened upon hearing the results. Several even knelt and wept, their despondency evident.
Most of them were at Level 4 or Level 5 Qi Refinement, with a few having advanced to Level 6. Nonetheless, due to their lack of Beast Cores, they had fallen short of securing an inner sect disciple slot.
This meant they would need to wait for another three years. Although three years might not seem extensive, aging poses challenges to cultivation. Even the ancestral figures from prestigious clans, who were thousands or even tens of thousands of years old, usually commenced their cultivation during youth.
Upon seeing this, the Fifth Elder shook his head slightly. He found it difficult to accept such a tragic outcome. Even if they entered the inner sect, their Dao hearts would likely fracture sooner or later.
"Lastly, there's a special slot in this assessment, earned by defeating the ferocious beast I placed."
All heads turned skyward with renewed anticipation. Some had already triumphed over a Level 8 Qi Refinement beast.
"The winner of this special slot is Qin Shu."
Upon Qin Shu's name being called, many disciples, still clinging to hope, were once again disheartened. Most of them harbored envy, as they did not recognize Qin Shu.
"Fifth Elder, I have reservations about Qin Shu's qualifications."
A voice from the crowd disrupted the scene.
"Oh? What's your name? Tell me why you believe he isn't qualified."
The Fifth Elder, intrigued, encouraged the speaker, eager to hear the outer sect disciple's opinion of Qin Shu.
"Greetings, Fifth Elder. I'm Wu Feng, a Level 6 Qi Refinement disciple. I've personally defeated a Level 8 Qi Refinement beast through my efforts. I find it improbable that Junior Brother Qin could accomplish the same with his Level 5 Qi Refinement strength."
Wu Feng had a solemn expression and exuded a stronger aura than those around him. His limited Beast Cores were the result of his dedicated cultivation, as he had mistakenly recalled the wrong timing and had little time to collect them. This also fueled his discontent.
The Fifth Elder, intrigued, probed further, "Well, then, what do you propose we do with the special slot?"
The Fifth Elder smiled as he looked at him, then turned his gaze to Qin Shu.
Qin Shu also understood the Fifth Elder's intention. He realized that the Fifth Elder wanted him to take on this challenge so that the other disciples would acknowledge him.
"In that case, Senior Brother Wu Feng, how about this? If you can withstand a punch from me, I'll give you this special slot. What do you say?"
Qin Shu turned to Wu Feng, making his offer loud and clear.
"Sure!"
Wu Feng confidently accepted the challenge. Years of cultivating the Tortoise Shell Technique had rendered him nearly impervious among the outer sect disciples. He believed he could easily withstand a punch from a Level 5 Qi Refinement disciple, even if Qin Shu had recently advanced to Level 6.
Upon observing this exchange, the crowd parted, keenly anticipating the outcome. Many onlookers were eager to gauge Qin Shu's strength.
"Junior Brother Qin, please proceed."
Wu Feng momentarily stilled, causing the stone slab beneath him to fracture. Upon witnessing this, several disciples shook their heads, believing none of them could withstand such a punch.
"Be careful, Senior Brother Wu."
Qin Shu smiled as he advanced. After clenching his fist, he approached Wu Feng.
As Qin Shu neared, Wu Feng felt his body begin to tremble uncontrollably. It was as if he had envisioned his tortoise-shell defense shattering in an instant, sending him flying.
"What an imposing aura."
"This aura doesn't feel like Level 5 Qi Refinement."
"Could it be that Qin Shu has already broken through to Level 7 Qi Refinement?"
"It's possible."
Everyone was taken aback by Qin Shu's aura. In their eyes, Qin Shu's fist felt like an unstoppable boulder bearing down on Wu Feng.
As he approached Wu Feng, Qin Shu gently swung his fist and struck Wu Feng's defensive shield. A resounding bang echoed throughout the arena, and Wu Feng was sent flying. Fortunately, the Fifth Elder's protective barrier prevented him from getting hurt.
"Senior Brother Wu, you still have room for improvement in your cultivation."
Qin Shu wore a friendly smile on his face, but it sent shivers down Wu Feng's spine. He understood that Qin Shu had held back his strength; otherwise, he would have been lying unconscious on the ground.
"I apologize for my rudeness, Senior Brother Qin. Please don't take offense."
Wu Feng quickly bowed and apologized. He didn't want to start a feud with Qin Shu so early on.
"It's alright. Does anyone else wish to challenge me? The winner can claim this special slot."
Qin Shu walked slowly toward the crowd and announced loudly when no one else stepped forward.
"Since no one is challenging me, I'll accept this special spot."
After seeing no one else respond, Qin Shu made his way toward Zhao He and the others, standing in the position designated for inner sect disciples.
"Alright, the assessment is over. It's time to exit the illusion realm."
The Fifth Elder gently rang a bell, and all the disciples closed their eyes simultaneously. After a moment, they opened their eyes and found themselves back in the examination hall.
"All those who passed the assessment, follow Pang Yuan to receive your inner sect disciple attire and sect token. Qin Shu, you come with me."
The Fifth Elder gave the instructions in an orderly manner. Those who had not taken the assessment returned to their residences, but the Fifth Elder believed that with diligent cultivation in the Blackheaven Sect, they would eventually qualify for the inner sect.
"Fifth Elder, you wanted to see me?"
Qin Shu followed the Fifth Elder as he spoke. Upon seeing the Fifth Elder nod, Qin Shu followed him into another room.
"I didn't expect Qin Shu to be so formidable. Do you think he can become the chief?"
Zhao He had just awakened from the illusion realm. When he went to collect his attire and token with Xuanyuan Quanlong, he couldn't help but pull him aside and inquire.
"With his current strength, unless something extraordinary happens, he might need more experience before challenging the chief."
Xuanyuan Quanlong had a wide circle of acquaintances. According to his information, the previous chief, Wang Ho, had single-handedly fought seven opponents, defeating them to a bloody pulp.
Among those seven, the weakest was at Level 10 Qi Refinement, and one had nearly reached the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.
Even so, they were all beaten by Wang Ho.
"If that's the case, those people are incredibly formidable."
Upon hearing Xuanyuan Quanlong's account, Zhao He couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. He had doubts about achieving the Level 10 Qi Refinement in three months, let alone defeating a disciple at the Foundation Establishment stage.
"But who knows? Maybe Qin Shu can truly achieve a miracle."
Xuanyuan Quanlong patted Zhao He on the shoulder and smiled.
-- Regalo
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