As Ye You casually dealt with that clueless fellow, the journey for the two in Xixia Town became much easier. In that world, after those oblivious individuals tested the waters, the Bright Red Person behind them understood just how deep that water truly was.
How deep that pool was, not even Gu knew for sure, and even Yin Tianheng couldn't confidently determine just how powerful Ye You really was. Perhaps even Ye You himself couldn't accurately gauge his own strength.
The next day, the disciples sent by Cheng Zong to recruit new members arrived close to noon. It seemed there had been some delays, as the expressions on their faces were somewhat gloomy.
Looking at the long line of people, there were probably over a hundred of them. The younger Bu Luo were around eleven or twelve years old, while the older ones were in their twenties. This was considered the best age for foundation building in the Cultivation World; missing that period meant that even if one succeeded in foundation building later on, they wouldn't achieve much. By next year, Gu, at twenty-two years old, would be among the older ones in the crowd.
I held onto that item and went to deliver it to the Lao Shi over there—the one wearing the long robe. I approached him to hand over the item.
Bribery? Ye You joked, noting its considerable value. He wondered if it would please his esteemed aunt.
Receiving the piece of high-quality withered vine jade from Gu, Lao Shi didn't even blink as he accepted it. Just a small piece of withered vine jade could be used to refine countless elixirs, showcasing the depth of the Gu Family's resources.
Coughing lightly, I remarked how unpleasantly difficult this all sounded. Those bodyguards shouldn't have been allowed to interact with me; they hadn't learned anything useful but had certainly picked up plenty of streetwise talk about putting on a brave front. Hurry up; I wanted to stay there a bit longer.
Ignoring their bewildered gazes, Ye You walked straight up to Lao Shi. They exchanged a few words before Lao Shi waved his hand toward Gu.
Those escorting their own disciples were astonished. In previous years, no one had ever approached in such a manner. That kind of treatment was reserved for noble families; ordinary folks like them wouldn't even have a chance to offer gifts and would likely be chased away instead. From this interaction, it became clear that Gu and Ye You's status had inadvertently risen in the eyes of those present.
Unlike Mok Ming Academy's recruitment process, Cheng Zong would first conduct so-called Outer Sect training among a large group of eligible disciples. Only those who stood out in the Outer Sect would then be sent to Cheng Zong's Sect location to become Outer Sect Disciples. This was one reason why Cheng Zong had always been considered one of the most mysterious among the Six Major Super Sects; it was rare for disciples from other Sects to find Cheng Zong's mountain gate. Among the Six Major Super Sects, there was some mutual observation; high-ranking members within each Sect often knew about each other without needing to make it widely known.
Initially, they would assess bone age and use Holy Spirit Stones to measure talent. They would also look into one's background; if qualified, they could become part of Cheng Zong's Outer Sect. Even if they initially failed in their cultivation efforts, they could still cling to a powerful ally and have some leverage when navigating through the world later on.
As Gu Weiwei frowned at the large stone known as the Holy Spirit Stone placed before him, he felt a sense of unease. He preferred not to draw too much attention, especially since his Spirit was composed of the purest spiritual energy—so pure that it could be described as untainted. During the recent bone measurement, he had been fortunate; there had been no signs of that awkward state of being neither dead nor alive. He hoped he wouldn't accidentally reveal anything embarrassing.
With Bu Luo and Ru Ming, as Gu's Divine Sense grew stronger, he realized he could now control that peculiar state effectively, believing that soon he would be no different from an ordinary person—at least, that was what Gu Bian thought.
He pressed his leg against the Holy Spirit Stone, slightly loosening the seal of the Black Chess Set East, releasing a rich flow of Chaotic Spiritual Power. Even a small amount of this energy caused the Holy Spirit Stone to emit a brilliant glow. Seeing this, Gu Lian quickly withdrew his leg and re-sealed the Black Chess Set East.
My twin chess piece is shattered; if this continues, it might not hold out for long.
Then I must find a way on my own. Besides, the piece breaking isn't entirely my fault; for him, it might be good that the piece is broken. Who knew I needed the accompanying spirit to suppress my external spiritual energy?
Just as Ye You finished speaking, the Foundation Disciple testing talents rushed out to find Lao Shi. The two hurried back in and looked at Gu.
"I am Gu Hong, a descendant of the Later Zhou Gu Family."
Indeed.
Holding a report detailing Gu's identity and background, Lao Shi trembled as he pointed at the Holy Spirit Stone.
"Let's test him again."
No.
Though feeling somewhat helpless inside, Gu knew that if he wanted to enter Cheng Zong, he couldn't avoid that Lao Shi. Thus, they proceeded with another test.
"Earth Spirit Root?" Lao Yi shouted, startling the two young disciples nearby. "The Heavenly Spirit Root has reached eighty in strength. Are we close to establishing the foundation?"
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