Thunder Continent, Eight States, Seventy-Six Counties. Although the various city lords nominally control everything within their respective cities, the true power lies with the sect forces within each county. They are the real overlords of the regions, secretly manipulating everything.
Based on the varying strengths of the sects, people on the continent categorize them into seven tiers, from Tier One to Tier Seven. Each tier represents a different level; lower-tier sects are not necessarily weak. Even a Tier One Sect should not be underestimated, while higher-tier sects possess terrifying power. This is precisely why they can firmly control everything within their territorial boundaries.
Xuan Lei Sect is a Tier Three sect that has been established for over a thousand years. The Sect is home to numerous powerful experts and possesses immense strength. It is also one of the three major forces in Xuan County alongside Aohumen and Crimson Thunder Hall, dominating one-third of the resources and territory near Beifeng City.
For ordinary people, Xuan Lei Sect is undoubtedly a colossal entity. Even the lord of Beifeng City treats the high-ranking members of Xuan Lei Sect with respect. Disciples of Xuan Lei Sect are regarded as esteemed guests everywhere, as having over a thousand disciples makes Xuan Lei Sect a force that ordinary powers cannot compare with.
Within Xuan Lei Sect, there are two divisions: the Inner Sect and the Outer Sect. The Inner Sect Disciples focus solely on cultivation, gathering most of the strength of Xuan Lei Sect, far surpassing that of the Outer Sect. The Inner Sect is considered the core power of Xuan Lei Sect. In contrast to the mystery surrounding the Inner Sect, the Outer Sect is much more open and primarily recruits ordinary disciples. Nevertheless, the strength of the Outer Sect should not be underestimated.
To the south of Beifeng City, deep green buildings connect to form a cluster, with red tiled roofs resembling rolling waves. Under the sunlight, they reflect dazzling light, creating an extremely spectacular sight. This is where the Outer Sect of Xuan Lei Sect is located.
At this moment, outside this courtyard, there is a crowd gathering. While it may not be a sea of people, it has reached a point where individuals are jostling against each other.
"Is this where the Outer Sect of Xuan Lei Sect is located?"
Looking at the luxurious buildings before him, a look of astonishment flashed in Sun Zhe's eyes. Clearly, the grandeur of the Outer Sect exceeded his expectations. However, after experiencing so much, Sun Zhe's temperament was not something ordinary people could compare to; he quickly regained his composure and continued walking forward without pausing.
He had already inquired when he entered the city that the recruitment period for disciples at the Outer Sect had not yet ended. Now, he was no longer the same Sun Zhe as before; he was confident that his current Qualification would definitely allow him to become a Cultivator. Only by becoming a Cultivator could he break free from his status as a slave and gain strength to pursue other endeavors.
Thus, his most important task now was to enter Xuan Lei Sect and become a Cultivator.
"Stop! Who are you?" A cold voice called out as two burly men dressed in green martial attire blocked Sun Zhe's path. Their eyes held a hint of vigilance. At this moment, Sun Zhe's clothes were tattered and barely covered him, which indeed raised suspicions about his intentions.
Sun Zhe stopped in his tracks, looking at the two burly men in front of him. He knew they were the gate guards of Xuan Lei Sect. In the past, Sun Zhe would have felt nervous, but now his expression showed no signs of change as he replied calmly,
"I am here to participate in the Xuan Lei Sect disciple test."
"Haha... a lowly slave dares to participate in the Xuan Lei Sect disciple test... how amusing... truly amusing..." A loud, arrogant laugh echoed from afar. Looking up, he saw a group of five people swaggering toward him. As they approached, passersby hurriedly made way, fearing to offend them.
Among the five, the four behind were dressed uniformly as servants, while the one in front was a young nobleman clad in luxurious attire. He wore a purple outer robe and black Crimson Serpent boots, elegantly wielding a folding fan. It was this young nobleman who had just spoken.
"The forest is vast, and all kinds of birds can be found; a lowly slave dares to dream of becoming a lofty Cultivator..." The young nobleman sneered slightly, not even glancing at Sun Zhe, and walked directly toward the two burly men.
Suddenly, Sun Zhe's eyes narrowed, anger flashing within them as he clenched his fists tightly, veins bulging visibly.
"Oh, it’s Zhao Gongzi. I didn’t expect you to come for the Xuan Lei Sect disciple test as well." Upon seeing the approaching young nobleman, the two guards immediately put on smiles, their previous arrogance vanishing before Sun Zhe. Their words carried a hint of deference, clearly indicating that this young man held significant status.
"It’s all my old man’s request; otherwise, I wouldn’t bother coming here for any disciple test." As he spoke, he cast a brief glance at Sun Zhe, only to find him unresponsive and seemingly uninterested. A flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes as he continued on without pausing, heading into the Xuan Lei Sect.
Watching Zhao Gongzi's retreating figure, Sun Zhe narrowed his eyes slightly. He understood that his current identity was merely that of a slave with no power or status to provoke anyone. However, that did not mean he would forget any grievances; he would remember each one and seek revenge when he gained strength.
"Excuse me, brothers, may I enter?" Sun Zhe stepped forward and asked the two guards.
In fact, Sun Zhe had already come to participate once before but had failed due to blocked meridians. This time, after merging with that bolt of lightning, his demeanor and physique had changed significantly. Sun Zhe did not believe anyone would remember him as a slave, which is why he dared to come back openly for the test again. Moreover, this disciple test did not restrict identities; thus, he was confident that these two guards would not deny him entry based on his status.
Upon hearing Sun Zhe's question, the two guards turned their heads. The disdain in their eyes flickered briefly but did not surprise Sun Zhe. They replied indifferently.
"Go in, and remember, the test is taking place at the Training Ground. Don't go anywhere else, or you can't blame others if you lose your life..." After finishing, he casually waved his hand as if sweeping away trash, directing Sun Zhe.
"Thanks."
After a brief reply, Sun Zhe walked straight into the Xuan Lei Sect.
Not long after Sun Zhe left, the guard on the left couldn't help but furrow his brow, feeling puzzled as he asked another person,
"Hey, Old Wang, didn't that guy come here before? I keep feeling like I've seen him somewhere... You know my memory is usually quite good..."
"You must be mistaken. That guy is just a lowly slave. If it weren't for this Sect's disciple test, how would he have the chance to come here... Stop thinking about those pointless things. It's more important for us to guard the gate properly. I don't want any problems right now; otherwise, if the master gets angry, we won't be able to bear the consequences..."
"Heh, true enough..." The guard on the left smiled in relief and stopped talking, continuing to watch the comings and goings of people.
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