Chapter 120

Chapter 120: Promoted to the Inner Sect

The last spells Yun Xi practiced were ice techniques, though only the simplest ones.

Up until now, she had not yet found a suitable ice cultivation technique. Drifting with Immortal Grace from the chat group once said he could exchange such techniques if needed, but Yun Xi knew she had nothing of value to trade. After all, she had already received a precious Floral Forehead Immortal Ornament from him for free. She felt content; on the path of cultivation, one must not be greedy. Heaven never freely dropped spirit stones; she simply had good fortune. If she failed to seize the opportunities fate granted her, they would never truly belong to her.

Just like the original Yun Xi in the novel—although blessed with luck, she repeatedly gifted her chances to others, ultimately sealing her own tragic fate. Yun Xi certainly had no wish to follow that path, becoming someone else’s stepping stone.

Unbeknownst to Yun Xi, Sheng Yu Hong was currently speaking about her to Sect Master Yu Geng. This time, however, his words were full of praise, subtly suggesting to his master that Yun Xi should become his direct disciple.

Sect Master True Lord Yu Geng felt surprised by his Chief Disciple’s words, remarking, “Yu Hong, this is the first time I’ve ever heard you speak so highly of a disciple. It seems you truly value this one.”

Sheng Yu Hong replied calmly, “Master, this disciple simply believes she possesses extraordinary fortune. Although her innate talent is ordinary, she practices diligently. On her journey back to the sect, she even experienced sudden enlightenment, advancing to Foundation Establishment Middle Stage. At the very least, her comprehension is excellent. She’s worthy of becoming Master’s personal disciple. Moreover, Wei Yun Xi is only ten years old; accepting her now would deepen her loyalty to our sect.”

True Lord Yu Geng’s eyes lit up at these words, becoming interested in Sheng Yu Hong’s proposal. “Since you speak so highly of her, I’ll meet her after she enters the Inner Sect before deciding if she’ll become my disciple.”

True Lord Yu Geng had his own considerations in mind.

“Yes, Master.” Sheng Yu Hong himself didn’t fully understand why, but something deep inside him whispered that he should pull this little junior sister closer. Her presence seemed to be beneficial to him. Therefore, he followed his instinct and recommended Wei Yun Xi to his master.

Besides, the little junior sister truly was remarkable. To reach Foundation Establishment Middle Stage at only ten years old—even if due to sudden enlightenment—still demonstrated real strength.

“Achoo!” Yun Xi let out a loud sneeze. At this moment, she was tending to her medicinal field. The sneeze came suddenly; she rubbed her now slender chin, thinking someone must be talking about her.

[I wonder who’s missing me so much?]

She had barely muttered this when she saw thunderclouds gathering overhead. Yun Xi lifted her head to gaze upward, sensing the tribulation lightning was forming above the cultivation peak. Her intuition told her this lightning was aimed at Wei Zong Hao.

At that moment, many disciples raised their heads just like Yun Xi, staring at the thunderclouds, wondering who was advancing to Foundation Establishment.

A booming sound resonated through the sky, followed by purple lightning. The first three bolts had clear intervals, but the pace quickened in the middle, and the last three bolts fell almost instantly, causing observers to hold their breath.

Concerned for Zong Hao, Yun Xi activated the protective formation around her medicine field before dashing swiftly toward the cultivation peak.

Once all the lightning dispersed, spirit rain fell from the heavens, healing and nourishing the body tempered by tribulation lightning.

When Yun Xi arrived, Wei Zong Hao was already surrounded by disciples congratulating him.

Fortunately, Zong Hao had changed into a clean robe, looking less disheveled. He politely returned the greetings, accepting communication talismans handed to him, though he wasn’t sure he’d actually contact these disciples later.

Upon spotting Yun Xi, Zong Hao’s eyes brightened. He immediately cupped his fists, apologizing to the crowd, “Pardon me, my clan sister has come to fetch me.”

Finishing his sentence, he stepped away from the crowd to join Yun Xi.

Grabbing Zong Hao’s wrist, Yun Xi swiftly executed the Thousand Shadows Riding Wind Steps, disappearing before everyone’s eyes in a flash.

“Who was that senior sister? Her movement skill was so graceful—I blinked and she vanished!”

“Didn’t you hear Senior Uncle Wei? That was his clan sister.”

“With such a movement technique, we shouldn’t call her junior sister but senior uncle!”

“Speaking of which, Wei family disciples always advance quickly after entering the sect.”

“Indeed…”

The two who had become the center of the discussion had already left the Outer Sect, heading toward the Inner Sect disciple Hall.

Feeling puzzled, Zong Hao asked, “Yun Xi, what’s the rush?”

Yun Xi chuckled lightly, “I have a feeling someone’s eyeing me, so I’d better hurry and leave the Outer Sect.”

“What about your rented medicinal field in the Outer Sect?”

“After we obtain our Inner Sect identities, I’ll handle the medicinal field. Then we’ll go back to our residence in the Outer Peaks, bid farewell to the others in person, and inform them of our advancement.”

Zong Hao nodded in agreement, “You’re right. It’s best to tell them personally.”

As they still wore the green robes of Outer Sect disciples, their entrance into the Inner Sect disciple Hall naturally attracted attention.

With Yun Xi and Zong Hao openly displaying Foundation Establishment stage cultivation, anyone could clearly see they had been promoted from the Outer Sect.

They approached the disciple handling registrations, respectfully saying, “Senior brother, both of us have reached Foundation Establishment stage and have come to update our identity tokens.”

The male cultivator, busy carving jade slips, raised his head. Seeing them, he immediately smiled warmly, “Oh! You two must be disciples of the Wei clan. Congratulations on entering the Inner Sect!”

Yun Xi recognized the voice as somewhat familiar. After blinking her clear eyes, she immediately smiled sweetly and greeted, “It’s Senior Brother Song! It’s been a long time. Senior Brother’s cultivation has progressed greatly.”

The male cultivator was indeed Song Ke, who previously oversaw their entrance examination.

Song Ke inwardly marveled at their rapid progress—just five years, and the Wei family had two disciples entering Foundation Establishment stage. Upon closer inspection, he realized the young girl had already reached Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, almost matching his own cultivation, making him feel slightly ashamed.

With a familiar face, Yun Xi and Zong Hao smoothly updated their identity tokens, received Inner Sect robes, cultivation resources, and selected residences in the Inner Sect.

All Inner Sect disciples were provided with private residences; no longer did they have to share a courtyard with others. Of course, some hardcore cultivators simply carved out a cave dwelling, dedicating all their focus to cultivation.

Knowing her own personality wasn’t suited for cave life, Yun Xi chose a small, separate courtyard next to Zong Hao, ensuring mutual care and support.

Song Ke thoughtfully gifted them a map of the Inner Sect to help them navigate the nine peaks.

“Senior Brother Song, do Inner Sect disciples have specific requirements for completing sect tasks?” Yun Xi asked politely.

Song Ke pulled out a jade slip from his storage bag and handed it to Yun Xi. “This jade slip details the task requirements for Inner Sect disciples. Usually, one only needs to complete one ordinary and one assigned task per year. If the sect issues mandatory tasks, all Inner Sect disciples—except those in secluded cultivation—must participate. An example was the Treasure Blossom Range beast tide, but such mandatory tasks rarely occur.”

Yun Xi and Zong Hao nodded, understanding this clearly; now they had even more time for cultivation.

Song Ke, noticing their expressions, added helpfully, “Actually, after reaching Foundation Establishment, most disciples encounter bottlenecks. At such times, many choose to venture outside the sect for experience…”