Tian Shu Wu Wang Lu

Only three days after returning to Qingxuan Immortal Abode, a notice regarding the promotion assessment for inner disciples of the sect was posted on the notice board at the border between the outer sect and the Immortal Abode.

Elder Xuanzhen specially sent a disciple to deliver a message, stating that although Lin Ye was a direct disciple, he still needed to go through the process of passing the inner sect assessment before he could officially enter the inner sect to cultivate and enjoy the exclusive spiritual veins and cultivation resources of the inner sect.

Upon hearing the news, Ayan was even more excited than Linye. He immediately patted his broad chest and busied himself all day long, preparing all the spiritual tea and healing pills that Linye needed for the battle. Xingjin also squatted down beside him, occasionally bringing a spiritual fruit and stuffing it into Linye's hands, looking full of anticipation, as if it were the one going to the assessment arena.

Looking at the two of them, Lin Ye felt a warm glow in his heart. He was a deliveryman by nature, known for his punctuality, reliability, and proactive planning. This promotion assessment was not difficult for him, but it was also a formal test of his Star Pivot Realm cultivation. He had already prepared his cultivation and made all the necessary preparations in advance.

The day of the assessment arrived as scheduled. Banners fluttered in the sect's martial arts arena, and disciples from both the inner and outer sects gathered together. On the high platform sat sect deacons and elders, including Elder Xuanzhen, who looked gently at Lin Ye in the arena.

This inner sect assessment is divided into two parts: a Star Power Realm test and a combat duel. Only those who pass both tests can be promoted.

The first test of star power was conducted. Lin Ye slowly stepped forward, gently pressed his palm on the star-testing stone, and the star power in his dantian suddenly circulated. The bright white star power flowed into the star-testing stone through his palm. In an instant, the star-testing stone shone brightly, rising from light white to bright blue, and directly reaching the peak level of the Star Pivot Realm, far exceeding the threshold for inner sect advancement!

The entire audience erupted in uproar. All the disciples watching were amazed. Everyone knew that Lin Ye had become a disciple of Elder Xuanzhen, but no one expected that his cultivation would advance so rapidly. In just a short time, he had stabilized at the Star Pivot Realm, and his strength far surpassed that of his peers.

"Lin Ye, you have passed the Star Power Test!" the deacon announced loudly, his tone full of approval.

Ayan clenched his fists and shouted in his deep voice, "Master is mighty!" This drew the attention of everyone around him, but he didn't care at all, only looking at Lin Ye on the stage with pride in his eyes. Xingjin also perched on his shoulder, barking twice at the audience and waving his little paws, just like a personal cheerleader.

In the next practical assessment, Lin Ye's opponent was Zhao Kun, an inner sect candidate disciple who had been cultivating diligently for many years. Zhao Kun was quite famous in the outer sect and, relying on his profound cultivation, he was always arrogant and disdainful of Lin Ye's sudden rise to power and joining the elder's sect. When he saw that his opponent was Lin Ye, the disdain in his eyes was almost overflowing.

He stood in the center of the arena with his arms crossed, and sneered at Lin Ye, his voice so loud that the whole arena could hear: "Who do we have here? It's just an outer disciple brat who's got his master backing him up. You really think you can win a real battle just by clinging to an elder's coattails? I'll go easy on you later, so you don't come crying to your master saying I bullied you."

A burst of laughter erupted from below the stage, with Zhao Kun's henchmen joining in the commotion, completely disregarding Lin Ye. Ayan clenched his fists in anger, about to step forward to argue, but was stopped by a glance from Lin Ye. Xing Jin also bristled, baring his teeth at Zhao Kun, his little face full of rage.

Lin Ye remained calm, unperturbed by the mockery. His years as a food delivery driver had honed his composure and patience, preventing him from being swayed by gossip. He simply said, "Make your move. Don't waste time."

"What an arrogant tone!" Zhao Kun's face darkened. Before the referee could give the order, he activated all his spiritual power and used a high-level outer sect technique. Crimson spiritual power condensed into a fist, carrying a sharp wind, and rushed straight at Lin Ye's face. His attack was ruthless and showed no mercy. He clearly wanted to embarrass Lin Ye in public.

The disciples below the stage gasped in surprise. Ayan tensed up instantly, his face full of worry. Xingjin also stopped playing around and stared intently at the arena with his round eyes.

Lin Ye stood tall and straight. Facing the fierce attack, he lightly stepped with his Star Shadow Step, his figure transforming into a flowing cloud, easily dodging the attack. His clothes fluttered, and he was extremely calm.

Zhao Kun's attack missed, and he was surprised, then enraged. His offensive intensified, a barrage of punches and spells raining down as he hurled insults: "All you can do is dodge? You're a spineless coward with no real skill!" "Just admit defeat already, don't embarrass yourself on the field!"

Lin Ye remained calm and composed, without using any of his sect's advanced techniques. He simply focused his basic star power on his fingertips, precisely neutralizing each of his attacks with each gesture. His star power was gentle yet resilient, and no matter how fiercely Zhao Kun attacked, he could not get within three feet of him.

After dozens of rounds, Zhao Kun's spiritual energy was mostly depleted. He was panting heavily, his forehead covered in sweat, and his attacks gradually weakened. The arrogance on his face turned into disbelief. He couldn't understand why, even with his full strength, he couldn't even touch the hem of Lin Ye's clothes.

"What? Not going to yell anymore?" Lin Ye raised his eyes, his tone calm, yet carrying an invisible sense of pressure. "It's my turn."

As soon as he finished speaking, the star power at his fingertips suddenly solidified. He no longer held back, and a wisp of shimmering white star power shot out from the air. There were no fancy moves, but it carried unparalleled power and directly touched the other person's shoulder.

Zhao Kun felt a gentle yet irresistible force strike him, instantly blasting him out of the battle circle. He stumbled and fell heavily to the ground, his spiritual energy dissipating instantly. He was too weak to get up, and his face burned, whether from pain or shame, he didn't know.

The entire process took less than a breath, a crushing victory, clean and decisive!

The disciples who had been making a ruckus just moments before fell silent instantly, followed by thunderous applause and cheers. The elders on the high platform nodded in approval, and Elder Xuanzhen smiled with satisfaction.

Zhao Kun lay on the ground, looking at Lin Ye who stood calmly, his face flushed red with shame and guilt. The more arrogant his previous mockery was, the more painful the slap in the face was now. He had no face to say anything more, so he bowed to Lin Ye to admit defeat, and slunk off the field without daring to lift his head.

"Practical assessment passed! Effective immediately, Lin Ye is officially promoted to inner disciple of Qingxuan Immortal Mansion!"

At the steward's command, thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall, and the surrounding disciples instantly swarmed around, showering him with praise.

"Senior Brother Lin Ye is amazing! Peak Star Pivot Realm strength, and he fights so calmly—that's a true powerhouse!"

"They used to say he relied on the elders, but now it seems he completely turned things around through his own abilities. That's amazing!"

"With such profound cultivation at such a young age, he will surely become a leading figure in the sect!"

Praises rose and fell, and the disciples who had previously watched coldly all turned their admiring gazes towards Lin Ye. Even several senior inner disciples bowed to Lin Ye, fully acknowledging his strength and status.

Ayan jumped up excitedly, and Xingjin also bounced around, its little belly jiggling, its joyful barking echoing throughout the arena. Lin Ye stood in the center of the arena, his hands slightly clasped, calm and composed, without a trace of arrogance, only the steadiness and composure that came with a comeback victory.

Jiang Xubai and Shen Qingyuan also walked out from the crowd. Senior Brother Jiang Xubai patted him on the shoulder and laughed loudly, "Junior Brother, you are very capable. You performed brilliantly in this assessment. You are worthy of being a disciple of my Qingxuan Immortal Mansion!"

Shen Qingyuan, with gentle eyes, handed over a bottle of spiritual liquid and said softly, "Junior brother, you've expended a lot of energy. Quickly drink this spiritual liquid and rest. Master was just on the high platform, praising you highly."

Lin Ye thanked his senior brothers and sisters, and politely greeted his fellow disciples before slowly leaving with the overjoyed Ayan and Xingjin.

After the assessment concluded, Lin Ye, following their agreement, led A Yan and the ever-present Xing Jin to the foot of the sect's mountain to meet up with Lu Chenyuan and Su Nianxi, who were waiting there.

Lu Chenyuan was already waiting there. The young man's posture had become even more upright, and his eyes were full of joy and admiration as he looked at Lin Ye: "Senior brother, congratulations on your successful advancement to the inner sect! The battle just now was truly spectacular. That Zhao Kun was simply overestimating himself!"

Su Nianxi, dressed in plain clothes, stood to the side with gentle eyes and a food box in her hand. She said softly, "Brother Lin Ye, congratulations. I specially made some snacks for you, Ayan, and Xingjin to try."

Lin Ye stepped forward, his heart filled with reluctance, yet he also knew that everyone had their own path of cultivation: "Chen Yuan, you are now in the outer sect, you need to concentrate on your cultivation and not be impatient."

"Nianxi, the town at the foot of the mountain is a complicated place. You will be left alone to guard it. Please be careful in everything you do. We will come down the mountain to see you often."

Lu Chenyuan nodded emphatically, stepped forward, and gave Lin Ye a high five as a pledge, his eyes filled with unwavering determination: "Senior brother, I will definitely cultivate diligently in the outer sect, break through my cultivation level as soon as possible, catch up with you, and cultivate together with you in the inner sect in the future!"

"Alright, I'll wait for you in the inner sect. Brothers, let's keep up the good work and improve together!" Lin Ye responded loudly. The promise between the two brothers was especially solemn under the green mountains.

Su Nianxi nodded gently, handed the food box to Lin Ye, and said softly, "You two focus on your cultivation. I will take good care of our home at the foot of the mountain and wait for you to complete your studies."

At the moment of parting, there was not much sadness, only mutual expectations and concerns. Ayan bowed respectfully to Lu Chenyuan and Su Nianxi, while Xingjin jumped down from Lin Ye's shoulder and rubbed against their palms as a farewell.

After watching Lu Chenyuan return to the outer sect training ground, Su Nianxi turned and went down the mountain. Lin Ye then led Ayan and Xingjin into the inner sect territory.

The spiritual energy within the inner sect is far richer than that of the outer sect and the servants' quarters. Elegant courtyards are scattered throughout, with babbling spiritual springs and swirling starlight, making them all superior places for cultivation. Following Elder Xuanzhen's instructions, the sect allocated a secluded courtyard near a star vein to Lin Ye.

Ayan followed Lin Ye into the courtyard. Looking at the bright and elegant residence in front of him, his dark face was filled with excitement, and his eyes couldn't help but redden.

He used to live in a dilapidated thatched hut in the servants' quarters, doing heavy and menial work. Now, following his master, he lives in a quiet inner courtyard and has the opportunity to cultivate in peace. All of this is like a beautiful dream.

"Master, I will definitely work harder and never let you down, nor waste this opportunity for cultivation!" Ayan bowed deeply, his tone extremely solemn.