Chapter 112: The Elite Disciples

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“So it really was Senior Brother Chen Ping’s letter. Ha ha, it seems the whole thing just now was a misunderstanding. I hope you won’t take it to heart, brother.” Hall Master Liu spoke with a broad smile after examining the jade slip.

Clearly, he held a certain degree of apprehension toward Chen Ping. The condescending expression he had worn at first had undergone a complete reversal.

“I was somewhat disrespectful just now as well. I hope you’ll forgive me, Hall Master Liu,” Yang Xiao said, cupping his fists.

“Not at all, not at all. Your abilities just now were truly impressive—I certainly learned something. No wonder Senior Brother Chen Ping went to such lengths to recommend you. Come to think of it, you really should have shown me Senior Brother Chen Ping’s letter from the beginning. In that case, there would have been no need for an assessment at all. Not only could you join the Heavenly Sword Sect, but with Senior Brother Chen Ping’s recommendation, your future prospects would surely be limitless. Perhaps, before long, I’ll have to rely on you for assistance myself.” Hall Master Liu beamed as he spoke.

“So Chen Ping’s position in the Heavenly Sword Sect really is quite high. Even Hall Master Liu seems rather fearful of him. His letter certainly carries a great deal of weight,” Yang Xiao thought.

He had deliberately refrained from producing Chen Ping’s letter at first because he was still uncertain of Chen Ping’s standing within the Heavenly Sword Sect. Moreover, as he had just arrived at the sect, it was only appropriate to display some of his own strength, lest petty people try to bully or harass him.

“Does this mean I’ve passed the assessment?” Yang Xiao asked.

“Of course. With Senior Brother Chen Ping’s recommendation, there’s no need for you to take the assessment at all. By the way, since you’ve come here, I imagine you’re not very familiar with the Heavenly Sword Sect yet. How about I take you to Senior Brother Chen Ping’s residence?” Hall Master Liu said, his tone unmistakably ingratiating.

“Then I’ll trouble you, Hall Master Liu,” Yang Xiao replied courteously.

“Not at all, not at all. I only hope that you might put in a few good words for me before Senior Brother Chen Ping.” Hall Master Liu hurriedly waved his hands.

Afterward, Yang Xiao followed Hall Master Liu toward Chen Ping’s residence deep within the mountains. They crossed several hundred mountain peaks before finally arriving at one of the peaks in the heart of the range.

The mountain was extraordinarily lofty. Birds sang among fragrant flowers, and the entire place was filled with vibrant life, resembling a painting of a paradise beyond the mortal world.

“This is Senior Brother Chen Ping’s residence,” Hall Master Liu said.

He and Yang Xiao descended onto the peak. At that moment, a young attendant noticed them and came forward.

“So it’s Uncle-Master Liu. May I ask what brings you here to see my master?” the attendant asked.

“Here’s the situation. Young attendant, take this jade slip to your master and tell him that an old acquaintance wishes to see him. He should understand what that means.” Yang Xiao stepped forward and handed the jade slip to him.

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“Very well. However, my master is currently in secluded cultivation. As for whether he’s willing to emerge and meet you, I cannot guarantee that,” the attendant said, studying Yang Xiao.

“Just go and pass on the message. If Brother Chen Ping is truly inconvenienced, I’ll come back another day,” Yang Xiao replied.

The attendant nodded, then headed toward a grand hall atop the mountain.

Hall Master Liu and Yang Xiao could do nothing but wait outside. Fortunately, two stone stools had been placed outside the hall, so the two of them sat down and waited.

As they admired the beautiful scenery around them, Yang Xiao and Hall Master Liu continued conversing.

“Senior Brother Chen Ping has managed this mountain peak exceptionally well. It’s countless times better than the Assessment Hall where I work. But there’s nothing to be done about that—Senior Brother Chen Ping is an elite disciple, after all. Naturally, he can’t be compared with an inner disciple like me.” Hall Master Liu sighed.

“Oh? I’m not very familiar with the divisions among the Heavenly Sword Sect’s disciples. What’s the difference between elite disciples and inner disciples?” Yang Xiao asked.

“The disciples of our Heavenly Sword Sect are divided into three categories. The first consists of elite disciples like Senior Brother Chen Ping. They’re also the smallest group. Every one of them is either a cultivation prodigy or a disciple whose cultivation has reached an extremely profound level. In that regard, Senior Brother Chen Ping can definitely rank among the top three elite disciples in terms of cultivation,” Hall Master Liu explained.

“Brother Chen Ping’s abilities are indeed extraordinary. I witnessed them myself once,” Yang Xiao said.

“Then there are inner disciples like me. Although inner disciples generally possess decent talent, we still fall somewhat short of those cultivation prodigies. Our cultivation is usually between the early and intermediate stages of the Qi Condensation Realm. I’m doing fairly well among the inner disciples—I even hold the title of Hall Master of the Assessment Hall.

“As for the third category, those are disciples whose cultivation is below the Qi Condensation Realm. They can only serve as outer disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect. Only after breaking through into the Qi Condensation Realm can they become inner disciples,” Hall Master Liu said.

“I see. Then if I join the Heavenly Sword Sect, I should also become an inner disciple?” Yang Xiao asked.

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“That should be the case. However, if you have a good relationship with Senior Brother Chen Ping, it shouldn’t be difficult for him to recommend you for promotion to an elite disciple in the future. Do you know that there’s an enormous difference between elite disciples and inner disciples when it comes to cultivation resources? Elite disciples are the ones the Heavenly Sword Sect focuses on nurturing above all others.

“Take Senior Brother Chen Ping, for instance. The mountain peak where he resides is extraordinarily rich in spiritual energy. An ordinary inner disciple would never be qualified to occupy a peak like this. Even the Assessment Hall where I live is far inferior to this place. With such a vast disparity, the difference in cultivation progress is bound to be equally tremendous. That’s why I envy Senior Brother Chen Ping so much—and why I try so hard to curry favor with him.” Hall Master Liu explained.

“I see,” Yang Xiao said with a nod.

“So, brother, you must remember to say a few good words for me before Senior Brother Chen Ping. I would be deeply grateful.” Hall Master Liu cupped his fists.

“Certainly, certainly. If I get the chance to meet Brother Chen Ping, I’ll naturally put in a good word for you, Hall Master Liu.” Yang Xiao returned the gesture.

Just then, the attendant who had entered the hall emerged and said, “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. My master has agreed to meet you. He’s in the reception hall now. Please follow me.”

“It was no trouble at all,” Hall Master Liu replied hurriedly.

The fact that Senior Brother Chen Ping was willing to meet them naturally filled him with joy. Ordinarily, it was extremely difficult for him to find an opportunity to see Chen Ping. By bringing Yang Xiao here this time, he had also rendered a small service before Chen Ping. Perhaps Chen Ping would remember this contribution and offer him some assistance in the future. At least then, all his effort would not have been wasted.

Beaming with delight, Hall Master Liu followed the attendant into the grand hall, while Yang Xiao entered after them with an impassive expression.

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