Chapter 121: Sun Yurong’s Blood Killing Arts! Outlining the Rules of the Inner Sect Trials.
The White Serpent Sect had one rule above all: respect for authority.
Being an all-women sect, they expected even more courtesy than usual. So, when Yang Wei decided to give the most disrespectful response possible—practically asking for trouble—it was clear there would be serious consequences.
Gu Zhi, who already disliked most female disciples for their beauty, was especially furious. Yang Wei's arrogant attitude set her off completely.
"YOU INSOLENT BRAT! IGNORANT OR NOT, I'LL TEACH YOU A LESSON YOU'LL TAKE WITH YOU TO THE UNDERWORLD!!"
Almost instantly, a powerful aura emanated from her short, wrinkled form as she tightened her grip on her walking stick. It was a bit surprising to see her and the Chief Elder of Venom Peak, the oldest-looking women in the sect, always keeping their sticks close, even when flying. But it had become a habit.
"Look! What's happening there!"
"Oh no! We're dead!"
All the female disciples looked on in horror as Gu Zhi's dark green aura morphed into a viper, causing them to step back nervously. Then, the aura formed a huge viper that hissed loudly with the hood already offensively spreading out, its mouth wide open, and fangs ready to strike Yang Wei.
The intense spiritual pressure emanating from the creature made everyone feel like they were about to keel over.
With a simple motion of the hand, Gu Zhi sent this condensed viper made from an intense killing aura at Yang Wei. It moved with the speed of a spear thrown with great force; dangerous and faster than what the eye could see!
This is the Fang Peak Killing Arts!
Amidst the panic, Sun Yurong sighed and calmly extended her hand, and it transformed into a blood-red appendage adorned with minuscule, star-like specks. With a flick of her hand, she conjured ten harpoon-like chains condensed from blood Qi, which multiplied rapidly as they shot towards the viper.
In no time, there were fifty chains tearing through the creature until it vanished into a fading green aura.
All the female disciples were immediately amazed.
"What just happened?!"
"I think Chief Elder Sun saved us!"
"I couldn't see anything! What a wasted chance to finally get to witness her legendary Blood Killing Arts!"
Everyone was shocked, but at the time, maybe Yang Wei was the most shocked. His eyes were wide-open as he looked at Sun Yurong who had easily dispatched of Gu Zhi's attack, but that wasn't exactly why he was shocked.
Blood Qi?! Is she a demonic cultivator?!
Gu Zhi clenched her teeth and shouted, "What sort of nonsense is this, Chief Elder Sun?!"
Sun Yurong calmly rested her hands behind her elevated rump and shot Gu Zhi a side-eye. "What exactly are you shouting about?" she retorted, her voice evidently carrying zero concerns.
"You dare to match my attack!" Gu Zhi exclaimed, just before pointing accusingly at Yang Wei. "Especially when it's to discipline an arrogant brat like that young lady!"
Raising an eyebrow, Sun Yurong floated up to Gu Zhi. "Would you really call using a peak-stage Core Formation attack, one that would likely kill every outer sect disciple down there, a form of discipline?" she countered. "Why don't we take this argument to the matriarchs and see who's at fault?"
Gu Zhi gritted her old, brown teeth even harder, tightening her fist. If there was one person she hated most, it was Sun Yurong. Not only was she more talented and of a higher cultivation level, but she was also the epitome of beauty in most parts of the kingdom.
Gu Zhi turned to the Chief Elder of Venom Peak, Gu Yen, who bore a striking resemblance to her; because they were twins of course. They had the same crippled height, hunched back and even the effects of time were cruel on them both; the only difference was the very purple eye bags that Gu Yen had.
Gu Zhi complained, "Yen, say something! Isn't this preposterous? I was only trying to discipline the arrogant girl!" She waved her walking stick around as she complained.
Like an old bag of bones, Gu Ren yawned tiredly. "I understand that," she admitted, "but using such a drastic approach is indeed... crossing the line."
Clicking her tongue, Gu Zhi accused, "You've always been against me, bitch!"
Too tired to retaliate, Gu Ren simply nodded.
Gu Zhi then turned to Chen Yuxi and asked, "Chief Elder Chen, what do you think?"
Adjusting her glasses, Chen Yuxi replied coolly, "I'm not interested in whatever any of you have to say. Can we just proceed with the trial?"
"Excellent," Sun Yurong interjected, much to Gu Zhi's fury.
All she could do now was grunt angrily as she glared at them all.
With a gentle clap from Sung Yurong, every female outer sect disciple organized themselves.
"Good."
Then, she proceeded to explain the trial.
"For the trial, each participant is required to venture into the Red Snake Mountains and remain there for a duration of one week. During this time, the objective is to survive and hunt down various monsters inhabiting the area. The measure of success in this trial will be determined by the number of beast cores collected. It's important to note that the rarity of the cores outweighs sheer quantity."
A few disciples were already looking confused towards the last part of her information. Some of them understood, and then there was Yang Wei who was barely listening; but of course, he knew Liu Yan was listening, so he planned to leech the information off her later on.
"For instance, although one may gather a hundred beast cores from creatures in the Spirit-Gathering Realm, cores from middle-stage Core Formation monsters hold greater significance. Specific points are allocated for each type of beast core, which will be utilized in the selection of Star Disciples among the new recruits following the trial's conclusion."
That was all Sun Yurong had to say.
The disciples who listened had different thoughts on the trial.
"This trial might seem like it'll be easy, but at the same time, it's giving off vibes of being pretty tough."
"Well, duh, the Inner Sect isn't exactly rolling out the welcome mat for weaklings or embracing mediocrity! But still, it wouldn't hurt for it to be a tad easier."
"And hey, Chief Elder Sun did mention that beast cores from peak-stage Core Formation monsters hold more weight, confirming those rumors about Core Formation Realm monsters lurking around here."
"And to top it off, we're staying there for a whole week?!"
Sun Yurong maintained a smile as she watched them. Being at the 9th level of Core Formation herself, she couldn't shake off her worry about her precious outer sect disciples facing monsters that could easily match her basic level of power. So, she conjured numerous blood pendants out of thin air, sending them flying into the hands of all the female disciples, who looked at them with confusion.
"Hm?" Yang Wei muttered.
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Equally confused, Liu Yan said, "A pendant?"
Sun Yurong explained, "If the task becomes too difficult or reaches a point where you feel overwhelmed, you can return here. However, doing so will significantly reduce your chances of passing the test. That's the most I can do for you."
Out of nowhere, Chen Yuxi chimed in, "Anyone who comes back before the designated timeframe will automatically lose the chance to join my peak. So, think carefully."
Sun Yurong glanced back at Chen Yuxi. "That's quite harsh," she commented.
Chen Yuxi shrugged indifferently. "As if I care," she replied.
Sun Yurong shook her head, still smirking. Then, facing the disciples, she lifted her hand in the air.
"Alright, let the trial commence!"