Comprehending Myriad Techniques as Woodcutter

Chapter 241: Chapter 193: Major Progress

Entering the Inner Sect early—especially while still in External Training—would give a disciple a foundation far beyond that of their peers. The first step sets the pace for the rest. These two were already talented and fast cultivators; after they entered the Inner Sect, their former classmates would likely be in a completely different league by the time they met again.

The disciples were filled with envy and admiration, their gazes fixed on Lin Zhen and Pei Yu.

Instructor Sun scanned the crowd, taking in the disciples’ expressions, and then chuckled.

"However, this time, we’ve decided to make an exception and add two more spots. A total of four people will go down the mountain for the trial."

The disciples were stunned. Their entire group had enrolled this year, and only those two had reached the Fourth Training. Who else could possibly go?

’An exception? Has my talent finally been recognized? Is my time to soar finally here?’

The eyes of many disciples instantly brightened. They straightened their backs and puffed out their chests, staring at Instructor Sun, waiting for him to call their names.

A smile played on Instructor Sun’s lips as he turned his gaze toward two people standing off to the side.

"Lin Cheng, Xie Yuan, although you have only just broken through to the Third Training, your diligence and tireless spirit have not gone unnoticed by your teachers and the elders.

"Our Sword Sect prioritizes disposition first and talent second. When it comes to diligence and perseverance, you two are the paragons of this group. Therefore, you are granted special permission to join the trial down the mountain. Heh, consider it a reward for your hard work. The Third Training level just barely meets the minimum requirement. Prepare yourselves; the four of you will go together."

Hearing this, the disciples’ heads whipped around, their gazes landing on Xie Yuan and Lin Cheng.

Xie Yuan and Lin Cheng were completely taken aback. They stood there stunned, only snapping out of it when they felt the weight of everyone’s stares.

The crowd looked on with complicated expressions at Lin Cheng, who was clenching his fists with excitement and determination, and then at Xie Yuan, who stood there with a simple, impassive look on his face.

’One a madman and the other a dolt. All they do is train like crazy. How did *they* get this chance?’

’A trial down the mountain? For newbies to get their first taste of blood... I guess I’ll go along. It’s been a while since I’ve killed bandits. I’ll just slaughter a couple of lucky bastards and call it a day.’

Instructor Sun looked at the four of them and said with great encouragement:

"Keep up the hard work! If you perform well during this trial, the Inner Sect might even recruit you ahead of schedule. The benefits to your cultivation journey are, of course, immense.

"And if your performance is truly outstanding, some disciples have even earned the chance to seek enlightenment on Sword Peak!"

’Sword Peak?’

Xie Yuan froze for a second when he heard this, then hurriedly nodded firmly along with the other three.

’It’s been a while since I’ve killed bandits. I’ll have to find a few lucky chieftains... Hmm, back at the tavern, I saw a few wanted posters hung up next to mine. Who the hell do they think they are, getting posted beside me? I’ve been itching to get rid of them for a while now...’

「West Desert. Outside Gourd Pass, near Oasis City.」

A familiar scene played out once more.

Lu the Third stood near Oasis City and spat on the ground.

"Su Xing, will you ever fucking quit? I finally make it back through the pass after months away, and I fucking run into you again! Have you got nothing better to do?"

"Why were you and Deng Wan chasing those two in the first place? Did you return through the pass to look for them? Where are they now?"

Seeing that he wouldn’t be able to catch him, Su Xing’s face darkened as he shot the questions one after another.

Lu the Third was instantly filled with frustration and anger. He exploded in a rage, roaring:

"So that’s it! You can’t fucking find them, so you come after me, right? You’re just picking on the... Ptooey!

"The Golden Dragon Trading Company just got wiped out, didn’t they? It was definitely someone from the Mu family, go investigate that! Why do you keep hounding me? Oh, and by the looks of it, you lost their trail again? Heheheh! The great Divine Catcher of the Spring Rain Building, can’t even solve one case after several months! Useless trash!

"Don’t even think about it! It’s not like I’m your son—wait, you’re not my dad—Ptooey! That’s not it! Why the hell should I tell you anything? Get lost! And stay out of the West Desert!"

After letting loose a torrent of curses, he spun around and entered Oasis City, vanishing into the teeming crowd.

Su Xing stood atop a sand dune, gazing down silently at the gates of Oasis City. He watched the camel caravans passing in and out, and the people of the Western Regions with their faces veiled and heads wrapped, muttering under his breath:

"Lu the Third, the West Desert, the Golden Dragon Trading Company, the Mu family..."

This Oasis City wasn’t Lu the Third’s territory, but he had a hideout within its walls.

He slipped into an unremarkable residence and reappeared inside. Glancing at the wounds on his body, his eyes flashed with anger.

But then his brow furrowed as a thought occurred to him:

’This trip back into the heartlands was a bust. The time for that place to open is almost here; I can’t delay any longer. Who’d have thought I’d run into that damn jinx on the way back...’

’Hmm. That accidental stumble into it all those years ago is what let me become a Grandmaster. I absolutely cannot miss it this time. This is my destiny, my great opportunity!’

’It’s just that, according to the inscription, the disturbance this time might be even greater. And that government dog, Su Xing, is outside watching like a hawk. I have to find a way to lead him off, and I need to keep anyone else from sticking their nose in...’

Lu the Third thought for a moment, his eyes narrowing. He snorted coldly.

’I’ll use this manhunt for the Great Li government dog as a pretext to mobilize all my men! Back in the heartlands, I might be wary of you, but here in the West Desert? I have over a thousand horse bandits at my command. You think I’m afraid of some lone official?’

’Until the new year, no one is allowed near that area. Anyone who disobeys will be killed on sight. That is my command!’

He slammed his fist on the table, a wildfire of ambition blazing in his eyes.

Once he went in and came back out, he would possess the strength of a Flying Dragon List Master. As for the likes of Su Xing, Li Tai, Mu Chaoyun, and Xie Yuan...

They would all be nothing but stepping stones on his path!

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