The Next Day.

At the Chen hour, Qin Yuan arrived right on time to call Ling Luo: “Hurry up and get up!”

Ling Luo had just finished washing her face, wiped it with a handkerchief, and opened the door.

Qin Yuan led her to the dining hall for breakfast, saying on the way, “Later, the results for this year’s entrance exam will be announced in the Third Examination Hall. You’re definitely on the list, but because of your punishment, you can’t go. It’s a bit of a pity.”

Ling Luo didn’t mind this. She was sure that Yun Shouxi would have a plan for her. However, she noticed the empty earlobe out of the corner of her eye and asked, “How was your martial arts test yesterday?”

Normally, Qin Yuan would come looking for her after the martial arts test and they’d go back to the dorm together, but yesterday, Qin Yuan hadn’t come.

“Ah, don’t mention it. I was pretty confident yesterday, but I didn’t expect to meet the young lady,” Qin Yuan said with a helpless expression. “She’s too strong. I couldn’t last even one move under her, and now I probably won’t make it into the inner sect this year.”

Ling Luo raised a hand and pointed at her ear, “Why aren’t you wearing your earrings today?”

“They broke during the competition yesterday.” Qin Yuan reached up and touched her empty earlobe, sighing, “It’s all my fault for not mastering my skills. I’ll work harder this year!”

You’re quite optimistic, Ling Luo thought but didn’t say anything.

She went with her to the late breakfast hall. During the meal, they overheard some outer sect disciples complaining that Mu Ya had been too harsh in yesterday’s match, giving them no chance.

After breakfast, the two parted ways—one heading to the Third Examination Hall, the other to the Medicine Hall.

As soon as Ling Luo arrived at the main gate of the Medicine Hall, she saw a black tiger standing majestically at the door, looking at her. Several senior disciples were respectfully standing by the side.

The spirit tiger nodded slightly at Ling Luo and let out a low growl.

A senior from the Discipline Hall gestured at Ling Luo, signaling her to bow to the spirit tiger. The senior discreetly raised three fingers.

Ling Luo pretended to realize, lowered her head, and performed the bow: “Disciple pays respects to the spirit tiger.”

The spirit tiger was the highest representation of shape-shifting magic.

Through powerful spiritual energy cultivation, invisible spiritual qi was transformed into a visible form, granting it strength and awareness. It existed as a tangible entity.

Strength and talent were both essential.

The Third Elder, Yun Shouxi, was undeniably a genius and the strongest at the East Island Sky Peak.

There was only one spirit tiger in the entire Sky Peak.

Even those who weren’t disciples of Sky Peak knew that this spirit tiger belonged to Yun Shouxi.

Any Sky Peak disciple would treat the spirit tiger like they were meeting the Third Elder.

The spirit tiger walked toward Ling Luo, its long black tail brushing past her feet.

Accompanying the spirit tiger was a senior disciple from the Discipline Hall, who spoke to Ling Luo: “Junior Sister, please come with us to the Third Examination Hall. Regarding the cheating matter you mentioned, Sect Master Fan has already investigated it.”

Ling Luo feigned ignorance, asking, “What’s the result?”

The senior from the Discipline Hall smiled and replied, “You’ll know when you get to the Third Examination Hall.”

The group, with the spirit tiger, left the Medicine Hall and headed toward the Third Examination Hall.

Along the way, they encountered several outer and inner sect disciples who were surprised to see the spirit tiger. As they passed, everyone bowed respectfully and greeted the spirit tiger, but they couldn’t help but wonder what Ling Luo’s situation was.

What a grand display.

This was something only Yun Shouxi could pull off.

When the list of new inner sect disciples was announced in the Third Examination Hall years ago, Yun Shouxi had made the spirit tiger walk toward him, drawing the envy of hundreds of disciples and stealing the spotlight.

But Ling Luo had long seen through this.

Yun Shouxi liked to use such methods to make her addicted to the attention. Moreover, with his status as the Third Elder, he could offer many tempting things to a small disciple.

He wanted Ling Luo to also fall for him, creating a sense of mutual satisfaction.

Seeing this scene, Ling Luo knew the cheating matter was already settled, and her position as a personal disciple was secured.

Inside the Third Examination Hall, over a hundred disciples had already gathered. The spirit tiger led the way as they entered through the main door, attracting astonished looks from the disciples, all of whom greeted the spirit tiger with “Disciple pays respects to the spirit tiger.”

When Qin Yuan saw Ling Luo walking beside the spirit tiger, she was momentarily surprised. Upon noticing the senior from the Discipline Hall behind her, her heart sank—Ling Luo must have caused trouble again, right?

The thirty-two folding doors to the hall opened, and on the dozens of steps, Yu Xiu and Mu Ya stood behind Sect Master Fan.

The spirit tiger walked up the steps.

Ling Luo caught a glimpse of Yue Liangze standing at the bottom of the steps, but she didn’t stop or turn back as she walked past the spirit tiger.

It was as if she hadn’t seen him at all.

But Yue Liangze’s gaze followed her as she ascended.

The people below stared, stunned, as Ling Luo followed the spirit tiger up.

Qin Yuan raised her hand to cover her mouth in disbelief.

Mu Ya frowned as she watched Ling Luo walk up, and quietly asked Yu Xiu, “What’s going on with this person?”

Yu Xiu answered, “It’s the master’s will.”

Mu Ya paused, slightly stunned.

Ling Luo arrived at the inner hall door and stood behind the spirit tiger, observing respectfully, acting very obedient.

Sect Master Fan was still sitting cross-legged on his velvet carpet. His plump face squashed his eyes into narrow slits, looking like a small seam, though his overall expression was cheerful.

He waved his hand, and the Discipline Hall disciples brought up Hong Mao, Xiu Man, and the others.

The group knelt on the steps, faces filled with regret, shouting, “We know our mistakes, please show mercy, Sect Master!”

Sect Master Fan’s voice was loud and clear: “As inner sect seniors, you didn’t stop your junior brothers from cheating, but instead helped them, even profiting from it. This is willful misconduct.”

Hong Mao regretted, saying, “We know our mistakes!”

“Please show mercy, Sect Master!”

Master Fan counted the crimes of several individuals, and the disciples below gradually began to understand.

For the matter of cheating, most of the people felt ashamed.

Moreover, Master Fan was notorious for being strict and upholding the sect’s rules, so once he exposed these crimes, there was essentially no chance for redemption.

Master Fan said, “According to the sect rules, strip them of their sect attire, erase their SkyNet marks, and for the inner disciples, their techniques will be abolished, and they will be expelled from the sect.”

“Master!”
“Master, please show mercy! Give us another chance!”
“We were wrong!”

No matter how much Hong Mao and the others repented and begged for mercy at this point, Master Fan ignored them, and the Discipline Hall members dragged them away.

Master Fan looked down at the disciples and loudly said, “All disciples should take this as a lesson. Do not rely on luck. If this is found out later, the punishment will be even heavier.”

The disciples replied in unison, “We will remember the teachings.”

Most people thought that it was Xiu Man and the inner sect senior brothers who had cheated, and that Master Fan had uncovered their wrongdoing, which led to sighs from the crowd. Only Yue Liangze glanced at the bell-like figure on the stage.

He appeared calm, neither sad nor happy.

“The written exam and martial test have ended. Next, I will announce the list of disciples entering the inner sect.” Master Fan extended his hand, and Yu Xiu handed him a scroll. “Selected disciples of Tianzhou Sect: Fei Kai, Zhu Yuan, Tan Yiyi…”

The list of selected disciples was divided into three sects, and Master Fan finally read the names of those selected by Tianyun Sect.

“Tianyun Sect selected disciples: Yuan Chengyu, Fan Yu, Zhao Zhixiu… Qin Yuan—”

“Huh? Is that me? I made it?”

Qin Yuan was overjoyed, her heart pounding as she looked toward Master Fan.

Yesterday, because of Mu Ya, many disciples had been eliminated, causing everyone to perform poorly.

Qin Yuan had thought that she had no chance of entering the inner sect this year.

“Congratulations, Qin Yuan.” The disciples below quietly congratulated and comforted each other.

Qin Yuan nodded and thanked them, unable to hide her smile.

After Master Fan finished reading all the names, some people consoled others, saying, “Don’t worry, there are still the direct disciples to be announced. What if your name is on the list?”

“Xu Shen placed in the top thirty in the written exam, but his name isn’t here. Maybe some hall master has taken a liking to him.”

Qin Yuan didn’t hear her name nor Yue Liangze’s and felt somewhat surprised. Could it be that Yue Liangze was chosen as a direct disciple by some hall master?

“You among you, who performed exceptionally, will be taken as direct disciples by various hall masters.” Master Fan waved his hand, and Yu Xiu handed him another scroll. “Xu Shen, second in the written exam, seventh in the martial test, will join Hall Master Six’s tutelage.”

“Chang Fei, third in the written exam, ninth in the martial test, will join Hall Master Four’s tutelage.”

The disciples looked at the two with envy.

“Song Yuanyuan, fifth in the written exam, fourth in the martial test, will join Hall Master Seven’s tutelage.”

As soon as the words were spoken, the disciples’ gaze toward Song Yuanyuan included not only envy but also a hint of sympathy and suppressed laughter.

Hall Master Seven, wasn’t that just Master Fan himself?

Who could tolerate Master Fan’s serious personality? The future of this disciple would probably be difficult.

Song Yuanyuan, with her round face, looked chubby and fair, which seemed to match well with Master Fan.

She had been drowsy, but upon hearing this, she widened her eyes in shock, her mouth opening in surprise.

A curse word was on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed it upon noticing the gazes from around her.

Studying under Master Fan?
She’d rather not have this chance to be his direct disciple!

“Last one,” Master Fan said, his expression unchanged as he looked at the scroll, “Ling Luo, first in the written exam, did not participate in the martial test, will join the tutelage of the Third Elder.”

“Wow—”

“Hiss! Third Elder?!”

“Heavens! First in the written exam, did not participate in the martial test?”

“Ling Luo, is that the Ling Luo from Tianyun Sect?”

“Did not participate in the martial test, really?”

“This is possible? How is this possible?”

The news was so shocking that the disciples could not help but discuss it aloud.

Compared to the envy and teasing directed at the top three, the attitude toward Ling Luo was one of shock and suspicion, even with a sense of unfairness.

Although first in the written exam was impressive, why didn’t she have to take the martial test? How could she become the direct disciple of the Third Elder without any martial test results?

It wasn’t some hall master; it was the Third Elder!

One of the Three Beauties of the Heavenly Realm! The True Immortal of the Three Breaths!
The supreme powerhouse of Eastern Island’s Heavenly Realm and even the entire Grand Sect!

Afterward, everyone stopped paying attention to what Master Fan was saying about encouraging the eliminated disciples to keep striving.

Their focus had shifted entirely to the girl next to Ling Hu.

Meanwhile, Ling Luo was puzzled.

Where was Yue Liangze?

Wasn’t he one of the top thirty in the written exam?

After Sect Master Fan announced the dispersal, Ling Luo raised her head to look down at Yue Liangze, but he had his head lowered and didn’t notice her.

Yu Xiu walked over to Ling Luo and said gently, “Let’s go. I’ll take you to see the master at Qing Shi Fang.”

Before Ling Luo could respond, Mu Ya spoke up, “Wait a minute.”

Ling Luo glanced over, and Mu Ya blocked the way, raising an eyebrow, “Since it’s the Third Elder’s personal choice, it must have its merits. But without any martial arts test results, it would be hard to convince others.”

Yu Xiu replied, “If you know this is the master’s decision, why act like this?”

“Senior Yu, the first place in the written exam isn’t rare in the inner sect. There are at least hundreds who got first in both the written and martial exams, yet not all of them became the Third Elder’s personal disciples,” Mu Ya said slowly, “If she enters the Third Elder’s sect with such results, how will other disciples think? The Third Elder is one of my most respected seniors. I can’t let him be implicated by this person and be the subject of gossip among other disciples.”

Sect Master Fan hadn’t gone far. He stopped and cheerfully watched the argument.

Yu Xiu and he had both witnessed Ling Luo’s perfect sword strike that day, which displayed excellent control over her spiritual energy, strength, and sword technique.

Just that one sword made them both sure that Ling Luo had no problem in the martial arts test.

Even though Yun Shouxi had suddenly accepted her as his disciple, besides the surprise, neither of them thought anything was wrong or that she was unworthy.

Yu Xiu wouldn’t doubt his master’s decision.

Sect Master Fan thought Ling Luo was a promising talent and suspected that Yun Shouxi was just bored and wanted another disciple.

Faced with the persistent Mu Ya, Yu Xiu felt a headache coming on. He asked, “Then what do you want?”

“It’s simple. Let her take the martial arts test,” Mu Ya said, looking at Ling Luo with a hint of provocation and arrogance, “The rules are the same as yesterday. If she can last five moves under me, it will count as her victory.”

Yu Xiu pursed his lips, “What you did yesterday was already excessive.”

“Those who lack skills, why do we need them in the inner sect?” Mu Ya sneered, “Besides, she’s the Third Elder’s personal disciple. How hard can it be to last five moves under me?”

Yu Xiu didn’t want to agree, about to refuse, but then saw Ling Luo step forward, smiling brightly at Mu Ya as she cupped her hands and said, “Since that’s the case, please enlighten me, Senior Sister.”

Mu Ya looked her up and down, somewhat surprised by Ling Luo’s initiative, but as an arrogant person, she didn’t think there was anything wrong.

She snorted and turned toward Sect Master Fan to ask for approval, “Sect Master?”

Sect Master Fan smiled and said, “Since both parties are willing, what’s wrong with a match?”

By now, more than a hundred disciples had gathered below and witnessed the argument between the two. When they saw Mu Ya and Ling Luo approach the arena and set the boundaries, the crowd erupted in excitement.

Yue Liangze, who had been walking, noticed the commotion and stopped, turning back to look.

There was a crowd between him and Ling Luo.

“Miss Mu is going to fight Ling Luo!”

“I heard it’s to make up for Ling Luo’s martial arts test score?”

“Miss Mu was ruthless with us yesterday. I wonder how Ling Luo will handle it!”

“I’m feeling conflicted. Should I let Ling Luo take revenge for me, or should I watch Miss Mu slap the face of the Third Elder’s personal disciple?”

“…”

Qin Yuan watched from the sidelines, anxious and worried.

Ling Luo was fine, right?

What if she was severely beaten in front of the more than a hundred disciples from the three sects?—She couldn’t bear to imagine it!

While Qin Yuan was nervously watching, she heard Ling Luo calling out to her, “Qin Yuan, lend me your sword.”

“Huh? Oh, okay!” Qin Yuan quickly handed over her sword, whispering, “Good luck!”

Ling Luo drew the sword, then turned to look at Mu Ya across from her.

The young girl stood tall, as arrogant as she had been in Ling Luo’s memories, with no change at all.

Ling Luo looked at her and almost wanted to laugh.

She had thought her first encounter with Mu Ya had changed, but she didn’t expect Mu Ya to offer herself up like this.

Mu Ya gripped her long sword and said, “Three moves. If you can last three moves, I’ll consider it a win.”

“Thank you, Senior Sister,” Ling Luo responded calmly.

Mu Ya nodded arrogantly, “I’ll give you half a move.”

“Senior Sister,” Ling Luo raised her sword and smiled, “What if something gets damaged in the match? How will the compensation be calculated?”

The outer sect disciples watching couldn’t help but gasp, shaking and whispering frantically to Qin Yuan, “Is she crazy? How dare she provoke Miss Mu like that! Didn’t you tell her how ruthless Miss Mu was yesterday?”

Qin Yuan sighed, “I did tell her…”

Ling Luo’s words successfully angered Mu Ya.

Having grown up with a noble identity and adored by the three sects of Sky Peak, Mu Ya was talented and used to being revered.

No one dared to provoke her like this.

“Enough nonsense! If you’re afraid to fight, just say so…” Mu Ya’s words were cut short as she saw Ling Luo step forward, striking at her with a sword.

The speed wasn’t fast, but the swordwind was sharp.

Mu Ya sidestepped and the half-move was already over. She coldly smirked, twirling her sword to counterattack without mercy.

But the next sword from Ling Luo was faster than hers. The two had gotten closer after the previous exchange, and now the sword blade nearly grazed Mu Ya’s cheek, slicing off her earring.

The golden ornament hit the ground with a crisp sound.

In the next moment, their swords clashed, the sound of metal ringing in the air. Mu Ya was shocked and looked at Ling Luo in astonishment.

She had let her guard down!

Just as she tried to steady herself, Ling Luo’s spiritual energy exploded in that instant. Her long sword pressed down, forcing Mu Ya back.

Mu Ya, caught off guard, stumbled backward, retreating to the edge, one foot stepping out of the ring.

She glanced at the earring that had fallen to the ground in frustration, and as she raised her sword to teach Ling Luo a lesson, a faint cracking sound was heard.

Mu Ya froze.

Ling Luo had already sheathed her sword, bowed slightly, and said, “Senior Sister, thank you for your teachings.”

Mu Ya’s face turned pale as she gripped the sword’s hilt. With another crack, the long sword broke in half and fell to the ground.

After a brief moment of silence, Qin Yuan excitedly clapped, and soon, more and more people joined in, applauding and cheering.

Revenge was sweet!

No wonder she was the Third Elder’s personal disciple!

Impressive!