Even without the promotion selection, the Elders already knew in their hearts which Outer Sect disciples had potential.
Outstanding Outer Sect Disciples naturally received more favor—sometimes even being personally chosen by a Head Seat as their direct disciple.
For Outer Sect Disciples, it was the same.
Just as teachers chose students, students also chose teachers.
However, most people had no choice in the matter—they simply entered whichever gate lit up for them.
The real fear was having none of the gates light up after the assessment!
As one of the outstanding figures of Xixu Peak, Jing Tan’er certainly wasn’t among those with no options.
Cases of disciples building their foundation before promotion were extremely rare.
As soon as the Grand Elder’s words fell, the Four Peaks’ auspicious clouds lit up one after another.
Except for the dim Celestial Phenomena, all were willing to open their gates for the Imperial Princess.
“Hmph, it’s only natural when this Princess takes action.”
Jing Tan’er lifted her delicate nose.
However, the original plan to head to Celestial Phenomena Peak for dual cultivation had gone awry, and now her path was uncertain.
At the top of the Pagoda, a white-clothed youth laughed out loud.
This was the inevitable road all Outer Sect Disciples had to walk—harshly real.
Only here did the cruelty of the cultivation world reveal itself, even a little, to newcomers venturing out for the first time.
Back when Yun Liu was promoted to the Inner Sect, it was the first time in centuries that all Five-Colored Auspicious Clouds lit up together.
All Five Peaks’ mentors turned for him, offering olive branches to the Yun Clan heir, waiting for the Heaven Spiritual Root Sword Cultivator to join their ranks.
You heard right—even the Head of Clear Mist Peak, who only accepted female disciples, opened the Cloud Bridge to a man, joining the crowd in the excitement.
Of course, Second Mother was just causing a ruckus, stirring things up for fun.
As expected, Yun Liu finally ended up on Celestial Phenomena Peak as the first grand disciple.
The Four Peaks’ Heads were all regretful—another talented seedling was about to be ruined by Little Master Aunt.
That really became the beginning of Yun’s nightmare—tormented by the cold Master during the day, white-pilled by the Demon-fallen Master at night, all while completely unaware.
What had already been a strange mother-son relationship became even more complicated!
Jing Tan’er glanced, intentionally or not, at the towering Shanhai Pavilion Pagoda, as if seeking advice from the Prince Consort.
Yun Liu gave no response.
The girl pouted, then followed her heart and stepped onto the Violet Cloudbridge, strolling amidst the clouds.
“Eh?”
This choice greatly surprised the Five Peaks Elders and Outer Sect instructors.
Since ancient times, the standard answer for Outer Sect Disciples was to choose Falling Cloud if possible, only considering elsewhere if the First Peak was unattainable.
The First Peak had always been the face of Divine Radiance—strongest among the Five Peaks, with the best resources.
Who wouldn’t want to become a second Sword Dao leader rivaling Sect Master Shen Zhong, renowned throughout the Nine Provinces?
The Chief Disciple of Mist-Hidden Peak’s eyes lit up.
Originally having no hope for this noble young lady, witnessing this scene changed everything.
She immediately rode her sword to welcome her future junior sister, giving the Little Princess no chance to change her mind.
“Interesting.”
Yun Liu rubbed his nose, equally astonished.
The ‘experience baby’ who was supposed to fall to Ji Shiyu seemed to have developed thoughts of her own and started thinking.
The Sword Manual of Hidden Mist was graceful and unrestrained, guided by spiritual force rather than form.
It greatly benefited Wind and Water Spiritual Root cultivators, and could even help grasp the essence of Sword Essence.
Jing Tan’er possessed Wind and Fire dual roots—both high grade.
She had great potential whether she chose Falling Cloud or Sunset Peak.
However, leaning too much toward Fire Spiritual Root and neglecting wind would continue her wild and unrefined style.
Not bad, but lacking in spirituality, unable to maximize her strengths.
Moreover, on the Path of Extreme Fire, the Little Princess was far from being a match for the Supreme Path Maiden.
What appeared to be a reckless decision was actually the Royal Princess’s optimal choice at this stage.
She no longer relied solely on brute firepower.
Yun Liu’s analysis still overestimated Jing Tan’er.
How could she be so clever?
Her mind was only scheming in the direction of Jueyun Peak.
The Little Princess calculated—the straight-line distance from Mist-Hidden Peak to the Prince Consort was closest.
Once she mastered sword-riding, she’d arrive in no time.
Her thoughts were entirely on that run-down palace she and the Prince Consort shared!
Next, the Grand Elder called a few more outstanding disciples.
The Five Peaks’ auspicious clouds sometimes lit one gate, sometimes two, most often belonging to Sunset or Mist-Hidden lineages.
Not everyone was as lucky as Jing Tan’er.
Falling Cloud Peak did not open its doors to all, and never again did a Golden Cloudbridge rise.
As for Lan Seat—she never shot without seeing the rabbit.
Each time Qingyun lit up, she would surely bring in a charming female disciple for the Qingxia Female Academy, accepting both Water and Wood Spiritual Roots without discrimination.
This year’s promotees numbered more than a dozen, all at the eighth or ninth stage of Qi Refinement—a bountiful harvest.
The Grand Elder’s smile was stiff.
If not for that bad news, the Vice Sect Leader would have been happier.
In any case, the little old man guarding the Outer Sect Illusion Pavilion was all smiles.
When the last person stepped forward, it was also the most outstanding Outer Sect Disciple in this selection.
“Ji Shiyu.”
As her name was spoken, the entire venue’s attention focused.
First in three disciplines, yet unaccomplished in the Six Arts—a legendary girl who killed the Bloodthirsty Banner Lord’s demon disciple stunned both Inner and Outer Sects, and was highly praised by the Immortal Master of Penglai Island.
The most provocative part was this scandalous girl’s vibrant private life.
It was said she had snatched love from the hands of Miss Xiao, became an apprentice of Rosy Fragrance Pavilion upon entry, constantly accompanied Heavenly Dao Alchemy Master Yun, and even freely came and went from Celestial Phenomena Peak before Little Master Aunt returned.
This exotic genius beauty who parachuted into Divine Radiance had an unusually ambiguous relationship with the young East Extreme Pavilion Master.
They even called each other father and daughter in public—though no one could figure out what that meant, it was certainly intriguing.
Looking back now, her vision was exceptional.
From the very start, she clung tightly to a ‘useless’ person everyone else ignored.
With her, Heavenly Dao Formation was a sure thing in the future.
Such an outrageous stroke of luck, tinged with Grassland Green, was truly enviable.
The biggest issue now was…
Ji Shiyu had only been a disciple for a few months.
Outside of cultivation, her mastery of the Six Arts of the Sect was a mess—she hadn’t even completed the Outer Sect coursework!
Such a terrifying promotion speed directly shattered Yun Liu’s record.
The Grand Elder hesitated briefly, then silenced the rising commotion with a single word.
He announced in a loud voice, “The two new students of the Heaven Pavilion’s special courtyard possess extraordinary talent and outstanding cultivation.”
“In consideration of Ji Shiyu and Xiao Xinran’s contributions in defending Xixu Peak, and their excellent performance in the Five-Phase Trial, the rules are bent to allow them to advance early to the Inner Sect and study the Five Peaks Sword Canon, while also maintaining dual enrollment in the academy. They must not neglect Outer Sect studies!”
The other Outer Sect Disciples all looked on with envy.
As for Xiao Xinran, there was no need to elaborate—she was already pre-selected by the First Peak Grand Elder as a direct disciple, not even bothering to walk across the Cloud Bridge.
But what would Ji Shiyu choose?
“Eh?”
Ji Shiyu patted her chest, swallowed the meat bun stuck in her throat, and looked troubled.
Wouldn’t that mean even less time to sleep?
Now, her schedule was filled to the brim by the Beast Phoenix Spirit—not only did she have to diligently train in fundamentals as her foster father ordered, she also had to find time to study Baicao Jing and Pill Dao Analysis.
Her coursework was overwhelming.
The once carefree little yellow-hair now found her happiest moments were mooching off Oily Boy in the countryside and stuffing herself with food!
The next instant, all Five Peaks’ auspicious clouds shone brightly, raising five differently colored Cloudbridges to welcome the Master of the Formless Spiritual Root.
Without hesitation—almost as if being a second slower would be seen as disrespect by this peerless genius.
Low-level disciples are chosen by others; high-level disciples pick as they please.
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