Chapter 187: Survival of the fittest
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“What did Chen Fei say?”
Inside a building of the Primordial Sword Sect, Fan Zongzheng held a pen and was carefully writing strokes. Upon seeing Qian Guangji, he set the pen aside.
“Not planning to sell it unless he can visit the Wu Family Elemental Spirit Pool for two days. Only then would he consider exchanging it for the Aperture Breaking Pill,” Qian Guangji shook his head and recounted his interaction with Chen Fei.
“Enter the Elemental Spirit Pool for two days? He dares to suggest that!” Fan Zongzheng coldly snorted, picked up the nearby cup of tea, and drank it all, his brows furrowed.
Fan Zongzheng’s current cultivation had reached the pinnacle of the Visceral Tempering Realm. He had participated in the trial of the true disciples in the past, but unfortunately, he didn’t pass the trial and lost the qualification to become a true disciple.
He couldn’t accept this setback. He had diligently cultivated for years and now stood at the threshold of the Aperture Tempering Realm. A step further would open up vast opportunities, drastically altering his status and position.
However, without crossing this threshold, he would forever remain in the Visceral Tempering Realm. Though he was already far superior to ordinary people, how could Fan Zongzheng be content with that?
Fan Zongzheng didn’t dare attempt a reckless breakthrough because it was incredibly challenging. A single mistake could make obtaining a second chance almost impossible.
Thus, he aimed to use everything that could increase his chances of breaking through, including the Aperture Breaking Pill.
In this trial for true disciples, Chen Fei had undoubtedly become an eye-catching presence. With his cultivation in the Marrow Tempering Realm, he managed to earn five jade tokens and pass the trial.
If he passed the Sect’s character assessment as well, all the benefits of being a true disciple, including the Aperture Breaking Pill, would fall into Chen Fei’s hands.
The Sect’s character assessment was challenging but not too difficult for those loyal to the Sect. It mainly evaluated loyalty and sincerity, as long as one wasn’t a spy from another sect or deviating from the Sect’s principles.
One could say that Chen Fei’s chances of obtaining the Aperture Breaking Pill were extremely high.
Other true disciples wouldn’t use their Aperture Breaking Pills for trade. It was unlikely that Chen Fei would exchange his Aperture Breaking Pill, logically speaking.
However, Chen Fei’s lower cultivation made it easy for people to think of alternatives. Direct robbery was impossible, but using different resources for an exchange might have some possibilities.
“This Aperture Breaking Pill seems to have caught the attention of quite a few people.”
Fan Zongzheng raised his head slightly, looking at Qian Guangji, and said in a deep voice, “We offer courtesy before using force. Since Chen Fei is unwilling to exchange, then it’s no surprise if we resort to other methods. After all, this is allowed within the sect’s rules.”
“Naturally, if we don’t do it, others will. In the end, it will come down to who has better means,” Qian Guangji said with a smile.
Several miles away, within Feng Xiupu Manor’s courtyard, Chen Fei and Feng Xiupu sat around a stone table.
“Eliminating the last-ranked true disciple?” Chen Fei asked with some surprise.
“Eliminating the last-ranked? That phrase sounds appropriate,” Feng Xiupu nodded with a smile.
Chen Fei contemplated for a moment. Because of Qian Guangji’s words, he had come to Feng Xiupu specifically to learn if there were any special aspects of being a true disciple. He learned about this rule.
To become a true disciple, one had to be under thirty years of age. They needed to have reached the Fifth Stage of the Origin Connection Technique, and pass the sect’s two rounds of assessments to obtain the true disciple inheritance.
However, even after becoming a true disciple, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. To keep true disciples competitive, their benefits were divided into different tiers. There was also a more ruthless rule—every half year, the last-ranked true disciple would have to accept challenges from other inner sect disciples.
Of course, they’d only face one challenger, and there were no chain challenges. Half a year was a protection period for newly-promoted true disciples, allowing them time to cultivate the true disciple techniques.
If the last-ranked true disciple accepted a challenge and lost while defending their position, they would lose their true disciple status. Apart from continuing to practice the true disciple techniques, their other resources would be reduced to those of regular inner sect disciples.
The inner sect disciple who successfully challenged and won would be directly promoted to the position of a true disciple, enjoying the corresponding resources.
“But won’t this lead to collusion? If one person wins, another wins the next time, won’t everyone end up with the true disciple techniques?” Chen Fei asked with some confusion. The concept of eliminating the last-ranked true disciple seemed overly complicated and had some apparent loopholes.
“Successfully challenging earns you access to true disciple resources, but to inherit the techniques, you must enter the top ten ranks among true disciples,” Feng Xiupu shook his head with a smile. “To even qualify for challenging, an inner sect disciple must first pass the character assessment and be under thirty years old. It’s a strict requirement. Moreover, the challenger and the challenged must have equal cultivation levels. The challenger needs to contribute ten thousand contribution points, and the winner takes all.”
Chen Fei nodded with realization. Those willing to challenge were likely the ones who initially participated in the trial for true disciples but didn’t pass.
Instead of blocking the progress of these disciples with an iron fist, the sect had left a gap for them.
As long as you proved yourself strong enough, defeating the last-ranked true disciple first, gaining true disciple resources, and then working your way up to the top ten, you could obtain the true disciple techniques.
As long as you’re formidable, what you lose will come back.
Sometimes, luck and forming alliances are essential in the trials of the mystic realm. The sect removes these factors and allows you to prove with your own strength that you deserve the position of a true disciple.
At the same time, it keeps those who have already become true disciples vigilant. Otherwise, if someone becomes a true disciple and is immediately knocked down by others, that would be too unjust.
Of course, the contribution points required for challenges are not insignificant. If the last-ranked true disciple successfully defends their position, the rewards are also considerable.
“I didn’t mention it before because, due to your cultivation level, you’ll be ranked last among true disciples during the first month. But when it comes to equal cultivation levels, I don’t believe anyone within the sect can defeat you,” Feng Xiupu looked at Chen Fei, his eyes filled with pride for his disciple. “Once your personal strength reaches a certain level, all conspiracies and tricks become meaningless.”
Guo Linshan had already informed Feng Xiupu about the events in the mystic realm. Based on Feng Xiupu’s estimation, Chen Fei’s current strength was on par with the mid-phase of the Spirit Tempering realm and capable of winning in a head-on confrontation.
Currently, Chen Fei was in the Marrow Tempering realm. Even if he broke through to the initial stage of the Aperture Tempering realm, his challengers would also be in the initial stage. So, there was no need to be concerned.
Thus, Feng Xiupu hadn’t mentioned the rule for true disciples, as he had great confidence in Chen Fei.
In Feng Xiupu’s eyes, Chen Fei was destined to rise. The only thing obstructing Chen Fei was the time it takes to grow. Feng Xiupu’s role was to protect and nurture Chen Fei’s growth during this time.
“Can I take the character assessment today?”
Having received the answer he needed, a smile appeared on Chen Fei’s face. Just as Feng Xiupu had confidence in Chen Fei, Chen Fei never doubted his ability to face challenges from his peers.
“Go ahead. The sooner you become a true disciple, the sooner you can enjoy those resources,” Feng Xiupu said with a smile.
“Understood, I take my leave, Master!”
Chen Fei stood up, bowed, and Feng Xiupu nodded slightly, watching Chen Fei leave.
Competition among true disciples was diverse due to the relationships based on interests, and this was intentionally set up within the sect. Feng Xiupu eagerly anticipated Chen Fei’s advancement, hoping that he would rise to the top among true disciples and then enter the Spirit Tempering realm.
Indeed, Feng Xiupu had such immense confidence in Chen Fei.
When age wasn’t a concern, Chen Fei’s superiority in understanding was evident. Although his aptitude was not strong, his comprehension was remarkably stunning. Within the Primordial Sword Sect, there was no true disciple who could match him.
Leaving Feng Xiupu’s courtyard, Chen Fei walked towards the Hall of True Transmission. In just a moment, he saw a grand hall standing halfway up the mountain with an imposing presence.
There were very few people in the Hall of True Transmission, with only a few coming and going. When they saw Chen Fei, they were a little surprised because his Marrow Tempering realm cultivation level seemed somewhat incongruous.
However, they soon remembered the recent true disciple trial, in which someone with the Marrow Tempering realm cultivation level had completed the trial’s requirements.
“This person is Chen Fei, right? Tsk tsk, a true disciple with the Marrow Tempering realm cultivation level is quite enviable.”
“It’s indeed enviable, but as the last-ranked true disciple, he’ll have to accept challenges from others. I wonder if he can hold his position.”
“He probably can. I’ve looked into it, and Chen Fei’s strength is actually quite formidable. Senior Brother Jiao spoke highly of Chen Fei, believing that his true disciple status was well-deserved.”
“Oh? Senior Brother Jiao regards Chen Fei so highly?” Others were a bit surprised.
“I heard they fought together in the mystic realm. He witnessed it with his own eyes.”
“Many people have been eyeing Chen Fei’s true disciple position, waiting for him to participate in the temperament assessment. If what you say is true, their plans might just fall apart.”
“The Marrow Tempering realm is one thing, but once Chen Fei’s cultivation level advances to the Visceral Tempering realm, there are quite a few experts in that initial stage. Including the recent trial, some junior disciples who didn’t complete their missions are also in the same phase. This challenge won’t be that easy.”
Amidst the scattered discussions around him, Chen Fei smiled faintly and paid no attention. He directly approached one of the attendants in the hall and handed over his waist badge.
“The character assessment?” The attendant recognized Chen Fei’s identity upon seeing the waist badge and said with a smile.
“Yes, I’d like to know how the assessment will be conducted,” Chen Fei nodded.
“Please follow me.”
After some registration, the attendant led Chen Fei to the backyard of the Hall of True Transmission. At a glance, Chen Fei saw a massive iron ball placed in the courtyard.
“This is the Refining Spirit Sphere. Just place your hand on it to begin the assessment,” the attendant explained about this spiritual tool.
Approaching it, Chen Fei curiously examined it for a moment. The aura emitted by the Refining Spirit Sphere was somewhat similar to the Heart Pearl he encountered before, yet entirely different.
After a moment’s thought, Chen Fei carefully placed his hand on the Refining Spirit Sphere. In the next instant, as if struck by lightning, Chen Fei’s entire consciousness was paralyzed. He lost his sense of the surroundings.
In a daze, Chen Fei heard a voice calling out to him. Struggling, he opened his eyes and saw a group of people surrounding him. Some were urgently dialing their phones..