Supreme Taming Authority

Chapter 67: Ying Yue’s Progress, Xian Tiandi’s Plan

A moment of surprised silence followed his words.

But the reaction was not as negative as he expected.

Then Elder Zhang smiled, genuine approval showing on his usually stern face. "A wise choice. Many would have grasped at immediate status elevation. Your humility and patience speak well of your character and judgment."

He made a notation on the jade tablet. "Very well. Xian Tiandi is accepted as an Inner Court Disciple with a special notation. Upon reaching Foundation Establishment realm, you will be given priority consideration for Core Disciple advancement. This is a guarantee, not merely a possibility."

Murmurs of appreciation spread through the crowd. That was still an extraordinary benefit. Most cultivators had to compete fiercely for Core Disciple positions. Xian Tiandi had just secured a guaranteed path.

"The announcements are complete," Elder Zhang declared. "All accepted disciples will report to the sect compound in three days at dawn for formal orientation. Outer Court disciples should bring basic personal items only. Inner Court disciples may bring additional cultivation resources if desired. The sect will provide everything else you require."

"Inner Court Disciples are also allow to bring one person with them to the sect. This person can be their maid or family member and will receive the status of Honorary Member of the Sect with little benefits, except the advantage of staying in the sect and other possible opportunities.’

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembled successful applicants. "Welcome to the Four Symbols Sect. You have earned your places through talent, skill, and character. Do not squander this opportunity. Train diligently. Grow stronger. And remember that you now represent not just yourselves, but the sect as a whole. Your actions reflect on us all."

"Yes, Elder!" the new disciples responded with enthusiasm.

*Gong!*

The great bell rang one final time, signaling the official end of the selection trials.

The courtyard erupted in celebration. New disciples embraced each other, shouting with joy. Families and clan representatives rushed forward to congratulate their successful members.

Elder Feng reached them first, his face showing immense pride. "Congratulations to all three of you! This is a tremendous achievement for the Xian Clan!"

"Young Master Tiandi, your performance was extraordinary," Elder Qiu added. "The Patriarch will be overjoyed when he receives our report."

"And Young Master Long, you showed genuine talent," Elder Feng continued. "Your cultivation prowess is impressive for your age."

"Miss Ying Yue, Inner Court status is a remarkable accomplishment," Steward Han said warmly. "The clan is honored by your success." Although she was originally just Xian Tiandi’s maid, now her status is much different even he had to show her respect now.

Ying Yue smiled at that but didn’t put on airs an remained humble all through the exchange as many more congratulated her and starting a conversation with her by themselves.

At some point she had to excuse herself an run to Xian Tiandi’s side which caused him to laugh at her.

She reacted instinctively and pinched his side with a, "Hphm!" Then she immediately apologized but the young master didn’t mind.

This made her relived but also happy cause it means she could be more free with him.

’Yes!’ she thought.

Other Xian Clan members gathered around, offering congratulations and praise. The atmosphere was joyful and celebratory.

Around them, similar scenes played out. Successful applicants celebrated with their families and supporters. Those from smaller clans or independent backgrounds celebrated with new friends they’d made during the trials.

Zhou Ren, the applicant who’d revealed his hawk martial spirit, approached their group with a respectful bow. "Congratulations, especially to you, Young Master Xian Tiandi. Your combat performance was inspiring. I hope we can train together once we officially join the sect."

"Thank you," Xian Tiandi replied. "I’m sure we’ll have opportunities to spar."

"That fight against the Shadow Panther," Zhou Ren continued, his eyes showing genuine admiration. "I’ve never seen anyone move like that. You made it look easy."

"Experience and observation," Xian Tiandi said simply. "Demonic beasts are dangerous but predictable if you understand their nature."

Zhou Ren nodded eagerly, clearly wanting to learn more. "Would you be willing to share some insights sometime? I nearly lost my fight against the Frost Wolf."

"We can talk during orientation," Xian Tiandi agreed.

More applicants approached to offer congratulations or ask questions. Xian Tiandi’s dominant performance had made him the center of attention, though he handled it with quiet grace.

Ying Yue received more attention as well. Several male applicants found reasons to congratulate her specifically, their interest clearly extending beyond mere politeness.

After seeing how Xian Tiandi handled it she imitated him.

She handled each interaction with professional courtesy but kept conversations brief.

"You’re popular," Xian Long teased his brother after the fifth person had approached them. "Everyone wants to be friends with the genius who beat a Shadow Panther."

"Temporary excitement," Xian Tiandi replied. "People are always interested in novelty. It’ll fade once training begins and they have their own challenges to focus on."

"Still, making connections early could be useful," Ying Yue observed quietly. "The sect is political. Allies matter."

"True," Xian Tiandi acknowledged. "But genuine allies are built through shared experience, not first impressions at trials."

As the celebration continued, Elder Zhang and the other examiners began departing. The successful applicants were given jade slips with details about where to report in three days and what to expect during orientation.

"The trials are concluded," Elder Zhang announced one final time. "New disciples should use the next three days to rest, settle personal affairs, and prepare mentally for sect life. Training will be demanding. The weak are culled quickly. Only the dedicated survive and advance."

His words cast a slight shadow over the celebration, a reminder that passing the trials was just the beginning. The real challenge of sect life lay ahead.

Gradually, the crowd began dispersing. Families and clans led their successful members away, heading back to their lodgings to continue celebrating in private. The compound slowly emptied as night deepened.

The Xian Clan group departed together, returning to their rented compound in the city. Elder Feng had arranged for a feast to honor their success. Servants had been preparing all evening, and delicious smells filled the air as they arrived.

Tables had been set up in the main courtyard, laden with food and drink. The entire clan contingent gathered to celebrate the three successful applicants.

"A toast!" Elder Feng declared, raising his cup. "To Young Master Tiandi, Young Master Long, and Miss Ying Yue! They have brought honor to the Xian Clan and secured positions in one of the kingdom’s premier sects!"

"To their success!" everyone chorused, drinking deeply.

The feast began. Food was passed around, stories were told, and laughter filled the courtyard. Xian Long recounted his battle against the Thunder Lizard with dramatic flair, embellishing slightly but capturing the tension well.

Ying Yue spoke more modestly about her fight with the Crimson Ape, downplaying her dominant performance. Others at the table insisted on hearing more details, amazed that she’d defeated such a powerful beast without using her martial spirit.

Everyone wanted to hear about Xian Tiandi’s battle with the Shadow Panther. Elder Feng had witnessed it personally and described the fight to those who hadn’t been close enough to see clearly.

"He moved like water," Elder Feng said with obvious admiration. "The panther attacked from shadows, appearing and disappearing, but Young Master Tiandi read every movement perfectly. No wasted motion. No panic. Just pure skill."

"And he didn’t use a single technique?" someone asked incredulously.

"Not one," Elder Feng confirmed. "Pure martial combat. It was like watching a master at work."

Xian Tiandi accepted the praise graciously but didn’t elaborate much on the fight. He ate steadily and listened to others celebrate, content to let them enjoy the moment.

As the evening wore on and the feast continued, Xian Tiandi’s mind began turning to other matters. The trials were complete. He’d secured his position in the sect. Now he could focus on the next objective.

The hidden treasure at the Crimson Ruins. The resonance he’d felt with his Chaos Spirit Root. Whatever waited there in the depths of that secret realm, it called to him with increasing urgency.

He had three days before sect orientation. Three days of relative freedom before his movements would be monitored and his time scheduled by sect responsibilities.

Tonight would be perfect. The city was celebrating the trial results. Guards would be relaxed. The ruins would be unattended, the Four Symbols Sect too busy processing new disciples to maintain heavy surveillance on the secret realm.

Xian Tiandi made his decision. He would attend the feast for another hour to avoid suspicion. Then he would slip away quietly and return to the Crimson Ruins under cover of darkness.

The treasure had waited this long. Soon, very soon, it would be his.

The celebrations continued around him, laughter and joy filling the night air. But Xian Tiandi’s golden eyes held a distant focus, already planning the journey ahead.

The trials were over.

But his true work was just beginning.