Chapter 11: Outer Sect Trial
Chapter 11: Outer Sect Trial
At the mention of Ghost-Faced Spider, murmurs rippled through the crowd below.
“Goodness, why would the sect use such a powerful spirit beast for the trial?”
“I heard adult Ghost-Faced Spiders are at least Refinement Stage Seventh Layer! If we face one head-on, we’re doomed!”
“Ugh, I cultivate the Wooden Vine Technique, which is weak to webs. I should’ve learned the Fireball Technique instead.”
Xiao Chen hadn’t known much about Ghost-Faced Spiders before—his time in the Outer Sect had been short, and he’d spent most of it training. He resolved to visit the Scripture Pavilion’s first floor afterward to brush up on basic cultivation knowledge.
But after listening to the crowd, he noted that these spiders excelled at entangling prey in webs and were vulnerable to fire. If that were true, he had little to worry about.
Besides, the Feihong Mountains were vast. The odds of encountering one directly were low. Slowing his pace and staying alert should suffice.
The Second Sub-Academy disciples wouldn’t depart until noon. After Steward Chen finished his speech, he dismissed them for free activity to prepare.
Near the southern gathering point, a large open area had emerged as an impromptu market. Since yesterday, enterprising disciples had set up open-air stalls, trading goods and profiting from the crowd.
Many disciples had “conveniently” used up pills on their journey here and eagerly sought replacements, making transactions brisk.
Xiao Chen hadn’t planned to participate—he had hexes to rely on—but he’d underestimated the trial’s difficulty. After hearing about a Sub-Academy’s grim fate, he decided to spend spirit stones on precautions.
At the market’s edge, a disciple waved three talismans overhead. “Flying Fire Talismans crafted by Inner Sect senior brother Li! Two spirit stones for three—last ones left!”
Before Xiao Chen could react, another disciple snapped up all three without hesitation.
Xiao Chen raised an eyebrow. Normally, one spirit stone bought two Flying Fire Talismans. This was a 400% markup! Even so, fire-related talismans had already sold out.
Clearly, the Ghost-Faced Spider news had spooked everyone.
He even spotted several Inner Sect seniors setting up stalls farther from camp, hastily crafting talismans on-site. Long lines formed at each booth, their faces glowing with satisfaction.
Xiao Chen’s eyes landed on a disciple’s stall still stocking Light Body Talismans. He strode over. “How much for these?”
“Two spirit stones each. Take all six for five.”
“Back at the bazaar, these go for one stone per five. Aren’t you overcharging?”
“Senior brother, if you’d come yesterday, I’d have sold three for one stone—just a runner’s fee. But times change.”
Hmph. Price-gouging sure is popular today.
The sect enforced strict rules. Unlike the bazaar’s freelance cultivators, only Inner Sect members could learn advanced techniques. Ordinary Outer Sect disciples had no choice but to swallow the inflated prices.
“Hey, isn’t that Xiao Chen? I’ve got extra Light Body Talismans. Come, let me share a few.”
As Xiao Chen reached for his pouch, a familiar voice interrupted.
Turning, he saw Chen Guangyu—a Foundation Building Stage Sixth Layer senior who’d accompanied him earlier—wearing a black robe with red trim and the Chen family crest.
Chen Guangyu generously pulled out six talismans. “My family stocked me up. Just give me one stone.”
Xiao Chen handed over one stone but took five. “Thank you for the fair price, Senior Brother. I won’t take advantage of your kindness.”
Chen Guangyu smirked. “You’re a promising talent, Xiao Chen. You’ll ace this trial easily.” He leaned closer. “I’ve got a small proposal. Interested?”
“By all means.”
“This trial ranks disciples by Spirit Beast Core Tokens. I’ll place top ten, but I’ve had my eye on a Mystic Rank Secret Technique. I’ll pay three spirit stones per token.”
Ah. The tokens weren’t named, so ownership was untraceable. Chen Guangyu wanted to buy his way up the rankings.
Xiao Chen had pondered this earlier: rankings vs. rewards. A higher rank meant an extra spirit stone monthly—120 annually between first and tenth. But a Yellow-Tier Spell was similarly valuable, with instant payout.
With Featherweight Class’s bonus, avoiding top ranks was wiser. If Chen Guangyu offered a good rate, trading tokens could offset losses.
But why the confidence in Xiao Chen’s ability?
Truly exceptional people shine even in darkness.
Xiao Chen nodded. “Since you trust me, I’ll deliver.”
Chen Guangyu lowered his voice. “Keep this between us.”
“Of course. My lips are sealed.”
As Xiao Chen left, Chen Guangyu checked his name off a list. Two more to go.
Truthfully, he doubted Xiao Chen could compete for rankings—but securing six tokens wouldn’t be hard. Reserving extras now would help. Even small gains added up. More importantly, this blocked rivals from buying tokens to overtake him.
Suddenly, Xiao Chen returned.
Chen Guangyu frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“What if I get extra tokens?” Xiao Chen asked. “How many would you buy?”
“All of them.”
“All of them?” Xiao Chen pressed. “Promise you won’t back out later.”
“Every single one.”
As Xiao Chen walked off reassured, Chen Guangyu shook his head.
Haha. A Qi Condensation Fifth Layer disciple worrying about surplus tokens? How many do you expect to get, exactly?
(End of Chapter)
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