Chapter 71: Entering the Eighth Stage Essence Refinement Perfection
Chapter 71: Entering the Eighth Stage Essence Refinement Perfection
On the sixth day of May, after the other new disciples returned to Tiangang City, Su Chen did not linger any longer.
The reason for his slightly delayed departure was his recent breakthrough.
With accumulated efforts, Su Chen finally stepped into the Eighth Stage Essence Refinement Perfection.
The improvement brought about by the Heavenly Dao Heart Decision became increasingly evident to Su Chen.
Without comparison, there would be no gap; Su Chen had previously cultivated other foundational techniques at the Yunyang Sect.
The progress from those techniques couldn't compare to the Heavenly Dao Heart Decision.
After advancing his cultivation realm, Su Chen decided to test his newfound strength.
Finding a secluded spot, he tightly gripped his longsword and unleashed the Midnight Blade Style.
The powerful sword technique seemed to crush everything in its path.
The surrounding weeds and plants shattered under the force of the sword.
As Su Chen executed the technique, he breathed heavily.
He could only manage a single move, but now, he had some strength left.
At least, unlike before, he wasn't completely drained of energy.
This move could be considered his lifesaving skill.
The group that returned to Tiangang City ahead of him had already provided a more detailed report on the frontline.
Recalling the past, Tiangang City had endured unbearable hardships against the demonic creatures.
The disciples stationed there were exhausted from constant harassment.
If any demonic creatures escaped, it would be even more challenging to clear them from the rear.
But now, Tiangang City's frontline defenses enjoyed a day of peace and tranquility.
In front of the elders, Ouyang Chuan attributed all the credit to Su Chen.
His precise judgment of the demonic traces allowed the frontline to gain the upper hand against the demonic creatures.
Previously, the demonic creatures would ambush humans, but now, they were the ones being ambushed.
The news from the frontline was actually reported back to the Tiangang City leadership daily.
In the beginning, the elders were somewhat skeptical.
Could a young disciple truly bring about such significant changes?
After centuries of defending against demonic creatures, the accumulated experience of their predecessors was vast, yet no one had demonstrated such abilities.
However, the numerous replies from the squad leaders on the frontline all mentioned Su Chen.
From that moment, the elders of Tiangang City began to believe.
Tiangang City didn't have the same hierarchical reporting system as the Yunyang Sect.
The squad leaders below were responsible for their own teams.
Each report they sent mentioned the same information, naturally increasing its credibility.
Now, with Ouyang Chuan and the other instructors returning,
Their firsthand accounts added further credibility to the news.
"Listening to your words, I'm inclined to believe in Su Chen's abilities.
However, don't the middle and upper-level leaders of the Yunyang Sect distinguish the capabilities of their disciples?"
The Fourth Elder, seated in a higher position, shared the same doubt as many others.
Ouyang Chuan had anticipated these questions and had an answer ready.
"Fourth Elder, when you compare the situation in Tiangang City to that of the Yunyang Sect, it's understandable that you might find it confusing.
But I, on the other hand, am accustomed to it.
The Yunyang Sect has always adhered to the most traditional hierarchical relationships.
Below the Hall Master are the Squad Leaders, and below them are the Team Leaders.
We naturally assume that these positions are occupied by those most capable.
Whoever has the ability should take on these leadership roles.
But reality is starkly different from our imagination.
These Squad Leaders and Team Leaders suppress their subordinates, preventing them from standing out.
In this situation, exceptional abilities can become a disadvantage.
The Squad Leaders worry that Su Chen's outstanding performance might threaten their leadership positions.
There are only so many leadership positions in the Yunyang Sect, and if someone rises, someone else must fall.
The group tacitly suppressed Su Chen.
But how could the higher-ups of the Yunyang Sect, standing atop the mountain, truly understand the situation below?
Mr. Ouyang spoke fluently and logically.
These words were indeed true; the Yunyang Sect had always faced such issues.
To prevent Su Chen from rising, those below would never allow the higher-ups to know his true abilities.
"Elders, seeing is believing. I invite you to personally inspect the frontline."
Nowadays, on our frontline defense, most demons dare not approach.
It's common to have ten consecutive days of stability.
The frontline defense may require further planning, whether to advance or not.
These decisions are for the elders to make."
As Mr. Ouyang spoke, he suggested that the elders go to the frontline for a look.
The truth would be revealed upon seeing it.
Speaking of advancing the defensive line...
These words excited many present.
For so many years, Tiangang City had been on the defensive. When had they ever considered advancing the frontline?
The Zhenren Shangxuan, seated in the middle, nodded in agreement.
"Recently, I've received much news about the Yunyang Sect.
At the start of spring, they had already retracted their defense line, and the entire line was..."
The latest news also mentioned that they were in a difficult situation.
The current situation in Tiangang City is similar to what the Yunyang Sect experienced before; demons dare not approach our frontline.
This further proves Su Chen's capabilities."
Zhenren Shangxuan turned to look at the others.
"With the Yunyang Sect's lesson, Tiangang City must ensure that the capable are rewarded. We must not repeat similar mistakes.
Additionally, regarding Su Chen's contributions, we should not deduct any of his rewards.
Regardless of whether he has shown greed for credit in the Yunyang Sect, we in Tiangang City will judge him based on his actions here and not bring past matters into this."
The people around nodded.
Su Chen's ability to solve so many problems for Tiangang City meant that he deserved these rewards.
Unlike the Yunyang Sect, in Tiangang City, one could form their own squad as long as they could find others to follow.
This was vastly different from the Yunyang Sect's appointed squad leaders.
During the conversation, the Second Elder sitting beside him sighed slightly.
"The only regret is that Su Chen's cultivation talent seems rather ordinary.
Although he won the martial competition, he still seems to fall short.
If he were more exceptional, the sect could have focused on nurturing him."
The Second Elder's words left Mr. Ouyang unsure how to refute.
From what they had seen, Su Chen's displayed cultivation talent was indeed ordinary.
Among the disciples of Su Chen's age, those with slightly better talent had already entered the Seventh Rank Valley Embrace Realm.
Su Chen, however, remained at the Eighth Stage Essence Refinement, not yet perfected.
Beside them, Zhenren Shangxuan also thought of this issue.
"Regardless, Su Chen has indeed established numerous accomplishments.
Let's grant him the status of a direct disciple, and his treatment will be arranged accordingly.
After Su Chen's mid-year examination, we'll see how to nurture him."
After reporting to the elders, Mr. Ouyang immediately left the side chamber to find Ji Sheng.
The matter at hand was, of course, about Su Chen.
Under Ji Sheng's command, the student's abilities would only decline.
His attitude towards disciples had always been one of neglect.
Thinking of this, Mr. Ouyang was even more determined to transfer Su Chen to his command.
Although he had personally driven Su Chen away before, he was willing to take him back, even if it meant losing face.
(End of Chapter)
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