Chapter 80: Straight to the Point

Lin Hao felt a deep frustration in his heart. "Senior Brother Chen..."

"Say no more, let’s go quickly." Chen Da didn’t give Lin Hao any chance to speak. He grabbed Lin Hao and hurried out the door, helping Li Li to his feet, and the three of them left at once.

Zhang Hongwei watched Lin Hao’s departing figure with a sinister gaze. He stood rooted to the spot, making no move to stop Lin Hao. Yet, in his heart, he was already plotting how Lin Hao might meet his end.

Lin Hao was indeed seething with anger—Zhao Hongwei’s actions were simply outrageous. Yet he knew Chen Da and Li Li were acting for his own good. Together, they supported Li Li back to their inn.

Lin Hao checked Li Li’s pulse and found that the strike had damaged his meridians. Without hesitation, he channeled some spiritual energy into Li Li, repairing the harmed pathways.

Li Li’s face soon regained some color. His gaze turned grateful as he looked at Lin Hao, saying, “Junior Brother Lin, I truly can’t thank you enough.”

“It’s nothing, Senior Brother. What I can’t understand is why that Zhang fellow treated us so harshly today.” Lin Hao waved his hand, visibly agitated.

“There’s nothing to be done,” Chen Da replied helplessly, his eyes hinting at resignation. “He’s powerful, after all. No matter what, he’s the leading rogue cultivator around here, with his own faction. Outside the scions of the great families, few can stand against him, and even among the scions, he’s established strong connections. This time, rumor has it he’s got a good chance of entering Qingcheng Sect. Many people are currying favor with him, giving him gifts in hopes of learning a few tricks or getting a foot in the door. We’re not the first to try. But we’d already heard he’s extremely arrogant; we were only hoping for a bit of luck. Now, there’s not much to regret.”

Hearing this, Lin Hao’s impression of Zhang Hongwei worsened even further. He also had an instinctive feeling that his paths would cross with Zhang Hongwei many more times, and that this man would become a rival.

He made a mental note of this, knowing that from now on, the two of them would be locked in a life-or-death struggle.

After the incident, Li Li and Chen Da both looked dispirited. Lin Hao offered a few words of comfort before returning to his room.

He sat down to compose himself and cultivated through the night.

When he opened his eyes the next morning, Chen Da and Li Li knocked on his door. Their spirits had revived, and they looked lively once more.

“Brother Lin, let’s hurry and secure a spot. Today, rogue cultivators can register. We need to get an early place in line,” Chen Da said.

Seeing their enthusiasm, Lin Hao couldn’t help but feel his own excitement rise. With a smile in his eyes, he accompanied them.

Together, they arrived at the base of Qingcheng Sect’s mountain. There were already twenty or thirty people gathered, queuing up.

“Wow, so many people arrived this early!” Chen Da exclaimed.

“Yes, if only we’d come sooner. It’s clear Qingcheng Sect is a huge draw for rogue cultivators this year; everyone’s eager,” Li Li said ruefully.

Lin Hao glanced at the group ahead—none wore refined clothes; some were even dressed in rags. Yet every face brimmed with anticipation, eyes alight with fervor.

At the sect’s gate, a guard was registering names one by one. Once finished, the whole group was ushered inside.

Lin Hao and his companions were led to a training ground, where an official announced, “This year is Qingcheng Sect’s annual entrance selection. However, there are some changes to the process. The first round will be a series of duels on the arena—one-on-one battles. The winners will enter the outer sect.”

Lin Hao was surprised by the directness, but he appreciated the straightforward approach.

Li Li and Chen Da frowned. “That’s not how it was in previous years. Why are they starting with fights this time?”

“What’s wrong with that?” Lin Hao replied. “This way, there’ll be less scheming and more open competition.”

“That’s true,” Chen Da agreed. “It cuts down on the nonsense—strength will speak for itself.”

The three of them shared determined looks. “We must win.”

But determination alone cannot rival true strength.

In truth, Chen Da and Li Li were only at the second level of Foundation Establishment—not strong enough. During their matches, both were swiftly defeated and eliminated.

Lin Hao, on the other hand, had power to spare. He easily dispatched his opponent. When the results were announced, Lin Hao heard his name—and Zhang Hongwei’s—among those advancing.

Chen Da and Li Li, however, were not so fortunate.

Lin Hao looked at his two companions with regret. They had given him vital information and genuine help. He truly regarded them as brothers. Seeing their dejected faces, he wanted to speak but found no words.

Yet, their ability to adjust was admirable. Their disappointment lasted but a moment before both turned to Lin Hao with smiles, patting his shoulder. “You did well, brother. We’re out for this year, but you must carry our hopes forward. We believe you’ll make it into the inner sect.”

Hearing their sincere words, Lin Hao was moved. He nodded solemnly. “Rest assured, brothers. I’ll carry your blessings every step of the way.”

At that moment, Zhang Hongwei passed by. Overhearing their conversation, he sneered, “You lot? Hmph. You only got in by luck. If you’d faced me, you’d have been eliminated long ago.”

His words ignited their fury. Lin Hao had never thought highly of Zhang Hongwei, especially after he’d injured Li Li. But Chen Da stepped forward, undeterred by Zhang’s status, and retorted, “Senior Brother, that’s unfair. My junior’s skill speaks for itself.”

Lin Hao’s heart warmed at Chen Da’s defense. He glanced at Zhang Hongwei, his eyes cold. “Is that so? Then I look forward to facing you. We’ll see who stands victorious.”

With that, Lin Hao turned away, ignoring him.

Soon, those who had been eliminated were instructed to leave.

Lin Hao personally escorted Li Li and Chen Da to the sect gates. Unbeknownst to them, he slipped a high-grade spirit stone into each of their sleeves before returning to the sect.

Only after they had returned to the inn to pack did they discover the stones, their surprise quickly turning to warmth as they realized their source. Who knew when they’d meet again? They left, but would always remember Lin Hao as a true brother.

This time, Lin Hao had used his real name in Qingcheng Sect.

After the first round, about twenty of them remained, entering as outer disciples. Yet this was only the preliminary selection; many more trials awaited.

Back at the sect, an announcement was made: “Congratulations to you twenty for earning a place as outer disciples. But your positions are not secure. Each month, there will be a contest—the lowest two will be eliminated. As rogue cultivators, it’s impressive you’ve come this far. Persevere, and perhaps you’ll endure.”

They were then led to collect sect garments and the rules.

After that, five individuals—including Lin Hao and Zhang Hongwei—were singled out.

The elder in charge addressed them. “You five have shown notable strength and talent. You are now candidates for the inner sect. However, only one of you will ultimately be admitted. This is your opportunity—make the most of it.”

As soon as he finished, Lin Hao sensed the tension—the five of them eyed each other, some with undisguised hostility. Zhang Hongwei was among them.

Catching Zhang’s gaze, Lin Hao saw the murderous intent and provocation, even a throat-slitting gesture.

Lin Hao responded with a mocking smile and paid him no further heed.

This infuriated Zhang Hongwei, whose eyes grew even darker, plotting new schemes.

Lin Hao ignored him, sizing up the others. Of the five, he was the youngest; the rest were about the same age as Zhang Hongwei.

His heart eased—none of them were stronger than he was.