Chapter 118 - 107: Assessment, Scheming for the Profound Yuan Skill, Superior Comprehension

Chapter 118: Chapter 107: Assessment, Scheming for the Profound Yuan Skill, Superior Comprehension

Meanwhile.

Su Chen had already learned of Hong Xuancheng’s conditions from Steward Yu, as well as what being a so-called Attendant truly entailed. These conditions surprised him, but they also left him feeling somewhat bitter. He never expected that, after revealing his high level of comprehension, he would ultimately only qualify to be an Attendant!

He had only come to the Profound Water Sect to participate in the assessment because of Hong Ming. As for whether he could actually join the Profound Water Sect, he didn’t care much. Now, not only did they want him to use the Dissipation Skill, but they also expected him to serve as an Attendant for a year. To him, this was akin to killing the goose that lays the golden eggs—putting the cart before the horse.

In a year’s time, he might even advance to the Bone Forging realm. Why should he cower in the lofty Profound Water Sect, waiting for their charity?

With these thoughts in mind, he met the crowd’s gazes and looked calmly at Steward Yu. "Steward Yu, I heard there is a second round to the comprehension test. I want to give it a try."

Steward Yu cast a somewhat surprised glance at Su Chen. Ever since he had relayed the Courtyard Head’s conditions, Su Chen’s eyes had only wavered slightly at the very beginning; after that, they had been as calm as an ancient well. Now, as he spoke, his voice remained completely steady, without the slightest hint of disappointment. This composure made Steward Yu regard him in a new light, and as he did, he fell into deep thought.

Typically, the comprehension test only needed to be taken once. However, in special circumstances—such as checking a candidate’s compatibility with a Cultivation Technique, or if they had previously practiced similar Cultivation Techniques—a second test could be administered. Yet, rarely did anyone make such a request. The difficulty of the second test was significantly higher, and no one could guarantee they would perform as well on the second attempt as they did on the first.

Su Chen’s evaluation for his first comprehension test was upper-middle grade. If he could achieve upper-middle grade on his second test as well, the probability of him joining the Profound Water Sect would be at least eighty percent, if not an absolute certainty. After all, since the founding of the Profound Water Sect, no one had ever achieved an upper-middle grade evaluation in two consecutive comprehension tests.

"Pay the fee!" Steward Yu did not stop him, simply replying with those words.

Wincing inwardly at the cost, Su Chen handed over one thousand taels and received the core mnemonic for the first layer of the Profound Yuan Technique from Steward Yu.

The Cultivation Technique from earlier was just an Entry-level Technique of the Profound Yuan Technique, which had a relatively low difficulty. This time, however, it was the Cultivation Technique for the first layer of the Profound Yuan Technique. Although it lacked the Entering the Realm Method, its difficulty was undiminished.

After flipping through the booklet a few times, Su Chen sat cross-legged to comprehend it, mentally communicating with his interface. A moment later, the interface responded.

[Simple Mode Activated: Swallow saliva two hundred times to master the first layer of the Profound Yuan Technique.]

This was the formidable power of the interface. Even without the Entering the Realm Method, Su Chen could rely on the interface to successfully practice the Profound Yuan Technique.

This time, however, Su Chen did not fully master the first layer of the Profound Yuan Technique. Instead, he pushed the progress to 99% and then paused Simple Mode. Yet even so, a faint droplet of water materialized between his brows, drifting in and out of sight.

Seeing this, Steward Yu could no longer maintain a calm expression. He understood better than anyone present exactly what this signified.

He thought, "In just half an hour... he has comprehended it to such a degree. If he had the Entering the Realm Method, wouldn’t he have directly mastered the first layer of the Profound Yuan Technique? Such comprehension is even better than an ’upper-middle grade’!"

His mind racing, Steward Yu took a deep look at Su Chen. When the young man opened his eyes, the steward immediately said, "Wait here. I’ll be right back."

With that, he turned and strode away. His pace was noticeably faster than usual, and he soon disappeared from the crowd’s sight, leaving only his receding back.

In the Cultivation Garden.

"It’s been so long without a reply. I’m afraid this person may not agree. Since that’s the case, let’s conclude today’s assessment here," Hong Xuancheng said as he stood up.

"Fine by me!" Hong Zhendong had long since grown impatient. As he spoke, he stepped forward, intending to leave.

Hong Xuanqing and Hong Ting exchanged a glance and stood up one after another.

Just as the four of them walked out of the courtyard, they saw Steward Yu running toward them. Seeing his hurried state, the four halted their steps.

"Four Courtyard Heads, this disciple has something to report..."

"What?" Upon hearing Steward Yu’s words, Hong Xuancheng and the other three were all stunned.

To comprehend and master the first layer of the Profound Yuan Technique in half an hour—such comprehension, even with a lower-middle grade aptitude, was more than enough for them to accept him as a disciple.

For a moment, the four of them looked at each other in dismay. Ultimately, it was Hong Xuancheng who took the lead and walked back inside.

"As for this Su Chen, if the rest of you don’t want him, my Hun Courtyard will take him."