Chapter 47: SAYING GOODBYE TO HU BIYAN

Elder Mo remained on the stage after the cheers had settled, and with the attention of the five hundred successful examinees now focused on him, he began explaining what awaited them as newly accepted outer disciples.

"Now that you have become outer disciples, the sect will provide you with a place to cultivate, a monthly allowance of spirit stones, and access to the resources available to outer disciples. You can also earn contribution points through sect missions and exchange them for cultivation resources, techniques, pills, and other necessities."

He continued explaining the responsibilities that came with their new status, including following the sect’s rules, completing missions, and contributing to the sect whenever required, while making it clear that becoming an outer disciple was only the beginning of their cultivation journey.

"The sect can provide you with opportunities, but whether you can grasp them is up to you. There is no strongest, only stronger, and if you want to advance within the sect, you will have to rely on your own abilities."

Elder Mo then turned toward the disciples waiting behind him, who were each holding a special token prepared for the new outer disciples.

"These disciples will guide you to your quarters according to your examination rankings. Your ranking determines the location and quality of your assigned residence, and naturally, the best will be reserved for the best."

The announcement immediately caused another wave of discussion among the examinees, and their attention became even more focused when Elder Mo revealed where the highest-ranking disciples would be staying.

"The top three examinees will receive quarters on Purple Mountain."

Li Yan raised his eyes toward Elder Mo.

"Purple Mountain is where many of the sect’s outstanding disciples reside, and the spiritual energy there is considerably richer than in the other outer disciple areas. Since the three of you performed the best during the entrance examination, you will be given the best available quarters for new outer disciples on the mountain."

Li Yan listened quietly as Elder Mo finished explaining the arrangements, and he already understood that his first-place ranking would place him at the top of the list when the quarters were assigned.

Once the speech and remaining formalities were completed, the successful examinees were informed that they could spend some time bidding farewell to their friends, families, and guardians before entering the sect.

The entrance examination had officially ended, and outsiders would no longer be allowed to remain inside the sect after the new outer disciples were taken to their quarters.

Li Yan looked toward the place where Hu Biyan had been waiting and noticed Hu Bai standing beside him.

"Hu Bai, you came back." Hu Bai turned toward him with a faint smile.

"I did. You did well."

Li Yan glanced toward the disciples preparing to lead the new outer disciples away before looking back at Hu Bai.

"I need to speak with Uncle Biyan before I leave."

Hu Bai nodded and remained where he was.

"Take your time. I will wait here and escort you to your quarters afterward."

Li Yan walked toward Hu Biyan, who smiled when he saw him approaching.

"Yan Yan, you finally finished the examination."

Li Yan nodded as he stopped in front of him.

"It took longer than I expected, but it is finally over."

Hu Biyan looked at him with a pleased expression.

"You came out first, and from what I heard, you performed exceptionally well in every stage."

Li Yan glanced toward the stage where the results had been announced earlier.

"I will be staying inside the sect now." Hu Biyan’s smile softened as he looked at him.

"Then you will have to take care of yourself from now on. I will not be able to enter the sect whenever I want."

Li Yan looked at him for a moment before answering. "I know, Uncle Biyan. Do not worry, I have Hu Bai and Gu Jun with me."

Hu Biyan reached out and adjusted the collar of Li Yan’s robe, the familiar gesture making Li Yan’s expression soften slightly.

"Cultivate properly, and remember that the cultivation world is much larger than what you have seen here."

Li Yan nodded. "I will."

Hu Biyan withdrew his hand and looked toward Hu Bai, who was still waiting nearby.

"You should go. Master is waiting for you."

Li Yan glanced toward Hu Bai before turning back to Hu Biyan.

"I will come to see you when I have the chance."

Hu Biyan smiled. "I will be waiting."

Li Yan gave him one final look before turning toward Hu Bai, and together they walked toward the disciples who were preparing to lead the newly accepted outer disciples to their assigned quarters.

Li Yan walked back toward Hu Bai, who had been waiting nearby, and the two of them followed the disciples responsible for guiding the new outer disciples until they reached the main gate leading into the inner sections of the sect.

The gate was considerably more imposing than the entrance Li Yan had passed through during the examination, and several disciples stood nearby, checking the tokens of the newly accepted outer disciples before directing them toward their assigned quarters.

Li Yan glanced at the disciples moving through the gate and noticed that they were not all dressed the same, and from the way some were treated, he could tell that the sect divided its disciples according to their status.

There were outer disciples, inner disciples, and upper disciples, with each rank representing a considerable difference in cultivation and authority.

Li Yan looked at Hu Bai and wondered what rank he held within the sect, and judging from the way the disciples greeted him, he guessed that Hu Bai was among the higher-ranking disciples.

"Brother Hu, welcome back. Do you know this young man?"

A disciple stationed at the gate recognized Hu Bai and approached them with a respectful expression before glancing toward Li Yan.

Hu Bai smiled as he looked at Li Yan.

"Yes. This is my little brother. Please take good care of him."

The disciple glanced at Li Yan’s token and then looked back at Hu Bai, his expression becoming slightly more surprised when he saw the number recorded on it.

"He is ranked first?"

Hu Bai nodded.

"Judging from his token, he will be staying on Purple Mountain, so he will be quite close to you. I will be counting on you to look after him."

The disciple immediately understood the weight behind those words and nodded.

"Brother Hu, rest assured. As long as he remains within the sect, I will make sure nobody causes him unnecessary trouble."

Hu Bai smiled before stepping closer to the disciple, lowering his voice so that only the two of them could hear what he was saying.

"Make sure they know who’s protecting him and understand the consequences of going against me."