Chapter 15: Wang Miao in Astonishment

Before Qingxi could respond, Tu Yongsheng burst into loud laughter and said, “Well, how about that? Not only are there two prodigies with spirit-grade roots this year, but also a hidden genius whose twelve meridians are fully open. Too bad his spiritual root is only of the lowest grade.”

Steward Xu Shan, having calmed himself, sighed, “It truly is a pity... Still, even with only a low-grade root, if he can become the disciple of an inner sect elder, he might yet reach the Innate Realm and become a great master.”

“Old Xu, perhaps you haven't heard—Elder Ouyang from the inner sect has already taken this boy as his disciple,” Tu Yongsheng revealed, causing Xu Shan's expression to shift dramatically.

“You mean Elder Ouyang Changfeng—the one who has never taken a disciple?”

“Exactly!”

Xu Shan inhaled sharply, then felt overwhelming envy toward Qingxi.

“It’s said Elder Ouyang Changfeng has reached the peak of the mid-stage Innate Realm, ranking among the top ten inner sect elders. With him as a master, this boy will surely reach the Innate Realm, perhaps even break through to the mid-stage against all odds!”

The Innate Realm was divided into early, mid, late, and perfect stages. Above perfect lay the Spirit Gang Realm, attainable only by the sect master.

In all of Yunchuan Prefecture, a mid-stage Innate expert was highly respected. To become the sole disciple of such a grand master meant Qingxi’s future would be brilliant and smooth.

After settling his emotions, Steward Xu Shan, following protocol, produced a thick register and recorded Qingxi’s promotion to the outer sect. He then issued him an identity token for outer disciples and two sets of well-fitted blue robes.

After leaving the main hall, Tu Yongsheng led the way. Their destination was the inner sect. As an inner sect elder, Ouyang Changfeng naturally resided at its core. Without Tu Yongsheng as a guide, Qingxi’s new status as an outer disciple would not allow him past the boundary—he would be stopped by the guards.

Upon entering the inner sect, Qingxi noticed a familiar figure approaching. It was a handsome, arrogant young man who, even upon seeing Tu Yongsheng, an outer sect elder at the peak of Qi Refining, merely glanced sideways, never looking directly. This was none other than Wang Miao, scion of the Wang family, a genius with spirit-grade roots and the personal disciple of the Grand Elder.

Wang Miao swept his gaze over Qingxi and strode on without pause. Yet in the next moment, his eyes filled with confusion as he abruptly turned to stare at Qingxi.

Wang Miao did not know Qingxi’s name. In the eyes of this proud genius, someone with a low-grade root was beneath notice. He paid attention only because, during the bone-testing day, he had seen Qingxi interacting amicably with Lin Feng. Since Wang Miao already bore a grudge against Lin Feng, he remembered Qingxi’s face as well.

He distinctly recalled that this person with only a low-grade root had been casually assigned to the outer sect, destined to become a mere registered disciple lost among the crowd. But now, why was he in the inner sect? Not only did he carry an outer disciple’s token, but held the robes as well.

Could it be that he had become an outer disciple? That shouldn’t be possible! Wasn’t the requirement for outer disciples to reach the tenth level of Qi Refining? Wang Miao was full of doubt.

His resentment toward Lin Feng for taking the sect master’s disciple qualification made him dislike Qingxi as well. Seeing him now, he naturally wanted to trip him up.

But as Wang Miao schemed, Qingxi and Tu Yongsheng drew near, their conversation drifting to his ears.

“You must be more cautious now,” Tu Yongsheng said. “Being an outer disciple is different—only by contributing to the sect will you receive proper rewards. If you ever encounter danger while on a mission, just declare yourself a disciple of the Lingyuan Sect. That should resolve most crises.”

“Thank you for the advice, Elder. By the way, will I be able to receive the ‘Qi Condensation Art: Qi Refining Volume, Middle Scroll’ later? I broke through to the peak of Qi Refining tenth level last night, and without a proper technique, I can’t continue cultivating.”

“What’s the rush? Once you meet Elder Ouyang, not only the middle scroll—even the lower scroll will be yours.”

...

Their conversation was like steel needles in Wang Miao’s ears, making him restless.

Outer disciple? Peak of Qi Refining tenth level?

Did I hear that right?

Wang Miao stood stunned for several moments before shouting after them, “Wait!”

“You claim to have reached the tenth level of Qi Refining? Impossible!”

His eyes widened like bronze bells, staring at Qingxi as if hearing the world’s greatest joke. Despite being a spirit-grade genius nurtured by the Grand Elder, he himself had only just reached the peak of Qi Refining sixth level after several days.

Even so, he was praised by many inner sect elders for his speed, said to be second only to the sect’s senior inner sister in her prime.

Now, hearing that Qingxi—a disciple with a low-grade root—had reached the peak of Qi Refining tenth level, he could hardly believe it.

Ahead, Qingxi and Tu Yongsheng paused, both turning to Wang Miao.

Tu Yongsheng recognized this spirit-grade prodigy and asked, “Young Master Wang, is there something you need?”

Wang Miao narrowed his eyes, deliberated for a moment, then pointed at Qingxi with a half-smile and said, “Did I just hear that this person has broken through to the peak of Qi Refining tenth level?”

Tu Yongsheng didn’t answer immediately, instead giving Qingxi a knowing look. Qingxi understood, and unleashed his peak Qi Refining tenth level aura without restraint.

Boom!

A fierce wind swept out, sand and stones swirling in the air. Wang Miao felt a power far surpassing his own, as if his shoulders bore heavy stones, his steps and mood weighed down. He stared, mouth agape, oblivious even as strands of hair were blown into his mouth.

“Seven days, Qi Refining tenth level... How is that possible?”

This was his first reaction.

Even for a low-grade root, even the prodigious senior sister with a profound-grade root had taken more than half a month to advance from the first to the tenth level of Qi Refining.

Tu Yongsheng, experienced and shrewd, easily guessed Wang Miao’s thoughts and replied with a faint smile, “Though Qingxi isn’t a spirit-grade genius like yourself, he had his own opportunities—reaching Qi Refining tenth level is only natural. If there’s nothing else, Young Master Wang, we have important matters to attend to. Farewell!”

With that, Tu Yongsheng led Qingxi toward Elder Ouyang’s residence.

Wang Miao wanted to protest, but when the words reached his lips, he seemed unable to speak, as if bound by invisible force. He stood frozen, his expression a tumult of emotions.

“How infuriating!”

“Lin Feng, that fat bastard, already outshines me—now even a nobody with a low-grade root has surpassed me in cultivation...”

“What use is this spirit-grade root to me!”

After a long time, Wang Miao clutched his black hair in frustration, roaring repeatedly.