Chapter Seven: An Unexpected Promotion

The Fifth Peak had only just recovered from the last incident when Gu Xiaopang bullied Mu Wan'er and was besieged at its gates by a crowd of juniors; now, once again, it was surrounded so tightly by numerous high-ranking outer disciples that it inevitably drew the attention of the sect’s senior members.

Upon learning the details, the various stewards and elders were somewhat surprised.

“Old Five, your grandson has truly turned misfortune into a blessing this time.”

“No doubt about it. I snuck a peek last time—your Xiaopang was only at the fourth tier, yet he could challenge disciples at the eighth and ninth tiers, even fight to a draw... Remarkable! How many years has it been since Misty Sect produced such a talented disciple? He’s a promising seedling; the sect must focus on cultivating him.”

“Master, don’t overpraise that rascal. Three years plagued by illness have wasted much of his cultivation time, though his endurance has been forged in the process. To put it plainly, he’s tough enough to withstand a beating now; otherwise, who else would dare spar so recklessly with seniors several tiers above? Still, his cultivation is a bit lacking. Since you say he deserves special attention, I, Old Gu, will shamelessly ask for some benefits for my incapable grandson. I trust you won’t be stingy with resources, Master; at the very least, help him advance a few more tiers... Don’t you all agree?”

Gu Zaizuo was riding high these days—how could he not, with such an accomplished grandson?

The other peak leaders, including the sect master, all wore expressions of disdain, refusing to look at Old Five’s face, which seemed one step away from being carved with “My son outshines yours” in bold strokes.

“We can discuss resources later, but that boy is stuck for now; he won’t be going anywhere. I suppose the outer sect will quiet down for a while.”

...

While the elders exchanged empty flattery and insincere remarks, Gu Xiaopang himself couldn’t help but admire the patience of the disciples below the peak. The enormous outer training ground was packed with white tents, overflowing with people—even many lower-tier disciples who hadn’t improved in ages had come to join the excitement, all hoping for a chance to be favored by Gu Xiaopang.

It really was a case of playing a prank and ending up hoisted by his own petard. Speechless, Gu Xiaopang muttered feebly, “I’m not afraid of you—don’t push me, or I’ll take you all down.”

He composed himself, found a quiet spot atop the peak, sat cross-legged, formed a seal with his hands, and entered cultivation.

Just as Gu Xiaopang devoted his entire mind to cultivation, a beam of light invisible to outsiders flickered across the unremarkable stone pendant hanging from his chest.

The night passed swiftly, as if in the blink of an eye.

Bathed in the dawn’s purple glow, Gu Xiaopang found the true energy within him had grown more robust and flowed more smoothly. With a faint “crack” from deep within his body, he opened his eyes in astonishment.

“I advanced again?”

“How did I suddenly break through?”

“Could just a few challenges really result in advancement? There wasn’t any sign beforehand…”

“Advancing is a good thing.”

“But could there be any problems—what if my foundation becomes unstable?”

Being newly integrated into this world’s cultivation system, Gu Xiaopang’s unexpected advancement brought both joy and worry.

But his optimistic nature soon put the matter out of mind. In his words, “I’m a genius—my breakthroughs are bound to be different from ordinary folk!”

Down at the Fifth Peak, the multitude of outer disciples unable to catch sight of Gu Xiaopang were not idle. They continued their own cultivation, and sparring matches and duels became the norm—after all, who knew if they might achieve the same effect as sparring with Gu Xiaopang?

Thus, the Fifth Peak’s outer training grounds were exceptionally lively, with single duels and group battles happening everywhere.

Meanwhile, the original lower-tier outer disciples of the Fifth Peak had lost their training grounds and were forced to move to the neighboring peak’s outer arena, often casting longing, red-eyed glances back at their own treasured land.