Chapter 12: Investable Person

"The next step?"

Li Xun's expression changed, and he curiously asked, "What's the next step?"

"Well..."

The white-clad disciple pondered for a moment, deeply looked at Li Xun, and pointed to a stone pillar in the chamber, saying, "Senior Brother, you have to strike the stone pillar with your True Essence without using any weapons."

"See how deep of a mark you can leave."

"I see."

Li Xun immediately understood.

At the Qi Refining Realm, one could already separate True Essence from the body. When using weapons, True Essence would undoubtedly become several times sharper. However, without using any weapons, the destructive power of True Essence would decrease.

This test mainly aimed to evaluate an inner disciple's control over True Essence.

If one could condense True Essence to the extreme, its killing power would be no less than that of the strongest of weapons!

Li Xun formed his fingers into a sword.

A sharp sword aura condensed, emitting a cold and dazzling brilliance. It was unstoppable, and even the white-clad disciple standing nearby could feel a trace of pain as if his flesh was being cut.

He pursed his lips and whispered, "Senior Brother, it's fine to hold back a bit."

"Alright!"

Li Xun nodded and restrained fifty percent of his strength.

Then, he pointed his sword at the target, and after a moment, he let it flew.

"Hum!"

The sword aura shot out, accompanied by a piercing whistling sound. It seemed like the void was being sliced apart.

"Boom!"

A loud bang resounded.

The entire chamber trembled violently, and dust filled the air.

After a while, the dust settled.

The white-clad disciple stood dumbfounded in place.

"Ah... this..."

He stared in disbelief at the stone pillar not far away. What used to be almost ten feet high was now reduced to only three feet.

The broken surface was incredibly smooth, without any visible cut marks.

Furthermore, a deep sword mark, several inches in depth, was left on the wall behind the stone pillar.

It was worth noting that this chamber was made of frigid iron stone. Ordinary Qi Refining Realm disciples wouldn't be able to leave any marks at all.

But Li Xun not only left a mark, but it was also several inches deep. It was simply unbelievable!

"Gulp!"

The white-clad disciple swallowed a mouthful of saliva, glancing at Li Xun, then at the stone pillar, and finally at the wall. He was deeply shocked.

What kind of monster was this Senior Brother?

Was this really the end result of his attack despite already holding back fifty percent of his strength?

What would it be like if he went all out?

Would he demolish the entirety of this chamber?

"Is there another assessment after this?"

Li Xun stood with his hands behind his back, turned around, and asked the white-clad disciple.

"No... there isn't."

The white-clad disciple forced a smile and continued, "Senior Brother, please wait in the front hall. I will prepare the inner disciple attire for you and your identity jade plaque."

"Alright."

Li Xun nodded.

He returned to the main hall.

He didn't have to wait long.

The white-clad disciple swiftly approached with a box in his hands. He placed the box in front of Li Xun and said, "Senior Brother, these are your attire."

As he spoke, he handed over a jade plaque, saying, "This is your identity jade plaque. With this, you can freely enter and leave the protective mountain formation. I apologize for the trouble."

Li Xun received the box and the identity jade plaque, carefully examining them.

The inner disciple attire was identical to what the white-clad disciple was wearing—a white robe with golden thread embellishments. It had an elegant and noble air.

The identity jade plaque was made of top-grade warm jade, warm to the touch, with divine light flowing inside. It was clearly not an ordinary item.

When going outside in the future, he could hang the jade plaque at his waist, and others would immediately know that he was an inner disciple of Xuanyang Sect.

"With this jade plaque, you can go to the Scripture Pavilion and choose two Low-Grade Profound-level techniques. Don't forget," the white-clad disciple reminded him.

"By the way, this jade plaque also contains the address of your new residence. Remember to check it when you have the time."

The white-clad disciple timely reminded.

"Thank you."

Li Xun nodded, collected the box and the identity jade plaque, then cupped his hands and said, "Farewell."

"Take care, Senior Brother!"

The white-clad disciple showed utmost respect. He accompanied Li Xun all the way until they reached the outside of the hall, then stopped.

Watching Li Xun's back, the white-clad disciple clicked his tongue, pondering thoughtfully:

"This Senior Brother only came for the assessment after reaching the peak of the Qi Refining Realm. He must be a person with great determination and boundless potential. It's such a missed opportunity for me to make such a good acquaintance today!"

"Alas!"

He let out a light sigh.

The white-clad disciple turned around and walked back into the hall. However, just as he lifted his foot, his body suddenly stiffened. He seemed to have remembered something and exclaimed in shock:

"If I'm not mistaken, outer disciples can only stay in the outer sect for five years!"

"Which means..."

"The Senior Brother just now reached the peak of the Qi Refining Realm within five years of cultivation?!"

He swiftly turned around and looked outside, but there was no trace of Li Xun.

On the mountain path of Zichen Peak.

Li Xun held the identity jade plaque in his hand, carefully inspecting it. It contained the information about his new residence, but unfortunately, the Qi Refining Realm didn't have the concept of spiritual consciousness. Therefore, he couldn't use his spiritual consciousness to explore the content inside.

However...

Although he couldn't use spiritual consciousness, there was a clumsy method.

That was to stick the jade plaque on his forehead.

Li Xun did so and quickly found the location of his new residence.

"Not bad. It's not far from Zichen Peak."

Li Xun nodded in satisfaction. He put away the jade plaque and planned to go and see his new residence, taking the opportunity to inform Lu Changhe.

After all...

He had only one friend within Xuanyang Sect.

It was only natural to invite him to see his new residence.

But just as he was about to head to his new residence, he caught a glimpse of a white figure passing by him.

"Hmm?"

"No, wait!"

"That was..."

Li Xun suddenly turned around and looked in the direction the figure came from. His pupils contracted, revealing a pleasant surprise.

"An investable person!"