Zi Xing tried to pull her hand away, but Ye Qingchen was gripping it so tightly that she couldn’t break free. Only then did Ye Qingchen realize he was still holding her hand, and he let go in a hurry, embarrassed. He had heard Wang Teng say that fighting was forbidden within the academy. Fearing that Zi Xing might act impulsively and violate the rules in the heat of the moment, he had pulled her to his side.

Ye Qingchen coughed awkwardly a couple of times. Zi Xing knew he meant well, so she didn’t linger on the awkward moment. Instead, she changed the subject.

"Junior Brother Ye, it seems those two hold a grudge against you."

Ye Qingchen shook his head. "We had some friction in the past. But as long as they don’t provoke me, I won’t go looking for trouble."

Zi Xing sighed. She knew Ye Qingchen’s temperament but still felt the need to caution him. "Junior Brother Ye, the people from Duanjin Academy are not to be trifled with. For the past few years, they have overseen the new student intake, which has allowed them to recruit many exceptional disciples. Moreover, Duanjin Academy’s disciples are incredibly united against outsiders. Their motto is ’When the academy stands united, its power can sever gold!’"

Ye Qingchen just smiled, unconcerned. Right now, his only goal was to secure a spot in the trial at the Devil’s Cave. He couldn’t be bothered with Duanjin Academy or the likes of Wang Teng. His indifferent attitude left Zi Xing feeling a little helpless.

Soon, they followed the line to the registration area before the altar. After they presented their identities, an academy teacher registered their names and handed each of them a jade slip. The slips detailed the process and plan for the Inner Sect Disciple assessment.

Ye Qingchen and Zi Xing accepted the jade slips and turned to leave, completely unaware that Wang Teng and Feng Yuan were watching them from a distance.

"Young Master Wang, I can’t swallow this insult," Feng Yuan said viciously, his eyes fixed on Ye Qingchen’s back.

Wang Teng waved a dismissive hand. "Let the kid strut around for a couple more days. Once the Inner Sect Disciple assessment begins, I’ll have ways to deal with them! For now, go and inform all the Duanjin Academy disciples participating in the assessment to gather at the mountain behind the academy."

"As you command, Young Master Wang," Feng Yuan replied respectfully before turning to depart.

Gazing at Zi Xing’s retreating figure, Wang Teng felt a surge of desire and muttered to himself, "Zi Xing, is it? The more aloof you are today, the more wanton you’ll be when you submit to me. There’s no rush. Once I’ve become an Inner Sect Disciple, I’ll have plenty of time to discipline you properly."

Ye Qingchen and Zi Xing walked away side-by-side, having already finished reading the information on the jade slips.

As Zi Xing had said, the Inner Sect Disciple assessment was scheduled for Sunday. Unlike previous years, however, this one would be held inside a Secret Realm. In truth, it was less a Secret Realm and more a training ground specially established by Central Celestial Academy for its disciples.

Students participating in this assessment could form teams upon entering the Secret Realm. For one week, they were to hunt as many Spirit Beasts as possible to accumulate points. Anyone who reached the required score would earn the status of an Inner Sect Disciple. According to the jade slip, killing a mid-level Martial King Realm Spirit Beast would earn ten points, while a high-level one was worth fifty. The Secret Realm also contained Martial Emperor Realm Spirit Beasts; hunting one of those would grant a hundred points. However, since the strongest participants in this assessment were only at the Peak of the Martial King Realm, hunting a Martial Emperor Realm Spirit Beast was easier said than done. Once a disciple accumulated one thousand points, they would pass the assessment.

Zi Xing looked at the jade slip in her hand and said to Ye Qingchen, "Junior Brother Ye, the jade slip says we can form teams freely. I’m the only one from Ferocious Fire Academy participating this time. Why don’t we team up?"

She knew that Ye Qingchen was also the sole representative of Shenmu Academy, which prompted her invitation. After all, his strength was undeniable. If they teamed up, they might be able to challenge more formidable Spirit Beasts and gather points more quickly.

Ye Qingchen gave a noncommittal nod, which she took as his agreement. In truth, he didn’t care much about teaming up, but since Zi Xing had proposed it, he felt it would be rude to refuse. Besides, the rules for this assessment were clearly designed with the future trials against the Demon Clan in mind. The Demon Clan was so formidable that fighting them alone would be impossible; teaming up to earn points would be a necessity. Getting accustomed to it now wasn’t a bad idea.

Seeing that Ye Qingchen had agreed, Zi Xing nodded happily. "In that case, Junior Brother Ye, you should prepare well over the next two days. We’ll meet up in front of the Secret Realm when the trial begins."

Ye Qingchen nodded, then added, "Senior Sister Zi Xing, if you have any contribution points to spare, could you help me exchange them for some Spirit Grass? I’d like to refine some Spirit Pills just in case."

"Of course, no problem at all," Zi Xing agreed at once. "I didn’t realize you were also an Alchemist, Junior Brother Ye. Just give me a list of the Spiritual Medicines you need, and I’ll bring them to you at Shenmu Academy after I’ve exchanged for them."

"Then I’ll have to trouble you, Senior Sister Zi Xing."

Ye Qingchen took out a brush and paper from his storage ring, swiftly wrote down the Spirit Grass he needed, and handed the list to Zi Xing.

After they parted ways, Ye Qingchen returned to Shenmu Academy alone.

"You rascal! You’re back. Instead of waiting obediently in the academy for this old man, where did you run off to this time?" As soon as Ye Qingchen stepped onto the low mountain, he saw Elder Yang sunbathing lazily in a recliner. Seeing him arrive, the elder chided him with a laugh.

Ye Qingchen pouted and retorted, "You’ve got some nerve. Other academies are organizing their disciples for the Inner Sect Disciple assessment, and what do you do? You just act like a hands-off shopkeeper every day."

Elder Yang roared with laughter and sat up straight. "I didn’t expect you to be so ambitious, kid. Not bad, not bad at all! With this invasion by the Demon Clan, our Shenmu Academy naturally can’t fall behind. You’d better perform well. Your senior brothers and sisters should be returning in the next few days. When you all get to the battlefield against the Demon Clan, make sure you build a name for our Shenmu Academy!"

Ye Qingchen walked over to the old man, paying little mind to his words. He squatted down beside him and asked, "Elder Yang, when are you going to take me to the Ten Great Ancient Clans?"

Hearing this, Elder Yang, who had been full of grand ambition just a moment before, stumbled and nearly fell. He hastily took a gulp of water to hide his embarrassment. "Ahem... We can’t rush that matter. Heh heh, it requires long-term planning..."