117: Chapter 117 The Fifth Life, The Blazing Sun Illuminates the Martial Path (Sixty-Five)

On the left stood a person dressed in green robes, with a handsome face and a warm smile; it was Zhou Xuan, a Core Disciple of the Four Seasons Holy Land.

On the right was a person dressed in white robes, with a cold appearance and an icy temperament; it was Bing Hao, a Core Disciple of the Ice and Snow Holy Land.

Zhou Xuan looked Chu Shi up and down, then praised him, saying:

"Brother Chu, we meet again. Congratulations, congratulations! You look truly dashing today."

Chu Shi was slightly taken aback, then replied enthusiastically: "Many thanks for the compliment, Brother Zhou. How have you found your stay at Lieyang Peak these past few days? Has there been anything lacking in our hospitality?"

"It has been quite good, thank you for your concern, Brother Chu." Zhou Xuan nodded, then his tone shifted, and his eyes instantly became sharp.

"I have heard many of your deeds lately, Brother Chu, and I admire them greatly. I hope that in the upcoming exchanges and sparring, Brother Chu will give it your all and not disappoint my expectations."

"I certainly will not let Brother Zhou down." Chu Shi's expression turned solemn as he replied earnestly.

That's more like it. As the leader of a Holy Land's disciples, how could one be completely devoid of pride?

The tactfulness displayed previously was merely a facade for social interaction.

"Congratulations."

At this moment, the taciturn Bing Hao beside him also nodded slightly, offering his congratulations.

At the same time, a surging fighting spirit rose in the depths of his eyes.

Afterward, the two exchanged a few more pleasantries with Chu Shi before taking their leave.

Chu Shi watched their retreating figures, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Sparring? Perfect. He also wanted to test just how strong his current power was.

After all, combat power is the only standard for testing strength.

Time passed bit by bit, and the number of people in the square grew.

Chu Shi continuously interacted and exchanged pleasantries with the arriving guests, such as the siblings Seventh Prince Xiao Yuan and Xiao Xiao, as well as Wang Teng and his group.

Even Zhao Xuan had arrived.

Upon arriving, he stared at Chu Shi, filled with fighting spirit.

Clearly, after these few months of training at the Holy Land, he had regained his fighting spirit and felt he was capable once more.

He had come for the exchange and sparring session after the ceremony.

Soon, the spectator stands surrounding the square were almost completely filled.

The Core Disciples of Lieyang Peak, the Peak Masters and Elders of the other peaks, and the disciples and entourage from the Four Seasons Holy Land and the Ice and Snow Holy Land had all arrived.

The entire square gradually quieted down.

The hour of the snake, precisely.

At this very moment.

Without any warning, everyone simultaneously raised their heads to look at the sky.

Several figures appeared abruptly above the square.

Their speed was extreme, to the point that not even the slightest ripple was produced in the air.

Despite clearly exceeding the speed of sound, they did not emit even the slightest sonic boom.

It was as if they had appeared out of thin air.

Chu Shi's pupils constricted suddenly, his mind shaken violently.

He stared fixedly at the figures in the sky, his heart pounding uncontrollably.

He remembered clearly that in his fourth life, he had encountered that Grand Supreme King in White.

That was a mighty figure who had undergone blood exchange three times, possessing unparalleled strength.

Yet, when that Supreme Prince moved, a dull sonic boom would echo behind him every few seconds.

Moreover, his so-called flight was more like short-distance gliding; he couldn't achieve true hovering in mid-air at all.

But now.

Master Lieyang, along with several other Peak Masters, as well as Elder Mo of the Four Seasons Holy Land and the Peak Master of the Ice and Snow Holy Land.

They were just floating quietly in the air, their robes fluttering in the wind, their expressions calm and composed.

Without the slightest strain.

Is this the strength of the middle and late stages of the Silver Marrow Realm?

A stormy sea surged in Chu Shi's heart.

He had long known that every blood exchange was a leap in life, a difference as vast as heaven and earth.

But he hadn't expected that this gap would be so immense.

It simply exceeded his imagination.

Just as Chu Shi was struck with shock.

The figures in the sky slowly descended.

Peak Master Lieyang landed on the high platform and sat steadily on the single seat there.

The other Peak Masters and Elders landed on the front row of the spectator stands.

The entire square instantly became silent.

Everyone held their breath, gazing respectfully at the figures on the high platform.

Peak Master Lieyang slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below.

His eyes were calm and waveless, yet carried an unquestionable majesty.

When his gaze fell upon Chu Shi, the corners of his mouth seemed, once again, to vaguely reveal a faint smile.

Then, his deep and majestic voice resonated across the entire summit of Lieyang Peak.

"The auspicious time has arrived. The ceremony officially begins!"

As Peak Master Lieyang's voice faded, Chu Shi quickly calmed his emotions, straightened his robes, and walked slowly onto the high platform.

Afterward, he walked to the area below Peak Master Lieyang, lifted his robes, and knelt down solemnly.

"Thump, thump, thump."

The sound of his forehead touching the ground was clearly audible, echoing across the silent square.

Chu Shi raised his head, looked at Peak Master Lieyang, and said in a clear voice:

"Disciple Chu Shi pays respects to Master. Four months ago, I was fortunate to stand out during the entrance trial and was honored to be accepted by Master as a registered disciple."

"Since that time, I have not dared to slack off in the slightest, training diligently day and night. Today, I have finally broken through to the Iron Skin Realm, living up to the grace of Master's guidance that day."

"I know that I am dull by nature, still an unpolished jade, but my heart is set on Lieyang. I wish to follow by Master's side for my entire life, studying the martial path and bringing glory to our Lieyang Peak."

"I boldly implore Master to accept me as a direct disciple!"

As his voice fell, Chu Shi prostrated himself again, his forehead pressed tightly against the cold white jade floor, his posture extremely respectful.

On the high platform, Peak Master Lieyang watched the slender, upright youth below, a trace of imperceptible gratification flashing in his eyes.

He slowly raised his hand, and a gentle yet irresistible force lifted Chu Shi up.

"Rise."

Peak Master Lieyang's voice was not loud, but it carried a power that pierced through people's hearts, spreading across the entire square:

"Chu Shi, you have been with the sect for over three months and have already broken through from the Body Tempering Realm to the Iron Skin Realm. This perseverance and talent are truly rare."

"Since you have made your request today, I shall grant it."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Chu Shi, his tone becoming solemn.

"However, to enter under the tutelage of Lieyang Peak, you must abide by our rules."

"First, respect your master and the path; do not defy your teachers."

"Second, disciples must be friendly and helpful toward one another; you must never kill each other."

"Third, you must not collude with external enemies or betray the sect. Have you committed these three rules to memory?"

"Disciple will strictly follow Master's teachings!" Chu Shi replied with a bow.

"Good." Peak Master Lieyang nodded slightly, his voice carrying a hint of a smile.

"From this day forth, you, Chu Shi, are the sixth direct disciple of Lieyang Peak."

As soon as his words fell, a low murmur of congratulations arose across the square.

Chu Shi felt a weight lift from his heart and bowed deeply once more: "Disciple thanks Master!"

After saying this, he turned and walked to the side.

An Inner Sect Disciple who had been waiting nearby stepped forward, holding a tray with both hands; on the tray was an exquisite set of celadon tea ware, and the hot tea in the cup was emitting wisps of steam.