135: Chapter 135 Annual Assessment

The Training Ground was located on the mountainside of Zixia Peak, a leveled stone platform wide enough to accommodate hundreds of people.

The ground was paved with grey-blue flagstones; after many years, the surface had been worn down with shallow and deep indentations from footsteps.

Several stone pillars stood around the platform, engraved with complex runes that faintly shimmered with flowing light.

This was the place where Zixia Peak held its annual assessment, and also where Disciples sparred in their daily practice.

When Lin Tian arrived, many people had already gathered at the Training Ground.

Disciples stood in small groups, some with arms crossed, whispering to each other, some practicing their Moves, and others leaning against the stone pillars with their eyes closed.

The morning light spilled over from the eastern ridge, dyeing the entire Training Ground in a faint golden hue.

As he walked into the Training Ground, several gazes fell upon him.

Those gazes came from some of the veteran Disciples.

They glanced at Lin Tian, exchanged looks with one another, and then shook their heads.

"Is this kid Lin Tian?"

"That's him. He offended the Peak Master. Once the assessment is over today, he'll probably have to pack his bags and leave."

"What a pity. I heard he's quite wealthy; he spent over ten thousand taels at the Wanbao Pavilion in one go."

"What's the use of money? This is the Qixia Sect; what matters is Aptitude and strength."

"The Peak Master set the rule personally: if one cannot Cultivate Internal Energy within a year, they will be expelled from the Sect. Do you think he can do it?"

"Cultivate Internal Energy within a year? Out of all the new Disciples on Zixia Peak, how many can do that? He's someone the Peak Master herself said had mediocre Aptitude; it would be a miracle if he could do it."

The veteran Disciples who were speaking shook their heads, their gazes filled with a mix of pity and schadenfreude.

They knew some inside information—the incident where Peak Master Su Hanyan snatched him away from other Peak Masters had caused quite a stir, and later discovering that the one she snatched was a waste had long ceased to be a secret among the veteran Disciples of Zixia Peak.

In their eyes, Lin Tian coming to the Training Ground today was merely going through the motions before leaving in disgrace.

However, just at this moment, a group of new Disciples swarmed over.

"Senior Brother Lin!"

"Senior Brother Lin is here!"

"Senior Brother Lin, over here, over here!"

Several new Disciples enthusiastically surrounded Lin Tian and greeted him with smiles.

Some asked how his Cultivation had gone over these past three months, some mentioned that the herb-gathering trip to Taixuan Mountain last time was thanks to Senior Brother Lin, and others patted their chests, saying they would treat Senior Brother Lin to a drink in Yunzhou Prefecture after the assessment.

Their attitude was so respectful and their tone so warm that it was no less than how they treated the Zhao siblings.

The veteran Disciples were stunned.

What was going on?

They looked at each other, their expressions as if they had seen something unbelievable.

Wasn't this Lin Tian a waste disliked by the Peak Master? Why were these new Disciples so respectful to him?

Even if they didn't know the inside story, they shouldn't be this enthusiastic toward an ordinary new Disciple, right?

Someone frowned: "These new Disciples probably don't know that Lin Tian is about to be expelled."

"That must be it. Once the assessment ends and Lin Tian packs his bags to leave, they'll find out."

The veteran Disciples withdrew their gazes, no longer paying attention.

The departure of a new Disciple was merely fodder for conversation after a meal to them, not worth much thought.

The Zhao siblings also arrived.

Zhao Mingyang walked into the Training Ground with a precious sword at his waist, head held high and chest puffed out.

Zhao Mingyue followed behind him, also dressed in sharp attire, with the sword bought at the Wanbao Pavilion hanging at her waist.

As soon as the siblings appeared, a portion of the surrounding new Disciples immediately went up to meet them, with compliments and flattery ringing in their ears.

But Zhao Mingyang's gaze fell on Lin Tian's side.

There were more people gathered there than here.

His brow furrowed slightly, and his footsteps paused. Zhao Mingyue followed his gaze and also saw Lin Tian surrounded by several new Disciples.

She hummed softly and said in a low voice: "Brother, don't worry. During the assessment, the first place among the newcomers will definitely be yours."

Zhao Mingyang withdrew his gaze, nodded, his voice firm: "That goes without saying."

Although he admitted that Lin Tian was wealthier than them—taking out twelve thousand taels of silver at the Wanbao Pavilion in one go, a financial capability he truly couldn't match.

But in the world of martial arts, what matters in the end is Aptitude and strength.

Money can buy precious swords, Medicinal Pills, and secret martial arts manuals, but it cannot buy Realm, nor can it buy Internal Energy.

He, Zhao Mingyang, had broken through from the Third Grade to the Fourth Grade in one year and cultivated Internal Energy; this talent was unique among the new Disciples. No matter how rich Lin Tian was, he couldn't use silver to smash his way into a higher cultivation level.

Thinking of this, Zhao Mingyang stood even straighter. He glanced at Lin Tian, and the corners of his mouth curved into an arc.

The meaning in that look was obvious—so what if you have money? Today is when the truth will finally be revealed.

Lin Tian noticed Zhao Mingyang's gaze. He did not respond, only narrowed his eyes slightly.

A Breakthrough? What a coincidence.

He had originally thought he was the only one among this batch of new Disciples to have broken through to the Fourth Grade; he didn't expect Zhao Mingyang to have broken through as well. But so what?

The fluctuation of Qi on Zhao Mingyang was still a bit raw, and the flow of Internal Energy was not yet perfectly rounded, clearly having broken through not long ago, at most a month or two.

As for him, he had already entered the Fourth Grade half a year ago, and now he had reached the Middle Stage of the Fourth Grade. If it really came down to cultivation speed, Zhao Mingyang was far behind him.

Naturally, he would not say these words.

Lin Tian withdrew his gaze, stood in place with a calm expression, waiting for the assessment to begin.

The number of people on the Training Ground grew larger.

The morning light completely spilled over from the horizon, illuminating the entire platform.

A mountain breeze blew past, and the runes on the stone pillars around the platform flickered slightly, emitting a low humming sound.

Just then, the crowd suddenly quieted down.

Peak Master Su Hanyan of Zixia Peak had arrived.

She wore purple robes, her long hair tied up with a jade hairpin, and her face was as cold as frost. Several Elders followed behind her, walking into the Training Ground in single file.

Peak Master Su Hanyan's pace was not fast, but every step she took carried an invisible sense of oppression. Wherever she passed, the Disciples automatically cleared a path and bowed their heads in salute.

She took her seat on the high platform at the front of the Training Ground, with the Elders lining up on both sides. Peak Master Su Hanyan's gaze swept across the entire field, and her cold voice rang in everyone's ears, not loud, but clearly audible.

"The annual assessment, you all know the rules. Those with good results will be rewarded. Those with poor results will be criticized or punished accordingly."

Her gaze found Lin Tian in the crowd and paused.

"As for Lin Tian."

Everyone in the Training Ground pricked up their ears.

"The rule I set for you a year ago expires today. Cultivate Internal Energy, and stay at Zixia Peak. If you cannot, leave the Qixia Sect. Are you ready?"

As soon as these words were spoken, a low uproar immediately erupted on the Training Ground.

Although many veteran Disciples had known about this, hearing the Peak Master say it in front of everyone still made their hearts tremble.

Cultivating Internal Energy within a year was a harsh requirement for any new Disciple.

Of all the new Disciples on Zixia Peak this year, only Zhao Mingyang had achieved it so far.

How could Lin Tian, someone the Peak Master herself had said had mediocre Aptitude, possibly achieve it?

"It's over, he's definitely going to be expelled."

"Cultivating Internal Energy in one year, that's just too difficult. Even a Genius like Zhao Mingyang barely managed it; how could Lin Tian?"

"It's a pity for all that silver of his."

The veteran Disciples shook their heads and sighed, wearing expressions that showed they had expected this all along. The new Disciples, on the other hand, all wore looks of astonishment; most of them only realized at this moment that Lin Tian was carrying such an assessment.

The few new Disciples who had just been warmly greeting Lin Tian now had their smiles frozen on their faces, looking at each other, not knowing what to say.

Zhao Mingyang stood in front of the crowd, and upon hearing this, the smile at the corner of his mouth could no longer be suppressed.

He turned to look at Lin Tian, the triumph in his gaze almost overflowing. Cultivating Internal Energy in a year—he had done it, and he was the only one among all the new Disciples to have done so.

How could Lin Tian compare to him?

After today, this eyesore would have to pack his bags and leave, while he, Zhao Mingyang, would sit firmly in the position of the number one newcomer, accepting the admiration of everyone.

The assessment on the Training Ground had already begun.

The assessment for veteran Disciples and new Disciples was conducted separately, with different Elders in charge.

The veteran Disciples were assessed on both cultivation and martial arts, while the new Disciples were mainly assessed on cultivation—after all, they had only been initiated for a year, so it was already quite good to have improved their cultivation; high requirements were not placed on the martial arts aspect.

Steward Zhou was in charge of the new Disciple assessment.

He walked up to the line of new Disciples with a smile, asking everyone to step forward one by one and extend their hands.

He placed his hand on their wrists, channeling a sliver of Qi to sense the state of their blood and Meridians, then announced their Realm, which a nearby Disciple recorded.

"Third Realm, Middle Stage."

"Third Realm, Late Stage."

"Third Realm, Middle Stage."

"Third Realm, Peak."

As the new Disciples stepped forward one by one, Steward Zhou examined them. Over the past year, these new Disciples had all improved their Cultivation.

When they first joined, most were at the Third Realm, Early Stage. After a year of Cultivation, some had reached the Middle Stage,

some had reached the Late Stage, and a few with better Aptitude had touched the threshold of the Peak. Without exception, however, not a single person had cultivated Internal Energy.

Steward Zhou shook his head as he examined them. He wasn't disappointed, though; after all, breaking through from the Third Realm to the Fourth Realm within a year was something only a Genius could achieve.

It would be good enough to have one in this batch of new Disciples; having two would be wishful thinking.

After examining more than half, still no one had cultivated Internal Energy.

Steward Zhou already had a count in his mind, and his expression became indifferent. He casually announced the Realms, his tone becoming faster and faster, clearly having no expectations left.

Then, Zhao Mingyang walked up to him.

The moment Steward Zhou placed his hand on Zhao Mingyang's wrist and his Qi probed inside, his fingers trembled violently.

A faint but undeniably real Internal Energy rose from Zhao Mingyang's Dantian, slowly circulating along his Meridians.

Although raw and not yet fully refined, it was true Internal Energy, not the power of blood and Qi.

Steward Zhou's eyes widened, and his voice rose an octave: "Internal Energy! You've had a Breakthrough?"

Zhao Mingyang lifted his chin, his voice clear and resonant: "That's right."

These two words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake; everyone on the Training Ground looked over.

The new Disciples widened their eyes, their shock unconcealed.

Breaking through to the Fourth Realm in a year and cultivating Internal Energy was something most of them didn't even dare to imagine.

Zhao Mingyang had done it—not only had he done it, but it was confirmed by Steward Zhou himself in front of everyone.

The senior Disciples were also full of surprise.

Going from the Third Realm to the Fourth Realm in a year, this speed of Cultivation could indeed be called that of a Genius.

There hadn't been many on Zixia Peak who could achieve this in recent years.

"Reached the Fourth Realm? This Zhao Mingyang is quite something."

"A Breakthrough in one year; his Aptitude is indeed good. If cultivated properly, he might make a name for himself in the future."

"The top spot for the new Disciples is secured; it's definitely his."

The senior Disciples whispered among themselves, their gazes toward Zhao Mingyang holding a bit more approval.

The new Disciples were even more direct. Before the assessment had even ended, several people had already crowded around Zhao Mingyang, their smiles brighter than the morning light.

"Senior Brother Zhao is amazing!"

"A Breakthrough to the Fourth Realm in one year, Senior Brother Zhao is truly a Genius!"

"Please look after us in the future, Senior Brother Zhao!"

Compliments rose and fell, surrounding Zhao Mingyang in the middle.

Zhao Mingyang stood in the crowd, his chin held high, his face full of pride.

Finally, he had become the Genius in the spotlight once again. The frustration of being overshadowed by Lin Tian's money over the past few months had been swept away in an instant.

What was silver? This was the Qixia Sect, a martial arts Sect; what mattered was Aptitude and strength.

He, Zhao Mingyang, had broken through to the Fourth Realm in one year. With this Aptitude on display, who could compare?

He turned his head and glanced toward Lin Tian. That look carried unconcealed triumph, as if to say—did you see that? This is a true Genius.

So what if you have money? Today you're going to be kicked out, and I, Zhao Mingyang, am the number one new Disciple.

Lin Tian felt his gaze, but his expression didn't change. He only narrowed his eyes slightly and his lips twitched, as if he were smiling, or perhaps not.

Fourth Realm, Early Stage. Having just broken through, the Internal Energy still carried a sense of rawness.

Lin Tian just heard Steward Zhou's exclamation and observed the fluctuations of Zhao Mingyang's aura, and he had roughly judged his depth.

He had indeed broken through, but he had only just touched the threshold of the Fourth Realm. Compared to himself, who had stepped into the Fourth Realm half a year ago, he was far behind.

Not to mention that he was already at the Fourth Realm, Middle Stage, with thick and refined Internal Energy that could not be mentioned in the same breath as the Early Stage.

However, he wouldn't say these things. Lin Tian withdrew his gaze, standing in place with a calm expression, waiting for his turn.

On the high platform, Peak Master Su Hanyan also looked toward Zhao Mingyang. Her gaze paused on him, and she nodded slightly.

"Not bad."

Only two words. But for a newly entered Disciple, receiving a "not bad" directly from the Peak Master was already a tremendous honor.

The surrounding Disciples looked at Zhao Mingyang with even more envy—to be favored by the Peak Master meant his future prospects were limitless.

Medicinal Pills, Cultivation Techniques, and guidance from Elders—these resources would all be tilted toward a Genius. Zhao Mingyang's future was bright.

Hearing these two words, Zhao Mingyang puffed out his chest even higher. He cupped his hands and bowed toward the high platform: "Thank you, Peak Master!"

Peak Master Su Hanyan withdrew her gaze and did not look at him again. Her line of sight passed over the crowd and landed on Lin Tian.

Then she stood up.

The Peak Master standing up in person made the entire Training Ground go quiet.

Everyone's gaze followed Peak Master Su Hanyan's line of sight and landed on Lin Tian.

Peak Master Su Hanyan walked down from the high platform, her pace unhurried. She walked through the crowd, and the Disciples automatically parted to both sides, like water receding in the middle.

She walked until she was three steps away from Lin Tian before stopping.

"Lin Tian."

Her voice was not loud, but everyone in the venue heard it clearly.

"A year ago, I gave you a chance. I let you Cultivate on Zixia Peak for a year; if you could Cultivate Internal Energy, you could stay.

If you couldn't, then you would leave the Qixia Sect."

"Now, a year has passed. I will personally assess you to see if you have cultivated Internal Energy."

Her gaze landed on Lin Tian's face, cold as frost, showing no emotion.

"Are you ready?"

The Training Ground erupted in an uproar.

"What? The Peak Master is personally assessing him?"

"Why is Lin Tian's assessment so difficult? Cultivate Internal Energy in a year? Only one top Genius, Zhao Mingyang, has managed to Cultivate it among all the new Disciples, right?"

"How could he possibly Cultivate it? He's not a Genius like Zhao Mingyang."

"It's over, he's definitely going to be kicked out."

Exclamations rang out in the crowd. The senior Disciples shook their heads, wearing expressions of "I knew it."

The new Disciples showed regret; some sighed, and some lowered their heads, unable to bear watching.

Those few new Disciples who had just been surrounding Lin Tian now subconsciously took half a step back, leaving Lin Tian all alone in the spot.

Zhao Mingyang stood in front of the crowd, watching this scene, and finally couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Haha. Compete with him? Lin Tian was too far behind.

Cultivating Internal Energy in a year—among all the new Disciples, only he, Zhao Mingyang, had done it. What did Lin Tian have to rely on?

Relying on his money? If silver could smash out Internal Energy, then every merchant on the street would be a martial arts Grandmaster.

He crossed his arms with a cold sneer on his lips, waiting to see Lin Tian make a fool of himself, waiting to see this eyesore be judged as unqualified by the Peak Master herself, and then slink out of the Qixia Sect in disgrace.

Zhao Mingyue stood beside her brother and also gave a light huff. Although she didn't speak, the meaning in her eyes was exactly the same as Zhao Mingyang's—give up, you can't compare to my brother.

Gazes from all directions gathered on the Training Ground, all landing on Lin Tian.

Those gazes held pity, schadenfreude, regret, and indifference. Everyone was waiting for his answer.

Lin Tian stood in place, his back straight. The morning light shone on his face, illuminating his features clearly.

His expression was very calm; there was neither the nervousness of being personally assessed by the Peak Master nor the unease of being watched by everyone. He just lifted his eyelids slightly and looked at Peak Master Su Hanyan.

"I am ready."