Chapter 107: Persuasion to Withdraw

The disciples of the Black Tortoise Sect were abuzz with speculation, wondering why their sect leader had suddenly decided to assess their progress in cultivation.

“The leader’s emergence from seclusion is only part of the reason,” Yu Baoquan shook his head and said, “The main cause is that the rights to use Mount Fuyu have expired.”

Guo Cuicui furrowed her brows slightly. “What does that have to do with anything?”

Yang Xing, who had been with the Four Absolute Sect for over half a year, was naturally familiar with Mount Fuyu.

Located south of the city, Mount Fuyu was cloaked in dense forests. Its dark brown soil was incredibly fertile, making it an invaluable treasure for plant cultivation.

The Four Absolute Sect had planted vast fields of medicinal herbs on Mount Fuyu, including several essential ingredients used to forge the Four Absolute Pills.

Of the sect’s four to five hundred disciples, many could consume the Four Absolute Pills monthly largely thanks to the resources from Mount Fuyu.

Yu Baoquan spoke solemnly, “In the past, the Heavenly River Sect and our Four Absolute Sect fought fiercely—both openly and covertly—for the rights to Mount Fuyu for decades, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Eventually, the imperial court intervened and mediated a compromise: both sides would take turns using Mount Fuyu, with a twenty-year term each. That twenty-year term is nearly up.”

“The Heavenly River Sect will soon take over Mount Fuyu. Without the medicinal herbs from the mountain, the Four Absolute Pills will gradually become scarce. Some disciples will see their supply reduced, with the outer courtyard suffering first, and then the inner courtyard.”

Those nearby changed expressions upon hearing this, their faces revealing various emotions.

The Four Absolute Pills were exclusive to the sect’s disciples, highly valuable and immensely beneficial for cultivation. Any decrease in their availability would significantly hinder progress.

“Yu junior brother is right. I’ve also heard some news,” Shao Qiujv nodded and sighed. “At the recent sect leader meeting, the chief of the Vermilion Bird Sect proposed starting the reduction with our Black Tortoise lineage.”

Everyone present grew indignant upon hearing this.

“How outrageous! Why start reductions with our Black Tortoise Sect?”

“The Vermilion Bird Sect has always been at odds with us; naturally, they want to target us.”

“The other three sects have more disciples at the Pill Stage than us; there’s no way around it.”

“This year, Zhao Yutao of the Azure Dragon Sect and Yan Bilan of the Vermilion Bird Sect both entered the inner courtyard more than a year ago and have reached the Pill Stage now.”

...

Yang Xing frowned slightly. These Four Absolute Pills were far superior to the ordinary Qi-Replenishing Pills found on the market.

His rapid progress over the past half year was partly thanks to these pills.

Without the Four Absolute Pills, he would have to rely on Qi-Replenishing Pills instead, which might delay his advancement.

At that moment, the gathering inside the pavilion fell silent, their gazes all fixed in one direction as an elder with a head full of white hair slowly approached.

The elder wore a plain, elegant robe that fluttered gracefully. His kind and gentle face emanated warmth and friendliness.

“Master!” the disciples of the Black Tortoise lineage respectfully rose.

“Enough, no need for formalities,” Huang Zhen waved his hand and slowly sat down. “I called you here today mainly to assess your progress over this period.”

“Shao You, you start first.”

“Yes, sir!”

—

Lu Shaoyou clasped his fists.

The Black Tortoise disciples cleared a spacious area.

Lu Shaoyou took a deep breath, and suddenly a surge of potent energy erupted from his body.

“Qi energy!?” The disciples still below the Pill Stage were startled.

It was said that the Black Tortoise Qi was balanced and calm, yet its power was formidable.

Then, how astonishing would the Azure Dragon’s domineering Qi and the White Tiger’s fierce Qi be?

Lu Shaoyou shook his arm, and a visible stream of Qi appeared, rapidly shifting to form a powerful martial formation.

Boom!

The instant the formation burst forth, a mighty and surging momentum swept over the place.

This was the advanced martial art from the Black Tortoise Scripture—the Black Tortoise Seal.

Lu Shaoyou’s expression remained calm as his arms moved with seamless transitions, completing the seven moves and forty-nine techniques of the Black Tortoise Seal.

Huang Zhen nodded slightly. “Peak lower Pill Stage, and fairly proficient with the Black Tortoise Seal.”

Lu Shaoyou’s face flushed faintly as he clasped his fists. “I’ve stagnated for a year, Master. I’ve brought you shame.”

The top disciples of the other three sects were all at the mid Pill Stage, especially Jia Sujiao from the Vermilion Bird Sect, who was preparing to break into the upper Pill Stage.

Only Lu Shaoyou, the eldest senior brother of the Black Tortoise lineage, was stuck at the peak lower Pill Stage, a key reason for the lineage’s declining strength.

“That’s not due to lack of effort on your part. To reach the mid Pill Stage, you must connect the eight major meridians, which is no easy feat,” Huang Zhen waved his hand. “Next!”

Yu Baoquan and Shao Qiujv took turns demonstrating the Black Tortoise Seal. Compared to Lu Shaoyou, their Qi energy was noticeably weaker, yet their momentum was still impressive.

Huang Zhen offered casual pointers, and the two retreated thoughtfully.

Another disciple stepped forward to showcase his strength.

Huang Zhen said calmly, “Two years have passed, and if you haven’t reached the Pill Stage yet, your chances are slim.”

This disciple was Wu Dali, an elder of the Black Tortoise Sect, who had been with the sect for five years but remained at the Completion of Qi Transformation stage.

Upon hearing Huang Zhen’s words, Wu Dali’s face turned pale. “I have disappointed you, Master.”

Cultivation and martial training rarely see sudden breakthroughs; usually, one gets stuck at a bottleneck. If lacking the strength to push through, one stagnates, wasting years.

“If you still haven’t reached the Pill Stage in another six months, you must leave the Black Tortoise Sect and find another way to survive,” Huang Zhen said coldly. “Next!”

“Yes, sir!”

Wu Dali sighed and slowly stepped back.

He knew his chances of breaking through were slim but wanted to stay and try.

Now that Huang Zhen had spoken, if he hadn’t reached the Pill Stage by the deadline, he would have to leave.

For disciples from the inner courtyard of the Four Absolute Sect, ordinary wealth and comfort awaited outside.

—

Besides Wu Dali, five others were advised to leave.

They were senior brothers and sisters who had exhausted their potential and had no hope of breakthroughs, having been with the Black Tortoise Sect for years.

Any discerning eye could see the melancholy in their expressions.

After all, leaving the Black Tortoise Sect meant the cultivation path was nearly at its end.

Whether they would break through in the future was a matter of luck.

Soon, it was Yang Xing’s turn.

He stepped forward, his blood and Qi surging as he directly unleashed the Whirlwind Kick.

Swish! Swish!

The sound of wind slicing through the air accompanied the flawless execution of the Whirlwind Kick, which he had practiced countless times to perfection.

The set was completed swiftly.

Huang Zhen nodded slightly and asked, “Not bad. When did you break through to the Completion of Qi Transformation?”

Yang Xing replied, “Five months ago.”

Many disciples were surprised.

Even within the Black Tortoise Sect, Yang Xing’s innate talent was considered poor. Yet, he had reached Completion of Qi Transformation in less than a year since apprenticeship.

They couldn’t help but feel a hint of admiration for him.

Despite consuming the potent pills, the hardships he endured were beyond what most could imagine.

Huang Zhen gave some advice, “Keep it up. I hope one day you’ll reach the Pill Stage and strengthen the prestige of our Black Tortoise Sect.”

“I will remember my Master’s teachings,” Yang Xing said respectfully, clasping his fists and stepping back.

Next were Guo Cuicui and Wang Dong.

Like Yang Xing, Guo Cuicui had entered through connections; her talent was unremarkable, and her strength was at Completion of Qi Transformation.

Wang Dong, however, was gifted, his martial arts vigorous and commendable, nearing Completion of Qi Transformation as well.

Both had not been in the Black Tortoise Sect long, and Huang Zhen only offered a few casual pointers before falling silent.

This left Wang Dong somewhat disappointed.

He had expected praise from Huang Zhen but received only light advice.

As someone who considered himself a prodigy, it stung.

“The time is late. If there’s nothing else, you may all return,” Huang Zhen said, as if suddenly remembering something, before hastily departing.

...