Chapter 397: Chapter 397: The Time Has Come Atop Zhaixing Peak!

Zhu Chongjiu was the master of the ninth peak, which was the lowest.

Over the years, anything of any value had been scoured away by the disciples.

The fact that they dared to rob his dwelling openly showed just how little they respected Zhu Chongjiu.

Zhaixing Peak was the seventh peak, which one could reach only by crossing another mountain peak.

Foundation Establishment disciples were not allowed to fly within the sect on their own.

Lu Chen could only travel on foot.

Fortunately, his spiritual power was profound; although he was not very skilled in movement techniques, he was quite fast.

And there was plenty of time.

However, as he reached the midsection of Zhaixing Peak, he noticed several magic artifacts streaking across the sky.

They took forms of swords, knives, bells, and mats.

No matter the style of the magic artifact, there were one or more people standing on them.

Clearly, these were Core Formation elders, along with those from the outer sect, bringing their disciples to participate in the selection.

All saw Lu Chen climbing the slope alone, and their faces showed disdain.

Even if participation in such an important event was what mattered, the fact that not even his master had come to see him off, it was clear that he was a disciple not favored by any lineage.

All the disciples who passed overhead looked down on him with contempt. Those who couldn’t recognize Lu Chen’s face from afar at least remembered his clothing.

Having joined the sect just yesterday and after some events, Lu Chen had forgotten to change into the standard Path-protecting Clothes of the Casting Gear Pavilion and was still wearing his plain attire.

By the time he reached the midsection of Zhaixing Peak, the place was bustling and crowded with people.

Without using the Hateful Heaven Pupil Technique, Lu Chen was still taken aback just by looking with his naked eyes.

This third-rate sect actually had so many at the Foundation Establishment Stage?

Upon closer observation, he could discern slight differences in the clothing of these people.

Seeing many with smirks on their faces, pointing and whispering something about him, Lu Chen realized they were reacting to his attire.

But such underestimation probably led them to think he was just a servant, Lu Chen thought.

Within the Ji Pavilion, there were indeed some who continued to practice cultivation or could no longer progress in the path of Artifact Refining and chose to stay for the sect’s protection, or because they believed they still had the potential to break through.

They would do miscellaneous tasks to earn contributions, exchange for resources, and cultivate in their spare time.

In the Cultivation World, Loose Cultivators may seem free, but they are more like rootless duckweed, not nearly as comfortable or safe as those from a sect.

Lu Chen didn’t mind. The more others underestimated him, the more advantageous it would be for him within the formation.

No matter how the competition proceeded, he didn’t care too much.

Lu Chen found a corner to sit down and quietly waited for the sun to rise higher.

In the deepest part of the crowd, near the stone wall at the foot of the mountain, were more than ten disciples in the late stage of Foundation Establishment gathered together.

Li Chengming was among them!

He was treated like a star surrounded by planets, with his fellow disciples affectionately calling him "Eldest Senior Brother" and such.

Besides him, there were two others standing apart, about ten steps away.

One was a woman dressed in black, exuding an aura of fierceness.

Another person emitted a cold aura, appearing out of place among the crowd.

Both of these individuals were alone, not only did no one surround them, but everyone also kept their distance.

Lu Chen’s guess was not wrong; the three spots had already been decided in advance!

Whether it was the woman in black or the man with the cold aura, they were talents picked up from the mortal world by the Ji Pavilion years ago.

They didn’t need to refine artifacts; they just needed to cultivate well!

Now facing an elite sect like Haotian Sect opening its Secret Realm, which matched their stages, the Ji Pavilion naturally hoped to make a good impression!

Without a doubt, the third spot was given to Li Chengming!

Time passed.

As the sun reached its zenith, Lu Chen also stood up.

And Xu Taiping, the seventh elder of the Ji Pavilion and Master of Zhaixing Peak, descended from the peak above.

"Greetings to the seventh elder!"

The multitude of disciples said in unison.

Several other Core Formation elders also arrived suddenly, standing beside Xu Taiping!

Xu Taiping coughed lightly and then pronounced loudly, "Everyone must be aware of the importance of this event. The rule is that the first three disciples who can make their way out of the Star Picking Formation will receive a reward from the sect! As for what that reward is... well, that will only be revealed at the end of the event!"

He didn’t mention the Haotian Secret Realm, and a flicker of doubt crossed Lu Chen’s mind – could there be something else they needed to keep hidden?

But he had no time to ponder further, as Xu Taiping continued, "Everyone, please take out your wooden tokens. If you lose this opportunity due to your own mistake, don’t blame this elder!"

A bad feeling suddenly struck Lu Chen.

Could Xu Taiping be planning...

To sabotage the wooden token, preventing him from entering the Star Picking Formation?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read