C17 The Sect's Trial

Time was slipping away, and the sect's disciples had been practicing for quite some time.

The Dust Taoist returned to the courtyard and announced that the sect would soon commence its trials.

The Grand Upper Elder couldn't personally visit the sect. He was well aware that Bai Yu had not taken him as a master, which meant they had no formal connection.

It was only after the ritual of taking a master that a visit to offer reminders was possible.

Bai Yu was seated in the courtyard, deep in cultivation, when the Dust Taoist entered through the gate and stood before him.

"Dust Taoist?"

"Why are you still here? Aren't you supposed to be at the sect's trial?"

The trial was meant for new disciples. With his golden Root, Bai Yu was exempt from such requirements.

"Why am I even listed with them? Do any of them pose a challenge to me?"

The Dust Taoist didn't bother to explain; the list for cultivation was delivered by the Grand Upper Elder.

The Great Elders were only responsible for passing on the message; they had no authority to alter the list.

"I'll seek out the Grand Upper Elder myself. To be included in the sect's trial is simply outrageous."

After placing the Secret Scripture in the cabinet, Bai Yu set off alone toward the back mountain.

Only the Grand Upper Elder was privy to the cave there, and Bai Yu made his way inside.

He saw the Grand Upper Elder sitting there and approached him.

"Old man, are you the one who compiled this list? Are you certain you want me to take part?"

Hearing Bai Yu's question, the Grand Upper Elder burst into hearty laughter. "Indeed, I want you to participate."

Bai Yu's prowess was unmatched among the sect's new disciples, but that didn't mean he was unbeatable.

The elder rose to his feet and stepped closer to Bai Yu.

"Letting you compete was a decision I made after careful consideration. Just follow my instructions."

With a dismissive wave of his hand, the Grand Upper Elder made it clear he wasn't interested in further discussion and signaled for Bai Yu to leave.

The cave was the Grand Upper Elder's abode, and he could dismiss anyone with a mere gesture.

Unable to strike his name from the list, Bai Yu was left without options.

He returned from the back mountain cave and stood contemplatively in the courtyard.

Dust Taoist sat patiently, awaiting Bai Yu's arrival, seemingly aware of the outcome already.

"Bai Yu, just give it up."

Having Bai Yu's name on the sect's roster wasn't a negative; he was destined to remain with the Star Cloud Sect eventually.

Only they knew what his exact role within the Star Cloud Sect would be.

On the other side of the wall, the Second Prince seethed with intense frustration.

"A trial for the sect? Does that mean we can issue a formal challenge?"

Though the Second Prince's strength paled in comparison to Bai Yu's, that didn't mean he couldn't bring reinforcements.

Having disciplined the Second Prince twice already, Dust Taoist was confident he wouldn't repeat his errors.

Casting a glance toward the Second Prince, neither of them believed he would act foolishly.

"What's your opinion of the Second Prince?"

Dust Taoist intentionally brought up his disciple, curious if there was potential for the Second Prince's strength to grow.

After a brief look in the Second Prince's direction, he shook his head. "It's uncertain."

His focus wasn't on cultivation, so a lack of progress in his strength was to be expected.

Should the Second Prince clear his mind of distractions, his strength would likely improve.

Bai Yu had a keen understanding of the situation, fully aware of the issues that needed addressing.

With Bai Yu's insights in mind, Dust Taoist retreated to his own courtyard.

Within the Star Cloud Sect, Bai Yu stood out as the sole disciple without a master.

While other students resided under the guidance of elders, Bai Yu's dwelling was solitary.

Word of the sect's impending trial had spread, inciting numerous sects to challenge the Star Cloud Sect.

With the Grand Upper Elder in seclusion, it was an opportune moment for rivals to make their move.

As the trial loomed, the elders busied themselves with preparations, eager to avoid any delays.

Teaching the disciples self-defense techniques was deemed the best precaution against unforeseen events.

The disciples from other sects had a different approach, their attacks less disciplined.

Should an injury occur, the responsibility would fall on the disciple themselves.

Aware of Bai Yu's lack of mentorship, Dust Taoist understood the importance of his solitary visit to the courtyard.

As he entered the courtyard, a figure materialized before him as if from nowhere.

Before Dust Taoist could get a clear look at the newcomer, he recognized him as the Grand Upper Elder from the secluded back mountain.

The mere presence of the Elder was enough to repel him, marking him as an individual of formidable power.

The Second Prince, hearing noises from the neighboring house, peeked out to investigate.

He was taken aback to see the courtyard teeming with people.

Having only encountered the Grand Upper Elder once during a test, they were unfamiliar with his capabilities and thus unaware of his formidable nature.

Now, the Grand Upper Elder's ability to drive back Dust Taoist with sheer presence alone was a testament to his strength.

"Dust Taoist, you'd better keep your disciple in line. We don't need you fretting over matters here."

Bai Yu was deep in his practice with the Secret Scripture, hidden away in his room, which explained the scene unfolding outside.

With his hands pressed together in respect, Dust Taoist exited, his desire to remain extinguished.

The Grand Upper Elder observed Dust Taoist's departure with a keen eye before turning his attention back to Bai Yu, still engrossed in his cultivation.

A sweep of his sleeve conjured an invisible barrier at the courtyard's entrance, and his form began to fade from view.

The Second Prince, who had been able to eavesdrop on the adjacent sounds, now found himself cut off from any noise.

Upon returning to the courtyard, Dust Taoist immediately spotted the Second Prince pressed against the wall.

"Second Prince, unless I'm mistaken, you appear to be listening in on their conversation."

Unaware of the events next door, Bai Yu continued his dedicated cultivation.

The Star Cloud Sect's trial was imminent, set for the following day, leaving them with little time for last-minute preparations.

Without a master's guidance, one must rely on their own ingenuity. Bai Yu, lacking a master's support, had to navigate his path alone.

The disciples from other sects would not hold back, each eager to eliminate a potential threat to their own.

While the sects currently coexisted peacefully, this harmony was not guaranteed to last.

Bai Yu had thoroughly researched his rivals, gaining a clear understanding of the other sects' secret weapons.

Stepping out into the yard, he found himself gazing at the invisible barrier over the gate.

Bai Yu had remained silent, yet it was evident to him that the barrier bore the distinct presence of the Grand Upper Elder.

"So, you've actually been here before. It looks like you're treating me as a coach for the Star Cloud Sect's trial."

He had more than enough prowess to serve as a coach, and nobody wanted to be the weak link.

Before long, word of the Star Cloud Sect's trial had spread far and wide.

Upon hearing about their trial, numerous people from the Net Sect made their way to their mountain.

The elders were preoccupied with instructing their disciples, leaving them no time to tend to the sect's affairs.

The Grand Upper Elder was deep in meditation within a cave, equally unavailable for administrative duties.

To avoid any disgrace to the sect, it fell upon the elders to step up and lead the new initiates at the forefront.