CHAPTER 688: CHAPTER 687 KUN REN (1/5)

As the green spread, the stone lotus platform seemed to become a living thing, transforming into a real lotus flower, with leaves and blossoms unfurling under Ye Xin’s feet.

A beam of golden light rose from beneath Ye Xin’s feet.

Everyone was astonished.

Even Yang Chen was incredulous, unable to fathom the principle behind this phenomenon.

Clap clap clap!

Someone began clapping.

Clap clap clap clap clap!

The whole crowd burst into applause.

"Saintess! Saintess! Saintess!"

Accompanied by applause, cheers erupted from the crowd.

Ye Xin becoming the Saintess was the widespread aspiration. Now, witnessing such anomalies occur as she stood on the Lotus Platform, excitement naturally ensued.

Kunze and several elders watching this scene were also overjoyed.

"It’s truly her!"

"Indeed, it’s her!"

"Wonderful!"

"The sect’s revival seems hopeful!"

"The revival of the sect looks promising!"

...

Kunze, pleased with this outcome, stood up to announce: "As everyone’s expectation, the Saintess is elected. I declare Ye Xin to be the Saintess of our sect, rejoice all around, all Outer Sect disciples’ salaries will be doubled this month, and they will have a three-day holiday!"

The Outer Sect disciples belong to the sect’s lower ranks, relying entirely on their monthly salary from the sect for survival. Hearing their salary would double and they would have a three-day holiday, how could they not rejoice!

With this announcement, they could roam and have fun in the nearby towns.

Although the sect strictly manages such affairs, it’s still possible to venture out if one has the right connections!

Amid the cheers, Kunze’s voice sharply rose above them, drawing everyone’s attention back to him.

"Next, we shall hold the ceremonial ascension for the Saintess. All Inner Sect disciples follow me, while Outer Sect disciples may first go and rest."

With these words said, a group holding flags at the front had already arranged themselves and began to set out!

Witnessing this scene, Yang Chen couldn’t help but furrow his brows.

Ye Xin was escorted forward by several elders and the Palace Master.

Yang Chen hadn’t anticipated that Kunze would only allow Inner Sect disciples to attend the ascension ceremony of the Saintess.

The Divine Hall was originally located beneath a cliff, accessible only through a secret path from the Inner Sect, likely to prevent Outer Sect disciples from attempting to exploit opportunities and seek fortune in the Divine Hall.

Watching the sect’s elders and Inner Sect disciples proceed, anxiety surged in Yang Chen’s heart.

At this moment, he noticed Kun Bai hesitating to join in, with a Palace Master named Kun Ren by his side, speaking to him about something.

And Yang Chen happened to be a disciple under Palace Master Kun Ren.

Thinking of this, Yang Chen immediately hurried over.

"Palace Master Kun Ren!" Yang Chen cupped his fists and gave a deep bow.

Kun Ren looked at Yang Chen, furrowing his brows, "You are..."

He had little impression of these Outer Sect disciples; he even struggled to remember all of his Inner Sect disciples, let alone these Outer Sect ones.

Yang Chen replied, "Disciple Xuanliang!"

"Xuanliang?" Kun Ren raised a brow, recalling who it was.

This Xuanliang was the Outer Sect disciple who recently caused a stir by thrashing Shangwei, correct?

Kun Ren was indeed intrigued by this Outer Sect disciple. Given the vast difference in Cultivation Technique and environment, how did Xuanliang manage to defeat Shangwei, who had already reached the Innate Realm? It piqued his curiosity.

Simultaneously, Kun Ren held a notion that, if guessed correctly, this Xuanliang might indeed be a highly gifted disciple. Although currently an Outer Sect disciple, the potential for late blooming should not be dismissed.

"It is indeed I, disciple!" Yang Chen presented himself as a model student.

Kun Ren regarded Xuanliang’s proper demeanor favorably, liking him quite a bit, "What do you seek from me?"

Yang Chen replied, "Disciple has now reached the Innate Realm and wishes to become an Inner Sect disciple. Might I accompany Palace Master to witness the Saintess’s ceremonial ascension, to bear witness to this once-in-a-lifetime moment?"

Upon hearing this, Kun Ren widened his eyes, staring at Yang Chen in surprise, "You’ve reached the Innate Realm?"

"Indeed!" Yang Chen nodded affirmatively.

Kun Ren was incredulous, stepping forward to grasp Yang Chen’s wrist, leaving him no opportunity to resist, partly because Yang Chen didn’t dodge at all.

Kun Ren firmly seized Yang Chen’s wrist and raised it to observe his pulse closely.

Through examining one’s pulse, they could roughly ascertain the person’s cultivation status.

Currently, Yang Chen’s pulse was strong and vigorous, with streams of energy constantly flowing through his meridians—a trait marking one’s entry into the Innate Realm.

Confirming Yang Chen’s cultivation level, Kun Ren was astonished, "Xuanliang, you’ve truly reached the Innate Realm."

"All thanks to Palace Master’s nurturing!" Yang Chen tactfully flattered.

Kun Ren received it well, but remained puzzled, "How did you achieve the Innate Realm?"

It’s important to note, the division between Outer and Inner Sect disciples depends on reaching the Innate. The disparity between the Postnatal and Innate realms is akin to a chasm, crossing it is exceptionally arduous. The cemetery on the North Mountain’s peak testifies to this truth.

In every batch of disciples, the majority struggle to attain the Innate Realm, eventually aging and passing away within the sect, contributing little more than nourishment for the plants.

Yang Chen had long prepared his response, saying: "Disciple simply doesn’t know; about a month ago, disciple felt as if piercing through a layer of window paper, and upon awakening, had reached the Innate Realm. After achieving the Innate Realm, cultivation progressed rapidly. Disciple believes with access to Inner Sect Cultivation Technique, advancement might come even faster!"

Upon hearing these words, Kun Ren’s doubts dissipated, he rejoiced immensely, "Excellent, excellent! Wonderful!"

In reality, though the various subsidiary halls seem peaceful on the surface, they are secretly engaged in both open and covert rivalry. Cultivation requires expending resources, and an individual’s progress is the result of countless contributions. Securing a promising disciple is every Palace Master’s aspiration—it strengthens one’s voice within the sect!

Now, suddenly acquiring such a potentially excellent disciple, how could Kun Ren not be joyful!

Immediately, Kun Ren said, "Very well! You shall accompany me to witness the Saintess’s ascension! This is truly a historic moment for our sect, and you shall bear witness to it today!"

Speaking thus, Kun Ren laughed heartily, leading the way.

Kun Bai glanced enviously at Kun Ren, eyeing Yang Chen up and down before sighing.

Originally, he had a disciple of exceptional talent, potentially capable of contending with Shangyao for the top spot in the sect, but alas... that person is now nearly crippled.

The individual he referred to was... Shang Liang!

Poor Shang Liang, now isolated in a mountain hut, striving to repair his inner ailments through relentless cultivation, hoping for a day of recovery.

However, Shang Liang was unaware that the person who injured him, leaving him with hidden injuries, stood right before his master’s gaze within the sect!