“This is sixty thousand immortal stones, for the two of us…”
Chen Ping casually took out a storage bag and tossed it to that Sword Sect disciple.
The other party was slightly stunned. Seeing Chen Ping produce sixty thousand immortal stones so easily, he assumed the other party must come from a wealthy family.
“Hahaha, straightforward. But joining the Sword Sect means you are just a miscellaneous disciple.”
“If you want to join the Sword Guard, I can also recommend you.” Clearly, this was an attempt to make Chen Ping and the others pay more immortal stones.
“No need. Being able to join the Sword Sect and become a Sword Sect disciple is already very honourable.”
Fang Xiang hurriedly waved his hand to refuse.
His thirty thousand immortal stones had been covered by Chen Ping. If they aimed for the Sword Guard, the registration alone cost one hundred thousand immortal stones, plus finding connections and greasing palms, where could he find that much money?
He did not want to end up unable to join even the Sword Sect.
“Alright, up to you. Once you join the Sword Sect, you can still take further assessments to enter the Sword Guard.”
With that, he ignored the three of them, turned, and walked into the house.
The short shirt man hurriedly gave Chen Ping and Fang Xiang a wink, then said softly, “Two fellows, rest assured. This sir is the assessment officer. With his care, you will have no problems.”
Chen Ping and Fang Xiang nodded helplessly, then followed the short shirt man out of the small courtyard.
The next day, the assessment site buzzed with voices. Cultivators from all regions gathered there, all hoping to join the Sword Sect and soar to success from then on.
Chen Ping spotted the man from yesterday at a glance among the assessment officers, and he sneered inwardly.
The assessment began. Various events proceeded in sequence, including sword technique spars and spiritual power tests.
Chen Ping and Fang Xiang relied on their own strength to pass each stage smoothly and complete all assessments.
In the end, the assessment officer announced the list of passers. Chen Ping and Fang Xiang’s names stood out prominently, and those around them cast envious looks.
Fang Xiang’s face flushed red with excitement. He clenched his fists tightly and shouted, “I succeeded! I finally joined the Sword Sect!”
He turned and hugged Chen Ping tightly. His voice choked a little as he said, “Brother Chen, it is all thanks to you. Without you, I would never have had this chance.”
Chen Ping forced a slight smile, patted Fang Xiang’s back, and said, “Congratulations. From now on, we are fellow disciples.”
Yet his face held a stern edge, and his eyes showed deep worry.
During the assessment, many with poor talent and strength, even some dull ones, managed to join the Sword Sect.
But others with clear talent and superior sword skills ended up eliminated.
Clearly, this came from pulling strings.
If this went on, the Sword Sect would truly be ruined.
Fang Xiang and Chen Ping formally became Sword Sect disciples. All the new recruits were led into a large courtyard.
At that moment, a group of senior disciples swaggered over. Leading them was a man with an arrogant face and greedy eyes, named Wang Hu.
Wang Hu crossed his arms over his chest and glanced sideways at Chen Ping, Fang Xiang, and the other new disciples. In a mocking tone, he said, “Yo, newcomers. Do not know the rules? In this Sword Sect, new disciples must pay tribute to seniors. Hand over your immortal stones.”
Fang Xiang frowned. Though unhappy inside, he held back his anger and said, “We just joined the Sword Sect and do not have many immortal stones. Please show some leniency, senior brother.”
Wang Hu sneered. “Leniency? No chance. If you do not pay up today, forget about cultivating properly here.”
Chen Ping frowned too. Anger surged in his heart. Paying immortal stones to join was bad enough, but he never expected the Sword Sect to harbour this kind of bullying inside.
It seemed the Sword Sect truly needed a thorough cleanup, or it would rot completely.
Chen Ping could not understand how his master, Mo Chen, managed the Sword Sect.
