It took a moment for the square to calm down. With great focus, Lin Xue return to normal the quickest.
She diligently records his information, her handwriting were delicate, yet contain a sharpness difficult to describe.
"Junior brother, I look forward to your progress."
Chen Lian nodded repeatedly. He didn't expect Fang Zheng to bring him such a treasure!
"Brat, you have truly brought a treasure this time."
Fang Zheng didn't expect to hear his name. With elder Chen praise, a smile formed on his face.
"I didn't expect junior- I mean, senior brother Jing to be this exceptional either. He has truly concealed his talent this time."
He said with a shallow sigh. At the same time, a certain degree of respect slowly appeared.
With Shi Jing being the last one to complete the process, Lin Xue hesitated, then said.
"Elder Chen, everything is done, would you like to have another outer disciple show these new faces around?"
Hearing this, Chen Lian let out a snickered as he look at everyone, stopping at Shi Jing figure.
"Let everyone be escort by the those junior. As for him, he stay with me, I have some matter related to him."
At the same time, Lin Xue eyes lit up for a moment before being concealed, then she nodded and gestured for another disciple to come.
"Of course, Elder Chen."
Inwardly, her attention was placed on Shi Jing.
That strange illusion of being besieged by the sword lingered in her mind.
She couldn't shake off that unexplainable feeling. But Shi Jing was just a body tempering junior, how could he possibly cause that deliberately?
Lin Xue wasn't sure, but as a sword cultivator, she was sensitive to these things.
She guessed that this feeling originate from a sword intent!
However, this didn't explain where it came from. The idea that Shi Jing possess his own sword intent at thirteen never crossed her mind.
Meanwhile, Shi Jing was unaware of this effect he had on Lin Xue.
How could he?
"Junior Jing, follow me."
Shi Jing thought for a while.
Then glanced at Lin Xue one more time, before following Elder Chen Lian, who was gesturing him to hop on his flying sword.
The other disciple, including Fang Zheng was led away by another disciple.
Lin Xue returned to her seat, waiting for the next batch to arrive diligently.
However, she was in a dazed state as she look toward the sky.
"Elder Chen, where are we going?" He asked in nervously. The direction they are heading were toward the mountain peaks.
As they flew pass dozens of peaks, he could see many opening and holes in them.
"These mountain peaks are carved to create cultivation cave. Normally, only an inner disciple can enjoy the treatment of possessing a cultivation cave…"
He said, his words seem to carry another implication.
"Shi Jing, you are talented. Given enough effort and time, I'm sure you can reach foundational establishment…"
"I hope high hope for you, If you can reach Qi-Refinement, enter the inner court competition, become a inner disciple… Then this can be considered a deed of great merit!"
Shi Jing listened with one ear.
Inwardly, he was more focused on these mountain peak and caves.
Even from afar, the spiritual essence leaking from these 'cultivation cave' made him intoxicated.
At the same time, he can't help but wondered.
"Elder Chen, what benefit does becoming an inner disciple give you?"
Hearing this question, Chen Lian laughed loudly, causing the rocks from the peak next to them fall.
"Since it is you, I can tell you now. The most crucial reward for being an inner disciple is the opportunity to obtain a foundation establishment pill!"
Shi Jing eyes lit up at the mention of this pill.
Just from the name alone, he could guess its effects.
"The foundation establishment pill is key for reaching Foundation Establishment! It is not a guarantee breakthrough, but the chance will be increased significantly."
"This is the main reason many Sword Cloud Manor disciple aim to become an inner disciple."
"Of course, this is just one of its many benefits."
This foundation establishment pill, he must obtain it!
Chen Lian wasn't aware of it but Shi Jing is at the peak of Qi-Refinement, just a step away from foundation establishment.
The boundary between Peak of Qi-Refinement and Foundation Establishment is separated by an abstract wall.
Shi Jing knew that as long as he could accumulate enough spiritual essence, he could attempt to shatter this wall.
Success means reaching foundation establishment, failure could result in fatal injuries!
Which meant that it was best to attempt a breakthrough only when you are confident in the first try. Or else, this setback can take many years to recover.
After a while, Chen Lian stopped flying and landed on a mountain peak.
Shi Jing eyes immediately caught the big sign that says "Merits Toward The Heaven" on top of a giant boulder.
"This mountain peak is owned by me. As an outer court elder, I enjoy this privilege." He said, then smirked as he noted Shi Jing expression.
"Most of the time, I am busy outside, I have no use for this peak. It is better to let you borrow it."
Hearing this, Shi Jing was a little startled. This treatment was quite special.
Although Shi Jing knew he was 'talented' in the eyes of others, it cannot be that exaggerated when compared to the entire region right?
Not to mention, he didn't display his sword art comprehension this life.
Naturally, he didn't decline Elder Chen generous gift, despite its hidden meaning.
"Thank you, Elder Chen. Junior will try his best at the inner court competition."
"Good! Good! That's all you need to say," He chortled loudly, then hopped on his flying sword.
"Don't forget to go down the mountain and get your uniform, as well as monthly issued spirit stones. It is best if you spend sometime getting familiar with the Sword Cloud Manor!"
He said, flying off to the distant.
Shi Jing was left alone on the mountain peak.
He took another glance at the boulder, then sighed, before walking deeper in a narrow crevice.
Inside is a spacious cavern. On the side of the wall is a blue lit pond, it was a spiritual spring.
Just standing from here, he could feel his spiritual essence being stirred.
Other than this spiritual spring, the entire cavern was quite desolate and empty with a heavy layer of dust.
Apparently, Elder Chen has cleaned it beforehand. When he said he has little use for it, it was probably true.