Chapter Sixteen: Intelligence on the Individual Assessment

Chen Qi quickly regained his composure, straightened his somewhat tattered clothes, and solemnly bowed in thanks to the two stewards. The steward from the Task Hall, seeing that the disciple he had brought was quite impressive, accepted Chen Qi’s salute with a smile.

While both stewards were still present, Chen Qi seized the opportunity to ask, “I wish to become an outer disciple of the Cloudsea Sect as soon as possible, so I would like to participate in the individual assessment for outer disciples. I ask both stewards to kindly instruct me!”

The Task Hall steward was the first to reply, “An individual assessment, hmm... let me think.” Then Steward Liu explained, “Heh. Applying for an individual assessment requires 100 contribution points, and if you fail, those points are wasted. So, it’s been a long time since any servant disciple applied for it. It’s normal that we don’t recall the details immediately.”

Finally, the Task Hall steward slapped his thigh and said, “I remember the individual assessment has three stages. The first is to hunt a rank-seven fierce beast beforehand. For this, Steward Liu and I can vouch for you.”

He paused, then added, “As for the second stage, I recall it involves passing through the Wooden Men Formation. Don’t underestimate them just because they’re made of wood; most outer disciples can’t withstand it for the duration of a single incense stick.”

He then solemnly continued, “The requirement to pass is to endure for one incense stick’s time. Many confident servant disciples have failed at this stage. If you’re not sure, you’d better save those 100 contribution points; it’s not a small amount.”

Chen Qi nodded repeatedly, displaying a humble and eager attitude. Seeing Chen Qi so perceptive, the stewards felt their vanity greatly satisfied. Steward Liu pointed out, “The third stage is a bit mysterious. You must face Elder Chi alone for the assessment. Though Elder Chi is not well-known among the outer disciples, you must show proper respect!”

He laughed and shook his head, “You’re quite savvy; you should be fine.”

As the sky grew dark, the Task Hall steward wrapped things up, “Alright, lad, passing the individual assessment earns you extra contribution points. I wish you success. It’s getting late, so I’ll be leaving.”

Chen Qi bade farewell to Steward Liu and accompanied the Task Hall steward out. Naturally, Chen Qi always walked respectfully behind the steward, maintaining a deferential posture.

Finally, as they neared the Task Hall, the steward noticed Chen Qi still following him respectfully. He turned and said, “Hmm. When you see Elder Chi, tell him Little Li sends greetings, and ask about his old injury.”

With those words, he paid Chen Qi no further heed and quickened his pace toward the Task Hall. Only then did Chen Qi realize that the Task Hall steward’s surname was Li. He quickly responded, calling after the steward’s departing figure, “Thank you, Steward Li, for your guidance!”

From afar, Steward Li’s hearty laughter echoed back.

Hearing this cheerful laughter, Chen Qi smiled to himself, “The disciples, stewards, and elders of the Cloudsea Sect all seem excellent!”

With that, Chen Qi headed toward the residences of the outer disciples, bringing as promised fresh meat from the Scarlet-Striped Wild Boar King for his brother Sun.

Of course, it wasn’t just the thought of Elder Sun’s treasured fine wine that motivated him. Especially wine that, once consumed, quietly benefited the body.

Soon, Chen Qi spotted Sun Ruohai.

The young man was practicing his sword technique. Under the moonlight, his blade traced shadows, his whole body surging with vital energy as he sought to merge it with his swordsmanship.

As Chen Qi approached, Sun Ruohai, eager to show off, erupted with qi and blood with a “boom,” dyeing his sword blood-red. He then struck down at the open ground.

“Boom!”

The sword left a gash several dozen centimeters deep, with fractured lines radiating from its edges, slowly spreading outward.

Chen Qi, witnessing the power of this strike, narrowed his eyes slightly, wondering if he could withstand such a blow.

But Sun Ruohai showed no pride, raising one eyebrow as if still dissatisfied with his own performance.

To avoid awkwardness, Chen Qi discreetly withdrew his gaze from Sun Ruohai’s raised eyebrow and dumped all the Scarlet-Striped Wild Boar King meat from his storage space.

He chuckled, “I hunted a rank-seven Scarlet-Striped Wild Boar King. Most of the meat is here. Go and sneak some of your grandfather’s good wine.”

Sun Ruohai’s elegant brows finally relaxed. Without a word, he vanished into the house in an instant.

Chen Qi watched from outside with a smile, secretly marveling at what kind of rascal Elder Sun had raised as a grandson.

This time, Chen Qi waited nearly half an hour before Sun Ruohai emerged, carrying a jar of wine.

Sun Ruohai explained, “Sorry to keep you waiting. All the easily found wine my grandfather had, I’ve already stolen before. The rest is hidden deep, and it took me a lot of effort to find this bottle.”

Chen Qi quickly assured him it was no trouble, though his lips kept twitching.

Sun Ruohai deftly lit a bonfire and brought out a whole array of seasonings, clearly used to good food.

Chen Qi finally calmed his twitching lips, took the jar and poured drinks for both of them.

As they roasted the wild boar meat, the two first wetted their lips with some wine.

The pale yellow, faintly greenish wine slipped down their throats, sending a wave of warmth through their limbs and meridians, its lingering potency rising and falling in their chests.

“Ah, that’s refreshing!”

Chen Qi let out a long sigh, feeling talkative.

He recounted to Sun Ruohai his experience hunting the Scarlet-Striped Wild Boar King, his battle with the Iron-Armed Violent Ape, his encounter with the Scarlet Flame Beast pack, and how Elder Sun had rescued him.

He refrained from mentioning his slaying of the “Sprout Space” contract holder, only stating that he managed to return to the sect before nightfall.

After a little wine, Sun Ruohai became equally chatty, expressing envy at Chen Qi’s mountain adventures and complaining, “My grandfather won’t let me go into the mountains alone. If he catches me, he says he’ll break my legs.”

He took another large drink, his face flushed, and added, “Once I sneaked into the mountains, and my grandfather brought two elders to hunt me down from three directions. Three masters of internal strength! I didn’t even get over one mountain before being caught and beaten.”

By now, the wild boar meat was roasted. Sun Ruohai reluctantly curtailed his chatter and began applying various seasonings.

Watching the heavy gaminess of the boar meat being perfectly neutralized by the condiments, Chen Qi curiously examined a light-colored liquid, which, upon touching the meat, transformed the odor into a subtle fragrance.

Seeing Chen Qi’s curiosity, Sun Ruohai smiled and explained, “This is sap from the old Cloud Cypress. My grandfather discovered it can neutralize gaminess, so we keep plenty at home.”

Looking at the golden, crisp-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside wild boar meat, Chen Qi could no longer resist. The two each grabbed a skewer and began eating.

With just one bite, Chen Qi was stunned.

The crispness of the roasted surface, the fat in the middle, and the chewy muscle within combined in perfection! The seasonings weren’t overpowering but, after the meat was gone, they exploded with flavor in the mouth, amplifying the lingering aroma of the meat.

Sun Ruohai chewed, working his jaw vigorously, and mumbled, “Delicious meat, wonderful wine.”