Chapter 20: Each by Their Own Ability, Competing for Qin Yu

The inner gate disciples stared at each other, their hearts filled with startled doubt.

Who on earth is this sudden young boy, what kind of holy being is he?

His strength is unbelievably impressive.

It should be noted that even a Fifth‑Level Foundation Establishment master would find it hard to traverse the three‑hundred‑meter stretch of Lei Fa Gu Lu.

Those who can reach the Fourth Gate are almost all elite inner gate members destined to be promoted to true disciples.

Yet their cultivation has already reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment.

But the youth before us can stride a hundred meters in a single step, ignoring the oppressive pressure and spiritual perception, and easily exit the Third Gate.

This is simply unbelievable.

They can feel the ancient oppressive pressure and the thunderclap of lightning, yet when those strike the boy, they seem to have no effect at all.

Just how powerful is his flesh?

Not only them, but even the old beggar at Leize's entrance wore a bewildered expression.

He felt his worldview had been overturned; everything before him seemed like an illusion.

"Fourth Gate... Seventh Level of Body Tempering..."

"No, we must inform the sect immediately."

Just as he was about to send the message, two old figures appeared: "You old fool, someone has broken through the Thunder Path Monument—how come the sect hasn't been notified yet?"

"Looks like a promising seedling; you want to monopolize it, huh?"

"However, if you can cultivate an outstanding disciple to earn merit for the sect, perhaps you can shed your criminal status."

"All these years you've been stationed here, occasionally guiding juniors, discovering many true disciples; the sect has seen your hard work."

One of the black‑robed elders kindly patted the old beggar on the shoulder.

The other, expression indifferent, said: "According to the judgment of the Penal Hall back then, your crimes have been largely offset; if you can cultivate an outstanding disciple, you may regain a position among the sect elders."

He is the deputy hall master of the Profound Yang Sect's Penal Hall.

After all, another genius who left a record on the Thunder Path Monument has emerged.

If another invincible master appears, it will reverse the Profound Yang Sect's decline.

At this critical moment, that becomes especially significant.

"Thank you, Deputy Hall Master, Brother Wu."

A hint of joy flashed in the old beggar's eyes; the genius he discovered this time could very likely become a backbone of the Profound Yang Sect.

To display such formidable combat power already in the Body Tempering Realm, rapidly advancing and even breaking through three gates.

A warm current rose in his heart; the sect's old veterans, knowing a genius had broken the Thunder Path Monument, surprisingly did not compete for him but instead allowed him to take a disciple.

To earn new merit for the sect.

Isn't that a form of assistance after all?

"Hm? Why are you projecting the image onto Lei Fa Gu Lu? Aren't these all inner gate disciples? It's said he's at the Seventh Level of Body Tempering and has passed the First Gate."

"Quickly switch to the Second Gate; I want to see how long this youth can hold out."

Old Wu stroked his beard, smiled kindly, his eyes full of anticipation.

He hadn't seen a genius reach the pinnacle of flesh at the Seventh Level of Body Tempering in a long time.

That person from back then hasn't acted in ages; now they're attempting to breach the Sage Realm.

The old beggar puffed his chest, cleared his throat lightly: "Ahem, Qin Yu has already broken through three gates in succession, now training three hundred meters outside Lei Fa Gu Lu, and seems to have intentions to strike further."

"Within Lei Fa Gu Lu, a thunder path dharma transmission even occurred; he has likely grasped the intent of thunder, otherwise he couldn't reach the Fourth Gate."

"Moreover, in Lei Fa Gu Lu, a single step of a hundred meters... truly astonishing."

"Qi Tai, thank you, brothers and sisters."

He slightly bowed his hands in salute, fists clasped.

This is an expression of genuine feeling.

But Old Wu and the deputy hall master's expressions wavered at that moment, shock flashing in their eyes.

"Body Tempering Realm? Breaking three gates in a row?"

"Lei Fa Gu Lu? A hundred‑meter step? Ignoring the thunderclap?"

"Are you sure you're not joking?"

Both showed expressions of disbelief.

How could this be possible?

The old beggar pointed to the inner gate disciples nearby: "If you don't believe it, ask these disciples; they, like me, have seen it with their own eyes."

The numerous inner gate disciples bowed in succession, giving a brief account.

All expressed admiration.

But... at this moment.

Old Wu and the deputy hall master stared at each other.

Then... both cleared their throats lightly, with Old Wu speaking first.

"Junior brother, actually senior brother's three gate‑closing disciples have weak talent and average aptitude; the inheritance of my line is withering. How about you temporarily refrain from taking a disciple this time and hand this person over to me?"

"I wish to revive the vigor of my lineage."

"When that day comes, I will never forget junior brother's kindness!"

Old Wu spoke sincerely, his eyes earnest.

The deputy hall master beside him hurriedly said: "Brother Qi, I once pleaded on your behalf back then; now that you're about to shed your criminal burden, it must be thanks in part to me."

"I am willing to offer three ground‑stage spirit pills! To mend your hidden injury, how about you give this disciple to me?"

Both gazes burned with fervor at that moment.

If he were merely an ordinary genius, it would be fine; passing the Lightning Path Stele only shows his body is strong.

But…… being able to break through three gates at the seventh layer of Body Tempering, he likely used some martial art that could raise his physical strength to tens of thousands of jin.

Of course, his foundation must also be terrifying.

The crucial point is, can his spiritual sense at the Body Tempering realm withstand the pressure of three hundred meters?

This is a disciple?

This is literally a damn great thigh, an opportunity!

This is utterly the bearing of a venerable; even the weakest is an invincible master. In the future, even if I grow old, who dares to be arrogant before me? When my own disciple sits there, it represents invincibility!

Just as frightening as the arrogant Lin Wu Ren of years past.

If we don't seize him now, when else would we wait?

Let?

Let a fart!

"Wait…… didn't you all discuss this earlier? This person should be given to this old man!"

"Brother Wu, damn it, your three closed-door disciples are all true heirs now, their strength is not bad, one of them has even advanced into the Spirit realm and possesses earth-rank talent—do you call that mediocre?"

"And you, you old immortal, back in the Law Enforcement Hall you only ever said one thing, 'we're our own people,' what favor did you even ask for? Damn!"

Qi Tai flung his disheveled hair, anger rising in his deep pupils.

Damn it, these two old scoundrels!

Is talking just farting?

How long has it even been?

Old Wu flicked the corner of his mouth: "Those elders who didn't come, their discussion has nothing to do with me."

"Of course, if you're willing to yield, I'll help you bear the blame—tell me who to kill now, and I'll kill them!"

"Anyway, going by ability, I've decided on this person."

He showed an air of inevitability.

Because…… among the many elders, his strength could rank in the top five, his seniority is enough, and if he went out to compete for disciples, his chance of victory would naturally be highest.

If I had known earlier how fierce this person was, I wouldn't have wasted a fart—I'd have rolled up my sleeves and snatched him.

"Heh, going by ability, do you have more resources than I do? Then let's try." The Vice Hall Master stood with hands behind his back, waiting to one side.

Qi Tai let out a cold snort, also walked over to one side, no longer paying attention to those two old scoundrels.

Numerous inner sect disciples were dazed at this moment.

You should know…… just a moment ago the three brothers were still on good terms, but in an instant they split apart and almost came to blows.

This is also too frightening, right?

The key is, the cause of the three elders' internal strife.

It's just because of one inner sect disciple!