Chapter 105: The Way In

Hearing Lin Hui’s loud shout, Yang Ze’s face darkened immediately. Lin Hui quickly shut his mouth, relieved to find that no one around had noticed.

“Have you heard of me?” Yang Ze asked.

“In less than five days since your initiation, you first defeated Zhong Kai, a sixth-stage True Energy practitioner, and then took down Wang Bin, who was about to break through to the eighth stage. It won’t be long before the name of Junior Brother Yang Ze spreads throughout Area D,” Lin Hui said, scrutinizing the young man before him. He had never imagined that this person standing in front of him was actually Yang Ze.

This also explained why Yang Ze had been able to suppress him so easily just now. After all, Lin Hui was a sixth-stage True Energy martial artist himself, yet he was subdued with a single move.

Lin Hui’s words genuinely surprised Yang Ze. He had indeed found the right person—Lin Hui was no ordinary figure. The fight with Wang Bin had only ended a few hours ago, yet Lin Hui already knew about it. His network was impressively efficient.

“These things aren’t worth praising, Senior Brother Lin,” Yang Ze shook his head, not expecting the news to spread so quickly.

“Junior Brother Yang, no need to be modest. Having defeated the Wang brothers, your reputation is destined to rise. At least here in Area D, everyone will know your name. But I wonder what you’ve come to ask me about today. Since you came personally, I will speak freely!” Lin Hui patted his chest, disregarding the matter of a few silver coins.

Yang Ze inwardly cursed Lin Hui’s greedy appearance, but outwardly smiled and said, “I’m new here and still unfamiliar with many things. I wanted to ask you, Senior Brother, about the top martial artists in Area D, and even across the ten districts of the Registered Disciples.”

“Ha ha ha, no wonder Junior Brother Yang has made such a name for himself upon arrival. If you’re asking about martial arts, then you’ve come to the right person. First, although we belong to the Mystical Martial Academy, the academy itself pays little attention to us Registered Disciples. The ten districts of Registered Disciples form a kind of small martial world, existing on Qingyang Peak.

“In Area D, we are divided into four sectors based on direction—east, west, south, and north. You would be considered part of the southern sector. The Wang brothers you defeated earlier are also top fighters from the south.

“As for strength rankings, there are hundreds of thousands of Registered Disciples across all ten districts. Among so many, true experts are countless.

“Those below the sixth stage of True Energy are considered unremarkable among Registered Disciples. Reaching the sixth stage marks you as a competent fighter; in the southern sector, a sixth-stage disciple can gather quite a number of followers.

“If you advance to the seventh stage, you become a master. Such individuals are rare in any one sector. The eighth stage is also a master’s level, and those with eighth-stage True Energy in a district are prominent figures.

“For example, Area D has over sixty thousand Registered Disciples, but only one or two thousand have reached the eighth stage of True Energy.

“As for those who have cultivated to the ninth stage True Energy, they are even rarer. Anyone at the ninth stage is a true powerhouse not limited to any single district.”

Hearing that there were nearly two thousand warriors comparable to peak innate talent might seem like many at first, but among hundreds of thousands, they were indeed scarce. Yang Ze pondered this deeply and finally understood.

It seemed that Wang Bin, whom he had defeated earlier, was considered a master in the southern part of Area D, but far from a top-tier figure. His boasting during their fight was merely empty pride.

“With so many Registered Disciples, then among the ten districts, are the ninth-stage True Energy cultivators the strongest?” Yang Ze asked.

“Ninth-stage True Energy is powerful but not the absolute peak. To reach the First Grade Realm requires many conditions.

“Among the ten districts, some surpass the ninth stage and have cultivated True Essence but have yet to break into the First Grade Realm. These people are called Half-Step First Grade cultivators. They often seclude themselves to challenge the First Grade Realm. Their strength far exceeds that of the ninth stage, but they rarely act unless necessary,” Lin Hui said after taking a bite of his noodles.

Yang Ze was startled. He hadn’t expected Half-Step First Grade cultivators to exist. It seemed there were still quite a few strong warriors hidden among the ten districts. At least before reaching the ninth stage himself, he must keep a low profile.

“But you need not worry too much. Although Half-Step First Grade cultivators exist, they are very few—maybe fewer than one hundred. They all focus on breaking into the Outer Academy and won’t interfere in everyday conflicts,” Lin Hui added, seemingly noticing Yang Ze’s surprise.

“Then, Senior Brother, are there any First Grade cultivators among us Registered Disciples?” Yang Ze suddenly asked.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Anyone who reaches the First Grade Bone Tempering Realm wouldn’t want to stay among Registered Disciples. The Outer Academy offers far better treatment. Once someone reaches the First Grade Realm, they’ve all long left for the Outer Academy. Staying here at this stage would cause trouble.”

Hearing this, Yang Ze realized that Registered Disciples who reached the First Grade Realm faced penalties if they didn’t transfer to the Outer Academy.

It seemed the highest cultivation level among Registered Disciples was the Half-Step First Grade.

“I see. Thank you very much for your guidance today, Senior Brother Lin,” Yang Ze said respectfully, then stood up to leave.

“Wait, Junior Brother. Your strength will surely attract the attention of powerful figures in Area D. In the southern part of Area D, there are nineteen ninth-stage True Energy warriors who might try to recruit you. When that happens, you can compare the terms they offer and decide whom to join,” Lin Hui advised.

“Thanks for the tip. I’ll keep that in mind,” Yang Ze replied.

After parting ways, Yang Ze understood these intricacies. His strength was not outstanding even within the ten districts of Registered Disciples; in the southern part of Area D alone, he wasn’t ranked.

As for the recruitment Lin Hui mentioned, Yang Ze had no interest. He carried too many secrets and wished to avoid entanglements that might expose him and cause trouble.

He didn’t delve into Lin Hui’s background either. A sixth-stage True Energy cultivator with such knowledge surely had powerful backing—Yang Ze refused to believe otherwise.

Leaving the dining hall, Yang Ze headed back to his quarters. Being a Registered Disciple was not the identity he desired. He aimed for the Outer and Inner Academies—to become a true martial arts master.

Seven-stage True Energy was respectable but still far from being a martial arts powerhouse. No moment of cultivation time could be wasted.

Just as he reached his residence, he saw a slender man standing there.

“Are you Junior Brother Yang Ze?” the man approached immediately upon seeing him.

“I am Yang Ze. May I ask who you are?” Yang Ze asked, eyes narrowing slightly. He sensed a stronger aura than Wang Bin’s, unhidden—a true eighth-stage True Energy master.

“Just as the rumors say, you’re a young man who’s already a seventh-grade True Energy master. Someone like you is perfect for joining our One Water Sect,” the man said after sizing up Yang Ze.

“One Water Sect?” Yang Ze frowned.

“Yes, our One Water Sect. Our sect leader is one of the strongest in Area D, an eighth-stage True Energy master. I was sent to invite a new talent from the southern part of Area D rumored to be exceptional—you. Are you interested?”

“What benefits come with joining One Water Sect?”

The man hesitated for a moment, then replied, “Naturally, there are benefits. Once you join, people like Wang Bin won’t dare cause trouble for you anymore. We’ll shield you from many problems.”

“And what must I give in return?”

“Simple. Once you join, you must follow our orders. The sect leader’s commands are absolute, and you must complete any tasks assigned,” the man said with a smile.

“In that case, I’m not interested for now. Please take your leave,” Yang Ze said, bypassing the man and walking inside.

He hadn’t expected such recruitment offers to lack any real advantage. Instead, it would make him a mere pawn. Yang Ze would never accept that.

Seeing Yang Ze’s refusal, the man’s expression darkened. Just as he was about to call out again, Yang Ze slammed the door shut.

“All right, all right. It’s been a long time since anyone dared to refuse me. I’ll see what guts you have to oppose our One Water Sect!” the man snarled before turning and leaving without acting further.

Inside, Yang Ze knew that this attitude would offend the man and the One Water Sect behind him.

But Yang Ze did not fear them. Once his strength grew, no sect would be a match for him.