Chapter 45: Encirclement

"The evaluation of each course is divided into four grades: A, B, C, and D. D is a fail, C grade earns one credit, B grade earns two credits, and A grade earns three credits."

"Except for history and geography, which only test theory, all other courses are divided into theoretical and practical sections. Among the many elective courses, at least one practical course must achieve a C grade or higher."

"Those who directly enter the inner sect should not think they are safe and do not need to participate in the evaluation. If they do not earn enough credits, they will not be able to stay in the inner sect either."

Si Fengkai had a dismissive look, as he was already an inner sect disciple and did not need to worry about how to enter the inner sect. He did not care about the course evaluations, but his expression froze when he heard this.

He came here to listen to lectures with the outer sect disciples, not to learn any knowledge. He did so for two reasons: one, his brother's request, and two, the inner sect had too many strong individuals. Any one of them could easily overpower him, leaving him with no sense of superiority and a significant blow to his confidence. That was why he came to the outer sect.

Now he realized that they were only temporary outer sect disciples. If they did not meet the standards, they would still be kicked out of the inner sect. If that day ever came, it would be a huge embarrassment.

"Disciples who have not yet reached the True Qi realm, pay attention. You must work extra hard to cultivate. Otherwise, if you do not advance to the True Qi realm within a year, you will be demoted to a servant disciple. Once demoted to a servant disciple, all the benefits and privileges you currently enjoy will be stripped away."

Hearing this, there was a commotion below, especially among those who were still in the Body Tempering realm, whose faces instantly changed.

"However, you do not need to worry. As long as you cultivate diligently, you can easily advance to the True Qi realm within a year. In the outer sect, you can learn the highest-grade entry-level cultivation techniques, and you will receive ten Qi Gathering Pills every month."

Hearing this, everyone was overjoyed.

Receiving ten Qi Gathering Pills every month was something they had never even dared to dream of before.

Except for the direct descendants of noble families, many of them might not even get ten Qi Gathering Pills in a year, let alone in a month.

"Besides the ten Qi Gathering Pills you receive each month, if you want more resources, you will need to exchange them with contribution points." Li Chunrou continued.

"What are contribution points, and how can we get them?" a disciple asked curiously.

"Contribution points are a measure of a disciple's contribution to the sect. There are many ways to earn contribution points. Managing the sect's medicinal fields, helping the elders refine pills and artifacts, making talismans and setting up formations, or accepting tasks from the sect's mission board can all earn you contribution points."

"Contribution points are the universal currency in the sect and can be exchanged for any resources. Pills, magical treasures, spirit talismans, cultivation techniques, and martial skills can all be exchanged for contribution points. For example, one contribution point can be exchanged for one Qi Gathering Pill."

"Also, I will teach you the entry-level cultivation techniques of the Mystic Sword Sect, but martial skills must be obtained on your own. The sect will not teach you any martial skills. If you want to obtain martial skills, you must earn enough contribution points and exchange them at the scripture hall."

"If you encounter difficulties while cultivating martial skills, you can come to me or other elders for guidance, but you will need to pay a certain number of contribution points."

...

Li Chunrou explained the various rules, systems, and matters of the sect in detail, and everyone listened attentively.

Although Chu Jianqiu had already heard a rough outline from Zuoqiu Lianzhu, he still listened carefully.

Zuoqiu Lianzhu had mentioned these things to him, but not as detailed as Li Chunrou.

Fu Lingxue, sitting beside him, listened attentively and took notes.

The rules and systems of the Mystic Sword Sect were complex and extensive. Li Chunrou spent the entire morning explaining the basics.

After class, everyone left the classroom and dispersed.

"Senior Brother Chu, are you going to eat? Would you like to join me?" Fu Lingxue packed up her notebook and smiled at Chu Jianqiu.

Fu Lingxue's gentle eyes gazed at Chu Jianqiu, making it hard for him to refuse, but he ultimately shook his head and said, "No, I have some other matters to attend to."

After the incident with Liu Tianyao, although Chu Jianqiu did not hate women, he still had some resistance to romantic relationships. He only wanted to focus on cultivation and pursue the pinnacle of martial arts.

Moreover, apart from being fellow townspeople, he was not familiar with Fu Lingxue, and he did not want to get involved in too many relationships.

Hearing this, the bright light in Fu Lingxue's eyes instantly dimmed. She forced a smile and said, "Senior Brother, you're busy. I'll go first. See you next time." She then hugged her notebook and walked out of the classroom with her head down.

Chu Jianqiu sighed slightly and followed her out.

Fu Lingxue felt a sourness in her heart and walked with her head down.

"Junior Sister Fu, please wait a moment."

As Fu Lingxue was walking, a voice suddenly sounded in her ear. She was delighted, thinking it was Chu Jianqiu calling her. She looked up and saw the arrogant young man Si Fengkai from Qing Shan County, with a group of followers blocking her path.

"Senior Brother Si, what is it?" Fu Lingxue frowned.

"It's mealtime, and I'm just about to eat. Junior Sister, why don't you join me?" Si Fengkai invited Fu Lingxue but still maintained his high-and-mighty attitude. His chin was slightly raised, as if it was an honor for Fu Lingxue to eat with him.

"No, I have other matters to attend to." Fu Lingxue politely declined.

Si Fengkai's face darkened. No woman had ever dared to refuse him.

"Girl, don't be ungrateful. It's an honor for Si Young Master to invite you to eat with him." Before Si Fengkai could speak, one of his lackeys chimed in.

"Girl, think carefully. Si Young Master is of such high status. He is already an inner sect disciple upon joining the Mystic Sword Sect. Others would be lucky to eat with Senior Brother Si. Letting you eat with him is giving you face."

Si Fengkai's expression softened upon hearing the flattery from his lackeys.

Fu Lingxue said nothing and turned to walk away. But a figure blocked her path.

"Little slut, you're really asking for it."

Several figures surrounded Fu Lingxue.

"You..." Fu Lingxue was instantly both angry and anxious. All of them were True Qi realm cultivators, and Si Fengkai was at the third level of the True Qi realm. She could not even defeat one of them, let alone all of them.