Chapter 81

In a brief interlude, the three outer disciples were quickly forgotten by the female disciple of the Henshan Sect. However, to Bu Li, it was a different scene. The soul power emanating from these three outer disciples was much stronger than Chu Zhongze's. Indeed, it was the Henshan Sect; even the most outstanding youths of the Western Mountain Remnant Clan could not compare to the Henshan Sect.

There was definitely a gap, but Bu Li noticed a faint hostility in these three. Born in the mountains, Bu Li was extremely sensitive to such hostility; otherwise, he would have long turned into a pile of bones in the Western Mountains, or perhaps not even left any bones behind. To Bu Li, the people of the Hunlan Continent were not much different from those wild beasts.

Following the female disciple of the Henshan Sect, they continued to climb for a long time before seeing a grand hall amidst the swirling clouds. Constructed of water and wood, it was extravagantly luxurious. The exquisite carvings on the water and wood from the Southern Wasteland seemed to come to life in the thick mist from a distance.

There was a faint surge of soul power on the intricately carved carvings. Bu Li vaguely sensed that these delicate carvings were part of a soul array.

"This is the main hall of the sect. Once inside, you must follow the rules," the female disciple of the Henshan Sect repeatedly instructed, "Do you understand?"

"Thank you," Bu Li nodded and said.

After climbing over a thousand feet without stopping, the female disciple of the Henshan Sect, though a Carving Master, was somewhat tired. She rested for a moment before leading Bu Li into the grand hall of the Henshan Sect.

The interior of the grand hall was opulently decorated. Bu Li did not recognize most of it and found it rather boring just to look at. In his previous life, he had no interest in such superficial things.

The grand hall was about twenty feet in diameter, with a large black armchair facing south and backed by the north. It was unclear what material it was made of, and Bu Li did not care. Sitting on the chair was the Henshan Sect's leader, Luo Qingquan.

The female disciple of the Henshan Sect knelt at the entrance of the hall and said loudly, "Reporting to the Sect Leader, the Western Mountain Remnant Clan's disciple Bu Li has arrived."

"You may step down," Luo Qingquan said. The hall was extremely cold, and even a casual word made his expression hard to discern, adding an air of mystery. Bu Li felt some disdain; this Luo Qingquan was quite skilled at putting on a show.

The female disciple of the Henshan Sect bowed three times and then bowed out. Bu Li noticed that she never once raised her head, showing a level of respect bordering on reverence. The strict hierarchy of the Hunlan Continent was truly astonishing, and Bu Li felt some disgust.

After the female disciple of the Henshan Sect left, only Bu Li and Luo Qingquan remained in the hall. Bu Li looked straight at Luo Qingquan, merely clasping his hands in greeting, showing no intention of bowing. Luo Qingquan was puzzled; was this young man from the Remnant Clan ignorant of the rules or did he know something?

The atmosphere was cold, and Bu Li waited for Luo Qingquan to speak. Luo Qingquan, on the other hand, was pondering Bu Li. The two stared at each other, though they could not see each other clearly.

Dahei squatted beside Bu Li, not quite understanding what Bu Li was doing, and watched the scene with a smile.

After a long while, Luo Qingquan cleared his throat awkwardly, feeling a bit angry. He thought, "Even if Mr. Yu personally instructed, you are too disrespectful, young man. Even if the greeting is insincere, with no one else around, would I really make you kneel? You won't even give me this face. In the Henshan Sect, it would be easy to deal with you without giving Mr. Yu a reason to object."

But then Luo Qingquan remembered the scene in the mirage where he saw the young master and Bu Li conversing, and a chill ran down his spine. He was relieved that he had not acted rashly; this young man might even offend Mr. Yu, and he must have some deep connection with the young master.

It was good that Bu Li did not kneel; if he had, would Luo Qingquan return the gesture or not? Thinking of this, Luo Qingquan smiled and said, "Heroes emerge from the young. Today, I see it is true."

The hall was cold, and Luo Qingquan's words echoed, adding a sense of grandeur.

Bu Li said, "Sect Leader, you flatter me."

"The sect says that you should train in the Henshan Sect for a while. In the future, when you achieve great success, do not forget this bond," Luo Qingquan said, knowing his words were somewhat frivolous and hasty, but he could not think of anything better to ease the awkwardness. He watched Bu Li's expression as he spoke.

"Thank you, Sect Leader, for your guidance," Bu Li said, bowing and performing the necessary courtesies, regardless of what Luo Qingquan thought.

Luo Qingquan was confused, hesitant, and even a bit poetic. How could this young man be so stubborn, like a rock, impervious to any influence?

What a difficult situation...

After some thought, Luo Qingquan said, "Now, as an outer disciple, you will have one opportunity to enter the inner chamber of the scripture hall to choose a soul technique manual. Choose carefully, one that suits you, and do not make a mistake."

By giving Bu Li this opportunity and not intervening too much, Luo Qingquan could justify his actions regardless of whether Bu Li succeeded or failed. Although justifications were just words, powerful soul stones also needed some reasoning. At the very least, if there were any issues, the powerful figures who had soul stones and were willing to speak for him would have something to say.

Luo Qingquan's calculations were clear, and Bu Li was pleased, not expecting the opportunity to come so quickly. It was probably related to Yu Ze. Bu Li straightened his chest, feeling the jade pendant Yu Ze had given him warm up, and felt some gratitude.

"Training as an outer disciple relies entirely on your own insight. I cannot interfere. You must practice diligently. In three months, there will be a competition among the outer disciples to select the best to enter the inner sect. Although the time is tight, I hope you will perform well then," Luo Qingquan said.

Bu Li nodded and bowed again in thanks.

"Very well," Luo Qingquan sighed in relief, throwing Bu Li a black token and continuing, "This is the scripture hall's pass. Go to the scripture hall early tomorrow to find a suitable soul technique. Go now."

Bu Li turned and left the hall. The eerie atmosphere inside made him feel repulsed, but he had gained a lot. Being able to directly access the soul techniques of a proper sect on the Hunlan Continent was like opening a door to the heavens.

The female disciple of the Henshan Sect had been waiting outside the door. Seeing Bu Li come out unharmed, she sighed in relief, looking very pleased. It seemed she had been worried that Bu Li might stubbornly anger the Sect Leader. Now, seeing him safe, her worries were gone.

She looked again and saw that Bu Li was holding a black token, feeling both surprised and delighted. "You are truly lucky. Many outer disciples want to enter the scripture hall but cannot. You, a newcomer, have been given a token by the Sect Leader without any prior arrangements. It's truly enviable. Even we inner disciples find it difficult to enter the top floor of the scripture hall, and some have never been there."

Her words were a bit scattered. Bu Li thought for a moment and asked, "How many floors does the scripture hall have?"

The female disciple of the Henshan Sect looked around, seeing no one, and led Bu Li down the mountain to a secluded spot. She whispered, "The scripture hall has three floors. If you have received such an opportunity from the Sect Leader, I suggest you skip the first and second floors and go directly to the third. Although the soul techniques on the third floor may be more advanced and difficult, the benefits are great."

She glanced at Bu Li and said, "Although you are only a first-stage Carving Hunter, I feel your foundation is very solid. I'm just giving you a suggestion; don't let others know."

Bu Li said, "Thank you, Senior Sister, for your advice. I will be careful."

Bu Li noticed the change in the female disciple's attitude. Although he did not want to think about why, he still needed to be polite. On the way, he had not felt good about this female disciple, but after that, her attitude changed, and Bu Li gradually became more amiable towards her.

Seeing Bu Li speaking politely, the female disciple was momentarily speechless and turned away, blushing. She led Bu Li down the mountain. They walked to the outer disciples' quarters, completed the procedures, and arranged his accommodation. By the time everything was done, it was nearly evening. The female disciple bid farewell, took a few steps, turned back, and looked at Bu Li's handsome face. "My name is Han Yulan," she said, her face turning red in the sunset, and she ran off.

Bu Li repeated her name a few times, "Han Yulan, Han Yulan," making sure he remembered it, and smiled. Just as he was about to return to his quarters, he heard someone say sarcastically, "The young man from the Western Mountain Remnant Clan?"

Oh? Is this a provocation? Bu Li turned to see the three outer disciples he had seen on the mountain path, with a few others behind them. Dahei moved even faster, hiding behind Bu Li and peeking out.

"Tsk, tsk, what kind of person raises what kind of pet. Such a cowardly hunting pet, what use is it to you? Why don't we have a feast tonight and welcome you to the sect?" one of them said.

Bu Li smiled and said, "Sure."

Seeing Bu Li back down, they laughed loudly, as if they had seen a joke. Bu Li laughed along and said, "I wonder if it's better braised or stewed."