Chapter 265: Upper Sect Selection! Zhang Su's Token is Delivered, Everyone is Astonished

He had been especially deferential in front of Yao Yuanji.

This was all to help him secure a spot as a Named Disciple.

“Zhang Su, if you get into Mixed Element Peak, just focus on your cultivation. Strive to become a Direct Disciple as soon as possible and protect the Guiyuan Sect. Everyone in the sect, from top to bottom, will be grateful to you.”

Zhong Wangji patted Zhang Su’s shoulder and spoke earnestly.

His eyes held a hint of expectation.

The Guiyuan Sect had mobilized all its resources to send Zhang Su to the Upper Sect.

In truth, it was an all-or-nothing gamble.

Zhang Su nodded.

When the two returned to the Fifth Branch, they found Meng Yun and Yao Peiyu waiting for them.

Seeing them return, Meng Yun asked anxiously, “Elder Zhong, how did it go? With the Third Ancestor…”

Her tone was filled with urgency.

Although she had married into the Yao Family, she always carried the Guiyuan Sect in her heart.

Zhong Wangji smiled and said, “It’s all settled. There shouldn’t be any major issues. Zhang Su will most likely be staying at Mixed Element Peak as a Named Disciple. When the time comes, Xiaoyun, you’ll have to look after him.”

“That’s wonderful! If Zhang Su can stay at Mixed Element Peak, he can just come find me at the Fifth Branch if he needs anything.”

Meng Yun was also very happy.

Before, she had been all alone in the Yao Family, isolated and without support.

If anything came up, she didn’t even have anyone to talk it over with.

But with Zhang Su staying in the Upper Sect, even as just a Named Disciple, it was like having someone from her own family by her side.

If something were to happen, Meng Yun would have someone to consult.

Zhang Su’s status as a fellow sect member naturally earned Meng Yun’s trust.

“Zhang Su, if you run into any trouble in the future, don’t be a stranger to Xiaoyun. As for people from our Guiyuan Sect here in the Upper Sect, it’s just the two of you,” Zhong Wangji added, addressing Zhang Su.

In the past century, the Guiyuan Sect had sent many disciples to the Upper Sect, but almost none had managed to stay.

Zhang Su was the first.

“Don’t worry, Elder. I will visit Lady Yao often in the future.”

Zhang Su immediately cupped his hands in salute to Meng Yun.

“Then you should stay with the Yao Family for the next few days,” Meng Yun asked.

She hoped Zhang Su and Zhong Wangji would stay, as it would give her a chance to learn more about the current situation of the Guiyuan Sect.

“There’s no need. We’re staying at the Hongyun Inn. If Elder Yao has news for us, he can send someone there.”

Zhong Wangji politely declined.

Meng Yun nodded in understanding.

After all, Zhang Su and Zhong Wangji weren’t the only ones who had come from the Guiyuan Sect.

There were other elders and disciples as well.

Staying at the Yao Family residence would indeed be inconvenient.

So, Meng Yun didn’t insist.

And so, Zhang Su and Zhong Wangji returned to the Hongyun Inn.

By the time they returned to the inn, the sky had already grown dark.

Lamps were being lit in the shops lining the street.

In the inn’s main hall, the other elders and disciples were having their meal.

Seeing Zhang Su and Zhong Wangji return, Qu Zhengliu looked up and glanced at them.

Zhong Wangji gave a slight nod, indicating that things had been handled.

Qu Zhengliu nodded back and didn’t press the matter.

This was not a matter to be discussed in public.

Zhang Su returned to his room.

From his window, he could see the street below, where pedestrians were growing sparse. Occasionally, a carriage would pass, its horses’ hooves clopping with distinct clarity on the emptying road.

For the entire past month, Zhang Su and the people from the Three Sects had been constantly on the road.

He hadn’t had much time for his cultivation.

As a result, his progress with the Infinite Divine Technique had been slow.

Now, he could finally settle down.

So, Zhang Su began to cultivate quietly in the Hongyun Inn, seizing every second and wasting no time.

He sat on his bed, crossed his legs, and closed his eyes.

The Pure Yang Gang Power within his body circulated slowly, cycle after cycle.

The Infinite Divine Technique emphasized the Unity of Inner and Outer, allowing Gang Force to permeate every corner of the body.

At this stage, the body would have no weaknesses.

External attacks could not penetrate, and the internal organs were protected by Gang Force.

He had already reached the stage of Great Success and was just one step away from Perfection.

Zhang Su was not anxious.

He knew such things couldn’t be rushed.

「Three days passed in a flash.」

During these three days, Zhang Su barely left his room.

He spent every day in cultivation.

When he got hungry, he would have an attendant bring meals to his room.

Thanks to his relentless, round-the-clock cultivation, his Infinite Divine Technique progressed rapidly.

The day of the Upper Sect’s selection finally arrived.

Early in the morning, the Hongyun Inn was already bustling with activity.

Yu Hualong and the nine other Guiyuan Sect disciples emerged from their rooms, dressed in new robes with weapons at their waists, their spirits high.

The elders of the Three Sects met in the main hall, exchanging a few pleasantries, but no one spoke at length.

A mixture of tension and anticipation was etched on every face.

The Upper Sect selection was held only once every three years.

Missing this one meant waiting another three years.

Moreover, the situation was dire.

The Jingyuan Sect was watching like a tiger stalking its prey, and the Three Sects Alliance was on the brink of collapse.

This selection was the last hope for the Three Sects.

“Go on,” Zhong Wangji said.

Only disciples were allowed to enter the Upper Sect’s selection grounds; not even the elders could go in.

Yu Hualong led the Guiyuan Sect disciples out of the inn.

Zhang Su also came out of his room and stood at the entrance of the inn, watching their retreating backs.

Yu Hualong walked at the head of the group, seemingly accustomed to such scenes.

This wasn’t his first time participating in the Upper Sect’s selection.

But Zhang Su knew this time was different for Yu Hualong.

He was nearly forty years old.

By the next selection, he would be past the forty-year-old age limit.

Therefore, this was Yu Hualong’s last chance to participate in the Upper Sect’s selection.

“Junior Brother Zhang, wait for my good news.”

Yu Hualong seemed to sense Zhang Su’s gaze. He turned his head and smiled at him.

Then he turned and strode away.

Zhang Su stood at the entrance, watching until their figures disappeared at the end of the street before turning to go back inside the inn.