Wang Lu turned slightly and said, "Actually, every outer peak in the Spirit Stream Sect holds an opportunity. But each one… must be walked through life and death."
"Our sect's Netherpeak has a Netherworld portal that is about to open."
By the time she finished speaking, Wang Li's expression had already turned strange.
*Damn… it's here.*
*This is where the plot begins. The Netherworld—the protagonist's first appearance. A land of opportunities… and slaughter.*
*Should I go… or not?*
Wang Lu continued, "Inner disciples can apply to enter the Netherworld for missions. At the same time, they seek opportunities to elevate their cultivation. You should feel it, right? The energy your body requires to advance is enormous. But things like divine blood… are not easily obtained."
Wang Li nodded.
He understood that better than anyone.
Without the divine blood, he might never have reached the peak of the third stage of the Martial Genesis Realm. In fact, he might have spent years just reaching the peak of the first stage.
Resources… were everything.
And among inner disciples, competition would be ruthless.
Seeing the change in his gaze, Wang Lu smiled faintly, clearly pleased.
"It seems you understand. The sect cannot support a large number of idle disciples. It must continuously expand its resources while also creating opportunities for disciples to obtain them."
She turned to look toward Netherpeak in the distance, her eyes deep.
"The so-called outer peaks are not merely for outer disciples. Their accessible regions are limited. Once you become an inner disciple, you can apply to enter special regions within each peak."
"At the moment, only Netherpeak has an active opportunity. In about half a year, inner disciples will likely be allowed to enter freely."
She paused, then added calmly:
"After all… in that place, inner disciples are nothing more than cannon fodder."
That single sentence gave Wang Li all the insight he needed.
After a moment of silence, he asked, "Since you've told me all this… you must have a way to help me become an inner disciple, right?"
Wang Lu nodded.
"Since you've broken through to the Martial Genesis Realm, you can apply for the inner disciple trial. You will be stationed in the Netherworld for five years. Survive… and you will earn the status of an inner disciple."
"Or, you can wait two years for the formal trial."
Wang Li's choice was already made.
There was no hesitation.
The Netherworld was dangerous—but it was also the fastest path to strength. Resources there would far exceed anything within the sect. Five years… might even be enough for him to reach the peak of the Martial Genesis Realm.
And once he had power—
Who would care about a mere inner disciple title?
A faint light flashed in his eyes.
"Master, I've made my decision. But… this disciple lacks offensive techniques."
He didn't bother being modest when it came to benefits.
Wang Lu chuckled. "As expected of my disciple."
"Oh, and you're not the only one who has stepped into the Martial Genesis Realm this year. The sect has produced quite a number of talented seedlings."
With a flick of her sleeve, three jade slips shot toward him.
Before he could react—
She vanished.
Without a trace.
Wang Li's pupils shrank. He hadn't sensed anything at all.
"Master is reminding me to be cautious of others…"
He exhaled slowly.
"So much for sect harmony. In the end, only personal strength matters."
Lowering his gaze, he examined the jade slips.
A few moments later—
"Huh? All saber techniques?"
He frowned slightly.
"How did Master know I practice the saber? I've never used it within the sect…"
Though puzzled, he didn't dwell on it.
The techniques were of high quality—more than enough for now.
Still, combat techniques couldn't be mastered in isolation.
They required real battle.
"I've spent too long in seclusion," he muttered. "It's time to understand the sect properly."
With that, he stepped down from the peak.
This time, not for cultivation—
But to experience the world within the sect.
---
The outer district was far livelier than he remembered.
Standing before its massive gates, Wang Li couldn't help but admire the scale of the Spirit Stream Sect. Shops, inns, and entertainment halls stretched as far as the eye could see. It felt no different from a mortal city.
With the token at his waist, no one stopped him.
Peak disciples had free access.
As he walked past, a guard leaned toward another and whispered, "Senior brother… that purple token… I've never seen it before. Why did we let him through? What if it's fake?"
The senior disciple snorted. "Are you blind? Haven't you heard of the outer disciple who rose through the ranks and became a Peak Master's personal disciple?"
The guard hesitated. "That guy? But… he looks too weak. He doesn't give off any pressure."
The senior disciple's expression turned cold. "Do you want to test that with your life?"
The guard immediately fell silent.
Just then, two women approached.
"Did you just mention an outer disciple with a purple token?" one of them asked sharply.
The senior disciple glanced at the token on her waist—and his expression changed instantly.
"Yes. He just entered the city. That way."
"Let's go. It must be him."
Without another word, the two women vanished into the crowd.
The senior disciple wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Senior brother… what's wrong?"
"…Nothing. I just feel this job is getting more dangerous."
---
Unaware of the commotion behind him, Wang Li entered a restaurant and took a seat by the window.
A waiter quickly approached, bowing respectfully.
"Honored guest, are you here to stay or dine?"
"Bring me your best dishes."
As he sat quietly, fragments of conversation drifted into his ears.
"Have you heard? A senior sister from True Water Peak has broken through to the Martial Genesis Realm!"
"She already qualifies to challenge for inner disciple status?"
"Heh, of course you'd be shocked. She obtained an opportunity in the Spiritual Plane and exchanged it for the Heavy Water Scripture before going into seclusion."
"What?! She mastered an Earth-grade technique that quickly? That's monstrous talent…"
"Stop dreaming. You already used your chance in the Spiritual Plane. Unless you become an inner disciple, you won't get another opportunity."
Wang Li's eyes flickered.
*So… that woman I met back then was an inner disciple overseeing the trial.*
He leaned back slightly, listening in silence.
Only now did he realize—
These outer disciples knew far more about the sect than he did.
He had been too focused on cultivation, ignoring everything else.
*I should ask Master about leaving the sect…*
He shook his head.
*Later.*
Just as he reached for his cup—
"Wang Li!"
A sharp, furious voice exploded behind him.
At the same time—
A powerful pressure descended.
Wang Li's eyes turned cold as he slowly raised his head.
Because that voice—
He recognized it.
And the moment he turned around—
He saw not one, but two familiar figures standing at the entrance…
Their killing intent completely undisguised.