"The Outer Sect Disciple Competition has concluded."
"First place among outer sect disciples: Gu Han."
"Second place among outer sect disciples: Yun Lange."
"Outer sect disciples..."
"Fifth place among outer sect disciples: Nalan Yanran."
"..."
The inner sect deacon stood on the high platform announcing the final rankings, then turned to Gu Han with a kindly expression and asked: "Gu Han, as the top outer sect disciple, according to the rules you may challenge an inner sect disciple."
"Even if it's the lowest ranked inner disciple, as long as you can hold out for the time it takes to finish a cup of tea without being defeated, you will subsequently enjoy the treatment of an inner sect disciple. Do you wish to proceed with the challenge?"
All inner sect disciples were at the Dou Master level. Even the lowest ranked inner disciple had access to resources and missions that outer sect disciples couldn't compare to.
While the top twenty outer sect disciples had varying degrees of increased resources, they still couldn't surpass what inner sect disciples received.
"I decline the challenge. Thank you for the reminder, Deacon."
Gu Han's polite response surprised many present.
Yun Lange had broken through to Dou Venerable and could already be promoted to the inner sect - his strength definitely wouldn't be at the bottom.
Since Gu Han could defeat Yun Lange while surpassing cultivation levels, he naturally had the strength to defeat the lowest ranked inner disciple.
Why would he refuse such readily available status and position?
The conditions mentioned by the deacon were only meant for ordinary top outer disciples.
Many had expected to witness an exciting match where the top outer disciple challenged an inner disciple, but now it seemed that wouldn't happen.
"No problem, that's your choice." The deacon was also surprised but didn't comment further.
Just as he was about to leave, a voice suddenly came from the area where inner sect disciples were gathered: "Junior Brother Gu, you clearly have the strength to challenge an inner disciple and obtain better resources, yet you refuse. Could it be that you look down on us?"
Gu Han sighed inwardly.
This was the trouble with dealing with juniors who had backing.
After beating the junior, the senior comes; after beating the senior, the elder comes - friends, masters, and connections keep appearing endlessly.
"This fellow disciple is overthinking it. I've simply instructed too many junior sisters and brothers today and feel tired." Gu Han replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.
Anyone could tell this was an excuse, but for the moment, no one could find fault with it.
It was true that Gu Han had instructed numerous junior disciples, essentially turning this outer sect competition into a demonstration.
"Moreover," Gu Han looked up at the young man among the inner disciples whose appearance somewhat resembled Yun Lange's, as a layer of blue-white gauze quickly manifested around his body: "I don't need to rely on challenges to enter the inner sect."
Dou Qi Gauze - a Dou Master "expert"!
"Cloud Mist Sect has obtained a top-tier talent rarely seen in a century."
"Although I had guessed earlier, I'm still surprised to see he has truly broken through to Dou Master."
"When I was fifteen, I had just broken through to Dou Fighter. Truly shameful."
"..."
The audience immediately broke into discussion.
Gu Han, fifteen years old, Dou Master expert.
With such talent, he would definitely receive Cloud Mist Sect's intensive cultivation.
Within three years, he could advance to Dou Grand Master.
Reaching Dou Spirit before thirty was guaranteed.
He even had the potential to reach Dou King and Dou Emperor.
A strange light flashed in Jia Xingtian's eyes as he sighed softly: "I expected it, but seeing it with my own eyes is still astonishing."
"What truly makes him exceptional isn't just becoming a Dou Master at fifteen," Fa Ma chimed in, his voice trembling slightly. "I've heard it only took him three months to break through to Dou Fighter and become an outer disciple. If he can maintain this pace..."
Jia Xingtian's pupils abruptly contracted.
Then the Cloud Mist Sect would surely produce another Yun Yun, someone who could reach Dou Emperor before thirty.
He might even have the chance to pursue the Dou Ancestor realm in the future.
It seemed they needed to pay some attention to this young man.
"How infuriating!"
Yun Lange clenched his fists, his expression extremely unpleasant.
Gu Han was openly slapping him in the face.
While Dou Masters had many advantages over Dou Fighters, their biggest combat advantage was the amplification from Dou Qi Gauze.
Yet Gu Han had defeated him twice with ease using only Dou Fighter cultivation, without employing Dou Qi Gauze.
This was telling everyone that he didn't even need thirty percent of his strength to defeat him.
"Fellow disciple, any more guidance to offer?" Gu Han looked at the inner disciple whose expression had also turned sour.
"None at all," the inner disciple replied with a smile. "Congratulations, Junior Brother Gu, on breaking through to Dou Master and becoming an inner disciple."
"My name is Yun Lanqing, ranked ninth among inner disciples. If you need anything, feel free to seek me out."
After exchanging pleasantries with him, Gu Han retreated to Little Fairy Doctor's side.
"You've certainly stolen the show today, young master," Little Fairy Doctor covered her mouth with a light laugh.
"This is only the beginning," a sharp glint flashed in Gu Han's eyes.
The inner sect steward stepped back, making way for the Ninth Elder in charge of affairs to distribute rewards to the disciples.
Doing this publicly served as motivation for sect disciples, while also allowing outsiders to spread the word, enhancing the Cloud Mist Sect's reputation and attracting more talent.
When they learned that Gu Han's reward was the opportunity to prepare medicinal ingredients for Gu He to refine pills, many Dou Spirits and Dou Kings showed envious expressions.
Only because Gu He was a guest elder of the Cloud Mist Sect could such good fortune fall upon a mere Dou Master.
"Yun Shang, give me those three items. I have matters to discuss with that young man later, so I'll hand them to him then," Yun Yun said, watching Gu Han and Little Fairy Doctor chatting and laughing, her jade-like hands unconsciously clenching on her lap.
"It's perfect that the Sect Master will handle it. I won't need to have Mei Er specially summon him to the Punishment Hall," Yun Shang readily handed over the three items, making Yun Leng and Yun Sheng twitch at the corners of their eyes beside her.
While these items weren't particularly precious to them, they still represented significant resources.
They didn't mind them being used by their own people, but giving them to Gu Han made their hearts ache.
"You always mention Mei Er lately, but rarely speak of Zhang Chuchen anymore. Have you grown tired of the old for the new?" Yun Yun teased.
"Chuchen has broken through to Dou Spirit and no longer needs my guidance," Yun Shang replied with a smile in her eyes. "Although Mei Er's talent isn't as exceptional as Chuchen's, it's still quite good. Men just aren't as considerate as women after all. I can understand why the Sect Master took Nalan Yanran as a disciple."
"Was this why my teacher took me as a disciple back then?" Yun Yun joked about herself.
The elders present barely resisted the urge to roll their eyes.
While Yun Yun now appeared dignified, elegant, and noble, that was all cultivated over the years as required by her position as Sect Master.
In her youth, she had been an outright little devil, something only someone with Yun Shan's recluse nature who enjoyed quiet cultivation would appreciate.
As the higher-ups chatted, this grand competition came to a complete conclusion.
Gu Han immediately went to the inner sect to change his attire and token, while also completing Little Fairy Doctor's identity registration and obtaining her Identity Token.
The personal maidservants of inner sect disciples, in certain situations, represent the disciples themselves, and the sect conducts rigorous evaluations for such appointments.
However, given Gu Han's current status, this process was merely a formality.
"Gu Han."
Gu Han had just stepped out of the Inner Sect Affairs Hall with Little Fairy Doctor when a familiar voice called from nearby.
"Junior Sister Yanran." Gu Han raised his hand in salute.
Nalan Yanran immediately felt a vein throb on her forehead: "You changed the form of address rather quickly and naturally."
"Such are the sect rules. Now that I'm an inner sect disciple and you remain an outer sect disciple, I am your senior brother." Gu Han's tone was utterly matter-of-fact.
"Just wait until I become an inner sect disciple—then we'll go by the order of entry," Nalan Yanran snorted lightly. "When that time comes, I'll make you call me 'senior sister' a hundred times."
"An excellent idea." Gu Han clapped his hands, then curled the corner of his lips. "But for now, how about you call me 'senior brother' a hundred times first, junior sister?"
Nalan Yanran: !!!
Just then, a furious roar suddenly erupted from nearby.
"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river—do not bully the youth for his poverty!"
Gu Han: !?!