As the day of the secret realm's opening drew closer, the atmosphere within Qingxu Temple grew increasingly tense and fervent, and the free team formation among disciples entered a white-hot stage. In the training grounds, dining hall, and even forest paths, one could see groups of three or five disciples gathered together, passionately discussing team composition, role division, and action plans after entering the secret realm.
Tang Xiao Qi stood at the edge of the bustling training grounds, watching this scene before him, feeling somewhat lost and awkward. He attempted to proactively approach several teams that seemed to still be recruiting.
The first team consisted of three Qi Refining sixth layer disciples; they were lacking a member proficient in defense or reconnaissance. Xiao Qi mustered his courage to step forward and express his interest. The leading disciple looked him up and down, his gaze lingering for a moment on Xiao Qi's aura, which clearly indicated he had only recently entered Qi Refining fifth layer, then glanced at the darksteel wood branch serving as a sword behind his back, his eyebrows imperceptibly wrinkling.
'Junior Brother Tang, is it?' The disciple's tone was still polite, but carried obvious detachment. 'Our team plans to venture into the central region of the secret realm, where risks are higher, and we have stricter requirements for members' strength. Junior Brother, your... cultivation is still shallow, I'm afraid you would struggle to keep up with our pace. If something were to happen, it wouldn't be good. Sorry.'
The words were tactful, but the refusal was clear. Xiao Qi opened his mouth, wanting to say that although his cultivation wasn't high, his sword art had reached minor achievement, he also had a sturdy frying pan, and even his pill refining skills were decent... But seeing the other's gaze already turning elsewhere, these words ultimately didn't come out. He silently stepped back.
He then approached another team. This team had more members, four or five people, with cultivation levels ranging from Qi Refining fifth layer to seventh layer. Upon hearing Xiao Qi wanted to join, one of the arrogant-looking Qi Refining seventh layer disciples scoffed: 'Qi Refining fifth layer? Going in to be deadweight? We're not going for sightseeing; we don't have time to look after those who drag us down.'
These words were quite cutting. Xiao Qi's face flushed red, and he clenched his fists, but in the end, he held back and didn't argue, turning to leave.
Repeated rejections left Xiao Qi feeling somewhat low. He deeply understood that his cultivation was his weakness; among the many disciples participating in the trial, he truly didn't stand out. Moreover, he usually kept a low profile; aside from being familiar with a few senior brothers and sisters, he had no notable reputation among outer sect disciples, nor any glorious combat achievements to speak of. In the context of everyone seeking strong teammates to ensure safety and gains, being excluded seemed only natural.
He watched those disciples who had already formed teams, full of high spirits, and also those who, due to cultivation or other reasons, were left alone with worried expressions, and inwardly sighed. Would he really have to enter the secret realm alone? That would undoubtedly multiply the dangers.
Just as he was about to give up on the idea of team formation and brace himself to plan solo action, a crisp voice, carrying a tone of undeniable authority, sounded behind him:
'Hey! What are you standing there dazedly for? Join our team!'
Xiao Qi turned around in astonishment, only to see Third Senior Sister Liu Yun standing with her hands on her hips, staring at him with a 'I dare you to refuse' expression. Behind her stood the composed First Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng, as well as two other disciples. One was a tall, sturdy, dark-skinned physical cultivation disciple named Shi Jian, with cultivation at the peak of Qi Refining sixth layer; the other was a nimble, keen-eyed female disciple named Su Xuan, also at Qi Refining sixth layer, seemingly skilled in light body techniques and reconnaissance.
This lineup could be described as a luxurious configuration among outer sect disciples! First Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng's cultivation was unfathomable, said to have already reached Qi Refining late stage; Third Senior Sister Liu Yun was also among the top of Qi Refining seventh layer, with fierce sword techniques; Shi Jian and Su Xuan were clearly experienced veterans, each with their own specializations.
The surrounding disciples who had been watching or secretly mocking Xiao Qi now showed expressions of surprise or even envy. Who would have thought that this kid who had just broken through to Qi Refining fifth layer would be noticed by such a strong team?
Xiao Qi himself was somewhat dumbfounded: 'Third Senior Sister? First Senior Brother? You... want me?'
Liu Yun walked forward and without ceremony slapped the back of his head, not lightly: 'Nonsense! Why else would I call you? Seeing you standing here all pitiful, your senior sister is feeling merciful and taking you along! What? Not happy?'
'Happy! Of course happy!' Xiao Qi quickly said, a great warmth and gratitude surging in his heart. He looked at First Senior Brother, who nodded gently at him, encouragement in his eyes. Shi Jian and Su Xuan also gave him friendly smiles, seemingly without any exclusion.
'But... my cultivation...' Xiao Qi still hesitated, afraid he would hold the team back.
'If your cultivation is low, just work harder and talk less!' Liu Yun interrupted him. 'Once in the secret realm, listen to orders, be sharp, don't fall behind, don't touch things randomly, that's the greatest help you can give us. Besides,' her tone softened slightly, 'you know pill refining, right? We happen to be lacking someone who can handle medicinal herbs and provide emergency treatment. That black pan of yours... hmm, might also come in handy.'
So Third Senior Sister had even considered this. Xiao Qi was even more moved.
Mu Qingfeng also spoke: 'Xiao Qi, the way of a team lies in complementing each other. You are meticulous, have a solid foundation, and also possess unique qualities. Don't underestimate yourself. Follow us, watch and learn more, and safety will also be ensured.'
First Senior Brother's words always brought reassurance. Xiao Qi no longer hesitated, solemnly bowing to the senior brothers and sisters, as well as Shi Jian and Su Xuan: 'Thank you, Senior Brothers and Sisters, Brother Shi, Sister Su! Xiao Qi will spare no effort and definitely not hold everyone back!'
Thus, Tang Xiao Qi, who originally had no one paying attention to him, was dramatically 'recruited' by the strongest team formed by Qingxu Temple's outer sect. This team formation turmoil came to a perfect conclusion in an unexpected way.
The surrounding disciples who had previously rejected or mocked him now wore varied expressions—some surprised, some regretful, some disapproving, thinking Liu Yun and the others had taken on deadweight.
But Xiao Qi no longer had time to care about these gazes. Standing behind First Senior Brother and Third Senior Sister, feeling the sense of security brought by this powerful team, and the warmth of being accepted, his heart filled with fighting spirit.
He knew this was his senior brothers' and sisters' care for him. He must work even harder to prove his worth in the secret realm, so as not to disappoint this friendship. Cloud Mist Secret Realm, he would no longer be alone.