Chapter 50: The Hall of Magical Treasures

“There’s definitely something up his sleeve…” Lin Hao narrowed his eyes, watching Bai Li with utmost caution, his heart full of vigilance. Having learned from his previous slip of the tongue, this time Lin Hao didn’t utter a single word.

Bai Li looked at Lin Hao with a hint of helplessness, shook his head slightly, and spoke slowly:

“The outer sect is far more perilous than this place. The struggles within are truly fierce. On my second day after entering the outer sect, two first-layer Qi Condensation disciples stirred up trouble. Only after crippling their cultivation did the trouble lessen.

I’ve come to you this time simply to suggest that we look out for each other in the outer sect.

I actually broke through to the first layer of Qi Condensation three months ago, but since joining the sect, I have suffered too many humiliations and thus kept a low profile, biding my time instead of entering the outer sect. What happened last time was truly a matter of necessity. For that, I apologize to you.”

With those words, Bai Li rose and bowed deeply to Lin Hao in a rare show of solemnity.

“It can’t possibly be that simple…” Lin Hao stared at Bai Li, suspicion and uncertainty rising in his heart. You couldn’t really blame Lin Hao—what happened last time had truly left a mark on his nerves.

“I am only at the first layer of Qi Condensation. How could I possibly help you?” Lin Hao replied warily, eyes never leaving Bai Li.

“I don’t know.” Bai Li’s calm demeanor returned, his gaze frank and sincere. “But I have a feeling in my heart that you are destined to be extraordinary.”

Hearing this, Lin Hao shivered inwardly. After a moment’s hesitation, he nodded.

For a while, neither spoke, and the room fell into a strange, uneasy silence.

Time slipped by quickly, and soon a night had passed.

When the bell sounded in the sect the next morning, the two left their quarters, departing from the chores department. They followed a quiet path until a simple thatched cottage came into view. In front of the cottage sat an elder of extraordinary bearing, cross-legged and serene.

“Elder, this man broke through yesterday and has come today to claim the belongings of an outer sect disciple,” Bai Li said respectfully, bowing to the old man.

“Disciple Lin Hao, greetings, Elder Gou.” Lin Hao also bowed respectfully. On the way here, Bai Li had already informed Lin Hao of the elder’s name, and Lin Hao understood that this was the one who oversaw the assessment of new outer sect disciples.

“Rise,” Elder Gou said, then fixed his gaze on Lin Hao, examining him intently.

As Elder Gou’s eyes met his, Lin Hao felt as if he was being seen through, inside and out, as though there were no secrets he could hide.

“How long have you been cultivating?” Elder Gou asked suddenly, a look of appreciation in his eyes.

Lin Hao quickly bowed again. “Reporting to Elder, I have been in the sect for just over a month.”

“To break through to the first layer of Qi Condensation in just over a month, your aptitude is quite decent. Once you enter the outer sect, cultivate diligently and do not slack off.” Elder Gou nodded slightly, then with a wave of his hand produced a finely crafted pouch and a token. Smiling, he continued, “Thirty paces north of the West Peak is where your cave-dwelling is. As a new outer sect disciple, you may choose one treasure from the Hall of Magical Artifacts. Go now.”

“Thank you, Elder.” Lin Hao accepted the items, then bid farewell to both Elder Gou and Bai Li. With Bai Li leading, he had no trouble finding his residence. However, as they passed many outer sect disciples along the way, Lin Hao noticed that their gazes were strange—some even looked at him as if he were prey.

“Why are they all looking at me…” Lin Hao, unnerved by their stares, asked in a low, hesitant voice.

Bai Li, as if oblivious to all else, answered calmly, “That’s just how the rules are in the Azure Luo Sect. Disciples are allowed to kill each other and snatch whatever they want. Even if you end up dead on the street tomorrow, no one will care.”

Hearing this, Lin Hao’s mouth twitched and a sense of utter helplessness washed over him.

Bai Li chuckled softly. “Don’t worry. As long as you don’t provoke everyone’s anger, no one will go out of their way to cause you trouble—unless you’re carrying a lot of spirit stones.”

“Spirit stones?” Lin Hao was a little surprised, suddenly recalling the valuable-looking spirit stone Bai Li had given him a month ago.

But he was still reluctant to use it.

“You should also stop acting like such a frail scholar,” Bai Li continued, looking at Lin Hao with a trace of amusement. “In the Azure Luo Sect, it’s survival of the fittest. The way you look now, you’re basically advertising how easy it would be to rob you.”

Lin Hao was taken aback but, after a moment’s thought, nodded seriously. Recalling those hostile stares from earlier, the more he thought about it, the more sense it made. He immediately adopted a sullen, guarded expression.

Sure enough, when they next encountered outer sect disciples, though many still glanced at him, few looked at him with open hostility.

The two continued on through the outer sect until they arrived at a courtyard resembling those found in the mortal realm. At its heart stood an enormous pavilion.

“The Hall of Magical Artifacts…” Lin Hao murmured to himself as he gazed at the three grand characters emblazoned above the building. Bai Li nudged him gently. “Go on, pick out a magical artifact. Be careful not to get swindled.”

Though Lin Hao was still a bit puzzled, he nodded and entered.

Inside, rows of wooden shelves stood neatly arranged, each holding objects large and small, all gleaming with a magical luster.

Faced with such a dazzling array of treasures, Lin Hao’s eyes widened, his heartbeat quickened, and his breath grew unconsciously shallow.

“What do you want?” Suddenly, a lazy voice sounded. Lin Hao looked over to find a young man dozing at the counter, who now cracked open an eye and regarded him with undisguised disdain.

“Greetings, Senior Brother. I am a newly admitted outer sect disciple. According to sect rules, I’ve come to select a magical artifact.” Lin Hao bowed slightly as he spoke.

“Oh?” The man’s eyes brightened at this, and he stood up with a welcoming smile. “So you’re a new junior brother! What’s your name?”

“Lin Hao,” he replied, cupping his hands in greeting.

“Haha! Brother Lin, come, come!” The man threw an arm around Lin Hao’s shoulders and led him to a shelf, introducing its contents with great enthusiasm. “This mirror was once the revered treasure of our sect during its golden age centuries ago! It may look ordinary, even rusted, but that’s just the brilliance concealed beneath its surface! I can tell by your noble bearing that you are destined for greatness, and restoring this mirror to its former glory will surely be no trouble for you! How about it?”

Lin Hao was indeed tempted by the words, but when he saw the rusty, battered bronze mirror, his face fell and his mouth twitched involuntarily. “Senior brother… this…”