I Cheated While Cultivating

"It’s actually a quasi-artifact!”

Lei Xiuyan and Lin Cang couldn’t help but exclaim, looking at the flickering sword light in Zhou Heng’s hands, their eyes filled with envy.

They had lived for decades and had never really used a quasi-artifact.

For ordinary martial artists, it was a desirable item hard to buy even if one has the money.

Pure Yang Palace indeed deserved its reputation as one of the top Martial Dao Sects in the world, a heritage of the ancient Taoist Immortal Sect, that even a standard Issued sword for an outer sect disciple was a quasi-artifact!

"Don’t misunderstand,” You Ziheng said with a smile, noticing Lei Xiuyan and Lin Gang’s thoughts,

“The standard issued sword for ordinary outer sect disciples is only a hundred-refined weapon. This quasi-artifact just happened to be forged by chance and was conveniently given to Zhou Heng for his use.” Then, turning to Zhou Heng, he asked,

“Is it to your liking? Although this sword is only a quasi-artifact, it’s still considered a rare weapon in the jianghu.”

"Yes, I understand,” Zhou Heng nodded as he put away the sword and inquired,

If it didn’t, he planned to name the sword himself.

After all, his first own quasi-artifact deserved commemoration.

"The standard swords of the outer sect are collectively called ‘Zhi Zhi’.” You Ziheng casually traced two glowing characters in the void.

Then, he took out a waist tag and handed it to Zhou Heng,

“You should take this waist tag as well. If someone questions why you have the Zhi Zhi Sword, you can show this tag as proof.”

The waist tag was only as big as a palm and made entirely of iron.

One side was inscribed with the characters

“Pure Yang” in relief, while the other side bore the word

“Outer Sect.”

"Thank you, Senior You,” Zhou Heng took the waist tag, and upon seeing the characters on it, he was momentarily stunned.

Pure Yang Outer Sect?

This was clearly the waist tag that represented the identity of a disciple of the Pure Yang Palace’s outer sect, which was normally given after initiation.

What did You Ziheng mean by this?

Lei Xiuyan, Lin Cang, and several trainers were also very surprised.

What was this situation?

Wasn’t it that one had to pass the assessment to be initiated?

"Hey, didn’t I just mention?” You Ziheng took a swig of wine and chuckled,

“Killing Eighth Rank disciples of the Plague Emperor Sect is something all outer sect disciples of the Pure Yang Palace are doing. Although you’re currently doing it for the assessment, you inevitably need a corresponding identity.”

As he said this, he waved his hand and started walking towards the exit of the martial arts hall, “However, you’re not officially inducted yet. You still have to go through the assessment process.

"After all, even disciples favored by Celestials have to go through the assessment process for initiation, one step at a time.”

Zhou Heng exchanged looks with Lei Xiuyan, Lin Cang, and the others, all exhibiting contemplative expressions.

They had roughly figured out You Ziheng’s intentions.

This Grandmaster of the Pure Yang Palace, having seen Zhou Heng’s talents, was obviously eager to take Zhou Heng under his wing at once.

But due to the rule that one must pass an assessment to join the Pure Yang Palace, he couldn’t do so directly.

Thus, You Ziheng most likely thought of a compromise.

Under the guise of the assessment, he let Zhou Heng do what only Pure Yang Palace disciples carry out, and for the convenience of the assessment, he gave him the standard-issued Zhi Zhi Sword and an identity waist tag of the Pure Yang Palace outer sect disciple.

In this manner, except for not having passed the assessment and not having officially joined, Zhou Heng could completely assume the identity of an outer sect disciple of the Pure Yang Palace when roaming the jianghu; there would be no problems at all.

It was for this reason that You Ziheng would give a quasi-artifact to someone who had not yet passed the assessment.

The standard issued sword for ordinary outer sect disciples was merely a hundred – refined weapon.

This meant that, for Zhou Heng, the

“Outer Sect” might just be a brief transitional stage.

Of course, even if it was just a transition, the assessment couldn’t be taken lightly; it had to be a plan with a suitable level of difficulty.

Otherwise, even after getting inducted, some might gossip or raise objections.

Killing three Eighth Rank disciples of the Plague Emperor Sect wasn’t too difficult for the current Zhou Heng, yet it had its challenges and also fit the principles of the Pure Yang Palace, making it the most appropriate plan for the assessment.

Once he completed the assessment and was truly inducted, as long as he performed well, he would most likely soar swiftly, quickly shedding his identity as an outer sect disciple, advancing to the inner sect and perhaps even becoming a True Disciple.

That was the Pure Yang Palace!

An ancient legacy that existed even before the Middle Ancient Era, a Taoist Immortal Sect with Divine First Rank presence!

A True Disciple of the Pure Yang Palace essentially meant having a great likelihood of stepping into the Middle Third Rank, becoming an Immortal capable of moving between realms, ascending and descending freely through the heavens and earth.

Thinking about the achievements Zhou Heng might accomplish in the future, Lei Xiuyan and Lin Cang both felt as though they were dreaming.

In just two years since Zhou Heng came to Longxing Martial Arts Hall to study martial arts, his growth had been astonishing.

It was truly incredible.

Perhaps this is what genius is.

After You Ziheng left, Zhou Heng was immediately surrounded by a crowd of apprentices and trainers.

"Amazing, Zhou Heng, looking at the Grandmaster’s intention, it seems like your entry into Pure Yang Palace is pretty much a sure thing!”

"I could tell from the start that you are a genius!”

"I’m not cultured, but for someone like you, I can only describe you with two words, ‘freakingawesome’!!”

Praises were heard one after another.

Most of these people were acquaintances Zhou Heng knew from everyday life, but with whom he was not particularly close.

As for Lei Xiuyan, Lin Cang, and Yu He, they all stood to the side, chuckling as they watched the scene unfold, feeling genuinely happy for Zhou Heng.

At the same time, they couldn’t help but feel a bit sentimental.

Zhou Heng’s future would not be confined to the small Longxing Martial Arts Hall, nor would it be in the tiny Huangtong Mansion City; this was foreseeable.

“Hall Master, Master Lin, Yu He, what are you thinking about?” At that moment, Zhou Heng squeezed out of the crowd and came over, smiling,

“How about I treat you to a meal tonight at the Cuixiang Building?”

The three, with their mixed emotions, fell silent for a moment.

"Forget it,” Yu He rallied his spirits and laughed,

“With that little money you have, what can you afford? Come to my family’s restaurant instead, I’ll cover all the food and drinks!”

"That’s great, haha,” Zhou Heng did not refuse. Looking at Lei Xiuyan and Lin Cang, he said,

“What about the Hall Master and Master Lin?”

"How could I miss out on the dishes at Yuelai Restaurant?” Lei Xiuyan laughed heartily.

"Same for me,” Lin Cang said with a smile.

At night, Yuelai Restaurant.

Zhou Heng broke the rules and drank alcohol.

And he drank quite a lot.

Of course, Yu He, Lei Xiuyan, and Lin Cang drank even more; all four were somewhat drunk.

Thud!

Yu He, who couldn’t hold his liquor, had already fallen under the table.

"Yu He, this kid, can’t handle it,” Lin Cang laughed and then stood up, holding up his full glass, and said to Zhou Heng,

“Zhou, you’re a genius I’ve only seen once in my lifetime. To be honest, I feel extremely honored that you call me Master Lin.”

Lei Xiuyan also stood up, holding his glass as well, and said with much emotion,

“When you first came to Longxing, you were just a greenhorn. Who would have thought that in just two years, things would change so dramatically.”

Both were expressing their feelings, sensing that Zhou Heng might leave Longxing Martial Arts Hall for a long time.

Zhou Heng was also aware of their feelings.

Moreover, he had plans to go out into the world to gain experience and mature his spirit.

So, he poured himself two glasses of wine and downed them one after the other.

Then he sincerely said,

“Thank you, Master Lin, and the Hall Master for these past two years.”

Lin Cang and Lei Xiuyan also drank down the wine in their hands.

They, too, sincerely smiled and said,

“The journey is long; take care. Longxing will always be a place for you to return to.”

That night, Zhou Heng did not leave, nor did Lei Xiuyan and Lin Cang.

They all stayed at Yu He’s family restaurant.

Tomorrow is the first day of June.

Normally, it would be the time for the update of the Heaven, Earth, and Man rankings. Staying at the restaurant would allow them to get the news the fastest.

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