Recruitment Examination and Choosing Rewards.

"Don't you feel remorse for using the Hu Family like this?" Li Qiang curiously asked Fang Xue.

"I know how to repay kindness and gratitude. What the Hu Family and I have so far is just them repaying a debt. If, in the future, the Hu Family proves to be a true ally, I will reconsider my plan," Fang Xue replied indifferently.

Fang Xue was someone who understood the difference between good and evil. However, she didn't fully trust Hu Wen and her family, partly due to her trauma of being hunted by both humans and demons.

Although it was now practically impossible for anyone to discover her identity as a half-demon and half-human, Fang Xue still carried the weight of her past in her heart.

Hu Jiang, who was observing the scene of Gu Ning and his daughter talking, felt that something was amiss, but he quickly dismissed the feeling. He believed that if his daughter could marry Gu Ning, it would be advantageous for the Hu Family to have a powerful ally.

"Cough, putting the lovebirds aside, I came to discuss some matters related to the Sect Recruitment Exam," Gu Zemin coughed, diverting everyone's attention to him.

"Sect Recruitment Exam? I thought it was scheduled for two years from now," Hu Jiang asked, a bit confused. After all, the Sect Recruitment Exam was held every three years, and the last recruitment took place just six months ago.

"You're correct, but humanity's soothsayer has predicted changes in Hell. As a result, the sects have decided to hold the next recruitment one year from now, right here in Cloud City," Gu Zemin announced while sipping tea served by a servant.

"Changes in Hell?" Hu Jiang asked with concern. Although he was pleased that his daughter could activate her Yin Maiden physique and demonstrate her talents to a sect, he couldn't help but worry about what would happen in Hell.

"Even the soothsayer doesn't have precise details about the changes. He only mentioned that a significant transformation will occur in Hell, accompanied by unique opportunities, in one year's time. The sects have decided to investigate and hold the recruitment earlier, as the soothsayer also predicted the emergence of many geniuses in this era. Since our city is the closest to Hell, it was chosen as the location for the next recruitment," Gu Zemin explained calmly.

"Changes in Hell? Li'er, do you know what will happen?" Fang Xue asked Li Qiang after hearing the news. After all, Hell only existed because of her.

"I'm not sure, but it could mean that the land of Hell will start to return to normal now that I'm no longer there. As for the unique opportunities, it might refer to the powerful sect that once existed in Hell before I destroyed it," Li Qiang replied, indifferent to the matter.

"Alright, that's a concern for the future. Right now, I need to increase my strength and join a sect," Fang Xue contemplated Li Qiang's words but set them aside, focusing on her next goal: joining the White Lotus Sect.

"I'm relieved that the sects are inquiring about the situation in Hell and organizing the recruitment. It will greatly benefit our city," Hu Jiang expressed his relief. With his concerns alleviated, he became even more determined to have his daughter activate her physique and join a powerful sect, thereby enhancing the prestige of the Hu Family.

"Well, I should go now. My son has already met Miss Hu, and I have conveyed what I needed to say," Gu Zemin announced, preparing to leave while casting a fleeting glance at Fang Xue.

"Don't regret your decision later, old man," Fang Xue noticed the look and coldly laughed to herself as she stood up as well.

"Until next time, Big Brother Gu," Hu Wen, who was seated next to Fang Xue, said with a slight blush on her face.

Gu Ning simply smiled and nodded before following his father out of the room.

"Now that we've had an unexpected visitor, let's proceed to the Treasure Room and reward you, Miss Fang," Hu Jiang suggested as he noticed Gu Zemin's departure.

"Yes, I will strive to reach the Qi Sense Realm as soon as possible to activate Hu Wen's physique and enable her to participate in the Sect Recruitment," Fang Xue replied, understanding Hu Jiang's intentions and expressing the words he wanted to hear.

"Good! Let's not waste any time. Every second counts," Hu Jiang responded happily to Fang Xue's cleverness.

They returned to the corridor and entered an office that appeared entirely ordinary to Fang Xue. However, she was stunned when she saw Hu Jiang place his hand on a wall and infuse it with Qi, causing the wall to disappear as if it had never existed.

"Let's go inside, and if you find anything that catches your interest, just let me know, Miss Fang," Hu Jiang gestured for everyone to enter.

As Fang Xue stepped inside, she felt like she had entered another world—a 40-square-meter room filled with various armors, sabers, swords, and spears greeted her eyes. It wasn't just armor and weapons; there were also some delicate china bottles containing mysterious pills stacked in a corner.

"Please choose one bottle of pills, one weapon or armor, and something else of your preference," Hu Jiang instructed Fang Xue.

Hu Ling looked slightly surprised, but soon understood his patriarch's thoughts. Fang Xue was a genius, and aligning her with the Hu Family would bring significant benefits.

"Really? Thank you very much, Patriarch Hu," Fang Xue responded, feigning happiness as she lightly bowed towards Hu Jiang.

"She didn't choose anything extraordinary. That works in my favor," Hu Jiang chuckled internally, noting Fang Xue's choices, but refrained from commenting.

"Li'er, can you see anything special here? Like a legendary sword or a powerful ancient pill?" Fang Xue inquired of Li Qiang, hoping to find something remarkable amidst the selection. She had read cultivation stories in her previous life on Earth, and the protagonist often acquired extraordinary items in similar situations.

"I don't understand what you're looking for. There are indeed some excellent items, but nothing as extraordinary as you're hoping for," Li Qiang replied, finding Fang Xue's excitement perplexing.

"Too bad. Just tell me what would be beneficial for me," Fang Xue sighed and let Li Qiang make the choices for her.

"Do you see those two bottles of pills? One contains three red pills, and the other has three blue pills. Take them; they will be beneficial for you. As for the weapon, nothing here is particularly special, but you can choose the Hanfu with the same design as your current one. It's unique," Li Qiang pointed out, guiding Fang Xue's selection.

"Alright, I've made my choices," Fang Xue returned with the three items in hand, never letting go of Li Qiang.

Hu Jiang raised an eyebrow upon seeing Fang Xue's choices but chose not to comment on them.

"She didn't pick anything exceptional. That's even better for me," Hu Jiang chuckled internally and nodded for everyone to leave.

"Li'er, explain to me the purpose of these items. From Hu Jiang's reaction, it doesn't seem like they are good things," Fang Xue asked Li Qiang, realizing that her choices might not have been favorable.

"When we are alone, I'll explain it to you. Just know that these items are beneficial for your current situation," Li Qiang replied, indifferent to what a mere mortal thought of her choices.