Inner Mountains

"W-We are not exclusive yet!"

While Yao Yao had been rather unfazed by the prior question, Julong's response had certainly made her feel the need to hide her face by turning away from the table. Heat had risen on her cheeks making them a pretty pink.

Such a thing was embarrassing, and it only got worse as she thought of a particular word: Yet.

Mu Wuji had quickly cleaned himself with the help of his Genesis Qi, laughing hysterically at Julong's reaction. Perhaps he had misjudged them a little.

"Anyway, I'm sorry about drenching you like that, Uncle... what you said really caught me off guard."

Julong bowed at his mistake.

"No, no it's quite alright. I was the one who elicited such a reaction."

Mu Wuji gave yet another small laugh in response.

"Either way, I came to find you to explain the ranking system inside of the Inner Mountains, or more specifically what will happen to you two. As I'm sure you know, the rankings are separated into three; Black Sash, Gold Sash, and Purple Sash Disciples. Black is the lowest and Purple is the highest on the scale. Each division receives completely different Cultivating resources, the higher the division, the greater the resources.

"Generally when coming from the Outer Mountains, when accepted a majority will become Black Sash Disciples, excluding the top 10 who become Gold Sash Disciples immediately."

Julong nodded in understanding, Yao Yao however had other plans, since she had recovered her composure from prior, she wanted to get straight to the point.

"I still don't see what this has to do with us?"

"Direct. I like it."

He nodded approvingly with closed eyes.

"Getting straight to it, it is likely that you two will be appointed as Gold Sash Disciples, perhaps even Purple if your strength is read properly. This applies especially to you, Wan Julong, the power you displayed in defeating a Fourth Layer Alpha-Origin Expert at the Quasi-Alpha-Origin Stage was nearly unbelievable. I'm sure that power has transferred into your breakthrough, allowing you to fight even fiercer enemies too."

Smiling gently at the thought, he paused for a moment. Julong might just be his greatest prospect.

"Now, as for when we get there, I'm sure you both know that I will be taking you both to Sect Master Qing Yang without delay since this matter is very important."

"Of course." Julong smiled, taking a quick glance between Mu Wuji and Yao Yao. "Though I feel a little bad about leaving Zhou Yuan behind."

"Don't worry about that kid, I'm sure he'll be fine, he defeated Wu Huang at the Advanced Stage of the Qi Nourishing Realm. Once he breaks through, he'll be quite the force to be reckoned with."

"I'll trust your words Uncle."

Mu Wuji then stood up, though not before swigging a final glass of their wine.

"I'll leave you both to whatever it was you were doing before. We should be arriving in a few hours, maybe less. Just be ready for the Sect Master to question you upon arrival. That's mostly what I wanted to warn you about, that and about stealing wine from me. You have to be sneakier next time if you think you can get away with taking some from my collection."

"Thank you, Envoy."

Yao Yao replied, almost as if she was trying to get rid of him faster, making Julong chuckle nervously.

"Thanks, Uncle."

Mu Wuji merely waved them off before walking out of the room.

Yao Yao made a visibly irritated face at his departure, yeah she definitely wasn't pleased with him interrupting them, even if they were just sitting in silence.

Ahh, Yao Yao, what to do with you...

Shengzhou Continent - Cangxuan Sect Inner Mountains

After a few hours, Julong and Yao Yao decided to make their way up onto the main deck to look at the view they had been provided. When they arrived they had spotted Mu Wuji looking just a little further into the distance.

"Ah, just as I was about to fetch you both."

Julong smiled at him.

"I'm assuming we're nearly there?"

"Correct. For now, we have to leave the airship out here, only Genesis Qi Clouds are allowed inside of the Inner Mountains, which borders around a kilometre ahead of us."

Giving an understanding nod, Julong summoned his Genesis Qi to his body and slowly took off in flight.

"Then shall we get going?"

"You are quite excited, aren't you Wan Julong?"

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't."

Mu Wuji chuckled at his words, soon following Julong, summoning his own Genesis Qi. Yao Yao at this point also summoned her Spirit Power, allowing her to fly.

With a quick wave of Mu Wuji's hand, a small cloud of Genesis Qi appeared. The three of them quickly stood on top of the cloud, awaiting its movement.

"Be prepared, because compared to the pale colours of the Outer Mountains, the Inner Mountains are quite beautiful."

A tear in what appeared to be a barrier appeared in front of the group, revealing a multicoloured and stunning mountain range filled with monumental pavilions and floating islands. In addition to this, the Genesis Qi felt abundantly stronger too. Perhaps this was the reason the Shengzhou Continent was commonly referred to as the blessed Continent.

Upon entering, the most striking mountain peak quickly captured Julongs attention. Upon it was inscribed the words 'Chosen Peak'. From what he had been told, these were the most talented Disciples in the Alpha-Origin Realm, and one would at least have to be a Purple Sash Disciple to compete for a position as a Chosen.

"Julong, keep your eyes on that Chosens Peak, I'm pretty sure one day your name will be inscribed on that mountain peak."

"I appreciate the praise, Uncle."

"It's not praise, it's just my belief in your future. You are too humble. It would be best if you did not act like I had not noticed that you have achieved Grade-7 Genesis Qi."

"Hahaha..."

Yao Yao warmly gazed upon Julong in that instant.

"Looks like you've been found out, Julong."

"It's not like I was trying to hide it."

She giggled a little, creating a mesmerising scene for Julong to gaze upon.

"Don't get too distracted. We're nearly there."

Mu Wuji decided to snap them out of their stupor in each other, pointing toward the large floating pavilion above all the mountain peaks. It was the grandest looking pavilion inside of the whole Inner Mountains.

Just approaching it, Julong could feel the supreme waves of power that only someone at the Law Domain Realm could generate. It was powerful, that was for sure, but it was still not enough to intimidate him, Zi Xiao in her relaxed state emitted an immeasurably greater power than the Law Domain Expert inside of that Pavilion.

Well, I guess it's time to meet Sect Master Qing Yang.