After My Rebirth, I Ended Up Happily Ever After with the Saintess - Chapter 24

The clamor in the arena had not completely died down, and the battle for the final rankings was still in progress. However, the aftershock of the fight between Ye Li and Shi Feng was like a boulder thrown into a lake, continuously rippling in the hearts of all participants and spectators.

The subsequent matches, though also quite exciting—featuring clashes of geniuses and the emergence of dark horses—seemed unable to surpass the shock delivered by the exquisite, game-changing upset in the seventh match.

Luo Bing’s opponent was a young nobleman also at the initial stage of the Meridian Condensation Realm. Yet, facing the bone-chilling cold spiritual energy, the opponent only lasted ten moves before their weapon was frozen, forcing a reluctant surrender. Her combat style was cold and efficient, completely different from Ye Li’s agile and unpredictable maneuvers.

Lin Yu’s opponent was a disciple known for his defense. The Folding Fan Young Master did not unleash overly aggressive attacks but always managed to break the opponent’s defense at the most opportune moment and with the least effort, winning casually and appearing unfathomably deep.

Su Wanyun also won a difficult match. Her cultivation technique seemed inclined toward Wood-element recovery and control. Though her attack power was not prominent, her resilience was remarkable. Ye Shi encountered a formidable foe and, though losing after a tough fight, earned respect.

When the last match concluded and all arenas fell silent, only a little over thirty disciples remained. Everyone was wounded, their breathing ragged, but their eyes were exceptionally bright. Reaching this stage was already a source of pride.

On the high platform, the white-haired elder presiding over the assessment slowly rose. His gaze swept over the elite group below, filtered out by three trials, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

“The Profound Cloud Sect entrance assessment for this session is now completely finished,” his voice was calm but held an unquestionable authority. “Next, the final ranking will be determined based on your comprehensive performance in the three assessments: the Azure Cloud Ladder, the Illusory Killing Array, and the Arena Battle!”

Several attendant disciples quickly stepped forward and presented jade slips containing the already tallied statistics.

The elder took the jade slips, scanned them with his spiritual sense, nodded slightly, and began to announce the final rankings in a clear voice:

“One hundredth place, Wang Zhao!”

“Ninety-ninth place, Li…”

…

Names were read out one by one. Most disciples whose names were called showed joy; making it into the top hundred was already one in ten thousand.

The atmosphere grew tenser as the ranking moved up.

“Twentieth place, Ye Shi!”

Upon hearing this, Ye Shi tightly clenched his fist. Though there was some reluctance, there was more exhilaration.

“Fifteenth place, Su Wanyun!”

Su Wanyun gently sighed in relief, revealing a gentle smile.

“Tenth place, Zhang…”

“Ninth place…”

“Eighth place…”

“Seventh place, Shi Feng!”

Shi Feng abruptly looked up when he heard his name, his face filled with resentment and frustration. He glared fiercely at Ye Li but could only accept reality. Although he lost to Ye Li, his performance in the first two rounds and subsequent arena matches were still strong.

“Sixth place, Lin Yu!”

The Folding Fan Young Master, Lin Yu, paused slightly in his fan-waving upon hearing this rank. A fleeting shadow of displeasure crossed his eyes, but he quickly recovered his smile, as if completely unconcerned.

“Fifth place…”

“Fourth place…”

“Third place, Luo Bing!”

The cold, beautiful girl Luo Bing’s expression remained unchanged. She seemed to have no objection to this ranking, but her gaze swept forward once more.

Finally, only the top two remained to be announced!

Everyone’s hearts were in their throats!

The elder’s gaze rested on the last two names, and his voice rose slightly:

“Second place, Wu Hao!” (This can be set as another consistently strong Meridian Condensation Realm genius)

A composed young man was momentarily stunned, seeming slightly surprised, and then cupped his hands in acknowledgment.

Then, the first place…

Everyone’s eyes, like spotlights, instantly focused on the figure who had remained consistently calm!

The elder’s smile deepened, and his voice echoed across the entire venue:

“The comprehensive first place in this assessment is—Ye Li!”

Boom!

Although it was widely anticipated, when the name was officially announced, the scene still erupted in uncontrollable gasps and uproar!

First place on the Azure Cloud Ladder! Stunning performance in the Illusory Killing Array! Resoundingly defeated Shi Feng in the Arena Battle, entering the top four (or was subsequently ranked first based on comprehensive performance due to excessive consumption or other reasons)!

Performance in all three assessments was near-perfect! This first place was well-deserved!

“It’s really the first place!”

“With a cultivation at the peak of the Spirit Initiation Realm, overpowering numerous Meridian Condensation Realm experts! Too strong!”

“From today on, the name Ye Li will resound through the Outer Sect!”

Ye Li listened to the discussions around her, feeling little change in her heart. This first place was fought for with her strength and strategy, and she was worthy of it. More importantly, it meant she would receive the best initiation treatment and the right to choose.

The elder’s voice on the high platform sounded again: “The top hundred are officially made Outer Disciples of my Profound Cloud Sect! The top ten may choose to join various peaks and are eligible to be apprenticed to Inner Sect Elders! The top three…”

He paused, looking at Ye Li, Wu Hao, and Luo Bing: “May be personally selected by the Peak Masters or Inner Sect Elders of various peaks, or may choose their own master!”

At this declaration, not only the disciples below but also many Inner Sect Elders on the high platform sat up straight, their eyes fixed on the three below, especially Ye Li!

Apprenticed to a Peak Master or Inner Sect Elder! This meant a higher starting point, better resources, and a more powerful backing!

Almost the instant the elder’s words fell, several powerful spiritual senses shamelessly swept over Ye Li, carrying both scrutiny and the intent to recruit.

An elder in a red robe with a fiery temper was the first to speak, his voice booming like a bell: “Ye Li! I am Elder Chi Yangzi of Heaven Array Peak! Observing your performance in the Illusory Killing Array, you have great talent for the way of arrays! Join my Heaven Array Peak, and I can personally take you as my disciple and impart the supreme array path to you!”

Another blue-robed elder whose aura was as sharp as a sword immediately said: “Little girl, the way of the sword is the true path of killing! Your finger techniques are fierce, and your movement is swift; you are meant to cultivate the sword! Join my Azure Cloud Peak, and I can introduce you, perhaps even ask the Peak Master to see if you are worth cultivating!” This elder was cautious, not directly promising to take her as a disciple, but offering the temptation of the Peak Master.

“Hmph! This girl has a strong will and is decisive in killing; she perfectly suits the iron-blooded style of my Law Enforcement Hall!” The stern-faced Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall also spoke up. “Join the Law Enforcement Hall; resources will be prioritized, cultivation techniques are freely selectable, and you can hone your practical combat skills!”

Following closely, three or four other Inner Sect Elders also threw out offers, each with more favorable conditions than the last. The disciples in the square listened wide-eyed and full of envy.

However, Ye Li, who was being hotly contested by numerous elders, slightly furrowed her brows.

The peaks represented by these elders were undoubtedly powerful factions within the Profound Cloud Sect. But whether it was Heaven Array Peak, Azure Cloud Peak, or the Law Enforcement Hall, they were all too prominent, with intricate disciple relationships and numerous factions. For a newcomer with no background to rashly join them, while gaining resources, she could easily be drawn into unnecessary disputes, become a pawn in factional strife, or even attract disaster due to her talent.

This was not what she wanted. She needed a relatively quiet environment where she could grow and accumulate strength in silence. Resources were important, but freedom and low-key growth were more important.

Just as she was weighing her options, a slightly aged but gentle voice spoke up, unhurriedly, without the oppressive feeling of the other elders:

“I am Hermit Mu Yun of the Cloud Pill Peak. Although Cloud Pill Peak is not a primary combat peak, nor is it renowned for arrays or swordsmanship, alchemy, talismans, and miscellaneous arts are also fundamental to my Profound Cloud Sect. I observe that your temperament is composed, and you possess insight into subtleties. Are you willing to join my Cloud Pill Peak for cultivation? Though I am not the most talented, I can assure your preliminary cultivation is worry-free, and I can perhaps resolve your doubts in the ways of alchemy and talismans.”

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice, seeing an elderly man seated slightly off to the side, dressed in simple gray robes, with a kind face. His aura was contained, not as sharp as the other elders, but his eyes were warm and deep, possessing a natural grace.

“Cloud Pill Peak? Elder Mu Yun?”

“Cloud Pill Peak truly keeps a low profile within the sect, mainly focusing on alchemy and talisman crafting…”

“Elder Mu Yun is rumored to be gentle and rarely disputes with others, and he has few disciples…”

“Will Ye Li choose there? Wouldn’t that be a bit of a waste of talent?”

Whispers rose from below the platform. The other elders who had offered recruitment also looked surprised, seemingly not expecting Hermit Mu Yun to step forward to compete for the student.

Ye Li’s heart, however, stirred.

Cloud Pill Peak! Alchemy, Talismans! These were precisely the shortcomings she urgently needed to address! She had her past life’s experience and the Reincarnation Mirror, so she did not lack high-level cultivation techniques or combat awareness. However, she was almost completely blank in the secondary professions like alchemy and talisman crafting, which required a vast amount of foundational knowledge and practical experience. These were crucial for her future cultivation path!

This Elder Mu Yun’s temperament was gentle, and his eyes were clear, not seeming like a cunning person. Moreover, he promised “assure your preliminary cultivation is worry-free” and “resolve your doubts in the ways of alchemy and talismans,” rather than making sweeping, grand promises, which seemed more sincere and practical. The Cloud Pill Peak faction was relatively simple, perfectly suiting her need for low-key development.

As for resources… she was confident in acquiring them through her own ability!

With thoughts rapidly turning, Ye Li had already made her decision.

She ignored the burning gazes of the other elders, took a step forward, and bowed deeply toward Hermit Mu Yun’s location, her voice clear and firm:

“Disciple Ye Li is willing to join the Cloud Pill Peak. I thank Elder Mu Yun for your favor!”

When the voice fell, the entire venue instantly quieted!

Everyone was stunned!

She chose the Cloud Pill Peak? She chose Hermit Mu Yun?

She gave up on the Heaven Array Peak, Azure Cloud Peak, and the Law Enforcement Hall—peaks that were clearly stronger and had more resources?

Even Hermit Mu Yun himself seemed surprised for a moment, before a gentle smile spread across his face, and he stroked his beard, nodding: “Good, good.”

The faces of the other recruiting elders were somewhat colorful. Chi Yangzi’s beard bristled with annoyance. The blue-robed elder shook his head with a sigh. The Law Enforcement Hall elder’s expression remained stern, making his emotions unreadable.

The white-haired elder at the center of the high platform flashed a look of surprise, which quickly turned into a knowing smile, and he said nothing more.

“Since the choice has been made, it is decided,” he finally pronounced. “All disciples, please take your assigned positions according to your ranking and the elder’s choice! Attendants will arrange your induction tomorrow!”

The dust settled.

Ye Li walked calmly toward the Cloud Pill Peak’s direction, amidst countless gazes of confusion, pity, and even mockery.

She knew that this choice might seem foolish to many.

But she knew better what was most suitable for her.

The Cloud Pill Peak might just be the true starting point for her ascent within the Profound Cloud Sect.

And that Hermit Mu Yun might be more complex than she imagined.