After My Rebirth, I Ended Up Happily Ever After with the Saintess - Chapter 25

The dust had settled on the competition on the high platform, and the subtle murmurs sparked by Ye Li’s surprising choice in master had not yet completely faded. The white-haired elder who presided over the assessment rose once more, his gaze sweeping over the top hundred disciples below, his voice booming:

“The rankings are set, and the master lineages have been decided. However, the sect rules cannot be broken! Disciples of the Profound Cloud Sect are categorized into three ranks—Outer, Inner, and Core (True)—based on talent, strength, and contribution!”

At these words, the atmosphere, which had just begun to relax, became tense again. Though they had made it into the top hundred, the difference in treatment and status between an Outer Disciple and an Inner Disciple was vast! As for the Core Disciples, no one dared to dwell on it; that rank required supreme talent and great fortune to even approach.

The elder’s gaze first fell on the disciples at the lower end of the rankings: “Those ranked from one hundredth to fifty-first shall enter the Outer Gate! You must diligently cultivate, achieve Foundation Establishment soon, and strive for promotion!”

Most of the named disciples looked stern, some with a touch of reluctance, others quietly resolving to work harder. The Outer Gate meant more miscellaneous duties, fewer resources, and fiercer competition, but they had ultimately secured a place in the Profound Cloud Sect, and hope remained.

Next, the elder’s eyes landed on the middle tier of disciples: “Those ranked from fiftieth to eleventh shall enter the Inner Gate! You are already pillars of the sect; you must cultivate assiduously and not fail the sect’s nurturing!”

This group of disciples immediately brightened with joy, bowing in acknowledgment. Inner Disciples enjoyed better cultivation caves, richer monthly stipends, more choices of cultivation methods, and a more valued status.

Finally, the elder’s gaze rested on the ten disciples in the very front, especially Ye Li, Wu Hao, and Luo Bing.

“The top ten ranked disciples shall all directly enter the Inner Gate and may freely choose their master and mountain peak,” the elder stated slowly, then his tone shifted slightly. “However, the position of a Core Disciple is extraordinary. It requires a perfect blend of talent, temperament, potential, and fortune. According to the sect’s old tradition, it is difficult to obtain the Core Disciple rank unless one possesses Earth-tier talent or a special spiritual body or extraordinary enlightenment.”

His gaze paused briefly on Ye Li. Everyone below felt their hearts clench. Ye Li had placed first in the assessment, but her talent test ultimately settled at “Yellow-tier Upper Grade,” which became a delicate point.

Sure enough, the elder continued: “Ye Li.”

“Disciple is here.” Ye Li stepped forward, her expression calm.

“In this assessment, your performance was exceptional. The firmness of your will and the excellence of your potential make you the best of this cohort,” the elder first affirmed her achievements, then his tone became impartial. “However, your talent, as displayed by the Heaven-Gazing Mirror, is Yellow-tier Upper Grade. According to the sect’s iron rules, this level of talent does not meet the standard for direct promotion to a Core Disciple.”

A slight stir rippled through the crowd below. Some felt pity, others secretly sighed in relief, and a few even showed a hint of schadenfreude. Su Wan’er looked at Ye Li with concern. Shi Feng grunted, seeming somewhat appeased. Lin Yu paused his fan-waving motion slightly.

Ye Li herself remained calm, as if she had long anticipated this outcome. Yellow-tier Upper Grade talent, in a major sect like the Profound Cloud Sect, was indeed not top-tier. Given the sect’s strict rules, it was impossible to easily make an exception for her, despite her excellent assessment performance, and elevate her to Core Disciple. Granting her Inner Disciple status and the right to freely choose her master was already a significant exception and a sign of high regard.

The elder, seeing her composed reaction, showed increased admiration in his eyes and softened his tone: “While we cannot directly grant you the Core Disciple position, your performance has been witnessed by all the elders. Therefore, by special dispensation, you are allowed to enjoy the most preferential treatment of an Inner Disciple under the title of Assessment First, and you shall enter the Cloud Elixir Peak under Junior Brother Mu Yun for cultivation. We hope you will be diligent. If you can establish great merit in the future, or break through to the Spirit Sea Realm, the Core Disciple position may yet be within reach.”

This gave her a clear goal and an honorable compromise. The most preferential Inner Disciple treatment was virtually equivalent to the treatment of the lowest-ranking Core Disciples.

“Disciple understands. Thank you to the sect for the nurturing, and thank you to the Elder for the favor.” Ye Li bowed, her tone neither subservient nor arrogant. This result was entirely acceptable to her. While the Core Disciple identity was prestigious, it also meant more attention and responsibility. At this stage, a practical “most preferential Inner Disciple treatment” and the relatively tranquil Cloud Elixir Peak were exactly what she desired.

The elder nodded with satisfaction and then looked at Wu Hao and Luo Bing: “Wu Hao, Luo Bing, you both possess excellent talent and cultivation and shall also directly enter the Inner Gate, enjoying favorable Inner Disciple treatment. I hope you will both remain diligent.”

Wu Hao and Luo Bing also stepped forward and saluted: “Thank you, Elder!”

Wu Hao’s expression was steady. Luo Bing remained ice-cold, but a slight fluctuation in her aura suggested she either had no objection to this outcome or, perhaps, the Core Disciple position had been within her expectations all along? No one knew.

The remaining top ten disciples also received Inner Disciple qualifications and corresponding treatment, though slightly less favorable than the first three.

At this point, everyone’s status was finally determined.

“Su Wan’er,” the attending disciple continued to call out names for assignment.

“Disciple is here,” Su Wan’er softly replied, stepping forward.

“You are ranked fifteenth, with Green-tier Lower Grade talent. You shall enter the Inner Gate and report to the Hundred Flowers Peak,” a gentle-mannered female elder spoke, clearly having already taken a liking to Su Wan’er.

The Hundred Flowers Peak primarily consists of female disciples, and its cultivation methods tend to be gentle and subtle.

Su Wan’er’s face lit up with joy, and she curtsied gracefully: “Thank you, Elder!” She secretly glanced at Ye Li, her eyes conveying happiness, seemingly delighted that both of them could remain in the Inner Gate.

“Ye Shi!”

“Disciple is here!”

“You are ranked twentieth, with Yellow-tier Upper Grade talent. You shall enter the Inner Gate and report to the Giant Rock Peak!” a burly elder announced with a booming voice. The Giant Rock Peak’s cultivation methods are fierce and emphasize body refinement, which suited Ye Shi perfectly.

Ye Shi cupped his fists forcefully, his expression excited: “Thank you, Elder!”

“Shi Feng!”

“…Here!” Shi Feng reluctantly stepped forward.

“You are ranked seventh, with Green-tier Middle Grade talent. You shall enter the Inner Gate and report to the Battle Maniac Peak!” an elder with a volatile aura declared. The Battle Maniac Peak is known for its aggressive nature, which suited Shi Feng well.

Shi Feng pouted but accepted the assignment, though his eyes glared at Ye Li with an unconvinced look.

“Lin Yu!”

“Disciple is here,” Lin Yu stepped forward with a gentle smile.

“You are ranked sixth, with Green-tier Upper Grade talent. You shall enter the Inner Gate and report to… you may choose yourself,” the attending disciple looked at the jade slip and added. This was the privilege of the top ten.

Lin Yu lightly waved his folding fan, his gaze sweeping over the various elders before he finally smiled: “Disciple wishes to enter the Heavenly Pivot Peak.” The Heavenly Pivot Peak primarily cultivates balanced and neutral methods, is all-encompassing, and is known for its wisdom and strategy, perfectly aligning with his style.

A scholarly elder nodded slightly, accepting him.

All the disciples’ assignments were quickly settled. Some were joyful, others sorrowful, but to remain was already a stroke of luck.

The white-haired elder gave his final admonition: “Now that you have entered the Profound Cloud Sect’s lineage, you must strictly abide by the sect rules, diligently cultivate, treat your fellow disciples with respect, and bring glory to the sect! The respective Peak Stewards will arrive tomorrow to receive and arrange specific matters. You are dismissed!”

The disciples all bowed in unison: “We respectfully heed the Elder’s teachings!”

The assessment was thoroughly concluded. The crowd gradually dispersed, with the newly promoted disciples mostly gathering excitedly to discuss their future cultivation lives.

Ye Li was about to head in the direction of Cloud Elixir Peak when she noticed Reclusive Master Mu Yun had quietly appeared beside her, a gentle smile on his face.

“Follow me,” Reclusive Master Mu Yun said no more, lightly flicking his sleeve.

Ye Li felt a gentle yet irresistible force envelop her. The scenery before her eyes changed rapidly; in an instant, she had left the bustling plaza and arrived at a serene mountain peak, rich with spiritual energy and tranquil surroundings.

Beneath her feet was a path paved with bluestone slabs. Ancient trees towered all around, a faint medicinal fragrance lingered, and in the distance, a few elegant bamboo houses and pavilions could be seen. Compared to the main peak, Azure Cloud Peak’s grandeur, this place felt exceptionally peaceful and harmonious.

“This is the Cloud Elixir Peak,” Reclusive Master Mu Yun smiled. “My peak is sparsely populated. Including you, we have only a little over ten Inner Disciples and a few dozen Outer Disciples. We mainly focus on alchemy, talisman crafting, and the study of various disciplines. While not as lively as the main peak, it is quite peaceful.”

He pointed to a secluded small courtyard not far away: “That will be your residence. The Inner Disciple robes, token, and this month’s stipend of spiritual stones and pills will be delivered shortly. This is the Cloud Elixir Peak’s basic cultivation method, the Cloud Water Manual, and some introductory texts on alchemy and talismans. You may read them on your own first.”

With that, he handed over a jade slip and a storage bag.

“Thank you, Master,” Ye Li accepted them, bowing respectfully. The fact that he brought her directly and provided the materials already showed his sincere acceptance.

“No need for formalities,” Reclusive Master Mu Yun waved his hand. “Since you have entered my lineage, I will naturally protect you and pass on my skills. But the path of cultivation ultimately depends on yourself. If you have any questions, you can come to the peak’s summit to find me. Go on, familiarize yourself with the environment first.”

After speaking, Reclusive Master Mu Yun’s figure seemed to melt into the mist, quietly disappearing.

Ye Li stood before the quiet courtyard, taking a deep breath of the air filled with the fragrance of medicinal herbs, her heart perfectly calm.

Outer Gate? Inner Gate? Core? These titles, to her, were mere names. What she valued were tangible benefits and an environment where she could grow in peace.

Cloud Elixir Peak, Inner Disciple, most preferential treatment.

This starting point was better than she had initially expected.

She pushed open the courtyard gate and stepped inside. A new life of cultivation was about to begin.

Meanwhile, in the other peaks, the news of the current assessment’s first-place winner “only” receiving Inner Disciple status was quietly spreading, stirring different thoughts and intentions.