Could it be that I am the cruel villain?
Chapter 223 - 155: This Kid is a Connected Party!

Chapter 223: Chapter 155: This Kid is a Connected Party!

His expression revealed a touch of helplessness.

Counting on his fingers, he reckoned that just a single entry into the mountain would exceed eight thousand people. This number would scare anyone at first glance, and it indeed sounded exaggerated.

Including the two brothers sitting on either side of Jiang Feng, who were sweating profusely, because according to the information they had gathered, in previous years, each entry usually only admitted around a dozen or so, and instances of over a hundred were extremely rare.

It’s no wonder that Qiao Yuan would seek them out immediately upon their arrival, given that the competition was so fierce even for the quota of Outer Disciples alone.

Among the group brought by Yu Ying, these two brothers could already be considered quite outstanding. They glanced subconsciously at Jiang Feng’s expression and then noticed...

The man had once again assumed an indifferent demeanor.

"Hmm, the competitive pressure is not as great as when my mom urged me to sit for the civil service exam."

"That year, if I recall correctly, 24,000 people competed for the top 100 spots, and then from those 100, interviews were conducted, with only eight ultimately succeeding."

"Moreover, although Qiao Yuan’s words sound frightening, the actual competitive pressure is probably not even close to that. After all, most of those who sit for exams at least have spent a couple of years studying, whereas those joining the sect’s selection might not."

"Sure, there are over a thousand cultivators in town, but those in the Qi Refinement Realm, unless they have some special means or an incredible stroke of luck, essentially have no significant competitive power."

"There are only a few dozen who have reached Foundation Establishment in town, at least from what I’ve seen, since there’s an age limit, it isn’t common to find many prodigies under thirty with Foundation Establishment at Mid or High Grade wandering around."

"No wonder Wu Mingsheng places such importance on his top disciple, at twenty-nine and Middle Grade Foundation Establishment, and possibly breaking through to High Grade at any moment, her strength is quite impressive. Even among the candidates entering Purple Cloud Palace, she would definitely be considered a formidable player."

"Thirty years old is the standard; being slightly older than that should still be permissible for entry, as the difference in bone age won’t be that large. However, there are indeed not that many who can break through Foundation Establishment. I’ve roamed around this town for a few days and even saw someone nearly forty."

"According to this ratio, out of the so-called ten thousand contenders, the ones who truly have a competitive edge are only about five hundred. This is a strict entry condition, but entry itself has flexibility..."

His brows relaxed.

Despite the noisy crowd, he suddenly felt as if the competitive pressure wasn’t as big.

In the Cultivation World, the status of those Great Sects that many cultivators fondly speak of is extremely exaggerated. If one could gain entry, even if only as the most ordinary Outer Disciple, it’s no different from getting a stable job in the era he once lived in.

It’s even more exaggerated than securing a job, as these sects often have histories spanning thousands of years, and they hold not just social status but also unrivaled strength and numerous cultivation resources.

Even the sister pair from the brothel far away in Long Country on the East Continent receives no less than five Spirit Stones each month for their cultivation.

It might not sound like a lot, but this is based on them doing nothing at all, simply sleeping in the brothel, plus their usual work and performance rewards.

Ten Spirit Stones a month wouldn’t be out of the question.

It’s worth noting that when Jiang Feng first arrived in Shuangfeng City, that Foundation Establishment Peak cultivator who was swindled by a deceitful woman, despite being born into a Cultivation Clan, had a total fortune of only fifty Low Grade Spirit Stones.

The contrast between the two situations is apparent.

"Young Master Jiang, what are your thoughts?"

The woman’s voice interrupted the young man’s contemplation.

Looking at her sincere expression, Jiang Feng wasn’t particularly moved, not because he didn’t wish to choose the easy path or be lazy. If possible, he could directly seek out a team with top-notch cultivation.

Offering two Magic Treasures he didn’t need in exchange for a spot, he could just cling on to the others’ coattails, shouting encouragement, and make it up the mountain.

But!

"Ah, Senior Sister, for the sake of your face in the sect, your poor Junior Brother suffers!"

The thought flashed quickly through his mind.

He still remembered Liu Tangxi’s casual instructions before she left: to enter the sect on his own merit during the examination and not to disgrace her and their master.

Of course, Liu Tangxi also said that if he truly embarrassed himself, she would put on a thick skin and pull him out.

So... should he just surrender on the first day of ascending the mountain and wait for his Senior Sister to save him?

"Thank you all for the kind offer, but I’m afraid I must decline."

There’s no choice.

As Liu Tang put it, this is the pitiful and yet boring pride of a man.

The faces of the two brothers sitting beside him changed instantly.

Originally, they were displeased with Qiao Yuan’s attempt to bring a newly Foundation Established young person into the fold; no matter how great your future potential might be, in this assessment, you would only be a burden to the team.

They had completed Foundation Establishment several years ago and naturally had some confidence. Now they took the initiative to invite you, and you actually refused?

What did that mean?

Yet Jiang Feng’s expression remained unchanged, as he earnestly said: "The gap between the realms of every cultivator is quite significant, and each spot is extremely precious. It would be a waste to spend one on someone who has just entered Foundation Establishment."

"I’m still young. My visit this time is with the intention of learning and gaining experience. During combat, it’s inevitable to have thoughts of retreat."

"You are different. You are striving to gain entry because you are all nearing thirty, and whether you can meet the sect’s recruitment criteria in the next five years is another question. For you, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"If I, out of my fear of death, cause a delay for you to enter Purple Cloud Palace, I would not be able to forgive myself. Moreover, my purpose this time is just to explore the route, to prepare for the attempt in five years."

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