Chapter 103: Something Feels Off…

The whispers among the disciples grew louder, a hushed storm of speculation and awe.

"Look, look… it's them."

"Yes… but He isn't here."

"You're right. The Top Disciple of the Outer Sect is absent… but still, Nine of them came."

"Did the Second Phenomenon catch their attention? Are they here to uncover the one responsible?"

"Or perhaps… they came to assess a Potential Rival for the Upcoming Competition."

"That would make sense. After all, Yi Ran and Zi Chen possess Extraordinary Physiques. If someone else has awakened a Unique Constitution, they'd naturally want to know."

"Yes, Yi Ran possesses the Ethereal Lotus Saber Physique, a Sacred-Grade Physique. While Zi Chen wields the Merciless Demon Sword Body, a Mystical-Grade Physique."

"Yi Ran… even with her veil on, she exudes an almost Divine Aura. To think she only awakened her physique a few months ago…

And yet, she's already risen to the rank of Second among Outer Disciples. If she continues cultivating at this rate, she could easily claim the Top Spot in just a few months."

"Bah! Stop spouting nonsense, you fanboy! There's still Yang Lie, a possessor of a Heavenly-Grade Physique, and Yang Mi too."

"Not to mention the Current Top Disciple of the Outer Sect. He is also very strong. And let's not forget that Mysterious Constitution Possessor… Nothing is guaranteed in this sect."

"Say whatever you want. My Yi Ran is Unmatched!"

"You're not wrong, though. This year's Inner Sect Disciple Selection Ceremony is going to be more intense than ever."

Suddenly—

A blinding white light flared from the front, illuminating the disciples' faces and silencing their chatter in an instant.

"Quiet down, you brats! The Artifact has been activated! Step forward, one by one!"

The Minor Elder's voice boomed with Authority.

In a moment—

One by one, disciples stepped forward, placing their hands on the glowing orb.

As each palm met its surface, the orb flared with various colors—Each Hue revealing a disciple's ranking in Physique, Constitution, Spiritual Roots, and Bones.

The artifact didn't merely identify that traits; it Unraveled Unknown Details, exposing Hidden Intricacies of their Abilities and how to Refine them more Efficiently.

But for those who possessed nothing special… the orb remained Dull and Lifeless.

"Hao Jue—Advanced-Grade Spiritual Roots detected. You are not the individual we seek. Next!"

The Minor Elder's voice was sharp and unwavering.

"Minor Elder, please wait!"

Hao Jue took a step forward, desperation flickering in his eyes.

"Let me see more of the Unknown Details—I don't fully understand my Spiritual Roots!"

"You've already seen its name here. If you seek further knowledge, visit the Sect's Library," the elder responded dismissively.

"I've already been there!" Hao Jue protested.

"I've read every book I could find on my spiritual roots, but none contained this level of detail! This orb is showing something far beyond what's recorded!"

The Minor Elder narrowed his eyes. "So, you have already learned the name of your ability from the Assessment Hall?"

"Yes, Minor Elder! Please, just a little more time!"

A moment of silence. Then—

"Fine. Do it quickly."

"Thank you very much, Minor Elder!"

As more disciples tested the orb, murmurs spread through the crowd. Some had newly awakened abilities, gaining valuable insights that could refine their cultivation paths.

Others walked away disappointed, their dreams of greatness shattered by an unresponsive artifact.

Yet, amidst it all, Reon stood motionless, deep in thought.

His brows furrowed.

Something Feels Off…

"The artifact in the novel… a Legendary-Grade treasure… never revealed this level of Detail. It only Identified Abilities and provided some Basic Information—never the Deeper Mechanics of how they Functioned or how to Cultivate them more Effectively."

He clenched his fists.

What in the world is happening here?

.

.

In the upper floors of the Security Pavilion, nine figures sat in silence, their expressions unreadable.

They watched the disciple appraisal below, their gazes sharp, waiting with barely contained anticipation for the appearance of the mysterious individual.

Each one seemed to be considering something far beyond the surface.

One of them finally spoke, breaking the stillness.

"Brothers and Sisters, what do you think? Is that person really from our Outer Sect? I have my doubts," he murmured, his tone laced with uncertainty.

"Well, one of them is definitely from the Outer Sect, so there's a possibility the second one could be too," another replied, his voice calm, yet hinting at curiosity.

"I agree. It's entirely possible that both are from the Outer Sect," a third voice chimed in.

"I don't care if they're from the Outer or Inner Sect," said a bulky figure, his voice thick with impatience.

"I just want to face them in battle. The moment I witnessed those two phenomena, something in my brain—my instincts—told me they're the kind of opponents worth fighting.

A quiet pause lingered before another voice spoke, softer yet equally intent.

"What do you think, Zi Chen and Yi Ran?"

Zi Chen, his posture proud and his eyes sharp, spoke first.

"I've become intrigued by this individual, so I'm here to confirm their face. But my true focus? It's on Yang Lie—the one with the Heavenly Peerless Sword Body. I'm eager to test my sword against his."

Yi Ran remained silent, her gaze fixed firmly on the ground, her expression unreadable.

Her stillness seemed out of place in the room of rising tension, yet it felt deliberate—an ominous quiet that left More Questions Than Answers.