Chapter 787: Chapter 788: The Grandson of the Sword Sect Elder
 

“Speaking of which, getting Sin Value for killing good people and also for killing bad people seems kind of unreasonable to me. Shouldn’t you get Merit Value for eliminating those with great sins? This is essentially ridding the people of a scourge!”

Ergouzi suddenly remarked, expressing an irritation that had been bothersome for a while. Solely reciting scriptures accrued Merit too slowly, and it sought a shortcut.

“This I too do not know. The rules of the Central Origin Realm are as such,”

Zhen Jian said, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the golden numerals above Ergouzi’s head, which were swiftly approaching two thousand. This rate of gaining Merit was too fast, too simple.

“Cackle, you foolish dog, isn’t it obvious? These rules set by the Heavenly Dao are naturally to deter the creation of carnage, put simply, the Heavenly Dao does not wish for people to die.”

Ji Wuqing curled his lips dismissively as he spoke, the existence of Sin Value exciting him immensely. The more he was discouraged from accumulating sin, the more he desired it, aiming to become the greatest villain in the world, renowned in all four seas.

“You bloody chicken know nothing; the law of the jungle is the natural order of survival. Why would the Heavenly Dao suppress the strife and killing among cultivators?”

Ergouzi erupted in fury.

“Right now, we should be thinking about how to deal with the upcoming trial instead, the Enforcement Team will be on our doorstep soon,”

Li Xiaobai said. The existence of both sin and merit surely had its reasons; but as their current strength and realm were not yet profound, they could not fathom that layer. They would explore further once they were able to firmly establish themselves in the Central Origin Realm.

Half an hour later.

At the foot of the Sword Sect’s gate, countless cultivators bustled back and forth. There were Sect Disciples from aristocratic families, but even more were Loose Cultivators, and numerous demons sought to try their luck, hoping to infiltrate the Sword Sect for protection.

“That is a Barefoot Horse, said to tirelessly gallop for months on end, truly a Precious Horse Divine Steed. Today we actually get to see one in person. Whoever can ride such a mount must be from a prestigious family!”

“Can’t imagine who the lucky one belongs to. The aura emanating from that Precious Horse is actually as profound as the Human Immortal Realm, truly remarkable!”

“Hey, let’s not talk about it. Some things, if we weren’t born with them, then most likely we never will have them in this lifetime!”

“Indeed, hopefully, we’ll be born into a good family in the next life.”

“What’s the use of having a good mount if one’s own strength isn’t solid? No matter how much you rely on your father, you can’t enter the Sword Sect without real ability. We might not necessarily be inferior to them!”

“That’s true too…”

The cultivators discussed animatedly among themselves. In this splendid occasion, many from clans and families that they had only heard of in tales could now be seen.

Indeed, many cultivators had come specifically to behold the elegance of these prestigious family scions.

In the crowd, a blazing red steed breathed out hot air from its mouth, its eyes blazing like torches, its gaze sharp and cold as it surveyed its surroundings. Anyone who met its gaze invariably bowed their heads involuntarily, not daring to make eye contact.

Seated on the horse was a young man in white clothing, his expression detached, his eyes revealing an air of supremacy. He regarded none of those present worthy of his attention.

He was the grandson of an elder of the Sword Sect’s Outer Sect. He could have entered the sect for cultivation directly, but he did not want to invite gossip that he had gotten in through backdoors, so he came to take the trial like the many other cultivators, intending to join the Inner Sect through his own merit.

In his eyes, today’s cultivators were merely a backdrop, akin to attendant students accompanying the Crown Prince to his examinations.

“Junior Brother Chen Yuan, I have long heard of your great name, yet I never thought I would see you here today. Renouncing your privileges and entering the Sword Sect on your own merit, you have earned the respect of your fellow disciples,”

The Sword Sect Disciples in charge of screening greeted him with smiles, conversing affably. The look in their eyes towards the red horse flashed with yearning; such a Precious Horse was indeed fitting only for relatives of sect elders, such fortunate destiny.

“It is but a trifle unworthy of mention. What I detest most in life is the idea of being considered superior due to one’s family background. I intend to demonstrate to the world that I am joining the sect for cultivation based on my true merits, to prevent future slander and the undermining by petty individuals,”

Chen Yuan’s expression remained calm, unfazed by sadness or joy as he spoke slowly.

“Admirable, indeed!”

I’d give full marks to how well you play this part!

The Sword Sect cultivators fell silent, not believing the words even if a knife were to be held to their throats.

“But you are the grandson of an Outer Sect Elder of Sword Sect, destined to join the Inner Sect regardless of performance. In their eyes, Chen Yuan is simply a second-generation ancestor eager to prove himself. His participation in the trial not only fails to affirm his worth but also takes up an Inner Sect Disciple spot, reducing the chances for other cultivators to enter the Inner Sect,”

However, none of this mattered to them anymore; they just needed to do what they were supposed to do.

Just then, another booming sound rang out as a string of blue phantoms drifted high above the crowd, causing quite a commotion.

“Dammit, who is this, being so arrogant as to let their mount collide with people?”

“Can you even ride a mount? Who let out this road killer? Hey, what kind of mount is this? Haven’t seen one like it before.”

“That thing looks pretty cool. Could it be another Immortal Second Generation showing off?”

“Yeah, yeah, one who’s flaunting their wealth. There’ll be a good show today.”

The cultivators subtly compared Chen Yuan’s fine horse with the Steel Behemoth that appeared to have lost its way, and by appearances, Chen Yuan seemed to have come up short.

The car door opened, and Li Xiaobai and others slowly stepped out.

“There are quite a lot of people here; the assessment has already started.”

The group sized up their surroundings where, at the very front of the queue, cultivators were meticulously assessing and recording the Merit and Sin Values, while those waiting behind grouped and chatted leisurely.

“Fellow Daoist, charging into the crowd on your mount is somewhat inappropriate, isn’t it?”

“Our Sword Sect only recruits disciples with good hearts and high cultivation levels. Your behavior is no different from that of a demon head, showing no consideration for the feelings of others, and is not fit to join our sect,”

Chen Yuan, looking at the steel mount with furrowed brows, commanded his fine horse with a flick of the reins and spoke from a superior position.

“Where did this greenhorn come from, blindly wandering on horseback in the crowd and then coming to criticize us? Where’s your shame?”

The old beggar scoffed with disdain in his eyes.

“I…”

Chen Yuan’s face flushed various shades of red and white, speechless; indeed, he had no place to speak while he himself weaved on horseback through the crowd.

“This is my oversight. May I have the honor of knowing your esteemed name, fellow Daoist?”

Chen Yuan dismounted and asked indifferently.

“Gang Leader of the Villian’s Guild, Li Xiaobai!”

Li Xiaobai responded.

“The Villian’s Guild?”

“Are you the same ones who abducted Sect Disciples from various sects to extort wealth, the notorious four villains?”

“Are you the Li Xiaobai who leveled the Great Flame Dynasty?”

Chen Yuan’s frown deepened.

The surrounding onlookers also turned their heads in attention; the four great villains had been making quite the name for themselves recently, and Gang Leader Li Xiaobai had even made it onto the List of Villains. The cultivators of the Eastern Continent had all heard this name.

“Indeed, it was us,” Li Xiaobai nodded and confirmed.

Chen Yuan’s expression was cold as he spoke lightly, “People like you are not needed by the Sword Sect. Your existence only tarnishes the reputation of the Sword Sect. Please leave.”