“Who did this?”

Hong Liang, now an Inner Disciple clad in blue robes thanks to his recent breakthrough to the sixth layer of Qi Refining, glared at the gathered Laborer Disciples. His face was cold, his aura oppressive.

Silence hung heavy over the crowd. No one dared to breathe.

“I don’t care if it was intentional or accidental,” Hong Liang continued, his voice low and menacing. “Someone spread Spirit Corroding Powder into the fields. If you step forward now, I will not pursue this to the bitter end. Wanchun Valley values benevolence. Confess, and you will be given a chance to repent.”

He paused, letting the words sink in.

“But if you stay silent and I catch you later… forget the sect’s punishment. I will tear you to pieces myself and make you wish you were dead!”

His threat was sharp as a blade, yet the crowd remained mute.

“Hmph! We’ll see about that!”

Hong Liang’s eyes swept over their faces, searching for a flicker of guilt, but found nothing.

“Those whose fields were poisoned, come with me. The rest of you, gather here. No one leaves. No one wanders off. Let’s see if anyone noticed anything unusual.”

Li Tonghai, Tian Qing, Hui Ling, and two other Laborer Disciples were led away by Hong Liang for interrogation. Han Yu and the remaining disciples waited in tense silence.

A short while later, the door to the Steward’s office burst open.

A Laborer Disciple stumbled out, his face pale with terror. “I really don’t know! I don’t—”

“You dare run when death is at your door!”

Hong Liang stormed out behind him. With a sharp shout, he pressed two fingers together.

“Go!”

A serrated black leaf floated from his side, spinning through the air with a lethal hum. It sliced through the fleeing disciple’s torso in a blur.

The man was cleaved in two. Blood sprayed across the dirt, and a pungent, chemical odor instantly filled the air.

Senior Brothers Ji and Hua, standing nearby, exclaimed in delight. “It was him! That’s the smell of Spirit Corroding Powder!”

“Indeed. We caught the traitor!” Hong Liang nodded, his face dark with righteous anger. “What audacity! To act so brazenly right under my nose!”

“Fortunately, we found the source in time,” Senior Brother Hua said, smiling with relief. “This isn’t a failure of oversight; it’s a merit for catching a spy!”

Hong Liang’s anger melted into satisfaction. “You make a good point.”

He turned to his subordinates. “You two, neutralize the powder’s residue before it damages more fields. Everyone else, return to your quarters. Do not wander. Focus on your cultivation!”

At his command, the Laborer Disciples scattered like frightened birds.

Back in his stone hut, Han Yu sat in the dark, pondering the absurdity of the event.

Logically, if a spy used Spirit Corroding Powder, they would dispose of the evidence immediately. Why would they carry it on their person when summoned by an Inner Disciple?

Yet that disciple had done just that, and Hong Liang had executed him on the spot.

Had Hong Liang truly found the culprit? or was this a convenient way to produce a dead body that couldn’t defend itself?

Han Yu recalled the shadow he had seen flying towards the Steward’s quarters the previous night. Could that have been Hong Liang himself?

Suspicion gnawed at him. The Spirit Field Department was becoming a deathtrap. Hong Liang was dangerous, the other Stewards were unreliable, and every disciple was a potential threat.

He had to be even more careful. He had to get stronger.

Early the next morning, the newcomer Wei Xiaoluo knocked on Han Yu’s door.

“Senior Brother Han, why didn’t you tell me?” Wei Xiaoluo complained the moment the door opened. “I’m living in Li Quan’s old hut! The same place where Wei Kunyi was murdered!”

“I heard about it yesterday. It’s… unsettling.”

Han Yu hadn’t given it much thought. “That is quite a coincidence…”

“Coincidence? It’s terrifying! I’m also surnamed Wei, and now I’m living in a murder house. Is it cursed?” Wei Xiaoluo looked at him with wide, pleading eyes. “Senior Brother Han, I trust you the most here. If anything happens, you have to help me!”

Han Yu gave a noncommittal nod.

You trust me the most, yet you already gathered information from others before coming to me?

Wei Xiaoluo was either naturally cunning or had an agenda. Regardless, Han Yu decided to keep this “junior brother” at arm’s length.

Just then, a shadow fell over them.

A large Plantain Leaf drifted down from the sky, carrying three figures.

Han Yu smiled when he saw who it was.

At the front stood Senior Brother Jin Qi. Two years ago, he was already at the sixth layer of Qi Refining. Now, under the Exceptional Promotion Order, he wore the blue robes of an Inner Disciple. Behind him stood Sun Kang and Liu Lan, both dressed in the green of the Outer Sect.

The leaf touched down gently. Sun Kang and Liu Lan exchanged warm glances with Han Yu but remained silent behind Jin Qi.

Hong Liang, Ji Yida, and Hua Qi hurried over to greet them.

“Senior Brother Hong.” Jin Qi cupped his hands slightly.

“Junior Brother Jin,” Hong Liang returned the gesture with a smile. “Do you bring new orders from the sect?”

Jin Qi nodded. “The sect was very pleased with Senior Brother Hong’s report yesterday. I am here to deliver your rewards and announce a new decree.”

“A minor merit, hardly worth mentioning,” Hong Liang said with practiced modesty.

He gathered the Laborer Disciples to listen.

Jin Qi cleared his throat and spoke in a clear, resonant voice.

“Inner Disciple Hong Liang! For meritorious service in guarding the spirit fields and promptly executing a spy, you are awarded one Major Merit, one entry to the Technique Pavilion, and a bottle of Qi Gathering Pills!”

“Outer Disciples Ji Yida and Hua Qi! You are each awarded five Minor Merits and a bottle of Qi Condensation Pills.”

The three recipients beamed, bowing to thank the sect.

Jin Qi’s expression turned solemn. “Furthermore, the sect issues a new ‘Exceptional Promotion Order.'”

“In three days, all Laborer Disciples will participate in a Grand Competition. Those with outstanding talent, exceptional potential, or special skills will be selected to join the Outer Sect!”

A wave of excitement rippled through the crowd. The Laborer Disciples rubbed their hands together, eyes shining with hope.

“Senior Brother,” someone called out, “is there a cultivation requirement? First layer? Second?”

“No restriction,” Jin Qi replied. “Anyone at the first layer of Qi Refining or above may participate.”

He paused.

“However, you must have been a member of the sect for over a year to be eligible.”

The joy on the faces of the veteran disciples intensified, while the recently recruited Rogue Cultivators’ expressions soured instantly.

Tian Qing couldn’t hold back. “Senior Brother Jin, why the one-year rule? We Rogue Cultivators already have cultivation bases. We don’t need a year of training!”

“It is a sect command. I only convey it,” Jin Qi answered flatly.

Tian Qing opened his mouth to argue but thought better of it. He swallowed his frustration and fell silent.

The reason was obvious to everyone with a brain. The one-year rule was a filter. The sect wanted to exploit the Rogue Cultivators as cheap labor while keeping them out of the inner circle. Their loyalty was suspect; letting them into the Outer or Inner Sects would risk leaking the secrets of the defensive formations.

After the announcement, Jin Qi pulled Hong Liang aside to discuss the logistics.

Sun Kang and Liu Lan seized the moment to approach Han Yu.

“Junior Brother Han,” Sun Kang whispered urgently, “you’ve always been skilled with spells. You must participate. This is your chance.”

“Exactly,” Liu Lan added. “We’ll be waiting for you in the Outer Sect.”

Han Yu feigned hesitation. “But… I’ve only just reached the second layer of Qi Refining. Is that enough?”

Sun Kang laughed. “Liu Lan and I got in at the third layer. Among the current laborers, the second layer is considered high! Plus, you’re a genius with techniques. You’ll make it.”

Jin Qi, having finished with Hong Liang, overheard the tail end of their conversation. He turned, his eyes landing on Han Yu with a spark of recognition.

“This Junior Brother… aren’t you the one who joined with a Keepsake Token a year ago? The one I personally escorted to the Spirit Field Department?”