Infinite Regressor: SSS-Ranked Skill In Cultivation World!
Chapter 45: Final Trial (2)

Chapter 45: Final Trial (2)

Clearly, they did not expect this person to have Upper Rank B aptitude. At the same time, the participants drew a cold breath.

The only person that didn’t react at all was Zhao Gongzu, who was already aware of his own aptitude as well as Shi Jing, who did not need to rely on his aptitude for cultivation.

Of course, there is also Ye Ming, but seeing as he always remained indifferent. It is difficult to discern his true thoughts.

"Upper Rank B, it means he will have a much easier time cultivating!"

Someone shouted through the crowd.

Upon hearing this, Elder Wang sighed with envy as he explains the meaning of aptitude.

"In cultivation beyond body-refinement, there are three step to cultivation. Absorbing, purifying, and refining essence.

"Since time immemorial, these three steps has always held a profound meaning behind them."

Regardless of their status, be it disciples, elders, or even the supreme elder, they agreed to his words.

"Heaven Refining Immortal, a legendary figure since time immemorial once said that by comprehending the meaning behind this three step, it is possible to conquer the world!"

Among the entire platform and inner court competition, perhaps only the mortal is unaware of the significant of this saying.

After all, what access does a mortal have to a cultivator’s knowledge and information?

"Human are vessel, while essence are like water filling the heaven and earth. Ultimately, the act of cultivation is merely drawing in more water to fill the vessel."

Elder Wang grew pensive as he sweep the crowd of participant.

Upon seeing Shi Jing’s figure, he had a strange feeling of familiarly, but quickly dismissed it as an illusion.

"A cultivator’s aptitude is similarly, the size of their vessel. A higher rank aptitude indicates bigger vessel, thus, being able to absorb more essence, purify more essence, and refine more essence!"

Everyone nodded at his words.

It wasn’t just about the size of vessel, an aptitude also indicate the speed at which a cultivator can absorb essence, purify, and refine them.

Clearly, Elder Wang was aware of this point as he elaborated.

"Although our sword cloud manor does not discriminate against those of lower aptitude, ultimately, our resources are limited, we can only focus on those worth nurturing."

His words didn’t offend anyone. This was the ultimate truth of the world.

After all, would you nurture a pig to fly when a bird can fly at birth?

All things are unequal, in that sense, all things are not meant to be.

In simpler terms, this meant that given the same amount of time and resources between two cultivator who have opposing aptitude, for example, Rank A and Rank C.

Then, a Rank A can obtain twice, if not thrice or four times the result of a rank C with half the effort!

With that said, he concluded his words on a friendlier note.

"Despite this, our sword cloud manor still welcome those of lesser talent, of lesser upbringing, and of lesser status. This has been the ideal of the founding sect leader."

However, was this the truth?

Shi Jing can’t help but shook his head when he thought about it using logic.

In this world, how can a mighty force such as the Sword Cloud Manor exist at the peak while embracing this ideal?

Not to mention, the world of cultivation is harsh and cruel while resources are limited and scarce.

In such world, there is no way the Sword Cloud Manor can embrace the ideal of ’discriminating no one’.

Thus, although those of lesser are ’welcomed’ by the elders and the like, the same cannot be said for those below. For example, the divisions which exists within their disciples.

In the end, Shi Jing is reminded of earth.

’Any large force or organization has one purpose and goal, that is benefits. The corporate world is like this, the government on earth is like this. In this world of cultivation, manor, sects, clans and family, it doesn’t matter.

’Ultimately, all things is regarded with benefits in mind!

He wasn’t aware of it yet, but if he were to speak his thought out loud, it would invite the criticism of the righteous force.

Why? Because this line of thought and thinking aligns with those of the demonic path!

Elder Wang look at the next participant and called up a person at random.

"Come up."

The next participant, a young woman with nervous eyes and trembling hands, stepped forward.

Her plain robes marked her as someone from a lesser family background.

"Place your hand on the crystal," Elder Wang instructed with indifference.

As her palm touched the testing stone, a faint glow emerged—barely visible under the afternoon sun.

The light flickered weakly before stabilizing at a dim level.

"Lower Rank D," Elder Wang announced without emotion.

Immediately, snickers rippled through the crowd of watching disciples.

"D rank? How embarrassing!"

"Why did she even bother coming here?"

"The manor really does accept anyone these days..."

The young woman’s face flushed crimson as she quickly retreated, her shoulders hunched in shame.

Some of the inner disciples didn’t even bother to hide their disdainful expressions.

Shi Jing observed this scene with growing understanding.

So this is how it really works, he thought. The elders speak of equality, but the disciples themselves maintain the hierarchy.

"Next," Elder Wang called, seemingly unbothered by the casual cruelty displayed by his students.

A stocky young man with calloused hands—clearly from a merchant family—approached the stone with determination.

The crystal flared to life with a steady, respectable glow.

"Middle Rank C," Elder Wang announced.

This time, the reactions were more mixed. No open mockery, but no excitement either. A few nods of approval from some disciples, while others simply looked bored.

"Not bad for a merchant’s son," someone whispered.

"At least he won’t be completely useless," another added.

The merchant’s son smiled broadly, clearly pleased with his result, unaware of the lukewarm reception.

Elder Wang’s eyes scanned the remaining participants before settling on a tall, elegantly dressed youth whose every movement spoke of noble breeding.

"You, come forward."